Apr 12 2025 20 mins 11
Today’s Bible Translation
Bible translation used in today’s episode: Ch. 3-4 NET
Podcast Introduction
It’s Epistles Sunday. We’ll read Philippians 3-4. We’ll also have a time of prayer, and since this is Palm Sunday, we’ll talk a bit about what this day in Holy Week is all about. I’m calling this episode “Finding Peace In Turbulent Times.”
Comments on Philippians 4
I’m going to make an assumption…something that I try not to do with any regularity. But I think this is probably a safe assumption. I’m assuming that you would you agree with me that we live in turbulent, troubled times. Did I get that right? As a matter of fact, I’m so sure about it that I’m not even going to list the problems that are going on in the world. You know what they are, because if you are at all aware of world events, as my grandfather would say, it’s nigh-on impossible to be unaware of the plight of mankind.
The apostle Paul lived in turbulent times, too. And he bore the scars to prove it.
But through it all, he was led by the Holy Spirit to write these words in chapter 4, verses 6-8: Do not be anxious about anything. Instead, in every situation, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, tell your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. 8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is worthy of respect, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if something is excellent or praiseworthy, think about these things.
Beloved, the fact that there are problems in the world is not new. We live in a fallen world that is suffering the effects of sin. It was true in Paul’s time. It is true in our time. But we are called to take our concerns to God in prayer and leave them in His more-than-capable hands. And then, we are to stop focussing on the bad, and look for the good.
How can we, with any degree of authenticity, share the Good News of Jesus if we are constantly stressed out about the troubles of the world? If our life doesn’t radiate the peace of God that surpasses all understanding, why should anyone choose to follow Christ? How can we say, “Follow Jesus. Be like me?”
If you find yourself getting worked up about current events, turn off the media spigot. Stop watching the TV news. Turn off the talk shows. Quit arguing on social media. The problems in the world are not new, and your getting all worked up about them will not change them. As a student of the Bible, you should know that problems will be a part of man’s existence until the Lord returns.
Do you want to help your fellow man? You can make an eternal difference in the lives of men and women by introducing them to the Prince of Peace, the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords.
Only He can sort out the problems in the world. And only those whose faith is in Him will experience the peace every person seeks.
Our time on earth is short. Eternity is forever, and it awaits us all. Keep your eyes fixed on the prize that Jesus bought for those who choose to follow him.
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Transcript
Transcript not yet corrected.
Steve Webb 0:00
It’s nigh on impossible!
Steve Webb 0:09
What time is it? It’s time for another Lifespring! One Year Bible and I’m coming to you from Riverside, California as usual, podcasting since 2004. Time, your OG Godcaster Steve Webb. This is the daily podcast where we’re reading through the entire Bible in a year. And this is episode 183 of the 13th season, which means that we’re now officially into the second half of the season. There are more episodes behind us then our remaining in the season. So if you’ve been here since the first episode, congratulations for hanging in there. If you joined us late whenever you jumped on board, congratulations to you for making the decision to join the Lifespring family. I’m so glad each of you is here. God bless you. This is a pistol Sunday. And what do you say we read Philippians three and four. We’ll also have a time of prayer today. And since this is Palm Sunday, we’ll talk a bit about what this day in Holy Week is all about. I’m calling this episode finding peace in turbulent times. Let’s get started with a word of prayer. Our gracious heavenly Father, Lord, we thank you so much for this time together. I thank you for giving us your word. And I thank you so much for this week and what it means for Egypt’s I pray this in Jesus name, amen. Okay, let’s get started.
Steve Webb 1:31
Philippians chapter three. Finally, my brothers and sisters, Rejoice in the Lord. To write this again is no trouble to me, and it is a safeguard for you. Beware of the dogs, beware of the evil workers. Beware of those who mutilate the flesh. For we are the circumcision, the ones who worship by the Spirit of God, exalt in Christ Jesus, and do not rely on human credentials, though mind to our significant. If someone thinks he has good reasons to put confidence in human credentials, I have more. I was circumcised on the eighth day from the people of Israel and the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews. I lived according to the law as a Pharisee. In my zeal for God, I persecuted the church. According to the righteousness stipulated in the law, I was blameless, but these assets I have come to regard as liabilities because of Christ. More than that, I now regard all things as liabilities compared to the far greater value of knowing Christ Jesus, my Lord, for whom I have suffered, the loss of all things. Indeed, I regard them is done, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not because I have my own righteousness derived from the law, but because I have the righteousness that comes by way of Christ’s faithfulness, a righteousness from God. That is, in fact, based on Christ’s faithfulness, my aim is to know him to experience the power of his resurrection, to share in his sufferings, and to be like him and his death. And so somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead, not that I have already attained this, that is, I have not already been perfected. But I strive to lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus also laid hold of me, brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself to have attained this. Instead, I am single minded, forgetting the things that are behind and reaching out for the things that are ahead with this goal in mind, I strive toward the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Therefore, let those of us who are perfect embrace this point of view, if you think otherwise, God will reveal to you the error of your ways. Nevertheless, let us live up to the standard that we have already attained. Be imitators of me, brothers and sisters, and watch carefully, those who are living this way, just as you have us as an example, for many live about whom I have often told you and now with tears, I tell you that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ. Their end is destruction. Their god is the belly, they exalt in their shame, and they think about earthly things, but our citizenship is in heaven. And we also await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform these humble bodies of ours into the likeness of His glorious body, by means of that power by which he is able to subject all things to himself.
Steve Webb 4:35
Philippians chapter four. So then my brothers and sisters, dear friends, whom I longed to see my joy and my crown, stand to the Lord in this way, my dear friends, I appeal to you owe to incentivize me to agree in the Lord. Yes, I say also to you true companion, help them. They have struggled together in the gospel ministry along with me and Clement and my other co workers who whose names are in the book of life. Rejoice in the Lord always. Again, I say rejoice. Let everyone see your gentleness the Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything. Instead, in every situation through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, tell your requests to God. And the peace of God that surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is worthy of respect, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable. If something is excellent or praiseworthy, think about these things. And what you learned and received and heard and saw in me do these things, and the God of peace will be with you. I have great joy in the Lord. Because now at last, you have again expressed your concern for me. Now, I know you were concerned before, but had no opportunity to do anything. I’m not saying this because I’m in need for I’ve learned to be content in any circumstance, I have experienced times of need and times of abundance. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of contentment, whether I go satisfied or hungry, have plenty or nothing. I am able to do all things through the one who strengthens me. Nevertheless, you did well to share with me in my trouble. And as you Philippians know, at the beginning of my gospel ministry when I left Macedonia, no church shared with me in this matter of giving and receiving except you alone, for even in Thessalonica on more than one occasion, you sent something for my need. I do not say this because I am seeking a gift. Rather I seek the credit that abounds to your account, for I have received everything and I have plenty. I have all I need because I received from a Pafford itis what you sent a fragrant offering and acceptable sacrifice, very pleasing to God. And my God will supply your every need according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. May glory be given to God our Father forever and ever. Amen. give greetings to all the saints in Christ Jesus, the brothers with me here send greetings. All the saints greet you, especially those who belong to Caesar’s household, the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.
Steve Webb 7:27
Well, beloved, let’s talk about chapter four. I’m going to make an assumption, which is something I try not to do with any regularity. But I think this one is probably a safe assumption. I’m going to assume that you would agree with me that we live in turbulent and troubled times that I get that right. As a matter of fact, I’m so sure about it, that I’m not even going to list the problems that are going on in the world, you know what they are, because if you’re at all aware of world events, as my grandfather would say, it’s nigh on impossible to be unaware of the plight of mankind. Well, the apostle Paul lived in troubled times too, and he bore the scars to prove it. But through it all, he was led by the Holy Spirit to write these words in chapter four, verses six through eight. Do not be anxious about anything. Instead, in every situation, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, tell your requests to God. And the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is worthy of respect, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable. If something is excellent or praiseworthy, think about these things. Beloved, the fact that there are problems in the world is not new. We live in a fallen world that is suffering the effects of sin. It was true in Paul’s time, and it’s true in ours. But we’re called to take our concerns to God in prayer and leave them in his more than capable hands. And then were to stop focusing on the bad and look at the good. After all, how can we with any degree of authenticity share the Good News of Jesus? If we’re constantly stressed out about the troubles of this world? If our life doesn’t radiate the peace of God that surpasses all understanding? Why would anybody choose to follow Christ? How can we say follow Jesus be like me? And by the way, that be like me thing? It might sound presumptuous to say something like that, but Paul said that to be like me. So if you find yourself getting worked up about current events, turn off the media spigot, stop watching the TV news, turn off the talk shows quit arguing on social media, for crying out loud, the problems in the world aren’t new and you’re getting all worked up about them will not change them. As a student of the Bible, you You should know that problems will be a part of man’s existence until the Lord returns. Do you want to help people, you can make an eternal difference in the lives of men and women by introducing them to the Prince of Peace, the King of kings, and the Lord of lords. Only he can sort out the problems in the world and only those whose faith is in him will experience the peace that every person seeks. Our time here on Earth is short. Eternity is forever, and it awaits everybody. Keep your eyes fixed on the prize that Jesus bought for those who choose to follow him. What do you think you have a comment or a question? Let me know call the Lifespring family Hotline at plus 1-951-732-8511 Or comment at comment.lifespringmedia.com. Send a boostagram to me or email me at
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title="This contact has been encoded by Anti-Spam by CleanTalk. Click to decode. To finish the decoding make sure that JavaScript is enabled in your browser.">st***@*************ia.com Such a smorgasbord of choices as to how you can get in touch with me. I do read every comment and I just might play your audio comment or read your comment right here on the show. Don’t be shy. Let me hear from you. Tomorrow will be the law Monday and we’ll read Leviticus 10 through 12.
Adam Curry 11:18
Boost!
Steve Webb 11:19
A fountain user with 7028 as the last four in their account numbers set a 2500 sat boost. Thank you for that. And fountain user RedBeard_JakeW sent 100 sats. Thank you for that as well. God bless you guys. And I can’t identify with certainty who this is. I think I know who it is. But there is one who has been streaming 300 sats per minute for some time now. And I just want to acknowledge you. I appreciate you and I thank you along with everyone who stream sets. God bless each of you.
Steve Webb 11:59
Today is Palm Sunday, the first day of Holy Week or Passion Week, each day from now to Resurrection Sunday I’ll talk about the events of the final week of Jesus life prior to and including his crucifixion and resurrection. This is the day Palm Sunday that we celebrate Jesus triumphal entry into Jerusalem riding a donkey. And all four gospels record this event. Here’s Matthew’s account from Matthew 21, verses one through 11. Now when they drew nearer to Jerusalem and came to Beth Fiji to the Mount of Olives, then Jesus sent two disciples saying to them, Go into the village in front of you, and immediately you will find a donkey tide and a cold with her, Untie them and bring them to me. If anyone says anything to you, you shall say the Lord needs them and He will send them at once. This took place to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet saying, Say to the daughter of Zion, Behold, your King is coming to you humble and mounted on a donkey on a colt, the fall of a beast of burden. Matthew continues, the disciples went and did as Jesus had directed them. They brought the donkey and the colt and put on them their cloaks, and he sat on them. Most of the crowd spread their cloaks on the road, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. And the crowds that went before them. And that followed him were shouting Hosanna to the Son of David bless it is he who comes in the name of the Lord Hosanna in the highest. And when he entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred up saying, Who is this? And the crowds said, this is the Prophet Jesus from Nazareth of Galilee. And then it’s in John’s Gospel that we’re told that it was palm branches, John 1213 says, so they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him crying out Hosanna Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, even the king of Israel. Well, the palm branches were symbolic of victory going back even into the Old Testament times in listen one day, you and I will also participate in celebrating Jesus victory with bomb branches. Yeah, in Revelation seven, nine through 10. It says, After this I looked and behold a great multitude that no one could number from every nation from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes with palm branches in their hands in crying out with a loud voice. Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne and to the Lamb. Beloved, what a day that will be huh. And we read in this account that they spread their cloaks on the ground. Well, this is something that goes all the way back to the time of the Old Testament as well. In First Kings 913 When Gu became king of Israel we read, then in haste, every man of them took his garment and put it under him on the bare steps and they blew the trumpet and proclaimed, gee, who is king and then Jesus his riding a donkey into Jerusalem was a fulfillment of prophecy. In Zechariah nine nine we read, Rejoice greatly Oh daughter of Zion, shout aloud, Oh daughter of Jerusalem. Behold, your King is coming to you, righteous and having salvation is he humble and mounted on a donkey on a cold, the fall of a donkey. Back then it was common for kings or other dignitaries to come into a place riding a donkey in a procession. The donkey symbolized peace. And in using the donkey, Jesus was showing that he is indeed the Prince of Peace. And then when the people cried out Hosanna they were hailing Jesus as King. Hosanna literally means save us. Now, of course, they thought that the Messiah would save them from the bondage of Rome. But the bondage that Jesus came to free us from was the bondage of sin and death. And because he was worthy of their praise, he truly is the King of kings and Lord of lords. Jesus accepted their accolades, but he knew that in just a few short days, their cries of Hosanna would be replaced with a shouts of crucify. Tomorrow we’ll talk about Holy Monday.
Steve Webb 16:20
Praises and prayer requests. I do have a praise report, Kathi was finally able to get off a mountain to go to city of hope. Finally, snow removal crews and a break in the weather gave Dell a small window of time to drive her down before another snowfall. You might remember that they were snowed in for at least a couple of weeks. I don’t remember exactly how long but Kathi ran out of her cancer medications and she missed a couple of appointments for treatment. So during this time, some of the tumors on her head that had shrunk significantly began to grow back. But praise the Lord, the test results this week showed that the markers in her blood work only went up 29 points. Obviously, any increases not good. But given the circumstances, we’ll take the 29 points, and it’s a new medication she’s on and that can take several weeks to really kick in. So this really is good news. And the new drug is not having the bad side effects that her previous drug did. So this is truly a praise. But on the other hand, Kathi’s MS is having a flare up that is causing her quite a bit of pain in her legs. So that’s the prayer request for the day. She was first diagnosed with MS more than 40 years ago. So this has been an even longer battle for her than the cancer has been. Let’s pray. Our heavenly Father is we approach Resurrection Sunday we think of Jesus victory over death. But we also remember the terrible price that he paid for our salvation. I always have such mixed feelings. I’m so thankful for your gift Lord, but I’m so ashamed that it was my sins that caused his pain. Oh, God, your mercy astounds me, that the sovereign God who is the creator of all that is would do this, for His creation is nearly unimaginable. Only you Lord can think of and follow through with such a thing. All I can do, Lord is thank you and offer myself to you in return. As the Apostle said, in Romans when he wrote, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice, the kind he will find acceptable. This truly is the way to worship Him. And so Lord, I do worship you with all that I am. Lord, we thank you so much for the good report we got from Kathi, I pray that you’ll continue to give her healing from the cancer and that you would give her relief from the MS pain. For all these years, she has continued to praise you and looked to you to sustain her and you have we thank you for that Lord and we ask you once again, to bring healing. I thank you for each person that you brought to the Lifespring family, Lord and I asked you to bless them. We love you, Lord, and I pray that where there needs your will would be done. You are our supply. You are our rock, our shelter, our healer, and our everything. There’s nothing that you cannot do and you know every detail about us. You know our needs before we ever ask. I pray God that you would encourage those who are having a hard time right now. Show them your mercy and your grace. We pray these things in Jesus name, amen. Our next time together here in prayer will be Wednesday. If there’s a praise we should know about or if there’s something you’d like us to pray with you about. Tell me about it on the Lifespring family Hotline at plus 1-951-732-8511 Or go to prayer dot Lifespring media.com
Steve Webb 19:46
If you find the Lifespring! One Year Bible to be a blessing in your life, would you be willing to help support the show? Please pray about it. Ask the Lord what he would have you do then go on over to Lifespringmedia.com slash support
Steve Webb 20:05
Today’s show art is by Jason Paschall. Thank you, Jason. God bless you and Thanks to Sister Denise Michael Haner, Scott Snider, and sister Brittany the team. And beloved thank you for being with me today. Until tomorrow. May God bless you richly. My name is Steve Webb. Bye
Transcribed by https://otter.ai
