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In this episode, we honor the journey of Kevin Sweeney, who has a fascinating and unconventional spiritual journey. Once a pastor and now a hospice chaplain and author, Kevin shared his profound experiences, including a life-changing moment while taking mushrooms at the age of 18 that led him to what he believes was a direct encounter with God. We delved into his background, his transition from indifference towards religion to becoming deeply rooted in spirituality, and how his unique experiences informed his approach to faith and pastoring. Kevin also discussed his new book, "The Cosmic Christ and the Concrete Jesus," which synthesizes his mystical experiences and the influence of the black prophetic tradition, illustrating why he still identifies as a Christian despite his unorthodox path. Our conversation was enriching and insightful, revealing the depths of spiritual awakening and the power of love and compassion in our journeys.Get Kevin's Book HERE! Honoring the Journey is hosted, produced and edited by Leslie Nease and the artwork for the show is also created by Leslie Nease.Want to get updates/announcements and a FREE Deconstruction Journaling Prompt PDF? Sign up for Leslie's Monthly Newsletter! You can do that HERE.Pick up Leslie's new book, Honoring the Journey: The Deconstruction of Sister Christian here.Interested in working with Leslie as your Life/Faith Transitions Coach? Check out her website and learn more about what she offers! https://www.leslieneasecoaching.comIf you'd like to be a part of the Honoring the Journey Team as a Patreon Supporter, please check it out at this link!Would you like to leave a voicemail for Leslie? Click here!If you are looking for community as you deconstruct or just a place to go and enjoy the company of people who are seekers, learners and who are looking to connect with the Divine without religious baggage, please join the Private Facebook Community! Leslie is very passionate about connection and community, so if that sounds like you, please come join us!https://growx.podkite.com/https/PKricy1col/
Let your cauldrons turn upright. Let your Awen pour like rainThis Substack is reader-supported. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.What if Easter wasn't just about a historical event 2,000 years ago—but a living, breathing reality that unfolds within us every day? In this episode of Creation's Paths, Charlie and Brian, Christopagan druids and priests of the Living Flame, reflect on the mystical power of resurrection through a Christopagan and druidic lens. From visions of the Cosmic Christ and the beauty of spring's return to the radical notion that grace is everywhere and resurrection is ongoing, this powerful and passionate conversation calls us to see the Kingdom of God not as someday, but here and now—within us, as us.Thanks for reading! This post is public so feel free to share it.Thank you for Tips / Donations: * https://ko-fi.com/cedorsett * https://patreon.com/cedorsett * https://cash.app/$CreationsPaths* Substack: New to The Seraphic Grove learn more For Educational Resource: https://wisdomscry.com --- A Christopagan Manifesto--- Answer to the Call: A Dream of an Oak ChurchSocial Connections: * BlueSky https://bsky.app/profile/creationspaths.com * Threads https://www.threads.net/@creationspaths * Instagram https://www.instagram.com/creationspaths/#Christopagan #CreationSpirituality #ChristianWitch #Paganism #Esoteric #Magic #Druidry #Mysticism #Spirituality #Occult #WitchCraft #Wicca #IrishPaganism #CelticPaganism #Magick #Polytheism #Enchantment Chapters:00:00 The Cosmic Flame: An Introduction02:13 Meet Your Hosts: Charlie and Brian02:21 Understanding Easter Through a Christopagan Lens03:03 The Resurrection: Historical and Mystical Perspectives05:46 The Power of Resurrection in Daily Life08:43 Magic, Energy, and the Risen Christ11:37 The Kingdom Within: Embracing Inner Divinity15:31 The Eternal Cycle: Life Finds a Way18:45 Claiming Resurrection Power25:30 Final Thoughts and Community Engagement Get full access to Creation's Paths at www.creationspaths.com/subscribe
Today marks the 10th anniversary of my blog, Cosmic Christ, and I find myself filled with gratitude as I reflect on this journey of exploration, discovery, and spiritual growth. What began as a humble attempt to articulate my evolving understanding of spirituality has blossomed into a decade-long conversation about the profound intersection of Christianity, the Ra Contact, and the perennial wisdom traditions that connect them. Today marks the 10th anniversary of my blog, Cosmic Christ, and I find myself filled with gratitude as I reflect on this journey of exploration, discovery, and spiritual growth. What began as a humble attempt to articulate my evolving understanding of spirituality has blossomed into a decade-long conversation about the profound intersection of Christianity, the Ra Contact, and the perennial wisdom traditions that connect them. [more here: https://cosmicchrist.net/2025/04/19/cosmic-christ-celebrating-10-years-of-finding-my-voice/]
For Kevin Sweeney (author, speaker, spiritual director), Christian faith is all about experiencing God, not in having abstract beliefs about God. And the experiences that have kept him a Christian, even after his first dogmatic teachings about the Bible fell by the wayside, have been at the intersection of the great, transcendent, mystical Cosmic Christ, and the real, authentic, liberating, earthly Concrete Jesus. Kevin talks with us about fading back from a front-and-center role as a pastor to being a servant and part of the whole body of Christ, as a writer and hospice chaplain helping people transition into their next phase. And he also talks with us about how tangible, boots-on-the ground liberation theology—particularly Black theology taught by James Cone, Kelly Brown Douglas, and others—has kept him grounded in the understanding that love is real, love is now, and love is active in this world. Jesus isn't here just to save our individual souls, he tells us. Without liberation, there is no Jesus. Listen for this great perspective on how the cosmic vision and real world works of faith can be reconciled into a single cohesive Christian faith. Kevin is the author of the new book, “Cosmic Christ and Cosmic Jesus,” which is available for pre-order and will be released in May 2025. He is also the author of the previous books “The Making of a Mystic: My Journey With Mushrooms, My Life as a Pastor, and Why It's Okay for Everyone to Relax” and “The Joy of Letting Go: How One Thing Has the Power to Change Everything.” He is also the host of “The Church Needs Therapy” podcast, and co-founder of Imagine Church in Honolulu. To learn more about Kevin's work, visit www.kevinsweeneynow.com or follow him on IG: @kevinsweeneynow Find your guides at Quoir Academy! If you've ever deconstructed your faith you know it's not easy. But just imagine if you could have people to guide you through your process? People like, Jim Palmer, Kristin Du Mez, Jennifer Knapp, Brad Jersak, Brian Zahnd, Paul Young, and more? Well, if you head over to Quoir Academy and register for SQUARE 2 using the Promo Code [RAD] you'll get 10% off the regular registration cost of this awesome course and community just for being a fan of our show. Follow this registration link: https://www.bk2sq1.com/square-2-next-steps-into-reconstruction?coupon=RAD
In this episode, Will talks with Kevin Sweeney about his new book "The Cosmic Christ and the Concrete Jesus: Mystics, the Black Prophetic Tradition, and Why I'm Still a Christian."Kevin shares how the mystics gave him the Cosmic Christ, while the Black prophetic tradition offered him the Concrete Jesus. Together, these traditions help us embrace both the universal presence of divine love and the urgent call to justice and liberation.Key Topics Covered:The difference between experiencing Christ and just believing in JesusHow the Black prophetic tradition reveals Jesus as both liberator and threat to empireWhy being "safe" in Christ allows us to become "dangerous" to injusticeThe transition from pastoring to hospice chaplaincyWhy unity with Christ transcends religious boundariesThe Cosmic Christ and the Concrete Jesus is out on May 6th. Follow Kevin Sweeney for updates. Connect with Kevin:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kevinsweeneynow/Website: https://www.kevinsweeneynow.com/Want to reach out and let us know your thoughts or suggestions for the show? Send us a message here; we'd love to hear from you.The Spiritual Misfits Survival Guide (FREE): https://www.spiritualmisfits.com.au/survivalguideSign up to our mailing list:https://spiritualmisfits.com.au/Join our online Facebook community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/spiritualmisfitspodcastSupport the pod:https://spiritualmisfits.com.au/support-us/View all episodes at: https://spiritualmisfits.buzzsprout.com
After a four-month series on Jesus' harsh sayings what are my final takeaways? I work through why Jesus was a first-century shock-jock, how in light of Jesus love can be tough, Jesus' axiology, why He was a man's man, how amazing it was that Jesus was not snared by the anxiety of those around him, and why—when it comes to my faith—I am "Curious Eddie." I also unpack what the progressive Gospel says today about Christianity and how the notion of a "Cosmic Christ" is more of a nod to religious pluralism than it is harmonious with the Gospels. In the show's cultural reflection I both explain why I resist Christian-ese bumper stickers and describe the utterly historical, massive, cultural shift that is underway since the presidential election. What does that cultural shift say about the Church, say to the Church, and what opportunity is now facing the Church? Come laugh and think with me.
Theodore Cottingham in Eureka Springs with the School of Meonics www.Meonics.Me
I teach love, and The School of Me is alive and well for who's ready to go beyond the security blanket of a religion, beyond the training wheels of a church, beyond your images of a God, to become a student of Unconditional Love teaching you directly, so that you become it. Dr. Theodore CottinghamBox 34, Eureka Springs, Arkansas 72632 USAwww.TheodoreCottingham.com#theodorecottingham #theodore #eurekasprings #divinefeminine #consciousness #angels #newcovenant #bornagain #Messiah #lightworkers #Spirituality #theone #universe #source #light #lightworker #neo #christianity #salvation #telepathy #light #love #peace
Recorded live at Beatitudes Church in Phoenix, AZ on 1.12.25Preaching: Reverend Sandi AnthonyScripture: John 1:1-14, Hebrews 1:1-3aIf you like what you hear, consider donating at: https://beatitudeschurch.org/donate/To watch the full service, click here: Service of Worship | January 12, 2025
Thank you for joining us for our Sunday service. Today Reverend Chad Anglemyer will be giving the sermon, "The Cosmic Christ".
SummaryIn this conversation, Danielle Strickland and James explore the themes of the Gospels, particularly focusing on the book of John. They discuss the unique characteristics of each Gospel, the concept of the Cosmic Christ, and the radical identification of Christ with human suffering. The dialogue delves into the significance of creation, the essence of God as love, and the importance of seeing Jesus as the ultimate revelation of God. They emphasize the need to rediscover Jesus beyond traditional interpretations and to understand the profound implications of His incarnation.Takeaways* Each Gospel has its unique style and message.* John's introduction is a poetic reflection on creation.* The concept of the Cosmic Christ connects all matter to Jesus.* Christ's incarnation signifies God's solidarity with the oppressed.* The light of Christ brings order to chaos and new beginnings.* All people are created in the image of God, challenging hierarchical views.* God's essence is love, as revealed through Jesus.* Understanding Jesus is key to understanding God.* The Bible points to Jesus as the Word of God.* Rediscovering Jesus can transform our understanding of scripture.Titles* The Gospels Unveiled: A Journey Through John* The Cosmic Christ: Light in DarknessSound Bites* "John's like an art film."* "The word became flesh."* "God is love."Chapters00:00Exploring the Gospels: A Unique Perspective03:21The Cosmic Christ: Understanding John 106:21Radical Identification: Christ and Human Suffering09:15Creation and New Beginnings: The Light of Christ12:17The Essence of God: Glory and Revelation in Christ15:08The Nature of God: Love and the Incarnation18:03Rediscovering Jesus: The Word of God21:04The Power of Poetry: Advent Reflections32:00lifestyle-intro-low-long.wav Get full access to Right Side Up: Danielle Strickland at daniellestrickland.substack.com/subscribe
Throughout December, we will be playing some of our best episode reruns. While this isn't an official "top 5," it's a pretty above average one. Up next is episode #022, featuring Fr. Richard Rohr.If you want to call in to the Bonus Show, leave a voicemail at (530) 332-8020. We would love to get to your calls!Today's Sponsor: Religionless Studios is a Progressive Christian video Bible commentary on YouTube. Every single Sunday the channel will move comprehensively and compassionately interpret the Bible through the lens of liberation theology. In addition to the YouTube channel, Religionless also has devotionals, study guides, and a Discord community that are all accessible via Patreon.LINKSQuoirCast on PatreonQuoirCast on Patheos
Sun., Dec. 1The Cosmic Christwith Michelle MedranoHow does our faith tradition embrace Jesus and the Christ? Learn how it impacts our celebration of the holidays.
Discover the Cosmic Christ: a universal force connecting creation, faith, and cosmic unity! --- Join and support the community: https://www.creationspaths.com/ Explore the concept of the **Cosmic Christ** within the framework of **Creation Spirituality** and Christopagan thought. Hosted by **Charlie and Brian**, both Christopagan Druids, the discussion delves into distinguishing the Cosmic Christ from the historical or mythological Jesus, presenting the Cosmic Christ as the universal presence connecting all creation, akin to the "cosmic force" in _Star Wars_. The conversation traces biblical and historical roots of the Cosmic Christ concept, referencing Pauline epistles, the Dead Sea Scrolls, and the _Book of Enoch_. It critiques traditional fall-redemption theology, advocating for a view of the crucifixion as a reflection of humanity's failure to embrace love and unity. Themes of justice versus revenge, ecological destruction as a modern crucifixion, and personal alignment within the biblical narrative are woven into the dialogue. The discussion concludes with a call to embrace hope, seek solutions, and embody the values of compassion and creativity inherent in the Cosmic Christ. Thank you for Liking and Subscribing to this podcast Thank you for sharing this episode with your loved ones, friends and community --- Thank you for Tips or Donations: https://ko-fi.com/cedorsett https://patreon.com/cedorsett Substack: https://www.creationspaths.com/ For all of the things we are doing at The Seraphic Grove go to Creation's Paths https://www.creationspaths.com/ For Educational Resource: https://wisdomscry.com Guided Meditations Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLV0C8kiTKv0J2QAAlD1uaIJvQ3Sr9sIqO Christopagan Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLV0C8kiTKv0ISXDQkZBRB7EHrUUJgXlGN The Everything Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLV0C8kiTKv0Ln3eGW-tDk2R68PM6c182O Creation's Paths Podcast: http://www.creationspaths.com/podcast Church of the Oak Podcast: http://churchoftheoak.com/ Hallowstead Podcast: http://hallowstead.com/ Social Connections: BlueSky https://bsky.app/profile/creationspaths.com Threads https://www.threads.net/@creationspaths Instagram https://www.instagram.com/creationspaths/ ## Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to the Cosmic Christ 00:46 Meet the Hosts: Charlie and Brian 00:56 Defining the Cosmic Christ 01:41 The Cosmic Christ in Creation Spirituality 02:38 Buddha Nature vs. Cosmic Christ 05:01 Paul's Vision of the Cosmic Christ 06:54 Historical Context and Jewish Mysticism 10:53 The Cosmic Christ and Environmentalism 12:28 The Gospel of Judas and the Imperial Church 13:54 The Dangers of Mob Mentality 14:11 Justice vs. Revenge 14:51 The Problem with Great Man History 16:08 Environmental Protests and Public Perception 16:52 Biblical Characters and Self-Reflection 18:28 The Role of Women in Biblical Stories 21:22 Finding Solutions and the Power of Faith 23:16 Engagement and Support 24:04 Closing Prayer to the Cosmic Christ
With just 29 days until Election Day, I'm keeping my mind off of polls, horse races and general catastrophizing by pivoting this podcast to the climate crisis. The centerpiece is the 26 letters of "Climate Change A to Z" written by Elizabeth Kolbert and illustrated by Wesley Allsbrook - "H Is for Hope: Climate Change from A to Z" https://a.co/d/bREBnLb . I give a snapshot of the letter - and interpret it through the emerging experience of the Cosmic Christ. Let's vote early and encourage others to vote. And let's be in faith - not fear - as these next 29 days unfold. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/presence/support
Sunday AM Sermon by Pastor Dell Young: "The Cosmic Christ" from GracePoint Valdosta (8/8/2024 11:55:52 AM). The post The Cosmic Christ appeared first on GracePoint Valdosta.
Joshua Reichmann discusses his book The Realized Light of the Twelve Dimensions: Cosmic Rebirthing and Our Celestial Destiny. Joshua Reichmann's The Realized Light of the Twelve Dimensions: Cosmic Rebirthing and Our Celestial Destiny unlocks the secrets of the cosmos. This transformative book, a conduit of wisdom from the Cosmic Christ and Pleiadians, offers unique insights that guide the reader through humanity's cosmic rebirth. Reichmann explores the 12 dimensions of experience, the Akashic records, and the interplay of light, vibration, and mind. He helps readers master advanced techniques for developing psychic abilities and navigating the etheric realms. Joshua is an articulate and enthusiastic guest on podcasts, and he can also offer articles and excerpts from the book for publication. www.Joshuareichmann.com Host Bonnie Burkert melds the worlds of media and higher consciousness, sharing tools for transformation to find our highest truth and live our brightest life. https://www.instagram.com/yogi_bon/ joshua reichmann, 12 dimensions, akashic records, consciousness, spiritual podcast, bonnie burkert, yogibon, truth be told transformation, club paranormal, metaphysical podcast Subscribe and listen now on @TheClubParanormal your favorite podcast platform to join us in this compelling journey into the darkness. Please Like, Subscribe and Share today's show, Please visit www.ClubParanormal.com for more information about upcoming shows.
Sunday AM Sermon by Pastor Dell Young: "The Cosmic Christ" from GracePoint Valdosta (8/4/2024 11:55:52 AM). The post The Cosmic Christ appeared first on GracePoint Valdosta.
Scripture alerts us that we are in a war Beloved against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places as outlined in Ephesians 6:12. And while it must be emphatically proclaimed that the Victory has already been won by the Great I AM – Yeshua HaMashiach – Jesus the Messiah and only True Savior of the world – in glorious Blood Atonement Resurrection Power - the battle still rages on over the lost souls of those who are being called and yet to be chosen.In this spiritual warfare, 2 Timothy 2:3 refers to us as soldiers of Christ – and as His army we are fighting the good fight of faith as confirmed in 1 Timothy 6:12. And as this battle rages, not only has Lucifer created many false versions of Jesus who is deceptively presented in such erroneous ways as Jehovah's Witnesses, Islam, Mormonism – and what I consider to be the most cunning and dangerous deception of all which is Roman Catholicism – he has also presented his deadly counterfeit in such ethereal endeavors such as the “New Age” movement which has produced a false Cosmic Christ under the identity of Maitreya.But as we stand on the precipice of the “One World Religion” which will be comprised of all the false ways Lucifer has created melded together – and which is very close to being fully realized, technology has made it possible to witness a virtual representation of the ultimate false Christ – the Antichrist – under the shroud of AI.Support the showVisit our website: https://agapelightministries.com/
In this deeply enriching episode, we explore the concepts of the Cosmic Christ, Teilhard de Chardin, and the Mystical Body of Christ, guiding listeners through a transcendent yet practical understanding of how these ideas can inspire and impact our daily lives.Cosmic Christ: Discover how the Cosmic Christ concept offers a unique perspective on spirituality that transcends traditional religious boundaries, inviting us into a deeper, more inclusive relationship with the divine and the universe.Teilhard de Chardin: Delve into the life and groundbreaking ideas of Teilhard de Chardin, a visionary Jesuit priest, scientist, and philosopher whose thoughts on evolution, technology, and spirituality were far ahead of his time. Learn how his vision of ongoing evolution and human's role in it connects with today's debates on ecology, climate change, and the rapid development of AI.Mystical Body of Christ: Understand how the Mystical Body of Christ invites us to realize our interconnectedness with all beings and the divine, encouraging us toward unity, compassion, and the collective endeavor of building a more loving and harmonious world.Additionally, we announce our exciting, free live online class, The Camino Experience, which ties into these themes by teaching the spiritual meaning of The Camino and offering practical tools for navigating life's challenges with wisdom and grace.SAVE YOUR SPOT
Week 1 of our series Sacred Space. We're taking a look at the Cosmic Christ, looking both outward and inward, to see if we can find a deeper understanding of who Jesus is and how God is at work in us and in the world around us. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-foundry-church/message
Episode 169 UFO Disclosure Update - Interview with Sylvia McKelvey Show NotesSummary: We welcome back investigator Sylvia McKelvey to Bible Mysteries Podcast! Sylvia has been a Christian investigator for over thirty years. She provided research materials for and appeared in the 1983 documentary, The New Age, Pathway to Paradise. produced by WDFC Christian television in Chicago, Illinois. She has been an investigator for the Mutual UFO Network (MUFON) and has served as the MUFON State Section Director for Santa Clara County in California. Sylvia is the author of Storm on the Horizon: The New Age, UFOs, and the Cosmic Christ, which is available at Amazon, Liferich, and Barnes & Noble. Her website is smckelveyahighersource.com. She is a former Petty Officer in the United States Naval Reserve Hospital Corps and served on active duty during Operation Desert Storm. She lives with her husband in Northern California, and she is with us today to discuss UFO disclosure updates. Welcome back, Sylvia!This episode Is brought to you by the following Bible Mysteries Podcast Premium Subscribers or Seekers:Guy B., Donna H., Kristin G., Sharon C., and Andres R. (August 2023)Scriptures:All Scripture references are from the King James Version of the Bible. Revelation 9:1-12, Daniel 12:4 , Revelation 6:19, Revelation 13:4, Matthew 3:16-17, Acts 7:56Show Notes:A lot has come out towards disclosure last year, and 2024 looks to be following that pattern. What is the latest you have learned about disclosure and the US Government?Why has the terminology been changed from UFO to UAP?In our last interview you stated that the Government is in a precarious position officially to have a full disclosure of UFOs. Has anything changed to force their hand in any direction?Why are sightings typically military planes and ships and not commercial ships and planes, for the most part? Is it related to nuclear technology?Do you believe the whistleblowers who testified before Congress are credible witnesses?The Pentagon admits to AATIP, a $22 million program. Major news outlets have covered this like Fox, CNN, etc. Why is this not the biggest story in the history of the world? Is this a setup for the end times deception?Whistleblowers from Jesse Marcel, Bob Lazar, and more recently Luis Elizondo and David Grusch have been personally attacked and discredited by official government sources. Is this a standard tactic by the Pentagon to control the narrative around UFOs?What have you learned about the “jellyfish” UFO that's been recorded?Are there different types of UFOs for different beings or different types of travel? Do you think there is anything to the 8-foot Miami mall aliens story? Was there really a portal opened to allow these things to enter?Does MUFON investigate UFO phenomenon around the world or mostly in the US/North America? Have you learned further information about the attacks on villages in Peru by tall aliens flying on antigravity devices similar to hoverboards?Jeremy Corbell's latest video series is pushing hard to expose that deep state persons are hiding the truth about an active cooperative alliance between these entities and the US Government. Do you have any further corroborating evidence to show this is true?Can the success of the US nation in such a short period of time (250 years) be attributed to contact or a covenant with “alien life, or is this a worldwide phenomenon?The last time you were with us you mentioned that the world is in a preparatory stage to accept UFOs and their occupants. David Grusch is reported by a US Congress member to have stated...
Go back before time. Before all galaxies. There He is. The spoken word creates all things. Can you see him?That word became flesh. The incarnate one. The express image of gods glory. Can you see him?Beyond presents and trees. Beyond ribbons and reindeers.is the true reason for the season. God in the flesh, Majesty in a manger, who came for you.The sermon today is titled "After." It is the last installment in our series "Cosmic Christ." The Scripture reading is from Hebrews 1:1-4 (CEV). Originally preached at the West Side Church of Christ (Searcy, AR) on December 31, 2023. All lessons fit under one of 5 broad categories: Begin, Discover, Grow, Learn, and Serve. This sermon is filed under BEGIN: A Loving Christ.Click here if you would like to watch the sermon or read a transcript.I'd love to connect with you!Watch sermons and find transcripts at nathanguy.com.Follow along each Sunday through YouTube livestream and find a study guide and even kids notes on the sermon notes page.Follow me @nathanpguy (facebook/instagram/twitter)Subscribe to my email newsletter on substack.
Go back before time. Before all galaxies. There He is. The spoken word creates all things. Can you see him?That word became flesh. The incarnate one. The express image of gods glory. Can you see him?Beyond presents and trees. Beyond ribbons and reindeers.is the true reason for the season. God in the flesh, Majesty in a manger, who came for you.The sermon today is titled "Holding All Things Together." It is the fourth installment in our series "Cosmic Christ." The Scripture reading is from Hebrews 1:1-4 (CEV). Originally preached at the West Side Church of Christ (Searcy, AR) on December 24, 2023. All lessons fit under one of 5 broad categories: Begin, Discover, Grow, Learn, and Serve. This sermon is filed under BEGIN: A Loving Christ.Click here if you would like to watch the sermon or read a transcript.Sources of Inspiration for the Lesson Used in Today's Podcast:NASA website's definition of gravity.I'd love to connect with you!Watch sermons and find transcripts at nathanguy.com.Follow along each Sunday through YouTube livestream and find a study guide and even kids notes on the sermon notes page.Follow me @nathanpguy (facebook/instagram/twitter)Subscribe to my email newsletter on substack.
Philip Clayton and Diana Butler Bass joined me for a livestream exploration of different Christologies. This was part of our recent class, The Cosmic Christ, but after so many class members wanted to share it, I decided to go ahead and post it on the podcast. If you enjoy the conversation, you can grab the… Read more about The Christology Ladder with Diana Butler Bass & Philip Clayton
This dive into John's Gospel takes a look at the cosmic side of who Jesus was and what's beyond his earthly trappings. Peter Walsh, Elizabeth Garnsey, and John Kennedy examine the "being" of God, ponder the power of words to describe a God that's beyond description, and explore if Jesus really was the living incarnation of God.Want to have your question or comment featured on the podcast? Leave a voicemail on our Rev'd Up hotline! Call (203) 442-5002.Learn more about St. Mark's at https://www.stmarksnewcanaan.org
Joyous Hanukah, Christmas, and Kwanzaa wishes to you and your loved ones. During these sacred times of holyday celebrations I encourage us all to gift ourselves and our global family with soul-felt prayers of peace. As the Dalai Lama reminds us, “World peace must develop out of inner peace.” By setting aside time each day […]
Go back before time. Before all galaxies. There He is. The spoken word creates all things. Can you see him?That word became flesh. The incarnate one. The express image of gods glory. Can you see him?Beyond presents and trees. Beyond ribbons and reindeers.is the true reason for the season. God in the flesh, Majesty in a manger, who came for you.The sermon today is titled "Exact Representation." It is the third installment in our series "Cosmic Christ." The Scripture reading is from Hebrews 1:1-4 (CEV). Originally preached at the West Side Church of Christ (Searcy, AR) on December 17, 2023. All lessons fit under one of 5 broad categories: Begin, Discover, Grow, Learn, and Serve. This sermon is filed under BEGIN: A Loving Christ.Click here if you would like to watch the sermon or read a transcript.Sources of Inspiration for the Lesson Used in Today's Podcast:The famous trilemma ("Lunatic, Liar, or Lord") is drawn from C. S. Lewis, Mere Christianity, Book 2, Chapter 3: "The Shocking Alternative." For the organization of passages, I am indebted to William Lane Craig's Defender's podcast (Series 3): "Doctrine of God: Trinity (Part 3): The Deity of Christ."For the language of "in having to do with Jesus, we are having to do with God," I credit my Oxford tutor, Robert Morgan. For the claim that early Christians developed Trinitarian language as an outgrowth of their experience of God in Jesus Christ, I am grateful to readings and dialogue with my Cambridge supervisor, Janet Martin Soskice.I'd love to connect with you!Watch sermons and find transcripts at nathanguy.com.Follow along each Sunday through YouTube livestream and find a study guide and even kids notes on the sermon notes page.Follow me @nathanpguy (facebook/instagram/twitter)Subscribe to my email newsletter on substack.
Go back before time. Before all galaxies. There He is. The spoken word creates all things. Can you see him?That word became flesh. The incarnate one. The express image of gods glory. Can you see him?Beyond presents and trees. Beyond ribbons and reindeers.is the true reason for the season. God in the flesh, Majesty in a manger, who came for you.The sermon today is titled "Radiance of God's Glory." It is the second installment in our series "Cosmic Christ." The Scripture reading is from Hebrews 1:1-4 (CEV). Originally preached at the West Side Church of Christ (Searcy, AR) on December 10, 2023. All lessons fit under one of 5 broad categories: Begin, Discover, Grow, Learn, and Serve. This sermon is filed under BEGIN: A Loving Christ.Click here if you would like to watch the sermon or read a transcript.Sources of Inspiration for the Lesson Used in Today's Podcast:The opening quote ("I believe in God as I believe in the sun") is from C. S. Lewis.On the wonder of light, I summarize findings here: Astrum, “The Attribute of Light Science Still Can't Explain.” For exegesis of Hebrews 1:3, see Alan C. Mitchell, Hebrews (Sacra Pagina).On the Transfiguration, see Tim Keller, "Jesus the King."The concluding observations--that light is the basic source of life, truth, and joy, but also what can take all these away--are from Tim Keller, "I Am The Light."I'd love to connect with you!Watch sermons and find transcripts at nathanguy.com.Follow along each Sunday through YouTube livestream and find a study guide and even kids notes on the sermon notes page.Follow me @nathanpguy (facebook/instagram/twitter)Subscribe to my email newsletter on substack.
Go back before time. Before all galaxies. There He is. The spoken word creates all things. Can you see him?That word became flesh. The incarnate one. The express image of gods glory. Can you see him?Beyond presents and trees. Beyond ribbons and reindeers.is the true reason for the season. God in the flesh, Majesty in a manger, who came for you.The sermon today is titled "Before All Galaxies." It is the first installment in our series "Cosmic Christ." The Scripture reading is from Hebrews 1:1-4 (CEV) and John 1:1-14 (CEV). Originally preached at the West Side Church of Christ (Searcy, AR) on December 3, 2023. All lessons fit under one of 5 broad categories: Begin, Discover, Grow, Learn, and Serve. This sermon is filed under BEGIN: A Loving Christ.Click here if you would like to watch the sermon or read a transcript.Sources of Inspiration for the Lesson Used in Today's Podcast:Video Montage from three sources:Source 1: Rocket lift-off. (0:45-1:17)Source 2: Rocket leaving earth. (0:00-0:37)Source 3: Space loop.Earendel from various sources.Alan C. Mitchell, Hebrews (Sacra Pagina).Craig Keener, The Gospel of John: A Commentary.I'd love to connect with you!Watch sermons and find transcripts at nathanguy.com.Follow along each Sunday through YouTube livestream and find a study guide and even kids notes on the sermon notes page.Follow me @nathanpguy (facebook/instagram/twitter)Subscribe to my email newsletter on substack.
Richard Rohr says, ‘Advent is a time for us to focus our expectations and anticipation on the Cosmic Christ.' Pastor Sal focuses on the theme of the first Advent candle: HOPE.
Christendom is directly opposed to the reign of ChristToday's homily is based on the following lectionary readings selected for Christ the King Sunday:Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24Thus says the Lord God: I myself will search for my sheep, and will seek them out. As shepherds seek out their flocks when they are among their scattered sheep, so I will seek out my sheep. I will rescue them from all the places to which they have been scattered on a day of clouds and thick darkness. I will bring them out from the peoples and gather them from the countries, and will bring them into their own land; and I will feed them on the mountains of Israel, by the watercourses, and in all the inhabited parts of the land. I will feed them with good pasture, and the mountain heights of Israel shall be their pasture; there they shall lie down in good grazing land, and they shall feed on rich pasture on the mountains of Israel. I myself will be the shepherd of my sheep, and I will make them lie down, says the Lord God. I will seek the lost, and I will bring back the strayed, and I will bind up the injured, and I will strengthen the weak, but the fat and the strong I will destroy. I will feed them with justice.Therefore, thus says the Lord God to them: I myself will judge between the fat sheep and the lean sheep. Because you pushed with flank and shoulder, and butted at all the weak animals with your horns until you scattered them far and wide, I will save my flock, and they shall no longer be ravaged; and I will judge between sheep and sheep.I will set up over them one shepherd, my servant David, and he shall feed them: he shall feed them and be their shepherd. And I, the Lord, will be their God, and my servant David shall be leader among them; I, the Lord, have spoken.Matthew 25:31-46 (The Inclusive Bible)31 “At the appointed time the Promised One will come in glory, escorted by all the angels of heaven, and will sit upon the royal throne, 32 with all the nations assembled below. Then the Promised One will separate them from one another, as a shepherd divides the sheep from the goats. 33 The sheep will be placed on the right hand, the goats on the left. 34 “The ruler will say to those on the right, ‘Come, you blessed of my Abba God! Inherit the kindom prepared for you from the creation of the world! 35 For I was hungry and you fed me; I was thirsty and you gave me drink. I was a stranger and you welcomed me; 36 naked and you clothed me. I was ill and you comforted me; in prison and you came to visit me.' 37 Then these just will ask, ‘When did we see you hungry and feed you, or see you thirsty and give you drink? 38 When did we see you as a stranger and invite you in, or clothe you in your nakedness? 39 When did we see you ill or in prison and come to visit you?' 40 The ruler will answer them, ‘The truth is, every time you did this for the least of my sisters or brothers, you did it for me.' 41 “Then the ruler will say to those on the left, ‘Out of my sight, you accursed ones! Into that everlasting fire prepared for the Devil and the fallen angels! 42 I was hungry and you gave me no food; I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink. 43 I was a stranger and you gave me no welcome; naked and you gave me no clothing. I was ill and in prison and you did not come to visit me.' 44 Then they in turn will ask, ‘When did we see you hungry or thirsty, or homeless or naked, or ill or in prison, and not take care of you?' 45 The answer will come, ‘The truth is, as often as you neglected to do this to one of the least of these, you neglected to do it to me.' 46 They will go off to eternal punishment, and the just will go off to eternal life.”
This week Philip Clayton returns to the podcast for a fun conversation about the season of Advent and the Cosmic Christ. We discuss what Advent means to both of us and how we each understand the Cosmic Christ. If you enjoy this conversation, be sure to check out the Advent class hosted by Homebrewed Christianity. RESOURCES: The Cosmic Christ - Advent and the Coming of God (Class) Institute for Ecological Civilization The Predicament of Belief: Science, Philosophy, and Faith (Book) Adventures in the Spirit (Book)
This is a fun conversation with Thomas Jay Oord & Philip Clayton. We have a good time digging into some of the biggest theological questions surrounding Christmas and the Incarnation. Enjoy & then join our upcoming online class, The Cosmic Christ. Thomas Jay Oord is a theologian, philosopher, and scholar of multi-disciplinary studies. He is… Read more about Philip Clayton & Thomas Jay Oord: Christ, Christmas, & the Incarnation
While the war in Israel continues, indications of the Ezekiel 38 war crosses the thoughts of many who follow Biblical Prophecy. Even many in the world are concerned about the impending threat of World War III, as major countries gain nuclear weapon capability.And while these are legitimate concerns, it must be understood that there is an even fiercer battle that is being waged in the spirit realm - over the God of Israel, and the souls of men.Scripture does confirm that there most definitely will be a war that affects the whole world and the countries that inhabit it – but that war will not bring the world to an end – it will instead provide the pathway for the entrance of the Antichrist, who Scripture reveals will make a false peace treaty with Israel. Things will then – for a time – appear to be calmer as he convinces the world that he is the awaited savior who will finally take care of all of men's needs.Scripture also confirms that this man of lawlessness will rule over a Global Governmental, Religious, and Economic Empire. And in this series, we have been addressing the “One World Religion” and the “Cosmic Christ” who is Lucifer's counterfeit of Lord Jesus the One and Only True Christ.The Cosmic or Universal Christ is already drawing many into its deadly deceptions, as the “One World Religion” reaches its almost full and complete status, making the need for those who are true Believers in Jesus the true Christ, to test the spirits even more diligently than we have ever done so before. For the “Cosmic Christ” has entered our midst with his “New Age” practices and mindset, and many have fallen prey to these seductive ploys.Therefore, “Love's Last Call” is heralding the true Gospel that reveals the true Christ – while there is yet time!Support the showVisit our website: https://agapelightministries.com/
Hunger for Wholeness: What Lies Beyond Death and Institutions with Matthew Fox with Matthew Fox (Part 2)Ilia Delio and theologian Matthew Fox pick up on their conversation about the viability of contemporary religious institutions in an evolutionary world. They discuss death and resurrection—the enduring challenge of modern approaches to the subject and what we can learn from mystics, past generations and ancient peoples alike.ABOUT MATTHEW FOX“We all share beauty. It strikes us indiscriminately… There is no end to beauty for the person who is aware. Even the cracks between the sidewalk contain geometric patterns of amazing beauty. If we take pictures of them and blow up the photographs, we realize we walk on beauty every day, even when things seem ugly around us.”Matthew Fox, Ph.D., is a spiritual theologian, an Episcopal priest, and an activist for gender justice and eco-justice. He has written 37 books that have been translated into other languages over 70 times. Among them are Original Blessing, The Coming of the Cosmic Christ, and A Spirituality Named Compassion. His latest books are Naming the Unnameable: 89 Wonderful and Useful Names for God…Including the Unnameable God; Stations of the Cosmic Christ; and The Lotus & the Rose: A Conversation Between Tibetan Buddhism & Mystical Christianity. He has contributed much to the rediscovery of Hildegard of Bingen, Meister Eckhart, and Thomas Aquinas as pre-modern mystics and prophets. Fox holds a doctorate in the history and theology of spirituality from the Institut Catholique de Paris. The founder of the University of Creation Spirituality in California, he conducts dozens of workshops each year and is a visiting scholar at the Academy for the Love of Learning.Support the showA huge thank you to all of you who subscribe and support our show! Support for A Hunger for Wholeness comes from the Fetzer Institute. Fetzer supports a movement of organizations who are applying spiritual solutions to society's toughest problems. Get involved at fetzer.org. Support 'Hunger for Wholeness' on Patreon as our team continues to develop content for listeners to dive deeper. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for episode releases and other updates.
Before the very last things unfold, with wars and rumors of wars shaking the very core of men's hearts, Scripture informs us that there will be a man of intrigue who will appear on the scene of earth. This deceiver will make a false peace treaty with Israel, and will present himself as the savior the world has awaited.Even now the world is being prepared for his grand entry as deception reaches its heights and apostasy marks the great falling away from Truth.In our last segment, we addressed the “New Age Religion” and how it is drawing all false ways into a counterfeit and deadly bogus unity in concert with what God's Word decrees must take place.We also revealed that the “Christ” that will fit all the false beliefs that hold within them their own version of a “Coming One” who will finally bring peace to this troubled world and grant mankind all the desires of their hearts, was already present in the world under the mantel of a spirit entity named “Maitreya” – who is the very essence of Lucifer himself, and the spirit by which the Antichrist will be possessed.In this Podcast, we will expound on the Antichrist spirit “Maitreya” and how after the Rapture of God's True Church, the whole world will – at least initially – be absorbed by the masterful persuasions that will lead to the worldwide worship of Lucifer through his Antichrist.And why it is more critical now, than it has ever been, for the people of God to stand strong on the Truth of God's Word and to shine the Light of that Truth while there is yet time!Support the showVisit our website: https://agapelightministries.com/
Hunger for Wholeness: What is Wholeness in the Midst of Crisis with Matthew Fox (Part 1)In the midst of increased violence between Israel and Palestine, Ilia Delio and theologian Matthew Fox discuss the state of the world today and how to have courage in Part 1 of their conversation. Ilia and Matt discuss his mentor, Marie Dominique Chenu, the influence of liberation theology on social justice in the church today, and what can still be learned.“We all share beauty. It strikes us indiscriminately… There is no end to beauty for the person who is aware. Even the cracks between the sidewalk contain geometric patterns of amazing beauty. If we take pictures of them and blow up the photographs, we realize we walk on beauty every day, even when things seem ugly around us.”ABOUT MATTHEW FOXMatthew Fox, Ph.D., is a spiritual theologian, an Episcopal priest, and an activist for gender justice and eco-justice. He has written 37 books that have been translated into other languages over 70 times. Among them are Original Blessing, The Coming of the Cosmic Christ, and A Spirituality Named Compassion. His latest books are Naming the Unnameable: 89 Wonderful and Useful Names for God…Including the Unnameable God; Stations of the Cosmic Christ; and The Lotus & the Rose: A Conversation Between Tibetan Buddhism & Mystical Christianity. He has contributed much to the rediscovery of Hildegard of Bingen, Meister Eckhart, and Thomas Aquinas as pre-modern mystics and prophets. Fox holds a doctorate in the history and theology of spirituality from the Institut Catholique de Paris. The founder of the University of Creation Spirituality in California, he conducts dozens of workshops each year and is a visiting scholar at the Academy for the Love of Learning.Support the showA huge thank you to all of you who subscribe and support our show! Support for A Hunger for Wholeness comes from the Fetzer Institute. Fetzer supports a movement of organizations who are applying spiritual solutions to society's toughest problems. Get involved at fetzer.org. Support 'Hunger for Wholeness' on Patreon as our team continues to develop content for listeners to dive deeper. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for episode releases and other updates.
Revelation 17 clearly states that the perverse, unholy, and ungodly doctrine of Mystery Babylon will be the religion of the last days. At the head of this Babylonian entity will be the Roman Catholic Church along with all the other pagan religions of the world that will be drawn into her.The Bible tells us that this Mystery Babylon system will be spread throughout the world. It will have a false Christ, just a prophesied, and also will promote the number 666 along with the image of the beast who will be presented as holy and sacred, and something to be desired.In this Podcast, we will address the “New Age Movement” and its “Cosmic Christ” that is preparing the world for the appearance of Lucifer's man of lawlessness – The Antichrist - and how the deadly tentacles of falsehood have wrapped themselves around every realm of religion, including – and most dangerously – the Church of Jesus Christ.Support the showVisit our website: https://agapelightministries.com/
The title “Christ” means “anointed one.” And “Antichrist” means not only “against,” but also “instead of.” Therefore, the “Christ” that a man or woman gives their allegiance to will either be the One True and Only Christ of Salvation's Hope, Who has been anointed from Heaven, or the Antichrist who mimics the many attributes of the genuine “Christ” but who has been anointed from Hell.Behind every false “Christ” is “Lucifer” who has purposed in his heart to usurp the true Savior of the world and to take his place in the hearts of men. In this series of messages, we will expose the “Cosmic” Christ and the many ways he is already manifesting himself, as we contend for the genuine and only true “Christ” - Yeshua Jesus - Who alone is the Way, and the Truth, and the Life!Support the showVisit our website: https://agapelightministries.com/
The Ordination of Rev. Jonas Ellison Is. 6:1-8 + Ps 139:1-18 + 1 Cor. 4:1-5 + Luke 24:13-35 On Saturday, October 14, 2023 St. Columba's Episcopal Church had the joy and privilege of hosting Bishop Claire Burkat of the ELCA in celebration of the ordination of Rev. Jonas Ellison to the Ministry of Word and Sacrament. To the good people of Christ Lutheran, Aptos, CA, we are delighted to have shared in the joy of this moment for all of you. To Jonas, my friend and brother in Christ, know Fernando and I are grateful to have participated in your ordination and trust that I commit to walking with you, Alex and Rory on this journey of your ministry. May our sister churches grow ever closer in shared ministry, fellowship and communion as the fruit of our deep friendship. I am blessed by the invitation to have preached at your ordination, and pray that these words will inspire you to be a gentle pastor and shining example of Christ's love in the world. The church is better today for counting you among her ministers. May your ministry bear fruit abundant. As Ever in Christ our Lord, Fr. Vincent Pizzuto, PhD., Vicar, St. Columba's Episcopal Church, Inverness, California WELCOME on the Occasion of the Ordination of Rev. Jonas Ellison Good morning! Bishop Claire, beloved members of Christ Lutheran, friends and family: on behalf of my congregation here at St. Columba's it is my pleasure to welcome you all to our little church and retreat house here in Inverness for such a joyous occasion. My name is Fr. Vincent I am a professor at the USF where I have taught for the past 20 years, and priest here at SC where I serve as the vicar. It would be hard for me to put into words the joy and pride, and hope I feel at being a part of Jonas' ordination. He and his wife Alex and their daughter Rory have become fast friends and people with whom I share a deep spiritual resonance and wicked sense of humor. I want to extent hearty congratulations to the Call Team of Christ Lutheran for the work you have done in summoning Jonas to this work of ministry with you. And I look forward to getting to know you better at our reception and in creating deeper partnerships in the years ahead. SERMON Grace to you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. + I speak to you today in the Name of the Three in One and One in Three. Amen. Sisters and brothers, the church is dying. Our congregations are hemorrhaging. And Christianity is losing its capacity to speak to a world exhausted by conflict, scandalized by human depravity and unspeakable violence, wearied by the existential threats of climate collapse, terrified by the resurgence of fascism, and reeling by the need to come to terms with a tradition that has been coopted or complicit in a history of colonialism and racism. This is the church and the world into which Jonas is being called to serve as a minister. And make no mistake, it is because of people like him – who carries within himself a pastor's heart -- that I am filled with profound hope. Hope for the church and for the world. And so I speak most directly today to you, good people of Christ Lutheran. And I ask you to hear me with a tender heart. To listen with an open mind. Because I don't want to waste your time today offering a few light hearted jokes, some shallow comments to make us all feel good, a proverbial pat on Jonas' back -- and call it sermon. No. I want to talk with you about the radical, scandalous beauty of Christianity that the modern church has all but forgotten, but about which I believe Jonas has the capacity to summon you. I want to remind you of what Christ calls the kingdom of God. Not just a quaint idea or a future promise, but that great and redemptive interruption of the terror of human that breaks upon us – even now -- not with the ferocity of a divine warrior but with the vulnerability of an infant messiah. I want to remind you of what it is we profess in Christ: nothing less than God's journey into every living soul. I want to proclaim anew this unspeakable joy of Christ, whose light has arisen in history, and extends now to the shadows of every human heart. This is the good news the world is desperate to hear. For all our social media and its efforts to connect us, we still crave for spiritual intimacy, deep down what we hunger for is not a church that will be just another social club, but a compassionate spiritual community that will nurture us into our most authentic selves; a place where we can hold a communal faith even as we are accompanied in our deepest interior lives. It is all the more tragic, then, that Christianity has become associated in the popular mind with a body-hating worldview or with certain forms of doctrinal rigidity, institutional hypocrisy, scientific ignorance, and religious intolerance—assessments that too often bear merit. The rise of modern secularism in the West along with the precipitous decline in church attendance must be understood, at least in part, as a purifying corrective to the spiritual, moral, and imaginative failures of our religious institutions. The consequence of these failures is the church's diminishing capacity to convey beauty. We have forgotten how to communicate the radical, scandalous beauty of the incarnation. It is, after all, beauty that attracts the human spirit and beauty that compels the human conscience toward the good, not the dry, rigid formulas of doctrine, nor the clinical dissection of biblical texts, nor the petty infighting among our denominations, nor the ethical demands to love even before we ourselves have been made to understand not only that we are lovable, but that we are indeed love itself. We are love incarnate! And this truth flows from the very heart and center of Christian faith: Ours is a God who will not tolerate confinement in a far-away-heaven, forever distant and transcendent, but who tears beyond the veil of eternity who breaks into time itself, to enter the very flesh of our flesh, the very marrow of our bones, as One who is “crazy” in love and who begs to be loved in return. If it is true, as the early Fathers insisted, that the church is most herself at liturgy, it is because every time we gather around word and sacrament, we gather to realize that very truth, to celebrate and embody the very reality that each of us are members of Christ's very body still incarnate in the world. It is what the early church called, the Incarnatio continua. The Church as the “continuation of the incarnation” in the world. Just, hold that thought for a moment. Ponder it. We are, each of us, members, of Christ's body. Paul insists upon this repeatedly throughout his letters, 2 Peter tells us “We are partakers of the divine nature” and Jesus teaches us in the gospel of John, “I am the vine you are the branches.” Notice what he is saying there! Where the vine ends and the branch begins is not marked by a radical break or a separation but an organic continuity. “I am the vine you are the branches.” Where my body ends and yours begins is marked by separation but endless continuity. The very fine of my body gives live, gives being, gives divinity to the branch of your body. The early church called this deification or theosis: the affirmation that in Christ, God became human that humanity might be made divine. As St. Augustine would tell us: “God is more interior to us than we are to ourselves.” And if the world is to know this, we must not only preach it, but live it. And not only live it but celebrate it. The fact that most Christians today would be confused and even scandalized by this almost unqualified union between Christ and humanity as expressed by the early church marks a radical failure of the church to communicate to the modern world its greatest spiritual treasure: The incarnation has made mystics of us all. In its wake, the modern invention of biblical literalism has rushed in to fill the void. As a result, Christianity has been reduced to a new kind of Pharisaism centered on moral scrupulosity and obsessed with personal salvation. Unable to see Christ immanent in one's own body, in material flesh, in creation itself, Christ remains a distant overlord rather than the Cosmic Christ whose life-giving energy pulsates through every living atom. Having forfeited the cosmic dimension of salvation history, we have no way of conveying what it means that in Christ heaven and earth interpenetrate the other. That all ground is holy ground. All water is holy water. All bread is Eucharist. All life—not merely human life—is sacred. And this is the very mystery of our faith, the very truth we come to celebrate in the liturgy. The incarnation has made mystics of us all! And this truth is deeply embedded in the gospel we heard proclaimed today. Now I understand that when many of us here, the word “Mysticism” we think of individuals, perhaps the medieval Mystics with their visions of heavenly things, or their experiences of divine union, and so forth. But that is not the earliest nor the most essential understanding of Christian mysticism. From its beginnings, mysticism was never the possession of any one individual or an elite spiritual class, but a possession of the entire church. Collectively, as a whole, the church is by its very nature, mystical. And mysticism, as it became associated with early Christianity, took on three interrelated dimensions. Specifically, an unveiling of the hidden presence of Christ in Word, in Sacrament, and in the depths of the human heart. And thus, the Christian liturgy was understood as essentially mystical because by its very nature it unveiled the hidden presence of Christ in Word, in Sacrament and ultimately in one's own heart. And this connection between liturgy and the mysticism underlies the whole of the gospel we heard this morning. Among our most cherished of resurrection narratives, The Road to Emmaus, as it has come to be called, is unique to Luke's gospel and reflects in its overall structure, the very pattern of the early Christian liturgy and this three-fold understanding of mysticism understood by the early church. And that pattern, as I will briefly spell out here, is still discernIble today. Suggestive of a liturgical procession, the story begins with two disciples – Cleopas and an unnamed companion – walking to Emmaus outside Jerusalem on the first Easter morning. Alone on the desert road, some distance from the city, Luke tells us that Christ “drew near and walked among them” just as he promised whenever two or three would gather in his name. Unable to recognize him (*notice Christ is present but still ‘hidden'), we learn that Cleopas and his companion are downcast because of the recent crucifixion of Jesus to say nothing of their bewilderment about rumors concerning his now empty tomb. Their state of mind is much like many in the world today: downcast, bewildered, overwhelmed. Yet, they are captivated as Jesus gently chides them for their lack of faith, even as he unfolds the meaning of the scriptures as they relate to himself (Again, notice how Christ is unveiling how he is, indeed, present in the scriptures themselves). This is not unlike our own Liturgy of the Word, where we too proclaim the scriptures and offer sermons to reveal Christ hidden within them. As they approach Emmaus, the disciples invite him to gather with them in table fellowship, whereupon Luke describes Jesus' actions precisely as he does at the Last Supper: “He took bread, said the blessing, broke it, and gave it to them.” Indeed, even now these are the same words we will proclaim at the Eucharist. “With that,” Luke tells us, “…their eyes were opened and they recognized him in the breaking of the bread,” even as he vanished from their sight. Here again, the hidden presence of Christ in the Eucharist is revealed, even as his former, bodily form disappears. Amazed, they depart immediately again for Jerusalem, exclaiming to one another, “Where not our hearts burning within us while he spoke to us along the way…!” “Where not our hearts burning” – here we see that third element of the mystical essence of the liturgy: The intuitive sense that Christ is present within our own hearts that burn with recognition even before we have words to describe it. Perhaps most importantly but least appreciated, they do not stay in Emmaus basking in their private mystical encounter, but immediately begin to make their way back to Jerusalem. This reflects precisely the liturgical dismissal or “sending forth” as it is sometimes called. And indeed, like the disciple's mystical encounter with Christ in Emmaus, the dismissal is the precisely moment to which our eucharist is oriented. Perhaps then, reflecting the very structure of the Christian liturgy would perhaps be better named, “The Road from Emmaus.” Because what matters for them and for us is that once they depart Emmaus, they go out into the world to proclaim the Good News: “Christ is risen!” And this is why the liturgy ends so abruptly once we have shared Communion. As the Christian commemoration of the first Passover, where Israel too was instructed to eat quickly (sandals on their feet, and buckles around their waists) so too in the liturgy, there is but a brief benediction, a hymn to get the procession going, followed by some version of the dismissal: “Go! This Mass has ended!” Looking at it this way, much like the disciples on the Road from Emmaus, even today Jonas and his family will literally “eat and run” as it were, to make their way to Aptos where the fruits of his ordination will hold out the promise of new life. As Jesus reminds us repeatedly throughout the gospel, there is little time to waste. The harvest is plentiful but the laborers are few! And yet today we blessedly celebrate the commissioning, the ordination of a new laborer…and that is no small thing. Good people of Atos: You have called as your shepherd a man who is not interested in the church as social club, but as agent of transformation. He is not interested in expediency but the radical and transformative beauty of the Christian tradition and the liturgy that celebrates it. He understands the beauty of the tradition and he desires to foster a community of people who learn what it means to be authentic and spiritually intimate. But above all, he knows in the very marrow of his bones the presence of Christ in all things, and he holds within him the very heart of a pastor. Open your hearts to him as I know he desires to open his heart to you. Cleopas is on his way – and with news of a joy unspeakable. Jonas and Christ Lutheran, may your journey ahead be swift, but above all, blessed by the Christ hidden in all things! + Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen.
While some may still have their heads in the sand, believing that the world is as it has always been with only a few innovative changes that will only make life on the earth better for the people who occupy it, the truth is that this world is spiraling into the last moments of the last days. And that behind the scenes, darkened agents of Satan are plotting sinister plans to create a “One World Order” that will usher in the Antichrist and his global control.Technology has reached unbelievable heights in concert with the demonic power that is fueling it, making ready the inner workings that will make this tyrannical domination a reality.But at the heart of this worldwide agenda is the “One World Religion.” This is the vehicle through which Lucifer will access the worship he has always longed for – at least for a time, that is until Jesus returns at His Second Coming and slays him with the breath of His Mouth, and brings to an end with the splender of His coming. (2 Thessalonians 2:8)We are reminded that the name “Antichrist” means not only against, but also instead of; and every false Christ that has been revealed in the many false ways Lucifer has orchestrated, is a forerunner to this Man of Lawlessness who is soon to appear. In readiness, they are converging into the “Cosmic Christ” that will be accepted by all religions and melded into the “One World Religion” of the Antichrist who will abolish this living organism halfway into the Tribulation Period to become a religion unto himself.That is why in every false way, the genuine Christ of the Holy Scriptures is mis-represented in some fashion – as we will see in our expose of Jehovah's Witnesses as we contend for the Truth of God's Word, and hopeful ransom of those who have become ensnared in this deadly cult.Support the showVisit our website: https://agapelightministries.com/
This is part one of two episodes that capture the in depth discussion of a holistic perspective (informed by the Law of One metaphysics) regarding UFO's, disclosure, and the process of moving into fourth density. Doug Scott is a mental health therapist in the Dallas, TX, area and also holds a graduate degree in pastoral ministry. He is the founder and director of the Building 4th Center which seeks to be a bridge between the conventional and cosmic in these times of transition. His writes under the moniker, Doug Esse, in his blog: Cosmic Christ. www.buildingfourthcenter.com www.cosmicchrist.net www.dougscottcounseling.com Austin Bridges is Co-Director of L/L Research, the organization dedicated to publishing and stewarding the Law of One material. He is an active member of their channeling circle that continues to receive information regarding the spiritual evolution of humanity. The Law of One: www.llreserach.org Jacques Vallee, Passport to Magonia: https://www.amazon.com/Passport-Magonia-Folklore-Parallel-Worlds/dp/0809237962 Netflix, Encounters: https://www.netflix.com/title/81489034
Series: N/AService: Sunday WorshipType: Bible MessageSpeaker: Phillip W. Martin
In this episode I continue talking about The Cosmic Christ, and how Jesus is what God looks like in public.
In this episode I begin talking about The Cosmic Christ, why when people say Jesus sometimes, it feels weird and out of place.
Episode 137 Show NotesSummary: We welcome back investigator Sylvia McKelvey to Bible Mysteries Podcast! Sylvia has been a Christian investigator for over thirty years. She provided research materials for and appeared in the 1983 documentary, The New Age, Pathway to Paradise. produced by WDFC Christian television in Chicago, Illinois. She has been an investigator for the Mutual UFO Network (MUFON) and has served as the MUFON State Section Director for Santa Clara County in California. Sylvia is the author of Storm on the Horizon: The New Age, UFOs, and the Cosmic Christ, which we discussed on her first appearance on hour show. She is a former Petty Officer in the United States Naval Reserve Hospital Corps and served on active duty during Operation Desert Storm. She lives with her husband in Northern California.This Episode brought to you by: Our Premium Subscribers or “Seekers”Troy L.Stephanie L.Gary G.Show Notes:MUFON -The “Accidental Truth – UFO Revelations” documentary to be released on April 18, 2023. Has an incredible list of respected individuals, from a Congressman to Pentagon officials, a Stanford Scientist, and well-known researchers making comments and confirming the existence of UFO and the evidence to back it up.The Government is in a precarious position officially have a full disclosure of UFOs. I will explain.Ways contact could be made. And what would make contact with aliens official.Current types of UFOs being reported.Impact UFOs would have on the world.Would UFOs have an impact on international agencies such as the UN and WEF?Are we in a preparatory stage to accept UFOs and their occupants.How could UFOs play into the End Times?Can UFOs be part of a great “deception”? You shared with me the link to a disturbing article in Scientific American where vaccine history will soon be available by:“embedding the record directly into the skin. Along with the vaccine, a child would be injected with a bit of dye that is invisible to the naked eye but easily seen with a special cell-phone filter, combined with an app that shines near-infrared light onto the skin.” Do you see this as a possible way of determining who has not taken the mark?How could the mark of the beast play into this? Takeaway:It is very evident to us that UFOs are going to somehow play into the last days and the coming of the antichrist, yet strong delusion that will cause the world to worship the beast seems impossible today. What if a global phenomenon of “aliens” alleging to be our ancient ancestors were to suddenly appear with advanced knowledge and technology? Then such a scenario seems very likely, causing all the world to abandon religion and tradition to unite under a single savior king. We contend the government is aware of and working in collusion with the demonic spiritual entities behind this deception! Links:https://smckelveyahighersource.com/aboutnew/https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/invisible-ink-could-reveal-whether-kids-have-been-vaccinated/Visit our Websites: https://biblemysteriespodcast.com & https://utbnow.comListen to our Podcast: https://biblemysteriespodcast.comBe a Premium Podcast Subscriber: https://biblemysteries.supercast.comSupport the Ministry: https://secure.subsplash.com/ui/access/BDJH89Contact Us: unlockthebiblenow@gmail.comFollow Us: https://www.youtube.com/c/BibleMysteriesFollow Us: https://www.facebook.com/utbnowFollow Us: https://www.instagram.com/biblemysteries/Follow Us: https://twitter.com/biblemyspodcastFollow Us: https://truthsocial.com/@biblemysteries