Project: Philippians

A Hill, A Pause, A Season of Silence

Sun, 26 Oct 2025 21:00:00 GMT

Hey, friends, during this season of silence, I would still love to hear from you. You can reach me at kevinmote@live.com.

Grace and Peace!

For those who are interested, here is a link to the other podcast I mentioned: https://shows.acast.com/godlypassionholyflame/episodes/a-season-of-silence

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Episode #53 [Recast]: Inner Struggles (Phil 1:22-24)

Sun, 19 Oct 2025 19:00:00 GMT

(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! KevinMote@live.com.

Music: "Most Holy Place," by Doug Beiden. https://www.beidenmusic.com/music.

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Episode #52 (Recast): To Die Is Gain (Phil 1:21b)

Mon, 13 Oct 2025 00:13:28 GMT

[This episode originally aired in August, 2024.]

"For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain." (Philippians 1:21)

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! KevinMote@live.com.

Music: "Most Holy Place," by Doug Beiden. https://www.beidenmusic.com/music.

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Episode #51 (Recast): To Live is Christ (Phil. 1:21a)

Sun, 05 Oct 2025 19:00:00 GMT

[This episode originally aired in July, 2024.]

"For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain." (Philippians 1:21)

“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! KevinMote@live.com.

Music: "Most Holy Place," by Doug Beiden. https://www.beidenmusic.com/music.

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Episode #50 (Recast): The Theme of Life (Phil 1:20b)

Sun, 28 Sep 2025 19:00:00 GMT

[This episode originally aired in July, 2024.]

"I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death." (Philippians 1:20)

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! KevinMote@live.com, or text me at five-oh-nine, six one nine, six four one four

Music: "Most Holy Place," by Doug Beiden. https://www.beidenmusic.com/music.

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Episode #110: Enemies of the Cross (Phil 3:18-19)

Sun, 21 Sep 2025 19:00:00 GMT

"For, as I have often told you before and now tell you again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is set on earthly things." (Philippians 3:18-19)

Hey friends! I'd love to hear from you!

Send me a note at KevinMote@Live.com

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Episode #109: The Ministry of Tears (Phil 1:18)

Sun, 14 Sep 2025 20:00:00 GMT

"For, as I have often told you before and now tell you again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ." (Philippians 3:18)

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Episode #108: Role Models (Phil 3:17)

Sun, 07 Sep 2025 20:00:00 GMT

"Join together in following my example, brothers and sisters, and just as you have us as a model, keep your eyes on those who live as we do." (Philippians 3:17)

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Episode #107: Reminiscing with God (Phil 3:16)

Sun, 31 Aug 2025 18:00:00 GMT

"Only let us live up to what we have already attained." (Philippians 3:16)

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Episode #106 - Spiritual Surgery (Phil 3:15)

Sun, 24 Aug 2025 18:00:00 GMT

"All of us, then, who are mature should take such a view of things. And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you." (Philippians 3:15)

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Episode #105 - The Race is On (Phil 3:14)

Sun, 17 Aug 2025 18:00:00 GMT

I don't want to walk with God anymore.

There. I said it.

I'm just kinda fed up with the whole thing. I've been doing it for years and I've just had enough. It was fine for a while, but, to be perfectly honest, I just feel like I've outgrown that stage in my life and I'm ready for something else. So I decided to come on this podcast and make a public announcement: I really don't want to walk with God anymore.

... I want to RUN.

Walking is for newbies and slowpokes. I want to pick up the pace and kick it into high gear. I want to stop strolling and start sprinting. I want to snuff out "This little light of mine" and replace it with a raging, dangerous, pyroclastic wildfire. I don't want a casual relationship with the Savior; I want intense blazing intimacy. What I'm trying to say is, I'm hungry for MORE: More light, more heat, more holiness, more boldness, more love. More JESUS.

I don't want an easy, safe, meandering kind of faith -- a casual stroll in the park kind of faith. I want a tightrope-over-Chicago-with-no-net kind of faith. A lactic-acid-all-over-the-next-morning kind of faith. I want to sprint to the end, I want to finish hard, I want to cast off every hindrance and the sin that so easily entangles and run the race set out for me. I want to press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

No more walking for me.

I want to RUN.

"One thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus."

(Philippians 3:13-14)

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Episode #104: Forgetting the Past (Phil 3:13)

Sun, 10 Aug 2025 18:00:00 GMT

"Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on..." (Phil 3:13)

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Episode #103: The Passionate Pursuit (Phil 3:12b)

Sun, 03 Aug 2025 18:00:00 GMT

"Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me." (Philippians 3:12)

kevinmote@live.com

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Episode #102: Finger-Painted Imperfection (Phil 3:12-13)

Sun, 27 Jul 2025 18:00:00 GMT

"Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. 13 Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it." (Philippians 3:12-13)

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Episode #101: The Resurrection from the Dead (Phil 3:11)

Sun, 20 Jul 2025 18:00:00 GMT

"I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead." (Phil 310-11)

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Episode #100: Conformed to His Death (Phil 3:10c)

Sun, 13 Jul 2025 12:00:00 GMT

"I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead." (Phil 3:10c)

Send me a note! I'd love to hear from you!

kmote00@gmail.com

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Episode #99: Leaning in to Suffering (Phil 3:10b)

Sun, 06 Jul 2025 18:00:00 GMT

10 I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11 and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead. (Philippians 3:10-11)

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Episode #98: Resurrection Power (Phil 3:10b)

Sun, 29 Jun 2025 18:27:00 GMT

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Episode #97: Knowing Christ (Phi 3:10a)

Sun, 22 Jun 2025 17:56:00 GMT

10 "I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11 and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead.: (Philippians 3:10-11)

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Episode #96: Mountaintop Vista (Phil 3:9)

Sun, 15 Jun 2025 20:29:27 GMT

"...that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith." (Philippieans 3:9)

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Episode #95: Taste the Treasure (Phil 3:7-8)

Sun, 08 Jun 2025 17:32:02 GMT

"But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ." (Philippians 3:7-8)

~~~~

KevinMote@live.com

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Episode #94: Taking Out the Trash (Phil 3:7-8)

Sun, 01 Jun 2025 17:54:33 GMT

~~~~~~

KevinMote@live.com

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Episode #93: How's Your Street Cred? (Phil 3:4-6)

Sun, 25 May 2025 22:00:00 GMT

"...though I myself have reasons for such confidence. If someone else thinks they have reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more: circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for righteousness based on the law, faultless."

(Phil 3:4-6)

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Episode #92: Got Confidence? (Phil 3:3)

Sun, 18 May 2025 19:29:36 GMT

"For it is we who are the circumcision, we who serve God by his Spirit, who boast in Christ Jesus, and who put no confidence in the flesh." (Philippians 3:3)

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Episode #91 - A Flash of Anger (Phil 3:2)

Sun, 11 May 2025 22:00:00 GMT

Further, my brothers and sisters, rejoice in the Lord! It is no trouble for me to write the same things to you again, and it is a safeguard for you. Watch out for those dogs, those evildoers, those mutilators of the flesh. (Philippians 3:1-2)

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Episode #90: Joy is our Safeguard (Phil 3:1)

Sun, 04 May 2025 19:26:04 GMT

"Finally, my brothers and sisters, rejoice in the Lord! It is no trouble for me to write the same things to you again, and it is a safeguard for you." (Philippians 3:1)

~~~~

I'd love to hear from you! kevinmote@live.com

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Episode #89: Epaphroditus - An Unlikely Warrior (Phil 2:25-30)

Sun, 27 Apr 2025 16:00:00 GMT

"But I think it is necessary to send back to you Epaphroditus, my brother, co-worker and fellow soldier, who is also your messenger, whom you sent to take care of my needs. For he longs for all of you and is distressed because you heard he was ill. Indeed he was ill, and almost died. But God had mercy on him, and not on him only but also on me, to spare me sorrow upon sorrow. Therefore I am all the more eager to send him, so that when you see him again you may be glad and I may have less anxiety. So then, welcome him in the Lord with great joy, and honor people like him, 30 because he almost died for the work of Christ. He risked his life to make up for the help you yourselves could not give me."

(Philippians 2:25-30)

kevinmote@live.com

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Episode #88: The Super Power of Commendation (Phil 2:20-22)

Sun, 20 Apr 2025 22:00:00 GMT

19 I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, that I also may be cheered when I receive news about you. 20 I have no one else like him, who will show genuine concern for your welfare. 21 For everyone looks out for their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. 22 But you know that Timothy has proved himself, because as a son with his father he has served with me in the work of the gospel.

(Phil 2:19-22)

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The Old Rugged Cross (Phil 2:8; Replay)

Sun, 13 Apr 2025 15:00:00 GMT

This week we will be celebrating Good Friday. And, of course, words like "celebrating" and "Good" don't quite feel appropriate for the atrocious execution that took place on this day. But it's my goal today to remind you of some of the reasons that we have to "cherish that old rugged cross."

(This is a recast of a previous episode.)

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Episode #87: Timothy -- A Lesser-Known Hero

Sun, 06 Apr 2025 22:00:00 GMT

I hope you don't mind this short interruption from our normal programming, but it is relevant, I promise! In this episode I am going to read a chapter out of one of my (Lord willing!) upcoming books, "Being Saints". In it, we will take a deep dive into the story of one of the Apostle Paul's most trusted companions, and a man who takes a central role in the next verses of Philippians, which we will be back to studying in our next episode. Until then, I hope you enjoy this story of faith...

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Episode #86: Is It Well With My Soul? (Phil 2:19)

Sun, 30 Mar 2025 22:00:00 GMT

"I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, that I also may be cheered when I receive news about you. I have no one else like him..." (Phillipians 2:19)

~~~~

Questions? Comments? Join the conversation! Reach out to me at:

KevinMote@Live.com

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Episode #85: What is Your Center? (Phil 2:19a)

Sun, 23 Mar 2025 22:00:00 GMT

"I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, that I also may be cheered when I receive news about you." (Phil 2:19)

~~~~

Questions? Comments? Join the conversation! Reach out to me at:

KevinMote@Live.com

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Episode #84: "Chirology" (Phil 2:18)

Sun, 16 Mar 2025 22:00:00 GMT

"But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you. So you too should be glad and rejoice with me." (Philippians 2:17-18)

Want to go deeper on this topic? I invite you to check out the "Holy Flame" podcast, and specifically "Invitation to Happiness" (https://shows.acast.com/godlypassionholyflame/episodes/invitation-to-happiness)

~~~~

Questions? Comments? Criticisms? Join the conversation! Reach out to me at:

KevinMote@Live.com

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Episode #83: But Is the Yoke Easy? (Phil 2:17 & Matt 11:30)

Sun, 09 Mar 2025 22:00:00 GMT

"But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you." (Philippians 2:17)

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30)

~~~~

Questions? Comments? Criticisms? Join the conversation! Reach out to me at:

KevinMote@Live.com

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Episode #82: Sacrifice (Phil 2:17)

Sun, 02 Mar 2025 23:00:00 GMT

"But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you." (Philippians 2:17)

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Episode #81: Ulterior Motives (Phil 2:16)

Sun, 23 Feb 2025 11:00:00 GMT

"Hold firmly to the word of life, in order that I will be able to boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain." (Phil 2:16)

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Episode #80: Star-Studded Universe (Phil 2:15b)

Sun, 16 Feb 2025 23:00:00 GMT

"That you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation. Then you will shine among them like stars in the universe as you hold to the word of life." (Phil 2:15b)

Excerpt quoted from "Motion: Changing the Narrative in Jenta", by Lengdung Tungchamma. (exp. publ. date: Fall, 2025)

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Episode #79: Scaling the Summit (Phil 2:15a)

Sun, 09 Feb 2025 23:00:00 GMT

"14 Do everything without grumbling or arguing, 15 so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation." (Phil 2:14-15)

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Episode #78: Attitude Check! (Phil 1:14)

Sun, 02 Feb 2025 23:00:00 GMT

"Do everything without complaining or grumbling, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation. Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky" (Philippians 2:14-15)

Book referenced:

"The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment", by Jeremiah Burroughs.

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Episode #77: The Paradox of God's Power (Phil 2:13)

Sun, 26 Jan 2025 23:00:11 GMT

12 Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, 13 for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.

(Phil 2:12-13)

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Episode #76: The Workout of a Lifetime (Phil 2:12)

Sun, 19 Jan 2025 23:00:16 GMT

"Therefore, my beloved friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling." (Philippians 2:12)

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Episode #75: The Grand Finale (Phil 2:10-11)

Sun, 12 Jan 2025 22:59:00 GMT

"That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,

in heaven and on earth and under the earth,

and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord,

to the glory of God the Father."

Philippians 2:10-11

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Episode #74: The Greatest Name (Philippians 2:9b)

Sun, 05 Jan 2025 23:00:29 GMT

"Therefore God exalted him to the highest place

and gave him the name that is above every name."

(Philippians 2:9)

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Episode #73: Super-Exalted (Phil 2:9a)

Sun, 29 Dec 2024 23:00:00 GMT

"Therefore God exalted him to the highest place

and gave him the name that is above every name"

(Phil 2:9a)

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Tidings: A Shepherd's Story

Mon, 23 Dec 2024 00:46:37 GMT

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

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Episode #72: Imitation Game (Phil 2:3-8)

Mon, 16 Dec 2024 00:42:21 GMT

"Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:

Who, being in very nature God,

did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage;

rather, he poured himself out

by taking the very nature of a servant,

being made in human likeness.

And being found in appearance as a man,

he humbled himself

by becoming obedient all the way to death—

even death on a cross!"

-The Apostle Paul (Phil 2:3-8)

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Episode 71: CHRISTOLOGY 104 - The Cross (Phil 2:8b)

Sun, 08 Dec 2024 23:00:08 GMT

Philippians 2:6-8 -

"Christ Jesus, being in very nature God,

did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage;

rather, he made himself nothing

by taking the very nature of a servant

being made in human likeness.

And being found in appearance as a man,

he humbled himself

by becoming obedient to death—

even death on a cross!

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Episode #70: CHRISTOLOGY 103 - The Hypostatic Union (Phil 2:7)

Sun, 01 Dec 2024 23:00:30 GMT

Philippians 2:6-8 -

"Christ Jesus, being in very nature God,

did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage;

rather, he made himself nothing

by taking the very nature of a servant

being made in human likeness,

and being found in appearance as a man."

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Episode 69: CHRISTOLOGY 102 - Kenosis (Phil 2:7)

Sun, 24 Nov 2024 23:00:22 GMT

Philippians 2:6-7 -

"Christ Jesus, being in very nature God,

did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage;

rather, he made himself nothing

by taking the very nature of a servant."

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Episode 68: CHRISTOLOGY 101 - Christ before Christmas (Phil 2:6)

Sun, 17 Nov 2024 23:01:52 GMT

Philoppians 2:6 -

"Christ Jesus, Who, being in very nature God,

did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage."

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Episode 67: Imitating Jesus (Phil 2:5)

Sun, 10 Nov 2024 23:00:09 GMT

Philippians 2:5 -

"Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus."

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Episode #66: Adjusting Your Focus (Phil 2:4)

Sun, 03 Nov 2024 23:00:47 GMT

(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."

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Episode #65: True Humility (Phil 2:3b)

Sun, 27 Oct 2024 22:00:53 GMT

Philippians 2:3 - "Do nothing out of selfish ambition, or vain conceit, but in humility, consider others as better than yourself."

- Apostle Paul

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Episode #64: Selfish Ambition (Phil 2:3a)

Sun, 20 Oct 2024 22:00:02 GMT

Philippians 2:3 - "Do nothing out of selfish ambition, or vain conceit..."

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Episode #63: Christian Unity (Part 2; Phil 2:2)

Sun, 13 Oct 2024 22:00:44 GMT

(Phil 2:2)

I hate to break it to you, but YOU are WRONG!

(Now, let me explain what I mean...)

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Episode #62: Christians of the World, Unite! (Phil 2:1-2)

Sun, 06 Oct 2024 22:00:23 GMT

Christian Unity (Philippians 2:1-2)

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Episode #61: Agony, Anyone? (Phil 1:30)

Sun, 29 Sep 2024 22:51:55 GMT

(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! KevinMote@live.com.

Music: "Most Holy Place," by Doug Beiden. https://www.beidenmusic.com/music.

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Episode #60: Suffering & Sovereignty (Phil 1:29)

Sun, 22 Sep 2024 22:00:37 GMT

(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?

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I'd love to hear from you! KevinMote@live.com.

Music: "Most Holy Place," by Doug Beiden. https://www.beidenmusic.com/music.

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Episode #59: Fearless (Phil 1:28)

Sun, 15 Sep 2024 22:00:08 GMT

(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.

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I'd love to hear from you! KevinMote@live.com.

Music: "Most Holy Place," by Doug Beiden. https://www.beidenmusic.com/music.

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Episode #58: Am I Worthy? (Phil 1:27)

Sun, 08 Sep 2024 22:00:34 GMT

(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??

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I'd love to hear from you! KevinMote@live.com.

Music: "Most Holy Place," by Doug Beiden. https://www.beidenmusic.com/music.

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Episode #57: Citizen Yourselves (Phil 1:27a)

Sun, 01 Sep 2024 22:00:29 GMT

(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.

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I'd love to hear from you! KevinMote@live.com.

Music: "Most Holy Place," by Doug Beiden. https://www.beidenmusic.com/music.

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Episode #56: Pausing to Plumb the Depth's of Paul's Passion (Phil 1:12-26)

Sun, 25 Aug 2024 22:00:08 GMT

(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

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I'd love to hear from you! KevinMote@live.com.

Music: "Most Holy Place," by Doug Beiden. https://www.beidenmusic.com/music.

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Episode #55: Building Boasters (Phil 1:25-26)

Sun, 18 Aug 2024 22:00:01 GMT

(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.

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I'd love to hear from you! KevinMote@live.com.

Music: "Most Holy Place," by Doug Beiden. https://www.beidenmusic.com/music.

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Episode #54: Will Work for Fruit (Phil 1:22-24)

Sun, 11 Aug 2024 22:00:43 GMT

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!"

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I'd love to hear from you! KevinMote@live.com.

Music: "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.

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Episode 53: Inner Struggles (Phil 1:22-24)

Sun, 04 Aug 2024 22:00:21 GMT

(Phil 1:22-24)

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I'd love to hear from you! KevinMote@live.com.

Music: "Most Holy Place," by Doug Beiden. https://www.beidenmusic.com/music.

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Episode #52: To Die Is Gain (Phil 1:21b)

Sun, 28 Jul 2024 22:00:02 GMT

(Phil 1:21b)

And so did the Apostle Paul. Join me today as we ponder that together for a few moments...

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I'd love to hear from you! KevinMote@live.com.

Music: "Most Holy Place," by Doug Beiden. https://www.beidenmusic.com/music.

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Episode #51: To Live is Christ (Phil. 1:21a)

Sun, 21 Jul 2024 22:00:08 GMT

(Philippians 1:21a)

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I'd love to hear from you! KevinMote@live.com.

Music: "Most Holy Place," by Doug Beiden. https://www.beidenmusic.com/music.

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Episode #50 - The Theme of Life (Phil 1:20b)

Sun, 14 Jul 2024 21:06:46 GMT

(Philippians 1:20b)

The theme of today's podcast is “themes”.

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.

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I'd love to hear from you! KevinMote@live.com.

Music: "Most Holy Place," by Doug Beiden. https://www.beidenmusic.com/music.

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Episode #49 - Hoping for Grace (Phil 1:20a)

Sun, 07 Jul 2024 22:00:35 GMT

(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.

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I'd love to hear from you! KevinMote@live.com.

Music: "Most Holy Place," by Doug Beiden. https://www.beidenmusic.com/music.

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Episode #48: Provision and Prayer (Phil 1:19b)

Sun, 30 Jun 2024 22:00:05 GMT

(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.

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I'd love to hear from you! KevinMote@live.com.

Music: "Most Holy Place," by Doug Beiden. https://www.beidenmusic.com/music.

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Episode #47: Joy & Deliverance (Phil. 1:18b-19a)

Sun, 23 Jun 2024 22:00:33 GMT

(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!)

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I'd love to hear from you! KevinMote@live.com.

Music: "Most Holy Place," by Doug Beiden. https://www.beidenmusic.com/music.

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Episode #46 So What? (Phil 1:18)

Sun, 16 Jun 2024 22:00:44 GMT

(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?"

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I'd love to hear from you! KevinMote@live.com.

Music: "Most Holy Place," by Doug Beiden. https://www.beidenmusic.com/music.

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Episode #45 Right Life, Wrong Reasons (Phil 1:15-17)

Mon, 10 Jun 2024 03:33:55 GMT

(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.

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I'd love to hear from you! KevinMote@live.com.

Music: "Most Holy Place," by Doug Beiden. https://www.beidenmusic.com/music.

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Episode #44: Truth or Dare (Phil. 1:14)

Sun, 02 Jun 2024 22:00:42 GMT

(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!

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I'd love to hear from you! Reach me at KevinMote@live.com.

Music: "Most Holy Place," by Doug Beiden. https://www.beidenmusic.com/music.

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Episode #43: A Life Redefined (Phil. 1:13)

Sun, 26 May 2024 22:00:04 GMT

(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.

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I'd love to hear from you! Reach me at KevinMote@live.com.

Music: "Most Holy Place," by Doug Beiden. https://www.beidenmusic.com/music.

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Episode #42: Where Was Paul? (Phil 1:13)

Sun, 19 May 2024 22:00:51 GMT

(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!

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I'd love to hear from you! KevinMote@live.com.

Music: "Most Holy Place," by Doug Beiden. https://www.beidenmusic.com/music.

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Episode #41: Reformation of Your Mind (Phil 1:12)

Sun, 12 May 2024 22:00:41 GMT

(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!"

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I'd love to hear from you! KevinMote@live.com.

Music: "Most Holy Place," by Doug Beiden. https://www.beidenmusic.com/music.

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Episode #40: The End of the Beginning (Acts 28: 11-31)

Sun, 05 May 2024 22:00:41 GMT

(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?

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I'd love to hear from you! KevinMote@live.com.

Music: "Most Holy Place," by Doug Beiden. https://www.beidenmusic.com/music.

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Episode #39: Miracles on Malta (Acts 28:1-10)

Sun, 28 Apr 2024 22:00:08 GMT

(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.

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I'd love to hear from you! KevinMote@live.com.

Music: "Most Holy Place," by Doug Beiden. https://www.beidenmusic.com/music.

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Rembering Mom

Sun, 21 Apr 2024 22:00:00 GMT

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.

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Episode #38: Spokesman in the Storm (Acts 27:27-44)

Sun, 14 Apr 2024 22:00:52 GMT

(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.

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I'd love to hear from you! KevinMote@live.com.

Music: "Most Holy Place," by Doug Beiden. https://www.beidenmusic.com/music.

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Episode #37: The Voice in the Storm (Acts 27:1-26)

Sun, 07 Apr 2024 22:00:18 GMT

(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.

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I'd love to hear from you! KevinMote@live.com

Music: "Most Holy Place," by Doug Beiden. https://www.beidenmusic.com/music.

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Episode 36: Willing to be Weird (Acts 26)

Sun, 31 Mar 2024 22:00:02 GMT

(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.

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I'd love to hear from you! KevinMote@live.com.

Music: "Most Holy Place," by Doug Beiden. https://www.beidenmusic.com/music.

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Episode 35: Once More From the Top (Acts 25-26)

Sun, 24 Mar 2024 22:00:38 GMT

(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: KevinMote@live.com.

Music: "Most Holy Place," by Doug Beiden. https://www.beidenmusic.com/music.

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Episode 34: Eyes on the Savior (Acts 25)

Sun, 17 Mar 2024 22:00:11 GMT

(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! KevinMote@live.com.

Music: "Most Holy Place," by Doug Beiden. https://www.beidenmusic.com/music.

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Episode #33: Accusations and Apologia - (Acts 24)

Sun, 10 Mar 2024 22:00:28 GMT

(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.

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Send me a note! You can reach me at KevinMote@live.com.

Music: "Most Holy Place," by Doug Beiden. https://www.beidenmusic.com/music.

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Episode #32: Rollercoaster to Rome (Acts 23)

Sun, 03 Mar 2024 23:00:36 GMT

(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!

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I'd love to hear from you! KevinMote@live.com.

Music: "Most Holy Place," by Doug Beiden. https://www.beidenmusic.com/music.

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Episode #31: The Jersualem Journey (Acts 22-23)

Sun, 25 Feb 2024 23:00:17 GMT

(Acts 22-23)

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I'd love to hear from you! KevinMote@live.com.

Music: "Most Holy Place," by Doug Beiden. https://www.beidenmusic.com/music.

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Episode #30: The Jerusalem Story (Acts 21-22)

Sun, 18 Feb 2024 23:00:15 GMT

(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.

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I'd love to hear from you! KevinMote@live.com.

Music: "Most Holy Place," by Doug Beiden. https://www.beidenmusic.com/music.

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Episode #29: "What Has Happened to Me" (Part 1; Acts 18-20)

Sun, 11 Feb 2024 23:00:43 GMT

(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 KevinMote@live.com.

Music: "Most Holy Place," by Doug Beiden. https://www.beidenmusic.com/music.

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Episode 28: Pausing to Appreciate Paul (Phil 1:1-11)

Sun, 04 Feb 2024 23:00:19 GMT

(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 (zaharval83@gmail.com). You can find more of his lovely music at: https://open.spotify.com/track/33TvM2VE7XvNZOCVmX4Pcv?si=f0a842e5e1f44265

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I'd love to hear from you! Reach me at: KevinMote@live.com.

Intro/Closing Music: "Most Holy Place," by Doug Beiden. https://www.beidenmusic.com/music.

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Episode #27: Fruit Trees (Phil 1:11)

Sun, 28 Jan 2024 23:00:15 GMT

(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.

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Hey! I'd love to hear from you! Reach me at: KevinMote@live.com.

Music: "Most Holy Place," by Doug Beiden. https://www.beidenmusic.com/music.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode #26: The Day of the Lord ... Jesus (Phil 1:10b)

Sun, 21 Jan 2024 23:00:41 GMT

(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: KevinMote@live.com.

Music: "Most Holy Place," by Doug Beiden. https://www.beidenmusic.com/music.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode #25: Living in the Light (Phil 1:10a)

Sun, 14 Jan 2024 23:00:17 GMT

(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!

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Hey! I'd love to hear from you! Reach me at: KevinMote@live.com.

Music: "Most Holy Place," by Doug Beiden. https://www.beidenmusic.com/music.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode #24: The Nutrients of Love (Phil 1:9b)

Sun, 07 Jan 2024 23:00:04 GMT

(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! KevinMote@live.com.

Music: "Most Holy Place," by Doug Beiden. https://www.beidenmusic.com/music.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode #23: Prayer is Love (Phil 1:9a)

Sun, 31 Dec 2023 23:00:29 GMT

(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! KevinMote@live.com.

Music: "Most Holy Place," by Doug Beiden. https://www.beidenmusic.com/music.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tidings: A Shepherd's Story

Sat, 23 Dec 2023 23:00:00 GMT

In honor of the Christmas holiday, I'm taking a break from our normal trek through Philippians to bring you something entirely different...

Music by Julius H. from Pixabay

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Episode #22: Front-lines Fellowship (Phil 1:7b)

Sun, 17 Dec 2023 23:00:00 GMT

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! KevinMote@live.com.

Music: "Most Holy Place," by Doug Beiden. https://www.beidenmusic.com/music.

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Episode #21: Gut-Wrenching Love (Phil 1:7-8)

Sun, 10 Dec 2023 23:00:00 GMT

(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! KevinMote@live.com.

Music: "Most Holy Place," by Doug Beiden. https://www.beidenmusic.com/music.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode #20: The Beginner and the Finisher (Phil 1:6)

Sun, 03 Dec 2023 22:59:11 GMT

(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! KevinMote@live.com.

Music: "Most Holy Place," by Doug Beiden. https://www.beidenmusic.com/music.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode #19: A Mountain of Confidence (Phil 1:6a)

Sun, 26 Nov 2023 23:00:00 GMT

(Phil 1:6) Quiverring knees or quiet confidence -- which best describes your heart when the storms of life overtake you? One of the many things I admire about Paul is the way he had learned to exude quiescent trust in the middle of circumstances that would have me quaking in my boots. I'll be honest: I'm a long way off from attaining apostolic levels of confidence in my life. But I think I've at least found a trail that leads there. And it starts by just taking some time to really ponder and probe the triumphant example that Paul left behind.

I'd love to hear from you! KevinMote@live.com.

Music: "Most Holy Place," by Doug Beiden. https://www.beidenmusic.com/music.

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Episode #18: Splendid Announcement (Phil 1:5)

Sun, 19 Nov 2023 23:00:52 GMT

(Phil 1:5) The greatest news ever reported is wrapped up in one of the greatest words ever spoken: "Euanggelion". This ancient greek word may not sound familiar to you, but I'm sure you know the English translation. It is a word that has a history that reaches back thousands of years and stretches all the way to the end of time. It's a word that brought life-changing joy both to Paul and to the Philippians. Please join me today and we will spend the next few minutes unravelling some of the gorgeous threads in the history of this spectacular word.

I'd love to hear from you! KevinMote@live.com.

Music: "Most Holy Place," by Doug Beiden. https://www.beidenmusic.com/music.

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Episode #17: Koinonia (Phil 1:5)

Sun, 12 Nov 2023 23:00:59 GMT

An old man sits shackled, imprisoned in a Roman dungeon, with the very real possibility of execution in his near future. But what is bursting out of this man's heart is not grief and anxiety. Instead, he is filled with genuine, grateful Joy. What could he possibly be so thankful about? In today's episode, we will get a glimpse into one of the most priceless and valued things in Paul's life: his connection and partnership with the people he deeply loves. And, along the way, we will dust off a word that has grown far too dim and fuzzy in many of our lives. The word is: "Fellowship".

References from this episode:

Hebrews 2:14

Philemon 1:6 (Titus 1:4)

2 Peter 1:4 (1 John 1:3-7)

Acts 2:42,44

2Corinthians 11:9

Acts 18:5

2 Corinthians 8:1-4

Romans 15:26

I'd love to hear from you! KevinMote@live.com.

Music: "Most Holy Place," by Doug Beiden. https://www.beidenmusic.com/music.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode # 16: All-Encompassing Intercession (Phil 1:4)

Sun, 05 Nov 2023 23:00:48 GMT

"If God decided to grant a giant miraculous YES to all the prayers you've prayed for the last 6 months, how different would the world be?" This question challenges me to really take stock of how BIG my prayers are. Paul's example challenges me in the same way. Listen in today as we remind ourselves just how big and "ALL"-encompassing the prayer life of this Apostle were on behalf of those he loved.

I'd love to hear from you! KevinMote@live.com.

Music: "Most Holy Place," by Doug Beiden. https://www.beidenmusic.com/music.

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Episode #15: The Two Great Pillars of Love (Phil 1:3)

Sun, 29 Oct 2023 22:00:51 GMT

(Phil 1:3) I firmly believe that one of the main reasons the Apostle Paul had such a profound and lasting impact on this world was because of his extraordinary capacity to love. If you have any desire to follow in his great example, I encourage you to lean in today and listen as he reveals the secret of two foundational pillars by which his love was so firmly established.

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I'd love to hear from you! KevinMote@live.com.

Music: "Most Holy Place," by Doug Beiden. https://www.beidenmusic.com/music.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode #14: A Name Above Every Other Name (Phil 1:2c)

Sun, 22 Oct 2023 22:00:00 GMT

(Phil 1:2c) Do you know what your name means? Do you care? If you don't, I don't blame you, because names these days typically don't have significant meanings. Most parents choose names for how they sound, or for someone else who shared that name. But in Bible times, things were different. Back then, people's names very often reflected something intrinsically important about their character or their story. So, when you were introduced to somebody by name, you immediately knew something about who they were.

Today, Paul is going to introduce you to his best friend, and the first thing he's going to tell you about him is his name: The Lord, Jesus Christ. Sometimes we fly by that name so quickly that we forget the powerful story that it tells us about who our Savior really is. But in today's episode, I'd like to invite you to linger with me for a few moments and really ponder the extraordinary meaning and power of the Name above all names.

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I'd love to hear from you! KevinMote@live.com.

Music: "Most Holy Place," by Doug Beiden. https://www.beidenmusic.com/music.

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Episode #13: God our Father (Phil 1:2b)

Sun, 15 Oct 2023 22:00:00 GMT

(Phil 1:2b) Sometimes the smallest words can conceal the most explosive, life-changing power. We're going to look at a word like that today -- a tiny little three-letter word that literally changes everything. The more I think of it, the more it explodes my heart with joy. And I pray that it will do the same for you -- that it will open you up to a relationship that you have always longed for, and perhaps never before thought possible.

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I'd love to hear from you! KevinMote@live.com.

Music: "Most Holy Place," by Doug Beiden. https://www.beidenmusic.com/music.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode #12: Grace and Peace (Phil 1:2a)

Sun, 08 Oct 2023 22:00:52 GMT

(Phil 1:2a) "Hi, how ya doing?" "Fine. How 'bout you?" "Good, thanks."

The obligatory greeting ritual. When you really think about it, it has to be one of the most shallow and meaningless parts of any conversation. But, of course, everyone uses it (out of habit, if nothing else). Everyone, that is, except for the Apostle Paul. In today's episode, we will take a look at how Paul takes the standard conventional greeting of his day and transforms it into a powerful and beautiful declaration of the smile of God. And when we read it again two thousand years later -- when we let it wash over us and really sink in -- it can't help but bring a smile to our own face as well.

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I'd love to hear from you! KevinMote@live.com.

Music: "Most Holy Place," by Doug Beiden. https://www.beidenmusic.com/music.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode #11: A Look at the Leadership (Ph 1:1c)

Sun, 01 Oct 2023 22:00:00 GMT

(Phil 1:1c) Have you ever noticed how many different types of leadership postions we have in churches today? Pastors, bishops, elders, deacons, presbyters, priests, and on and on. Have you ever wondered how we ever got so many different roles? Which ones are "right"? Which ones are "Biblical"? And why do we need them in the first place? In this episode, we will take a look at how Philippians gives us a historical snapshot of some of the earliest leadership structures in the fledgling church, how those roles emerged, and what a critical role they played in early Christianity.

Contact info: KevinMote@live.com.

Music: "Most Holy Place," by Doug Beiden. https://www.beidenmusic.com/music.

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Episode 10: The Holy Ones (Phil 1:1b)

Sun, 24 Sep 2023 22:00:00 GMT

(Phil 1:1b) Most of the time, when you hear someone described as a "saint", you imagine the person to be some sort of "super spiritual", upper-tier Christian. It's a term we usually reserve for the "highly holy" folks, certainly not every day Christians like you and me. But it that's so, what could Paul possibly mean when he describes all the Phillipians (and by extension all of us) as "saints"? Today we'll dig into that word and find out the extraordinary reality of what it means to be a "Holy One".

Contact me! I'd love to hear from you! KevinMote@live.com.

Music: "Most Holy Place," by Doug Beiden. https://www.beidenmusic.com/music.

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Episode #9: Stuck and Stoked (Phil 1:1a)

Sun, 17 Sep 2023 22:00:00 GMT

Today we launch into what may be the deepest study of a book of the Bible that some of you have ever attempted. Over the next 100+ episodes, we will be scrutinizing every sentence in this Epistle, every verse... quite nearly every word. It is my earnest prayer that the Spirit of God will draw us deeper into His Word and into the heart of God than we have ever gone before. I am confident that it is going to be a glorious expedition, and I am honored to have you join with me in it. But I need to warn you at the outset: this journey can only start byn first gaining a clear understanding of who the Master is on this road, and who is the slave. That's what we'll be talking about today.

Main Passage: Phil 1:1a

Contact me at: KevinMote@live.com.

Podcast music: "Most Holy Place," by Doug Beiden. Hear more of Doug's beautiful work at https://www.beidenmusic.com/music.

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Project Philippians - Trailer (Ch 1)

Wed, 13 Sep 2023 23:00:53 GMT

If you haven't heard of the Project:Philippians podcast yet, let me give you just a little taste of what it's all about.

And if you're already a regular listener, tune in for the next real episode when it drops at the normal time on Sunday afternoon. Until then, consider sharing this "trailer" with someone you know that might be interested in the type of "deep-dive Scriptural analysis" that Project:Philippians is intended to be.

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Episode #8: Apostolic Attitude

Sun, 10 Sep 2023 22:00:46 GMT

Study a man under pressure or privilege and you will see what he is made of. The true character of a man is revealed both by troubles or triumph. The Apostle Paul claimed, later in his life, that he had "learned the secret of being content... whether living in plenty or in want" (Phil 4:12). In today's episode, we will have the opportunity to see what to make of that claim. Today we're going to watch Paul during his last hours in the city of Philippi, and as we do, we're going to get an unvarnished picture of what's really going on his mind and heart. And what you find there might actually surprise you.

Main Passage: Acts 16:35-40

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The music for this podcast, "Most Holy Place," was graciously crafted by Doug Beiden. Listen to more of Doug's beautiful work at https://www.beidenmusic.com/music.

If this podcast has blessed you, I would love to hear from you!. Contact me at KevinMote@live.com.

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Episode #7: Unshackled

Sun, 03 Sep 2023 22:00:45 GMT

There's nothing like the joy you see on the face of someone whose life has just been turned right side out. When God transforms a man, every aspect of his life gets painted with new colors. But sometimes, in this weary world, the paint on our own transformation can begin to fade and crack. If you find the colors on your soul growing dim today, perhaps what you need is to spend a few minutes leafing through the photo album of another man's first moments with Christ. In today's episode, we will do just that.

Main passage: Acts 16:32-34

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The music for this podcast, "Most Holy Place," was graciously crafted by Doug Beiden. Listen to more of Doug's beautiful work at https://www.beidenmusic.com/music.

If this podcast has blessed you, I would love to hear from you!. Contact me at KevinMote@live.com.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode #6: Shaken and Awakened

Sun, 27 Aug 2023 22:00:00 GMT

So often in our world, the aftermath of an earthquake can seem like nothing but a scene of destruction. But sometimes, our almighty God uses traumatic events to turn our lives upside down (or right side up). In today's episode, we get a front row seat to witness a hardened Roman warrior whose life and beliefs got thoroughly upended in a dramatic, middle-of-the-night encounter with the Gospel.

Main passage: Acts 16:26-31

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The music for this podcast, "Most Holy Place," was graciously crafted by Doug Beiden. Listen to more of Doug's beautiful work at https://www.beidenmusic.com/music.

If this podcast has blessed you, I would love to hear from you!. Contact me at KevinMote@live.com.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode #5: Earth-Shaking Worship

Sun, 20 Aug 2023 22:00:39 GMT

When your situation is dark and cold and painful and hopeless, where does your heart go? If you're like me, situations like that can tend to push us toward captivity. But there's another path available. Today, I'm reminded that my circumstances cannot dictate my mood, unless I allow them to. And the great privilege of every Christian is that we can defeat the powers of Darkness itself by bringing Light into blackened prisons and Joy into hopeless dungeons. And the great weapon that we have in this battle is Worship.

Main Passage: Acts 16:25-26

(cf. 2 Chron 20)

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The music for this podcast, "Most Holy Place," was graciously crafted by Doug Beiden. Listen to more of Doug's beautiful work at https://www.beidenmusic.com/music.

I would love to hear your thoughts and questions. Contact me at KevinMote@live.com.

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Episode #4: The High Cost of the Gospel Mission

Sun, 13 Aug 2023 22:00:22 GMT

In today's Western society, it's easy to take the existence of Christianity for granted. It's so woven into our culture that it's hard to imagine a world without it. But we forget that it came at great cost to those who planted its first seeds. In today's episode, we're going to take a look at some of the earliest opposition to the gospel, and I hope you will be inspired and sobered by the powerful testimony of two men who were willing to risk their lives to establish a church on a new continent.

Main Passage: Acts 16:19-24

The music for this podcast, "Most Holy Place," was graciously crafted by Doug Beiden. Listen to more of Doug's beautiful work at https://www.beidenmusic.com/music.

I would love to hear your thoughts and questions. Contact me at KevinMote@live.com.

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Episode #3: Eruption of Disruption

Sun, 06 Aug 2023 22:00:00 GMT

In today's journey with Paul and the boys, we'll take a look at how ancient Greek mythology and demonic attacks threatened to disrupt the fledgling mission in Philippi. And along the way we'll be reminded of the devious schemes that the enemy still to this day uses to try to divert us from the Kingdom path.

Main Passage: Acts 16:16-8

The music for this podcast, "Most Holy Place," was graciously crafted by Doug Beiden. Listen to more of Doug's beautiful work at https://www.beidenmusic.com/music.

Thoughts or questions about the podcast? Contact me at KevinMote@live.com.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode #2: Setting Foot in Philippi

Sun, 30 Jul 2023 22:01:48 GMT

Join Paul and his companions as they bring the Gospel to Europe for the very first time and light a spark that will set western civilization on fire for over 2000 years. It all starts in a city called Philippi -- a city that has a fascinating history of its own: from massive gold mines to epic Roman battles, it's a city with a large and diverse population . . . including one spiritually thirsty lady who is about to become fhe first Christian convert on the European continent.

Main Passage: Acts 16:11-15

The music for this podcast, "Most Holy Place," was graciously crafted by Doug Beiden. Listen to more of Doug's beautiful work at https://www.beidenmusic.com/music.

Thoughts or questions about the podcast? Contact me at KevinMote@live.com.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode #1: Two 'No's and a Go

Sun, 23 Jul 2023 23:27:15 GMT

Today, our study of Philippians begins a detour into an entirely different book of the Bible as we examine the "who, what, why, and where" contextual background that will set the stage for Paul's ministry in Philippi.

Main Passage: Acts 16:1-10

The music for this podcast, "Most Holy Place," was graciously crafted by Doug Beiden. Listen to more of Doug's beautiful work at https://www.beidenmusic.com/music.

I would love to hear your thoughts and questions. Contact me at KevinMote@live.com.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Introducing Project Philippians

Sun, 23 Jul 2023 22:48:54 GMT

Did you enjoy treasure hunts as a child? I certainly did. Which, perhaps, explains why I consider Bible study to be so captivating: it is an unending exploration of a spectacular treasure mine filled with the most breath-taking gems ever discovered. Join me in this introductory episode, as I explain why I am embarking on this journey, and why I'm so excited to to share it with you.

Special Note: The music, "Most Holy Place," was graciously crafted by Doug Beiden. Listen to more of Doug's beautiful work at https://www.beidenmusic.com/music.

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