Podcasts about Philippi

At the last night of summer camp as a teenager, I felt conspicuous as I stood alone in a group of campers. When one of them mocked me, I felt hurt. I ran back to my tent, pretending to sleep when the group leader checked on me. The next morning I avoided her attempt to talk about it. She later wrote to me, helping me understand that God truly cared for me. She quoted from the apostle Paul: we can be “confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 1:6). I felt like the apostle’s words were directed right to me. Paul wrote to the church at Philippi, which he’d planted over a decade earlier, to encourage them to root their love for God and each other “in knowledge and depth of insight” (v. 9). God would carry on His work in and through them as He filled them “with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ” (v. 11). At the time I didn’t understand the original context, but I started to comprehend that my identity as one loved by God came from knowing and accepting the love of Jesus. God desires that we receive His love and that it would abound in us more and more. As He fills us with His joy and peace, we’ll grow in the knowledge not only of Him but of His good work in us.

Friday, 30 January 2026   When Jesus came into the region of Caesarea Philippi, He asked His disciples, saying, “Who do men say that I, the Son of Man, am?” Matthew 16:13   “And Jesus, having come to the allotments – Caesarea, the Phillipi, He entreated His disciples, saying, ‘Whom they say, the men, Me to be, the Son of Man?'” (CG).   In the previous verse, the disciples finally clued in to what Jesus was trying to teach them. His words about the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees were speaking of their evil doctrine. Matthew now continues the narrative of their time after arriving on the eastern shore of the Sea of Galilee, saying, “And Jesus, having come to the allotments – Caesarea, the Phillipi.”   A new word, Kaisareia, Caesarea, is introduced. It is derived from Kaisar, Caesar, a Latin word referring to the title of the Roman Emperor. Caesarea refers to two places in the area of Israel. The first is this location, Caesarea Philippi. Of this location, Albert Barnes says –   “There were two cities in Judea called Caesarea. One was situated on the borders of the Mediterranean (See the notes at Acts 8:40), and the other was the one mentioned here. This city was greatly enlarged and ornamented by Philip the tetrarch, son of Herod, and called Caesarea in honor of the Roman emperor, Tiberius Caesar. To distinguish it from the other Caesarea the name of Philip was added to it, and it was called Caesarea Philippi, or Caesarea of Philippi. It was situated in the boundaries of the tribe of Naphtali, at the foot of Mount Hermon.”   Having come to this general area, “He entreated His disciples, saying, ‘Whom they say, the men, Me to be, the Son of Man?'” Translations consider His words in one of two ways. One is “Whom do men say that I am? The Son of Man?”, or “Whom do men say that I, the Son of Man, am?”   The latter is correct. Jesus has referred to Himself as the Son of Man nine times already, making this the tenth. Peter's answer will also show that He is not asking if people say He is the Son of Man. Rather, He is asking what He, the Son of Man, is called by others. He is preparing them for a great pronouncement by asking this probing question first.   Life application: Jesus came to His own country in Matthew 13:53-58. He was rejected by them. In Matthew 14:1-12, the account of the beheading of John the Baptist was given. That was followed by the feeding of the five thousand in Matthew 14:13-21.   Jesus then walked on the sea, as is recorded in Matthew 14:22-33. From there, they came to the area of Gennesaret, at which time He fully saved all who simply touched Him. In Matthew 15:1-20, it then noted the traditions of the Jews which Jesus condemned, explaining that what comes out of a man is what defiles, not what enters into him.   That was then followed by His journey to the allotments of Tyre and Sidon, where the faith of the Canaanite woman was noted, and her daughter was saved. After that, Jesus went around the Sea of Galilee to the eastern side of it. There, He healed many and eventually fed four thousand. After feeding them, they crossed the Galilee, coming to the region of Magdala.   While there, He was accosted by the Pharisees and Sadducees who looked for a sign from heaven. He told them no sign would be given but the sign of Jonah. Once that was complete, they once again crossed the Sea of Galilee to the eastern side, being instructed on the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees. Now in the account, they have remained on this eastern side and gone north to the area of Caesarea Philippi.   This crisscrossing of the land and the Sea of Galilee all has a purpose. Jesus' movements are being used as a walking instructional tool in what God is doing in redemptive history. It is good to stop and reconsider where He has gone and where He is at any given time. By considering these things, we can follow what God is doing in reconciling the world to Himself through Jesus.   Each area visited, each topographical marker that is mentioned, and each thing Jesus does is being woven into a marvelous tapestry for us to ponder and learn from. Keep paying attention to the details, both from a micro and macro viewpoint. God is telling us a story of humanity's long trek back to Him, and it is all centered on Jesus.   Lord God, it would make no sense for You to send Your Son into the world unless there was something to be gained from it. His life of trials and burdens, culminating in His cross and resurrection, tells us that there is a great plan that has been put in place to bring Your people to a place we cannot even imagine at this time. We are grateful to be on this journey because of Jesus! Thank You for the sure hope we possess. Amen.

He Played His Lyre, and The Evil Spirit Would Leave!1 Samuel 16:23 “Whenever the spirit from God came on Saul, David would take up his lyre and play. Then relief would come to Saul; he would feel better, and the evil spirit would leave him.”When I heard about this verse, I loved it because it shows us another example of the power of music. When David played his lyre, the evil spirit would leave Saul. Did you know that music could set you free from evil spirits? Are you starting to see the power of praise and worship? Are you starting to see the power of music and singing? Praise and playing musical instruments have been setting captives free for a very long time.God instructed Joshua to have the Israelites march around the city of Jericho once a day for six days, with priests blowing trumpets and the people remaining silent. On the seventh day, they were to march around the city seven times. When the priests sounded the trumpets, Joshua commanded the people to shout, and the walls of Jericho collapsed. God allowed the Israelites to take this city. (Joshua 6:1–20)God reduced Gideon's army from thousands to just three hundred men so that Israel would know the victory came from Him alone. At God's instruction, the men carried trumpets and torches instead of swords. When they blew the trumpets and shouted, God threw the Midianite army into confusion, and the enemy turned on itself. Israel won the battle without fighting by strength, showing that obedience, proclamation, and trust in God released His power. (Judges 7:1–22)When King Jehoshaphat faced a vast enemy army, he sought the Lord, and God declared that the battle belonged to Him. Jehoshaphat sent singers ahead of the army, praising God as they marched into battle. As they worshiped, the Lord caused the enemy armies to turn on one another, and Judah did not have to fight at all. The victory came through praise, revealing that worship invites God to act powerfully on behalf of His people. (2 Chronicles 20:1–30)While imprisoned in Philippi after being beaten and chained, Paul and Silas prayed and sang hymns to God in the middle of the night. As they worshiped, a sudden earthquake shook the prison, opening the doors and loosening everyone's chains. Rather than escaping, Paul and Silas remained, leading the jailer and his household to salvation. Their praise not only brought physical freedom but also opened the way for lives to be saved. (Acts 16:22–34)Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego stood before King Nebuchadnezzar and refused to bow to the golden image, declaring their unwavering faith in God. They proclaimed that God was able to deliver them from the fiery furnace, but even if He did not, they would not worship any false god. Their words were an act of praise rooted in trust—honoring God above fear, outcome, or survival. Their worship was not expressed through song, but through bold confession of God's power and faithfulness in the face of death. (Daniel 3:16–17)I like this example because it shows us that there are many ways to praise. If you don't like music, if you don't like singing, that doesn't mean that you can't be set free by praise and worship. There are so many ways to praise the Lord. Music happens to be my favorite, and for me, one of the easiest, because if I don't know what to say, there are plenty of others who have written beautiful songs who do know what to say. However, if you don't like music or singing, don't count yourself out. You can praise the Lord with your writing, with your words said outloud. You can praise the Lord with gratitude or in the things you say to others. There isn't just one way to praise the Lord. I pray that by the end of this series, you understand that there are so many different ways to praise. There is a way for everyone.When King Hezekiah received a threatening message from the Assyrian king, he took the letter to the temple and spread it before the Lord. In prayer, Hezekiah praised God as the one true Lord over all kingdoms and asked Him to act so that all would know His power. God responded by promising deliverance, and that very night the Assyrian army was defeated without Judah having to fight a single battle. Hezekiah's prayerful praise and trust in God's sovereignty led to a decisive victory and public recognition of the Lord's supremacy. (2 Kings 19:14–37)Again, this is a different kind of praise. King Hezekiah went in front of the Lord and presented the letter from his enemies. He then praised God as the one true King and asked God for help. Do you see how easy it can be to praise the Lord at times? All it says that he did was to praise the Lord as the one true King over all kingdoms. This is why I have placed a link in the previous episode for the praise sheets that I received at my prayer group. However, you don't even need those sheets. You can simply tell the Lord how great you think He is. I tend to say, “You are the Lord of Lords and King of Kings. You are the Almighty One. We worship you. We adore you, and we glorify you.” You can say whatever it is you think about the Lord.My homework for you today is to stop and think about 5 things you can say to the Lord to praise Him. What is it you think of Him? What do you know to be true about Him? Once you have these 5 things, you can have fewer or more; I just randomly decided on 5. Once you have these, then I want you to say them every single day to the Lord. It doesn't matter when you say them, but try to say them every day and watch how your life changes. Watch how your trust in the Lord begins to grow because you are reminding yourself every day how amazing He is. If you have to ask the Lord for something, start with these few praise statements and then ask Him. Watch to see if there is any difference in the number of answered prayers, or in the way they are answered.This is just one tiny way to add more praise into your life without going overboard or taking up a lot of extra time. Just give it a try. What have you got to lose? What could you gain? Trust me, more praise and worship in your life is exactly what you need right now. I know I may not know you, but I know this is what we all need right now. We need to replace the worry and anxiety of this world with praise and worship, and we then watch our lives feel a bit easier.Dear Heavenly Father, I ask you to bless all those listening today. Lord, I ask you to show them the power of praise and worship. I ask that you bless them with graces when they are praising you. I ask that you open their eyes to the ways that praise and worship are changing their lives. Help us to see with your eyes, Lord. Help us to notice more of you in our lives. We love you, Lord, and we ask all of this in accordance with your will and in Jesus's holy name, Amen!Thank you so much for joining me on this journey to walk boldly with Jesus! If you know there's more to your faith than routine and rules, I'd love to stay connected with you. You can join my email list to receive scripture-rooted encouragement and reflections to help you walk boldly with Jesus in your everyday life. You can sign up through the link in the show notes (CLICK HERE)—I'd love to have you with us. I look forward to meeting you here again tomorrow. Remember, Jesus loves you just as you are, and so do I. God is on your side, and we are rooting for you—always. Have a blessed dayToday's Word from the Lord was received in September 2025 by a member of my Catholic Charismatic Prayer Group. If you have any questions about the prayer group, these words, or how to join us for a meeting, please email CatholicCharismaticPrayerGroup@gmail.com. Today's Word from the Lord is, “My children, you are precious to me. I took each of you with me to the cross. You were there with me that day, each of you.” www.findingtruenorthcoaching.comCLICK HERE TO DONATECLICK HERE to sign up for Mentoring CLICK HERE to sign up for Daily "Word from the Lord" emailsCLICK HERE to sign up for my newsletter & receive a free audio training about inviting Jesus into your daily lifeCLICK HERE to buy my book Total Trust in God's Safe Embrace

Paul became "all things to all people" for one reason: that some might be saved. Whether circumcising Timothy for ministry effectiveness or enduring persecution in Philippi, every decision served the gospel's advance. This challenges us to examine our own lives—what are we willing to do, change, or sacrifice so that others might encounter Jesus?

Over the course of several missionary journeys, the Apostle Paul walked countless miles of Roman roads, carrying the Gospel in his heart like an Olympian bearing a torch. The 2025 Greece/Rome Signature Tour followed those footsteps chronologically, tracing Paul's path through some of Scripture's most compelling cities and accounts. Join Rich Ferreira and Jerrell Jobe as they reflect on the journey, from its beginning in Kavala (Acts 16), through Philippi, Thessaloniki (Thessalonica), Berea, Athens, Corinth, and finally, Rome.Building on Philippi's history as a status-driven Roman city, Jerrell then unpacks Philippians 2 and explores what it truly meant for Christ to “become a servant.”Studying Scripture in this way brings the Bible to life—real people in real places in real time—causing the stories to leap off the page! The same Living Word Paul proclaimed in Macedonia is the Word that draws us there today. Join us.Watch this summary of the trip:https://vimeo.com/1156798520?fl=pl&fe=sh2026 trip page:https://gtitours.org/trip/signature-greece-rome-2026Video podcast:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j0bN0wc_lv0  

In this message, Jordan Allen, kicks off the new semester by exploring Acts 16 and the dramatic expansion of the early church into Philippi. By following the journeys of Paul, Silas, and the author Luke, the sermon highlights how the gospel breaks chains—both literal and spiritual—for people across all walks of life, from an enslaved girl to a Roman jailer.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

This message by Elder Mike Gowens, message #10 in the Philippians study, was delivered on Sunday, 1/4/26. It is based on Phi. 1:27-30, a passage in which Paul exhorts the saints at Philippi to make it their priority to live in a way that reflects the gospel they profess. Paul employs three metaphors of discipleship to explain what that means in specific terms.

In this message, Hezekiah explores the transformative power of the gospel through three distinct encounters in the city of Philippi. By examining the lives of a wealthy businesswoman, an enslaved girl, and a desperate jailer, the sermon illustrates that God meets individuals exactly where they are, regardless of their social status or past. Case challenges listeners to move beyond a "safe" or merely intellectual faith, urging a total surrender that reorients one's life toward service and community.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

In this message, Pastor Tony tracks the expansion of the early church from Antioch to Philippi, marking the first time the gospel reached European soil. Drawing from Acts 15 and 16, he highlights how God uses "flawed human beings" and strategic missionary teams to carry the message of Jesus across 1,200 miles of diverse terrain. The sermon details the recruitment of young Timothy and the conversion of three very different individuals: the wealthy businesswoman Lydia, a freed slave girl, and a desperate Roman jailer.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

John Maytham speaks to Professor Irvin Kinnes, a criminologist, to unpack what this attack tells us about organised violence, extortion networks and the patterns behind repeated mass shootings in communities like Philippi. With police confirming that the incident is believed to be linked to extortion, the focus now shifts to why such crimes continue to occur — and whether current crime-prevention strategies are working. Presenter John Maytham is an actor and author-turned-talk radio veteran and seasoned journalist. His show serves a round-up of local and international news coupled with the latest in business, sport, traffic and weather. The host’s eclectic interests mean the program often surprises the audience with intriguing book reviews and inspiring interviews profiling artists. A daily highlight is Rapid Fire, just after 5:30pm. CapeTalk fans call in, to stump the presenter with their general knowledge questions. Another firm favourite is the humorous Thursday crossing with award-winning journalist Rebecca Davis, called “Plan B”. Thank you for listening to a podcast from Afternoon Drive with John Maytham Listen live on Primedia+ weekdays from 15:00 and 18:00 (SA Time) to Afternoon Drive with John Maytham broadcast on CapeTalk https://buff.ly/NnFM3Nk For more from the show go to https://buff.ly/BSFy4Cn or find all the catch-up podcasts here https://buff.ly/n8nWt4x Subscribe to the CapeTalk Daily and Weekly Newsletters https://buff.ly/sbvVZD5 Follow us on social media: CapeTalk on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CapeTalk CapeTalk on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@capetalk CapeTalk on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ CapeTalk on X: https://x.com/CapeTalk CapeTalk on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CapeTalk567 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/your-daily-portion-with-l-david-harris--2912188/support.About Your Daily PortionYour Daily Portion with L. David Harris is a Bible-centered teaching ministry committed to helping people engage Scripture daily with clarity and purpose. This program is a service of Your Daily Portion Ministries, Inc., and is made possible through the faithful support of listeners and viewers.If this teaching blesses you, consider supporting the work so it can continue reaching others around the world through radio, podcasts, and digital platforms.Support the ministry:

Chapter 3 of Heroes in the Bible: Paul with Michael Chandler is inspired by the book of Acts. Paul vs. Prison - Story inspired by Acts 16The church is growing in Philippi… until a demon-possessed girl interrupts the peace. She makes a mockery of Paul and Silas, sending Paul to the brink of insanity. When Paul finally sets this girl free from her demon, he is sent to prison. In this episode, inspired by Acts 16, Paul and Silas cling to hope in a cold, dark cell. And what comes after… is earthshaking! Listen to some of the greatest Bible stories ever told and make prayer a priority in your life by downloading the Pray.com app. Sign up for Heroes in the Bible devotionals at https://www.heroesinthebible.com/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Why does it take some people so long to change? Who came to your mind when you read that question? Maybe a parent or a child, a boss or a friend, a spouse or even a pastor. You've prayed SO long for this person to change. But no matter what you do, nothing changes.WHY?We've all been there, asking that question—even the Apostle Paul. In this episode of Live the Bible, we're traveling with him to Philippi, where we'll find the surprising answer.Are you ready for the surprise? (It's a good one!) Support the show

Episode Synopsis:About the time Paul began his second missionary journey, a serious famine swept through Palestine–greatly impacting the Jerusalem church.  Those who lived in the region knew how serious such things could be and so they prepared for it–stockpiling grain, spices, and animal feed, etc.  But as soon as a church was organized in Jerusalem–after Pentecost–Jewish Christians found themselves cut off from the synagogue and its well-established relief system.  Now on their own, the Jewish Christians in Jerusalem were apparently suffering horribly and were in desperate need of relief–specifically funds to buy food and supplies locally.Tensions between Jewish Christians and recent Gentile converts to Christianity were apparent from the moment the gospel spread into Gentile regions–as indicated during the Jerusalem Council (Acts 15).  At that council, the church renounced the Judaizers and affirmed that God had blessed Paul's efforts to take the gospel into Gentile regions–which began in earnest after the Macedonian vision (Acts 16:9).  Paul planted churches in Philippi, Thessalonica, Berea, and Corinth.  While these new churches aided and encouraged each other, Paul understood that if the Gentile churches–who had means–took an offering for the Jerusalem church, it would go a great way toward helping fellow Christians in genuine need.  It would also de-escalate the worry and anxiety that Jews felt toward Gentiles who were until quite recently godless pagans and often persecutors of the Jewish people.When Paul arrived in Macedonia, he tells us that there was some unspecified serious trouble and that he would strive to get things cleared up before he traveled south to Corinth.  Despite the troubles in the churches in Macedonia, they had taken up a surprisingly generous offering for the Jerusalem church–so much so that it was a major sacrifice, even beyond their means, which Paul describes as an act of grace.  Now he gets word from Titus that the Corinthians (who had been collecting a similar offering for a year) and had not followed through with their collection.  As a congregation they were far better off materially than the Macedonians, but were so distracted by divisions, the subterfuge of false apostles and other matters, the offering had not been finalized.  In chapters 8-9 of 2 Corinthians, Paul addresses this matter head-on.For show notes and other recommended materials located at the Riddleblog as mentioned during the Blessed Hope Podcast, click here: https://www.kimriddlebarger.com/

In the American West in the late-1800s, the search for dinosaur bones created the Bone Wars in which two paleontologists battled one another in their pursuit of making the most historic find. One writer noted how the two “used underhanded methods to try to outdo the other in the field, resorting to bribery, theft, and the destruction of bones.” He noted how, in trying to ruin each other’s work, both destroyed their own reputations as well. Conflict and competition are inevitable in our broken world. How we choose to engage those conflicts reveals what’s in our hearts. Paul learned of conflict between two women in the church at Philippi and wrote, “I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord.” He asked a fellow believer to “help these women since they have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel” (Philippians 4:2–3). When we find ourselves at odds with fellow believers in Jesus, we need the Spirit’s help. As we submit to His work in our hearts, He’ll help us demonstrate the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22). We’ll experience healing and peace—if not for our own reputations, for the reputation of Christ and the gospel.

January 4, 2026 Speaker: Pastor Chris Wachter http://www.hiawathachurch.com

In this opening section of the letter, Paul focuses on the people he know and loves in Philippi. He he teaches all of us how to actively develop and grow those around us.

Send us a textPaul and Timothy, bondservants of Jesus Christ, To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, with the bishops and deacons: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.Support the show

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/your-daily-portion-with-l-david-harris--2912188/support.About Your Daily PortionYour Daily Portion with L. David Harris is a Bible-centered teaching ministry committed to helping people engage Scripture daily with clarity and purpose. This program is a service of Your Daily Portion Ministries, Inc., and is made possible through the faithful support of listeners and viewers.If this teaching blesses you, consider supporting the work so it can continue reaching others around the world through radio, podcasts, and digital platforms.Support the ministry:

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/your-daily-portion-with-l-david-harris--2912188/support.About Your Daily PortionYour Daily Portion with L. David Harris is a Bible-centered teaching ministry committed to helping people engage Scripture daily with clarity and purpose. This program is a service of Your Daily Portion Ministries, Inc., and is made possible through the faithful support of listeners and viewers.If this teaching blesses you, consider supporting the work so it can continue reaching others around the world through radio, podcasts, and digital platforms.Support the ministry:

Julius Caesar – Act V scene 2-5 On the fields of Philippi the final battle rages, and Caesar is revenged.

Sabbath School panel discussion and insight by 3ABN pastors and teachers. This podcast episode follows 2026 quarter 1, lesson 1 of the adult Bible study guide book. This quarter's book topic is “Uniting Heaven and Earth. Christ in Philippians and Colossians”, and this week's Sabbath School lesson is titled “Persecuted but Not Forsaken”. Join us every week for a fresh and relevant study of the word of God.  Reading: Eph. 3:1; 2 Cor. 4:7–12; Acts 9:16; Philem. 15, 16; Col. 4:9; Phil. 1:1–3; Col. 1:1, 2. Memory Text: “Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4, NKJV). (December 27 - January 02)  Sunday – Jill Morikone - Paul, the Prisoner of Jesus ChristMonday – John Dinzey - Paul in ChainsTuesday – Shelley Quinn - Paul in PhilippiWednesday – James Rafferty - Paul and ColossaeThursday – John Lomacang - The Churches of Philippi and Colossae Want the Panelists' notes? You can sign up here: https://3abnsabbathschoolpanel.com/notes/  Questions or Comments? Email us at mail@3abn.org Donate: https://3abn.org/donate-quick.html

„Geh doch mal zur Osteopathin, das hilft bestimmt!“ – ein Satz, den fast alle Eltern irgendwann hören. Aber was steckt eigentlich hinter der Kinderosteopathie? In dieser Folge sprechen wir mit dem Kinder- und Jugendarzt Pierre Teichmann darüber, warum sie so beliebt ist, welche Versprechen sie gibt und was die Wissenschaft wirklich dazu sagt. +++Shownotes:Pierres Artikel "Wie der Ast gebogen wird, so wächst der Baum": https://kinderaerzte-im-aerztehaus.de/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Thema-Kinderosteopathie.pdf, Pierre erwähnte folgende Studien: KiSS/ Asymmetrie: Sacher, R. et al (2024). Multicentric RCT on one-time manual medicine treatment of infantile postural and motor asymmetries (KISS)—Spreewald trial II. Manuelle Medizin, 62(2), 102–109. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00337-024-01046-0, Philippi, H. et al (2006). Infantile postural asymmetry and osteopathic treatment: A randomized therapeutic trial. Developmental Medicine and Child Neurology, 48(1), 5–9. https://doi.org/10.1017/S001216220600003X, Metaanalyse muskuloskeletale Beschwerden/ Rückenschmerzen: Ceballos-Laita, L. et al (2024). Is Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment Clinically Superior to Sham or Placebo for Patients with Neck or Low-Back Pain? A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis. In Diseases (Bd. 12, Nummer 11). Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI). https://doi.org/10.3390/diseases12110287, Metaanalysen kraniosakrale Therapie: Ceballos-Laita, L. et al (2024). Is Craniosacral Therapy Effective? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. In Healthcare (Switzerland) (Bd. 12, Nummer 6). Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI). https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare12060679, Amendolara, A. et al (2024). Effectiveness of osteopathic craniosacral techniques: a meta-analysis. Frontiers in Medicine, 11. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmed.2024.1452465, Reviews Kinderosteopathie: Posadzki, P. et al (2013). Osteopathic manipulative treatment for pediatric conditions: A systematic review. In Pediatrics (Bd. 132, Nummer 1, S. 140–152). American Academy of Pediatrics. https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2012-3959, Posadzki, P. et al (2022). Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment for Pediatric Conditions: An Update of Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Journal of Clinical Medicine, 11(15). https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm11154455, Franke, H. et al (2022). Effectiveness of osteopathic manipulative treatment for pediatric conditions: A systematic review. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, 31, 113–133. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbmt.2022.03.013, exzessives Schreien und Osteopathie: Schwerla, F. et al (2021). Osteopathic Treatment of Infants in Their First Year of Life: A Prospective Multicenter Observational Study (OSTINF Study). Complementary Medicine Research, 28(5), 395–406. https://doi.org/10.1159/000514413, Cabanillas-Barea, S. et al (2023). Systematic review and meta-analysis showed that complementary and alternative medicines were not effective for infantile colic. In Acta Paediatrica, International Journal of Paediatrics (Bd. 112, Nummer 7, S. 1378–1388). John Wiley and Sons Inc. https://doi.org/10.1111/apa.16807, Carnes, D. et al (2024). Usual light touch osteopathic treatment versus simple light touch without intent in the reduction of infantile colic crying time: A randomised controlled trial. International Journal of Osteopathic Medicine, 51. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijosm.2024.100710, Stellungnahmen Gesellschaft für Neuropädiatrie: Gesellschaft für Neuropädiatrie e.V. (GNP). (2005). Stellungnahme: Manualmedizinische Behandlung des KISS-Syndroms und Atlastherapie nach Arlen. In Manuelle Medizin (Bd. 43, Nummer 2). Springer Science and Business Media LLC. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00337-005-0351-y, Gesellschaft für Neuropädiatrie (GNP), Deutsche Gesellschaft für Sozialpädiatrie und Jugendmedizin (DGSPJ), Berufsverband der Kinder- und Jugendärzte (BVKJ), & Deutsche Akademie für Kinder- und Jugendmedizin (DAKJ). (2015). Stellungnahme Osteopathie bei Kindern. https://www.dgspj.de/wp-content/uploads/service-stellungnahme-osteopathie-2015.pdf, Weitere Literatur: Teichmann, P. (2025). Kinderosteopathie - Falsche Versprechen. Deutsche Hebammen Zeitschrift (DHZ), 77(4), 66–71. https://staudeverlag.de/falsche-versprechen/, Maier , J. (2016). In guten Händen? DIE ZEIT. https://www.zeit.de/2016/33/osteopathie-babies-orthopaedie-gesundheit-medizin-saeuglinge/+++ Alle Rabattcodes und Infos zu unseren Werbepartnern findet ihr hier: https://linktr.ee/Wunschkind_Podcast ++++++ Unsere allgemeinen Datenschutzrichtlinien finden Sie unter https://datenschutz.ad-alliance.de/podcast.html +++ Wir verarbeiten im Zusammenhang mit dem Angebot unserer Podcasts Daten. Wenn Sie der automatischen Übermittlung der Daten widersprechen wollen, klicken Sie hier: https://datenschutz.ad-alliance.de/podcast.htmlUnsere allgemeinen Datenschutzrichtlinien finden Sie unter https://art19.com/privacy. Die Datenschutzrichtlinien für Kalifornien sind unter https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info abrufbar.

GOD USES SMALL PEOPLE FOR BIG PURPOSES PT. 2 1. GOD USES THE HUMBLE OVER THE HIGH AND MIGHTY Luke 1:48, Mary sings, “For He has been mindful of the HUMBLE state of His servant.” (NIV) 2. GOD USES CHARACTER OVER CREDENTIALS Luke 1:26–27 “In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. (NIV) 3. GOD USES A SERVANT OVER A SUPERSTAR Luke 1:38   “I am the Lord’s SERVANT,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her. (NIV) Luke 1:48, Mary sings, “For He has been mindful of the humble state of His SERVANT.” (NIV) Philippians 1:1 Paul and Timothy, SERVANTS of Christ Jesus, To all God’s holy people in Christ Jesus at Philippi, together with the overseers and deacons: (NIV) 1 Corinthians 4:1 So look at Apollos and me as mere SERVANTS of Christ who have been put in charge of explaining God’s mysteries. (NLT) Romans 1:1 Paul, a BONDSERVANT of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated to the gospel of God (NKJV) 2 Peter 1:1 Simon Peter, a SERVANT and apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who through the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ have received a faith as precious as ours: (NIV) Matthew 23:11 “The greatest among you will be your SERVANT.” (NIV) 3A. SERVANTS OF JESUS SERVE PEOPLE 2 Corinthians 4:5 “We preach that Jesus Christ is Lord, and we ourselves are YOUR SERVANTS for Jesus’ sake.” (NLT) 2 Galatians 5:13 “You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, SERVE ONE ANOTHER humbly in love.” (NIV) 4. GOD USES HIS PRESENCE OVER YOUR PRESENCE Luke 1:28, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! THE LORD IS WITH YOU” (NIV) Luke 1:34 “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?” (NIV) Luke 1:35 The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will COME ON YOU, and the power of the MOST HIGH WILL OVERSHADOW YOU. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. (NIV) Luke 1:37 For with God NOTHING will be impossible. (NKJV)

A Sermon for the Fourth Sunday in Advent Philippians 4:4-7 & St. John 1:19-28 by William Klock For the last few months I've been reading Tom Holland's book Dominion.  (That's Tom Holland the historian, not the actor.  Until recently I didn't even know there was an actor because, I guess, I'm a history nerd.)  Anyway, I've been reading a chapter here and a chapter there in between reading other more important things and it's been worthwhile.  Holland isn't a Christian, but this rather large book is nevertheless about the influence that the Gospel, the good news about Jesus, has had in shaping Western Civilisation.  One of the points he stresses is just how brutal and barbaric the ancient world was.  Greeks and Romans knew little of mercy and grace.  Theirs was a dog-eat-dog world.  It was cruel.  The weak were something to be exploited and if they couldn't be exploited, they were a liability and left to fend for themselves.  Nearly a third of the people of the Roman empire were slaves.  Infants were routinely left to die of exposure.  Sexual immorality was everywhere and was a central part of the worship of many gods.  Marital fidelity, especially amongst the wealthy and powerful was uncommon.  Think of the pagan gods of Greece and Rome we learned about in school: petty, capricious, fickle, unloyal, angry, and constantly fighting amongst themselves.  These were the gods the Greeks and the Romans created in their own image.  Whatever problems we see in our world—and it's getting worse the deeper we drift from the Gospel and return to paganism—but however bad you think our world is, theirs was worse.  Brother and Sisters, the gospel has had a profound impact on our world.  And even as gospel virtues go to seed in the secular world and we have distorted and perverted version of love and mercy and justice thrown at us, the very fact that anyone at all in our society cares about things like justice, is because of the powerful impact of the gospel. It's appropriate that Advent comes to us at the darkest time of the year, because it reminds us of the darkness of the world into which Jesus was born.  Surrounded by those pagans, Israel had the light of God's law, but even then, Israel lived in darkness.  They'd returned from their Babylonian exile five hundred years before, but the Lord had never returned to his temple.  The priests kept the lamp lit in the temple—the lamp symbolic of the Lord's presence with his people, but behind the great and heavy curtain, the holy of holies was empty.  And Israel was ruled by a series of pagan empires: the Persians, the Greeks, and then the Romans.  But Israel had her story.  They were the people whom the Lord had delivered from slavery in Egypt.  They knew his character and they knew his faithfulness.  And they knew his promises.  They had faith.  And so they lived in hope and expectant longing.  One day the words of Isaiah—the ones we read in our Old Testament lesson—“Comfort, comfort my people, says your God. Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and cry to her that her warfare is ended, that her iniquity is pardoned, that she has received from the Lord's hand double for all her sins.”  One day those words would be fulfilled.  And, most people were pretty sure, that day was coming soon.  That's the setting for today's Gospel, which begins at John 1:19. This is the testimony John [the Baptist] gave when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, “Who are you?”  He confessed, and did not deny, but confessed, “I am not the Messiah.”  “What then?” they asked him, “Are you Elijah?” “I am not,” he replied.  “Are you the Prophet?” And he answered, “No.”  “Well, then who are you?” they said.  “We've got to take an answer back to those who sent us.  Who do you claim to be?”  He said, “I am ‘a voice calling in the wilderness, Make straight the way of the Lord,' just as the prophet Isaiah said.”  (John 1:19-28) So the priests were the spiritual gatekeepers of Israel and when they heard of this prophet, John, preaching and baptising, they sent their people to ask him what he was about—to see if he was legit.  People were talking about John like he was the Messiah—as if he were the one come to fulfil the prophecies of deliverance and salvation.  Was John the one? So they ask, “Who are you?  Who do you claim to be? Elijah?”  Remember that the Prophet Elijah had never died; he was swept up into have by a fiery chariot.  And Malachi had prophesied that “before the great and awesome day of the Lord comes” the Lord would send Elijah back.  Like King Arthur returning to Britain in its hour of greatest need. But John says, “No.  I'm not Elijah.”  He hadn't come to earth in a fiery chariot.  He was the son of Zechariah the priest and his wife, Elizabeth. “Are you the prophet?” they asked.  In Deuteronomy 18 the Lord had promised that he would one day raise up a prophet like Moses, who would declare his words.  Many people thought this prophet would be the Messiah.  But again John answers, “Nope, I'm not the prophet either.”  We get a sense of just how great the longing of these people was.  Like a kid getting up every morning of December and asking his parents if it's Christmas yet, the people of Israel longed for the Messiah to come and set the world to rights, to end the darkness, to once again fill the temple with the glory of the Lord. John was as eager as anyone, but he tells them “No, I'm not the Prophet.”  In fact, John was fulfilling those prophecies—Matthew and Mark tell us as much.   But I think John denied it because he knew people associated the prophecies of Elijah and the Prophet with the Messiah.  John knew he wasn't the Messiah; he was the Messiah's herald.  And so when the priests finally let him speak for himself, he quotes Isaiah 40:3, and says, “I am ‘a voice calling in the wilderness, make straight the way of the Lord.'”  In other words, John was indeed fulfilling prophecy—not as the Messiah, but as the one sent to prepare Israel to receive the Messiah. And that surprised those priests.  People in the past had claimed to be the Messiah.  No one claimed to be his herald.  That was weird.  So they dig deeper.  Look at verses 25-27: They continued to question him, “So why are you baptising, if you aren't the Messiah, or Elijah, or the Prophet?” John answered them, “I'm baptising with water, but there is one standing among you whom you do not know—someone who is to come after me.  I'm not worthy to untie his sandal straps.” For the Jews, baptism was a symbol of cleansing and of ritual purity.  It was a ritual washing.  At this point the other gospel-writers are helpful as they expand on John's answer.  Mark tells us that John's baptism was a baptism of repentance—it was a preparatory act in light of the coming judgement the Messiah would bring.  And Matthew and Luke also report John going on about this one who will come, this one greater than him: “He will baptise you with the Holy Spirit and with fire” (Matthew 3:11, Luke 3:16).  In other words, John is calling Israel to repentance in anticipation of the Messiah, who will fulfil the Lord's promises to set Israel to rights by filling his people with his own Spirit.  The law written on stone tablets would be inscribed on the hearts of God's people so that they could finally fulfil his law of love.  But the Messiah was also coming in judgement.  He would baptise the repentant with God's own Spirit, but he would baptise unrepentant Israel with fire. These are the two sides of the gospel coin.  You can't have one without the other.  Jesus' advent, on the one hand, brought mercy to the repentant, but on the other it also brought judgement on the unrepentant of Israel.  What's important for us here, Brothers and Sisters, is that this exchange between John and the priests reminds us of the Messiah's place in Israel's story and of the faithfulness of God to his promises.  It is this manifestation of the Lord's faithfulness (and of his goodness, mercy, grace, and wisdom) to Israel—something we see brought to its climax in the birth, the death, the resurrection, and the ascension of Jesus, that has drawn us—you and I—to the God of Israel and that, by faith, has incorporated us into the people of God.  Through our union with Jesus, through our incorporation into this people, through our being made adopted sons and daughters of Abraham, you and I have come to know God's mercy and the life of the Spirit, too.  Because of the faithfulness of God, revealed in Jesus and in the power of the gospel, the darkness that Israel knew; that deep, deep darkness full of false gods and wicked kings and evil principalities and powers has been driven away by the light.  The light has come into the darkness, his gospel has thrown those powers down and lit up the world.  And you and I have seen—we live in—the glory of that light.  And knowing that takes us from our Gospel passage today into our Epistle.  Paul writes those wonderful and challenging words in Philippians 4:4: Rejoice in the Lord always; I say again, rejoice. Paul spoke these words to a people surrounded by the dark.  “Rejoice in the Lord always!”  Because being surrounded by the dark, it's awfully easy to forget the light of the gospel.  Just before he wrote this, Paul exhorted two women in the Philippian church, Euodia and Syntyche, to “agree in the Lord”.  These two sisters in the Messiah, once close, once working together in gospel life had some kind of falling out.  We don't know the details, but it was something important enough to prompt Paul to address them publicly.  They'd let the darkness extinguish their light.  Instead of standing as a witness to the victory of Jesus over the principalities and powers of the present wicked age, the local church was letting those powers have their way in their midst.  Brothers and Sisters, don't let that happen.  Paul exhorts them (and us) instead: Let everyone know how gentle and gracious you are.  (Philippians 4:5a) Gentle and gracious.  Paul uses the same description in 2 Corinthians 10 to describe the meekness of Jesus as a model for Christians.  This is gospel light lived out.  What Paul's getting at is that Jesus is the King, but in him we see this amazing display of gracious gentleness.  This is the gentleness we see revealed as Jesus, the one to whom heaven and earth belong, humbled himself to be born one of us, to die on the cross, and to show mercy to his enemies.  And in that, Jesus defeated the powers that held the world in darkness and sin and now, we his people, are called to live that victory out amongst ourselves as witnesses to Jesus' victory and the inauguration of God's kingdom.  This is our Advent stewardship. So consider, Brothers and Sisters, when we demand our rights, when we grasp for power, when we nurse grudges, we undermine our gospel witness—we put on display the very darkness from which we've been delivered by the one who is light.  In contrast Paul calls us to rejoice in the Lord and to manifest Jesus-like gentleness in our relationships.  Jesus' gracious gentleness has forgiven and restored us and that same gracious gentleness ought to shine through us and through the life of the church.  Consider that every time we hold a grudge, allow a relationship to break down, or follow the world's advice to cut those problem or negative people out of our lives, we undermine the Church's witness to the world.  But that's not all. Paul goes on: The Lord is near.  Do not be anxious about anything.  Rather in everything let your requests be made known to God, by prayer, supplication, and with thanksgiving.   There's our Advent theme again: Jesus has given us a job to do.  He's given us a gospel treasure to steward in his absence.  In the meantime, rather than being anxious—and anxiousness is so often the thing that evil uses to manipulate us—instead of being anxious we should take our needs to God.  Jesus made the same point in the Sermon on the Mount.  The pagans worry about what they'll eat, what they'll wear, and where they'll sleep.  God's people should know better than to worry unduly about these things.  The God who fed Israel with manna in the wilderness will provide.  He is faithful to his promises.  The story of his dealings with Israel is the proof and even more so, so is his gift of Jesus, who died and rose again to set us free from sin and death.  So go to the Lord with your needs and ask.  And while you're at it, give thanks, because you know his faithfulness and his love. This is part of the witness of the people of God—it's how we are light in the darkness—and it ties back into rejoicing.  When Paul talks about rejoicing, at least part of what he's got in mind is a public display or a public witness.  The pagan Greeks in Philippi regularly held public celebrations to honour their gods.  And yet the pagans, as Jesus said, were always anxious.  Because their gods never delivered.  Pagan religion was a non-stop game of trial and error, trying to guess what the gods wanted, trying to guess what you may have done wrong to offend them, and then guessing at what you might offer to appease their anger or to ingratiate them to you in order to get what you needed or wanted.  The pagan gods were silent and they were notoriously capricious and unreliable.  And in this context Paul exhorts the Philippian Christians: Rejoice yourselves.  Let the pagans see you celebrating the fact that the Creator of the universe has, through Jesus, made you his own and lives in your midst by his own Holy Spirit.  Let the pagans, who know only mean and capricious gods and who live in a dog-eat-dog world, let them see the gracious gentleness of God in you.  Live in such a way that they see in you the God who humbles himself to die for the sake of his enemies.  And let the pagans see you living in faith, praying in confident thankfulness to the God whose story reveals an unfailing pattern of promise and fulfilment.  Shine the light of Jesus into the darkness of the world.  And if you'll do that, he says in verse 7: The peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in King Jesus.   I think we tend to look at Paul's exhortation here as something we should do in order to experience the peace of God ourselves, but given the context in Philippians, I think Paul's point is actually more about our witness.  If we truly live as stewards of the good news about Jesus, if we truly live as people who know the faithfulness of God revealed in Jesus and particularly in his death and resurrection, if we truly know the life of the Spirit, the peace of God—instead of the strife and anxiety of the world—will guard our hearts and minds in a way that will astound the unbelievers around us. I like to say that Jesus calls us—his church—to be a pocket of new creation in the middle of the old—to be heaven-on-earth people, living Gods' future in the hic et nunc, in the here and now.  Brothers and Sisters, this is how we do that.  And this makes us the John the Baptists of our own place and age as we proclaim the good news about Jesus—how we proclaim and show the world that Jesus has triumphed over the principalities and powers just as he has over sin and death.  And as the world took notice of those tiny and seemingly insignificant Christian communities popping up around the Roman empire, so it will take not of us.  And some will give glory to God as they see his faithfulness, they will come in faith to Jesus and his cross.  But it will also threaten those who are invested in the present age, its pagan gods and sinful systems.  And they will fight back. So we need to ask: Does the world see our joy?  Are we the voice crying in the wilderness?  Are we the royal heralds the Lord has called us to be, summoning the word to let go of its false gods and to come to the Lord Jesus, calling the world away from sin and self and to come to the cross?  And we need to ask how the world is responding to us.  If we're faithfully proclaiming the good news about Jesus, if we're faithfully calling people to repent and to believe, if we're faithfully proclaiming that Jesus is Lord and that his kingdom has come—well—people will respond in one of two ways.  Either they'll believe or they'll get angry—as Herod got angry with John.  There's some of both out there in the world, but overwhelmingly, when I look at how people respond to or think of the church these days in our part of the world, it's often just indifference.  Why? Because we have not been the witnesses God calls us to be.  We are afraid to confront the world with the good news about Jesus and we are half-hearted in our allegiance to his kingdom.  Like old Israel, we pray to God, but we've failed to tear down the old altars to Baal and Asherah—or money, sex, and power.  We name Jesus, but we deal dishonestly in business, we sell our souls to the commercialism that surrounds us, we look to politics or to science as our saviours, and we dabble in the sexual immorality of the age.  We've failed to proclaim the gospel and we justify it, saying that we'll preach it with our lives.  But if we stop to ask what the world sees in our lives, is it really very different?  Does the world see us rejoicing in the Lord?  Does the world see us manifesting the gracious gentleness of Jesus?  Does the world see us living in faithful prayer and trusting in God, or does it see people just as anxious as everyone else?  Does it see enmity and strife and broken relationships or does it see a gospel people living out the healing and reconciling love of Jesus in loving unity?  Does the world see the peace of God ruling our hearts and minds?  Does the world see us, holding high the gospel, as a challenge to its gods and its kings and its sins?  It should.  But sadly, I think that for the Western Church at large, the answer is often “no”. And, all too often, when we do proclaim the gospel, we do so without power or authority.  Think of John boldly declaring the coming judgement and calling Israel to repentance.  It was urgent and powerful.  In contrast we tend to hold the gospel out as good advice, rather than as the good news that it is.  Friends, the gospel is the royal summons to come in faith to Jesus, the world's true Lord—the Lord who has come with mercy so that the repentant will escape when he comes one day in judgement.  This was the power behind John the Baptist' preaching.  But all too often we present the gospel as just another option on the religious smorgasbord—something you might want to try. See if you like it.  See if it works for you.  If not…oh well.  Brothers and Sisters, that's not the gospel.  The gospel is life! The gospel is good news to the people living in the midst of darkness and death: the king who will set the world to rights has come.  And that means the gospel, when preached as it should be, will challenge and upset the Herods and Caesars of our age and all those invested in the false gods of the world. The Advent message is to be prepared.  Jesus has given us a gospel mission to take the good news of his death, his resurrection, and his lordship into the world.  Brothers and Sisters, pray that we will be faithful to our mission—faithful enough to provoke opposition, because that's the kind of faithfulness that also reaps a harvest for the kingdom.  Pray for the holy boldness of John the Baptist and the gracious gentleness of Jesus.  Pray that we will be the salt of the earth and the light of the world.  Pray that the joy of the Lord will overcome us.  Brothers and Sisters, Rejoice!  Rejoice in the Lord always.  Again, I say rejoice. Let's pray: O Lord, come among us, we pray, with your power and strengthen us with your great might; that whereas, through our sins and wickedness we are grievously hindered in running the race that is set before us, your bountiful grace and mercy may speedily help and deliver us; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, to whom with you and the Holy Spirit, be honour and glory, now and for ever.  Amen.

Experience the miraculous story of Paul and Silas, where faith turns a prison into a sanctuary and a jailor finds salvation.In this episode, journey with Paul and Silas as they face persecution and imprisonment in Philippi. Discover how their unwavering faith and divine intervention turned a prison into a place of worship and redemption.Today's Bible verse is Matthew 5:10, from the King James Version.Download the Pray.com app for more Christian content including, Daily Prayers, Inspirational Testimonies, and Bedtime Bible Stories.Pray.com is the digital destination for faith. With over 5,000 daily prayers, meditations, bedtime stories, and cinematic stories inspired by the Bible, the Pray.com app has everything you need to keep your focus on the Lord. Make Prayer a priority and download the #1 App for Prayer and Sleep today in the Apple app store or Google Play store.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The book of Philippians has a common theme of Joy throughout the book.  We all face anxiety and worry in this life but what do we do when we experience those things. Paul instructed the church at Philippi on how to handle those emotions in chapter 4.

Daily Dose of Hope December 12, 2025   Scripture:  Acts 16   Prayer:  Holy God, We come before you this morning with humility.  You, Lord of all Creation, Almighty God, came down to earth to become one of us.  You didn't come because you needed to, but because we needed you to.  Thank you, Lord Jesus, for the gift of incarnation.  As we continue through this Advent season, help us prepare our hearts for your coming.  Help us remember who and whose we are.  In the Name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, Amen.   Welcome back to the Daily Dose of Hope, the devotional and podcast that complements the New Hope Church daily Bible reading plan.  We have been walking through the Gospels and now we are mid-way through Acts.  Today, we are in Acts 16. There are two parts of this passage I want us to discuss.  The first is when Paul meets Timothy and decides to bring him on his missionary journey, he circumcises him.  Wait?  Didn't Paul just argue at the Council of Jerusalem that circumcision and the law were an unnecessary burden for Gentiles?  Yes, he did.  Now he circumcises Timothy.  Is he contradicting himself?  I don't believe so, but there are some layers to unpack.    Timothy's mother was Jewish and his father was Greek so he would not have been circumcised.  Now, Timothy and Paul are going to be visiting many young churches, some filled with Jewish believers.  While circumcision wouldn't be required, it probably gave Timothy a bit more authority in the eyes of those new Jewish converts.  It was probably also a debate they just didn't want to have.  They wanted the focus to be on salvation through Jesus Christ and they wanted to avoid anything that would be a distraction.  Of course, I'm thinking – was there a circumcision check at the door?  How would they even know?  But I digress.    The other part of the passage that is fascinating to me is how the Spirit of God discourages Paul and crew from going one way so that they would end up in Macedonia.  I mean, they had a route already planned out and they were prevented from taking that route.  And then Paul has a dream about a man calling to them and begging for them to come to Macedonia.  So they head in that direction.  When they go into Macedonia, it opens up a whole new area to the Gospel.  They head to Philippi, where they meet a woman named Lydia and she accepts Jesus.  She welcomes them into her home, which later becomes a house church.  This is only the beginning!  By listening to the Spirit and not insisting on their own way, the Gospel was advanced.    How often do we want to force our own way with God?  Yet, the Spirit is always trying to guide us, if we let him.   I can't finish today's devotional without at least addressing the prison story.  Paul and Silas are arrested after a debacle of sorts with a servant girl.  She had a spirit in her that told the future.  Keep in mind, this spirit would not have been of God, so most likely the power was demonic.  She followed the men around and was really wearing on Paul's nerves so he cast out that spirit.  But she was quite a money-maker for her owners.  When they find out the future-telling spirit is gone, they are livid.  They drag Paul and Silas into the public square and have them beaten.  Then, they are put in prison.  It feels a lot like a local mob gone crazy.   But God is always up to something.  An earthquake basically opens up the prison so the men could have theoretically walked out.  But they didn't.  I don't know why they didn't leave.  Maybe the Holy Spirit impressed upon them to stay, we don't have that information.  But because they stayed, the jailer is saved and so is his family!  One door opens another.    God is always opening at doors, always at work, but we have to be paying attention.  How have you seen God working behind the scenes in your life this week?   Blessings, Pastor Vicki  

“Whose heart the Lord opened.” — Acts 16:14 In Lydia's conversion there are many points of interest. It was brought about by providential circumstances. She was a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira, but just at the right time for hearing Paul we find her at Philippi; providence, which is the handmaid of […]

Power Struggle After Caesar's Death: Colleague Barry Strauss introduces the power struggle following Caesar's death, featuring the established noble Mark Antony and the ambitious, though physically slight, Octavian, detailing the Second Triumvirate and Antony's military prestige after Philippi, contrasting it with Octavian's reliance on political cunning and the legacy of his great-uncle. 1700 ANTONY & CLEOPATRA

October 22, 2025 - Wednesday PM Bible Class In this episode we begin a verse-by-verse study of the book of Philippians, focusing on chapter 1 and its historical context. Chris sets the scene by reviewing Acts 16 — the Macedonian call that brought Paul, Silas, Timothy, and Luke to Philippi — and highlights key persons like Lydia and the Philippian jailer who played roles in the church's founding. The episode also situates Paul's letter historically, explaining his Roman imprisonment (house arrest around AD 60–62) and how that confinement shaped the letter's emphasis. Topics covered include: the geographic and cultural background of Philippi (a Roman colony in Macedonia), the origin of the church there, and the circumstances that prompted Paul's affectionate and joyful letter. The host unpacks major themes such as joy and rejoicing, the meaning of being a bondservant of Christ, the distinction between the believers Paul calls “saints” and his own humility, and the practical results of gospel partnership between Paul and the Philippian congregation (including their generosity). Key points emphasized: Paul's overriding theme that true Christian joy is rooted in Christ and the gospel — not in changing circumstances; the joy of prayerful fellowship (Paul's thankful, persistent prayers for the Philippians); the joy of purposeful living (how Paul's chains actually advanced the gospel and emboldened other believers); and the famous tension in Paul between “to live is Christ” and “to die is gain,” showing his devotion to Christ and concern for the church's growth. The episode highlights concrete illustrations from the text: the Macedonian call, Lydia's conversion and hospitality, Paul's witness to Caesar's household and the palace guard, divisions among those preaching (envy vs. goodwill), and practical exhortations for love, knowledge, discernment, and bearing the fruits of righteousness. Listeners can expect historical background, theological teaching, and pastoral application designed to help them understand Philippians' message of Christ-centered joy and faithful living.   Duration 40:00

Paul reminds the Thessalonians of the time he and his companions spent there. Despite previous opposition in Philippi and persecution in Thessalonica, Paul labored diligently to bring the Gospel to the Thessalonians, not to please man, but to please God. Even as he toiled night and day, he did so with the same care and affection that parents show their children. As the Thessalonians recall the way Paul ministered to them, they are strengthened to continue to walk in a manner worthy of the Gospel.  Rev. Mark Squire, pastor at Immanuel Lutheran Church in St. Ansgar, IA, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study 1 Thessalonians 2:1-12.  To learn more about Immanuel Lutheran, visit immanuelsta.org. “Yearning for the Day of Christ's Returning” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that studies St. Paul's two epistles to the Thessalonians. Although Paul's time in Thessalonica was brief, he had great affection for the Christians there. His two letters to the Thessalonians show us the joy that God gives us together in the Church and encourage us to live faithfully in expectation of Jesus' coming on the Last Day.  Sharper Iron, hosted by Rev. Timothy Appel, looks at the text of Holy Scripture both in its broad context and its narrow detail, all for the sake of proclaiming Christ crucified and risen for sinners. Two pastors engage with God's Word to sharpen not only their own faith and knowledge, but the faith and knowledge of all who listen. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org

Julius Caesar – Act V scene 1 The apposing armies meet at Philippi, but before the fight there must be words.

On May 29, 1925, Percy Fawcett sent a final letter to his wife before he ventured deeper into the unmapped jungles of Brazil. He was seeking a fabled lost city of great splendor, determined to be the first explorer to share its location with the world after years of searching. But his team of explorers got lost, the city was never found, and many expeditions failed to recover either. Percy’s courage and passion, while admirable, was squandered on a lost city that could never be reached. If we’re honest, there are many unreachable goals in our lives that hold a similar power over us. But there is a real treasure for each person that’s worth seeking with all of our heart, mind, and strength. In his letter to believers in Philippi, Paul put it this way: “I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord” (Philippians 3:8). Unlike a fabled city—yielding riches, fame, or power—knowing Jesus and believing in Him is a treasure without equal. It’s the very thing for which we have been made. Worldly goals of power or status, or even the appearance of righteousness through keeping the law, are nothing compared to knowing Jesus (vv. 6–7). Are we spending our time and energy on something that can never satisfy? May Christ help us check what “city” we’re seeking.

Experience the miraculous story of Paul and Silas, where faith turns a prison into a sanctuary and a jailor finds salvation.In this episode, journey with Paul and Silas as they face persecution and imprisonment in Philippi. Discover how their unwavering faith and divine intervention turned a prison into a place of worship and redemption.Today's Bible verse is Matthew 5:10, from the King James Version.Download the Pray.com app for more Christian content including, Daily Prayers, Inspirational Testimonies, and Bedtime Bible Stories.Pray.com is the digital destination for faith. With over 5,000 daily prayers, meditations, bedtime stories, and cinematic stories inspired by the Bible, the Pray.com app has everything you need to keep your focus on the Lord. Make Prayer a priority and download the #1 App for Prayer and Sleep today in the Apple app store or Google Play store.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Building a life of order means more than tidying your house. It is time to embrace apostolic structure. Dr. Gabriel Allen Powell takes listeners on a journey through the story of the Church of Philippi, using the example of Lydia and the early believers to challenge modern disciples to assess their own lives for order and discipline.Whether discussing the importance of establishing spiritual altars at home, embracing correction from trusted leaders, or cultivating structure in every area of life, this message is a call to action for believers ready to experience breakthrough by getting their lives in order.Support the showText encounteratl to 94000 to stay up-to-date on all things Encounter.Worship with EncounterSundays at 11 AM ET | Wednesdays at 7:30 PM ETSupport EncounterText egive to 77977 Connect with EncounterFacebook | Instagram | TikTok | YouTube | WebsiteConnect with Dr. GabeInstagram | YouTube | Website

Share a commentGrace doesn't wait for perfect conditions; it reaches the soul right where life feels unmoved. We close our journey through Philippians by tracing how Paul's final lines pull the whole letter into focus: greet every saint, honor the family of faith, and rest in the grace that Christ applies to the spirit, not the circumstances. Along the way, we dismantle the myth of sainthood as a status for a rare few and recover the New Testament vision—saints are all believers set apart in Christ, called, known, and needed.We walk through Paul's four circles of greeting: the local church in Philippi, the brothers beside him, the wider community of believers in Rome, and the surprising believers within Caesar's household. Each circle reveals something vital about a gospel-shaped community. Leaders speak dignity to every member. Brothers and sisters belong to each other because they belong to Christ. Bridges get built even when disappointment lingers. And the gospel advances in unlikely places, reminding us that grace is not fragile; it flourishes under pressure.Throughout the conversation, we keep returning to the center—Jesus Christ. Identity, joy, contentment, and perseverance are not self-manufactured; they are rooted in union with Him. That means we don't pray on the strength of a good week, and we don't serve on the basis of a flawless record. We live under a lavish downpour of unmerited favor, enough for each trial and every day until faith becomes sight. If you've ever wondered whether you're worthy to be used by God, or if your past disqualifies you from hope, this message invites you to breathe again: you are a saint by calling, a sibling in a family, and a witness to grace at work.If this encouraged you, follow the show, share it with a friend who needs hope, and leave a review to help others discover these teachings.Support the showStephen's latest book, The Disciples Prayer, is available now. https://www.wisdomonline.org/store/view/the-disciples-prayer-hardback

Share a commentA thank-you note written in chains shouldn't feel this joyful, but Paul's letter to the Philippians turns generosity into worship, partnership, and a promise with real weight. We walk through Philippians 4:14–20 to show how a small church that “gave until it hurt” became equal partners in the work of the gospel—and even in its reward. When others forgot Paul, Philippi remembered. Their loyalty paid past debts, covered present needs, and overflowed into future ministry, not just for Paul but for everyone tied to their account.We unpack what koinonia really means: not potlucks or polite fellowship, but deep, sacrificial investment. Paul borrows banking language to say their giving “increases to your account,” the compounding interest of eternal reward. Then he shifts to temple language—“a fragrant aroma, an acceptable sacrifice”—to frame generosity as worship God sees and values. That blend of market and altar imagery grounds a famous promise often pulled out of context: “My God will supply all your needs according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” Not a blank check, but a pledge to givers who meet real needs with real sacrifice. “According to his riches” means provision measured by the Giver's wealth, not by our limits.Along the way, we revisit Philippi's origin story—Lydia's hospitality, a freed slave girl, a jailer's family—and trace how gratitude matured into ongoing support. We also face the sobering reality of missed opportunities from other churches and ask what investments we might be overlooking today. The episode crescendos with Paul's doxology, moving from “my God” to “our God,” inviting us into shared praise and shared mission. If you're hungry for a faith that turns dollars into doxology and partnership into purpose, this conversation will sharpen your vision for giving that lasts.If this resonated, follow the show, share it with a friend who needs courage to give, and leave a review to help others find it. Then tell us: where are you investing your time and treasure this week?The first of Stephen's two volumes set through the Book of Revelation is now available. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FQ3XCJMYSupport the showStephen's latest book, The Disciples Prayer, is available now. https://www.wisdomonline.org/store/view/the-disciples-prayer-hardback