Do NOT read if easily offended by the Bible

So, Paul is writing to the church in Phillippi. One thing that I find interesting (I have the Greek New Testament with Strong's numbers) is that there is such strong language in chapter 3. One word that is in several translations is the Greek word skuvbalon. It is translated in English as "rubbish" or "garbage." PLEASE click that before you read on, because it's about to get super-real here.

The passage in this chapter that Paul talks about is about his life with Christ. Everything to Paul is considered loss when compared to knowing Christ, and "for whose sake [he] has lost all things." The next verse reads "I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ 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."

Here's where you may have to censor this language here, because our stained glass windows and Christian rhetoric and censorship has prevented us from seeing the "hidden language" here.

Rubbish means "shit" when properly translated. Human defecation, dung, and in the most coarse form, shit. Look it up folks. Don't just believe me or be offended at my words, because they're not mine.

Without Christ, this is the life that Paul is describing that he had. This is the muck and mire that

we're pulled from before we know the love and hope of Jesus. Our life is garbage, dung, whatever you want to call it. Don't miss the meaning of this strong portrayal of our desperation for God's saving grace.

None of this language was a surprise to people in Jesus' time, because even Peter cursed when he denied Jesus. The ones closest to Jesus were some of (by our standards) the worst people to entrust the Gospel with. This being said, over 5,000+ came to Christ in a couple of days in the book of Acts as a result of PETER, one who denied Jesus, allowing the Spirit to work in him.

Before I get chastized for quoting the Bible that people think they believe, do your research. I don't think it's wise to censor the Bible for what it is.. Now, don't misinterpret me. I am not saying it's cool to use strong language without a purpose. If it glorifies Him and brings people to Him, do it. If not, check your heart.

Love you guys

MG