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There are moments in Scripture which, like doors slightly ajar, invite us into rooms far deeper than we first imagined. One such moment occurs in the Gospel of John, where Christ says: “Just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up” (John 3:14). At first glance, the comparison may seem almost grotesque; our Saviour is likened to a serpent, an emblem of death and sin. And yet, here lies one of the profoundest truths in all of Christian thought: that God redeems not merely through might, but through our deepest pain.Recall the scene in the book of Numbers. The Israelites, having once again rebelled against God, are plagued by fiery serpents. They cry out for mercy, and Moses is instructed not to remove the serpents, but to lift up a bronze image of one on a pole. All who looked upon it were healed. They were not told to pretend the serpents weren't real, nor were they told to earn their healing. They had only to look. The very image of their suffering became the conduit for their salvation.And so it is with the Cross.Christ was lifted up, not as a mere martyr, nor as a teacher, but as the one who became sin for us (2 Corinthians 5:21). The Cross is no mere symbol; it is the divine paradox. There, the Innocent bore guilt. The Holy bore shame. The Immortal embraced death. And in that darkest moment, the door to light was thrown open.But let us not rush too quickly to the light. For many of us, the problem is not believing in Christ's victory – it is believing that our pain, our guilt, our most unmentionable failures, could possibly be included in it. We imagine the Cross as something above us, clean and exalted. But in truth, the Cross descends. It is God stooping down into the filth of our humanity. If Christ is lifted up, He is lifted up with all the sins of the world pressing down upon Him – mine and yours.This is the invitation: not to hide your wounds, but to bring them into the light of the Cross. To look upon the Crucified One and see not only the cost of love, but its healing. Your deepest pain is not too deep for Him. In fact, it is precisely where He means to meet you.Lift your eyes, then, not in despair, but in hope. The Cross does not demand perfection; it only asks you to look. And in looking, you may find not only healing, but yourself. There are no more facades, or masks, or games pretending to be okay. Beholding the crucified one, we find the power and meaning behind our suffering. Jesus can use it for our salvation. Once we stop running from our pain, we can exclaim like the legendary 5th century bishop, St. Augustine – “In my deepest wound, I saw your glory and it dazzled me.” --- Help Spread the Good News --- Father Brian's homilies are shared freely thanks to generous listeners like you. If his words have blessed you, consider supporting this volunteer effort. Every gift helps us continue recording and sharing the hope of Jesus—one homily at a time. Give Here: https://frbriansoliven.org/give
The biggest lie that Satan tells us is that "you can't change." 2 Corinthians 3:18 illustrates that transformation is for ALL. Pastor Chris paints the picture for what we will be studying this year (Jesus) and that we are going to become glorious just by looking at him.
This episode of Conversations with Christians Engaged is part of our Stories from America series, featuring believers making a real impact in culture. In this episode, Bunni Pounds sits down with Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith—physician, speaker, and bestselling author of Sacred Rest and her new book Becoming Fully Known: The Joyful Satisfaction of Beholding, Becoming, and Belonging. Dr. Dalton-Smith shares how science and Scripture beautifully intersect to reveal God's design for rest, identity, and wholeness. From the seven types of rest to the freedom of belonging in Christ, this conversation will inspire you to live authentically, embrace God's presence, and lead from a place of renewal rather than exhaustion.
This section of Revelation focuses on a vision that John saw showing a scroll that no one on the earth could open except for Jesus, who is depicted as a Lamb. This imagery indicates that Jesus is the only One that is worthy enough to rule the world and to be deserving of every reward and all the praise that we must give Him.
Sermon on Luke 9:28–36
Life's Greatest Privilege, Now and Forever (Beholding Christ) // Dominick ButlerMain Text; 2 Cor 3:16-18, Num 21:4-9, John 3:10-17, James 1:22-25------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------For More info on Gold Street Garden visit; https://linktr.ee/goldstreetgarden
Revelation 4 reveals two awe-inspiring elements of John's vision of the throne room and exists in part to give us a high view of God, describing the glory and worship of the Father who sits on the throne in Heaven.
Bishop Hannington
Bishop Hannington
Beholding The Glory of The Lord. 1 John 4:17-19.
Bishop Hannington
Bishop Hannington
Daryl speaks about how it takes faith to realize our battle is not with people but with powers and principalities. As we behold God and look to the higher reality it helps keep things in proper perspective.
Author: Ryan Currie, Scripture Reference: 2 Corinthians 3:12-18, Series: Uncategorized
Jerrod begins our Vision and Value series at Radiant Tulare by teaching through the importance of Beholding Jesus!
What if being fully known isn't something to fear, but a pathway to freedom, rest, and joy? In this encouraging conversation, Stasi welcomes Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith for a conversation around the themes of her newest book, Being Fully Known. They discuss spiritual rest, emotional authenticity, and the courage to live into who God says we are. It's an invitation to release striving, embrace vulnerability, and discover the sacred beauty of a life rooted in belonging. Friends, this conversation is a gentle call to rest and receive God's love in the quiet places we long to be seen.…..SHOW NOTES:…..VERSES: John 10:10 (NIV) – The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.Isaiah 53:5 (NIV) – But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.…..DR. SAUNDRA DALTON-SMITHWebsite: https://www.drdaltonsmith.com/Podcast, I Choose My Best Life: https://wahe.art/41TzHjVInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/drdaltonsmithFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrSaundraDaltonSmithYouTube: https://wahe.art/4iACA07BIODr. Saundra Dalton-Smith is a board-certified internal medicine physician, an international speaker, and the CEO of Restorasis, a workplace well-being consulting agency. She is also the award-winning author of Set Free to Live Free and Sacred Rest and the host of I Choose My Best Life podcast. Dr. Saundra lives in Alabama with her husband and their two sons.Being Fully Known: The Joyful Satisfaction of Beholding, Becoming and Belonging https://amzn.to/4kNJXTNSacred Rest: Recover Your Life, Renew Your Energy, Restore Your Sanity https://amzn.to/3QMLpZUFor all books by Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith: https://www.drdaltonsmith.com/publications…..RESOURCESThe Basilica of Saint John Lateran and the Holy Stairs (Scala Sancta) in Rome, Italy https://wahe.art/3G61p6f …..Don't Miss Out on the Next Episode—Subscribe for FreeSubscribe using your favorite podcast app:YouTube: https://wahe.art/4jFlAXuSpotify Podcasts – https://spoti.fi/42SsOipApple Podcasts – https://apple.co/42E0oZ1 Google Podcasts – http://wahe.art/3M81kxLAmazon Music & Audible – https://amzn.to/3M9u6hJ
In this Trinity Forum Conversation, author Lanta Davis, along with special guest host and Trinity Forum Senior Fellow Jessica Hooten Wilson, delve into the power of imagination and its role in our spiritual formation. The discussion centers on Davis's book Becoming by Beholding, which explores Christian imagination through art, literature, and historical practices.These friends and scholars discuss the transformative potential of engaging with sacred art, the virtues, and traditional practices like Lectio Divina:"In Jesus's parables ... He's constantly showing us that there's more hidden behind the surface than we think. The mustard seed is not just a mustard seed. Yeast is not just yeast ... Jesus shows us heavenly meanings ... This is what the incarnation helps us understand, that the divine is not just up above. It's all around us. It's here and now. That when God became matter, all the material world changed because of it."We hope this conversation will resonate with you as you explore the good, the true, and the beautiful in your own corner of creation. This podcast is an edited version of our Online Conversation recorded in March 2025. You can access the full conversation with transcript here.Learn more about Lanta Davis and Jessica Hooten Wilson.Episode Outline00:00 Welcome and Introduction04:47 Exploring the Power of Imagination05:37 The Concept of Becoming by Beholding07:46 Living in an Enchanted World10:53 Tradition and the Logic of Eternity13:49 Orthodoxy, Orthopraxy, and Orthopathy17:22 The Role of Icons and Medieval Bestiaries23:25 Lectio Divina and Imaginative Prayer27:20 Virtues and Vices: A Deeper Look30:38 Understanding Virtue and Its Historical Context31:37 The Practicality of Virtue Personifications32:32 Teaching Virtues in Everyday Life33:50 Exploring Courage Through Art36:30 Incorporating Virtue in Contemporary Art38:15 Imagination and Its Role in Understanding Reality45:28 Scripture, Culture, and the Fruits of the Spirit49:49 Global Christian Art and Imagination51:34 Resources for Teaching and Engaging with Art54:46 Travel and Exploration of Christian Art56:33 Desire, Trust, and Identity in Modern Culture59:39 The Last Word with Lanta DavisAuthors and books mentioned in the conversation:Becoming by Beholding, by Lanta DavisJessica Hooten WilsonRalph C. WoodIn the Beauty of Holiness, by David Lyle JeffreyLuke Ferriter“Hurrahing in Harvest”, by Gerard Manley HopkinsFour Quartets, by T. S. EliotOrthodoxy, by G. K. ChestertonFlannery O'ConnorGrace HammondOn Reading Well: Finding the Good Life Through Great Books, by Karen Swallow PriorAlan NobleA Secular Age, by Charles TaylorDorothy SayersThe Divine Comedy, by Dante AlighieriJames K.A. SmithKristin Lavransdatter, by Sigrid UndsetJohn DonneSamuel Taylor ColeridgeJohann Wolfgang von GoetheRelated Trinity Forum Readings:Kristin Lavransdatter, by Sigrid UndsetSpirit and Imagination: Reflections from Samuel Taylor ColeridgeThe Strangest Story in the World, by G.K. Chesterton
This letter pulses with emotion as Paul defends his ministry, confronts critics, and pleads with the church to embrace true gospel leadership marked by humility, weakness, and grace. In this season, we explore the drama, pain, and beauty of a pastor fighting for the hearts of his people—and the God who reconciles us through it all.
Christin Diaz - Atmosphere Shifters: Beholding, Becoming, Releasing by Living Faith Church
Jesus shines his light into those who acknowledge their blindness but withholds it to those who claim that they can see.
John 6:40 “For this is the will of My Father, that everyone who beholds the Son and believes in Him will have eternal life, and I Myself will raise him up on the last day.” We have another encouragement today about the Father's will, which is another way of saying what pleases the Father. The Father desires to have a people for Himself, raised up on the last day of the history of the world. He isn't raising every single person who has existed in history. There are two distinctive characteristics about them: When they gaze upon Jesus, they believe in Him. These and these alone will have eternal life. How do we gaze upon Jesus today? We behold the Son in the Scriptures. This is the aim in the Live to Love Scripture Encouragement podcasts. When we read God's Word, we look at Christ and meditate on His person, His union with the Father, His purpose in coming into the world, His character, and His ministry. Meditation upon what we read in the Scriptures is a means of more grace, giving deeper understanding of who Jesus is, what He is doing, and the glorious hope of His promises. We may ask the Holy Spirit to teach us and reveal Christ to us so that we may know Him more intimately. As we behold Jesus in the Scriptures, those who have been given to Jesus hear and believe in Him. Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ (Rom. 10:17). When we believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, we entrust our lives entirely to Him. We have the hope of eternal life and being raised up with Christ on the last day when “He comes to be glorified in His saints on that day, and to be marveled at among all who have believed” (2 Thessalonians 1:10). So all who believe in Christ are encouraged today that their hope is secure. God has willed that Jesus, Himself, raise us up with Him. Since nothing can separate us from His love, let us live with Him and walk in love for the glory of God on the last day. I invite you to become a partner in our ministry. Would you pray about becoming a regular supporter of Elijah Ministries and the Live to Love with Jesus ministry? I hope you will receive the joy and benefit of "giving it forward," so others may receive encouragement to turn their hearts to God and to live to love with Jesus. You may give online or send a check to the address listed at www.spiritofelijah.com/donate.
Message from Jefferson Tokurah on July 19, 2025
Before Jesus ever preached a sermon, worked a miracle, or cast out a demon—He stepped into the water.Not for sin.Not for show.But to fulfill all righteousness.This episode takes you deep into the baptism of Jesus and the bold testimony of John the Baptist. Why did the sinless Son of God submit to a baptism of repentance? What does it mean to “Behold the Lamb of God”? And why does your obedience precede your influence?In this episode:• Why Jesus' baptism was a prophetic act of repentance-identification• The 4 things Jesus did before He preached: Baptized. Affirmed. Filled. Tested.• What it means to live from the Father's affirmation, not for it• How baptism declares: “I belong to Jesus now—and my past is buried.”• Why you can't just admire Jesus… you must imitate HimBEHOLD. The Lamb who takes away the sin of the world.FOLLOW. His rhythm of surrender, not your own ambition.REPENT. Because your new beginning starts in the water.AXIOMS FROM THIS EPISODE:• “Before Jesus picked up a mic, He picked up submission.”• “Repentance is not rejection—it's your reintroduction to God's rhythm.”• “The baptism of Jesus was not about His need to repent—it was about His resolve to obey.”• “Beholding the Lamb begins when you bury your pride.”Ready to draw the line in the sand?The water is waiting.Subscribe, like, and share this with someone who's ready to repent, get baptized, and behold the Lamb.#BeholdTheLamb #Baptism #RepentAndBelieve #JesusBaptism #JohnTheBaptist #TheGospels #ChristianYouTube #ObedienceBeforeInfluence
Sunday evening message from the pulpit of Shawano Baptist Church
Pastor Zac Hess - Behold Christ to reflect Christ.
We look at the significance of the One source of the Body and why our soul's must seize upon and find in the Head the full supply that God has provided. References: Ephesians 4:11-16 Colossians 2:6-23 Colossians 3:1-4 thesatisfiedgod.com Subscribe to our YouTube page - The Satisfied God Podcast YouTube Please like and follow our Facebook page - www.facebook.com/thesatisfiedgodpodcast Thanks for all your support in every way. Please share this podcast with your friends. We are available on every major podcast provider including Podbean, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, and Spotify. Also please subscribe to be made aware of every new episode. Thanks for listening and feel free to contact me at rabonbyrd@gmail.com You may help financially in the following ways: Give via PayPal by clicking this link: www.paypal.me/thesatisfiedgod Give via Cash App - $RabonByrdTSG Give via Zelle - rabonbyrd@gmail.com You may send financial support or other communications via U.S. mail to: PO Box 186 Marshall, AR 72650. Checks payable to Rabon Byrd. Memo: Satisfied God Podcast
7/6/2025 - 2 Corinthians 3:18 - Michael Petrick: Changed By Beholding by Pastor Dennis Fountain
Pastor Randy Bradley
Mark 9:2-132 And after six days Jesus took with him Peter and James and John, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, 3 and his clothes became radiant, intensely white, as no one on earth could bleach them. 4 And there appeared to them Elijah with Moses, and they were talking with Jesus. 5 And Peter said to Jesus, “Rabbi, it is good that we are here. Let us make three tents, one for you and one for Moses and one for Elijah.” 6 For he did not know what to say, for they were terrified. 7 And a cloud overshadowed them, and a voice came out of the cloud, “This is my beloved Son; listen to him.” 8 And suddenly, looking around, they no longer saw anyone with them but Jesus only.9 And as they were coming down the mountain, he charged them to tell no one what they had seen, until the Son of Man had risen from the dead. 10 So they kept the matter to themselves, questioning what this rising from the dead might mean. 11 And they asked him, “Why do the scribes say that first Elijah must come?” 12 And he said to them, “Elijah does come first to restore all things. And how is it written of the Son of Man that he should suffer many things and be treated with contempt? 13 But I tell you that Elijah has come, and they did to him whatever they pleased, as it is written of him.”
What is the good life? Where do we see it, and how can we really live it? In this passage, the apostle John says it all comes down to getting our vision. How are we seeing reality?
Beholding The Glory of God (2025-6-22) Live Sunday Morning Service with Brother Chris Jones
Beholding The Glory of God (2025-6-22) Live Sunday Morning Service with Brother Chris Jones
Beholding Christ in the Garden of Gethsemane : Luke 22:39-46 : Pastor Raef Chenery : 06-15-25 by Park Community Church
When we encounter the sins and failures of others, our instinct is often to respond with judgment and condemnation. But Jesus responds with mercy—not because he takes sin lightly, but because his deepest desire is to restore what sin has broken in our lives.
Pastor Svetlana Shapovalova «What are you beholding?» (06-15-25)Support the show
The good life. No matter who you are, chances are you have a picture of what it looks like—and how to achieve it.When Jesus opens His first sermon in the New Testament with the famous words, “Blessed are the poor in spirit,” He introduces a new paradigm for the good life—a stunning invitation to true joy in God's kingdom. The Beatitudes, eight powerful statements from Jesus, show us what following Jesus really means—and why it's the best decision we'll ever make. In this episode, we unpack Matthew 5:1-2, the introduction to the Sermon on the Mount, asking questions of the text and finding answers by searching Scripture. If you want to dig deeper into the themes of this episode, here are a few reflection questions and passages to consider:Which of the eight beatitudes surprises you the most right now? Why?Read Luke's account of the beatitudes in Luke 6:17-26. What differences do you notice? Does anything stand out that you're interested in learning more about? Why?Consider beginning our study of the beatitudes in prayer. Ask God to open your eyes to behold wonderful things about Jesus in His Word! To get you started, here's a guided prayer:Jesus, You are prophet, law-giver, teacher, preacher, and king—help me to see You with my heart.May I know You as my king, and follow You with joy.This is the blessed life—to be with You and bring You glory, now and forever. Amen.
Beholding the Greatness of our God. Beholding the Goodness of our God.
From the Eucharistic Congress in Trinidad, a prayerful and playful dive into the Sacred Heart of Jesus...
John discusses Elon Musk who took to his social media cesspool to complain about the Big Beautiful Budget the Trump administration is trying to ram through Congress. Musk was joined by other Republicans, most of whom actually voted FOR the bill, in denouncing its cost to the federal deficit. Then, Professor Corey Brettschneider is back to talk about Trump's controversial attack on the Harvard Law Review—twisting the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to target student editors—and his shocking showdown with his one-time allies in the Federalist Society. Plus, the Supreme Court might soon allow religious opt-outs from school lessons about LGBTQ+ rights and could even greenlight religious charter schools, eroding the wall between church and state. Then lastly, John welcomes the gal who founded the blog Hullabaloo - Heather Digby Parton to chat about Republican infighting and more.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
This week at Apologia Church we are taught by Jake Bull as he continues our Wisdom From Above series with this sermon on Proverbs 18:12.
We all feel restless at times, and Father Dave welcomes back Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith to discuss finding our identity in Christ. Dr. Saundra is a board-certified internal medicine physician, the CEO of Restorasis, and the author of “Being Fully Known: The Joyful Satisfaction of Beholding, Becoming, and Belonging.”
We all have a God-given need to belong, but does that mean finding a sphere in which we consistently feel affirmed? We also all long, at some level, to be fully known, but does that mean we must unveil our deepest and most shameful secrets? In this episode, guest Dr. Sandra Dalton-Smith discusses these issues along with uncomfortable but necessary set-up seasons, how our trust in God impacts our journeys, how that trust deepens over time, and the most important step we can take in our growth and confidence in ourselves and our calling. Resource referenced: Being Fully Known: The Joyful Satisfaction of Beholding, Becoming, and Belonging by Sandra Dalton-Smith Topics covered: The difference between being known and being exposed The best way to respond to long "set-up" seasons Biblical characters God intentionally trained for greatness How "Beholding" God leads to increased belonging Where in your life do you feel safe to be emotionally honest—and where do you feel the need to hide? Are there signs of emotional fatigue showing up in your body, relationships, or spiritual life? How might God be inviting you to rest? What fears or past experiences might be holding you back from letting others—or God—truly know you? Have you experienced a “set apart” season? Looking back, how did God use that time to shape or strengthen you? How does the idea of “belonging” resonate with you right now? Do you feel like you’re striving to fit in, or are you resting in God’s acceptance? What might it look like for you to intentionally behold God this week—and how could that impact how you see yourself and others? What is one action step God might be inviting you to take having listened to this episode? Connect with Dr. Sandra Dalton-Smith On her website Instagram YouTube Find her books on Amazon Find Carol McCracken: On her website On Facebook On Instagram Join the private Faith Over Fear Facebook Group (Inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.) Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
The position is face to face, the posture is rest and the goal is Abide. We are designed to remain in a state of face to face communion by way of grace teaching us to rest. Union University - April 22nd, 2025