From the beginning, mankind has been plagued by a single major sin: self-centeredness.  It was Adam and Eve who were tempted by the idea of “being like God.”  A simple examination of how we spend our money, time, energy and thoughts reveals this reality transcends time and culture from Eden to Ames.  Our innate worldview stands beneath a banner declaring, “Life is all about me,” and it can be argued that all sin flows from our self-centeredness.

Paul’s letter to the people of Philippi is one of thanks and encouragement.  He thanks the Philippians for their great concerns for his welfare as he sits in chains in prison, and He encourages them to be a people who consistently put their interests behind the interests of others.  Using his own testimony, Christ’s model, Timothy’s heart, and Epaphroditus’ sacrifice, Paul urges the Philippians to be fearless, humble, unified, faultless, indestructible, joyful, content, different.  Ultimately, Paul’s exhortation is to BE LAST!

The scriptures make clear that God is more concerned about his bride, the Church, than any individual, and he uses Philippians to sound his corporate call for us, as a unified body, to walk as He did on the Earth.  As Cornerstone teaches through the book of Philippians, The Salt Company will teach through a complimentary series, challenging us to practically apply and live out the essential truths of Philippians.  It is our hope and prayer that God will use this semester to establish a more selfless, sacrificial, and unified ministry, all for the glory of Christ and the beauty of His Bride.