Today's Passage - Phil 3:8-9

River of Life Christian Church ︳www.rolcc.net/english Philippians 3:8-9   What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things... and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ--the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith.   Before Paul believed in Jesus, he lived under the law.  Although he was blameless under the law, he knew that he still had a problem of sin that couldn't be resolved.  Law makes people acknowledge their sin, but does not help people to solve the problem of sin.  It's just like the more you say "no no" to a kid to prevent him from doing something, the more he's tempted to do it.  That's also why there are always a few handprints on the wall beside the sign "Wet Paint;" it tempts people to try and see whether the paint is dry.   Not only is law useless in solving the problem of sin, it actually prompts people to sin, so people definitely cannot depend on the law to be righteous.  One day, we will stand trial before God, and all the righteousness we gained by following the law will not help us before God.  It's like a person cleaned up a room in the dark and couldn't see any dust in the room, but as soon as sunlight comes in he'll realize that the room was still filled with dust and spider webs.  Why was he able to see the dirtiness?  It's because there was light.  When a person think he's righteous by following the law, he's like living in a dark room, and he can only see the darkness deep inside himself after God's holy lights shines in.   If you want to stand firm before the future great trial by God, you must not rely on your own righteousness, but rather accept salvation by God.  Only through the blood of Jesus can our sin be forgiven.  The righteousness that comes from our faith in Christ can save us from the trial in the future, and the blood of Jesus also allows us to have no fear when we stand before God today.  Through prayer, we can communicate with God everyday.   Are you living in anxiety, fear and worries?  Do you feel powerless in life?  God wants to remind you that you need to start praying today.  Are you willing to do it?          Pray with Pastor Tong           Lord Jesus, I thank you because you not only saved me from sin, you also allow me to stand fearless before you.  Lord, I thank you for the authority to defeat any sin and rule of the darkness.  I ask that your spirit will remind me to pray in your will any time in any way.  I thank you and I pray in the victorious name of Jesus, amen!