091 Phil Zahn on moving from bondage to bonding

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Phil Zahn is a bit of a mystery. He doesn’t like to name who he works for, where he’s traveling, or the people that he’s talking to. And he does this in service to the people that he knows God loves, protecting their identities and their stories. But he will absolutely talk about the Jesus that he knows, and he does that on the podcast with Leary and Armin.

Who is Phil Zahn? Phil Zahn spent seven and half years in vocational ministry before he met Jesus face-to-face. Since then, he and his wife, Gina, and their two sons have gone all-in for Jesus, traveling around the world, talking to leaders of some of the most unsettled countries in the world, hoping and praying that loving them in Christ’s name brings change for them, their people, and the rest of the world. Phil has seen miracles and he does not hesitate to say so — the foremost happening in his own life as he has learned how to un-learn the ways of the world and lean into the actual teachings of Jesus.

Phil and his family have made the decision that neither their lives nor their money belong to them: they are God’s to use in His timing and for His purpose. And this radical way of living has allowed them to see the world and come to understand how God loves it, all of it, every person and every part.

Quotes:

“Seven and a half years into vocational ministry, I met Jesus. It went from an information-ship, to a relationship.” — Phil

“We said this is not our money, it’s God’s money on loan to me in His purpose for His kingdom when He wants and where.” — Phil

“I have learned to love people and not let religion disqualify them, their sexuality, their life choices, their socioeconomic status, their color. I am un-learning, changin, growing — notice the ‘ing’.” — Phil

“God sent a person, not a book. Love is a person, hope is a person, truth is a person, eternity is a person. His name is Jesus.” — Phil

“Pray for me that I remain little, least, and last until directed otherwise by the Holy Spirit.” — Phil

Action Steps:

• What is it like for us as individuals to transform ourselves and move from bondage to bonding with Jesus?
• We’re bound up in our thinking the favor of God is for the people who are most like us. God’s favor is for the entire world. All of it. Even people who don’t look like or act like us. Think of a way you can extend your thinking to include more of the world in God’s plan.
• If Jesus says “go” or “do”, do you listen? And act?

Resources mentioned:

• Phil doesn’t have a website, but you can connect with him on Facebook or Instagram.
• Phil’s wife, Gina, does have a website! You can view her simple, gorgeous line drawings here: thebravelittlethread.com

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