From:TheBahamasWeekly.com

The Pastor's Pulpit
Pressing
By Pastor Allen
Sep 17, 2012 - 8:26:20 PM

Phil.3: 14.  I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus (Yahshua Messiah).

This word PRESS in the Greek is: dioko, dee-o'-ko; which has several meanings such as (1) to pursue, (2), to follow after (3) to ensue, (4) to press toward
 
As you move forward in reading this article I ask that you make special time and meditate on the following passages of scriptures.

KJV: Phil.3: 12.  Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.

:13.  Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,

:14.  I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus..   
 
Here are the same scripture verses from the New Living Translation:
NLT:Phil.3: 12.  I don't mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection! But I keep working toward that day when I will finally be all that Christ Jesus saved me for and wants me to be.
:13.  No, dear friends, I am still not all I should be, but I am focusing all my energies on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead,
:14.  I strain to reach the end of the race and receive the prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us up to heaven.
 
As a believer in Yahshua Messiah (a.k.a. Jesus the Christ), you got quickly come to this point in your life; Where it really doesn’t matter to you whether other people forgive for past transgressions, once you’ve already confessed your sins unto God / Yahweh and have repented of the said transgressions. This is where the PRESSING towards the mark for the prize of the high calling of God upon your life in Yahshua Messiah come into play. And here’s an undeniable fact “You can’t press forward, looking backwards.” 

Here’s how the Apostle Paul says it:
Phil.3:13.  Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,
 
Please note: The Apostle Paul didn’t say “I pray that those who knows of my past would forgive me, and forget about my past”   
I’m about to say something; but please let me make this emphatically clear! I’m not talking about condoning and covering the sins of those who insist on living a wicked, sinful lifestyle: “but, how is it that we can quickly point fingers at someone else and their past or present sin issue, but when it comes to our personal issue or issues, however great or small; we would bitterly hate and condemn those for pointing fingers at us”
 
When we the church takes such condemning positions concerning others and their struggles, I’m often reminded of this saying by Yahshua Messiah:

NLT:Matt.7:1. "Stop judging others, and you will not be judged.
:2.  For others will treat you as you treat them. Whatever measure you use in judging others, it will be used to measure how you are judged.
:3.  And why worry about a speck in your friend's eye when you have a log in your own?
:4.  How can you think of saying, 'Friend, let me help you get rid of that speck in your eye,' when you can't see past the log in your own eye?
:5.  Hypocrite! First get rid of the log from your own eye; then perhaps you will see well enough to deal with the speck in your friend's eye.
 
Again, let me say; as you’re reading this article, I’m not talking about condoning and covering premeditated sins (especially by CHURCH LEADERS).  Think about this!  Is there such a thing as a slip and fall into an act or lifestyle of fornication, adultery, homosexuality or lesbianism?  No, there’s no slip and fall in the above mentioned; as some sort of planning / arrangement was in play, such as (1) Communication, (2) Time, (3) Date, (4) Places, etc.  As believers, we got to make the conscious decision to forget our past way of life / living and seriously / consistently press towards the mark.
The Apostle Paul says it like this!

KJV:
 Phil.3:12.  Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.

NLT:
Phil.3: 12.  I don't mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection! But I keep working toward that day when I will finally be all that Christ Jesus saved me for and wants me to be.
 
Today, I’m saying to you; that your PRESS is a personal thing between you and God / Yahweh. Therefore, no matter how many prophetic words you would have received or which Superstar Religious Leader lays hands upon you; that will not omit or release you from pressing towards the mark.

For questions and comments contact us via E-mails:pastormallen@yahoo.com or kmfci@live.com or Ph.242-441-2023
 
Pastors Matthew & Brendalee Allen
Kingdom Minded Fellowship Center Int’l



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