In the opening sermon of the “One Another” series, Elder Fred shared from Philippians 3:12-17. Key sermon points were on “pursuing Christ”, “leaving the past behind” and “pushing one another on”. A critical starting condition for pursuing Christ is actually that of spiritual dissatisfaction with the status quo. From that starting point, a Christian strains towards his heavenly goal – we have to fight our fight of faith. Importantly, we need to be clear about our mission here on Earth. Paul was crystal clear about his knowing Christ, becoming more Christ-like and setting his heart on an eternal home. Christians make mistakes, Christians also have past lives that they would rather forget. The past can weigh us down, sometimes relentlessly. It’s important, in pursuing Christ, to leave our past behind: past achievements, past sins and past hurt & guilt. One essential means of grace that God has given to the church is that of Christian Community, or “One Another”. Pushing one another on is actually integral to pursuing Christ and leaving the past behind. Elder Fred provided the IPPT illustration as well as read an excerpt from Pilgrim’s Progress, where Faithful’s presence and actions encouraged Christian through the dark valley.