Podcasts about Philippi

   One of the things all of us do, from time to time, is reflect on our past life experiences and wonder what the results of those experiences will be over the longer term, am I right? For someone like the apostle Paul I imagine not a day went by that he didn’t spend at least some time doing exactly that, for he had so many traumatic, significant experiences in his life in so many different places.  Join me again in the great city of Corinth, in late 50ad, as Paul is writing a letter to the people in the city of Thessalonica who had trusted in Jesus during Paul’s few weeks there. Today let’s look at chapter two of 1 Thessalonians. Paul’s opening statement reflects his hope that his brief time in their town really had made a big difference. Paul writes: “You know, brothers and sisters, that our visit to you was NOT without results. We had previously suffered and been treated outrageously in Philippi, as you know, but with the help of our God we dared to tell you His gospel in the face of strong opposition.” (1 Thess. 2:1,2) (Click here to see full text, images and links)    Pastor Doug Anderson    “Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, with our eyes fixed on Jesus…” (Heb. 12:1,2)Have a comment or question about today's chapter? I'm ready to hear from you, contact me here. Interested in helping "Walking with Jesus" financially? Click here

With season 1 and 2 complete we move into Acts: Season 3. The narrative shifts to Antioch and the focus is on Paul - previously called Saul - as he shares the gospel in Gentile areas. ___ Paul, Silas, & Timothy leave Luke in Philippi and make their way to the capital of Macedonia - Thessalonica - which is greatly influenced by Roman culture and ideology, even the Jewish leaders have fallen victim to its schemes. The synagogue's affection and affiliation with Rome has led the leaders to refuse Jesus as Lord and they violently sent Paul and Silas away. They left by night and found themselves in a backwoods town called Berea where their message was received with great eagerness.

Pastor Lisa teaches about pursuing the peace of God.

This teaching by Pastor Matt Cottrill on Sunday, July 19th 2026 explores the transformative truth that God can turn our most confining circumstances into divine opportunities. Drawing from Acts 16, we journey with Paul and Silas through closed doors, redirected plans, and literal imprisonment to discover that our response in difficulty often becomes our greatest testimony. The core revelation here challenges us to recognize that not every good opportunity is God's opportunity for us, and sometimes He closes doors we desperately want to walk through because He sees the entire journey ahead. We learn that faith isn't about knowing every detail in advance—it's about obeying what God has shown us while trusting Him with what He hasn't revealed. The message confronts our tendency to create mental pictures of how God must fulfill His promises, reminding us that Lydia's salvation came when Paul was flexible enough to recognize that the vision was about Macedonia's need, not just the man in his dream. Most striking is the call to remain faithful in ordinary spiritual disciplines—prayer, worship, Bible reading—because extraordinary moments of ministry grow from consistent faithfulness in small things. When we find ourselves in our own midnight prisons, the question becomes: will we worship before the chains fall off, or will we wait until freedom comes to declare God's faithfulness?

Sunday July 19th, 2026

Philippians4:11: "Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned inwhatever state I am, to be content.” Immediately Paul wants the Philippiansto understand something. He is not thanking them because he was desperate formoney. He says, "Not that I speak in respect of want." Paulcertainly appreciated their generous gift, but his joy did not depend uponwhether he had plenty or little. His happiness was not tied to his bankaccount, his circumstances, or his physical comfort. Thenhe makes one of the most remarkable statements in Scripture: "For Ihave learned...".  Noticecarefully what Paul does not say. He does not say, "I was borncontent." He does not say, "I have always been content." He doesnot say, "Contentment came naturally to me." No. He says, "Ihave learned." That one word is full of encouragement. Contentment is nota personality trait. It is not something only optimistic people possess. It isnot the result of favorable circumstances. It is something that every believermust learn in the school of God. Justas a child learns to read one lesson at a time, so God patiently teaches Hischildren contentment one experience at a time. Each circumstancebecame another classroom where God taught Paul to trust Christ.  Godoften teaches us His greatest lessons in the classrooms we would never choosefor ourselves. None of us naturally enjoys trials. None of us asks forsuffering. Yet many of the deepest truths we know about God's faithfulnesscould never have been learned any other way. James tells us in James 1:2-3: “Mybrethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that thetesting of your faith produces patience.” Peter reminds us that the trialof our faith is more precious than gold in 1 Peter 1:6-7: “In this yougreatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have beengrieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much moreprecious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found topraise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” Godis never wasting our hardships. He is teaching us something that prosperityalone could never teach. Notice the next phrase. "...in whatsoeverstate I am..." Paul is not talking about geography. He is not speakingabout whether he is in Philippi, Ephesus, Corinth, or Rome, North Caolina orVirginia. He is talking about every circumstance of life. Whether life is easyor difficult. Whether his needs are met abundantly or barely. Whether he isfree or imprisoned. Whether he is applauded or criticized. In every situation,God had been teaching him. Thencomes the great lesson. "...therewith to be content." The word"content" carries the idea of being inwardly sufficient, satisfied,and at rest. For the Christian, however, our sufficiency is not found inourselves. Our sufficiency is found in Christ. As Paul wrote elsewhere in 2Corinthians 3:5, "Not that we are sufficient of ourselves... but oursufficiency is of God." The world says, "You will be content whenyou get more." God says, "You will be content when you discover thatChrist is enough." The world constantly tells us that happiness is justone purchase away. One promotion away. One new possession away. One bettercircumstance away. But once we obtain those things, we soon discover that theycannot satisfy the deepest needs of the heart. Only Christ can do that. Augustinewrote many centuries ago, "Our hearts are restless until they find theirrest in Thee." How true that is!Perhapstoday God has enrolled you in the school of contentment. Maybe your lessoninvolves waiting. Perhaps it involves illness. Financial pressure.Disappointment. Or unanswered questions. Do not despise the classroom. YourHeavenly Father is an excellent Teacher. Every lesson has a purpose. Everyassignment has eternal value. Every trial is designed to make you more like HisSon.

“But I rejoiced in the Lordgreatly that now at last your care for me has flourished again; though yousurely did care, but you lacked opportunity.” Rememberwhere Paul is as he writes these words. He is under house arrest in Rome. Hehas been separated from the Philippian believers for several years. During thattime they had desired to help him, but because of distance, persecution, andlimited means of communication, they simply had no opportunity. Then God openeda door. The church gathered an offering and sent one of their own members,Epaphroditus, on the long journey from Philippi to Rome. It was a dangeroustrip of nearly eight hundred miles. Along the way Epaphroditus became seriouslyill and nearly died, yet he faithfully completed the mission God had given him.Through this faithful servant, the Philippian believers sent not only financialhelp but also encouragement, love, and fellowship to Paul. NoticePaul's first response. "I rejoiced in the Lord greatly." Hedid not merely rejoice because money had arrived. He rejoiced because he sawGod's hand behind the gift. His joy was centered "in the Lord." Thatlittle phrase appears throughout Philippians. Paul teaches us again and againthat our joy is never to be rooted in circumstances but in Christ Himself. Paulunderstood that people may give the gift, but God is always the Provider. Jamesreminds us, "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, andcomes down from the Father of lights" (James 1:17). David declared inPsalm 23:1, "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want." Paulsaw every provision of life as coming from the loving hand of his HeavenlyFather. Noticeanother beautiful expression. "Your care of me has flourishedagain." The word "flourished" pictures a plant thatblooms again after winter. The Philippians' love for Paul had never died. Ithad simply lacked an opportunity to express itself. Now their concern hadblossomed into visible action once more. How encouraging that must have been! Sometimeswe wrongly conclude that people no longer care because we have not heard fromthem for a while. But circumstances often prevent people from expressing whatis really in their hearts. Paul quickly removes any misunderstanding by saying," though you surely did care, but you lacked opportunity.” In other words,"I know you have cared all along. You simply had no way to help."What grace! Paul refuses to criticize them. He refuses to question theirmotives. He gives them the benefit of the doubt. Wouldn't our relationships behealthier if we did the same? How many misunderstandings could be avoided if weassumed the best instead of the worst? Remember 1 Corinthians 13: Love "believesall things" and "hopes all things." Love looks forreasons to trust rather than reasons to doubt. Thereis another wonderful lesson here. God's timing is always perfect. The gift didnot arrive early. It did not arrive late. It arrived exactly when God knew Paulneeded it. Our Heavenly Father is never in a hurry, but He is never behindschedule. Abraham learned that on Mount Moriah when God provided the ram. Israellearned it in the wilderness when manna appeared every morning. Elijah learnedit beside the brook Cherith and later through the widow of Zarephath. Paul nowexperiences that same faithful provision in a Roman prison. Perhapstoday you are waiting on God. You have prayed. You have trusted Him. Yet theanswer has not yet come. Take courage. If God knows how to feed the sparrowsand clothe the lilies of the field, He certainly knows how to care for His ownchildren. Often God's delays are not God's denials. He is preparing both theprovision and the person who will receive it.  When our eyes are fixed on Christ, every blessing becomes anotherreminder of His faithfulness. When we recognize that every good thing comesfrom His loving hand, gratitude replaces anxiety, and joy replaces worry.

Send us Fan MailIt was all going according to Paul's plan . . . until it wasn't. God gave Paul a vision of a man in Macedonia calling for help, but when Paul arrived in Macedonia, he didn't find a man; he found a worshiping woman. Then a demon-possessed girl. Then a prison cell for doing right. Pick up your Bible or device, and turn to Acts 16 to hear the story.This episode is based on the God's Word for Life, Summer 2026, Adult Lesson Guide entitled, "Paul and Silas in Philippi" (July 19, 2026).Find an Apostolic church that preaches this glorious gospel and our response at UPCI.orgThis episode is produced by the Pentecostal Resources Group and is hosted by LJ Harry. To order resources of the God's Word for Life curriculum, visitPentecostalPublishing.com and PentecostalResourcesGroup.com.Share your God's Word for Life stories with me at pphcurriculum@upci.org.

The mind of Christ- Paul exhorted the church at Philippi to be unified. How does the church attain unity? It begins with the individual, and the desire to put others before self. If we are wondering how to practically live that out, Jesus showed us what "lowliness of mind" looks like.

In week six, Paul reframes the messiness of life together in the Body of Christ through his encouragement to two members of the church in Philippi, showing how God forms us in this midst of difficulties or disagreements. Reframing Church Drama Zane Witcher

To live is Christ- The saints in Philippi were concerned for Paul as he was writing to them from prison, but Paul assured them that his unfavorable circumstances were turning out for the good of the gospel. Our future heavenly citizenship should affect how we live now.

With season 1 and 2 complete we move into Acts: Season 3. The narrative shifts to Antioch and the focus is on Paul - previously called Saul - as he shares the gospel in Gentile areas. ___In God's sovereign providence, He leads Paul, Silas, Timothy, and now Luke, to Philippi where they meet a random assortment of people with nothing in common but their need for Jesus. And through unique salvation experiences, God builds His church in Philippi.

A prayer of love- It's right to pray for those who are lost, needy, or hurting, but Paul's prayer for his friends at Philippi reminds us to pray for the spiritual well-being of our brothers and sisters in Christ.

Some of the greatest writings in history were written from prison—like Martin Luther King Jr.'s Letter from Birmingham Jail, John Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress, and Nelson Mandela's Autobiography. The Apostle Paul's letter to the Philippians is no different, but most people have never heard of it. Written from a Roman prison to a church he started in Philippi, Philippians is a short letter full of brilliant theology, no-nonsense wisdom, and tattoo-worthy one-liners that has sparked joy, resilience, humility, and more in the church ever since.

Pastor Jill DuBois teaches that followers of Jesus never graduate from pursuing Jesus.

Study Passage: Philippians 1:1–181 Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus,To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the overseers and deacons: 2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 3 I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, 4 always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, 5 because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. 6 And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. 7 It is right for me to feel this way about you all, because I hold you in my heart, for you are all partakers with me of grace, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel. 8 For God is my witness, how I yearn for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus. 9 And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, 10 so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, 11 filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God. 12 I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel, 13 so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard and to all the rest that my imprisonment is for Christ. 14 And most of the brothers, having become confident in the Lord by my imprisonment, are much more bold to speak the word without fear. 15 Some indeed preach Christ from envy and rivalry, but others from good will. 16 The latter do it out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. 17 The former proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely but thinking to afflict me in my imprisonment. 18 What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed, and in that I rejoice. Yes, and I will rejoice…

The sermon explores the themes of Christian unity and the privilege of suffering by examining Paul's letter to the Philippian church. It highlights how believers must conduct themselves in a manner worthy of the gospel, standing firm in one spirit while striving together for the faith. The message draws parallels between the ancient context of Philippi and the modern struggles of Christians in Lebanon, emphasizing that persecution is a divine gift that proves salvation and defeats adversaries. Through personal testimonies from Lebanese believers, the text illustrates how steadfast faith and mutual support sustain the church amidst intense opposition. Ultimately, the preacher calls for consistent boldness and love, urging the congregation to view hardship as an opportunity to magnify Christ.

Philippians 4:1-9 There The Message paraphrases him as telling the Christians in Philippi, “Whatever you've learned and heard from as well as saw in me, put into practice.” The apostle invites those who wish for God's peace to accompany us to keep patterning our lives after not just Jesus, but also the apostle.

To the Philippians- The Lord used Paul to help start the church at Philippi, so he had a special place in his heart for them. Among other lessons to be learned in this letter, Paul teaches us how to remain joyful and content through the trials of life.

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Some of the greatest writings in history were written from prison—like Martin Luther King Jr.'s Letter from Birmingham Jail, John Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress, and Nelson Mandela's Autobiography. The Apostle Paul's letter to the Philippians is no different, but most people have never heard of it. Written from a Roman prison to a church he started in Philippi, Philippians is a short letter full of brilliant theology, no-nonsense wisdom, and tattoo-worthy one-liners that has sparked joy, resilience, humility, and more in the church ever since.

Paul encourages the church at Philippi to stand firm in the Lord and remember their identity as citizens of heaven. We too are invited to live as citizens of heaven above all other allegiances.

Paul invites the congregation in Philippi to imitate Jesus way of living by giving more regard for others than for yourself. "The Gospel Centered Life", Craig Ford, 07-05-26

Brett Sanner Philippians 2:5-11; Acts 16:11-40

Elder Ted Baker teaches about the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus.

“What's the Story?”Acts 16:11-1511 From Troas, we put out to sea and sailed straight for Samothrace, and the next day we went on to Neapolis. 12 From there we traveled to Philippi, a Roman colony and the leading city of that district of Macedonia. And we stayed there several days.13 On the Sabbath we went outside the city gate to the river, where we expected to find a place of prayer. We sat down and began to speak to the women who had gathered there. 14 One of those listening was a woman from the city of Thyatira named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth. She was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul's message. 15 When she and the members of her household were baptized, she invited us to her home. “If you consider me a believer in the Lord,” she said, “come and stay at my house.” And she persuaded us.CONNECT WITH USIf you have any questions or would like to get to know us further, head over to https://www.triumphlbc.org/connect and fill out our online connection card.ABOUT TRIUMPHTriumph wants to see the life and message of Jesus transform your heart, home, and city. To learn more visit https://www.triumphlbc.org/

In this episode of The Leader's Notebook (Ep. 319), I take you into one of the most joyful books in all of Scripture—the book of Philippians. Written from a Roman prison, Paul's letter overflows with gratitude, faith, and rejoicing. Together we revisit the miraculous beginnings of the church at Philippi, from Lydia's conversion to the Philippian jailer's salvation, and discover why Paul could write with such confidence that “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion” (Philippians 1:6). No matter your circumstances, God has not forgotten where your journey with Christ began. This message is a reminder that Christian joy is not rooted in comfort, success, or favorable conditions, but in the grace of God, the strength of Christian community, and the unshakable reality of Jesus Christ. If you need encouragement, hope, and a renewed reason to rejoice, this message will help you remember what God has done and trust Him for what is yet to come.– Dr. Mark Rutland Chapters (00:00:03) - The Leaders Notebook(00:00:26) - Mark Rutland Announces Travis Rutland's New Podcast(00:01:58) - The Epistle to the Church at Philippi(00:11:30) - Paul the Apostle and the Jailer(00:18:20) - Paul's Joy in the Letter(00:20:47) - Paul the Apostle(00:25:28) - Paul the Apostle: Rejoice in the Lord always(00:31:27) - Leader's Notebook

In Week 11 of our Welcomed. series, we explore the powerful truth that the gospel doesn't merely change what we believe—it transforms how we see and love people.In Acts 16:16–40, we encounter a remarkable collection of unlikely people brought together by the grace of God: a wealthy businesswoman, a formerly demon-oppressed slave girl, and a Roman jailer. Though their backgrounds, experiences, and social standing could not have been more different, each is welcomed into the family of God through the same gospel.As Paul and Silas endure opposition, injustice, and imprisonment, we see the contrast between a culture of welcome rooted in self-interest and the welcome of Jesus that begins with God. The gospel expands our vision of who God loves, reshapes our identity, and empowers us to love others with courage, humility, and grace—even in the midst of suffering.Join us as we discover how the welcome of Jesus transforms both our hearts and our relationships, creating a new kind of community centered on God's grace rather than our preferences.For more information about Integrity Church, visit our website, http://liveintegritychurch.orgConnect with us on social media throughout the week to stay up to date on events and things happening at Integrity!Instagram: @integrity_churchFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/liveintegrity/

Czasem wiatr szumiący wśród łanów kukurydzy okazuje się być oddechem zła absolutnego, które z kawałkiem stali w dłoni czeka w mroku, gotowe uderzyć i odebrać życie. W 2005 roku okolice Kapsztadu w RPA terroryzowała bestia, która uwierzyła że jest bogiem, panem życia i śmierci. Pozbawiła życia co najmniej 16 osób, a kilkadziesiąt naznaczyła swym piętnem na zawsze. To historia mordercy zwanego "Jezusem z Philippi" - Jimmy'ego Maketty.

Who does God put on his team? In this talk, Pastor Ben Stuart walks us through Acts 16, where we we watch the Gospel cross into Europe for the first time, and God assembles His church in Philippi out of the most unlikely crew. Three people. Three completely different stories. And yet, Jesus who meets every single one of them exactly where they are. We learn that whoever you are and whatever you are carrying, there's a place for you on God's team. Key Verses // Acts 16  — Give towards what God is doing through Passion City Church: passiondc.link/give  — Subscribe to our Youtube channel to see more messages: www.youtube.com/passioncitychurchdc — Follow along with Passion City Church DC: www.instagram.com/passioncitydc — Follow along with Pastor Ben Stuart: www.instagram.com/ben_stuart_ — Passion City Church is a Jesus church with locations in Atlanta and Washington D.C. For more info on Passion, visit https://passioncitychurch.com

Some of the greatest writings in history were written from prison—like Martin Luther King Jr.'s Letter from Birmingham Jail, John Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress, and Nelson Mandela's Autobiography. The Apostle Paul's letter to the Philippians is no different, but most people have never heard of it. Written from a Roman prison to a church he started in Philippi, Philippians is a short letter full of brilliant theology, no-nonsense wisdom, and tattoo-worthy one-liners that has sparked joy, resilience, humility, and more in the church ever since.

 Acts 16:6-15God saves us INWARDLYWe express our salvation OUTWARDLYWhy be baptized?-To IMITATE Jesus-To OBEY JesusBaptism is raising your FLAG for Jesus Christ

Sermon Notes: Raised to Praise Preacher: Rev. Dr. Ebenezer Okronipa Main Text: Psalm 89:15–18 Supporting Scriptures: Psalm 34:1, Numbers 13 (Kadesh Barnea Account), 1 Samuel 17 (David & Goliath), Jeremiah 30:19, Psalm 67:5–6, Acts 16:25–26, 2 Chronicles 20:21–23, Psalm 149:5–9, Nehemiah 8:10 Core Theme: In life, your mindset and programming determine your trajectory. Believers must reject a structural identity built on complaining, murmuring, and negativity, and instead tap into the supernatural power of divine programming to become people who are intentionally "raised to praise." 1. Introduction: Identity, Persona, and Mentalities In life, individuals unconsciously adopt specific personas, identities, and mindsets that govern how they react to reality. Many of these default mentalities are completely unbiblical. Your long-term mentality is highly dependent on your internal spiritual programming. You can actively choose the kind of person you want to become by shifting what rules your mind. 2. Prophetic Case Study: Two Distant Categories of Programming Category I: Those "Raised to Complain" (The Ten Spies) The Historical Context (Kadesh Barnea): When the children of Israel reached Kadesh Barnea—the exact border of the Promised Land—Moses dispatched twelve spies to spy out the territory and bring back a structural report. The Negative Report: Ten of the spies returned with a report saturated with fear, murmuring, and defeatist descriptions. They acknowledged the fruitfulness of the land but focused entirely on the obstacles: the fortified cities and the descendants of Anak (the Anakites), who were literal physical giants. The Grasshopper Complex: The ten spies reported: "We saw ourselves as grasshoppers in our own sight, and so we were in their sight." Instead of focusing on God's foundational promises, they viewed reality through their physical shortcomings, short stature, and inadequate military experience. The Warning Against Structural Complaining: These ten spies represent individuals who are culturally and systematically programmed to only spot negativity, problems, errors, and disadvantages in any environment, group, or local church. Category II: Those "Raised to Praise" (Joshua and Caleb) Operating under an entirely different internal spirit, Joshua and Caleb stood before the assembly with a contradictory testimony. They witnessed the exact same giants, cities, and physical realities, yet their immediate response was praise, confidence, and radical faith. Where the ten spies perceived an un-scalable wall of destruction, those raised to praise perceived a divine opportunity to rise up, break forth, and fully conquer the territory. 3. The Structural Mechanics of a Praiser: The Pattern of David Psalm 34:1 "I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth." Praise Under Pressure: Rev. Dr. Ebenezer Okronipa emphasized that true praise must be deployed regardless of what is laid out on your physical plate or unfolding in your life. Praise is non-negotiable; it cannot be limited to good times. If you do not master this, the enemy will inevitably conquer your mind with deep depression and structural anxiety. The Rejection of the Wilderness: David was structurally rejected by his own biological family, left out of academic opportunities, and abandoned in the isolated desert to tend sheep while his brothers were groomed for leadership. Yet, instead of developing bitterness, David utilized the isolation of the desert to master the joyful sound and compose timeless Psalms. The Confrontation with Goliath (1 Samuel 17): Because David was forged in private praise, he walked onto the active war front with a completely different spiritual estimation. While King Saul and the entire trained army of Israel were physically shaking and paralyzed by the daily threats of Goliath of Gath, David saw the giant simply as an uncircumcised Philistine and a structural stepping stone to his next level of authority. 4. Scriptural Exposition: The Mystery of the Joyful Sound Psalm 89:15 "Blessed are the people who know the joyful sound! They walk, O Lord, in the light of Your countenance." "Blessed..." In original context, this literally translates to Happy. True kingdom happiness is structurally bound to your level of praise. "Who know..." The word "know" denotes deep spiritual perception, personal familiarity, and an intimate acquaintance with the frequency of praise. There are many individuals who remain completely ignorant of the technical mechanics of praise. The Contrast with Worldly Performance: People enthusiastically celebrate, shout, jump, and take selfies when their favorite football team scores or executes a strategic win on the pitch. If believers can channel that exact raw level of energetic celebration into high praise toward the Living God, they will activate unprecedented levels of dynamic breakthroughs. 5. What is Praise? (The Greek Root) Praise is derived from the Greek word "Eulogia" or "Eulogeo", which fundamentally means to speak fine, excellent, and beautiful words. It is the deliberate act of using your vocal capacity to structure and release beautiful, uplifting declarations about the character and capability of God. The Mediums of Praise: You can legally express Eulogia through several physical and spiritual streams: dynamic singing, spoken prophetic words, high-spirited dancing, and specific, consistent thanksgiving offerings. 6. The Six Supernatural Dimensions Activated via Praise When a believer transitions into a continuous lifestyle of praise, six distinct spiritual realities are legally triggered into manifestation: I. The Weaponization of Vengeance Scriptures: Psalm 149:5–9, 2 Chronicles 20:21–23 High praise carries an intrinsic spiritual capability to execute heavy judgment and divine vengeance against the legal enemies of God's children. Praise is not a passive song; praise is active warfare. When King Jehoshaphat positioned the praisers ahead of the army, God physically ambushed and completely annihilated their adversaries. II. The Provocation of Supernatural Multiplication Scriptures: Jeremiah 30:19, Psalm 67:5–6 The Principle: Whenever the voice of thanksgiving and high celebration proceeds from a house, God responds with rapid numerical and financial multiplication. Scripturally, when you praise Him, "then shall the earth yield her increase." Jesus modeled this by offering praise over a structural deficit of five loaves and two fish, turning it into a cascading surplus. III. The Invocation of the Manifested Presence Scriptures: Acts 16:25–26, Psalm 89:15 Praise acts as a supernatural conduit that pulls down the raw, manifested presence and earthquake power of God. When Paul and Silas sang hymns inside the deepest dungeon of Philippi under maximum constraint, the localized presence of God violently shook the structural foundations of the prison and threw every door wide open. IV. The Deployment of Divine Favor and Honor Scriptures: Psalm 89:16–17, Jeremiah 30:19 Operating in praise triggers a peculiar fragrance of favor that causes your "horn" (authority and influence) to be dynamically exalted. God guarantees that those who glorify Him with praise will be heavily honored and completely removed from a low estimation or a small estate. V. The Release of Supernatural Strength and Empowerment Scriptures: Psalm 89:17, Nehemiah 8:10 God Himself becomes the literal glory of your physical and mental capacity. Murmuring and a stiff countenance cause physical illnesses, ulcers, and inner structural damage. However, because the joy of the Lord is your unshakeable strength, deep praise releases raw, divine vitality into your system. VI. The Enforcement of Total Divine Protection Scripture: Psalm 89:18 For the people who explicitly understand and operate within the joyful sound, the Lord takes up a legal position as their supreme defense and permanent shield. Your safety is structurally locked behind the gateway of your praise. 7. Practical Application & Commissioning Audit Your Countenance: Reject a stiff, frozen, or frowning expression. A stiff face reflects an internal state akin to a lifeless stick, whereas a joyful, smiling countenance releases an angelic atmosphere. Shift Your Default Vocabulary: Stop utilizing your words to map out grievances, small resources, educational limitations, or past rejections. Adopt the Eulogia frequency: daily speak fine, excellent, and bold words over your life, your home, and your business. Engage in Radical Action: Walk out of this message into active celebration. Shake off the wilderness mentality, grab a partner by the hand, and unlock the heavy blessings of multiplication, favor, and protection by executing your highest, most passionate dance steps before the King!

June 29, 2026Today's Reading: Matthew 16:13-19Daily Lectionary: Joshua 4:1-24; Acts 9:23-43“And Jesus answered him, ‘Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 16:17)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Peter and Paul. The “Prince of the Apostles” and the “Apostle to the Gentiles.” They both are great movers and shakers in the first generation of the New Testament Church—heroes of the faith. And we remember them with appreciation and thanksgiving, sometimes in our stained glass windows, or even with statues flanking the Risen Christ on some altars. It is good to remember them and give thanks.But is it the wisdom and skill of Simon and Saul? Did Simon Peter pass some exam with flying colors, giving Jesus the right answer? Did Saul of Tarsus suddenly realize he was wrong on the Road to Damascus, and shout, “My bad!” as he made up his own mind to start a new life? Here is a hint: even with the greatest saints, they could “not by [their] own reason or strength believe in Jesus Christ [their] Lord, or come to Him.”The Father in heaven gave His Spirit to these men, that they might come to faith in Christ, and be great apostles to build the foundation of the Church. These two had a great many things in common. Peter raised Dorcas from the dead; Paul raised Eutychus. Peter was released from jail in Jerusalem by an angel; Paul by an angel in Philippi. Both preach to thousands, both Jew and Gentile, around the Roman Empire. And then, the last thing they shared in common: they both were martyred in Rome during Nero's persecution of Christians. Paul, as a Roman citizen, was given a swift, less torturous death by beheading. Peter, as merely a subject of the Empire, was crucified.Ah! But there is yet another thing in common. These two saints now rest from their labors, asleep in Jesus. And they are awaiting the Resurrection at the Last Day. The Resurrection foreshadowed in the empty tomb, and revealed to Peter in the Upper Room and at breakfast on the beach. The Resurrection was revealed to Paul when he was “knocked off his high horse” and saw and heard the Risen Christ on the Road to Damascus.The Gospel of this Resurrection is revealed to you, too. Through the Word of God delivered by these two saints (and so many others!), you have been blessed and are being prepared for the Resurrection.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.We praise You for Saint Peter; We praise You for Saint Paul; They taught both Jew and Gentile That Christ is all in all. To cross and sword they yielded And saw Your kingdom come; O God, these two apostles Reached life through martyrdom. (LSB 518:19)Rev. Richard Heinz, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Lowell, IN.

Pastor Lisa teaches that showing up for one another deepens joy and displays Jesus.

"Forour conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, theLord Jesus Christ: Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashionedlike unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able evento subdue all things unto himself." What a contrast to verse 19! TherePaul described those whose minds are fixed on earthly things. But in verse 20he says, "Our conversation is in heaven." Theword "conversation" here does not refer to our speech. Itmeans our citizenship or our commonwealth—where we really belong. ThePhilippian believers immediately understood this illustration. Philippi was aRoman colony. Although it was located hundreds of miles from Rome, its citizensenjoyed all the rights and privileges of Roman citizenship. They lived inMacedonia, but they belonged to Rome. They dressed like Romans, followed Romanlaws, and were proud to be Roman citizens. Paul says that is exactly howChristians should live. We live on earth, but we belong to heaven. This worldis not our home.  Petercalls us "strangers and pilgrims" in this world. We are simplypassing through. Our names have been written in heaven. Our King is in heaven. Ourtreasure is in heaven. And one day, we are going to heaven.Thatis why our values should be different. Our priorities should be different. Ourconduct should be different. As citizens of heaven, we should represent theKing of heaven here on earth.  Paulgoes on to say that from heaven "we look for the Saviour, the LordJesus Christ." The word "look" means to wait eagerlywith expectation. The early Christians lived every day believing that JesusChrist could return at any moment. Oh, my friend, this same hope should fillour hearts today. Titus 2:13 calls it, "Looking for that blessed hope,and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ."The return of Christ is not merely a doctrine to debate. It is a promise toencourage us, comfort us, and motivate us to holy living. John also wrote in 1John 3:2-3: "Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yetappear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall belike him; for we shall see him as he is. And every man that hath this hope inhim purified himself, even as he is pure." Jesus Himself said, "If I go away, I will come again."(John 14:3).  ThenPaul goes on to tell us that Christ, "shall change our vile body, thatit may be fashioned like unto his glorious body." The word "vile"here does not mean sinful. It refers to our lowly, humble, earthly body. Thisbody grows tired. It grows old. It becomes weak. It experiences sickness, pain,and sorrow. One day, unless the Lord returns first, it will die. But when JesusChrist returns, He will transform these mortal bodies into glorified bodieslike His own resurrection body. No more sickness. No more pain. No moreweakness. No more death. No more tears. What a glorious hope we have! We willbe like Jesus. Howwill He accomplish this? Paul says, "According to the working wherebyhe is able even to subdue all things unto himself." Now listen—this ispowerful. The same Lord who spoke the universe into existence...Thesame Lord who calmed the storm... The same Lord who conquered death and walkedout of the tomb... The same Lord who reigns over every king and everykingdom... has all power to complete His work in us. My friend, nothing is toohard for Him. Aswe conclude Philippians chapter 3, remember the great contrasts Paul has givenus. Do not put your confidence in the flesh—put your confidence in Christ. Donot look backward—press forward. Do not follow worldly examples—follow thosewho follow Christ. Do not set your mind on earthly things—remember that yourconversation, your citizenship, is in heaven. And do not lose hope. Jesus iscoming again. May we live today as faithful citizens of heaven while we eagerlywait for our Lord Jesus Christ to return. He could come at any moment.

“At the River's Edge—What's the Story?”Acts 16:11-1511 From Troas we put out to sea and sailed straight for Samothrace, and the next day we went on to Neapolis. 12 From there we traveled to Philippi, a Roman colony and the leading city of that district of Macedonia. And we stayed there several days.13 On the Sabbath we went outside the city gate to the river, where we expected to find a place of prayer. We sat down and began to speak to the women who had gathered there. 14 One of those listening was a woman from the city of Thyatira named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth. She was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul's message. 15 When she and the members of her household were baptized, she invited us to her home. “If you consider me a believer in the Lord,” she said, “come and stay at my house.” And she persuaded us.CONNECT WITH USIf you have any questions or would like to get to know us further, head over to https://www.triumphlbc.org/connect and fill out our online connection card.ABOUT TRIUMPHTriumph wants to see the life and message of Jesus transform your heart, home, and city. To learn more visit https://www.triumphlbc.org/

This 6/7/26 sermon by Mike Gowens is based on Philippians 3:17-21 and is #26 in the "Exposition of Philippians" study. Using the fact that Philippi was a Roman colony although a distance of 800 miles separated the capital city from its Greek city-state, Paul reminds the saints of the need to think of our lives in this world in terms of our heavenly home, and to prioritize that ultimate, political reality in the way we think about the present life.

Guest speaker, Josh Hofford, opens with a word of encouragement to every father in the room — reminding them that their assignment was given by God Himself, that it is eternal and essential, and that God will not run out on them or their children. From there, Josh anchors the message in a sweeping passage covering Acts 15-17, tracing Paul's second missionary journey across roughly 1,300 miles on foot. The big idea Josh returns to throughout the message is this: God often redirects our plans to accomplish His greater mission, and faithfulness matters far more than our comfort. Josh walks through a series of moments where everything seemed to be going wrong for Paul and his team — the painful split with Barnabas, closed doors from the Holy Spirit, imprisonment in Philippi — and shows how God was not moving them out of the way, but moving them into position. Through each setback, God provided: Timothy joined the team, Lydia and her entire household became the first European converts to the gospel, a demon-possessed slave girl was set free, and a Philippian jailer on the verge of suicide came to faith along with his whole family. None of this was what Paul had originally planned. Josh closes by bringing the message home with two pointed questions: Where are you tempted to quit? And what would obedience look like if you pressed on anyway? Drawing from Acts 17:6 — the declaration that Paul and his companions had "turned the world upside down" — Josh reminds the congregation that the gospel still has that same radical power today, and that Hope Church's own mission teams, both in Folsom, California and Southeast Asia, are continuing that very same mission.

Some of the greatest writings in history were written from prison—like Martin Luther King Jr.'s Letter from Birmingham Jail, John Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress, and Nelson Mandela's Autobiography. The Apostle Paul's letter to the Philippians is no different, but most people have never heard of it. Written from a Roman prison to a church he started in Philippi, Philippians is a short letter full of brilliant theology, no-nonsense wisdom, and tattoo-worthy one-liners that has sparked joy, resilience, humility, and more in the church ever since.

As Paul sends Timothy and Epaphroditus back to Philippi, he commends them for how they have worked alongside him in sharing the Gospel. How is God inviting us to work together in community for the kingdom in our time and place?

Pastor Steve teaches us to partner with God to work out what He's already working in our lives.

Send us a message!We zoom in on Acts 16 and wrestle with what it means when the Holy Spirit blocks a plan, even a plan that seems undeniably good. We share personal stories and practical frameworks so you can face closed doors with trust, discernment, and a loose grip on your own timeline. • treating Acts as more than history and asking what obedience looks like now • Paul's blocked route to Asia and the confusion of spiritual resistance • a real-life “no” that later looks like protection during a medical crisis • the Macedonia vision that leads to Lydia and the church in Philippi • why changed plans can be God's protection from harm or from “not best” • why making plans is still wise and helps us recognize God's redirection • stepping-stone yeses that build momentum toward a bigger calling • the perennial vs annual metaphor for seasons that are meant to end • detours that increase intimacy with God and with co-laborers  At outloudbible.com, you can find free resources to help you study the Bible. And while you're there, send us a message to say hi, or start a conversation about having us at your church or event. If Outloud Bible has been a valuable part of your understanding of the Bible, please consider supporting the ministry by visiting outloudbible.com.Support the showCheck out outloudbible.com for helpful study resources, and to discover how to bring the public reading of God's word to your church, conference, retreat, or other event.

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20260618dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion As for other matters, brothers and sisters, pray for us that the message of the Lord may spread rapidly and be honored, just as it was with you. 2 Thessalonians 3:1 The Power of the Gospel Paul appealed to the believers of Thessalonica to pray. His concern was “that the message of the Lord may spread rapidly and be honored.” The apostle knew the difficulties involved in proclaiming the good news about Jesus. Just before Paul went to Thessalonica, he was jailed at Philippi for preaching God’s word. Before that, he was stoned at Lystra. Just after leaving Thessalonica, he debated with some philosophers at Athens, and they scoffed at his message and rejected it. Nevertheless, Paul’s enthusiasm for sharing the saving message of the gospel never faded. He sought to spread the word of life wherever and whenever he could. He recognized the urgency of telling people about Jesus and how the Savior rescued them from sin and hell. He asked, “How can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard?” (Romans 10:14). It is vitally important for people to hear about Jesus so that the Holy Spirit can work in their hearts. Therefore, include in your prayers the plea that God will cause the good news of salvation through Jesus to spread rapidly so that many people may hear the message of free forgiveness and eternal life. And pray that the word of God be honored by those who hear it—that through the power of the gospel, the Holy Spirit turn people from damning unbelief to saving faith in Jesus. Prayer: Holy Spirit, use the message of salvation to call many more people out of the darkness of unbelief to the marvelous light of faith in Jesus Christ. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

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

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20260618dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion As for other matters, brothers and sisters, pray for us that the message of the Lord may spread rapidly and be honored, just as it was with you. 2 Thessalonians 3:1 The Power of the Gospel Paul appealed to the believers of Thessalonica to pray. His concern was “that the message of the Lord may spread rapidly and be honored.” The apostle knew the difficulties involved in proclaiming the good news about Jesus. Just before Paul went to Thessalonica, he was jailed at Philippi for preaching God’s word. Before that, he was stoned at Lystra. Just after leaving Thessalonica, he debated with some philosophers at Athens, and they scoffed at his message and rejected it. Nevertheless, Paul’s enthusiasm for sharing the saving message of the gospel never faded. He sought to spread the word of life wherever and whenever he could. He recognized the urgency of telling people about Jesus and how the Savior rescued them from sin and hell. He asked, “How can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard?” (Romans 10:14). It is vitally important for people to hear about Jesus so that the Holy Spirit can work in their hearts. Therefore, include in your prayers the plea that God will cause the good news of salvation through Jesus to spread rapidly so that many people may hear the message of free forgiveness and eternal life. And pray that the word of God be honored by those who hear it—that through the power of the gospel, the Holy Spirit turn people from damning unbelief to saving faith in Jesus. Prayer: Holy Spirit, use the message of salvation to call many more people out of the darkness of unbelief to the marvelous light of faith in Jesus Christ. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

On today's Bible Answer Man broadcast (06/15/26), Hank comments on the amazing contentment Paul describes in Philippians chapter 4, and the generosity of the church at Philippi whose gifts were a fragrant offering to the Lord. This wonderful example of giving shows the biblical model is not giving to get, but rather participating in the advance of the gospel through giving.Hank also answers the following questions:I lost my son to cancer. Should the promises in Jeremiah 29:11 be taken literally? If so, was there a chink in my faith armor that allowed this to happen? Warren - Edmonton, AB (2:53)As a Millennial, how can I stand strong against homosexuality and same-sex marriage? Are there Scriptures to support this? Leigh - AR (6:13)Why did God stop giving us inspired writings? Tammy - OK (15:47)What is a prophet, and how is that office expressed today? Karen - BC (21:41)

Pastor Tyler teaches that because Jesus was secure in His identity, He was free to let go, move downward, and serve others. The more secure we become in Christ, the more freedom we have to do the same.

When Melanie began having regular headaches, her doctors discovered she had a benign tumor in her pituitary gland. The tumor was about the size of a plum and was surgically removed in 2003 and again in 2006 when it recurred. Then in 2017, when it came back a third time, Melanie underwent radiation treatment instead, which caused her to lose her hair. Her twenty-seven-year-old son, Matt, decided to grow out his own hair to make a wig for her. Matt’s selfless, loving act illustrates how one person’s abilities and resources can supply the needs of another person or group. Paul highlights the beauty of such reciprocal generosity in his letter to the Philippians. The believers in Philippi had shared in his “troubles” and “sent . . . aid more than once when [he] was in need” (Philippians 4:14, 16). Having received their gifts, Paul recognized that God had provided amply for his needs. Our willingness to share with one another is often the conduit of God’s provision in our lives. Sometimes we’re in a position to give of our time, talent, or treasure; other times we’re in need ourselves and must rely on the support of another. Through His Spirit working in us, our gifts are “pleasing to God” and a manifestation of our shared life in the Body (v. 18).