“That In Every Way Christ Is Proclaimed

“That In Every Way Christ Is Proclaimed!”(Phi.1:15-21).
A pastor had gone to work in another congregation. Upon return, he wanted to know from the elders whether the laypreacher preached an edifying sermon. The feedback was not good. The elders said it was the worst sermon they had ever listened to.
When they had all aired their disappointments concerning the sermon, the pastor asked, “Did the preacher mention Christ in the sermon?” They answered in the affirmative. The pastor then asked them, “If he called the name of Christ in the sermon, what else did you want?” (However, calling the name of Christ in a sermon is not an excuse for a poor and incoherent message)!
Recently, I listened to Rev Mensah Otabil, and he was lambasting some of the messages on African pulpits. He said any preaching without Christ is heresy, and that heresy dominates the pulpits on the continent.
The motto of the Christian Broadcasting Service(CBS) radio is: “That in every way Christ is proclaimed.”
This motto is coming from Paul, who rejoices saying, “The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this, I rejoice.”
Paul wrote this letter while in prison. He was aware of the preachers out there who were continuing with the preaching of the gospel. He was also aware that his adversaries preached “Christ out of envy and rivalry.” They “preached Christ out of selfish ambitiilon, not sincerely, supposing that they” could stir up trouble for Paul while he was in chains.
On the other hand, there were those who preached Christ out of goodwill, doing so out of love, knowing that Paul was in prison in defence of the gospel.
Sometimes, we hear that somebody has been taken into “protective custody” – whatever that means! The truth is that even with our mind’s eyes, we are not able to see and understand the route that God selects for us.
What we often consider as the end of the road is simply because we have not trained our eyes to look with patience. Beyond the end of the clean road is a track hidden by overgrown grass, covering just a few metres of the road. Beyond those few metres, the clean road continues. Your present condition, bad as it may seem, is not your conclusion. Joseph captured thus very well. He told his brothers that what they intended for evil was God leading him to Egypt, where he would save lives during the famine.
My friend, if there is no full stop yet, know that the LORD is still writing the story of your life! And because of this rejoice and continue to rejoice. With the prayers of the saints and God’s provision of the Spirit of Christ, whatever has happened to you for the sake of the gospel will turn out to be your good news.
Pray and hope that you will in no way be ashamed but have sufficient courage so that now, as always, Christ will be exalted in your body, whether by life or by death.
As for me, I parody Paul to say to live is Christ as I strive daily to imitate him, and to die is gain as I will enjoy eternity with him. What about you?
Weekend prayer: Dear LORD, let your provision of the Spirit of Christ turn out for my deliverance. Amen!
Have a blessed weekend! Peace be with you!
Rev Babila Fochang.
20/03/2026.