Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do:Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3:12-14 NIV)
We have called this section “Pressing Forward,” in reference to Paul’s passionate pursuit of taking hold of that which Jesus took hold of him. God ordained that Paul would be the apostle to the Gentiles and while doing so he would endure many challenges and suffering. Paul was undeterred by the difficulties that he faced because of the knowledge he had been given of Jesus, of the kingdom, of Paul’s calling, and of the power of God to change lives forever. Paul was singularly focused and totally committed. Paul’s passion was not the norm for Christ followers of his time nor for those of us who follow Christ today, but he is the example we are called to follow. Paul told his readers to “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ (1 Cor 11:1),” and the MCF takes Paul’s call to heart. As members of the MCF team we endeavour to assist and encourage each other as we collectively and increasingly know God more. Join us.