The Apostle Paul knew what it was like to live under the “performance plan” – to try to be good enough, to jump through all the religious hoops in order to be “righteous” before God.

Dave DeSelmApril 13, 2025spiritual growth, Philippians, Paul, circumcision, performance plan, faith

226 Philippians: Making the Cut, pt. 1

Our world revolves around “the performance plan.” If we work hard enough, perform well enough, and impress the powers that be sufficiently enough...we’ll make the cut.

Dave DeSelmApril 6, 2025spiritual growth, Philippians, Paul, circumcision, performance plan, faith

225 Philippians: Unconquerable Joy

Philippians chapter 3 begins: “Whatever happens, dear friends, be glad in the Lord...” (TLB) Whatever happens…rejoice in the Lord. Really?

Dave DeSelmMarch 30, 2025spiritual growth, Philippians, Paul, joy

224 Philippians: Light-Bearers and Hope-Bringers

When Jesus ascended into heaven after the resurrection, He put the entire future of His Kingdom movement into the hands of a group of ordinary men and women.

223 Philippians: Extreme Makeover, pt. 2

In our last episode, we began talking about what it means to “work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who is at work in you…”

222 Philippians: Extreme Makeover, pt. 1

Makeover shows have been exceedingly popular television viewing for decades. Do you remember the show, “Extreme Makeover”?

Dave DeSelmMarch 9, 2025spiritual growth, Philippians, Paul, spiritual transformation, transformation, maturity

221 Philippians: Vindication!

Have you ever wondered, “Is it worth it?” Is all the sacrifice and effort for the Kingdom really worth it? Is all the ridicule and mockery for following Jesus worth it?

Dave DeSelmMarch 2, 2025spiritual growth, Philippians, Paul, Jesus is Lord, worth it all

220 Philippians: Downward Mobility

All our lives, we are encouraged to climb up the ladder. The word “up” has come to be cherished in our society.

Dave DeSelmFebruary 23, 2025spiritual growth, Philippians, Paul, humility, ladders, divinity of Jesus, act like Jesus

219 Philippians: When One Wins

In Philippians 2, Paul calls his friends – and us – to live in a totally countercultural manner. This “upside-down living” is the very opposite of what our society sees as normal.

Dave DeSelmFebruary 16, 2025spiritual growth, Philippians, Paul, humility, rejoice with those who rejoice, selfishness