Pastors Points :
This Sunday is the second in our series on living the Christian life. The text is Philippians 1: 21 -30. There are few more profound transformations than the life of Saul/Paul.  

Paul wrote his letter to the church in Phillipi, not knowing if he would see another day. Yet his words are filled with hope, determination, and unwavering faith. It is in this passage that Paul beautifully proclaims, the Christian life, "For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain." Here is a reverse poem reflection.

          "Beyond the World's View"

To the world, these chains may seem a defeat,
An ending where sorrow and anguish meet.
But my faithful heart knows not earthly despair,
For in every circumstance, I find God there.
As long as I have breath, I will praise His name.
For His love and guidance will always sustain.
When taking His hand, our fears unfold,
By His steadfast love, we are made whole.
In Him, our journey finds purpose and sight,
In His embrace, darkness turns to light.
These chains, now symbols of faith so deep,
In Christ, vows made, He will always keep.
Whether in life we serve, or in death we find gain,
His promise of salvation forever remains.
In struggles and joys, through every heart’s beat,
With Christ, every moment is incredibly sweet.

For a different perspective, read from bottom to top.

What does it truly mean to live for Christ? It is fairly easy to be a Christian when things are going well in our lives, but when life gets difficult, how can we continue to praise the Lord? How can we stand firm in one spirit, striving side by side for the faith of the gospel particularly when life gets messy and hard? And how can we, like Paul, view our sufferings as a privilege rather than a punishment?