Greetings,
After the apostle Paul had received aid from the brethren in Philippi, he wrote and thanked them. His expression of love and care for them is instructive to us in our relationship with one another. He used the situation to teach and encourage them in things pertaining to greater unity amongst them.
Firstly, he is thoughtful of their needs and presents prayer to God on behalf of the congregation and specific individuals. His prayer style, in regard to the church in Philippi, is intercessory. He thinks about them and is aware of their particular needs. He then directs those thoughts to God in prayer. “I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine making request for you all with joy …” (Philippians 1:3-4).
Secondly, from his personal perspective of being in chains, he encourages the members to realize that, no matter what their circumstances are, God is doing a work in their lives. It was reminiscent of what he wrote to the church in Rome earlier, “… all things work together for good to those who love God …” God uses the circumstances of life to help us grow in spiritual qualities. “… being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ” (Philippians 1:5).
Thirdly, in the interest of unity, Paul encouraged them to do their part. Each member is to be aware that their personal spiritual condition should be seen as adding to the spiritual health of the body. Each is to contribute to the whole. Approving things that are excellent and the subsequent fruit of righteousness greatly contribute to unity and wholeness (verses 9-11).
As the days of Unleavened Bread draw to a close, the observing of these days should have infused us with a stronger desire for and commitment to the core values of our relationship with the Father through Christ. “Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who works in you both to will and to do His good pleasure. Do all things without complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world” (Philippians 2:12-15).
It has been encouraging to hear reports about a very fine beginning to the Holy Days. A number have commented on how meaningful it has been to them which is indicative of people growing into a closer relationship with the Father. Within the U.S. we had 233 take the Passover – that is the official figure but there are possibly others who may have connected to the services streamed on the web site or listened to the pre-recorded one.
Gillian and I are looking forward to being with the brethren in the El Paso, Texas, congregation for the last day of Unleavened Bread and then services for the weekly Sabbath will be streamed from Phoenix, Arizona.
Warm Regards,
Brian Orchard
