Podcasts about beholding

Beholding Jesus in 2 Corinthians

LESSON 73I Will There Be Light.Today we are considering the will you share with God. This is not the same as the ego's idle wishes, out of which darkness and nothingness arise. The will you share with God has all the power of creation in it. The ego's idle wishes are unshared, and therefore have no power at all. Its wishes are not idle in the sense that they can make a world of illusions in which your belief can be very strong. But they are idle indeed in terms of creation. They make nothing that is real.Idle wishes and grievances are partners or co-makers in picturing the world you see. The wishes of the ego gave rise to it, and the ego's need for grievances, which are necessary to maintain it, peoples it with figures that seem to attack you and call for “righteous” judgment. These figures become the middlemen the ego employs to traffic in grievances. They stand between your awareness and your brothers' reality. Beholding them, you do not know your brothers or your Self.Your will is lost to you in this strange bartering, in which guilt is traded back and forth, and grievances increase with each exchange. Can such a world have been created by the Will the Son of God shares with his Father? Did God create disaster for His Son? Creation is the Will of Both together. Would God create a world that kills Himself?Today we will try once more to reach the world that is in accordance with your will. The light is in it because it does not oppose the Will of God. It is not Heaven, but the light of Heaven shines on it. Darkness has vanished. The ego's idle wishes have been withdrawn. Yet the light that shines upon this world reflects your will, and so it must be in you that we will look for it.Your picture of the world can only mirror what is within. The source of neither light nor darkness can be found without. Grievances darken your mind, and you look out on a darkened world. Forgiveness lifts the darkness, reasserts your will, and lets you look upon a world of light. We have repeatedly emphasized that the barrier of grievances is easily passed, and cannot stand between you and your salvation. The reason is very simple. Do you really want to be in hell? Do you really want to weep and suffer and die?Forget the ego's arguments which seek to prove all this is really Heaven. You know it is not so. You cannot want this for yourself. There is a point beyond which illusions cannot go. Suffering is not happiness, and it is happiness you really want.Such is your will in truth. And so salvation is your will as well. You want to succeed in what we are trying to do today. We undertake it with your blessing and your glad accord.We will succeed today if you remember that you want salvation for yourself. You want to accept God's plan because you share in it. You have no will that can really oppose it, and you do not want to do so. Salvation is for you. Above all else, you want the freedom to remember Who you really are. Today it is the ego that stands powerless before your will. Your will is free, and nothing can prevail against it.Therefore, we undertake the exercises for today in happy confidence, certain that we will find what it is your will to find, and remember what it is your will to remember. No idle wishes can detain us, nor deceive us with an illusion of strength. Today let your will be done, and end forever the insane belief that it is hell in place of Heaven that you choose.We will begin our longer practice periods with the recognition that God's plan for salvation, and only His, is wholly in accord with your will. It is not the purpose of an alien power, thrust upon you unwillingly. It is the one purpose here on which you and your Father are in perfect accord. You will succeed today, the time appointed for the release of the Son of God from hell and from all idle wishes. His will is now restored to his awareness. He is willing this very day to look upon the light in him and be saved. After reminding yourself of this, and determining to keep your will clearly in mind, tell yourself with gentle firmness and quiet certainty:I will there be light.Let me behold the light that reflects God's Will and mine.Then let your will assert itself, joined with the power of God and united with your Self. Put the rest of the practice period under Their guidance. Join with Them as They lead the way. In the shorter practice periods, again make a declaration of what you really want. Say:I will there be light. Darkness is not my will.This should be repeated several times an hour. It is most important, however, to apply today's idea in this form immediately you are tempted to hold a grievance of any kind. This will help you let your grievances go, instead of cherishing them and hiding them in darkness.- Jesus Christ in ACIM

LESSON 73I Will There Be Light.Today we are considering the will you share with God. This is not the same as the ego's idle wishes, out of which darkness and nothingness arise. The will you share with God has all the power of creation in it. The ego's idle wishes are unshared, and therefore have no power at all. Its wishes are not idle in the sense that they can make a world of illusions in which your belief can be very strong. But they are idle indeed in terms of creation. They make nothing that is real.Idle wishes and grievances are partners or co-makers in picturing the world you see. The wishes of the ego gave rise to it, and the ego's need for grievances, which are necessary to maintain it, peoples it with figures that seem to attack you and call for “righteous” judgment. These figures become the middlemen the ego employs to traffic in grievances. They stand between your awareness and your brothers' reality. Beholding them, you do not know your brothers or your Self.Your will is lost to you in this strange bartering, in which guilt is traded back and forth, and grievances increase with each exchange. Can such a world have been created by the Will the Son of God shares with his Father? Did God create disaster for His Son? Creation is the Will of Both together. Would God create a world that kills Himself?Today we will try once more to reach the world that is in accordance with your will. The light is in it because it does not oppose the Will of God. It is not Heaven, but the light of Heaven shines on it. Darkness has vanished. The ego's idle wishes have been withdrawn. Yet the light that shines upon this world reflects your will, and so it must be in you that we will look for it.Your picture of the world can only mirror what is within. The source of neither light nor darkness can be found without. Grievances darken your mind, and you look out on a darkened world. Forgiveness lifts the darkness, reasserts your will, and lets you look upon a world of light. We have repeatedly emphasized that the barrier of grievances is easily passed, and cannot stand between you and your salvation. The reason is very simple. Do you really want to be in hell? Do you really want to weep and suffer and die?Forget the ego's arguments which seek to prove all this is really Heaven. You know it is not so. You cannot want this for yourself. There is a point beyond which illusions cannot go. Suffering is not happiness, and it is happiness you really want.Such is your will in truth. And so salvation is your will as well. You want to succeed in what we are trying to do today. We undertake it with your blessing and your glad accord.We will succeed today if you remember that you want salvation for yourself. You want to accept God's plan because you share in it. You have no will that can really oppose it, and you do not want to do so. Salvation is for you. Above all else, you want the freedom to remember Who you really are. Today it is the ego that stands powerless before your will. Your will is free, and nothing can prevail against it.Therefore, we undertake the exercises for today in happy confidence, certain that we will find what it is your will to find, and remember what it is your will to remember. No idle wishes can detain us, nor deceive us with an illusion of strength. Today let your will be done, and end forever the insane belief that it is hell in place of Heaven that you choose.We will begin our longer practice periods with the recognition that God's plan for salvation, and only His, is wholly in accord with your will. It is not the purpose of an alien power, thrust upon you unwillingly. It is the one purpose here on which you and your Father are in perfect accord. You will succeed today, the time appointed for the release of the Son of God from hell and from all idle wishes. His will is now restored to his awareness. He is willing this very day to look upon the light in him and be saved. After reminding yourself of this, and determining to keep your will clearly in mind, tell yourself with gentle firmness and quiet certainty:I will there be light.Let me behold the light that reflects God's Will and mine.Then let your will assert itself, joined with the power of God and united with your Self. Put the rest of the practice period under Their guidance. Join with Them as They lead the way. In the shorter practice periods, again make a declaration of what you really want. Say:I will there be light. Darkness is not my will.This should be repeated several times an hour. It is most important, however, to apply today's idea in this form immediately you are tempted to hold a grievance of any kind. This will help you let your grievances go, instead of cherishing them and hiding them in darkness.- Jesus Christ in ACIM

Andrei lies moaning from a head wound on the Pratzen Heights, symbolic of the numerous souls dead or wounded.  The depiction of Andrei chasing military glory but falling short, was influenced by how Kutuzov historically lost his son-in-law, Theodor von Tiesenhausen, at Austerlitz.   Kutuzov sent the young noble, who served as an aide-de-camp, to rally retreating troops. After Tiesenhausen seized a fallen standard and ran forward, he was quickly shot in the chest. Frenchmen swarmed him and there was a barbaric scuffle over his military decorations. When Napoleon took a victory lap, he noticed the “glorious” sight of the barely alive Tiesenhausen still holding the flagstaff. Andrei is a physical causality but was imbued with a realization of the baseness of war. Going in and out of consciousness, Andrei held onto the value of his vision. Unable to open his eyes, he thought, “Where is it, that lofty sky that I did not know?” He did not remember the intricate battle plans nor leading the charge. What brought him back to earth was the burning pain in his head. When he heard the sound of approaching horses and French voices, he finally opened his eyes and captured the clouds floating majestically and the blue infinity beyond. Tolstoy has Napolean have a fictional interaction with Andrei while making his triumphant walk.  Napolean comments on the gallantry of the fallen, notably a grenadier whose body was swelling and blackening. It is sinking in for Andrei that there is very little admirable about such a man's life being wasted. Napolean approached Andrei, whose hand was still on the flagstaff and asserted: “That's a fine death!” Andrei now regarded Bonaparte's words as the buzzing of a fly. Napoleon seemed insignificant compared with the sky, which is representative of the Almighty.Andrei desperately wished to be assisted back to life. He collected all his strength to utter a sickly groan. Napoleon immediately ordered Andrei to be treated and rode on met Marshal Lannes, who congratulated his Master. Andrei remained in agony, but regained his bearings after he was placed with other wounded officers. Napoleon encounters Andrei once again when he inspects the overflow of valuable prisoners. The senior officer captured was Nikolai Repnin-Volkonsky, an Imperial Guard Colonel, who Andrei recognized from Petersburg.  Napoleon commended Repnin, saying: “Your regiment was honorable in fulfilling their duty.” Repnin responded “The praise of a great commander is a soldier's highest reward.” More kind yet superficial words were bestowed on a young lieutenant. Napoleon then sees and remembers Andrei and calls him, “mon brave” an old fashioned term meaning “my good fellow” or “my good man.” Andrei remains silent on the only occasion he would meet his one-time idol. All the vain interests that absorbed men like Napoleon now seemed so insignificant. This is Tolstoy's comment on the value of military glory. Andrei thought of the pettiness of such men compared to the lofty, equitable and gentle sky.  His mind was on a plane of solemnity. Various factors led to his mental state including: the loss of blood, nearness of death and appreciation of the divine. Napoleon instructed that Andrei and others be cared for by his own doctor and bid Prince Repnin, Au revoir!” He galloped away -- shining with satisfaction. Frenchmen who had carried Andrei had stolen the gold icon his sister gave him. However, seeing the favor the Emperor bestowed, quickly returned the charm. Beholding the icon made Andrei consider: “it would be good if everything were as clear and simple as it seems to Mar'ya.” He yearns to know where he should seek for help and what to expect beyond the grave. Andrei considered the nature of the Almighty and how to address his prayers. Andrei realizes that he understands the greatness of something incomprehensible but paramount.  He conceptualized the Almighty's ineffable power and contrasted this with image on his amulet, which is a critique of graven images. When Andrei's stretcher moved on, he again felt pain that was difficult to endure. He experienced visions of his father, wife, sister, and future son.  He considered his quiet home life and peaceful happiness that he never appreciated. He realized only the heavens promised a similar peace.Upon examination, Napoleon's doctor pronounced a grave prognosis: “He is a nervous and sickly subject…and will not recover.” Inevitably, the doctor and War Machine moved on leaving Andrei and others to the care of the inhabitants of the district.And that finally ends analysis Book 1 and about 25% of the novel.

In a culture saturated with self-help strategies, identity politics, and the language of "manifesting," where do Christians turn for a stable, coherent sense of self? On this episode of Christ the Center, Camden Bucey sits down with pastor and author Justin N. Poythress to explore the deep theological roots of the identity crisis plaguing our age. Drawing from his new book, Who Am I? And What Am I Doing With My Life? Finding Stability and Purpose in Jesus (The Good Book Company), Poythress argues that only Christ can rightly function as our "master identity"—the organizing center beneath every role, relationship, and calling. Work, sexuality, politics, and even parenting all fail catastrophically when elevated to that ultimate position, because none of them can bear the weight of the human soul. At the heart of the conversation lies a powerful biblical framework: we are in Christ while also being conformed to his image. Romans 8:29 declares that God predestined His people to be conformed to the image of His Son—a settled identity and a lifelong trajectory of growth. Poythress unpacks how 2 Corinthians 3:18 reframes the secular obsession with "manifesting" into the biblical practice of beholding Christ, the true mechanism of transformation. The episode also explores the church as a "thick community" designed for the kind of multi-dimensional, embodied relationships that curated online personas can never provide. For pastors, elders, and anyone seeking maturity in Christ, the takeaway is both liberating and compelling: the Christian life is a matter of becoming what you already are in Christ. Watch on YouTube Chapters 00:07 Introduction 08:50 Master and Sub-Identities 13:53 Identity as a Theological Issue 16:58 Romans 8:29 21:22 Manifesting vs. Beholding 28:09 The Means of Grace 32:19 Thick Communities 41:12 Authenticity 46:14 Work, Sexuality, and Politics as Functional Religions 51:12 Becoming What You Are in Christ 56:29 Conclusion Participants: Camden Bucey, Justin N. Poythress

Learn more about Bethel Cleveland and discover how you can be part of what God is doing here. Visit us at bethelcleveland.com

Do we really know Him?

Learn more about Bethel Cleveland and discover how you can be part of what God is doing here. Visit us at bethelcleveland.com

Beholding and Becoming in Friendship and Community: Doubled Joy and Halved Sorrow Our God is a relational God, and he created us to be in relationship with Him and others. How does God use the friendships and communities in our life to make us more like Jesus?  We'll consider unique challenges at each stage of life, and share how life in community has helped us persevere in faith.

2 Corinthians 3:7-18

This is a re-edit conversation from 2024 with Dr. Lanta Davis. Her book Becoming by Beholding is a wonderful conversation partner with some of the recent podcast episodes. Her book will prompt you to think about the connection between art, imagination, and theology. How did the historic church think about the imagination and spiritual formation, and can we do a better job of that in today's environment? Are we aware enough of what we "behold" and how that creates an impression on our lives? And how did the Protestant church lose its ability to gaze on images and allow them to stoke our imagination? You can find Lanta Davis' book HERE Read more about Dr. Davis HERE Contact Cyndi Parker through Narrative of Place. Join Cyndi Parker's  Patreon Team!

Live at Echo Church Melbourne Sunday February 22 Speaker: Justin Box Title: Behold Jesus If you'd like more information about Echo Church, go to echochurch.org.au

"Beholding is Becoming" | Pastor Evan Hood | 2.22.26 by ARC of Carson City, NV

Entering into the woods is not about escaping life but re-entering it differently.

Learn more about Bethel Cleveland and discover how you can be part of what God is doing here. Visit us at bethelcleveland.com

02/19/2026 – Saundra Dalton-Smith –on finding emotional rest through the framework of beholding, becoming, and belonging

Pastor Chris tells the story in John 5 about the paralyzed man healed at the pools.  

Chapters (00:00:00) - Beholding Jesus Our High Priest(00:09:41) - The temple of Jesus(00:11:03) - Hebrews 2, The High Priest(00:12:59) - Jesus is our High Priest(00:23:25) - The Anointing of Jesus(00:33:18) - Heavenly High Priest Through His Sacrifice

Pastor Chris continues through Mark 5 with the story of the woman who is suffering from 12-years of bleeding.  As you listen, notice the parallels between the two stories (Jairus' daughter and the unclean woman).  Notice the peace that Jesus brings to both.  

In His parting words to the disciples, Jesus promised them that he would never leave them as orphans but that his advocacy for them would continue through the work of the Holy Spirit. 

As we seek to become more like Christ, our marriage is an opportunity to live out the “one another” commandments from Scripture. As we do, we will grow in unity and connection together.   February 2 & 3

John 1:19-34 NIVBig Idea: It's not about you, it's about Jesus. Use your life to point to Him.Backround: John the Baptist was a rock star!  A prophet living in the Jordan River Valley who had a big following.  People from all over would come to listen to his message of repentance and baptism.  John had his own disciples, who would later become Jesus's disciples.  Also, John the Baptist was a relative of Jesus.1.    John knew who he wasn'tWith everyone trying to figure out who they are, John starts with who he is not.  “Now this was John's testimony when the Jewish leaders in Jerusalem sent priests and Levites to ask him who he was.  He did not fail to confess, but confessed freely, “I am not the messiah”.How many times have we put ourselves in position to get credit instead of “Beholding the Lamb”?2.    John knew who Jesus was-The Lamb of God-The sin-bearer-Greater than John-Pre-Existent-The Chosen One 3.    John knew what Jesus Does“Look, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world” John 1:29 John demonstrated how we “Behold the Lamb”-          Know who you are not-          Know who Jesus is-          Know what Jesus has done  

Pastor Chris tells the story of Jesus in Mark 5, when Misery meets Mercy!  

The Light at the End of the Tunnel – The Heart of Hope with Deacon James Keating Ph.D. Deacon Keating and Kris McGregor address the following: Is there a light at the end of the tunnel? Am I being punished? Why do the innocent and faithful suffer? Beholding the wood of the cross. The core of redemptive suffering. The post HH6 – The Light at the End of the Tunnel – The Heart of Hope with Deacon James Keating Ph.D. – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Dr. Doug Huffman returns to UNW as Dean of the School of Theology and shares his story with the Campus Community.  

Pastor Chris preaches out of Mark Chapter 1---on Jesus' baptism.  

The world pressures us to do. God invites us to be. Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith shares from her book, "Being Fully Known: The Joyful Satisfaction of Beholding, Becoming, and Belonging." Originally aired March 6, 2025 Check out Susie's new podcast God Impressions on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts! Faith Radio podcasts are made possible by your support. Give now: click here

A life with God requires actively engaging in four callings: beholding, belonging, becoming, and blessing. These four callings are the pillars of a flourishing faith. Over the next several weeks we will examine how we can be engaged in each, starting this Sunday with the call to behold.

When looking turns into longing! 

Pastor Dan Sinkhorn and Adrienne Tarullo slow down to explore the beauty of Christ, drawing from Frank Viola's Insurgents, Colossians, and Revelation. They weave scripture with real-life moments — snow-covered fields, childbirth, and Psalm 23 — to show how beholding Jesus transforms us. Through stories about adoration, sanctification, and the Holy Spirit's reflection, the episode invites listeners to pause, gaze at Christ's glory, and let that beauty shape their lives.

John 13:1-14

Be blessed as you listen to Transformation (Beholding And Becoming) by G. W. Arthur Ministries .Links:YouTube: https://youtube.com/@DrGWArthurFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrGWArthurInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/drgwarthur

Look at Him until everything else fades away! 

When looking turns into longing! 

Jesus showed the limitless humility and depth of his love by washing his disciples' feet, then calling his followers to do the same for one another.

Isaiah 49:1-7Psalm 40:1-111 Corinthians 1:1-9John 1:29-42Phil Aud+The Second Sunday After Epiphanywww.allsoulsknoxville.comAll Souls Substack865-214-6682100 W 5th Ave., KnoxvilleSundays @ 10:30amSupport the show

Brother David Puentes talks to us today about the Crucifixion through the perspective of the book of Psalms.

New Years 2026, Feast of Mary the Mother of God 

I am SO EXCITED to talk to Pastor Rich Villodas about Advent and the Christian calendar. Advent officially started yesterday and Rich is helping us better understand why the Christian calendar even matters and what Advent means to our relationship with God. We're going to talk about what it looks like to wait well (which I don't like to do!), and we unpack the reality of living in the middle of both pain and rejoicing. Advent is all of it, right?  If you're looking for a study to go through this Advent, it's not too late to start one. You can grab it today and jump right in. Our Stay Tuned series is available to download now at shopanniefdowns.com AND you're going to love hearing about Rich's Advent devotional, Waiting for Jesus, today. If you're following along in your TSF Seasons Guidebook, We're on page 127. As always, the guidebook is available for you at anniefdowns.com/seasons. . . . . .  Sign up to receive the AFD Week In Review email and ask questions to future guest If you enjoyed this episode, I think you'd also love: Advent Makes Space for our Grief, but Christmas Makes Space for our Joy with Lanier Ivester- Episode 943 Episode 500: She Reads Truth + Advent . . . . . Thank you to our sponsors! This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp: My friends get 10% off their first month at BetterHelp.com/THATSOUNDSFUN. Our Place: Our Place is having their biggest sale of the year right now! Save up to 35% site-wide through December 2nd. Shop the Our Place Black Friday Sale right now, no code needed at ourplace.com. Thrive Causemetics: Go to thrivecausemetics.com/TSF for an exclusive offer of 20% off your first order. AG1: If you go to drinkag1.com/soundsfun you'll get the welcome kit, a Morning Person hat, a bottle of Vitamin D3+K2, an AG1 Flavor Sampler, and you'll get to try their new sleep supplement AGZ for free! WayFair: Head to Wayfair.com right now to shop all things home. Hiya Health: Receive 50% off your first order. To claim this deal you must go to hiyahealth.com/THATSOUNDSFUN. Shopify: Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial and start selling today at Shopify.com/soundsfun⁠. Capstone Wellness: Learn more at ⁠capstonewellness.com/thatsoundsfun⁠. Helix Sleep: Go to helixsleep.com/thatsoundsfun for 27% off sitewide.  Wonder Project: Start your free trial and make sure to choose the annual subscription at watch.thewonderproject.com/thatsoundsfun. When you pick the annual plan, you save money and directly support their mission to bring more of these stories to the world.  NIV Application Bible: If you're looking for a new Bible or know someone you'd like to gift a Bible to, I highly recommend the ⁠NIV Application Bible⁠! Antique Candle Co: Use code “thatsoundsfun” to get a free Gift Set on any order of $40 or more through Dec 15 at ⁠antiquecandleco.com⁠.  NYTimes bestselling Christian author, speaker, and host of popular Christian podcast, That Sounds Fun Podcast, Annie F. Downs shares with you some of her favorite things: new books, faith conversations, entertainers not to miss, and interviews with friends. #thatsoundsfunpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices