Podcasts about Macedonian

Jesus is our standard in giving. He made Himself nothing in order to give us everything. In this message from 2 Corinthians 8, Pastor Lutzer identifies five characteristics of the generous people at Macedonia. Why were the Macedonian believers able to give out of their severe trial and poverty? To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/172/29?v=20251111

Jesus is our standard in giving. He made Himself nothing in order to give us everything. In this message from 2 Corinthians 8, Pastor Lutzer identifies five characteristics of the generous people at Macedonia. Why were the Macedonian believers able to give out of their severe trial and poverty? This month's special offer is available for a donation of any amount. Get yours at https://rtwoffer.com or call us at 1-888-218-9337. Moody Church Media [https://www.moodymedia.org/], home of "Running To Win," exists to bring glory to God through the transformation of lives. Erwin W. Lutzer is Pastor Emeritus of The Moody Church in Chicago, where he served as Senior Pastor for 36 years. He is a prolific author of over seventy books. A clear expositor of the Bible, he is the featured speaker on "Running To Win" and "Songs In The Night," with programs broadcasting on over a thousand outlets in the U.S. and across more than fifty countries in seven languages. He and his wife, Rebecca, live in the Chicago area. They have three grown children and eight grandchildren.   SUPPORT: Tax Deductible Support: https://www.moodymedia.org/donate/ Become an Endurance Partner: https://endurancepartners.org/   SUBSCRIBE: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MoodyChurchMedia Daily Devotional and Weekly Digest: https://www.moodymedia.org/newsletters/subscription/

Toby Wilkinson, Part Two: The Ptolemaic family's decline is driven by internal civil wars, incestuous marriages, and rising Roman influence. Highly ambitious queens like Cleopatra I and Cleopatra III emerge as central political forces. The narrative culminates with Cleopatra VII, who strategically allies with Julius Caesar, whose military forces accidentally burn down Alexandria's great library. Following Caesar's death, Cleopatra forms a powerful political and romantic union with Mark Antony. However, their coalition collapses after their defeat by Octavian at the Battle of Actium. Antony dies in her arms, and Cleopatra commits suicide to avoid Roman captivity, ending the three-century-long Macedonian dynasty. (2)

New Life Haverhill

Vern Streeter | Guest Speaker | August 16, 2026 Big Idea: God's unreasonable grace under unreasonable circumstances inspires unreasonable generosity.* Unreasonable economics (1-5)* Unreasonable overflow (6-7)* Unreasonable grace (8-9) Referenced Scripture: 2 Corinthians 8:1-9 Reflection Questions:1. Got a good laceration story?! 2. What is one thing you learned from the teaching on 2 Corinthians 8:1-9 and what difference will it make? 3. What is both unreasonable and reasonable about Grace (undeserved kindness)? 4. Talk about the “unreasonable equation” in verse 2: Severe suffering + Overflowing Joy + Extreme Poverty = Rich generosity. 5. Have you ever given “as much as you were able, and even beyond your ability?” (v.3) How'd that go? 6. Do you have any interest in “excelling in the grace of giving?” (v. 7) Any ideas how you might do that? 7. Macedonia inspired Corinth to be generous (v. 8). Who has inspired you and how did they do that? Who are you hoping to inspire? 8. Verse 9 is one of the most pithy and profound descriptions of the Gospel of Jesus – what does it mean and what does it mean to you? 9. If you're a Christian, turns out your rich! Reflect on your “wealth” and what you will do with all that. What's your next step? * Connect: We'd love to connect with you! Fill out our Connect Card to receive more information, have us pray for you, or to ask us any questions: http://journeybozeman.com/connectcard * Connect: Get your children connected to our children's ministry, Base Camp: https://journeybozeman.com/children * Connect: Our Student Ministry is for High School and Middle School students: https://journeybozeman.com/students * Give: Want to worship through giving and support the ministry of Journey Church: https://journeybozeman.com/give * Gather: Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/JourneyChurchBozeman * Gather: Download our app: https://journeybozeman.com/app * Gather: Join our Facebook Group to stay connected throughout the week: https://facebook.com/groups/JourneyChurchBozeman  Chapters (00:00:00) - Non-Reasonable Grace(00:04:37) - Paul in Corinth(00:05:59) - God's Grace for the Macedonian Churches(00:09:17) - undeserved kindness that God has given the Macedonian churches(00:15:52) - Give More(00:16:27) - Jeff Foxworthy on The Privilege of Sharing(00:21:10) - Titus the Comforter(00:25:54) - Paul's Comparison with the Churches(00:30:39) - 2 Corinthians 8:8-9 Moral Analysis

The sermon contrasts the empty promises of the wealthy Corinthian church with the joyful, sacrificial generosity of the impoverished Macedonian believers. It argues that a church's public reputation should be defined by its love and giving rather than theological precision or doctrinal debates. True motivation for Christian service and financial support does not stem from willpower or guilt, but from meditating on Christ's poverty and the spiritual riches He secured for believers. The preacher exhorts the congregation to examine their own spiritual gifts and use them actively to serve the body of Christ. Ultimately, obedience flows from gratitude for the gospel, transforming duty into a cheerful offering that glorifies God.

The sermon contrasts the empty promises of the wealthy Corinthian church with the joyful, sacrificial generosity of the impoverished Macedonian believers. It argues that a church's public reputation should be defined by its love and giving rather than theological precision or doctrinal debates. True motivation for Christian service and financial support does not stem from willpower or guilt, but from meditating on Christ's poverty and the spiritual riches He secured for believers. The preacher exhorts the congregation to examine their own spiritual gifts and use them actively to serve the body of Christ. Ultimately, obedience flows from gratitude for the gospel, transforming duty into a cheerful offering that glorifies God.

The sermon contrasts the empty promises of the wealthy Corinthian church with the joyful, sacrificial generosity of the impoverished Macedonian believers. It argues that a church's public reputation should be defined by its love and giving rather than theological precision or doctrinal debates. True motivation for Christian service and financial support does not stem from willpower or guilt, but from meditating on Christ's poverty and the spiritual riches He secured for believers. The preacher exhorts the congregation to examine their own spiritual gifts and use them actively to serve the body of Christ. Ultimately, obedience flows from gratitude for the gospel, transforming duty into a cheerful offering that glorifies God.

Having the good life has nothing to do with how much we own. The Macedonian church explodes the myths we believe about money. In this message from 2 Corinthians 8, Pastor Lutzer reveals how these believers gave out of trials and poverty—and even beyond their ability. What if giving what we can afford leaves no room for faith?  This month's special offer is available for a donation of any amount. Get yours at https://offerrtw.com or call us at 1-800-215-5001. Moody Church Media [https://www.moodymedia.org/], home of "Running To Win," exists to bring glory to God through the transformation of lives. Erwin W. Lutzer is Pastor Emeritus of The Moody Church in Chicago, where he served as Senior Pastor for 36 years. He is a prolific author of over seventy books. A clear expositor of the Bible, he is the featured speaker on "Running To Win" and "Songs In The Night," with programs broadcasting on over a thousand outlets in the U.S. and across more than fifty countries in seven languages. He and his wife, Rebecca, live in the Chicago area. They have three grown children and eight grandchildren.   SUPPORT: Tax Deductible Support: https://www.moodymedia.org/donate/ Become an Endurance Partner: https://endurancepartners.org/   SUBSCRIBE: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MoodyChurchMedia Daily Devotional and Weekly Digest: https://www.moodymedia.org/newsletters/subscription/

Having the good life has nothing to do with how much we own. The Macedonian church explodes the myths we believe about money. In this message from 2 Corinthians 8, Pastor Lutzer reveals how these believers gave out of trials and poverty—and even beyond their ability. What if giving what we can afford leaves no room for faith?  To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1407/29?v=20251111

"Preparing the Way through the Next Generation"This week, Dr. Mike Dugal frames Christian generosity as grace-initiated worship rather than obligation. Following the Macedonians' example, it calls believers to let Christ, the ultimate giver, shape their stewardship of time, talent, and treasure, culminating in communion.#NewHopeKailua #DrMikeDugal #2026Sermon #OnlineChurch #ChurchOnline #ChurchInKailua #YouTube #YouTubeChannel #Subscribe #Sub #Follow #LikeIf this is your first time visiting us, we'd like to get to know you: https://bit.ly/nhk-connectSubscribe to receive our latest messages: https://bit.ly/nhk-sermonsTo support this ministry and help us continue to reach people all around the world, click here: https://newhopekailua.org/givingSee what God can do through you. Be a part of our New Hope Kailua family, whether in-person or online!——Stay ConnectedDownload our church app: https://bit.ly/nhk-appWebsite: https://newhopekailua.org/New Hope Kailua Facebook: https://bit.ly/nhk-fbNew Hope Kailua Instagram: https://bit.ly/nhk-igAudio-only SermonsApple Podcast: https://apple.co/3LYiqNTGoogle Podcast: https://bit.ly/nhk-googlepodcastSpotify: https://spoti.fi/3LUtqvP

Dan Slevin previews the NZ International Film Festival: ARCO, Natalie Portman's animated time-travel film; The Ice Tower, with Marion Cotillard as a tyrannical 1960s film star; The Tale of Silyan, a Macedonian documentary about a farmer and a wounded stork; and Rose, with Sandra Hüller.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/tmb-ehv/03-0725db.mp3 Listen to Bible reading Through My Bible Yr 03 – July 25 Acts 27:1-20 Acts 27 Paul Sails for Rome 1 When it was decided that we [1] would sail for Italy, Paul and some other prisoners were handed over to a centurion named Julius, of the Imperial Regiment. 2 After boarding a ship from Adramyttium, which was going to sail for ports along the coast of the province of Asia, we put out to sea. Aristarchus, a Macedonian from Thessalonica, was with us. 3 The next day, we put in at Sidon, and Julius treated Paul kindly and allowed him to go to his friends to receive their care. 4 From there we put out to sea and sailed on the sheltered side of Cyprus, because the winds were against us. 5 We crossed the open sea along the coast of Cilicia and Pamphylia and landed at Myra in Lycia. 6 There the centurion found an Alexandrian ship sailing for Italy, and he put us on board. 7 We sailed slowly for a number of days and arrived with difficulty off Cnidus. Since the wind did not permit us to go further, we sailed on the sheltered side of Crete, off Salmone. 8 With difficulty we sailed along its coast and came to a place called Fair Havens, near the city of Lasea. 9 Since so much time had passed and the voyage was now dangerous because the Fast [2] was already over, Paul advised them, 10 “Men, it looks to me as if the voyage is going to end with disaster and great loss, not only of the cargo and the ship but also of our lives.” 11 But the centurion paid more attention to the pilot and the owner of the ship than to what Paul was saying. 12 Since that harbor was unsuitable to winter in, the majority decided to put out to sea from there, hoping somehow to reach Phoenix and winter there. (Phoenix is a harbor on Crete, facing both southwest and northwest.) 13 When a gentle south wind began to blow, they thought they could carry out their plan. They raised the anchor and sailed close to the shore of Crete. The Storm 14 But before long, a hurricane-like wind, called the “northeaster,” rushed down from the island. 15 Since the ship was caught in it and could not head into the wind, we gave way to it and were driven along. 16 As we sailed on the sheltered side of a small island called Cauda, we were barely able to secure the skiff. [3] 17 After hoisting it on board, the men tied ropes around the ship to reinforce it. Then, fearing that they would run aground on the sandbars of Syrtis, they lowered the sea anchor and in this way were driven along. 18 Because we were tossed around so violently by the storm, the next day they began to throw the cargo overboard. 19 On the third day, they threw the ship's gear overboard with their own hands. 20 When neither sun nor stars appeared for many days and the violent storm kept pressing down on us, finally all hope that we would be saved was disappearing. Footnotes Acts 27:1 Luke is included. Acts 27:9 The Fast refers to the Jewish Day of Atonement (Leviticus 16) in the fall, just before the winter months, when sea travel was treacherous. Acts 27:16 A small service boat (also mentioned in verses 30 and 32) The Holy Bible, Evangelical Heritage Version®, EHV®, © 2019 Wartburg Project, Inc. All rights reserved.

Today we continue our study in Philippians chapter 4 as welook at verse 15. Paul writes: "Now you Philippians know also, that inthe beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no churchcommunicated with me as concerning giving and receiving, but you only." Yesterdaywe saw that Paul thanked the Philippians for caring enough to share in hisaffliction. Today he takes us one step further and reminds them that theirgenerosity was not something new. It had become a pattern of their lives fromthe very beginning of their Christian experience. NoticePaul's words: "In the beginning of the gospel." He isreferring to the days when the gospel first came to Philippi. Acts chapter 16tells that wonderful story. Paul arrived in Philippi with Silas after receivingthe Macedonian vision. There beside the river, Lydia trusted Christ. Soonafterward, the demon-possessed servant girl was delivered. Then Paul and Silaswere beaten, thrown into prison, sang praises at midnight, and the jailer andhis family came to know Christ. Out of those dramatic events, a church wasborn. Thatlittle congregation had not been saved very long before they began thinkingabout someone besides themselves. Isn't that remarkable? They were not awealthy church. In fact, Paul tells us in 2 Corinthians chapter 8 that thechurches of Macedonia—including Philippi—gave out of their deep poverty. Yettheir poverty did not stop their generosity because grace had changed theirhearts.  Paulsays, "No church communicated with me as concerning giving andreceiving, but you only." Yesterday we talked about this word, "communicate".Remember It comes from the same family of words as koinonia, meaningfellowship or partnership. Paul is not merely saying they sent him some money.He is saying they entered into a partnership with him in the work of theGospel. They understood something many Christians never fully grasp. When wegive to God's work, we become partners in that ministry. The missionary maypreach the sermon. The pastor may teach the Bible. The evangelist may leadsomeone to Christ. But the people who pray, encourage, and give become fellowlaborers in everything God accomplishes through that ministry. Years ago,someone wisely said, "Some go, some send, but all can share in thereward." That is exactly what Paul is teaching. Noticeanother interesting expression: "giving and receiving." Paul borrowslanguage from the world of business and accounting. It is as though he opens aheavenly ledger book. On one side is giving. On the other side is receiving. Mostpeople think giving means something leaves their account. God says giving meanssomething is being entered into another account. In just a few verses, Paulwill write in verse 17: "Not because I desire a gift: but I desirefruit that may abound to your account." Every gift given for the gloryof God is an eternal investment. Heaven keeps perfect records. God neverforgets even the smallest act of generosity done in His name. Jesus said inMatthew 10:42 that even a cup of cold water given in His name will not lose itsreward.  Sometimespeople wonder whether their gift matters. "It wasn't very much." "Iwish I could give more." "My offering seems so small." Friend,God is not measuring the amount nearly as much as He is measuring the heart. Godsees what no one else sees. The Philippians were not a famous church. They werenot a wealthy church. Yet Paul says they stood alone. "No church... butyou only." What a testimony! They had become known as a church thatinvested in the Gospel. I wonder what our churches are known for today. Beautifulbuildings? Excellent music? Wonderful programs? Or are we known as people whogladly invest our lives and our resources so others can hear about Jesus? Let'sask ourselves today: Am I merely attending church? Or am I actively investingin the work of Christ? There is an eternal difference. 

"The movie was beautiful... the characters were gorgeous... the ending isn't a cliché..." These were just some of the reactions from Australian audiences after a screening of the Macedonian film DJ Ahmet, directed by Georgi M. Unkovski, at Nova Cinema, Melbourne's leading independent cinema. - "Филмот е прекрасен, ликовите се величенствени, крајот на филмот не е клише... ", се дел од одговорите на анкетата направена меѓу австралиската публика, во врска со филмот “Диџеј Ахмет” на Георги М. Унковски, по една од проекциите во водечкото кино за независен филм "Нова" во Мелбурн.ПРОЧИТАЈТЕ ПОВЕЌЕ - ПРОЧИТАЈТЕ ПОВЕЌЕ

Pastor Andrew Heligenthal unpacked 2 Corinthians 8–10, revealing how a cross-shaped life is marked by generosity, gratitude, and self-giving love. Through Paul’s example of the Macedonian church, we were challenged to see giving not as an obligation, but as an invitation to reflect the heart of Jesus in every area of our lives. As we surrender our time, talents, and resources, we become active participants in God’s Kingdom and His work in the world.

Our idea of Revival could be different than what really described by the book of Acts. Revival happened at the streets of Samaria or in the house of Macedonian family, at the Phillipi's Jail or in the edge of a river during the prayer time. Reviavl could happen everywhere, anytime to anyone who open their hearts to the lead of the Holy Spirit.

In Week 10 of our Welcomed. series, we follow Paul, Timothy, and their companions as they begin a new chapter of gospel mission. Along the way, we discover that the Christian life is not ultimately about maintaining control—it is about surrender.In Acts 16:1–15, Paul willingly lays down personal rights, adjusts carefully made plans, and refuses to take credit for the work that only God can do. Through Timothy's example, the Macedonian vision, and Lydia's conversion, we see that the welcome of Jesus calls us to trust God's purposes above our preferences and His wisdom above our own understanding.Whether it's our rights, our plans, or our desire for recognition, Jesus invites us into the freedom that comes from placing every part of our lives in His hands. As we surrender, we discover that God is the one directing the mission, opening hearts, and advancing His kingdom.For more information about Integrity Church, visit our website, http://liveintegritychurch.orgConnect with us on social media throughout the week to stay up to date on events and things happening at Integrity!Instagram: @integrity_churchFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/liveintegrity/

The sermon reflects on Gateway City Church's seven-year journey of witnessing God's unwavering faithfulness and the collective call to step beyond comfortable traditions into a greater mission. It emphasizes that while traditions provide a sense of belonging and honor the past, they must never overshadow the urgent task of sharing the gospel both locally and globally. Drawing from the example of the Macedonian churches, the message explores "kingdom math," where rich generosity isn't born from outward abundance but flows from a heart of overwhelming joy even in the midst of severe trials. Ultimately, the congregation is invited to offer not just their finances, but their very selves, trusting that when they give what they are able—and even a little beyond—God performs miracles of provision that pave the way for the "greater things" He has promised for the city and the world.Referenced Scriptures:Matthew 9:36-38: Jesus' compassion for the harassed and helpless crowds and the call for workers for the plentiful harvest.Luke 15: The parables of the lost sheep, the lost coin, and the lost son, highlighting that every person is valuable to God.John 3:16: The foundational motivation for giving: God so loved the world that He gave His only Son.John 6: The miracle of the loaves and fishes, illustrating how God multiplies a sacrificial offering.John 20:21: The commission of the disciples: "As the Father has sent me, I am sending you."2 Corinthians 8:1-5: The example of the Macedonian churches whose extreme poverty and joy welled up in rich generosity.1 John 4:19: The reminder that we love and give because He first loved us.

Send us a message!Simon is an actor, evangelist, and children's book author from Melbourne, Australia, where he lives with his wife and two children. For the last 24 years, he has had a particular passion for excellent and engaging Bible reading. He loves presenting "epic readings" of whole books of the Bible, training Christians in public Bible reading and encouraging the Body of Christ to value this vital ministry. Find out more about his ministry at www.PublicBibleReading.com and www.patreon.com/simoncamilleri. We listen to Acts 16 read aloud with Simon Camilleri and watch God redirect Paul and Silas into Philippi, where the gospel takes root in surprising lives. • Paul and Silas continuing the missionary journey after the split with Barnabas • Timothy joining the team and the mission wise reason for circumcision • the Holy Spirit closing routes and the Macedonian vision opening a new one • Lydia's conversion, baptism, and hospitality as the church in Philippi begins • deliverance of the exploited slave girl and the backlash that follows • prayer and worship in prison leading to the Philippian jailer's salvation • “Believe in the Lord Jesus” as the simple answer to the salvation question • Paul asserting Roman citizenship and protecting the credibility of the church You can find out more about Simon and his ministry at publicbibelreading.com and check out his Patreon. If you enjoyed this story, join me tomorrow where Kelsey and I are going to have a conversation about what it looks like to follow God's changes of plans in your own life, just like we saw Paul did today.  At outloudbible.com, you can find free resources to help you study the Bible. And while you're there, send us a message to say hi, or start a conversation about having us at your church or event. If Outloud Bible has been a valuable part of your understanding of the Bible, please consider supporting the ministry by visiting outloudbible.com.Support the showCheck out outloudbible.com for helpful study resources, and to discover how to bring the public reading of God's word to your church, conference, retreat, or other event.

American democracy is in a period of crisis, so it seems natural to look back to its origins. So here in Episode 10 of Season 5, I interview Professor Josiah Ober. Having previously taught at Princeton University, Ober is a professor of political science, classics, and philosophy at Stanford University, the Director of the Stanford Civics Initiative, as well as a senior fellow at the Hoover Institution. The author of many books, including Mass and Elite in Democratic Athens (1989), The Rise and Fall of Classical Greece (2015), and Civic Bargain (2023), co-written with Brook Manville, he was previously a Madison's Notes guest in Season 3. Drawing on his 2015 book, we discuss the history of ancient Greece and the political legacy of its classical period. Our conversation ranges from the Bronze Age Collapse and the age of Homer's Iliad and Odyssey to the rise of the Greek city-state and decline of democratic Athens. We discuss contingencies of the Peloponnesian war, the cases for and against Alcibiades, whether the polity flourished under Macedonian and Roman empires, the relationship of philosophy to civics, was Socrates guilty and how much did Plato invent about him, in what way the god Hermes symbolized Greek trade in the Mediterranean, if James Madison truly understood ancient history, and lastly Ober's work with the growing civics programs in American higher education. Hosted by Ryan Shinkel, Madison's Notes is the podcast of Princeton University's James Madison Program in American Ideals and Institutions. The transcript for this interview is available on our new Substack page, “Madison's Footnotes.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network

American democracy is in a period of crisis, so it seems natural to look back to its origins. So here in Episode 10 of Season 5, I interview Professor Josiah Ober. Having previously taught at Princeton University, Ober is a professor of political science, classics, and philosophy at Stanford University, the Director of the Stanford Civics Initiative, as well as a senior fellow at the Hoover Institution. The author of many books, including Mass and Elite in Democratic Athens (1989), The Rise and Fall of Classical Greece (2015), and Civic Bargain (2023), co-written with Brook Manville, he was previously a Madison's Notes guest in Season 3. Drawing on his 2015 book, we discuss the history of ancient Greece and the political legacy of its classical period. Our conversation ranges from the Bronze Age Collapse and the age of Homer's Iliad and Odyssey to the rise of the Greek city-state and decline of democratic Athens. We discuss contingencies of the Peloponnesian war, the cases for and against Alcibiades, whether the polity flourished under Macedonian and Roman empires, the relationship of philosophy to civics, was Socrates guilty and how much did Plato invent about him, in what way the god Hermes symbolized Greek trade in the Mediterranean, if James Madison truly understood ancient history, and lastly Ober's work with the growing civics programs in American higher education. Hosted by Ryan Shinkel, Madison's Notes is the podcast of Princeton University's James Madison Program in American Ideals and Institutions. The transcript for this interview is available on our new Substack page, “Madison's Footnotes.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/political-science

American democracy is in a period of crisis, so it seems natural to look back to its origins. So here in Episode 10 of Season 5, I interview Professor Josiah Ober. Having previously taught at Princeton University, Ober is a professor of political science, classics, and philosophy at Stanford University, the Director of the Stanford Civics Initiative, as well as a senior fellow at the Hoover Institution. The author of many books, including Mass and Elite in Democratic Athens (1989), The Rise and Fall of Classical Greece (2015), and Civic Bargain (2023), co-written with Brook Manville, he was previously a Madison's Notes guest in Season 3. Drawing on his 2015 book, we discuss the history of ancient Greece and the political legacy of its classical period. Our conversation ranges from the Bronze Age Collapse and the age of Homer's Iliad and Odyssey to the rise of the Greek city-state and decline of democratic Athens. We discuss contingencies of the Peloponnesian war, the cases for and against Alcibiades, whether the polity flourished under Macedonian and Roman empires, the relationship of philosophy to civics, was Socrates guilty and how much did Plato invent about him, in what way the god Hermes symbolized Greek trade in the Mediterranean, if James Madison truly understood ancient history, and lastly Ober's work with the growing civics programs in American higher education. Hosted by Ryan Shinkel, Madison's Notes is the podcast of Princeton University's James Madison Program in American Ideals and Institutions. The transcript for this interview is available on our new Substack page, “Madison's Footnotes.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/critical-theory

American democracy is in a period of crisis, so it seems natural to look back to its origins. So here in Episode 10 of Season 5, I interview Professor Josiah Ober. Having previously taught at Princeton University, Ober is a professor of political science, classics, and philosophy at Stanford University, the Director of the Stanford Civics Initiative, as well as a senior fellow at the Hoover Institution. The author of many books, including Mass and Elite in Democratic Athens (1989), The Rise and Fall of Classical Greece (2015), and Civic Bargain (2023), co-written with Brook Manville, he was previously a Madison's Notes guest in Season 3. Drawing on his 2015 book, we discuss the history of ancient Greece and the political legacy of its classical period. Our conversation ranges from the Bronze Age Collapse and the age of Homer's Iliad and Odyssey to the rise of the Greek city-state and decline of democratic Athens. We discuss contingencies of the Peloponnesian war, the cases for and against Alcibiades, whether the polity flourished under Macedonian and Roman empires, the relationship of philosophy to civics, was Socrates guilty and how much did Plato invent about him, in what way the god Hermes symbolized Greek trade in the Mediterranean, if James Madison truly understood ancient history, and lastly Ober's work with the growing civics programs in American higher education. Hosted by Ryan Shinkel, Madison's Notes is the podcast of Princeton University's James Madison Program in American Ideals and Institutions. The transcript for this interview is available on our new Substack page, “Madison's Footnotes.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/intellectual-history

Summary of Bible Study by Patricia Hudson - June 17, 2026 Topic: Philippians 2 — Joy in Serving Patricia Hudson opened the Bible study with prayer, thanking God for the day, for the opportunity to study, discuss, share, and grow. She emphasized that the Holy Spirit is the true teacher and prayed that the Word would encourage each heart. She also prayed over the concerns of life, including family, health, finances, and daily living, affirming that God is working in every situation and that His love is great and unconditional. The study began with a review of the previous lesson from Philippians chapter 1. Patricia connected the study to the larger theme of being “rooted and grounded.” She referenced Philippians 4:9, where Paul instructs believers to keep putting into practice what they have learned, received, heard, and seen. The central idea was that spiritual growth requires action. Believers are not only to hear the Word of God but to live it out in daily life. When God's Word is practiced, the peace of God becomes active in the believer's life, helping them navigate conflict, hardship, confusion, and everyday responsibilities with stability and wisdom. Patricia reviewed the background of the book of Philippians. Paul wrote the letter around A.D. 61 while imprisoned in Rome. The church at Philippi was established during Paul's second missionary journey after he received the Macedonian call in Acts 16. Philippi was a Roman colony in Macedonia, and the church was mostly made up of Gentile believers. Patricia noted that Philippians is often called Paul's “joy letter” because joy and rejoicing appear throughout the book, even though Paul was writing from prison. This shows that true joy is rooted in Jesus Christ, not in circumstances. A major point from the review was Philippians 1:6, where Paul expresses confidence that God, who began a good work in the believers, would continue that work until it is completed in Christ. Patricia emphasized that God works in us to build character and through us to bless others. The class reflected on examples of teaching, prayer, encouragement, service, and influence in family and community life as evidence of God's continuing work. The class also discussed why the church at Philippi was so closely connected to Paul. Participants noted that Paul had suffered deeply in Philippi, including being beaten and illegally imprisoned because he was a Roman citizen. Acts 16 was highlighted as important background, including the conversion of Lydia, the deliverance of the slave girl, Paul and Silas being imprisoned, and the jailer's conversion. Patricia explained that Paul's suffering and ministry in Philippi created a deep bond between him and the believers there. The Philippian church also supported Paul financially and remained loyal to him throughout his ministry. Patricia pointed out that Philippi was the first Christian congregation established in Europe and became a launching point for the spread of the gospel into Europe. Because Philippi was a patriotic Roman colony, Christians there faced pressure and persecution for declaring Jesus as Lord rather than Caesar. Despite these pressures, Paul's letter to them focuses on joy, peace, humility, unity, and contentment. Unlike some of Paul's other letters, Philippians contains few rebukes. Instead, it is mostly a letter of encouragement, gratitude, and exhortation. The main focus of the lesson was Philippians 2, especially the theme “Joy in Serving.” Patricia introduced the focus verse, Philippians 2:4: “Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.” She also read an easier translation, which says believers should not think only about what they want to do for themselves but should also think about how they can help other people. This set the tone for the chapter: Christian maturity is expressed through humility, unity, and concern for others. Patricia read Philippians 2:1–4 and explained Paul's call to unity through humility. Paul urges believers to be like-minded, to have the same love, to be of one accord, and to be of one mind. Patricia connected this to the issue Paul mentioned in Philippians 1, where some preached Christ from pure motives while others preached from jealousy, rivalry, and selfish ambition. She suggested that Paul may have been addressing attitudes of selfish ambition and division in the church. His answer was not merely correction but a call to humility, unity, and service. A key teaching point involved the “if-then” statements in Scripture. Patricia explained that Philippians 2 begins with conditional statements: if believers have encouragement in Christ, comfort from His love, fellowship in the Spirit, tenderness, and compassion, then they should respond by being like-minded, loving one another, and walking in unity. She compared this to John 8:31–32, where Jesus says that if people abide in His Word, then they are truly His disciples, they will know the truth, and the truth will make them free. The class discussed how abiding in God's Word leads to maturity, understanding, freedom, and transformation. Participants shared personal reflections about how the Word of God brings freedom. One person spoke about learning to hear God through His Word. Another shared that when they began seeking understanding for themselves, they realized that some behaviors were rooted in ignorance and began to change as they became rooted in the Word. Patricia emphasized that the truth of God's Word can make people free from their past, from things spoken over them, from wrong patterns, and even from themselves. The Word of God brings healing, clarity, growth, and forward movement. Patricia then connected Philippians 2 to Philippians 4:8–9, where Paul instructs believers to think on things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy. She explained that peace is connected to what believers meditate on and practice. People often seek peace while filling their minds with stress, negativity, or things they cannot change. Patricia encouraged the class to allow God to help them with the matters of their own lives and not become overwhelmed by burdens God has not assigned them to carry. When God does call believers to speak or act, they should do so boldly, then release the results to Him. The study then moved to Philippians 2:5–11, where Paul presents Jesus Christ as the supreme example of humility. Patricia read the passage: “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus.” She emphasized that Jesus, though equal with God, humbled Himself, took the form of a servant, came in human likeness, and became obedient to death, even death on the cross. Because of this, God highly exalted Him and gave Him the name above every name. Patricia explained that Christ's example gives believers grace to desire and imitate humility. To further explain the deity and supremacy of Christ, Patricia read from Colossians 1 and Colossians 2. She highlighted that Christ is the visible image of the invisible God, that all things were created through Him and for Him, that He existed before all things, and that He holds all creation together. She also emphasized that the fullness of God dwells in Christ and that believers are complete through their union with Him. This helped connect Christ's humility with His greatness: Jesus served not because He was weak, but because of divine love and purpose. Patricia explained that serving others does not always begin with desire or joy. Sometimes believers serve while grieving, while sick, while tired, or while dealing with personal challenges. Yet Christ's example teaches that service is rooted in humility, obedience, and love rather than selfish ambition. Class participants reflected on how serving together creates a bond among believers. One participant noted that when people serve together through grief, sickness, and hardship, they develop a common purpose and a special bond, much like Paul had with the Philippian church. The lesson continued with Philippians 2:12–18. Patricia read Paul's instruction to “work out your own salvation with fear and trembling,” while also emphasizing that “it is God who works in you both to will and to do His good pleasure.” She used the Living Bible wording: “For God is at work within you, helping you want to obey him, and then helping you do what he wants.” Patricia raised an important discussion question: if God is working in believers and helping them obey, why do believers still need to submit to biblical conditions and make choices? The class answered that believers still have a choice. God gives grace, desire, and power, but believers must submit their will to Him. Another important emphasis was Philippians 2:14–16, where Paul tells believers to do all things without complaining and disputing so they may shine as lights in a dark world. Patricia explained that complaining, arguing, bickering, and strife do not reflect a transformed life. She noted that in families, workplaces, and other environments, people can easily fall into conversations focused on everything that is wrong. Believers must sometimes step back from that atmosphere and choose not to participate in negativity. Instead, they are called to speak life, be light bearers, and demonstrate the transforming power of God's Word. Patricia shared a personal testimony about coming to herself, similar to the prodigal son. She reflected on a time in her younger years when she realized she had drifted from what she knew was right. She remembered how her mother-in-law, Gay Nell Hudson, shared a gospel tract with her and planted a seed that helped lead her toward the Lord. Patricia used this testimony to show the power of prayer, the Word, and personal witness. One person's light can touch another life, and that life can go on to touch many others. Toward the end of the study, Patricia briefly introduced the final section of Philippians 2, which discusses Timothy and Epaphroditus. She encouraged the class to finish reading the chapter on their own. Timothy was with Paul during his ministry and imprisonment, and Epaphroditus was sent by the Philippian church to bring support to Paul in Rome. Patricia explained that Paul was under house arrest, likely chained to rotating guards, which gave him repeated opportunities to preach the gospel. Even in confinement, Paul continued spreading the Word. His imprisonment became another platform for ministry. Patricia concluded by assigning the next study passages. The class would continue with Philippians 3 on July 2 and Philippians 4 on July 15. She encouraged everyone to keep studying, reading, and preparing so they could continue sharing insights during the discussion. The study closed in prayer. Patricia thanked God for His fullness revealed in Christ, for His plan in each person's life, and for the people who prayed, planted seeds, and helped open hearts to the gospel. She thanked God that since the moment believers received Christ, He has continued working in their lives. She prayed that the Word they had learned, seen, heard, and experienced would continue to be practiced, and that God's peace would guide them. Overall, Patricia Hudson's Bible study taught that Philippians 2 calls believers to live out their faith through humility, unity, service, obedience, and spiritual maturity. The Christian life is not passive. God works in believers, but believers must also choose to obey, serve, avoid complaining, walk in love, and shine as lights in the world. True joy is found not in comfort or circumstances, but in Christ-centered service and in practicing the Word of God.

American democracy is in a period of crisis, so it seems natural to look back to its origins. So here in Episode 10 of Season 5, I interview Professor Josiah Ober. Having previously taught at Princeton University, Ober is a professor of political science, classics, and philosophy at Stanford University, the Director of the Stanford Civics Initiative, as well as a senior fellow at the Hoover Institution. The author of many books, including Mass and Elite in Democratic Athens (1989), The Rise and Fall of Classical Greece (2015), and Civic Bargain (2023), co-written with Brook Manville, he was previously a Madison's Notes guest in Season 3. Drawing on his 2015 book, we discuss the history of ancient Greece and the political legacy of its classical period. Our conversation ranges from the Bronze Age Collapse and the age of Homer's Iliad and Odyssey to the rise of the Greek city-state and decline of democratic Athens. We discuss contingencies of the Peloponnesian war, the cases for and against Alcibiades, whether the polity flourished under Macedonian and Roman empires, the relationship of philosophy to civics, was Socrates guilty and how much did Plato invent about him, in what way the god Hermes symbolized Greek trade in the Mediterranean, if James Madison truly understood ancient history, and lastly Ober's work with the growing civics programs in American higher education. Hosted by Ryan Shinkel, Madison's Notes is the podcast of Princeton University's James Madison Program in American Ideals and Institutions. The transcript for this interview is available on our new Substack page, “Madison's Footnotes.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

American democracy is in a period of crisis, so it seems natural to look back to its origins. So here in Episode 10 of Season 5, I interview Professor Josiah Ober. Having previously taught at Princeton University, Ober is a professor of political science, classics, and philosophy at Stanford University, the Director of the Stanford Civics Initiative, as well as a senior fellow at the Hoover Institution. The author of many books, including Mass and Elite in Democratic Athens (1989), The Rise and Fall of Classical Greece (2015), and Civic Bargain (2023), co-written with Brook Manville, he was previously a Madison's Notes guest in Season 3. Drawing on his 2015 book, we discuss the history of ancient Greece and the political legacy of its classical period. Our conversation ranges from the Bronze Age Collapse and the age of Homer's Iliad and Odyssey to the rise of the Greek city-state and decline of democratic Athens. We discuss contingencies of the Peloponnesian war, the cases for and against Alcibiades, whether the polity flourished under Macedonian and Roman empires, the relationship of philosophy to civics, was Socrates guilty and how much did Plato invent about him, in what way the god Hermes symbolized Greek trade in the Mediterranean, if James Madison truly understood ancient history, and lastly Ober's work with the growing civics programs in American higher education. Hosted by Ryan Shinkel, Madison's Notes is the podcast of Princeton University's James Madison Program in American Ideals and Institutions. The transcript for this interview is available on our new Substack page, “Madison's Footnotes.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Journalist Gary O'Donoghue is the Chief North America Correspondent for BBC News. Last year his coverage of the 2024 assassination attempt on Donald Trump won the Royal Television Society Breaking News Award. He made the news himself in 2025 when he secured a 20-minute exclusive phone interview with Trump who was by then the US President.Gary was born in London and brought up in Essex. When he was eight he lost his sight and attended specialist schools for blind and partially sighted children. He read philosophy and modern languages at the University of Oxford before embarking on his BBC career.He has reported on mass shootings, filed stories from the Macedonian border during the Kosovo conflict, covered the Iraq War and chronicled seven British general elections. He became the BBC's Washington correspondent in 2014 and, as well as Donald Trump's two terms, has covered the administrations of Presidents Obama and Biden. Gary is based in Washington DC and when in the UK lives in West Yorkshire with his partner Sarah. Presenter: Lauren Laverne Producer: Paula McGinleyDesert Island Discs has cast other journalists away to the island over the years including Lyse Doucet, Clive Myrie and Lindsey Hilsum, You can hear their programmes if you search through BBC Sounds or our own Desert Island Discs website.This episode was recorded before the shooting at the White House Correspondent's Dinner on 25th April 2026.

Gavin landed back in Australia just the day before recording, and he and Ken settle in for a full debrief on WDC 2026 in Athens. From the venues and the social activities to all four of Gavin's games and the top board, this one covers it all. Intro Ken sets up the episode – this one is going to be almost entirely about WDC 2026 Athens, because Gavin was there and has only just landed back in Australia (as at the time of recording) (15 secs) He notes the DBN coverage gave a strong account of the boards and Ed's player interviews, but plenty of the magic from Spyros Dovas and his organising team didn't make it to the stream (45 secs) Drinks are introduced: Ken is on one of his home-brew lagers with a kick, and Gavin is working through a leftover Sicilian Nero d'Avola that has turned a little sour – a fitting metaphor, he suggests, for how his first round went (1 min 45 secs) The tournament in aggregate Ken asks Gavin to give a broad overview – location, numbers, facilities, atmosphere (2 mins 45 secs) Around 106 players registered, though some didn't show due to last-minute issues. Approximately 5 Australian players couldn't attend because their original flights were routed through the Middle East (3 mins 30 secs) The geopolitical context: as of recording, the Middle East airspace situation was in week nine of its shutdown, forcing Australian travellers to reroute via Singapore, Hong Kong, or Malaysia. Some also baulked at the US transit option due to the documentation requirements (4 mins 30 secs) Despite the drop-outs, the turnout was excellent and genuinely representative – a heavy European component split between the UK and the rest of Europe, a strong French contingent, players from the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Poland, and Norway, a good number of Americans and a couple of Canadians (including Chris Brand), around 10 Australians, and a couple of Kiwis (Dominick Stephens and Craig Purcell). The local Greek contingent, given the Athens club had only been running for about 18 months, was especially impressive (3 mins 30 secs) Tournament format: three regular rounds followed by a fourth round of tiered top boards. Rather than a single top board, the format featured seven simultaneous top boards – the top 7 players went to the premier board, players 8–14 played the second tier, 15–21 the third, and so on down through the field. Crucially, players who volunteered to sit out for round four to help with numbers kept their ranking position (7 mins) Ken and Gavin discuss how the tiered format means the fourth round is never a dead rubber – every board is still competing for something meaningful (8 mins 15 secs) Discussion of the central clock arrangement: effectively federation-based rather than a literal single clock, with the two main venues coordinating their start times by communication (9 mins 30 secs) The venues The main venue was the upstairs function space of a beachside restaurant operation – excellent location right on the waterfront, but somewhat cramped for negotiations once all the boards were in (9 mins 45 secs) As a result, boards were redistributed to the secondary venue: the Anchor bar, about 150–200 metres down the road. Gavin played two games in each location and considered the Anchor the better play space – more open, well ventilated, and with a large covered outdoor area next to a (drained) pool (11 mins) The colour-coded sash system made it easy to identify players by country but created the amusing challenge of locating your specific Italy in a room full of Italys from different boards (13 mins) The third venue – an outdoor shaded area – was reserved for the premier top board. Unlike Milan's car park, this one had good shade and plenty of room for spectators around the giant shadow board (13 mins 30 secs) Pre-tournament social activities Gavin outlines the structure: you could do as much or as little as you liked. He landed well due to a useful 5.5-hour Singapore layover that helped reset his body clock, and flew over on the same flight as tournament director Jamal Blakkarly (16 mins) They were met at Athens airport by Spyros, his wife, and daughter, who drove them to breakfast at a beautiful harbour-side restaurant in one of the small inlet bays east of Piraeus (18 mins 15 secs) Pre-tournament island stay: Gavin spent two days on Serifos, the island Spyros recommended and which has personal significance to his family (his grandfather was christened there). Spyros provided a detailed Google Map of the best spots. With the tourist season barely starting, Gavin got excellent last-minute accommodation at a family-run hotel and had the beaches almost entirely to himself (18 mins 45 secs) The island was so off-season that locals were literally still painting their furniture and kerbs in preparation. Gavin did the recommended hikes and swims, and the hotel gifted him a dry-bag left behind by a previous guest (20 mins 30 secs) Back in Athens overnight, Gavin caught up with a multinational squad of players including Shane, Brandon, Max, Zoe, Justin Law, Bradley Grace, and Karthik. They had dinner at an Italian restaurant with the Acropolis lit up above them (22 mins 30 secs) Hydra day trip (Wednesday): players caught the fast ferry from Piraeus out to Hydra (about 1.5 hrs). The island has a refined Venetian-Greek port feel, with rustic paths and rock beaches beyond. The group visited the Museum of the 1821 Greek Revolution, full of local history and artefacts. Gavin wore one of his Diplomacy shirts and ended up being an ambassador for the hobby to an American grandmother and her debate-champion granddaughter from North Carolina – and pointed them towards David Hood and the local hobby there (24 mins 15 secs) The water temperature at the beach was about 4–5 degrees colder than Australia, which meant the Europeans loved it and Gavin did not go in (26 mins 30 secs) Acropolis and Athens tour (Thursday): guided tour of the Acropolis by what Spyros described as the best guides operating there, followed by a walk through the Plaka and past the Panathenaic Stadium (venue of the first modern Olympics in 1896), then a seafood lunch at a beautiful harbourside restaurant (30 mins) Temple of Poseidon (Thursday evening): the most popular activity – the bus was packed. About halfway there, Spyros took everyone on an unannounced detour to a beach bar where they had the place to themselves, a wonderful surprise. The Temple itself sits on a peninsula with 270-degree sea views. Spyros told the story of how the Aegean got its name from that location, and a huge group photo was taken (31 mins 15 secs) Tournament production values Gavin describes the production as setting new high-water marks for tournament organisation – high enough that the Chicago 2027 organising team would be wondering how to match it. Every player had a colour-coded sash matching their country, a branded WDC Athens notepad in their country colour, and a matching pen for every round (33 mins) The awards were 3D-printed Greek god statues for the podium finishers, complemented by a full suite of themed awards for the top players in each country and for notable gameplay (34 min) Special awards included: the Ajax Award for 8th place overall (the brilliant fighter who just missed out); the Archimedes Award for the most innovative play; the Leonidas Award for the player who fought on against insurmountable odds; and professionally screen-printed awards for best performance as each of the seven Great Powers (35 mins 45 secs) Gavin's games Round 1 – France – Board: Agkystri (View game) Gavin introduces his first game and the board composition: he played France, with Danae Stamataki (Austria-Hungary, local Greek player who topped the board on 10 supply centres and won best Austria), Sabrina Ahuja "Sabi" as England, Brian Ecton as Germany, Jean-Louis Delattre as Italy, Teo Ananiadis as Russia, and Frank Oosterom from the Netherlands as Turkey (37 mins 15 secs) The plan was a Western Triple working with England and Germany, with the goal of neutralising a strong-looking Italy early. It didn't come together as intended (37 mins 45 secs) The infamous mis-order: Gavin had two builds and intended fleet Brest plus a second build. Instead he built fleet Brest and placed the build directly in MAO, effectively waiving his second build. The DBN commentators interpreted this as a genius strategic waive; Ken's interpretation was somewhat more grounded. Gavin confirms Ken was correct (39 mins) The other players on the board didn't share DBN's generous reading of the situation. Germany immediately moved into Burgundy and kept flipping between fronts as his position allowed. Italy kept pressing France throughout. Gavin found himself squeezed down to a single unit in the English Channel (40 mins 30 secs) Final turn plan: England agreed to convoy an army across to Picardy to support Gavin back into Brest. Instead, Sabi walked into an open Paris. Gavin ended the game with zero supply centres and was eliminated (42 mins 15 secs) Gavin notes he made his disappointment known professionally, and that he subsequently had a drink with Sabi – but not that night (44 mins 15 secs) Round 2 – England – Board: Lemnos Not covered by DBN. Gavin played England; the board included Dominick Stephens (New Zealand) as Germany, Chris Brand (Canada) as Russia, Ruben Sanchez as Italy, Roberto Perego (Italy) as France, Robert Schuppe as Turkey, and Anastasia "Nastja" Styles as Austria-Hungary (46 mins) The plan was a Northern Alliance of England, Germany, and Russia. It unravelled immediately when Chris opened Moscow to Livonia and Dominick interpreted it as aggressive – resulting in a Germany-Russia war from the outset (46 mins 15 secs) Gavin adapted: knowing Germany was occupied in the east, he gave Russia some space and opened into Belgium, with Dominick and Chris both honouring his request to take Norway unopposed via fleet (46 mins 45 secs) Dominick and Gavin worked to grind down Roberto Perego's France, who ground out a hard-fought game staying alive on 2 centres. Ruben Sanchez's Italy played a deft game, flipping between alliances with Turkey and Austria (49 mins 15 secs) Dominick topped the board on 10; Ruben came in at 9; Gavin finished at 7. The game was meant to run to 1909 but drew earlier when the position stabilised. Gavin reflects he may have drawn too early, with both Dominick and Ruben suggesting he had room to push for another two centres (50 mins) Round 3 – Germany – Board: Symi (View game) Gavin played Germany. The board included Shane Armstrong (Australia) as France, Mikalis Kamaritis as Italy, Alex Maslow (USA) as Russia, Steven Hogue (USA) as Austria, Alex Lebedev (Russia) as England, and Jack Johns as Turkey (51 mins 15 secs) The strategic context: only Mikalis Kamaritis and Alex Lebedev were realistically in contention for the top board from this game. Shane and Gavin identified this early and committed to supporting the player they believed deserved to be there (52 mins 45 secs) Shane and Gavin opened with a Sealion against England, while Gavin also walked a careful line with Alex Lebedev, who initially felt more threatened by France than Germany. Austria was eliminated in 1903, and England in 1904 (53 mins 45 secs) A notable moment: Gavin slipped an army from the North Sea into an unoccupied London – a move he acknowledged was unnecessary, created friction with Alex Lebedev, and which he would not make again. He apologised on the day (56 mins 15 secs) Mikalis told Gavin and Shane to wait until 1905 – and delivered. He launched from his eastern position, took two dots off Russia and one off Turkey in a single year, then steamrolled from there. Alex Maslow was a strong and enjoyable player who nearly flipped the alliance but ultimately couldn't (56 mins 15 secs) The game agreed to a draw of 10-10-14 (Shane-Gavin-Mikalis), which the three felt would get Mikalis comfortably onto the top board. In the final adjudication Mikalis took one extra dot away from Shane, making the final scores 15-10-9 (58 mins 15 secs) Round 4 – Austria – Board: Myconos (View game) Gavin made it onto the fourth round, placed into the 6th top board. The board featured Shane Armstrong again as Turkey, Emmett Wainwright as England, Patrick Jacobson as France, Nathan Lester as Germany, Cameron Taylor as Italy, and Richard Bolton as Russia (59 mins 30 secs) The standout introduction: Nathan Lester, son of Dan Lester (who Gavin played against at Bangkok WDC). Same voice, same playing style, same persuasive meta-game arguments – but with a mullet and dressed like he's in an 80s rock video, and without the beard-stroking (1 hr 0 mins 45 secs) Gavin and Shane, having just played together in Round 3, ended up as Austria and Turkey respectively – not a natural alliance. Gavin didn't trust it but it held. Italy and France both kept fighting hard throughout (59 mins 45 secs) The game drew in 1906, with Shane and Emmett both finishing on 8, Gavin on 6 as Austria. Everyone then rushed across the road to watch the top board (1 hr 3 mins 45 secs) The top board Ken asks about Mikalis's diplomatic style. Gavin: exceptional situational awareness, communicates clearly and directly, asked and answered the "what do you want from this game?" question in a way that built immediate trust, and was good to his word on timing (1 hr 4 mins) Gavin arrived at the top board mid-1906 (his own game had just drawn). The top board was played outdoors under a well-shaded tree with plenty of room for negotiations, guarded by two or three people ensuring other players and passing members of the public couldn't crowd the board (1 hr 5 mins) The giant shadow board: a massive life-size replica board was set up nearby so all spectators could follow the game without approaching the real board. Andrew Goff read out the orders and the shadow board was updated after each adjudication – the same setup used at Milan WDC (1 hr 7 mins 45 secs) When Gavin arrived, he felt Bradley Grace had the game. The shift came late – Mikalis made a decisive move in the endgame that separated him from a closely matched France/Germany contest (1 hr 9 mins) Congratulations to Mikalis Kamaritis – well deserved, Gavin says. And to Bradley Grace: so close, but it will happen (1 hr 9 mins) The awards ceremony included Mikalis receiving both the championship belt and a traditional olive laurel wreath – a detail that was not captured in the DBN stream. Ken flags this as something future broadcasts should consider covering (1 hr 11 mins 15 secs) A Best Shane Cubis Award was also created – won by a Greek player who loudly lobbied Spyros for an award on the basis of how much he'd helped out. An AI-generated image of Shane Cubis in 1901 attire featured on the award, to the complete bafflement of the European and American contingents (1 hr 12 mins 50 secs) Game hobby and future WDCs The Chicago Windy City Weasels delivered a presentation promoting WDC 2027, enthusiastically received by the assembled players (1 hr 13 mins 15 secs) The 2028 bid: Melbourne was the only bid, and it was unanimously approved. Andrew Goff (Goffy) presented it. WDC 2028 Melbourne will be held at the MCG – the Melbourne Cricket Ground – with the conference rooms used for regular play, and the premier top board played on the MCG wicket itself. The countdown timer will run on the MCG scoreboard. Notionally scheduled for the last weekend of February 2028 – the weekend after the Formula One Grand Prix and the weekend before the first AFL round (1 hr 14 mins 30 secs) For international context: roughly equivalent to playing at Yankee Stadium, Madison Square Garden, the Camp Nou, or Bayern Munich's Allianz Arena. English players will recognise the MCG as where English cricket hopes traditionally come to die (1 hr 15 mins 15 secs) Also at the game hobby: a unanimous vote to amend and modernise the WDC charter, which dates from around 2000–2001 and doesn't reflect current online play, email communication, or the organisational structures of the Asia-Pacific and European hobbies. Four representatives (from NADF, the Asia-Pacific Diplomacy Association, and the European and UK hobbies) will draft amendments to be presented at WDC 2027 Chicago, with ratification at WDC 2028 Melbourne (1 hr 18 mins) Wrap up Gavin acknowledges the full organising effort: approximately 10 people working behind the scenes alongside Spyros and Jamal to make everything run. The Greek hobby and Athens Diplomacy Club can be enormously proud (1 hr 20 mins 30 secs) The Armistice Party: held between rounds three and four in the venue near the pool area. A DJ with a custom app allowed all attending players to nominate up to 10 songs each, with the crowd then voting in real time from four options for what came next. Gavin describes it as stunningly well thought through (1 hr 22 mins) Ken summarises: meticulously planned, wonderful venue, brilliant location, great games, fantastic people. Gavin: you got it in one. Thank you to Spyros, Jamal, and everyone they played with (1 hr 23 mins) Addendum – recorded one week later Ken and Gavin explain the addendum: a few things were either forgotten or lost in the original recording, so they've caught up a week later to cover them (1 hr 25 mins 45 secs) The Cane Toad The Cane Toad tournament will not run in 2026 – Gavin has made the decision to rest it for the year and bring it back bigger and better in 2027 (1 hr 26 mins 30 secs) Reasons: Gavin no longer lives in Brisbane where the tournament has historically been based, and several attempts to get a local game going have been completely unsuccessful. He feels it would be unfair to interstate players to travel to Queensland only to play mostly other interstate players rather than a meaningful proportion of locals (1 hr 27 mins 30 secs) He also flags cost-of-living pressures and fuel costs as factors, noting that the fuel excise which had been removed is about to be reinstated (1 hr 28 mins 45 secs) Ken and Gavin have a brief riff on whether cane toads actually hibernate, and whether the tournament might one day move to a different Queensland location (1 hr 28 mins 45 secs) Gavin shares a long-held dream of running the Cane Toad on the beach under a sun-safe setup. Council regulations require public liability insurance – but the Asia Pacific Diplomacy Association is in the process of organising exactly that for tournament directors, which may open the door in future (1 hr 29 mins 15 secs) Tournament news The Sydney Cup is on the weekend of 4–5 July. Gavin would love to go but has used up his diplomacy credits between Greece and starting a new job – it'll have to stay in the bank for now (1 hr 30 mins 45 secs) A New Zealand tournament is being discussed for the week before WDC 2028 Melbourne (late February 2028). Three New Zealand players who attended WDC 2026 in Athens have flagged interest in hosting something, on the logic that if you're travelling all the way from Europe or the US, a short hop across the Tasman to New Zealand is well worth building into the itinerary (1 hr 32 mins) Ken enthusiastically endorses the idea and encourages anyone planning for WDC 2028 Melbourne to factor in a week in New Zealand beforehand (1 hr 33 mins 30 secs) Challenge for next episode Over his birthday lunch, Gavin's son surprised him with an accurate recall of his WDC result. This leads Gavin to issue a challenge for the next episode: both Ken and Gavin will do some homework and come back with three or four online diplomacy resources that people may not know about, to raise awareness of what the community has put together over the years (1 hr 34 mins 45 secs) Around the grounds VDiplomacy gets an introduction for any listeners who aren't familiar: a sibling platform to WebDiplomacy, it hosts classic games but is particularly known for its range of variants (1 hr 36 mins 30 secs) The Dionysus Reimagined game recap – the ancient Greece variant Ken and Gavin set up in the lead-up to WDC Athens. Ken soloed, eliminating Gavin in the final year. Gavin notes that technically his last dot was taken so late that his result registers as a survive rather than an elimination (1 hr 38 mins 45 secs) Gavin played Athens and found himself defending on all fronts from early on: Sparta (who built only armies and had nowhere to go but north), the Macedonians pressing from the north, Byzantium late in the game, and Rhodes. Ken played Byzantium and credits his early token luck as a key advantage, picking up all his bid supply centres including one he expected to bounce – giving him fleet dominance in the Aegean from the start (1 hr 40 mins) The bid mechanics are recapped for any listeners unfamiliar with the variant: each player has 4 tokens to bid on non-core supply centres; outbid or bounce and you don't get the build. Ken's fortunate opening bids gave him a decisive early position (1 hr 40 mins 30 secs) A practical tip for vDiplomacy players: always open the large map after adjudication. The small map can omit orders that didn't go through, making moves look different from what was actually played. Ken noted several instances in the Dionysus game where support orders that failed simply weren't visible on the small map (1 hr 45 mins 45 secs) Ken congratulates himself on the win and notes the ratings gap between the two has now closed to around 100 points (1 hr 47 mins 30 secs) New game announced: Gavin has set up a Pirates game titled Ahoy Mateys on vDiplomacy. Gunboat, 2-day 2-hour phase length. Ken explains the extra 2 hours: it gradually shifts the adjudication time back toward Australian time zones in games where everyone readies up early (1 hr 48 mins) Pirates variant overview: a 13-player variant set in the golden age of piracy in the Caribbean, created by Gavin in collaboration with Ollie (the vDiplomacy site administrator). The 13 players are broken into three factions (1 hr 51 mins 45 secs): Europeans – Spain, England, France, and Holland, who nominally control supply centres across the map but must capture them to make them count Pirates – five pirates, four historical (Montbas, Brasiliano, de la Cueva, and Johnson) and one fictitious: El Guapo, borrowed from the movie The Three Amigos Privateers – one per European power, operating as private navies with letters patent. They can attack anyone except their sponsoring power (and vice versa). The Dunkirkers serve Spain, Henry Morgan serves England, François Le Jones serves France, and the Rocherson serves Holland Unit rules: all units are fleets, but there are two types – Clippers (move up to two spaces, standard attack strength) and Frigates (move one space, attack at 1.5x strength). A single clipper cannot defend against an attacking frigate, but a clipper supported by another clipper can. Five marked spots on the board allow transformation between unit types (1 hr 57 mins 45 secs) Special rules: a voodoo witch's hut in Cuba allows a fleet on the north coast to teleport to the south coast and vice versa. And a 14th non-playing character – a Hurricane – spins up each storm season in a random sea territory, moves randomly in the fall turn, and destroys anything in its path with an effectively unstoppable attack strength, also resetting any supply centre it passes through to neutral (1 hr 59 mins) Ken commits to reading the full rules before play begins, notes Pirates has a genuine following on vDiplomacy with games regularly in progress, and suspects he may get slaughtered (2 hr 1 min 15 secs) Gavin and Ken wrap up the show (2 hr 2 mins 15 secs) Venue: At home Drinks for the interview: Ken: One of his home brews – a lager with a bit of a kick Gavin: A Baliamo Nero d'Avola from Sicily – opened two weeks prior, which he noted had become a little sour and bitter compared to its fresh opening, much like his first round at the tournament Just a reminder you can support the show by giving it 5 stars on iTunes or Stitcher. And don't forget if you want to help pay off the audio equipment… or get the guys more drunk, you can also donate at Patreon, plus you get extra podcast episodes! Lastly, don't forget to subscribe so you get the latest Diplomacy Games episodes straight to your phone. Thanks as always to Dr Dan aka "The General" for his rockin' intro tune.

Discover the true meaning of biblical generosity and how it transforms your relationship with God and money. This comprehensive guide explores what the Bible really teaches about giving, stewardship, and financial freedom through faith. Learn about the three essential categories of biblical giving: tithing, offerings, and almsgiving, and understand how each plays a vital role in spiritual growth and community building.Explore the Apostle Paul's powerful teachings from Second Corinthians about the Macedonian churches who gave sacrificially despite their poverty, and discover how their example reveals the heart of Christian generosity. Understand the agricultural principles of sowing and reaping that Jesus taught, and learn why God blesses us not to raise our standard of living, but to raise our standard of giving.This biblical teaching covers the five essential characteristics of godly giving: sacrificial, regular, proportional, voluntary, and joyful giving. Learn how to avoid the prosperity gospel trap while still understanding God's promises to generous givers. Discover practical steps for building generosity into your daily rhythm and how giving trains your soul to trust God rather than your bank account.Whether you're new to faith or looking to deepen your understanding of biblical stewardship, this teaching provides clear, practical guidance on money management from a Christian perspective. Learn how generosity connects you to God's heart, builds kingdom community, and creates lasting spiritual transformation. Perfect for anyone seeking to understand what the Bible teaches about money, giving, tithing, and financial stewardship.This sermon was recorded at a Sunday morning gathering at Church of the Lookout in Longmont, Colorado.Visit our websiteFollow us on FacebookFollow us on Instagram

What if being unstoppable has less to do with confidence and more to do with self-awareness? I had the pleasure of sitting down with Zarko Dimitrioski, a media entrepreneur, actor, talk show host, and marketing agency founder from Macedonia. Zarko shares how growing up as a child television star shaped his confidence, the lessons he learned about ego and leadership, and why experience is often the greatest teacher. We explore marketing, branding, mentorship, business growth, and the value of listening before speaking. Zarko explains how companies build lasting brands, why accountability matters, and how entrepreneurs can thrive even in smaller markets. Along the way, we discuss family, responsibility, personal growth, and what it truly means to develop an unstoppable mindset. I believe you will find his insights on leadership, branding, communication, and lifelong learning both practical and inspiring. Highlights: 01:45 - How a childhood acting career sparked a lifelong passion for media and communication. 07:08 - Why confidence without self-awareness can become a liability. 16:32 - Lessons from the Kellogg School of Management that still shape business decisions today. 21:58 - Why listening beats talking in business, leadership, and life. 35:08 - How strong brands grow through awareness, not just loyalty programs. 01:05:02 - The three traits Zarko looks for when mentoring future leaders. About the Guest: Zarko Dimitrioski is a Macedonian entrepreneur, marketer, and talk-show host who helps brands turn attention into sales. As Managing Partner of BDG Grupa, a full-service creative, digital, and production agency in Skopje, he leads cross-functional teams that deliver end-to-end campaigns for regional and international clients. His operating principle is simple: pair strong product truth with clear, persuasive communication—and measure what matters. In media since the age of six, first as a prominent child-actor, Zarko has hosted One on One (Eден на Еден) for 17 years—the longest-running TV talk show in the country—with Season 17 launching in November 2025. On stage he has addressed audiences from intimate rooms to crowds of 50,000+, relying on a steady system of preparation, calm, and trust whether he's interviewing, keynoting, or directing a brand campaign. Zarko is a Kellogg School of Management alumnus (Northwestern University). He holds college degrees in both Economics and Journalism and a master's degree in Marketing. He serves on the Management Board of the Macedonian Economic Chamber. Honors include Entrepreneur of the Year 2017 (Macedonian Chambers of Commerce and Ministry of Finance) and Forbes 30 Under 30 Europe 2018—Media & Marketing. Under his leadership, BDG has become a premium partner to leading brands across finance, FMCG, tech, and retail. The agency delivers strategy, creative, social, video and animation, media, and performance marketing under one roof, and often acts as a fast, cost-efficient production hub for network agencies such as Luna/TBWA and for UK partners who value BDG's quality-to-cost advantage. A lifelong student of behavioral economics and effectiveness, Zarko designs work that reduces friction, frames value intelligently and moves real numbers. He's passionate about inclusive, accessible content—because it's both right and higher-performing. Building from a small market taught him focus, pragmatism, and speed. He enjoys collaborating with teams who want practical creativity and a low-risk trial that proves value fast. Ways to connect with Zarko: email: zare@bdg-agency.comlinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zarkodimitrioski/agency website: https://bdg-agency.com/ About the Host: Michael Hingson is a New York Times best-selling author, international lecturer, and Chief Vision Officer for accessiBe. Michael, blind since birth, survived the 9/11 attacks with the help of his guide dog Roselle. This story is the subject of his best-selling book, Thunder Dog. Michael gives over 100 presentations around the world each year speaking to influential groups such as Exxon Mobile, AT&T, Federal Express, Scripps College, Rutgers University, Children's Hospital, and the American Red Cross just to name a few. He is Ambassador for the National Braille Literacy Campaign for the National Federation of the Blind and also serves as Ambassador for the American Humane Association's 2012 Hero Dog Awards. https://michaelhingson.com https://www.facebook.com/michael.hingson.author.speaker/ https://twitter.com/mhingson https://www.youtube.com/user/mhingson https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelhingson/ accessiBe Links https://accessibe.com/ https://www.youtube.com/c/accessiBe https://www.linkedin.com/company/accessibe/mycompany/ https://www.facebook.com/accessibe/ Thanks for listening! Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page. Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below! Subscribe to the podcast If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can subscribe in your favorite podcast app. You can also support our podcast through our tip jar https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/unstoppable-mindset . Leave us an Apple Podcasts review Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts. Transcription Notes:

Theme: Rooted and Grounded — Practicing What We Have Learned Primary Texts: Philippians 4:9; Philippians 1 This Bible study focused on the book of Philippians, especially Paul's encouragement to believers to keep practicing what they had learned, received, heard, and seen. The key idea was that spiritual growth requires action: when believers continue putting God's Word into practice, the God of peace will be with them. Peace helps believers navigate conflict, confusion, hardship, and daily life with stability and wisdom.  The lesson introduced the historical background of Philippians. Paul wrote this letter around A.D. 61 while imprisoned in Rome. The church at Philippi was established during Paul's second missionary journey after he received the Macedonian call in Acts 16. Philippi was a Roman colony in Macedonia, and the church was mostly made up of Gentile believers. Philippians was described as Paul's “joy letter” because joy and rejoicing appear repeatedly throughout the book, even though Paul was writing from imprisonment.  A major focus was Philippians 1:6, where Paul expresses confidence that God, who began a good work in the believers, would continue that work until it is completed in Christ. The discussion emphasized that God works in us to build character and through us to bless others. Participants shared examples of how teaching, prayer, encouragement, service, and influence in family and community settings reflect the good work of God continuing through their lives.  The study also highlighted Philippians 1:9–11, where Paul prayed that the believers' love would overflow more and more in knowledge and understanding. This love was not merely emotional, but active, discerning, and rooted in Christ. The fruit of salvation was described as righteous character produced by Jesus Christ, bringing glory and praise to God. Paul's imprisonment was presented as an example of how difficult circumstances can become opportunities for ministry. Instead of becoming bitter or giving up, Paul saw prison as another place to spread the gospel. Even the palace guards became aware that he was in chains because of Christ. The class reflected on how believers today may not be physically imprisoned, but still face discouragement, grief, uncertainty, and hardship. Like Paul, they are called to demonstrate faith in difficult circumstances. The lesson concluded with Paul's call for believers to live as citizens of heaven, standing together in one spirit and one purpose for the faith of the gospel. The study addressed biblical suffering as more than inconvenience or not getting what one wants. Suffering was described as standing against what one has been delivered from, and as something God can use to shape character, strengthen faith, and display His glory. Key Takeaways God's Word must be practiced, not only heard. Peace comes as believers continue walking in what they have learned from Christ. God's good work continues in believers throughout their lives. The fruit of salvation is righteous character that brings glory to God. Hardship can become an opportunity to witness, grow, and encourage others. True joy is rooted in Jesus Christ, not in circumstances. Believers are called to unity, love, purpose, and faithfulness as citizens of heaven. Homework Given Read Philippians 1:7–8 and reflect on this question: Why did Paul say the believers at Philippi had a special place in his heart? The class was encouraged to consider not only their financial support of Paul, but also their partnership, loyalty, love, and shared commitment to the gospel.

In 2 Corinthians 8:1–9, Paul shows us that true generosity flows from experiencing the grace of God. The Macedonian churches gave joyfully and sacrificially, not because they had abundance, but because God's grace had transformed their hearts. Ultimately, Christian generosity is rooted in Jesus himself—though he was rich, he became poor for our sake so that we could become rich in him.

Wesley Wright Lighthouse Bible Church Sunday, May 31, 2026 2 Corinthians 8:1-5 Title: Philanthropy from the poor Notice the following: they gave freely they gave above their means and they understood the value of service to the brethren. The Macedonians were impoverished. They gave freely anyway for the sake of other saints, and Paul praised them for doing so. Paul was familiar with the people of Macedonia: Act 16:4-11, Act 19:13-22 What's the application for us? We should also give freely. There's no fixed amount to giving, and no NT commandment that believers tithe. Here's a reminder about where tithing was mandated for the... for full notes: http://www.lbible.org/index.php?proc=msg&sf=vw&tid=1792

Biljana Vankovska, a Macedonian professor of political science, international relations and peace studies at Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, delivers a sharp systemic critique of declining Western hegemony in this wide-ranging conversation. She interprets the recent conflicts in the Middle East, particularly the Iran war and the Strait of Hormuz events, alongside the situation in Ukraine as structural turning points signaling the shift toward a multipolar global order. Rooted in her experience growing up in former Yugoslavia and the legacy of the Non-Aligned Movement, Vankovska rejects mainstream narratives that reduce global crises to the personal failings of leaders like Donald Trump or simple kakistocracy. Instead, she argues that the world is witnessing the violent death throes of hyper-imperialism and a declining global capitalist system. She deconstructs the so-called rules-based international order as a euphemism for arbitrary US diktat that masks ongoing neo-colonialism while whitewashing historical atrocities. Vankovska contrasts the media-driven fear, paralysis and moral bankruptcy prevalent in the US and EU with the historical optimism and strategic stamina of the Global South. Evoking Antonio Gramsci, she balances a pessimism of the intellect with an optimism of the will, defending legitimate resistance against the military-industrial-media-academic complex. Ultimately, she views the tragedies in Gaza and Iran not as isolated failures but as painful birth pangs of a new cooperative world order grounded in mutual sovereignty, trust, and emancipation from empire. Get full access to Savage Minds at www.savageminds.co/subscribe

TODAY'S TREASUREAnd 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, they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the saints. And they did not do as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then to us in keeping with God's will.2 Corinthians 8:1-5Send us a comment!Support the show

Pastor Steve Harrison taught from Acts 15:36–16:15, showing how God advances His mission through conflict, concession, calling, and conversion. He began by examining the sharp disagreement between Paul and Barnabas over John Mark, emphasizing that even godly leaders experience conflict, yet God can still work through difficult situations to accomplish His purposes. The sermon highlighted the eventual reconciliation between Paul, Barnabas, and Mark as a picture of Christian forgiveness, humility, and restoration. Pastor Steve then explained why Paul had Timothy circumcised, clarifying that Paul was not compromising the gospel but removing unnecessary barriers that could hinder ministry among Jewish people. He also explored how the Holy Spirit guided Paul and his team through both closed and open doors, ultimately leading them to Macedonia and expanding the gospel into Europe. Finally, the message focused on Lydia's conversion in Philippi, reminding believers that while Christians are called to faithfully share the gospel, it is God alone who opens hearts and transforms lives. Pastor Steve concluded by encouraging the church to engage boldly in God's mission, remove unnecessary hindrances to gospel witness, and trust the Holy Spirit to save people through the message of Jesus Christ.

Pastor Steve Harrison taught from Acts 15:36–16:15, showing how God advances His mission through conflict, concession, calling, and conversion. He began by examining the sharp disagreement between Paul and Barnabas over John Mark, emphasizing that even godly leaders experience conflict, yet God can still work through difficult situations to accomplish His purposes. The sermon highlighted the eventual reconciliation between Paul, Barnabas, and Mark as a picture of Christian forgiveness, humility, and restoration. Pastor Steve then explained why Paul had Timothy circumcised, clarifying that Paul was not compromising the gospel but removing unnecessary barriers that could hinder ministry among Jewish people. He also explored how the Holy Spirit guided Paul and his team through both closed and open doors, ultimately leading them to Macedonia and expanding the gospel into Europe. Finally, the message focused on Lydia's conversion in Philippi, reminding believers that while Christians are called to faithfully share the gospel, it is God alone who opens hearts and transforms lives. Pastor Steve concluded by encouraging the church to engage boldly in God's mission, remove unnecessary hindrances to gospel witness, and trust the Holy Spirit to save people through the message of Jesus Christ.

Rome vs Alexander. It's a counterfactual of suitably epic proportions, fit for movie theatres and sprawling strategy video games. What would've happen had the great Macedonian general not perished in Babylon and advanced on an emerging Roman Republic?Tristan Hughes is joined by Roman historian and friend of the show Steele Brand to ask - what would've happened had Alexander invaded Italy? They explore the work of Roman historian Livy, who wrote about this very scenario - would Rome have had enough to resist the mighty legions of an undefeated Macedonia, even before it had really started to forge it's empire? From the sparkling phalanxes of Alexander's Asian realm to the Rome's countless mass of citizen soldiers, find out which of these titans of history achieves ancient world domination.MOREAlexander the Great: Lord of AsiaListen on AppleListen on SpotifyThe Battle of Phillipi: Death of the Roman RepublicListen on AppleListen on SpotifyPresented by Tristan Hughes. Audio editor is Aidan Lonergan. Producer is Joseph Knight. The senior producer is Anne-Marie Luff.All music courtesy of Epidemic SoundsThe Ancients is a History Hit podcast.Sign up to History Hit for hundreds of hours of original documentaries, with a new release every week and ad-free podcasts. Sign up at https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What does it mean to be truly generous?In this powerful message, we explore the biblical difference between tithes and offerings, uncover the two biggest enemies of generosity, and learn how to trust God instead of money.Many people want to be generous “someday,” but Jesus calls us to live generously today.In this sermon, you'll discover:The difference between tithing and offeringsHow a poverty mindset keeps us trapped in fearThe dangers of the prosperity gospelWhy God measures generosity by sacrifice, not amountThe miracle that happens when you place what you have in God's handsThrough stories like the widow's offering, the Macedonian church, and the boy with five loaves and two fish, this message shows how God multiplies what we surrender to Him.No matter your income, you can build a legacy of faith, trust, and generosity for generations to come.

Mark tackles one of the most practical (and often avoided) topics in the Christian life: what does faithful stewardship look like in the final season of life? Drawing from Scripture and real conversations with retirees, Mark offers biblical principles and concrete wisdom for navigating end-of-life finances, inheritance, and Kingdom generosity.Episode Highlights00:27 — Introducing the topic: end-of-life finances, inheritance, and kingdom-centered giving 01:00 — Two North Stars: all money belongs to God; leaving a legacy has biblical priority 02:33 — Why most people want to be generous but struggle with the mechanism 03:31 — Four financial buckets retirees commonly fall into 07:50 — The Macedonian and Corinthian principles: everyone gives something, but not the same something 09:36 — Applying biblical proportionality to each financial scenario 14:31 — The $85 trillion baby boomer wealth transfer — and why Christians can't be absent 16:04 — End-of-life medical expenses: what the numbers actually look like 17:04 — "We are taking longer to die" — why Christians should pursue flourishing living, not slow dying 21:33 — Three options for covering long-term care costs 24:19 — Inheritance principles: it's not only monetary, and money amplifies character 27:48 — Treating the church as "another child" and giving in strategic stages 30:19 — Kingdom generosity: capping personal spending and investing the rest for God's purposes 35:22 — Final word: seek first the Kingdom, trust God's provision, open your handsResourcesCornerstone Sermons: Listen OnlineAsk Mark a Question!Suggest a topic or question for Mark to discuss on a future episode of the Equip Podcast!

Pastor Mike addresses the pervasive struggle with covetousness and the biblical call for sacrificial giving. He examines the "rich fool" in Luke 12, who prioritized earthly security through bigger barns, contrasting him with those who are "rich toward God". Abendroth introduces the "100% principle," arguing that instead of focusing on a 10% tithe, Christians should recognize that everything they own belongs entirely to the Lord as His stewards. By looking to the example of the Macedonian churches and the ultimate sacrifice of Christ—who became poor to make believers spiritually rich—the episode challenges listeners to embrace a lifestyle of cheerful and intentional generosity. Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/kdY3GT0ehL8  No Compromise Radio “Always biblical, always provocative, always in that order.” Video Episode 64: “Rich Toward God" Hosts: Pastor Mike Abendroth (Pastor & Author) Produced/Edited By: Marrio Escobar (Owner of D2L Productions)

I greet you in Jesus' precious name! It is Wednesday morning, the 6th of May, 2026, and this is your friend, Angus Buchan, with a thought for today. We go to the Book of Acts 16:9: “And a vision appeared to Paul in the night. A man of Macedonia stood and pleaded with him, saying, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.” The one thing I loved about Paul, the Apostle, when I read all those letters, was that he was an obedient man. He was not interested in a good idea because he knew that a good idea is not always a God-idea! When he and Silas were travelling, they were going to go to Phrygia, and the Holy Spirit said, “Don't go to Phrygia”, then to Mysia, “Don't go to Mysia, don't go to Bithynia, don't go to Troas.” He never went to any of those places in Asia, but he crossed the sea and went to Macedonia, where the Lord Holy Spirit had told him to go. It is very important to do what the Holy Spirit tells you to do, not what other people tell you to do, not to accept every invitation that comes from all over. Only do what God tells you to do. Now, I can really identify with this Macedonian call. Many of you will remember a few years back, I had a Macedonian call, and it was to Cape Town. Cape Town had had no rain for two years. They were in a terrible state, but that is not what called me. It was a Macedonian call, a young man by the name of Ashley, a very dear son in the Lord, whom I did not know. Through a daily reading of Scripture Union I was reading, I got the Macedonian call. I phoned him. He didn't even know who I was, he thought it was someone playing a trick on him, but when I convinced him that it was me, I said, “I am coming to Mitchell's Plain.”Now, folks, as soon as people heard we were going to Mitchell's Plain, they said, “You are mad. You mustn't go there because those people will hurt you.” I said, “They will not hurt me. God has told me to go there.” And they said to me, ‘But no one will come and support you because no one will go to that area.” Well, we had over 250,000 people there, and by the way, it started raining in the middle of the meeting, and I don't think it stopped since. Signs, miracles, wonders - the first time in my life, the Holy Spirit again told me to take my clothes off and give them to the young gang leaders who had come forward to give their lives, to change their guns for Bibles. It was an amazing event, probably one of the highlights of my preaching career. Today, listen to the Macedonian call! When God tells you to do something, do it. If God tells you not to do it, don't do it, and you will succeed in everything you do.Jesus bless you and have a wonderful day,Goodbye.

In this message, speaker Noel Jesse Heikkinen explores the transformative power of "gospel generosity," contrasting it with the pressure and obligation often felt during fundraising. Drawing from the biblical example of the Macedonian churches, Noel illustrates how true giving is an act of grace that flows naturally when Jesus—rather than money—holds the seat of priority in our lives.Subscribe to AfterWords on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.Download a copy of the Exodus JournalVisit us online: rivchurch.comFollow us on InstagramSend us feedback: podcast@rivchurch.comSubscribe to AfterWords on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.Visit us online: rivchurch.comFollow us on InstagramSend us feedback: podcast@rivchurch.com

Are you trusting in your "chariots and horses," or in the Name of the Lord?In this message, we dive into the final days of King David to look at a moment of profound failure: the census of Israel. Why was God so moved by David counting his men? Because whatever we look to for our security eventually becomes our authority.Drawing from Mike Foster's Seven Primal Questions, we explore the core question: "Am I Secure?" When we feel unstable, we often "scramble" to restore control, just as David did by counting his fighting men instead of trusting the Great I AM.In this video, you will discover:- How to identify your "Primal Question" and how it drives your behavior.- The difference between what God asks us to count and what we try to take into our own hands.- Why tithing is more than a financial habit—it is the "Sacrament of Supremacy" that keeps God first.- The inspiring example of the Macedonian church: How joy and generosity can thrive even in trials.- It's time to stop counting what's in your hands and start trusting the One who holds it all.Scripture References:2 Samuel 24:1-41 Chronicles 21:1Psalm 20:72 Corinthians 8:1-5Malachi 3:8-10Connect with us:Website: https://impact.church Facebook: https://facebook.com/ImpactChurchHome Instagram: https://instagram.com/ImpactChurchHome YouTube: https://youtube.com/@impactchurchhome TikTok: https://tiktokcom/@impactchurchhome

Dr. Aleea Gupta of Family First Direct Primary Care in the western suburbs of Chicago returns to My DPC Story four years after her first appearance, and a lot has changed. Her Instagram following has grown to over 12,000 organic followers, she has partnered with national brands including GoodRx and the AAFP, and her solo practice has evolved into a model of physician entrepreneurship built on authenticity rather than advertising dollars.In this episode, Dr. Gupta and Dr. Maryal Concepcion dive deep into what so many listeners have been asking between seasons: How do you make your DPC practice visible without feeling salesy or icky? How do you show up online authentically and actually get patients to find you? And what does a realistic social media strategy look like for a physician who is also a mom, a wife, a daughter, and a solo practice owner?Whether you are just starting your DPC journey or you have been in practice for years and want to grow your presence, this episode is packed with actionable strategy, hard-won lessons, and a refreshingly honest take on what actually works.What You'll Learn in This EpisodeHow Dr. Gupta pivoted her Instagram from patient acquisition to inspiring the next generation of physicians, and why that shift organically grew her platformThe key difference between Instagram and Google for DPC visibility, and how to leverage both without spending hours on eitherWhy human connection, not content, is what converts a curious follower into a committed patientThe "Macedonian truck driver" niche story: how one patient connection became her largest demographic, and what it teaches us about community outreachHow to identify niche groups in your own community and approach local businesses to present DPCA minimum viable visibility strategy for physicians starting from zero in 2026Content pillars every DPC physician should post about, broken down by audience typeThe essential equipment for quality content creation: lighting, audio, and your smartphoneHow to balance content creation with clinical care, family life, and solo practice managementWhat Dr. Gupta learned about brand partnerships and why you should never underestimate a contractHow to handle negative comments and critics online, professionally and without losing your sanityWhy cross-posting the same content to Instagram and TikTok does not work, and what each platform rewardsUsing Instagram analytics and trial reels to understand what resonates with your audienceHow to gracefully handle being at capacity and Find a My DPC Story Event near you! State Summits in CA, IL, a My DPC Story LIVE event and the DPC Women's Summit are all coming! Learn more at mydpcstory.com/upcoming-events! Earn money WHILE running your DPC! Join SERMO for FREE today!Support the showGET your FREE MONTHLY BUSINESS TOOL DOWNLOADBecome A My DPC Story PATREON MEMBER! SPONSOR THE PODMy DPC Story VOICEMAIL! DPC SWAG!FACEBOOK * INSTAGRAM * LinkedIn * TWITTER * TIKTOK * YouTube

Capitalism: Where did it come from and what does it want? Is it falling to pieces or just reinventing itself to remain immortal, as it always has done? Is it about to enter a dark new digital era where it doesn't even need people? What do we get wrong about it? Can we fix it? What even IS it? Sven Beckert is the author of the epic exploration of money-making, Capitalism: A Global History. He joins Andrew Harrison and Jonn Elledge for the unexpected, untold story of how profit made power.   • Questions for But Your Emails? Thoughts? Comments? Email us at ogwn@podmasters.co.uk.   ESCAPE ROUTES  • Sven Beckert recommends the Neapolitan Quartet novels by Elena Ferrante. Start with My Brilliant Friend. • Jonn Elledge has been revisiting This Life on the BBC iPlayer. Don't miss the This Life episode  of our partnerpod Talk '90s to me.  • Andrew Harrison loved the film DJ Ahmet – if you're only going to see one Macedonian sheep-herding rave movie this year, this is the one.    When you buy books through our affiliate bookshop you help the podcast by earning us a small commission for every sale. Bookshop.org's fees help support independent bookshops too.  www.patreon.com/ohgodwhatnow  Presented by Andrew Harrison and John Elledge. Audio Production by Chris Jones. Art direction: James Parrett. Theme tune by Cornershop. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. OH GOD, WHAT NOW? is a Podmasters production.  www.podmasters.co.uk   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

“And a vision appeared to Paul during the night: A certain man, a Macedonian, was standing and entreating him and saying, Come over into Macedonia and help us. And when he had seen the vision, we immediately endeavored to go forth into Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to announce the gospel to them.” Acts 16:9-10This week we conclude the series titled, “Exhorting One Another”, with sharing from Tom Goetz on his personal experience of serving in Europe as well as the burden to strengthen the Lord's testimony in key cities throughout the continent. This sharing was given during a gathering for working saints at the 2024 Thanksgiving Conference in Atlanta, GA.The original recording can be found at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ndTeTyz5J-o&t=3344s

1. Alexander the Great's Divine Ambition and the Birth of Alexandria Alexander the Great's conquest of Egypt began with the brutal siege of Gaza, where he mirrored the mythical wrath of Achilles by dragging the city's governor to his death. Seeking divine legitimacy, Alexander journeyed to the remote Siwa Oasis. There, the Oracle of Zeus Ammon confirmed his status as a god incarnate, a pivotal moment that elevated his identity from Macedonian king to world ruler. Before departing, he founded Alexandria on the Mediterranean coast, envisioning a global commercial and intellectual hub that looked outward toward the sea rather than inland toward the Nile. (1)