Podcasts about Philippi

Paul travels in the region of Macedonia to Philippi, successfully preaching the Gospel for the first time in Europe.  (Lectionary #291) May 26, 2025 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com  

Send us a textJoin Fr. Aaron & Marissa Burt for this week's episode, in which they consider the readings for the Sunday after Ascension Day: Acts 16:16-34 or 1 Samuel 12:19-24; Psalm 68:1-20 or Psalm 47; Revelation 22:10-21; John 17:20-26.They discuss Paul & Silas' time in Philippi, the final words of Revelation, and Jesus's prayer for all believers.Notes:--Dwell App--Prayers of the People for Easter--2019 Book of Common PrayerEaster: The Season of the Resurrection of Jesus, by: Wesley Hill--Dominion: How the Christian Revolution Remade the World, by: Tom Holland--Book recommendation re: substitution—Lamb of the Free: Recovering the Varied Sacrifical Understandings of Jesus's DeathThe Bible ProjectBible Project summary of Revelation: Part 1 and Part 21:14 Collect1:45 Acts 16:16-3421:24 Psalm 4726:39 Revelation 22:10-2142:52 John 17:20-26Find us online: X/Twitter, Facebook, Instagram Our outro music is an original song by our friend Dcn. Jeremiah Webster, a poet and professor whose giftedness is rivaled by his humbleness. You can find his published works, including After So Many Fires, with a quick Google.

Relevance For Today Episode 350 How To Live a Christ-Like Life: Paul's Pathway Made Easy Part 2 In this new series, I'll be sharing key passages from the Apostle Paul's letters to the churches in Galatia, Ephesus, Philippi, and Colossae—what we know today as the books Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, and Colossians. My goal is to give you some Bible-based nuggets that'll encourage your walk with the Lord and equip you with practical truths to help you live a Christ-like life every day. I truly hope you feel blessed and encouraged by what I share. If you enjoyed the message, please consider sharing, subscribing, and leaving a rating to help us grow. Thank you, and blessings to you all! Facebook: Stephen Lewis Relevance For Today rftministry@gmail.com Instagram: @relevancefortoday TikTok: @stephenlewisrft YouTube Channel Relevance For Today: Stephen Lewis #FaithBasedPodcast #relevancefortodaypodcast #spiritualspotlightpodcast #hopeinChrist  #ReflectJesus #ChristianLiving #FaithWalk #BeTheLight #JesusFollower #LiveForChrist #WalkInLove #ScriptureTeaching #LiveChristLike #ChristInYou #FruitOfTheSpirit #WalkingInTheSpirit #BibleStudySeries #relevancefortodaypodcast #spiritualspotlightpodcast

Acts 16:6-15They went through the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been forbidden by the Holy Spirit to speak the word in Asia. When they had come opposite Mysia, they attempted to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them; so, passing by Mysia, they went down to Troas. During the night Paul had a vision: there stood a man of Macedonia pleading with him and saying, ‘Come over to Macedonia and help us.' When he had seen the vision, we immediately tried to cross over to Macedonia, being convinced that God had called us to proclaim the good news to them.We set sail from Troas and took a straight course to Samothrace, the following day to Neapolis, and from there to Philippi, which is a leading city of the district* of Macedonia and a Roman colony. We remained in this city for some days. On the sabbath day we went outside the gate by the river, where we supposed there was a place of prayer; and we sat down and spoke to the women who had gathered there. A certain woman named Lydia, a worshipper of God, was listening to us; she was from the city of Thyatira and a dealer in purple cloth. The Lord opened her heart to listen eagerly to what was said by Paul. When she and her household were baptized, she urged us, saying, ‘If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come and stay at my home.' And she prevailed upon us. This weekend kicks off not only the start of summer for so many, but it also serves as the unofficial beginning of graduation season. In the office this week, I asked the question: what gift should you get a graduate? I told them about a friend's mom who would give monogrammed towels as her graduate gift. +Mark and Amanda informed me that I should not pick up that tradition. Money was the consensus, just get a card with some cash. I don't disagree, but I am warning you graduates now, I can almost guarantee that someone will give out a copy of the Dr. Suess classic, “Oh The Places You'll Go”. And it is a fitting tribute for the occasion:“ Congratulations! Today is your day. You're off to Great Places! You're off and away! You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose. You're on your own. And you know what you know. And YOU are the person who'll decide where to go.”It is a remarkable feeling, no? To be on the precipice of what comes next and then to set off on the journey. It is so exciting, perhaps a little frightening, if not for you, then for your parents or grandparents and other loved ones. Timothy likely felt this same way when he began his journey with Paul and Silas. In our text, the “they” we hear is in reference to those three Paul, Silas, and Timothy, maybe more. Timothy just joined the group. In the passage immediately before this, Paul and Silas stop in Lystra, where they hear about this young disciple named Timothy. Among believers in Lystra, Timothy is well spoken of. So Paul asks Timothy to join him on this mission. Timothy probably thought “oh the place I'll go”. And go they did, from town to town, the churches were growing, everything was great!That is until they came to Phrygia. Paul and crew want to go to Asia. They think, “that's where God is calling us to proclaim the Gospel. So that must be the right place for us.” So they went to turn left and head to Asia, but the Holy Spirit forbade them to go. That's strange… why would the Holy Spirit not let me go? And what does that even mean? Did a giant wind push against them every time they tried to turn left? Did their compass only point them east? However it happened, they couldn't go into Asia. So the crew thinks well what do you do when you can't turn left… you go right! And so they try to turn right and go to Bithynia, but the Holy Spirit doesn't allow that either. With no other options left, they go to Troas.If you are Timothy, you've got to wonder what went wrong? Everything was so good? We were going to all these places, the church was growing, we had a great plan! But just when everything seemed great, suddenly it wasn't anymore. Graduates, this will undoubtedly happen to you. Surely everyone gathered has had a time like that: when everything seemed to be going great, you thought you were doing what God wanted you to do, but suddenly your plans changed (or they were changed for you), and the roads you wanted to take became blocked. Maybe the major you'd hope for didn't work out. Or you didn't get that job you thought you always wanted or were let go of the job you loved. Maybe that relationship you never thought would end came to a close. Or an unexpected trip to the doctor makes you put everything on hold. Despite your best efforts you ended up in a place you never wanted to be. We've all been there. As Dr Suess says: “I'm sorry to say so but, sadly, it's true that Bang-ups and Hang-ups can happen to you. You can get all hung up, in a prickle-ly perch. And your gang will fly on. You'll be left in a Lurch. You'll come down from the Lurch with an unpleasant bump. And the chances are, then, that you'll be in a Slump. And when you're in a Slump, you're not in for much fun. Un-slumping yourself is not easily done.Yet, it is at those places you never wanted to be, in the times you least expect, that something will happen or someone will come and help and get you unslumped. For Timothy and crew their unslumping came from a vision that Paul had while in Troas: a man saying “Come to Macedonia and help us.” The three of them got up and immediately headed to Macedonia, “convinced that God had called them to proclaim the good news there”.They set sail from Troas, landed in Samothrace, and then came ashore at Neapolis. Neapolis is this wonderful little seaside town, the kind of place you want to land in, and maybe put down some roots; enjoy the sandy beaches and nice weather. I could imagine Timothy saying to Paul and Silas, “we don't really need to follow that vision, that dream, that call, right?” But Paul and his companions don't stop and stay there. It's nice, but they know it's not where they are supposed to be. You'll have your own Neapolis too, places and opportunities that seem really nice, the city or job or relationship you could see yourself in. And the temptation to stay will be strong, yet you'll know it's not right. Heed the voice, the vision, the calling God has placed on you. There will be a reason you move on, even if it is not clear in the moment.Finally Paul, Timothy, and Silas land in Philippi, even though that was not the original goal. Remember Paul wanted to spread the Gospel and grow the church in Asia. But listen to how this part of Paul's mission ends. On the sabbath they all go to the river, hoping to find people praying. They join a group of women and among them is Lydia, likely a wealthy business woman with great influence. She listened eagerly to Paul, had herself and her whole family baptized, and then opened her home to Paul and Timothy and Silas. Lydia is from Thyatria, which is in Asia, the very place Paul hoped to spread the gospel in the first place. Through all the travels, the wrong turns, and the change of plans, Paul does in fact fulfill his mission of growing the church in Asia, just not where and how he expected too.Despite our best efforts, God's calling and leading come through mistaken directions and failed attempts, which can certainly be frustrating and make discernment difficult.We'd like to think “we are the one's who decide where to go”. As Dr/ Seuss puts it. But that's where he's wrong. As Paul, Timothy and Silas attest, it is an illusion to think it's all up to us. God is in charge of the journey you're on. At times, it won't look the way you want or lead to the places you'd hoped. But thankfully Jesus promises us an Advocate, the Holy Spirit, that helps us in discernment and guides us to where we need to go, what we need to do, and who we should meet along the way. For Paul and Timothy, the journey nor the destination were likely what the team imagined. The wandering, the rejection, the vision in a dream, and the people they met. They did not expect a woman, that wasnt what the vision showed. Yet, in the end God's will was done, not their own, which is what we all pray for.Graduates/young people, it's okay if your journey in life looks like this. Parents/grandparents, it's okay if your young person's journey looks like this. God is still at work in the mess of it all. The reality for not just graduates but for all of us is our own journeys will be less like us deciding the places we go, and more like the wanderings of Paul and the rest: ending up in places we didn't expect, receiving direction in ways we didn't anticipate, and meeting people we never predicted, but trusting that God is still leading.“Plans are made. Plans come apart.” Says Kate Bowler, “New delights or tragedies pop up in their place. And nothing human or divine will map out this life, this life that has been more painful than I could have imagined. More beautiful than I could have imagined.”Amen.

Paul's letter to the church at Philippi is full of love and instruction for the Lord's church. He rejoices that the gospel is moving forward even while he is in prison, and encourages the church to endure suffering, to be united in love, and to serve one another sacrificially, looking to the King of Kings who humbled Himself even to death on a cross. Our boast is no longer in the flesh, but in the cross of Christ. Paul had much to boast about before surrendering to Christ but he says he now counts at all as loss in comparison to knowing Christ. Knowing that the Lord is near, we should be anxious for nothing, opting instead to pray and to consider the goodness of God.Philippians 1 - 1:11 . Philippians 2 - 5:42 . Philippians 3 - 11:08 . Philippians 4 - 14:57 . Proverbs 31 - 19:01 .  :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by Bobby Brown, Katelyn Pridgen, Eric Williamson & the Christian Standard Biblefacebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

We're in Philippians, developing a series called “To Live is Christ!” We can learn a lot about the heart of God by studying the prayers of the Bible. And they can certainly help guide our prayer time. Today we'll concentrate on Paul's Prayer for the believers in Philippi. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1368/29

Relevance For Today Episode 349 How To Live a Christ Like Life, Paul's Pathway Made Easy Part 1 In this new series, I'll be sharing key passages from the Apostle Paul's letters to the churches in Galatia, Ephesus, Philippi, and Colossae—what we know today as the books Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, and Colossians. My goal is to give you some Bible-based nuggets that'll not only encourage your walk with the Lord but also equip you with practical truths to help you live a Christ-like life every single day. I truly hope you feel blessed and encouraged by what I share with you. If you enjoyed the message, please consider sharing, subscribing, and leaving a rating to help us grow. Thank you, and blessings to you all! Facebook: Stephen Lewis Relevance For Today rftministry@gmail.com Instagram: @relevancefortoday TikTok: @stephenlewisrft YouTube Channel Relevance For Today Stephen Lewis

We are all discipled by something. The question becomes: what disciples us? Paul teaches the church in Philippi to imitate him. Join us as we go deeper into what this means.

Philippians 1:1-6 NLT1 This letter is from Paul and Timothy, slaves of Christ Jesus.I am writing to all of God's holy people in Philippi who belong to Christ Jesus, including the church leaders and deacons. 2 May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace. 3 Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God. 4 Whenever I pray, I make my requests for all of you with joy, 5 for you have been my partners in spreading the Good News about Christ from the time you first heard it until now. 6 And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns. • • •1. An Affectionate Love • • •Philippians 1:7-8 NLT7 So it is right that I should feel as I do about all of you, for you have a special place in my heart. You share with me the special favor of God, both in my imprisonment and in defending and confirming the truth of the Good News. 8 God knows how much I love you and long for you with the tender compassion of Christ Jesus. • • •2. A Pattern for Prayer • • •Philippians 1:9-11 NLT9 I pray that your love will overflow more and more, and that you will keep on growing in knowledge and understanding. 10 For I want you to understand what really matters, so that you may live pure and blameless lives until the day of Christ's return. 11 May you always be filled with the fruit of your salvation—the righteous character produced in your life by Jesus Christ—for this will bring much glory and praise to God. • • •1 Corinthians 13:4-7 NLT4 Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud 5 or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. 6 It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. 7 Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance. • • •Galatians 5:22-23 ESV22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.Add your private notes...• • •Matthew 5:16 ESV16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. • • •Application:As our love for others grows, may it compel us to pray diligently for them.

This weekend, we're looking at a letter from Paul to his long-distance friends in Philippi. He reminds them that even when he's far away, the Lord is near. And because of that, they can draw near to each other too

Written by Paul and Timothy for the believers in Philippi, this epistle teaches us more about the day of Jesus Christ, tender mercies, and things to be aware of, including knife-happy circumcisers. If you want MORE drinking and bible-ing, including bonus episodes, interviews with experts, fun mini series', and more, consider becoming a ‘parishioner' at Patreon.com/DrunkBibleStudyOur theme music is Book Club by Josh and Anand.

Philippians is a remarkable epistle (or letter) to the church in Philippi. In it, the apostle Paul writes on topics such as prayer, worship, Christian living, humility, unity, and the powerful work of Christ completed in us. People often recognize this book by it's many familiar passages such as, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" and "Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!" to name just a couple.  This book is packed with life-changing principles, so grab your Bible and join Jerry Dirmann as he dives into the amazing book of Philippians, and helps us see how to apply this book in practical ways.   You can also join Jerry everyday on this podcast as he walks us through a chapter of the New Testament, and gives us some amazing insights and applications. Take your daily Bible reading to another level with The New Testament Daily with Jerry Dirmann.    « FREE MEDIA LIBRARY » To listen to or download more teachings from Jerry and others from Solid Lives ministries, visit our new media library at: https://app.jesusdisciple.com/jesus-way/media-library « THE NEW TESTAMENT DAILY PODCAST » https://thenewtestamentdailywithjerrydirmann.buzzsprout.com « SOLID LIVES » Find out more about the ministries of Jerry Dirmann and Solid Lives at https://www.solidlives.com/  « SUPPORT » You can help us get free resources like this out to more people. Visit https://pushpay.com/g/jdglobal Thank you for joining us today! For more resources like this, or to support the ministry of Solid Lives, visit one of the links below: FREE MEDIA LIBRARY » Download or listen at https://SolidLivesMedia.com/ ABOUT SOLID LIVES » Find out more at https://www.solidlives.com/ SUPPORT » Help us get the word out at https://solidlives.com/give/

As we continue to follow the disciples on their second missionary journey, we come to a town called Philippi. It's there they encounter several women, and Paul starts preaching to them! Over the next two broadcasts, we'll notice how God would deal with two of these ladies. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/621/29

Philippians is a remarkable epistle (or letter) to the church in Philippi. In it, the apostle Paul writes on topics such as prayer, worship, Christian living, humility, unity, and the powerful work of Christ completed in us. People often recognize this book by it's many familiar passages such as, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" and "Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!" to name just a couple.  This book is packed with life-changing principles, so grab your Bible and join Jerry Dirmann as he dives into the amazing book of Philippians, and helps us see how to apply this book in practical ways.   You can also join Jerry everyday on this podcast as he walks us through a chapter of the New Testament, and gives us some amazing insights and applications. Take your daily Bible reading to another level with The New Testament Daily with Jerry Dirmann.    « FREE MEDIA LIBRARY » To listen to or download more teachings from Jerry and others from Solid Lives ministries, visit our new media library at: https://app.jesusdisciple.com/jesus-way/media-library « THE NEW TESTAMENT DAILY PODCAST » https://thenewtestamentdailywithjerrydirmann.buzzsprout.com « SOLID LIVES » Find out more about the ministries of Jerry Dirmann and Solid Lives at https://www.solidlives.com/  « SUPPORT » You can help us get free resources like this out to more people. Visit https://pushpay.com/g/jdglobal   Thank you for joining us today! For more resources like this, or to support the ministry of Solid Lives, visit one of the links below: FREE MEDIA LIBRARY » Download or listen at https://SolidLivesMedia.com/ ABOUT SOLID LIVES » Find out more at https://www.solidlives.com/ SUPPORT » Help us get the word out at https://solidlives.com/give/

This blogcast explores “St. Philip Neri: Patron Saint of JOY!" written by Annie Harton and read by Brian Rhude.In this blog post, Annie reminds us of our call to exude joy in our daily lives following the example of St. Philip Neri. In the last days leading up to His passion, Jesus said, “So you also are now in anguish. But I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy away from you” (Jn 16:22). In the wild times we live in, joy sometimes can be hard to find. Discouragement and confusion are often tools of the devil as he tries to distract us from this promise of Christ: joy can ALWAYS be ours. Jesus used the most unimaginable instrument of torture as the awesome instrument of salvation. On Good Friday, the Devil thought he won. On Easter Sunday, God turned the Cross into a gift. If you want to confuse the devil, be joyful. When St. Paul was imprisoned in Rome, one could think his ministry would cease. Instead of giving into discouragement, St. Paul wrote the Epistle of Joy to the people of Philippi thanking them for the blessing that they were to him and encouraging them in their faith. St. Paul stared death in the face a number of times before his beheading in Rome, but we don't have to have these dramatic experiences to embrace our mortality. St. Philip suggests that we “prepare for death and live each day as if it were our last. Fill up days with goodness and don't let them be squandered.” When asked what time it was on his deathbed, St. Philip said, “It's eight… in an hour it'll be nine, then ten, eleven, and midnight.” His companions responded by giggling before going to sleep. His legacy even in his last moments is joy! How can we be apostles of joy today? St. Philip suggests, “Have all the fun you want, but just don't offend God.” He also suggests, “Cast yourself into the arms of God and be very sure that if He wants anything of you, He will fit you for the work and give you strength.” St. Paul says, “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Phil 4:4-9). ​Let us ask the Holy Spirit to fill us with an abundance of the spiritual fruit of joy! We pray for the intercession of St. Philip and St. Paul to show us how to radiate joy no matter the circumstances around us. Author:Annie Harton is a proud alumna of Saint Mary's College and the University of Notre Dame. She is a licensed marriage and family therapist, author, and speaker. Her self-published book, Single Truth: You Are More than Your Relationship Status, inspired her to start a business called You Are More. She specializes in helping singles and couples explore how they're more than their diagnoses, their pasts, their jobs, and their relationship statuses while also reminding them that God is more than any problem they bring Him. You can find out more about Annie and inquire about working with her at youaremore.org and annieharton.com Follow us:The Catholic Apostolate CenterThe Center's podcast websiteInstagramFacebookApple PodcastsSpotify Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. also appears on the podcast, On Mission, which is produced by the Catholic Apostolate Center and you can also listen to his weekly Sunday Gospel reflections. Follow the Center on Facebook, Instagram, X (Twitter), and YouTube to remain up-to-date on the latest Center resources.

Paul was about to send two friends on a dangerous journey to Philippi. Not surprising. What qualified these men to be his messengers? Surprising! And their qualities challenge all Christians everywhere. A sermon that digs up a few hidden gems…

Philippians is a remarkable epistle (or letter) to the church in Philippi. In it, the apostle Paul writes on topics such as prayer, worship, Christian living, humility, unity, and the powerful work of Christ completed in us. People often recognize this book by it's many familiar passages such as, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" and "Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!" to name just a couple.  This book is packed with life-changing principles, so grab your Bible and join Jerry Dirmann as he dives into the amazing book of Philippians, and helps us see how to apply this book in practical ways.   You can also join Jerry everyday on this podcast as he walks us through a chapter of the New Testament, and gives us some amazing insights and applications. Take your daily Bible reading to another level with The New Testament Daily with Jerry Dirmann.    « FREE MEDIA LIBRARY » To listen to or download more teachings from Jerry and others from Solid Lives ministries, visit our new media library at: https://app.jesusdisciple.com/jesus-way/media-library « THE NEW TESTAMENT DAILY PODCAST » https://thenewtestamentdailywithjerrydirmann.buzzsprout.com « SOLID LIVES » Find out more about the ministries of Jerry Dirmann and Solid Lives at https://www.solidlives.com/  « SUPPORT » You can help us get free resources like this out to more people. Visit https://pushpay.com/g/jdglobal  Thank you for joining us today! For more resources like this, or to support the ministry of Solid Lives, visit one of the links below: FREE MEDIA LIBRARY » Download or listen at https://SolidLivesMedia.com/ ABOUT SOLID LIVES » Find out more at https://www.solidlives.com/ SUPPORT » Help us get the word out at https://solidlives.com/give/

Preached by Pastor Duncan Ross on 5/11/25. Acts 11:16-40. More info and sermon manuscripts at www.nshorechurch.org.To The Ends of The Earth: The Book of Acts || Ep. 47

In this PODCAST, one heartfelt plea from one heartbroken apostle. Thank you for listening, and for sharing this message!!! Please remember that depending upon your web browser and connection speed, it may take up to 60 seconds for this podcast to begin to play. God bless you richly as you listen.

Philippians is a remarkable epistle (or letter) to the church in Philippi. In it, the apostle Paul writes on topics such as prayer, worship, Christian living, humility, unity, and the powerful work of Christ completed in us. People often recognize this book by it's many familiar passages such as, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" and "Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!" to name just a couple.  This book is packed with life-changing principles, so grab your Bible and join Jerry Dirmann as he dives into the amazing book of Philippians, and helps us see how to apply this book in practical ways.   You can also join Jerry everyday on this podcast as he walks us through a chapter of the New Testament, and gives us some amazing insights and applications. Take your daily Bible reading to another level with The New Testament Daily with Jerry Dirmann.    « FREE MEDIA LIBRARY » To listen to or download more teachings from Jerry and others from Solid Lives ministries, visit our new media library at: https://app.jesusdisciple.com/jesus-way/media-library « THE NEW TESTAMENT DAILY PODCAST » https://thenewtestamentdailywithjerrydirmann.buzzsprout.com « SOLID LIVES » Find out more about the ministries of Jerry Dirmann and Solid Lives at https://www.solidlives.com/  « SUPPORT » You can help us get free resources like this out to more people. Visit https://pushpay.com/g/jdglobal Thank you for joining us today! For more resources like this, or to support the ministry of Solid Lives, visit one of the links below: FREE MEDIA LIBRARY » Download or listen at https://SolidLivesMedia.com/ ABOUT SOLID LIVES » Find out more at https://www.solidlives.com/ SUPPORT » Help us get the word out at https://solidlives.com/give/

Andy's talk form the Sutton service examines the Philippian church in Acts 16, emphasizing its focus on reaching the unchurched. Diverse individuals found faith, a desire for the present church. Recent UK trends show openness to faith. The sermon urges prayer, as salvation is God's work in spiritual battle, and action within our current context, mirroring historical examples. The call is to pray for five non-believers and share faith where we are, trusting God for transformation.

For the second part in our series 'A Tale of Four Cities' we had special guest Andy Farrer over from King's Church Birmingham. Andy looks at three encounters in the city of Philippi and how the power of the gospel is able to open hearts, set free and save.

Philippians 1.1-11. As Paul opens his joyful and prayerful letter to the young church in Philippi, he speaks of grace and peace; two foundational gifts from God that we must never lose sight of in our church today. 11 May 2025.

The Bible only mentions Lydia in a few verses, but we can look into her conversion to Jesus Christ and her heart to serve. At the end of Acts 16, Lydia is still willing to associate with Paul after all of the trouble he had caused in Philippi. Lydia is an example of being willing to faithfully serve the Lord, no matter the cost. Grab your Bible, turn to Acts 16, and follow along with Pastor Mike.

One of the better known stories in the Bible is when Paul was in Athens and confronted the idol worshippers. He gave a challenging speech on Mars Hill, (modern Bibles translate it as Areopagus) Paul observes how religious (AV ‘superstitious') they are! (Acts 17 v.22).“Men of Athens, I perceive that in every way you are very religious: for I passed along and observed the objects of your worship.” He seizes on the fact they had even made an altar to the unknown god, in case they had missed one! This is Paul's chance to describe the God they do not know as the one true God, a God that is REAL and not the product of human imagination. Today we have ‘evolution' as a concept of human imagination which is, in a sense, ‘worshipped' by many of the intellectuals of this age.This ‘evolution God' frees its worshippers from any sense of developing a conscience that they need to obey and serve as the ‘being' that created them. At the end of Acts 17 we read how “some mocked” [v.32] Paul's message, especially the teaching that the dead are to be raised. This is comparable to the way you hear some ‘mock' today at belief in the Bible.It occurred to us to wonder why Paul performed no miracle at Athens as this would have challenged the thinking of the people. When the Apostle's started their preaching there had been a dramatic healing in Jerusalem. Miracles occurred again in Cyprus and then at Iconium where “the Lord bore witness … granting signs and wonders to be done by their hands” [14 v.3] and again at Lystra and Philippi. The healings helped convince many, so why not at Athens?We suspect that the people of Athens were so set and confident in their ways of religious thought that they did not deserve to witness a miracle! Is not that comparable to today? But is not the resurrection of the nation of Israel from the dead a miracle!? . It is to those who know the word of God – a wonder that those who knew that word in the 19th Century could anticipate this event, despite the lack of any political indication of this150 years ago. When the miracle of Christ's return overwhelms the world – it will be too late to start believing. Belief in God has its foundations built on a true faith grounded in a real knowledge of His word! How strong is your foundation? 

The church at Philippi faced a problem that believers have faced down through the years. How do you pursue the dream of extending God's Kingdom when you have to do it with actual, real-life people – people who can so easily rub you the wrong way?Like porcupines, we can be prickly and cause a lot of hurt and harm to others. That's why porcupines are solitary creatures. They live alone…until it's time for mating. This is the porcupine's dilemma: How do you get close enough to multiply without getting hurt? In nature, porcupines have found a way to avoid the quills and come together in a unique mating dance. All for the sake of reproducing their kind. Friends, we face the same dilemma. We struggle to relate to those who rub us the wrong way.  And we're tempted to either withdraw or lash out.  But if we could see that there's something bigger at play – the multiplication of disciples – perhaps we could learn to do an awkward dance with one another.This is what Paul is calling two women to do in this text. Their names are Eudia and Syntyche and Paul pleads with them to get along. These women are leaders in the Philippian church but their break down is so severe, so costly to the community, that Paul calls them out. He then asks someone he calls “loyal yokefellow” to intercede. When believers break down, it's the responsibility of those who know and love them to help them reconcile.Let's look at how Paul handles this situation and see what we can learn about handling breakdowns.1.     Paul doesn't take sides.Most likely this was not an issue of right and wrong, but rather an intense differing of opinions. So, Paul doesn't side with either one. 2.     Paul doesn't say that their strong opinions weren't justified. His apparent neutrality probably tells us that he thought both women had legitimate points of view. When it comes to the work of the Kingdom, we can be gripped by a “beautiful anger,” a powerful passion for a cause. And that's great! What's not great is to condemn others for not sharing it or to say that their passion is unworthy. 3.     Paul doesn't say they have to be friends.Reconciliation doesn't necessarily mean you'll be best friends. There will be people you just don't resonate with, and that's okay. However… 4.     Paul does challenge them that their breakdown is costing the community.Even the most faithful, mature, and committed people can become so passionate about their points of view that they can poison the very thing they love. 5.     Paul does ask them to be open to mediation.Remember that this letter would have been read aloud to this church body. These women would have heard Paul's request to “get help. Do whatever it takes to resolve this.” Follow the pattern Jesus gave us in Matthew 18. When you break down with someone, go to them – just the two of you. If that doesn't work, get help. Bring in a mediator. 6.     Paul does call them to remember what they do share together and let that unite them.These ladies had “contended by his side” (v. 3). They had labored together in this Kingdom mission. And Paul reminds them…and us… that what unites us is greater than what divides us. Text: Philippians 4:2-3Originally recorded on January 4, 2009, at Fellowship Missionary Church, Fort Wayne, IN

Learning valuable lessons from the reciprocal relationship between Paul and the church at Philippi.

The believers in Philippi had given generously to Paul once again. And he wanted to express his gratitude without sounding too desperate yet not unappreciative either. Plus he wanted them to know that their sacrifice was like an offering to God and would be rewarded by the Lord. Thus we get some good sayings to … Continue reading Generosity and Gratitude →

Are you like a lot of people when it comes to the instruction booklet with a new item? We stare at it and eventually just toss it, guessing we can just figure it out.Yeah…that usually ends like dropping a carton of eggs.The Bible is there for a reason. God's Word is healing and light and a guide for each of us. That's why it's important to read it, and meditate on the words.To the church at Philippi, Paul gave instruction from God, such as putting others before ourselves. Then the payoff.Philippians 2:15 says, “Shine...like the stars in the sky.”God's way is infinitely better. If we focus on the right things, our own needs are then met in ways too spectacular for us to imagine. Focus on others and sharing the Good News, and we stand out like stars in the night sky!Do life the right way: Read the instructions.Let's pray. Lord, you've shown us how to succeed in life and in the life to come. Help us share that with others. In Jesus' name, amen. Change your shirt, and you can change the world! Save 15% off your entire purchase of faith-based apparel + gifts at Kerusso.com with code KDD15.

Letting God's light shine as we live in this dark world can be pretty difficult. As we follow Jesus in a world that doesn't, we will face opposition. So we need a thick skin if we are going to do what God calls us to do. But we also need a loving heart toward people. Love moved Jesus to do what He did for us, and it is love for people that will move us to live out our purpose. This rare combination of a thick skin and tender heart was seen in the life of the Apostle Paul. As we look at this letter he wrote, from prison, to the people of Philippi, we can see his loving heart as he prays with joy because of these people who came to know and love Jesus. May God also make our skin thick and our hearts tender!Support the show

Philippians 1:1-6 NLT1 This letter is from Paul and Timothy, slaves of Christ Jesus.I am writing to all of God's holy people in Philippi who belong to Christ Jesus, including the church leaders and deacons. 2 May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace. 3 Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God. 4 Whenever I pray, I make my requests for all of you with joy, 5 for you have been my partners in spreading the Good News about Christ from the time you first heard it until now. 6 And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns. • • •1. Joy in living for Jesus • • •Philippians 1:20-21 NLT20 For I fully expect and hope that I will never be ashamed, but that I will continue to be bold for Christ, as I have been in the past. And I trust that my life will bring honor to Christ, whether I live or die. 21 For to me, living means living for Christ, and dying is even better. • • •Philippians 1:27 NLT27 Above all, you must live as citizens of heaven, conducting yourselves in a manner worthy of the Good News about Christ. Then, whether I come and see you again or only hear about you, I will know that you are standing together with one spirit and one purpose, fighting together for the faith, which is the Good News. • • •2. Joy in serving others • • •Philippians 2:4-5 NLT4 Don't look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. 5 You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. • • •3. Joy in my salvation • • •Philippians 3:8 NLT8 Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ • • •Philippians 3:14 NLT14 I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us. • • •4. Joy in all circumstances • • •Philippians 4:11-13 NLT11 Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. 12 I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. 13 For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. • • •Philippians 4:4 NLT4 Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice! • • •John 15:11 NLT11 I have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow! • • •Application:You live with the attitude you choose. Choose joy!

Letting God's light shine as we live in this dark world can be pretty difficult. As we follow Jesus in a world that doesn't, we will face opposition. So we need a thick skin if we are going to do what God calls us to do. But we also need a loving heart toward people. Love moved Jesus to do what He did for us, and it is love for people that will move us to live out our purpose. This rare combination of a thick skin and tender heart was seen in the life of the Apostle Paul. As we look at this letter he wrote, from prison, to the people of Philippi, we can see his loving heart as he prays with joy because of these people who came to know and love Jesus. May God also make our skin thick and our hearts tender!Support the show~ Changing lives with Jesus! Facebook | YouTubeInstagram @dscsienna

Deep down, do you wonder why you, personally, are here, and what is it that makes you special, if anything? I certainly have wondered that about myself. That question has to do with destiny, and with purpose, does my life have meaning? We know from Paul that God did raise you and me up to new life for good works God prepared in advance. But how do we find out what those things are? Perhaps Lydia was asking herself those questions as she prepared to move 300 miles west of her birthplace. Little did she know how God was going to change her life, and the lives of many others, when she arrived in Philippi.Joanne Hagemeyer

Welcome to Divine Savior Church in Doral, FLMessage: Have A Thick Skin and Tender HeartSeries: Shine Like StarsService Host: Pastor Ben KuerthPhilippians 1:1-11Letting God's light shine as we live in this dark world can be pretty difficult. As we follow Jesus in a world that doesn't, we will face opposition. So we need a thick skin if we are going to do what God calls us to do. But we also need a loving heart toward people. Love moved Jesus to do what He did for us, and it is love for people that will move us to live out our purpose. This rare combination of a thick skin and tender heart was seen in the life of the Apostle Paul. As we look at this letter he wrote, from prison, to the people of Philippi, we can see his loving heart as he prays with joy because of these people who came to know and love Jesus. May God also make our skin thick and our hearts tender!Support the showMoved to give? http://dschurch.link/givedoralFor more info about our church please visit our website: https://divinesaviorchurch.com/dscdor/

In this episode, we follow Paul, Silas, and Timothy as they spread the gospel from Philippi to Thessalonica and beyond. From freeing a demon-possessed girl to igniting a cultural revolution in Thessalonica, witness how their teachings on Jesus as the Messiah disrupt societies and "turn the world upside down." Then follow Paul as he heads to Athens and finds a city full of idol after idol, and is invited to address the great Athenian thinkers of his day with this new philosophy founded by a man they had never heard of before... Jesus. Join us as we go from Phillipi to Thessalonica, Berea, and then Athens. Turn to Acts 17 to follow along.

In this introductory episode on the book of Philippians, Rob and Vinnie explore the historical and cultural background of the city of Philippi. They discuss Lydia—the first convert in Europe—and how her prominence and hospitality supported Paul and Silas in their mission. The episode also unpacks the significance of Philippi as a Roman colony and how that shaped the dynamics of power, status, and citizenship in the early church. Finally, they reflect on the nature of Roman prisons and how Paul's joy, even while imprisoned, speaks volumes about the Gospel's power.   Please "follow" this podcast and give a review on iTunes, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Your review will go a long way toward helping others find this podcast. Then share it with others so that we can get the word of the Gospel of the Kingdom to more people!   We continue to refuse to hide these podcasts behind a paywall. We can only do this if those of you who have been blessed by them and can afford to give ($5, $10, $25, or $1million or more/month) do so. You can give a tax-deductible contribution by following this link.  

In our text, Paul reminded these brethren of something he had already warned them about. Some were “enemies of the cross of Christ.” Obviously, this was destructive for these individuals. Yet their influence was also dangerous for the faithful brethren in Philippi. The same warning is necessary for us today. If we are not careful, we can become “enemies of the cross,” and the transition is not as abrupt as we might expect.

In this episode, we recount the story of Paul and Silas in Philippi, focusing on their imprisonment and the miraculous events that unfolded. Despite being beaten and thrown into the depths of a grim Roman prison, Paul and Silas turn to prayer and hymns, demonstrating unwavering faith. Their responses lead to an earthquake that opens their prison doors and the conversion of the jailer and his entire household. This story highlights the power of joy and faith in adversity, and how God's work can transform lives and build communities of faith. Turn to Acts 16 to follow along.

Proverbs 18 is about friendship its benefits and its obligations. Verses 1-8 outlines wise thinking and the words which the wise speak – words which bring blessings to those who heed what was said. By contrast verses 6-7 tell us that a fool's mouth is an invitation to strife and his words continually bring trouble upon his head. Gossip is the way of the fool and those associated with him will experience total disaster. Verses 9-19 speaks about the need for diligence in order to be successful. These are contrasted with the true protection, which never fails, the name of Yahweh is a fortress (v10). Those who trust in the LORD are imperishable. They are indestructible. The life of the faithful is in the hand of their Maker. They need have no fear of men, because of their reverence for the Almighty – Matthew 10:16-33. Read aloud slowly. Contemplate this message for how you will live your life before your Sovereign and as a witness to your community. The wise men speaks of pride preceding a fall (v12). We are told to listen before speaking (v13). Generosity paves the way for acceptance (v16). Don't win an argument via persistence – be prepared to agree through a lot, ie it doesn't matter if you never win. If you simply win through aggression, or because you won't stop arguing you have lost a friend and a great deal more (v18). Verse 19 tells us that if your insistence creates a rift then it can only be healed via great efforts and immense sufferings. Verses 20-24 tell us, yet once again to be diligent in order to live adequately. What a great lesson verse 21 teaches – your tongue can save another person, or destroy them. A Godly companion in life is an aid and blessing in our walk towards the kingdom of God (v22). Be a close friend rather than a ruinous babbler (v24).According to Acts 28 Paul spent two years under house arrest in Rome (AD62-64). During this time Philippians, and Philemon were written. Acts 16 provided the background to the gospel arriving in Philippi. Philippians is called Paul's letter of joy and its theme is, “Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say rejoice.” In chapter 1 of the letter the Apostle described his constant thanksgiving for the love of the believers in that city – colony which was heavily Roman in every way. He told them of the advance of the gospel in Rome and that even members of the Praetorian guard had become faithful believers. Unfortunately, not all ‘brethren' were happy – there was a group of false believers (known as Judaisers) whose motives for preaching were to see Paul persecuted. Paul, indeed would have been happy to die for the faith, nonetheless he felt that continued living would be for the benefit of the believers. In chapter 2 we have wonderful exhortations of Christ's mindset, as always being to honour and exalt his Father and for the benefit of others. Let that, said Paul, be the attitude of every believer. As God's Son our Lord had a status higher than anyone; yet he suffered as a servant the death of the cross. Now he is exalted at the Father's right hand with the name of Yahweh Himself (Isaiah 45). Believers bare the responsibility of shining as lights among this twisted world. He showed that Timothy and Epaphroditus both demonstrated Christ-like love for the believers in Philippi. Their own lives were put behind the course and purpose of the gospel.

Paul and the church at Philippi received significant opposition to the true gospel they received through faith. Many pushed the church to pursue worldly forms of power and following rules and regulations to experience right relationship with Christ. Today we still experience these messages and feel this pressure, believing that right relationship with Christ can be earned by perfect doctrine and behaviors and believing Christ is somehow present more in power than weakness. Paul reminds us that it is only through faith that we have been made right with God. Paul reminds us when we suffer Christ co-suffers with us. Relationship with God isn't earned, it's freely given from God. Scriptures: Philippians 3:4b-14

Join us this week as we return to our series, Deep Church! Surrender is one of the most difficult parts of the Christian journey, but necessary for a deep church. Paul will illustrate what this looks like for the church in Philippi.

Where can we find hope when we feel vulnerable to events, both global and private, that sap our strength?  Tapping into the Apostle Paul's letter to the Church in Philippi, we'll investigate, together, how to move forward in difficult seasons.  Speaker: Pastor Jae Newman Part of the series “Walking Toward the Garden”

Worthy of the Gospel | Week 12 | Deb Hagood--Paul encourages the believers in Philippi because of their partnership in the gospel, the spread of the gospel during Paul's imprisonment, and the hope Paul has for the future.--Outline

This series began with a recognition that Paul's letter to the Philippian Church is one of his most joyful and encouraging in the New Testament. Nowhere is this more apparent than in his famous command, “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice” (4:4 NRSV). As we've seen, Paul had a lot to be joyful for in the lives of his brothers and sisters in Philippi: a church that took root deeply in the love of Jesus, a community overflowing with generosity, and a family that stayed true to Paul when others fell away. Paul's joy is well founded, and he wants the Philippians to carry that joy forward forever. Today, as we celebrate what God is doing at Grace through the Reimagine Initiative, let us not only dream about what is to come, but rejoice with thanksgiving at what he has done through those who have come before. Like the Church in Philippi, let us build on the gifts of our forebears and “keep putting into practice all we learned and received from them” (4:9), even as we grow, dream, and adapt to the new realities God has called us into.

Join us as we delve into the inspiring and challenging journey of Paul and Silas in Philippi. From their encounter with Lydia, a wealthy businesswoman, to a transformative moment with a demon-possessed slave girl, this story highlights the power of the gospel to change lives. Witness Paul and Silas' unwavering faith despite severe persecution and explore the early expansion of Christianity into Europe. Learn important lessons on the dangers of demonic influences and the enduring power of Christ's name. Turn to Acts 16 to follow along.

Transcript:Hello, this is Pastor Don Willeman of Christ Redeemer Church. Welcome to The Kingdom Perspective. Arguably the most basic thing to a church culture is the shared mindset or attitude of its members. It is not so much the stated mission or strategy of a church that matters as much as the vibe its members give off, especially as they gather. This vibe flows from the shared mindset—the deep often subtle beliefs and feelings that each person has toward themselves, others, and ultimately God. Now, the gospel calls us to have a peculiar mindset. Paul exhorts the believers in Philippi saying “In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus…” (Philippians 2:5). And what is that mindset? To do “nothing out of selfish ambition (politicking for status) or vain conceit (self-glory). Rather, in humility value others above yourselves….” (Philippians 2:3 NIV). We are to understand and value the perspectives and preferences of others above our own. Now, this is deeply counterintuitive and fraught with the challenge of self-justification. We tend to flatter ourselves we are doing the “others-centeredness thing” better than our neighbor—that our self-sacrifice in loving others is greater than their self-sacrifice in having to love us. But, of course, this is the very opposite of the gospel mindset. This is why our minds must be saturated and shaped by Jesus's shocking sacrificial love for us. We need to be daily struck in the gut by this truth (gut could be another possible translation for “mindset”). If Jesus, who is in very nature God, did not think highly of Himself, how in the world can I? And that's something to think about, daily, from The Kingdom Perspective. “Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross!   Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”~Philippians 2:1-11 (NIV)

(1 Corinthians 14:40) The basic structure of the New Testament church is determined by only one person—the Founder of the church, Jesus Christ! God is a God of order and He has plainly left us the order He desires. The measure of any church is its obedience to Christ. (0963250312) ----more----   The Meaning of the Word "Church" Words matter. So why did the Lord Jesus Christ choose the word church to represent his people in this world? The word church itself literally means a called out assembly. Now there's two wonderful parts to that. First, we've been called out, are you glad you've been called out? Peter writes in 1 Peter 2:9 and says that we've been called out of darkness into his marvelous light. I love that. The Lord Jesus when he first came, called his disciples that they should be with him. So we're part of that.  Called Out Assembly: Unity and Gathering We've been called out, but then it's a called out assembly. It presupposes the idea that we're not just supposed to belong, we're to be together. That we would meet, that we would gather, that we would stay connected to one another. A called out assembly. Now, while every person on Earth that has put their faith and trust in the Lord Jesus Christ as their personal savior belongs to the Lord, that entire group has never met together at one time, no matter how big the meeting may be. And it never will meet together at one time until we all get to glory someday. Won't that be a wonderful assembly? What a day that's gonna be. You've never been in a meeting, like the meeting around. The throne of God at the nail pierced feet of Jesus. That's gonna be a great day.  Local New Testament Churches But my point is this, the overwhelming emphasis in the New Testament regarding the New Testament Church is that the New Testament Church is a local assembly. It's a local group of baptized believers who voluntarily joined themselves together to carry out the great commission. It is, if we might say it this way, a visible manifestation of the body of Christ in every place. For example, acts chapter eight, verse number one. This goes to really the heart of the church and the early stages of the church. Acts chapter eight, verse one says, "And Saul was consenting unto his death." That was the death of Stephen, the first martyr of the church. And the Bible says, and at that time there was a great persecution against the church, which was at Jerusalem. There was a visible group of believers. Assembling together at Jerusalem. If you go over a few pages to Acts chapter 13, verse one. "Now there were in the church that was at Antioch." You hear that it's a reference to the geographical location of each assembly? We could go through the letters of the Apostle Paul, you'd find it again and again. Galatians chapter one, verse number two, one Thessalonians chapter one, verse number one. How about this one? Philippians 1:1, "Paul and Otus, the servants of Jesus Christ to all the saints in Christ Jesus, which are at Philippi with the bishops and deacons." So our spiritual place is in Christ Jesus. We're seated with him in heavenly places. Praise God for that. But physically speaking, geographically circumstantially, we are at Philippi. At Thessalonica in Galacia or wherever your local assembly meets today. So we're dealing with local New Testament churches. Isn't that a simple principle?  The Simplicity of God's Church Structure And a part of this simplicity, it's wonderful, is to see the simple structure of God's amazing work when the Lord Jesus founded his church. He established it in such a way that there was a simplicity to it. There was a simple structure. Let me give you a few thoughts today.  Two Ordinances: Baptism and the Lord's Supper First of all he established two ordinances. That's wonderful. What are the two things he ordered that we do? They are baptism and the Lord's Supper. Matthew chapter 28, before he left the disciples, he told them to go into all the world to teach and then to baptize in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost. So He ordered that we would baptize new believers and that baptism would identify those people with Christ and with His church in this world. You've gotta have several things, right? To have the right baptism, you gotta have the right authority. That's the local church. You have to have a right candidate. That's a saved person. They have to believe on Christ first. You have to have the right mode. That's immersion. That's what the word baptism means. It literally means to dip, immerse, or plunge, and so that's God's way. And then you have to have the right method, which is to baptize them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost, because that's the way Christ said to do it. He ordered baptism. The second ordinance that he left the church was. What we refer to as the Lord's Supper or the memorial supper. Paul really expounds on this in one Corinthians chapter 11 and it's powerful, all the teaching that is there, but it was established with Christ and his disciples. At that last Passover. He instituted a new supper. It was the first memorial supper on his way to the cross. He said, "I want you to do this in remembrance of me. This bread will represent my body. This fruit of the vine will represent my blood, which was shed for you." It's symbolic and so it's beautiful that the two things Christ ordered that every local church do, baptism and the Lord's Supper both point us to Jesus. Isn't that great? Everything points us not to an institution, but to an individual. It brings us to Christ. It's a reminder that the church's simple mission in this world is to point people to the Lord Jesus Christ. To show his death, to show the resurrection power, to show the fact that he is alive and is coming again. That's what the two ordinances are all about.  Two Offices: Bishops and Deacons Then He not only gave two ordinances, He gave two offices. I just read a moment ago, Philippians chapter one, verse number one with the bishops and deacons, right? There we go. That's the two offices. The bishop, that's the pastor. He has several titles or names ascribed to him in the New Testament. He's referred to as a pastor. That's a shepherd of a flock he's referred to here as a bishop. That word means to oversee, that emphasizes his function. He's also referred to in the New Testament as an elder that emphasizes his office or his place within the body. And so God gives to a local church a pastor, someone to help guide the flock. He is the Lord's under shepherd. There's only one good shepherd, but he's the under shepherd. And he's helping to guide the flock and feed the flock under the Lord Jesus Christ. And then alongside those bishops or pastors God calls or commands rather, that the church would call out deacons. I say it that way because I believe pastors are called to the Lord, deacons or chosen by the church. And so while there may be one pastor of a local assembly, there are many deacons because the word deacon literally means servants. These are people who've come alongside to serve. They started in Acts chapter number six where the apostles had so much to do with the ministry of the word and prayer that the widows were being neglected. So someone had to care for these things. And I just wanna pause and say, praise God for faithful deacons. And their place in the local assembly is just what the title means. It is to serve. It is to serve the Lord, to serve the pastor, to serve the congregation, to be a blessing and help. So there are two ordinances. There are two offices, and what do these tell us about the Lord?  God's Order in the Church They tell us that our God is a God of order. And by the way, we make things so everlasting complicated, don't we? That's what sin does. That's what sinners do. But listen to this principle in one Corinthians chapter 14 and verse number 40, it's powerful. The Bible says, "Let all things be done decently and in order." May I tell you that God is a God of order that's revealed in the Bible from the very beginning of creation, and certainly that's true in his church order is more than organization. It's fulfilling God's purpose. Organization can be of man. Really the only way to organize an organism is to dissect it and that kills it. So it's not mere organization we're after. No. The New Testament church must follow the divine order. God's simple plan for his local New Testament church. And if we'd follow the simple structure of God's amazing work friend, we'd see God work because then we're doing God's work God's way. May the Lord help all of us to help our churches. Because ever become everything that Christ founded them to be.  Outro and Resources Repeating what other people have said about the Bible is not enough. We must know the biblical reason behind what we believe. We hope you will visit us at etj.bible to access our Library of Bible teaching resources, including book-by-book studies of Scripture. You'll also find studies to watch, listen to, or read. We are so grateful for those who pray for us, who share the biblical content, and for those who invest to help us advance this ministry worldwide. Again, thank you for listening and we hope you'll join us next time on enjoying the Journey.

How to Support the Rob Skinner Podcast.  If you would like to help support my mission to multiply disciples, leaders and churches, click here:  https://www.buymeacoffee.com/robskinner Join me as I interview Shawn Wooten, Ed Anton and Mark McCune about the Revive Mission Team's visit to the ancient ruins of Philippi in Greece.  We saw the prison where Paul met the Philippian Jailer.  We also visited the site Paul met and baptized the first convert in the continent of Asia, Lydia.   How to reach Rob:  Rob@RobSkinner.Com