RSS

Author Archives: Revzacc

Unknown's avatar

About Revzacc

I pastor a church in Watertown, Massachusetts. I also enjoy traveling, hiking, and enjoying new places and experiences.

Colossians Begins

06 Nov
Colossians Begins

In my last post, I finished my series on Paul’s Epistle to the Philippians. I’ve been systematically going through the New Testament in the order that the Holy Spirit revealed it to the church.

I started with the four foundational books – James, First Thessalonians, Galatians and Mark. The next thing on the Holy Spirit’s agenda was to inspire books that dealt with our personal walk with the Lord. These books include Second Thessalonians, First and Second Corinthians, Romans, and Luke.

After that, the Lord gave us books dealing with our corporate walk. We need to understand life as a church. These epistles are Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon.

The end of the book of Acts finds the Apostle Paul standing trial at Rome. This was his first Roman imprisonment. It seems that he had his own apartment while under house arrest.

It was during this time that these books were written. They are also called the prison epistles. It probably gave Paul a lot of time reflect on what it means for the body of Christ to be a living organism. We’re not just a social organization.

In this post I’ll start the book of Colossians.

Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, To the holy and faithful brothers in Christ at Colosse: Grace and peace to you from God our Father.

We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, because we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love you have for all the saints…

Colossians 1:1-4 NIV

Paul starts this letter with a commendation for the church. They’re obviously doing something right in their walk with the Lord.

The apostle says that he’s heard throughout the church community that the Colossians are known for their faith and love. That’s a big plus. Actually, it’s what we all should be striving for.

That’s because these two things, faith and love, are the two non-negotiables in the kingdom of God. Throughout the Scripture we see the command to have both of these in place.

And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.

Hebrews 11:6 NIV

It’s not just hard to serve God without faith – it’s impossible. Also, it’s not simply enough to believe in God. You have to grasp a faith that sees His way as the best way of life. There’s no way to please God without this kind of faith.

If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.

1 Corinthians 13:2 NIV

Just as important, is love. The Bible makes it clear that even if you have faith, without love you are nothing. You must have love and faith working together to serve God acceptably.

That’s why Paul’s commendation of this church is so good. They’re operating as the body of Christ should be.

Question: How do you see faith and love at work in your Christian walk?

© 2023 Nick Zaccardi

 
Leave a comment

Posted by on November 6, 2023 in Encouragement, Faith, Ministry, Relationships, Spiritual Walk, The Church

 

Tags: , , , ,

Giving and Receiving

03 Nov
Giving and Receiving

We’ve been going through Paul’s letter to the Philippian church. It’s a letter of gratefulness to a church that has supported him throughout his ministry. Now it’s coming to a close.

Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles. Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only; for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid again and again when I was in need.

Philippians 4:14-16 NIV

This was a church of faithful support. We need to understand the importance of financially supporting the Gospel. When we give, there’s a sharing of the burden. We’re actually participating with the ministry we’re supporting.

Of course, that means that we need to know who we’re giving to. If they’re not a true minister of the Gospel, then we receive the correction along with them. It’s like the book of Jonah. Jonah was walking in disobedience, but everyone in the boat felt the storm.

In the same way, if the one we support does a good work for God’s kingdom, we receive a reward along with them. Your offering unites you with the ones receiving it.

There’s another truth here that few understand. Paul calls it the matter of giving and receiving. Actually, the Greek word, logos is used there. It should be translated as the Word of giving and receiving.

There’s a scriptural principal of giving and receiving. Unfortunately, in this generation, much of our focus is only on receiving. What can I get from my walk with God?

What we have to come to grips with is the fact that giving and receiving go hand in hand. If I’m not a giver, then I shouldn’t expect to receive very much. We need to learn to live with an “open hand”.

We can’t use the excuse that “I don’t have enough to give”. That’s not ever the case. These Philippian believers are a prime example of this.

And now, brothers, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own…

2 Corinthians 8:1-3 NIV

Here we see two phrases that don’t logically go together. Except that God is at work in them. Extreme poverty and rich generosity don’t sound like they describe the same people. But in Christ, as we follow the Word of giving and receiving, abundance is poured out.

Paul continues to commend this church in his closing.

Not that I am looking for a gift, but I am looking for what may be credited to your account. I have received full payment and even more; I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:17-19 NIV

When we give, God sees it as a fragrant, acceptable sacrifice. Along is that is a much-misunderstood promise. God will meet our needs according to His riches in Christ. I’ve heard that quoted out of context so many times.

You need to realize that this promise is not for everyone. You don’t get it simply because you’re a Christian. This is specifically made to a group of Christians who were faithfully supporting the missionary work of Paul the apostle. If you’re not supporting the Gospel, then this promise is not for you.

Paul ends his epistle with a blessing.

To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Greet all the saints in Christ Jesus. The brothers who are with me send greetings. All the saints send you greetings, especially those who belong to Caesar’s household.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.

Philippians 4:20-23 NIV

Question: How well do you support Gospel missionaries?

© 2023 Nick Zaccardi

 
Leave a comment

Posted by on November 3, 2023 in God's Provision, Ministry, Missions, The Church, The Gospel

 

Tags: , , , , , , ,

Content But Not Satisfied

01 Nov
Content But Not Satisfied

As we go through the book of Philippians, we’re coming to the last part of it. Paul is now giving some personal thoughts that let us know his attitude about life. We should follow his example of looking to Christ.

I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you have been concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.

Philippians 4:10-11 NIV

We need to remember that this is a letter to a church that has supported Paul throughout his ministry to this point. It’s a letter of thankfulness for how faithful they’ve been.

Here, he’s letting them know that he understands that even though they are constantly concerned about him and in prayer for him, they can’t always show it. He wants them to realize that it’s not a problem for him. He’s not writing because he wants another offering. He just wants to encourage them.

That’s important for us to hear. Too often I’ve heard ministries on TV or radio begging for finances. “We need your offering right now or we’ll have to shut down the ministry. You need to give sacrificially.” What does that even mean?

What kind of God do you serve? My God will supply everything I need for my life and ministry whether you give me anything or not. Beyond that, I don’t expect you to give “sacrificially”. I only want you to give what the Lord, Himself lays upon your heart.

Paul gives us a great truth in this section. He says that he has learned by experience, to be content. That brings me to two words we need to understand. That’s the difference between being content and satisfied.

Content speaks about what you have right now. You’re able to be blessed and thankful about the place God has you. You’re content in Christ, right here, right now.

Satisfied is very different. The root of that word means that you’re all filled up – you can’t receive anymore. That’s something we should never feel as we walk with God.

I always want to increase in Christ. I want to grow in maturity and continue to receive all that He has prepared for me. So, in that sense, I will never be satisfied until Christ returns. I believe every Christian should be content, but not satisfied. That’s where Paul was.

We see that in his next statement.

I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.

Philippians 4:12-13 NIV

Even though he’s content where he is, Paul knows that God has more prepared for him. This is the spirit of gratefulness that the apostle walked in. He thanked God for what he already received. But, knowing the things still needed, he had faith that God would never fail him.

We need that same spirit of faith. Too often we spend our time focusing on what we lack. We get anxious or even get mad at God. We start complaining to Him, asking why He’s taking so long to meet our need.

It’s funny, but there have been many times when I’ve experienced that scenario in my life – worried about the future or voicing my frustration with God. And, each time, once the Lord finally answers my prayers, I’ve had to admit that His timing was perfect.

Looking back, I saw that I had no need to worry or fret. God had everything under control. He knows the end from the beginning, and I don’t. So, I have to learn, like Paul, to be content where I find myself and let God work out the details of my future.

Truly, I can do everything that the Lord has called me to do as He provides the strength in me to accomplish it. I don’t have to come up with it on my own. I just need to walk in the faith and contentment that comes from knowing the Lord personally.

Question: How content are you in your present walk with God?

© 2023 Nick Zaccardi

 
1 Comment

Posted by on November 1, 2023 in Encouragement, Faith, God's Provision, Ministry, Power of God, Spiritual Walk

 

Tags: , , , , , ,

God Working Among You

30 Oct
God Working Among You

As we continue through Paul’s letter to the Philippian church, he’s now coming to the final part. This verse is the last of his teaching section. We need to take it to heart.

Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me — put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

Philippians 4:9 NIV

This is a final exhortation, and a promise that goes with it. To really understand what Paul is saying here, you need to know that everything in this verse is plural. That means he’s speaking to the church as a whole. It’s not about one single person.

We have to come to grips with this truth. God wants to work through the church as a whole. WE are the body of Christ. It’s not a one-man or one-woman show.

He tells us the result of all this is the God of peace being seen among us. That’s what we should all be striving for in our churches. For that to happen, we need to go through the progression that the apostle puts forth.

I think that the best way to understand it is to go in reverse order from how it’s laid out in this verse. That will show how our maturity can increase by following the example of those who are more experienced in the things of God.

First, there are the things that they saw in Paul. When we look at a mature believer, we see certain characteristics. We see how they follow Christ, their attitudes and actions. We should be taking mental notes on how that portrays Christ to us.

But, that’s not enough. We need to know how to apply what we’ve seen. Now you have to get in a position to hear from them. We need to listen to what they say.

Too often, mature believers are ignored because we think that they’re too strict. They follow Christ too closely. But, that’s the kind of walk we need to think about. We need to hear about what they learned and the struggles they went through to get where they are.

The next step is to receive from them. Actually, this Greek word means to receive near them. This requires us to be more intentional. It means that we start associating with these mature Christians. You have to realize that you become like the people you associate with.

That’s true whether you associate with strong believers or ungodly sinners. The more you hang with them, the more you pick up their attitudes; good or bad.

So, the best resource is to find someone who is strong in the Lord. Then, start to spend time with them. Allow their attitudes to work a change in you.

That sets you up for the next step. Once you’ve adopted the same attitudes, you can truly say that you learned how to live for Christ in maturity. That’s why we’re called to be disciples – not students. A student simply wants to learn what the teacher knows. A disciple wants to become what the teacher is.

That’s why, usually, a mature Christian walk is “caught not taught”. We learn maturity through our association with strong believers.

This is the reason Paul ended the sentence by saying to put these things into practice. That means doing them repeatedly, over and over again. Just because I help someone once, doesn’t mean I’m helpful. Helpful means that I habitually help others.

It’s the same in our walk with Christ. One act of godliness doesn’t make me godly. Godliness is a lifestyle. It’s picked up and carried on through an entire life of service to the Lord.

That’s how Paul ends the teaching portion of his letter to this church. We should understand the importance of this and follow through with it.

Question: How far along the journey to maturity do you see yourself?

© 2023 Nick Zaccardi

 
Leave a comment

Posted by on October 30, 2023 in Leadership, Ministry, Relationships, Spiritual Walk

 

Tags: , , , , , ,

Your Thought Life 2

27 Oct
Your Thought Life 2

We’re continuing through the epistle to the Philippians. In my last post, we started looking at how we should manage our thought life. Paul gave us the areas we need to be dwelling on.

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable — if anything is excellent or praiseworthy — think about such things.

Philippians 4:8 NIV

Last time I talked about the things that are true, noble, and right. Now I’ll move on.

Paul tells us we need to be thinking about things that are pure. This word speaks of things which are clean or innocent. The Apostle John talked about this.

Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when he appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. Everyone who has this hope in him purifies himself, just as he is pure.

1 John 3:2-3 NIV

This should be a big part of our thought life. We’re looking forward to the return of Christ. That causes a desire to be pure in His presence.

I don’t know how a believer can live in this generation and not be thinking about the return of the Lord. The evidence is all around us. Every day the news is lining up more and more with the Scripture. The time is now to let our purity be seen by the world around us.

Then, we need to be thinking on things that are lovely. This is an interesting Greek word that literally means toward friendship. We should be thinking of ways to be a friend to those we meet on a day-to-day basis.

So many people in society today are content to ignore others and to be ignored. That’s not what we’re called to. We are to be the salt in the world – the preservative in society. Thinking about ways to help others will spur us on to a life of service for Christ.

Another part of our thought life should be things that are admirable. This is talking about things that are of a good report. That should speak to us in this generation.

So often we seek out bad reports. When listening to the news, people tend to flock to the evil things that are happening. Most of the news on the TV, radio, and internet is bad.

As Christians, we can’t be dwelling on all that negativity. We need to focus our thoughts on the good that’s taking place around us. This helps us to have a heart of thankfulness before God instead of a mean attitude.

We should also be thinking on things that are excellent. But we need to understand that this isn’t the normal word for excellent. It actually means strong or valiant.

We need to be bold for the Lord. We should be thinking about how to step out of our comfort zones to bring the love of Christ to the world. It requires bravery to embrace change for the cause of Christ.

But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.

1 Peter 2:9 NIV

The word, praises, in this verse is that same word that means strength and valor. We are called to walk in the light. That means we’re going to be noticed. That requires the courage of the Holy Spirit in us.

Finally, think about things that are praiseworthy. We should definitely be thinking on things that bring praise to God. He does so much for us. Sometimes we don’t even notice them, especially the little things each day.

We need to take the time to review all that the Lord has done for us. It’s surprising when you start to list them all. It should put a smile on your face.

Another area is music. Thinking about, humming, whistling, and/or singing songs of praise throughout the day will, without a doubt, change your attitude.

These are the things that will keep you thinking clearly in the uncertain days that we live in. Make sure that you’re focusing your thoughts in a positive way.

Question: How do you keep your mind on these good things?

© 2023 Nick Zaccardi

 
Leave a comment

Posted by on October 27, 2023 in Encouragement, Faith, Return of Christ, Spiritual Walk

 

Tags: , , , , ,

Your Thought Life 1

25 Oct
Your Thought Life 1

As we go through Paul’s letter to the Philippian church, the apostle is giving some final exhortations before closing. He now deals with our thought-life.

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable — if anything is excellent or praiseworthy — think about such things.

Philippians 4:8 NIV

This is one of the most important areas of your life. It will either make or break you. It’s always interesting to see what people do with their “down time”. I’m talking about the time during the day that you’re not having to concentrate on what you’re doing.

This is the time that you’re getting dressed, driving to work, or doing other things that don’t require a lot of thought. These are times where you have nothing but your own thoughts to keep you company. Using the time wisely can be very challenging.

Of course, with many people, this time is filled by their radio or smart phone. The last thing this society wants, is to think too deeply. Like it or not, we need to take the time to think about important issues.

It has become abundantly clear to me, through the Word of God and my own experience, that what you meditate on during these times will ultimately shape your character. If you are to achieve the maximum benefit from this, then you need to focus on what is spiritual – the Word of God, God’s calling on your life, and songs of praise and worship.

As these thoughts start to fill your mind, a change starts to take place in your heart. You start to be drawn upward to God. This idle time will now become a time of spiritual growth, renewal, and refreshing.

Take the opportunity today to turn off the external “noise”. Begin to steer your thoughts toward the things of the Lord. Discover the power you need for living as you fill your heart with the only thoughts that can bring lasting change to your life.

I want to take a couple of posts to talk about these “thought lines” that Paul tells us to dwell on. It’s a very important part of our Christian walk.

He first mentions things that are true. This doesn’t simply mean true things, such as one plus one equals two. The word Paul uses means things that are not hidden. That’s important.

There are times when I’m reading the Scripture, when suddenly it opens up to me. The Holy Spirit shows me something I’ve never seen before. It was always there, but before now, it was hidden to me.

That’s what Paul’s talking about when he tells us to think on these things. Think deeply about the things from God’s Word that He has personally revealed to you. The Lord has a reason that He shows you these things. It’s up to you to find out why.

Next, he tells us to think about things that are noble. That’s a word that not many people use anymore. The Greek word comes from a root that means devout or religious. It’s speaking of something that’s worshipful.

We need to be thinking on things that cause us to worship God. No, I’m not talking about praise. We praise God for things He has done. We worship God for who He is.

We need to be dwelling on who God is. Who is God to you? How has He revealed Himself in Scripture? Healer, Creator, Redeemer, Provider. He is all these things and more. These thoughts bring us into a place of worship. That’s the place of power in the spirit.

Then Paul tells us to think on things that are right. This actually means to think about things that are just. Our problem is that we think about things in terms of fair. Just is very different. One thing you have to realize is that God is not fair – and I’m so grateful for that.

Fair would mean that I paid for my own sin. It was supremely unfair for Christ to take my sin upon Himself and go to the cross. But, justice, was satisfied by what He did. God is not fair, but He is just.

That’s what we need to be thinking on. The justice of God should motivate us to tell others about what Christ has done. Forgiveness is available for all who ask.

In my next post, I’ll continue with this.

Question: How do these things affect your thought life?

© 2023 Nick Zaccardi

 
Leave a comment

Posted by on October 25, 2023 in Encouragement, Faith, Spiritual Walk, Word of God

 

Tags: , , , , ,

The Place of Peace

23 Oct
The Place of Peace

We’re now going through the last chapter of Philippians. Paul is wrapping up his exhortations to that church.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
Philippians 4:6 NIV

That’s some command. Don’t be anxious about anything. If the church ever needed to hear that, it’s this generation. There are more things to be anxious about than ever before. How do we find that place of peace, where anxiety is unable to touch us? Praise God for His Word!

The word prayer in this verse literally means to draw near. When anxiety, worry, and confusion try to stir us up; there’s only one remedy. We must take the time to draw near to God.

As we draw near to God in worship, it’s like we’re being transported around His throne. That’s a wonderful place to be. That’s why we should all be worshipers. Look at where the Spirit brings us to.

Also before the throne there was what looked like a sea of glass, clear as crystal.
Revelation 4:6 NIV

In the book of Revelation and throughout the Bible, the symbolism of the sea speaks of nations. These are the saints of all nationalities worshiping Christ before His throne. But this sea is as calm as glass.

That’s because the place of worship is a place of peace. James talked about the negative reality of this truth.

But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.
James 1:6 NIV

Doubt and unbelief puts us in a troubled sea of confusion. That’s not God’s will for us. The Lord wants to calm our sea. How does that happen? It only takes place as we spend time worshiping in God’s presence.

We take quality time with the Lord. Paul says that it may involve prayer, petition, and/or thanksgiving. It’s when we spend this time in Him that the anxiety falls away.

The next verse in Philippians tells us that the results are supernatural.

And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:7 NIV

This peace is ABOVE your understanding. When we come near to God in worship the things that should be causing anxiety melt away in God’s presence. I’m reminded of a chorus we used to sing many years ago.

“Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full on His wonderful face,
And the things on earth will grow strangely dim,
In the light of His glory and grace.”

That’s the place of worship. But we have to set aside the time for this. That’s usually our problem. We have plenty of time to wallow in confusion and doubt. But the very thing that will calm the storm just doesn’t fit into our schedule.

We need to get our priorities straight. I find that I’m much more productive when I’m operating in the peace of God. I think you will too.

Draw near to God with the things you’re anxious about. Let the place of worship bring peace to your storm.

Question: How has the Holy Spirit brought peace into your life in the past?

©2023 Nick Zaccardi

 
2 Comments

Posted by on October 23, 2023 in Encouragement, Faith, Power of God, Prayer, Prayer in the Spirit, Spiritual Walk, Worship

 

Tags: , , , , , ,

The Place of Rejoicing

20 Oct
The Place of Rejoicing

We’re going through the epistle to the Philippian church. At this point, Paul is wrapping up his thoughts. He gives them some important things to keep in mind.

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.

Philippians 4:4-5 NIV

Paul tells us to always rejoice in the Lord. That literally means to be joyful. Unfortunately, many believers equate that with happiness. Actually, true joy has no connection at all with being happy.

The words happy and happen come from the same root word. When something just happens it’s a random occurrence. We get happy because something good happens. Joy, on the other hand, has nothing at all to do with what’s happening around us.

The textbook definition of joy is to be calmly happy or well-off. Scriptural joy goes further than that.

We need to understand God’s definition of joy. Jesus talks about receiving His joy in John, chapter 15. It doesn’t take much reading to see that the main emphasis of that chapter was for us to remain in Christ.

“Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.”

John 15:4 NIV

Here Jesus talks about remaining in Him and bearing much fruit. So, the fruit of joy must be included in that. But what, specifically, about remaining in Him brings us joy? The Lord goes on to talk about it with His disciples.

“As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father’s commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.”

John 15:9-11 NIV

It’s a wonderful thing to be in Christ. But there’s another step to take if you want His joy. You have to cultivate that love relationship with Him. That’s remaining in His love.

When you’re in relationship with someone, then you know your place in that love. In a relationship, I love you, and I know that you love me. That’s what this joy is all about.

The joy of the Lord is the assurance from the Holy Spirit of who I am in Christ. It’s knowing who Christ is, and who I am in Him. If I’m in the Healer, then I’m healed. If I’m in the Provider, then I’m provided for.

It’s the sense of well-being that springs from knowing who I am in Christ. It doesn’t matter what comes my way. If something bad happens; that doesn’t change the fact that I’m in Christ and He’s already provided the answer for it.

A great example of this was the Macedonian Christians that Paul bragged about. When he was collecting an offering for the poor, he didn’t expect much from them, because they weren’t very wealthy.

Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity.

2 Corinthians 8:2 NIV

Extreme poverty and rich generosity really shouldn’t be used to describe the same people. That is, unless they know who they are in Christ. That makes all the difference. That’s the place of rejoicing.

So, when Paul tells the Philippian people to rejoice always, that’s a command to always remain in Christ and in His love. The more aware we are of who we are in Christ, the greater our rejoicing. So…just like Paul, I’ll say it again – rejoice in the Lord always!

Question: What was a recent time that you saw God’s joy operating through you?

© 2023 Nick Zaccardi

 
Leave a comment

Posted by on October 20, 2023 in Encouragement, Faith, Power of God, Spiritual Walk, The Gospel

 

Tags: , , , , , , ,

Chosen Together

18 Oct
Chosen Together

We’re continuing our study of the book of Philippians. Paul is now dealing with some final issues before closing this letter.

I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to agree with each other in the Lord. Yes, and I ask you, loyal yokefellow, help these women who have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life.

Philippians 4:2-3 NIV

Here we see something happening that really grieves the heart of Paul. I think that this passage is overlooked too often. It’s something that we should understand – especially in our generation of the church.

In the Philippian church, there were two women, Euodia and Syntyche. They were both mature believers who were strong in the Lord. They were passionate about their faith.

Both of these women were deeply involved in evangelism. So much so, that they worked with Paul in preaching the Gospel and winning souls into God’s kingdom. What, then, was the problem?

As we see again and again, when people work closely together, sometimes their personalities collide. When we work together, we see each other’s quirks and weaknesses. Sometimes these will begin to annoy us. The important thing is how we handle these situations.

The world’s answer is to separate. Stop working together and go someplace different – start over. However, the world’s opinion is seldom the way things work in God’s kingdom.

What the world doesn’t understand is the concept of “calling”. Unfortunately, it’s been my experience that much of the church doesn’t understand it either.

Paul calls these women fellow workers with him. They were obviously called by God to work together with Paul. The word, plead, in this passage means to call alongside. So, the apostle made it a point to say, “I call alongside Euodia, and I call alongside Syntyche.”

In Paul’s mind, their calling hasn’t changed. It was only their attitude toward each other that was the problem. They needed to deal with the root of the issue.

James understood this and wrote about it.

What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you?

James 4:1 NIV

James actually says that wars and fights start within us. They’re caused by our own desires that are not lined up with the will of God. When our flesh wants something, that’s when the trouble starts.

I would say that most of our trouble with others is caused by something that we desire. Usually, our problems with others revolve around unmet expectations. Expectation is simply another word for desire. It’s your unmet desires that start the problems.

The fact is, when it comes to God’s calling on my life, my desires have nothing to do with it. When I look at the ministry I’m involved in, and the people I’m called to work alongside, it amazes me. In my fleshly thinking, I would never have chosen to work with some of these people.

But it wasn’t up to me. God does the “hiring and firing”. Because of God’s plan – bringing different people than I would normally be comfortable with – I experience a new level of growth. I’m sorry to have to tell you this, but you can’t experience growth without some discomfort.

Now, having worked with people who are much different than me, we’ve become very close. We’ve gone through spiritual battles together.

Do our personalities always agree? No! But our commitment to the cause of Christ becomes the overriding factor. We’re called alongside each other. That’s a lesson we all need to learn in this modern church age.

Question: What are the different personalities God has called you to work alongside?

© 2023 Nick Zaccardi

 
Leave a comment

Posted by on October 18, 2023 in Fellowship, Ministry, Relationships, The Church

 

Tags: , , , , , , ,

Politics of Heaven

16 Oct
Politics of Heaven

I’m currently going through the book of Philippians. The Apostle Paul has been warning us about the lifestyle of half-hearted believers. Now he talks about the glory of a committed life.

But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.

Philippians 3:20-21 NIV

Paul starts by talking about our true citizenship. We’re citizens of heaven. This statement, especially in the original Greek, is critical for understanding our place in this present world system.

If you were to look at the meanings of each word separately, you would get a rich view. The apostle says that our citizenship is in quiet submission under an eternal perspective. That’s a mouthful!

First of all, I want to talk about our citizenship. If we could understand this, it would change everything. The Greek word Paul uses for citizenship, is the word from which we get our English word, politics. That should speak volumes in this generation. As a believer, my political affiliation is not of this world.

I’m not Republican, Democrat, or any other label. I’m tied in with the politics of Heaven. I have no business debating over which worldly party is the best. There will never be a vote that can change the hearts of people.

Yes, I participate in our government. I vote in each election. But, I do so knowing that my vote is not enough to bring the changes that we need. It’s more important that we participate with intercessory prayer and a living testimony to the Lord Jesus Christ.

We need a full on move of God to sweep through our nation. That will only happen as God’s people see themselves as working outside the world system.

This comes as we realize our true citizenship. Paul uses the word, sky. Our citizenship is upward. We should have an eternal perspective on things.

Most of the worldly political battles are simply dealing with temporary issues. Finance, healthcare, infrastructure and the like are important. But the real issue is the spiritual health of the nation and its people.

That’s why our hope is in Christ. I’m not looking for a political party to save our nation. It’s the power of Jesus Christ that can bring everything under His control. He is the only Savior of our society.

When I put my hope in a man-made system, then I’m setting myself up for disappointment. Humanity will never be the salvation of humanity. I don’t care how wonderful their promises are. Christ is the only One who can bring lasting change.

So, we work for His kingdom. Our goal should not be to further an earthly political party. We want to see God’s kingdom advancing.

That means that we spend quality time with the Holy Spirit. We need to find the heavenly agenda. Then, in obedience to God, we move forward and see the effect that only God can bring about.

Therefore, my brothers, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, that is how you should stand firm in the Lord, dear friends!

Philippians 4:1 NIV

These are the attitudes needed in the uncertain days ahead of us. The only way we can stand firm is if we take on an eternal perspective. If I’m always looking at the things happening around me, it will produce fear, anxiety, and worry.

That’s not my portion. As a child of God, I’m a part of a different kingdom than what I see around me. I’m tied into a different system that makes me exempt from the fear and uncertainty around me. I know how it all will end. Jesus Christ wins. He is the King of kings and Lord of lords.

As I submit myself to His will and His ways, I’ll see the blessing of being a citizen of the eternal kingdom of God.

Question: How do you see the kingdom of God at work in your life?

© 2023 Nick Zaccardi

 
Leave a comment

Posted by on October 16, 2023 in Faith, Ministry, Prayer, Prayer in the Spirit, Return of Christ, Revival, The Gospel

 

Tags: , , , , , , , , ,

← Older posts
Newer posts →