Philippians 1:25

And having this confidence, <peitho {pronounced pi’-tho}, Perfect Active Participle, I am persuaded in the past with lasting results. Perfect tense denotes completed action> I know <oida {Pronounced oy’-da} Perfect Active Indicative, I perceive>that I shall abide and continue with you all for your furtherance and joy of faith;

1 Timothy 1:3 (KJV) "As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine,"

leads me to believe that Paul was, at least temporarily, released from his first imprisonment where he could go back and see the Philippians again. The early church writers:

(Eusebius, Ecclesiastical History, Chapter XXII) Paul having been sent bound from Judea to Rome, made his Defense, and was acquitted of every Charge. Festus[1] was sent by Nero to be Felix's 1 successor. Under him Paul, having made his defense, was sent bound to Rome[2] Aristarchus was with him, whom he also somewhere in his epistles quite naturally calls his fellow-prisoner.[3] And Luke, who wrote the Acts of the Apostles,[4] brought his history to a close at this point, after stating that Paul spent two whole years at Rome as a prisoner at large, and preached the word of God without restraint.[5] Thus after he had made his defense it is said that the apostle was sent again upon the ministry of preaching,[6] and that upon coming to the same city a second time he suffered martyrdom.[7] In this imprisonment he wrote his second epistle to Timothy,[8] in which he mentions his first 3 defense and his impending death. But hear his testimony on these matters: "At my first answer," he says, "no man stood with me, but all men forsook me: I pray God that it may not be laid to their charge. Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion."[9] He plainly indicates in these words that 4 on the former occasion, in order that the preaching might be fulfilled by him, he was rescued from the mouth of the lion, referring, in this expression, to Nero, as is probable on account of the latter's cruelty. He did not therefore afterward add the similar statement, "He will rescue me from the mouth of the lion"; for he saw in the spirit that his end would not be long delayed. Wherefore he 5 adds to the words, "And he delivered me from the mouth of the lion," this sentence: "The Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom,"[10] indicating his speedy martyrdom; which he also foretells still more clearly in the same epistle, when he writes, "For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand."[11] In his second 6 epistle to Timothy, moreover, he indicates that Luke was with him when he wrote,[12] but at his first defense not even he.[13] Whence it is probable that Luke wrote the Acts of the Apostles at that time, continuing his history down to the period when he was with Paul.[14] But 7 these things have been adduced by us to show that Paul's martyrdom did not take place at the time of that Roman sojourn which Luke 8 records. It is probable indeed that as Nero was more disposed to mildness in the beginning, Paul's defense of his doctrine was more easily received; but that when he had advanced to the commission of lawless deeds of daring, he made the apostles as well as others the subjects of his attacks.[15]

Establish the fact that Paul was released and shortly imprisoned again, suffering a martyr's death.

Philippians 1:26

That your rejoicing<1> may be more abundant in Jesus Christ for me by my coming to you again.

<1>kauchema{pronounced kow’-khay-mah}

 

Philippians 1:27 Only	(MONON = only)
let your conversation	(politeuomai {pronounced pol-it-yoo’-om-ahee}, Present Middle Imperative = action as a citizen, duty as a citizen {of Heaven})
be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come	(ERCHOMAI, Aor Act Part = make a personal visit)
and see	(HORAO, Aor Act Part = have a panoramic view of, make a public appearance {to teach or preach})
you, or else be absent,	(APEIMI, Pres Act Part = to be absent from. Paul was going to visit Rome, Spain, Ephesus, and several other areas prior to visiting Philippi)
I may hear	(AKOUO, dramatic Pres = hear at any time)
of your affairs, that ye stand fast	(STEKO, Pres Act Ind = be completely stabilized)
in one spirit,	(EN + locative HEIS PNEUMA = in the sphere of one Spirit)
with one mind	(EN + locative HEIS PSUCHE = in the sphere of One Soul)
striving together	(SUNATHLEO, Pres Act Part = to cooperate vigorously toward a goal TO DEFEAT A COMMON ENEMY)
for the faith	(PISTIS, Dative = for the doctrine/ faith)
of the gospel;

The old English word <20>conversation actually means {politeuomai {pronounced pol-it-yoo’-om-ahee}}to "live as a citizen". As believers we are citizens in the Kingdom of God ....

Philippians 3:20  "For our conversation {politeuomai} is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ"

And as such are encouraged by Paul to live as citizens of that Heavenly Kingdom. Again we go back to the exclusivity of Christianity: Christians should associate with Christians, and with Christ - not become equally yoked to the world. The word that Paul used, politeuomai, was particularly appropriate for the Philippians. These people were members of a city that took pride in the fact that it was self-governing, even though it was a part of the Roman Empire. It was, in fact, an independent city in the middle of a vast ruling body.

Philippi is a good parable for the church today. As Christians we are members of a Heavenly Kingdom stationed here on earth. As Christians we must live our lives following the dictates of the Heavenly King, while at the same time living, if possible, at peace with the ruling body that is around us. As Christians we must not live as the world does, but as citizens of Heaven.

<21> sunathleo {pronounced soon-ath-leh’-o}, Present Active Participle, keep on striving together against an adversary. This word is an athletic metaphor, often used to describe teamwork used to overcome and win a game. If we who are believers would stop striving against one another, looking for the smallest fault, and would start striving against the enemy Satan, the church would be a force to be reckoned with in this present world. While Christians have been fighting one another over trivial issues, heathenism and secularism have made great strides in destroying our way of life in America. Illicit sexual activity is promoted on television and in the theater. Homosexuality has been relegated to the "so what?" category in American thought. Abortion of new life is normal today, though in yesteryear it would have been rightly considered an act of murder. Soft pornography is extolled on television during the so called "family hour". Even the kinder stations on television promote alcoholic consumption, sex, and hedonism of every kind. Unless those who are Christ's begin to focus on the enemy and stop fighting one another, we will eventually destroy the effectiveness of the church in America.

The Christian Ambassador In The World

 

1. The Christian is a "new creature". We are IN the world, but we are NOT OF this world.	John 17:15-17 (KJV) "I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil. {16} They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. {17} Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. {18} As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world." 2 Corinthians 5:17 (KJV) "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new."
2. Just as the Father sent Jesus into the world as His Representative, we are sent into the world as Jesus' representative. An AMBASSADOR is a high ranking official of state who is sent to another nation to represent his Sovereign. All Church age believers are Ambassadors for Christ.	John 17:18 (KJV) " As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world." Ephesians 6:20 "For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak." 2 Corinthians 5:20 "Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God."
3. Profile Of An Ambassador: He doesn't appoint himself, but is appointed by another. Matthew 28:18-20 (KJV) "And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. {19} Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: {20} Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen." He doesn't support himself (we have the free gifts of God to support us). Ephesians 6:13-18 (KJV) "Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. {14} Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; {15} And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; {16} Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. {17} And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: {18} Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;" John 17:17 (KJV) "Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth." Romans 3:21-22 (KJV) "But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; {22} Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:" Ephesians 1:13 (KJV) "In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise," His instructions are often in written form. 1 Thessalonians 2:13 (KJV) "For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe." He does not belong to the country where he is sent (our citizenship is in Heaven). Philippians 3:20 (KJV) "For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:" Luke 10:20 (KJV) "Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven." He doesn't live in that country for his own interests (we are here for Christ). Romans 12:1-2 (KJV) "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. {2} And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." He doesn't treat any insult to himself as personal (our opposition is from Satan, and we represent God). Matthew 13:37-39 (KJV) "He answered and said unto them, He that soweth the good seed is the Son of man; {38} The field is the world; the good seed are the children of the kingdom; but the tares are the children of the wicked one; {39} The enemy that sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the world; and the reapers are the angels." His recall is tantamount to a declaration of war (when we're reclaimed by Christ, the Tribulation will begin). 2 Thessalonians 1:6-10 (KJV) "Seeing it is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you; {7} And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, {8} In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: {9} Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power; {10} When he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired in all them that believe (because our testimony among you was believed) in that day."
4. As Ambassadors We're To Witness For Christ:	Ephesians 6:20 "For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak."
5. An Ambassador Promotes Peace, But Cannot Bring It:	Isaiah 33:6-7 " And wisdom and knowledge shall be the stability of thy times, and strength of salvation: the fear of the LORD is his treasure. Behold, their valiant ones shall cry without: the ambassadors of peace shall weep bitterly."
6. As Ambassadors we are still required to obey the laws of the land we are in, as long as they do not conflict with the King we represent.	Matthew 22:17-21 (KJV) "Tell us therefore, What thinkest thou? Is it lawful to give tribute unto Caesar, or not? {18} But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, Why tempt ye me, ye hypocrites? {19} Show me the tribute money. And they brought unto him a penny. {20} And he saith unto them, Whose is this image and superscription? {21} They say unto him, Caesar's. Then saith he unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's; and unto God the things that are God's."
7. The Apostle Paul, even in an unjust prison cell, under sentence of death, still recognized that the POWERS that be are ORDAINED of GOD. Thus we obey the laws of the land we are in ... unless they conflict with God's will.	Romans 13:1-7 (KJV) "Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. {2} Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. {3} For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: {4} For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. {5} Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake. {6} For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing. {7} Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour." Daniel 6:7 (KJV) "All the presidents of the kingdom, the governors, and the princes, the counsellors, and the captains, have consulted together to establish a royal statute, and to make a firm decree, that whosoever shall ask a petition of any God or man for thirty days, save of thee, O king, he shall be cast into the den of lions." Daniel 3:12-14 (KJV) "There are certain Jews whom thou hast set over the affairs of the province of Babylon, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego; these men, O king, have not regarded thee: they serve not thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up. {13} Then Nebuchadnezzar in his rage and fury commanded to bring Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. Then they brought these men before the king. {14} Nebuchadnezzar spake and said unto them, Is it true, O Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, do not ye serve my gods, nor worship the golden image which I have set up?"

  Philippians 1:28-30 Ambassadors Should Not Fear

 

Philippians 1:28 And in nothing terrified by your adversaries:<1> which is to them an evident token of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that of God.

And in nothing (EN + MEDEIS, locative = in the sphere of not one thing) terrified (PTURO, Pres Pas Part = panic stricken, unreasonable fear) by your adversaries:<1> (HUPO ANTIKEMAI = to be dominated by your enemies. Refers to Judaizers, heathen, etc) which is to them an evident token (EUDEIZIS = a public proof or evidence) of perdition, (APOLEIA, to be neutralized or a casualty. Fear neutralizes us from service) but to you of salvation, (SOTERIA, genitive = deliverance, salvation) and that of (APO = from the ultimate source of God) God.

<1> antikeimai {pronounced an-tik’-i-mahee}, Present Middle Participle, meaning those who are constantly set against you. Orthodox Jews (Acts 17.5, 13) often persecuted Paul. These people, disguised as the righteous under the cloak of the Mosaic Law, were much more dangerous to the work of the Gospel than were Rome and the other heathen. In fact, Paul, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit of God, addressed these "Judaizers" in his letter to the Galatians. Paul wanted the Philippians to have no fear of these adversaries for, as long as we keep our faith in God, it will all work out according to His eternal purpose.

The Christian Ambassador In The World, Continued

 

8. The Christian Ambassador knows that the Higher Power, God our Savior, controls all things:	Romans 8:28  "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose."
9. If this is true, then as Ambassadors for God FEAR is not in our vocabulary ... or, at least, it shouldn't be:	2 Timothy 1:7 (KJV) "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind."
10. There are seven "FEAR NOT" statements in Scripture addressed to Believers, God's Ambassadors on the earth:	God promises blessing in life's journey Genesis 26:24 (KJV) "And the LORD appeared unto him the same night, and said, I am the God of Abraham thy father: fear not, for I am with thee, and will bless thee, and multiply thy seed for my servant Abraham's sake." Numbers 21:34 (KJV) "And the LORD said unto Moses, Fear him not: for I have delivered him into thy hand, and all his people, and his land; and thou shalt do to him as thou didst unto Sihon king of the Amorites, which dwelt at Heshbon." Judges 6:22-23 (KJV) "And when Gideon perceived that he was an angel of the LORD, Gideon said, Alas, O Lord GOD! for because I have seen an angel of the LORD face to face. {23} And the LORD said unto him, Peace be unto thee; fear not: thou shalt not die." God promises supply in famine (1 Kings 17.13) 1 Kings 17:13-14 (KJV) "And Elijah said unto her, Fear not; go and do as thou hast said: but make me thereof a little cake first, and bring it unto me, and after make for thee and for thy son. {14} For thus saith the LORD God of Israel, The barrel of meal shall not waste, neither shall the cruse of oil fail, until the day that the LORD sendeth rain upon the earth." God promises protection in times of peril (2 Kings 6.16) 2 Kings 6:15-17 (KJV) "And when the servant of the man of God was risen early, and gone forth, behold, an host compassed the city both with horses and chariots. And his servant said unto him, Alas, my master! how shall we do? {16} And he answered, Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them. {17} And Elisha prayed, and said, LORD, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he may see. And the LORD opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: and, behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha." God promises strength in weakness (Isaiah 41.10) Isaiah 41:10 (KJV) "Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness." God promises companionship in trial (Isaiah 43.1-3) Isaiah 43:1-3 (KJV) "But now thus saith the LORD that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine. {2} When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. {3} For I am the LORD thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour: I gave Egypt for thy ransom, Ethiopia and Seba for thee." God promises intimate care for you (Matthew 10.30-31) Matthew 10:29-31 (KJV) "Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. {30} But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. {31} Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows." God promises life beyond death (Revelation 1.17-18) Revelation 1:17-18 (KJV) "And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last: {18} I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death." Isaiah 41:4 (KJV) "Who hath wrought and done it, calling the generations from the beginning? I the LORD, the first, and with the last; I am he." Isaiah 48:12-13 (KJV) "Hearken unto me, O Jacob and Israel, my called; I am he; I am the first, I also am the last. {13} Mine hand also hath laid the foundation of the earth, and my right hand hath spanned the heavens: when I call unto them, they stand up together." Revelation 22:13 (KJV) "I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last." Revelation 22:16 (KJV) "I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star."

The Christian is told to be confident, to avoid fear because our God is more than able to control the situation. When the believer suffers this is not evidence that God is unable to control the situation. As believers we are called to suffer just as Christ suffered. Jesus told us that the world would hate us:

John 17:13-14 (KJV) "And now come I to thee; and these things I speak in the world, that they might have my joy fulfilled in themselves. {14} I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world."

Just as it hated Jesus. Why? Because Jesus is the light of Truth, and we walk in that Light. The believer who compromises the Word of Christ in order to become more palatable to the world is foolish. If the message is righteous, the world will hate it because the world is unrighteous. But here is the condemnation, believer, here is the shame. I had a young man write the other day who told me "There are 101 contradictions in the Bible that I want to discuss". I responded to that fellow, "I know of no contradictions, nor do I entertain such ideas. If you want, contact amazon.com and ask for the book "Alleged Discrepancies of the Bible". This book will answer all your questions". The young man wrote back, "Why won't you debate me on this subject. Other Christian ministers have done so." Here is the shame, Beloved. As Christians, as ministers of the Gospel of Christ, we are not called to debate endless arguments with the heathen. We are called to tell these people the Gospel of Salvation .... that we are all sinners, that Christ died for our sins on the Cross, and that you can be saved if you believe in Him, and believe that He died for you. So many believers get lost in endless debates with the heathen, wasting time, wasting energy. This young fool thought that I would entertain a long endless debate with him, just as other misled believers had done before me, sidestepping the true issue of Christianity. Here's the truth: Jesus Christ is the only way to peace with God (John 14:6), and if you do not accept Him as Savior, YOUR Savior, you will die and go to HELL. End of debate. That true message cannot be made more palatable to the world. You cannot compromise the message, nor change it and remain true to Christ. In the world the Gospel message that we bring is going to cause us to be looked down on:

John 16:33 (KJV) "These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world."

The world was pleased, overjoyed when Jesus was crucified on the Cross:

John 16:19-22 (KJV) "Now Jesus knew that they were desirous to ask him, and said unto them, Do ye inquire among yourselves of that I said, A little while, and ye shall not see me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see me? {20} Verily, verily, I say unto you, That ye shall weep and lament, but the world shall rejoice: and ye shall be sorrowful, but your sorrow shall be turned into joy. {21} A woman when she is in travail hath sorrow, because her hour is come: but as soon as she is delivered of the child, she remembereth no more the anguish, for joy that a man is born into the world. {22} And ye now therefore have sorrow: but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you."

Because the world thought that it was rid of Jesus. If the world rejoiced at His death, do you think that it will be overjoyed at His message? The world hates both Jesus and the Gospel of Salvation in Jesus:

John 15:19-20 (KJV) "If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you. {20} Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also."

So yes, Beloved, the world will hate the Christian in step with the Master. If the world hate you, rejoice! For it hated Jesus before it ever hated us. We are not in this life to win friends, we are in this life to influence souls, to perhaps wins souls for Jesus. Expect the hatred - it's part of the job!

The Grace of God has given the Christian two things: An ability to believe on Christ for salvation, and persecution from the world at large. We believe in Jesus. Jesus' message was intolerant, exclusive, teaching that He alone is the only Way to God. Does the world like this message? No, and I don't expect it to like it. The world likes to think that there are many ways to God. The world thinks that Buddha, or Krishna, or some Swami, some Holy Man, Mohammed, or some other religious icon will lead you to God. The world thinks that perhaps science can take the place of religion, that evolutionary thought can replace thought. The world thinks that Christianity should be a faith of compromise - even modern Judaism has compromised with secularism in order to win favor in the world. What is God's answer to the world? Jesus Christ is the only Way, the only Truth, the only Light. No man comes to God except they come to God through Christ (John 14:6). That exclusivity, that intolerant message is rejected by the world, hated by the world. The message itself, if rightly spoken, will cause us to suffer either physical or verbal abuse.

 

Philippians 1:30 Having the same conflict which ye saw in me, and now hear to be in me.

Having the same conflict (AGON = strongest word for conflict in NT. Used of contestants who battle to the death. Paul suffered to the death for his faith) which ye saw in me, and now hear [to be] in me.

The Apostle Paul suffered horribly for the Message of Salvation. As he said:

2 Corinthians 11:24-28 (KJV) "Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one. {25} Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep; {26} In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; {27} In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness. {28} Beside those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the churches."

Paul was beaten bloody with a whip (scourge) on five separate occasions, and three times was beaten with sticks. He was stoned with stones until the Jews thought him to be dead. Besides all this, he was unjustly imprisoned for preaching Christ, and suffered in bondage as few men suffered. Yet Paul never once decided to tone down the Gospel message in order to have an easier life on this earth. Beloved, we as believers must be no less committed to Christ our Savior than Paul was. In America we cannot be beaten for preaching Christ, yet daily I see reports of churches that have compromised the written Word of God in order to become "more acceptable" to the world. When you compromise the written Word you are no better than the heathen, striving to reach God on many separate paths. There is only one way to God, and that Way is Christ Jesus our Savior. As the Scripture plainly says:

John 3:16-18 (KJV) "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. {17} For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. {18} He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God."

There is not and cannot be another way to God outside of Christ. Those who have not accepted Christ as Savior are condemned already, for God has set forth no other Savior outside of Jesus.