The PS in Philippians

We wrapped up Philippians with a message on contentment. Paul told us the secret to being content in all circumstances is by resting in the strength of Christ. But there was more in the text that did not get covered in the sermon. Let’s take a look at that here!

The reason Paul wrote Philippians in the first place was to say thank you to them. Yes, in your Bible is a Holy Spirit inspired “Thank You” card. Paul was in prison, actually at this point it was more of a house arrest in Rome, chained to a guard 24/7. The Philippian church sent Epaphroditus with some provisions for Paul (4:18). And in this last section in chapter 4, there are 6 principles Paul gives about authentic giving unto the Lord’s work.

 Yet it was kind of you to share my trouble.
And you Philippians yourselves know that in the beginning of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church entered into partnership with me in giving and receiving, except you only.
Even in Thessalonica you sent me help for my needs once and again.
Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit.
I have received full payment, and more. I am well supplied, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God.
And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. 
(Philippians 4:14-19)

Grab your Bible and take a look. And at the same time, as always, take a look into your own heart when it comes to giving.

Authentic giving is:

1. Heart-motivated (v14)
   (see also verse 10) - Our giving is motivated by a heart regenerated by the life and love of God. Authentic givers don’t give out of obligation, or begrudgingly. Authentic givers give out of their resources, but from their hearts.

2. Partnership-minded (v15)
   I don’t just go to church. I belong here. I am part of the body. I am partnering with the advancement of the Gospel with this church. I give because I am personally invested in the work here!

3. Consistently-offered (v16)
   Aw, man. I gave to the church last year. Yeah, and God gave to you last year, too. But knowing you have needs this year, He is still providing. The church has ongoing needs. And God provides through you!

4. God-recorded (v17)
   Paul was more excited about the gift the Philippians would receive than the gift he himself received. God records what we give. And that “fruit that increases to <our> credit” refers to our treasure in heaven! He’s keeping track. And He’s going to pay it back in glory.

5. Worship-oriented (18)
   “Fragrant offering” and “sacrifice“. Sounds like Old Testament worship terms, doesn’t it? That’s Paul’s point here. Giving is an act of worship. Just like singing, preaching, praying, doing works of compassion… giving is just as much an act of worship!

6. God-rewarded (v19)
   God not only records but He rewards. In heaven, right? Yeah, Paul already covered that. Here, he is talking about earth - here and now! God will provide for every need you have on earth. Count on it. Give to Him, and know He has you covered. How can we be sure? Well, He gives according to His riches. Do you think God ever write a bad check? That’s impossible, when you literally own everything. So relax, He has you covered? Do you trust Him?

Let’s reflect the generosity of God.

p.s. - my Father owns everything

Being a Part of a Church Plant Takes Radical Faith

So Erin and I went to the Pastors and Wives Retreat last week at beautiful Harvest Bible Chapel Orlando.

Pastor James MacDonald said something that really resonated with me. So much so that I told our pre-service pray-ers Sunday. Then I told the whole congregation. And now I just have to put it on here.

He was talking about seasons of ministry and how we in church planting world start small and meet in schools and eventually grow and move in to our own buildings. In the midst of this, Pastor James lauded the caliber of the people who would commit to being part of a start-up church plant. Those who would “be a part of your thing before your thing was a thing.”

He’s right. I think back on all of those who quickly committed and bailed when work needed to be done. Those who were “all in”, and left when discovering “all in” was a huge responsibility. And those who made it one lap around the track but didn't have the heart to make another.

I am so thankful for those who have walked through this journey. Everyone who doesn’t care that we meet in a school and don’t have all the bells and whistles. Those who are just coming to worship and pray and encounter the loving God and aren’t afraid to give more of their time and money because we are so young. Those who are joyful and flexible and expecting God to show Himself mighty.

I guess I knew this, but James brought back to the forefront of my mind: it takes a very special type of person to be a part of a church plant. What kind of person?

It takes someone with faith.

Church planting isn’t for someone who likes to see the fruit of what has already happened. It is for those who have faith to see what the Lord is about to do. You just have to know you are being called to it.

It takes someone with vision.

It’s easier to plug into a church where everything is established. But to be a pioneer, to establish a culture, to spearhead a new mission, to seek God for how He is calling you to step up and pass a vision on to others and equip them and coach them and train them and be patient with them and grow and adapt and lose people and trust the funds to come in and not get discouraged and not let your people get discouraged and… Well, you got to have a vision and be committed to it.

It takes someone who won’t quit.

Someone who is not afraid of hard work, or recruiting, or going the extra mile. Leadership and church planting sound like a lot of fun, but many step up to the plate and discover that they aren’t ready to play ball. So they leave. It’s too hard, we’ve had a setback, my expectations aren’t being met. Quitting is the easy way out. And it is always painful for the people who were counting on them. I am so thankful for those who are truly committed - and it would take a wheelbarrow full of dynamite to blow them out of the church. Those are the people who are an encouragement to me when my spirits are down!

I could go on. But I won’t. I am so blessed to see the people the Lord has brought… and continues to bring. And I pray they experience the blessing for their radical faith.

Because anyone can do things the easy way.

p.s. - surrounded by bulldogs

Chocolate Bunnies (Too early?)

Proverbs 4:23 - Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life. 

Did you ever get one of those Chocolate Easter Bunnies? You know the one I am talking about.It's about 18 inches tall, but it was bought at the dollar store. (Big red flag!) It looks so good, but you take that first bite (on the ear, of course) to discover it is hollow! 

Sadly, this is the case for many people. Looking good on the outside, no sign of a problem, almost, dare I say, normal. But on the inside: hollow and empty.

Following Christ is a matter of being strong from the inside out - a matter of the condition of the heart. And once we forget that, we are vulnerable to a list of spiritual dangers. For example: 

• Why do students fall spiritually and morally their first year away from home?
   
• Why would a church deacon entertain himself with immoral television or internet material?
   
• Why would a pastor have an affair with a woman he is counseling?
   
• Why would someone seemingly get tired of following Christ? Why would righteousness become boring?

This all happens when either a Christian completely loses heart, or a non-believer comes to realization that maybe like that bunny, they have looked good on the outside, but have been hollow on the inside. Instead of growing deeper and richer at the center, we grow more shallow and hollow. 

We must not be content to evaluate our walk on externals. God Himself does not do that. He is after the relationship, growing us and changing us from the inside out. 

Can we each pause today and ask ourselves where our heart is with God right this moment? If we are finding ourselves empty, why would we delay in running to the source of filling, to the very One who wants to fill us? 

p.s. - hates those bunnies, but even more, hates being like one