Project: Philippians

Philippians 2:5 - "Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus." Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

(Phil 2:3-4)"Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others." Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Philippians 2:3 - "Do nothing out of selfish ambition, or vain conceit, but in humility, consider others as better than yourself." - Apostle Paul Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Philippians 2:3 - "Do nothing out of selfish ambition, or vain conceit..." Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

(Phil 2:2)I hate to break it to you, but YOU are WRONG!(Now, let me explain what I mean...) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Christian Unity (Philippians 2:1-2) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

(Phil 1:30)As we close out the final verse in chapter one of Philippians, we do so on a note that might at first sound terribly disheartening. It's the bleak pronouncement from Paul that if you think life is hard now, don't worry: it's gonna get harder! What kind of verse is that, right here in the middle of the "Epistle of Joy"? Well, come on a journey with me today, and we'll discover how "suffering" is something that some people sign up for ON PURPOSE. Because sometimes the agony of the battle is is overshadowed by the noble cause that makes it all worthwhile.~~~~I'd love to hear from you! [email protected]: "Most Holy Place," by Doug Beiden. https://www.beidenmusic.com/music. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

(Phil 1:29)Have you ever received a "Care Package" in the mail? When I was in college, every once in a while I would receive a gift through the Post sent from loving friends back home. It would be filled with all sorts of pictures and goodies that would remind me that I was loved. Sometimes, as a joke, they would wrap the gift horribly -- make it look as ugly and unappealing as they could. Of course, that didn't spoil the delight of what was inside. In fact, it just made it better, somehow. Ah! Good memories!  So, as it turns out, your Heavenly Father loves to give good gifts, too. In fact, He's the absolute Master of gift-giving. The problem is, not all of His gifts are packaged in a way that looks appealing or desirable. Some of them seem so harsh you might even be tempted to send it back unopened -- if it weren't for the fact that you know the heart of the One who sent it. It's a Care Package. With your name on it. From God. So, the only question is: how will you respond?~~~~I'd love to hear from you! [email protected]: "Most Holy Place," by Doug Beiden. https://www.beidenmusic.com/music. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

(Phil 1:28)I've got a mug on my office desk. It's black with gold letters that say, "I've got this. - God." It is a daily reminder that I need way too often. (Because I so often lose sight of it!) In my defense, though, I've got a whole lot of days in my life that are filled with obstacles and attacks. (I imagine you probably do as well.) So, it's no wonder that once in a while (or perhaps more frequently than we'd like to admit), we get a bit flustered and frazzled by the shrapnel that comes flying our way. And in those moments, it's not too surprising that our faith starts to buckle under the pressure. But, you know what? God's got another plan in mind for you, my friend. He wants to introduce you to something He calls, "Courage." Courage under Fire.~~~~I'd love to hear from you! [email protected]: "Most Holy Place," by Doug Beiden. https://www.beidenmusic.com/music. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

(Phil 1:27)I'll be perfecty honest: I feel unworthy. Unworthy to have a podcast audience. Unworthy of the countless blessings in my life. And absolutely unworthy to be a blood-bought child of God. (And if you think I'm being too hard on myself, just ask my kids and they'll set you straight!) Maybe you can relate. When I try to measure up to the standard set by Jesus, I come away seeing nothing but my bucket-load of flaws, foibles, and failures. So, truth be told, it gives me more than a little consternation when I come across a verse like the one we're studying today. The one where the Apostle Paul says, "Yeah, so, the most important thing I want you to remember is this: LIVE WORTHY!" But, as audacious as that command is, I've got to admit, it makes sense. If I am the recipient of the most gracious and generous gift in the universe, I sure reckon that I ought to live like it. The only questions is: How??~~~~I'd love to hear from you! [email protected]: "Most Holy Place," by Doug Beiden. https://www.beidenmusic.com/music. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

(Phil 1:27a)Ladies and Gentlemen, may I have the honor of introducing you to the very first command in the book of Philippians? That's right: after a full year of episodes, we are just now encountering our very first imperative. And it is not only the first, but I believe in some respects it is the most important instruction in Paul's mind, because he will spend the rest of the book explaining what it means. And it all comes down to your IDENTITY.~~~~I'd love to hear from you! [email protected]: "Most Holy Place," by Doug Beiden. https://www.beidenmusic.com/music. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

(Phil 1:12-26)Sometimes you can study the trees so much, you miss the forest. So today, we're going to step back from our microscopic study of individual words and verses, and take a sweeping survey of the majestic landscape that we've covered in the last dozen verses. And like I did in an earlier episode, I've also mixed in a couple dramatic readings accompanied by music from my Ukrainian friend, Zakhar Valaha. You can find more of his music at https://open.spotify.com/track/33TvM2VE7XvNZOCVmX4Pcv?si=f0a842e5e1f44265~~~~I'd love to hear from you! [email protected]: "Most Holy Place," by Doug Beiden. https://www.beidenmusic.com/music. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

(Phil 1:25-26)Every Sunday when you set foot inside a church building, what is your goal? What's your purpose for being there? Are you there just to sit and soak? Are you there for the teaching? for the worship? for a weekly dose of encouragement or catching up with old friends? What if I told you that's NOT what church is for? Paul had something entirely different in mind whenever he showed up at the local congregation. He was there ON MISSION. Tune in today to find out what his mission was.~~~~I'd love to hear from you! [email protected]: "Most Holy Place," by Doug Beiden. https://www.beidenmusic.com/music. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

You probably think of the Garden of Eden as a place of paradise, and it was. But have you ever thought of it as a place of WORK? As it turns out, that's exactly what it was. When God created the perfect world and put people in it, He created them to work, and He said, "Don't worry; this is gonna be GOOD!" In today's podcast I want to unpack that idea from the view of the Apostle Paul, who clearly had the same perspective. As a matter of fact, the only reason Paul wanted to get up every morning was so that he could work. But it wasn't just any work that he was interested in. What he really wanted was FRUITFUL labor. I think if he had a t-shirt, it might have said "Will work for fruit!"~~~~I'd love to hear from you! [email protected]: "Most Holy Place," by Doug Beiden. https://www.beidenmusic.com/music."All labor that uplifts humanity has dignity and importance and should be undertaken with painstaking excellence.” – Martin Luther King Jr. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

(Phil 1:22-24)This may be one of the most important podcasts I've ever recorded. It certainly is the most transparent. Today, it is my goal to take you on a candid and revealing tour inside the vacillating heart of the Apostle Paul, and of my own. But though this may be a tour into a dark valley, I trust that you find that we will not get stuck in the misty depths, but we will emerge on the other side... and we will be transformed by the journey.~~~~I'd love to hear from you! [email protected]: "Most Holy Place," by Doug Beiden. https://www.beidenmusic.com/music. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

(Phil 1:21b)As I write this, 2024 is half over. And do you know what the unrivaled highlight of this year has been for me? The answer might surprise you: it was the memorial service for my dear and precious mom. No, I was not happy to see her go. Far from it! It was a day of deep sadness and the most blubbery weeping that I have ever done in public. BUT, it was also a day of great celebration and joy. How could that be? How could a day of such bleakness be so triumphant? Only one reason: because for my mom, to live was Christ, and to die was gain. Her death was a great loss for me, but a glorious reunion for her -- a reunion that she had been looking forward to with all her heart. And it is a reunion that I am looking forward to as well. And so did the Apostle Paul. Join me today as we ponder that together for a few moments...~~~~I'd love to hear from you! [email protected]: "Most Holy Place," by Doug Beiden. https://www.beidenmusic.com/music. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

(Philippians 1:21a)“But fairest of all was the great white gem, which the dwarves had found beneath the roots of the Mountain: the Heart of the Mountain, the Arkenstone of Thrain.... 'For the Arkenstone of my father,' said Thorin, 'is worth more than a river of gold in itself, and to me it is beyond price.'” (The Hobbit, J.R.R. Tolkien)Some gems are so precious that are no words to describe their beauty adequately. Some verses in Scripture are like that as well. I, for one, feel completely unworthy to even lift today's verse into my hands, let alone speak about it. But, if all I can do today is coax you into meditating upon it yourself, I will have accomplished enough.~~~~I'd love to hear from you! [email protected]: "Most Holy Place," by Doug Beiden. https://www.beidenmusic.com/music. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

(Philippians 1:20b)The theme of today's podcast is “themes”.A theme is like the common thread that ties something together. It is the unifying idea. Themes elevate a simple sequence of events into a true work of literature or art. You might say that themes are the beating heart of all meaningful narrative. They give stories depth and resonance. They give sermons coherence and power. And they give lives direction and meaning. Join with me today as we study what I believe to be the central theme of Philippians... and of Paul's life.~~~~I'd love to hear from you! [email protected]: "Most Holy Place," by Doug Beiden. https://www.beidenmusic.com/music. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

(Phil 1:20a)If I asked you to name your most embarrassing memory, I'll bet you wouldn't have much difficulty remembering it (although you might not be too keen on telling me about it!) As a matter of fact, I'm pretty sure that all of us have a whole string of deeply buried (maybe even long repressed) memories that are shrouded in embarrassment, humiliation, and shame. That's normal, of course, and just part of being human, I suppose. But have you ever wondered how much our lives are shaped and steered by those memories? How many of our decisions and core values are directly a result of our earnest intention to avoid ever having to experience those mortifying memories ever again? Many of us shield ourselves and build a highly-engineered fortress around our hearts, guarding our words and actions to carefully eliminate any risk of saying or doing anything that will be snickered at or scorned upon. We want to avoid shame and embarrassment at all costs, so we climb in our bunker and guard the door. It is a tragedy, really. Too many of us live shackled to shame.The Apostle Paul found a different path in life. He had shackles, no doubt. But his shackles were made of metal and they didn't hold him back from being one of the most revolutionary men in all history. Paul had learned the secret of living free from the shackles that bind most of the rest of us. His secret? Cultivating confidence in the coming of God's goodness and grace.~~~~I'd love to hear from you! [email protected]: "Most Holy Place," by Doug Beiden. https://www.beidenmusic.com/music. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

(Phil 1:19b)Have you ever watched a movie and just wished you could be there? Perhaps it was some inspiring adventure story about a courageous warrior or hero who surmounted the obstacles and hung in till the end. After you watch a film like that -- when the final music surges and the credits roll -- isn't there something inside your soul that just yearns to be a part of such a heroic story? Friends, I believe that feeling is the Spirit of God within you, forging your heart to be like His. But here is the exciting thing: we CAN be a part of those stories. In today's episode we are going to learn about a group of people who were part of Paul's apostolic story. They weren't with him physically, they weren't sharing his chains or his prison food. But, nevertheless, in Paul's mind they were right their next to him, holding up his arms like Aaron and Hur held up the arms of Moses. And that is our privilege too, my friends: through our prayers we get the radically powerful privilege of participating in some of the most heroic stories in the kingdom of God. And when the final credits roll at history's finale, our names will be on that list of those who contributed to the victory of Almighty God. It's a astounding thought, isn't it? I tell you, I wouldn't believe it myself, if it weren't taught to us by the Apostle Paul himself.~~~~I'd love to hear from you! [email protected]: "Most Holy Place," by Doug Beiden. https://www.beidenmusic.com/music. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

(Phil. 1:18b-19a)Are you a "high beams" Christian or a "rear view mirror" Christian? When you are coursing down this journey of life, are you the type of person that strains to look down the road as far as you can -- to see what's on the distant horizon? Or are you instead always glancing in the rear view mirror -- looking back to see what's gone behind? Or maybe you're just too focused on the things in the vehicle to bothered by what's outside the window -- too busy adjusting the stereo or the cabin climate. Well, today we're going to look at Paul's stunning ability to not just look down the road a little ways, but to pull out his binoculars and fix his eyes on his ultimate future. And it is that stalwart determination to live in light of eternity that transforms his opinion about the bumpy, broken jalopy that he happens to be riding in.(NOTE: I updated this recording to delete a rather long explanation of past, present, and future salvation. I felt like it wasn't contributing to the main point of the message, and the podcast was already too long, so I removed it. If you're interested in that topic, let me know and I'll send you the amputated portion!)~~~~I'd love to hear from you! [email protected]: "Most Holy Place," by Doug Beiden. https://www.beidenmusic.com/music. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

(Phil 1:18)Have you ever had a flat tire on the freeway? I certainly hope that you never do, but for those of you have had an experience of this sort, you know the distinct sensation of having to "drive against the pull". You see, when one of your tires is flat, it knocks the alignment of your steering way out of whack. And as a result, when you try to drive straight (even if you're just trying to make it to a safe place on the shoulder of the road), your entire car feels like it is working against you. You have to intentionally and strenuously pull the steering wheel "against it's will" just to keep your car headed in a straight line.The Apostle Paul teaches us that the same thing can happen in the Christian Life. Sometimes adversity hits us and disables us and knocks us out of balance. And if you are not extremely careful, that adversity can seriously mess up your alignment and pull you in a direction that you don't want to go. In our passage today, Paul is going to teach us how to drive against that wayward pull -- how to steer our hearts and lives against all the feelings that want to tug us off course. He shows us how to respond to the tragedies and attacks in our lives with a sober and confident, "So what?"~~~~I'd love to hear from you! [email protected]: "Most Holy Place," by Doug Beiden. https://www.beidenmusic.com/music. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

(Phil 1:15-17)I remember the first time I drove home from college. Near the middle of the long, multi-state road trip, I stopped at a rest stop, and when I was done, I got back on the freeway ... going the wrong direction! It was at least half an hour before I realized my mistake! What a blunder!But, oh, my friends, a much worse tragedy than driving the wrong direction in your car is going the wrong direction in your life. And the scary thing is -- we are all vulnerable of making that mistake. Today, let's use the next few minutes to take a good look at God's Positioning System, so that we can make double sure that our hearts haven't taken a wrong turn.~~~~I'd love to hear from you! [email protected]: "Most Holy Place," by Doug Beiden. https://www.beidenmusic.com/music. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

(Phil. 1:14)I dare you to listen to the words that Paul wrote in this verse and really let them sink in. I dare you!~~~~I'd love to hear from you! Reach me at [email protected]: "Most Holy Place," by Doug Beiden. https://www.beidenmusic.com/music. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

(Phil. 1:13)Do you remember stereographs -- those crazy looking posters that used to be popular in the malls? You would walk past one and it would look like a jumble of random nonsense. But if you looked at it long enough and hard enough, and stared at it in just the right way, you would suddenly see an entirely new picture pop out at you in 3-D! All of a sudden, what looked at first like specks and scribbles would be transformed instantly into the three dimensional shapes of dinosaurs or rocketships. Hah! Fun stuff! But, I am convinced that God wants to do something just like that in your life: He wants you to get a brand new perspective on your situations and circumstances. He wants you to look at your life in a whole new way and to realize that what may appear to be nothing but a mess is actually a part of His masterpiece. He wants to redefine you, my friend, just like He did for the Apostle Paul.~~~~I'd love to hear from you! Reach me at [email protected]: "Most Holy Place," by Doug Beiden. https://www.beidenmusic.com/music. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

(Phil 1:13)One of my favorite things to do as a child was to go on "Scavenger Hunts". Have you ever been on one? Some thoughtful friend of yours would have to set it up: they would plant clues -- hide them all over the house or neigborhood -- and your job was to search for them, each clue leading to the next one, until finally, if you were persistent, you would reach the treasure at the end. Such fun!You know, that's what I love about Bible study: it is a book filled with clues and mysteries and puzzles and adventures, and the Lord invites us to burrow in and search for those clues, and to keep searching, not giving up until we have found the ultimate treasure of all -- the treasure of knowing God! Well, get ready, because today's study is going to be just that: a long search for clues to answer one simple question, "Where was Paul when he wrote the book of Philippians?" And I hope you'll have as much fun on this hunt as I did!~~~~I'd love to hear from you! [email protected]: "Most Holy Place," by Doug Beiden. https://www.beidenmusic.com/music. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

(Phil 1:12)We're finally back in the book of Philippians after a long detour studying the biography of Paul. But that gigantic rabbit trail through Acts has led us back to the path, now, and has set the stage to help us understand this verse in a way you probably never have before. Today we're going to listen as Paul bears witness to how he has totally recalibrated his perspectinve on suffering and setbacks. Your journey may not be easy, my friends. Mine neither. But that's why it is so glorious to hear a man (whose journey was far harder than mine) when he says with genuine authentic enthusiasm, "Seriously, friends, it's all good!"~~~~I'd love to hear from you! [email protected]: "Most Holy Place," by Doug Beiden. https://www.beidenmusic.com/music. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

(Acts 28: 11-31)Winston Churchill is famously remembered to have said on one occassion, "This is not the end. This is not even the beginning of the end. But it is the end of the beginning." In today's episode we come to an end of sorts. We have finally reached the end of the book of Acts and our little mini-tour with the Apostle Paul from Asia to Jerusalem to Rome. And we are going to discover that the ending -- at least the end from the perspective of Luke's account -- is a bit "anticlimactic", to say the least. We are left wondering, What's next?~~~~I'd love to hear from you! [email protected]: "Most Holy Place," by Doug Beiden. https://www.beidenmusic.com/music. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

(Acts 28:1-10)Have you ever read a biography before -- a story about someone's life? I love to read them because they are rarely ever boring. Imagine reading a biography about someone who literally never had any problems. What a dull book that would be! No, all the good stories (just like all the good lives) are filled with unexpected twists and precarious turns. That's what makes a story interesting and enjoyable to read! And the Lord wants to remind us that that's what makes a life enjoyable to live. He's the Author of your story, and, boy, does He know how to write! Today we're going to get a glimpse into the stories of some people that most of the world would have considered unremarkable and unimportant. But God didn't. He saw their story, and He wanted to have a part in it. Just like He wants to in yours today. ~~~~I'd love to hear from you! [email protected]: "Most Holy Place," by Doug Beiden. https://www.beidenmusic.com/music. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today's episode is an intermission from our regular routine. I hope you don't mind, but I chose to take a short break from our normal cadence of podcast recordings to reminisce about a dear saint who gave me life and taught me the way that I should go. I was on a road trip to my hometown of SLO, quietly remembering my mother's passing, earlier this year. And so I thought it might be appropriate to pause from my scriptural studies in order to spend a few moments remembering the woman who first taught me what a love for scripture.looks like. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

(Acts 27:27-44)In our last episode, we heard the first of Paul's "speechlets" to the crew of this ill-fated ship beset by the Mediterranean "Nor' easter". Today we will hear two more of Paul's little speeches, and we will be reminded once again of Paul's commanding and resonant voice. But more than that, we will learn from his example that when someone fully surrenders their life to the Creator of the Seas and the the Calmer of Storms, He will not only rescue them through the fiercest gales, but He will also grant them the holy privilege of being His spokesman, so that they might be the one lonely voice that can speak life and hope and salvation and comfort to those trembling in the darkness all around them.~~~~I'd love to hear from you! [email protected]: "Most Holy Place," by Doug Beiden. https://www.beidenmusic.com/music. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

(Acts 27:1-26)I'll never forget the time I went on a white-water rafting trip... and fell off the boat into the rapids! I was sucked under the boat into those turbulent waters, and I wasn't sure how I would get back out. Or even if I would. It was a terrifying moment, I'll be honest. But I look back on it now as a moment where I saw the hand of God on my life. There is something about the sheer power of roaring waves that can speak to us of our own vulnerability and weakness. But those same waves can also speak to us of the power of the God who is strong enough to still them with a word... or to take us on a wild ride right through them. The Apostle Paul learned that lesson first hand on his fateful and climactic boat ride to Rome. Come aboard with me today as we hear this gripping account and as we listen to the voice of a man who learned to trust God in the middle of the white-water.~~~~I'd love to hear from you! [email protected]: "Most Holy Place," by Doug Beiden. https://www.beidenmusic.com/music. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

(Acts 26)I have two children that are passing through the Middle School/early High School years, and one thing I can tell you about most kids that age: they are keenly aware of what other people think about them. And, you know what? I think it's pretty normal for adolescent children to be hyper-sensitive to the judgement of their peers. But here's the problem: a lot of us never outgrow that. It's a lesson I'm still trying to learn. But today, I want to explore the story of somebody who was a real master of not caring about what others thought of him. ~~~~I'd love to hear from you! [email protected]: "Most Holy Place," by Doug Beiden. https://www.beidenmusic.com/music. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

(Acts 25-26) Today we're going to hear Paul's testimony one more time. This is the third time in Luke's historic text that this story is recounted, so it is clearly an important theme to him. As we read it, I think you'll see why: it represents, in compact form, the story of the dawn of all Christianity: a light from heaven that shines down and transforms self-confident sinners into self-sacrificing saints. The miracle is that the seed that was first planted in Paul's heart is still reproducing in hearts all over the world. Hey! I'd love to hear from you! Reach me at: [email protected]: "Most Holy Place," by Doug Beiden. https://www.beidenmusic.com/music. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

(Acts 25)Have you ever gone to an art museum and stood in front of an awe-inspiring work of art -- a beautiful portrait, perhaps? If so, has it ever occurred to you that artwork like that doesn't just give you a view of the subject? If you look closely enough, you can see through the painting to the artist on the other side. In fact, if the artist was a true master, you can often look through the canvas right into the artist's very soul. That's my goal for today. No, I'm not the artist, I'm the observer. And today I want to take another close look at the masterpiece that the Holy Spirit has painted in the life of Paul. Because when I peer into that face, I see the face of Jesus.I'd love to hear from you! [email protected]: "Most Holy Place," by Doug Beiden. https://www.beidenmusic.com/music. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

(Acts 24)Sticks and Stones can break your bones, but words ... can rip you to shreds! That's not exactly how the nursery rhyme goes, but it's more accurate, don't you think? Nothing hurts worse than bearing the brunt of ridicule and false accusations. It has been the weapon of bullies throughout the ages. And, as a matter of fact, it is the single most devastating weapon of the ultimate Bully: the “accuser of the brethren” — the devil, himself.As we'll find out today, Paul was no stranger to cruel and dismissive accusations. But we will also find out today that Paul knew the single, solitary fact of the universe that can silence every accusation leveled against a child of God. Listen in today as Paul provides a magnificent demonstration of how to respond to the voice of the Accuser.~~~~Send me a note! You can reach me at [email protected]: "Most Holy Place," by Doug Beiden. https://www.beidenmusic.com/music. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

(Acts 23)Are you still young enough to enjoy roller coasters? I'll have to admit, the older I get, the less my rattley ol' brain can endure those metal mountains. But once in awhile I decide to "man up" and accompany my children on one of the wild rides. And I have to say: whether or not you consider them "fun", you can definitely admit that they certainly are exhillerating! Of course, the best roller coaster designer in the universe is God, and He absolutely loves to take His children on His best rides! The Apostle Paul was no exception -- from exhilerating heights to stomach flipping drops, the Lord's plan to get his honored servant from Jerusalem to Rome (as we'll learn in today's study) was filled with twists and turns. Of course, the same is true for all of us: whether you find yourself climbing to the peaks or going through the loopedy loops, I can assure you that God has designed your particular coaster for your absolute Good. So you might as well just throw your hands in the air and enjoy the ride!~~~~I'd love to hear from you! [email protected]: "Most Holy Place," by Doug Beiden. https://www.beidenmusic.com/music. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

(Acts 22-23)~~~~I'd love to hear from you! [email protected]: "Most Holy Place," by Doug Beiden. https://www.beidenmusic.com/music. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

(Acts 21-22)Imagine working on a grand ambition for years, painstakingly pressing on towards a goal despite repeated warnings and setbacks. And then imagine finally attaining to your ultimate objective, only to watch it collapse and crumble before your very eyes. That was the experience of the Apostle Paul when he finally set foot in Jerusalem. His dream of uniting the church through a generous offering of goodwill was met with nothing but scorn and rejection -- and a near-fatal attack from an angry mob. But if you think a dis-heartening result like that was enough to push Paul over the edge into a pit of dejection, you don't know the Apostle Paul. Here's a man who teaches us how to respond to disappointment.~~~~I'd love to hear from you! [email protected]: "Most Holy Place," by Doug Beiden. https://www.beidenmusic.com/music. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

(Phil 1:12; Acts 18-20)Have you ever had a teacher that you got to know as a friend outside of class? If you did, I'll bet it transformed the way you listened during the classroom lessons. There's something about knowing your teacher personally that really makes you appreciate their teaching all the more. In the same way, to really understand Philippians, we need to spend some more time getting to know the man whom God inspired to write it. So, starting in today's episode, we are going to take off down another "rabbit trail" to explore some of the events in Paul's life that led up to the imprisonment in which he finds himself when he wrote this epistle. I'd love to hear from you! You can reach me at [email protected]: "Most Holy Place," by Doug Beiden. https://www.beidenmusic.com/music. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

(Philippians 1:1-11)If you've ever gone hiking in steep hills or mountains you know that it's often easy to be so focused on the trail right in front of your boots that you forget to pause occasionally, look up, and survey the beautiful vista of the terrain you've already covered. So today I want to do just that: In this episode we're going to take a break from our normal routine of "close reading" and reward ourselves with a sweeping summary review of everything we've studied so far.I've also mixed in a couple dramatic readings accompanied by music from Ukraine. The song is called "Psalm 138", by Zakhar Valaha ([email protected]). You can find more of his lovely music at: https://open.spotify.com/track/33TvM2VE7XvNZOCVmX4Pcv?si=f0a842e5e1f44265~~~~I'd love to hear from you! Reach me at: [email protected]/Closing Music: "Most Holy Place," by Doug Beiden. https://www.beidenmusic.com/music. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

 (Phil 1:11) Years ago I lived near a fruit orchard. It was one of my favorite places to visit on my daily runs. I still remember the joyful pleasure of jogging up and down the rows of those gorgeous trees, especially near harvest season. The splendid beauty and aroma of those fully-laden fruit trees always had a way of bringing peace to my soul and a smile to my face. Those hallowed halls became a sacred place for me, as I jogged along, because my prayers would inevitably stir a deep longing that my soul might someday be like those trees. My earnest plea to God was that someday my heart would be so laden with fruit that it would bring as big a smile to His face as these trees brought to mine. And, after reading today's verse, I'm convinced that Paul had something like that in his mind when he penned these words. ~~~~Hey! I'd love to hear from you! Reach me at: [email protected]: "Most Holy Place," by Doug Beiden. https://www.beidenmusic.com/music. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

(Phil 1:10b) The end of the race. The end of the road. The end of life as we know it. There is a moment of time on the edge of the horizon -- but approaching closer with each passing breath -- that will be the final curtain call for this groaning universe. It will be a day of finality: the day when cement will finally be poured into the forms that we have been shaping and building all our lives. It will be a Day of unescapable Judgement or unimaginable Joy. In the Bible it is most often called "The Day of the Lord" -- a day that was never far from the mind of the Apostle Paul. And today, I'd like to paint a picture of it vivid enough to stick in your mind forever as well. So join me as we take a brief but sweeping tour through the distant past and the distant future. But pay close attention, because the Day of Christ Jesus might not be so distant after all.Hey! I'd love to hear from you! Reach me at: [email protected]: "Most Holy Place," by Doug Beiden. https://www.beidenmusic.com/music. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

(Phil 1:10a) Strap on your archaeologist hat and grab your pick ax, because we are going to be digging for treasures today! We are going to pull out every excavation tool in our treasure hunter's toolbox, and we'll be digging deep. But, trust me, I'm confident you will find that this dig is worth the effort and sweat. I believe today's episode contains one of the most important insights that I've ever shared -- an insight from Scripture into the connection between love and holiness. Let's start digging!~~~~Hey! I'd love to hear from you! Reach me at: [email protected]: "Most Holy Place," by Doug Beiden. https://www.beidenmusic.com/music. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

 (Phil 1:9b) What if Jesus invited you on a backpacking trip, would you want to go? I know I sure would! But what if he said that this was going to be a 10-week excursion up the most challenging mountain range in the world? What if He told you it was going to be the hardest thing you've ever done, but then he assured you that the view from the top would make it all worthwhile? Would you be willing to load up your backpack, strap on your mountain boots, and set off with him? If you're anything like me, such an invitation might make you hesitate a bit. But after a few moments of reflection, I'm quite certain that I would conclude that the opportunity to go on a journey like that with the Savior sounds like the most exhilarating adventure I can imagine. My only question would be, What should I pack?Today we're going to look at two or three of the essential items that we're going to need to pack in with us, on our mountaintop trek with Jesus.I'd love to hear from you! [email protected]: "Most Holy Place," by Doug Beiden. https://www.beidenmusic.com/music. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

(Phil 1:9a) Today I just want to take a seat on the bench next to Paul and listen in as he demonstrates that activity that I believe was the beating heart of his ministry and the real power behind his explosive apostolic influence: PRAYER.I believe it is critical for me to pay close attention to his prayers because, whatever was on Paul's heart and mind when he bent his knees and turned his soul toward heaven, should be the central aim of my heart as well. (And -- spoiler aleart: I've got a ways to go!)I'd love to hear from you! [email protected]: "Most Holy Place," by Doug Beiden. https://www.beidenmusic.com/music. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In honor of the Christmas holiday, I'm taking a break from our normal trek through Philippians to bring you something entirely different...I'd like to share with you a play I wrote years ago, inspired by the extraordinary events in the hills outside Bethlehem on the original Christmas night. Although fictionalized, this account is drawn from my research into the story and background of the Bethlehem shepherds (as recorded in Luke 2), stirred together with some holy imaginiation of what it might have been like to experience that holy night, not to mention the years that followed...Music by Julius H. from Pixabay Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I am convinced that one of the main differences between a thriving, flourishing, life-filled Christian, and one who is just barely surviving, comes down to the presence or absence of spiritual soul-mates. But where do friendships like that come from? They are forged in the fox-holes and battlefields of life. Today we will discover that one of the secrets of Paul's own power and effectiveness in ministry was the gut-level friendships he established on the front-lines.Please, make my day -- send me a note! [email protected]: "Most Holy Place," by Doug Beiden. https://www.beidenmusic.com/music. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

(Phil 1:7-8) Today I want to point out for you an element of Paul's character that you may never have seen in him before. And, my friend, it is critical that we get a very clear picture of it because it just may be the single-most important missing ingredient from the lives of Christians (and especially Christian men) in out country today. It is a character quality that is stunning and beautiful to read about, but it is even more important to actually experience, because I am convinded that it is crucial for sustaining mental, spiritual, and emotional health in our lives and our churches.I'd love to hear from you! [email protected]: "Most Holy Place," by Doug Beiden. https://www.beidenmusic.com/music. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

 (Phil 1:6) Who are you, really? When most of us tend to think of ourselves and our "identity" -- who we truly are -- as the person that we are right now. "I just am who I am," we assume, "nothing more, nothing less." The problem with that mentality is that it is all too short-sighted. If you want to think of yourself from a biblical standpoint (i.e., from God's perspective), then you'll need to take a step back and look at the much grander picture. From God's viewpoint, your identity is not defined by who you are right now, but by who you will become. True artists don't see their empty canvas. They see the masterpiece that will one day (and forever) be displayed on it. And that is how God sees us.You, my friend, are God's masterpiece; unfinished, of course, but only for a brief moment. In God's eyes He can already see the perfect work of art that you will one day be. And that, my friend, is your true identity. This profound truth was deeply embedded in Paul's own heart and mind, and it is what brought him unending Joy even as he sat in a Roman dungeon. Join with me today as we listen to Paul reminiscing and rejoicing in this breathtaking reality.I'd love to hear from you! [email protected]: "Most Holy Place," by Doug Beiden. https://www.beidenmusic.com/music. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.