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BETTER CHOICES Morning Devotions and Meditations designed to bring Spiritual Insight to your daily life. Building A Better Life, Starts With Building A Better You. The Keys to a Life in Focus are Wisdom, Courage, Strength, Faith, Commitment, Confidence, Boldness, and Discernment. Music composed by: MIKE OUTLAND MUSIC
January's messages come from Goddess Brigid. She shares that this month is about resting and renewing ourselves. The past few years have been tough, and we are starting a new path. But first we must take a break and regroup. The only major caution is to make sure you don't fall into old patterns and end up having to repeat lessons.
THIS IS THE LIFE PODCAST Morning Devotions and Meditations designed to bring Spiritual Insight to your daily life. Building A Better Life, Starts With Building A Better You. The Keys to a Life in Focus are Wisdom, Courage, Strength, Faith, Commitment, Confidence, Boldness, and Discernment. Music composed by: MIKE OUTLAND MUSIC
Chris is not a biohacker. He's a normal guy who wanted to see what a 5 Day Dry Fast would provide him.... This is him 1 year later. You can also watch on YouTube Get your Free Intermittent Dry Fasting Guide Here. https://dryfastwithfriends.com/ Learn about my coaching Here. https://www.seanmccormick.com/ 02:33 Motivations Behind Dry Fasting 05:23 Experiencing the Five-Day Dry Fast 07:52 Sleep Improvements Post-Fast 10:21 Preparing for Another Dry Fast 12:44 Insights from the Group Experience 15:23 Mental and Physical Changes Post-Fast 17:56 Challenges Faced During the Fast 20:27 Support and Community in Fasting 25:17 The Value of Group Support in Fasting 27:14 Pragmatic Approaches to Health and Maintenance 29:21 Understanding Autophagy and Ancient Practices 31:41 Decentralized Health and Self-Healing 33:27 The Cleansing Process and Body Awareness 35:49 Experiences of Detoxification and Release 37:59 Physical and Mental Changes During Fasting 39:28 Spiritual Insights and Connection to Food 41:40 Navigating Physical Challenges During Fasting 47:11 Overcoming Fear and Embracing the Process
167 Exploring Compassionate Hospice Care with Max Labutin In this episode of Hospice Explained, host Marie Betcher RN, a former hospice nurse, interviews Max Labutin, founder of Maximum Care Hospice Incorporated. Max shares his journey into hospice care, inspired by personal loss and a calling to provide compassionate, family-centered hospice services. He discusses his company's commitment to high-quality care regardless of patients' socioeconomic backgrounds and highlights the importance of planning ahead for end-of-life care. Max also touches on the spiritual and emotional aspects of hospice, sharing heartwarming stories and insights on how to support families through this profound phase of life. The episode emphasizes the need for education and preparedness to ensure the best possible care for loved ones. 00:00 Introduction to Hospice Explained 00:45 Meet Max Labutin: Founder of Maximum Care Hospice 02:50 Max's Journey into Hospice Care 05:12 The Importance of Choosing the Right Hospice 07:50 Special Services and Staff at Maximum Care Hospice 13:43 Heartwarming Stories and Spiritual Insights 16:19 Family Involvement and Personal Reflections 17:47 Planning Ahead for Hospice Care 27:28 Cultural Perspectives on Death and Hospice 28:42 Conclusion and Final Thoughts https://www.maximumcarehospice.com/ If you want to help, you can donate to help support Hospice Explained at the Buy me a Coffee link https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Hospice Hospice Explained Affiliates & Contact Information Buying from these Affilite links will help support this Podcast. Maire introduces a partnership with Suzanne Mayer RN inventor of the cloud9caresystem.com, When patients remain in the same position for extended periods, they are at high risk of developing pressure injuries, commonly known as bedsores. One of the biggest challenges caregivers face is the tendency for pillows and repositioning inserts to easily dislodge during care.(Suzanne is a former guest on Episode #119) When you order with Cloud 9 care system, please tell them you heard about them from Hospice Explained.(Thank You) If you would, you can donate to help support Hospice Explained at the Buy me a Coffee link https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Hospice Marie's Contact Marie@HospiceExplained.com www.HospiceExplained.com Finding a Hospice Agency 1. You can use Medicare.gov to help find a hospice agency, 2. choose Find provider 3. Choose Hospice 4. then add your zip code This should be a list of Hospice Agencies local to you or your loved one.
STEPS TO A BEAUTIFUL LIFE Morning Devotions and Meditations designed to bring Spiritual Insight to your daily life. Building A Better Life, Starts With Building A Better You. The Keys to a Life in Focus are Wisdom, Courage, Strength, Faith, Commitment, Confidence, Boldness, and Discernment. Music composed by: MIKE OUTLAND MUSIC DEVOTION AND MEDITATION Col. 3:15
Are you ready to receive fresh strategy and vision? In this episode of the Curt Landry Podcast, Rabbi Curt and Darrell Puckett talk about the Hebrew month of Tevet, a time of divine strategies and spiritual insight. The month is associated with the Hebrew word “Ayin,” which means “eye” or “spiritual vision,” and the number 70, which represents completion and focus. During this month:Ask God for spiritual strategy, authority, and protectionTrust Him as your Rear GuardRefine your vision for the new yearHold onto hope and expectationJoin Rabbi and Darrell as they discuss how to guard against spiritual distractions, nurture your marriage, family, and home life, and write out the vision God has given you, decreeing and declaring it will come to pass in His perfect time.
Join Dr. Kazumba Charles on Kingdom Insight as he delves into the profound impact of prophetic words. Discover how these divine messages can either build or destroy lives, and learn to discern their true source. Dr. Charles provides biblical insights and personal experiences to guide believers in understanding the power and purpose of prophecy. This episode emphasizes the importance of aligning prophetic messages with God's will and encourages viewers to seek wisdom in interpreting these spiritual insights.
Join Dr. Kazumba Charles on Kingdom Insight as he delves into the profound impact of prophetic words. Discover how these divine messages can either build or destroy lives, and learn to discern their true source. Dr. Charles provides biblical insights and personal experiences to guide believers in understanding the power and purpose of prophecy. This episode emphasizes the importance of aligning prophetic messages with God's will and encourages viewers to seek wisdom in interpreting these spiritual insights.
JPastor Kent Christmas Podcast www.regenerationnashville.org #kentandcandychristmas #KCMInternational #KentChristmasMinistries #PreachPrayProphesy #birthingamovement #regenerationnashville #shaketheearth #GodPortal #GodGates #KCMITV
Goldylocks Productions presents Spiritual Insight with Tiffany White Sage WomanTiffany White Sage Woman is a Cosmic Heart Healing, Quantum Healing Facilitator, Usui Reiki Master Teacher, Spiritual Intuitive and a Holistic Health and Wellness Professional. She is also an ordained Metaphysical Inter-Denominational Minister.She is the Owner of Goldylocks Temple of Healing and Goldylocks Productions. Tiffany produces Live Streamed Shows, Podcasts, and Events for those in the Spiritual, Metaphysical and Holistic Professions.http://www.whitesagewoman.com Goldylocks Productions: http://www.goldylocksproductions.com Receive links and updates for our Shows, Special Events and Sales! Subscribe to The Goldylocks Zone Blog: https://www.whitesagewoman.me Join us on Telegram: https://t.me/+YSquH-U8Vib501QU Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Goldylocks Productions presents Spiritual Insight with Tiffany White Sage WomanTiffany White Sage Woman is a Cosmic Heart Healing, Quantum Healing Facilitator, Usui Reiki Master Teacher, Spiritual Intuitive and a Holistic Health and Wellness Professional. She is also an ordained Metaphysical Inter-Denominational Minister.She is the Owner of Goldylocks Temple of Healing and Goldylocks Productions. Tiffany produces Live Streamed Shows, Podcasts, and Events for those in the Spiritual, Metaphysical and Holistic Professions.http://www.whitesagewoman.com Goldylocks Productions: http://www.goldylocksproductions.com Receive links and updates for our Shows, Special Events and Sales! Subscribe to The Goldylocks Zone Blog: https://www.whitesagewoman.me Join us on Telegram: https://t.me/+YSquH-U8Vib501QU Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
A full year of growth, grit, laughter, and real transformation all in one final episode. In this season wrap-up, Satyavani and Prajna look back at the spiritual breakthroughs, emotional turning points, hilarious race-day disasters, client wins, and the moments that shaped them as coaches, athletes, and women. They walk through each kosha layer with honesty and depth from injury and intuition to inner healing, loss, purpose, and the relationships that make the hard work worth it. You'll also hear the funniest stories from the year (including that porta-potty glove incident), plus their top wellness products, rituals, and lessons to carry into the new year. Leave this episode ready to honor your progress, protect your peace, and choose the life you want with intention and courage. 00:00 Welcome to the Woman Warrior Podcast03:03 Holiday Wishes and Health Tips04:18 Year-End Announcements05:24 Gift Certificates and Upcoming Events07:56 Wellness Check-In and Personal Stories20:07 Mental and Emotional Health31:10 Spiritual Insights and Reflections32:36 Reflections on Death and Spirituality35:35 Spiritual Relationships and Personal Growth38:00 Funny Moments of the Year45:43 Heartfelt Moments and Reflections52:00 Favorite Products of the Year58:01 Closing Thoughts and Holiday Wishes
End Time Podcast with David Heavener: What you Won't Hear in Church
Join David Heavener as he explores the journey and challenges of spiritual awakening and why it often offends those around us. Discover the importance of solitude and personal connection with God, the dangers of religious systems, and how spiritual sensitivity can lead to personal growth. This video offers insights into protecting your spiritual awakening and the value of finding your secret place with God.
Join David Heavener as he explores the journey and challenges of spiritual awakening and why it often offends those around us. Discover the importance of solitude and personal connection with God, the dangers of religious systems, and how spiritual sensitivity can lead to personal growth. This video offers insights into protecting your spiritual awakening and the value of finding your secret place with God.
Goldylocks Productions presents Spiritual Insight with Tiffany White Sage WomanTiffany White Sage Woman is a Cosmic Heart Healing, Quantum Healing Facilitator, Usui Reiki Master Teacher, Spiritual Intuitive and a Holistic Health and Wellness Professional. She is also an ordained Metaphysical Inter-Denominational Minister.She is the Owner of Goldylocks Temple of Healing and Goldylocks Productions. Tiffany produces Live Streamed Shows, Podcasts, and Events for those in the Spiritual, Metaphysical and Holistic Professions.http://www.whitesagewoman.com Goldylocks Productions: http://www.goldylocksproductions.com Receive links and updates for our Shows, Special Events and Sales! Subscribe to The Goldylocks Zone Blog: https://www.whitesagewoman.me Join us on Telegram: https://t.me/goldylocksproductions Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
"Cherish your visions and your dreams as they are the children of your soul, the blueprints of your ultimate achievements." —Napoleon HillSHOW NOTES
It's a bit of a cliché to say that we live in uncertain times. Just look at the headlines. Relationships — from the global to the intimate — are fraying. We swim in waters full of fear and worry, contempt and disdain. Anxiety abounds. That's why today's guest — writer and cultural commentator, Sara Billups — has written a new book. It's called “Nervous Systems: Spiritual Practices to Calm Anxiety in Your Body, the Church and Politics.” It's out now and — spoiler alert — Billups writes quite a bit about Ignatian spirituality. She looks to Ignatius' all-important idea of holy indifference as a way of approaching the anxiety-inducing moment in which we all find ourselves. You may recall that when Ignatius says “indifference,” he's not promoting a lifestyle that is apathetic or callous to the signs of the times. Rather, Ignatius wants us to let go of how we want things to go and to instead allow God's Spirit to use us as they Spirit wills. In short, God's ways are not our ways; so, let's put aside our preferences and discover God's. In addition to this new book, “Nervous Systems,” Billups has bylines in the New York Times and Christianity Today. She completed a Doctor of Ministry in the Sacred Art of Writing at Peterson Cetner for the Christian Imagination at Western Theological Seminary. She writes a Substack called “Bitter Scroll” and hosts a podcast called “That's the Spirit.” You can learn more about Sara and her work by exploring the links below. Website: https://www.sarabillups.com/ Order the book: https://www.amazon.com/Nervous-Systems-Spiritual-Practices-Politics-ebook/dp/B0F2NC1QDL Substack: https://www.sarabillups.com/bitter-scroll
Meditate with Andrea is now Spiritual Insights with Andrea. The change is because I am adding content and making it easier to find just about everything I offer. This episode shares what will now be on the podcast, and why the change.Includes what spiritually aligned living is.
December is the month to put all the pieces together from the last four months. We are being called to trust spirit and ourselves. To put the final touches on healing and not be afraid to change paths - allowing us to be on our correct path.Channeled through Archangel Michael and Goddess Brigid.
This week old relationships and situations are coming back around to ensure you are fully healed. The best way to do this is to slow down and give yourself time to review everything.
Goldylocks Productions presents Spiritual Insight with Tiffany White Sage WomanTiffany White Sage Woman is a Cosmic Heart Healing, Quantum Healing Facilitator, Usui Reiki Master Teacher, Spiritual Intuitive and a Holistic Health and Wellness Professional. She is also an ordained Metaphysical Inter-Denominational Minister.She is the Owner of Goldylocks Temple of Healing and Goldylocks Productions. Tiffany produces Live Streamed Shows, Podcasts, and Events for those in the Spiritual, Metaphysical and Holistic Professions.http://www.whitesagewoman.com Goldylocks Productions: http://www.goldylocksproductions.com Receive links and updates for our Shows, Special Events and Sales! Subscribe to The Goldylocks Zone Blog: https://www.whitesagewoman.me Join us on Telegram: https://t.me/goldylocksproductions Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Goldylocks Productions presents Spiritual Insight with Tiffany White Sage WomanTiffany White Sage Woman is a Cosmic Heart Healing, Quantum Healing Facilitator, Usui Reiki Master Teacher, Spiritual Intuitive and a Holistic Health and Wellness Professional. She is also an ordained Metaphysical Inter-Denominational Minister.She is the Owner of Goldylocks Temple of Healing and Goldylocks Productions. Tiffany produces Live Streamed Shows, Podcasts, and Events for those in the Spiritual, Metaphysical and Holistic Professions.http://www.whitesagewoman.com Goldylocks Productions: http://www.goldylocksproductions.com Receive links and updates for our Shows, Special Events and Sales! Subscribe to The Goldylocks Zone Blog: https://www.whitesagewoman.me Join us on Telegram: https://t.me/goldylocksproductions Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
THE FRUIT OF YOUR CHOICES Morning Devotions and Meditations designed to bring Spiritual Insight to your daily life. Building A Better Life, Starts With Building A Better You. The Keys to a Life in Focus are Wisdom, Courage, Strength, Faith, Commitment, Confidence, Boldness, and Discernment. Music composed by: MIKE OUTLAND MUSIC DEVOTION AND MEDITATION John 15:15-16 Before you choose, spend some time with Jesus
Send us a textI have a lively conversation about the stoic path with my guest, Benny Voncken. Today, you will learn how an old philosophy can be successfully applied to modern life.Key PointsStoicism is a pragmatic, Western philosophy that shares similarities with Eastern philosophies like Buddhism and Taoism.The core of Stoicism is about self-awareness, understanding one's emotions, and using reason to make virtuous decisions. [14:26]Stoicism emphasizes the importance of accepting fate, focusing on what is within one's control, and living in the present moment. [08:06]Insights from this conversation:Stoicism is a practical philosophy that can help people live better lives in the modern world. [05:25] 2. The core of Stoicism is about self-awareness, understanding emotions, and using reason to make virtuous decisions. [14:26] 3. Stoicism emphasizes the importance of accepting fate, focusing on what is within one's control, and living in the present moment. [08:06]Stoicism is relevant to out modern life, and upon closer examination, a person can see how much of what is being talked about in the 21st century is a reiteration of many of these perennial principles.RESOURCES:Via Stoica's WebsiteSupport the showThank you for listening to Evolving Humans! For consultations or classes, please visit my website: www.JuliaMarie.usSupport the showThank you for listening to Evolving Humans! For consultations or classes, please visit my website: www.JuliaMarie.usEvolving Humans with Julia Marie is now on YouTube, and will offer more than the podcast episodes there, so give us a "SUBSCRIBE"!https://www.youtube.com/@EvolvingHumans731You can find my book, Signals from My Soul: A Spiritual Memoir of Awakening here: https://tinyurl.com/Book-Signals-from-My-Soul
Struggling with feelings of unworthiness? This teaching breaks down Ephesians 1:17-19, revealing the glorious inheritance awaiting you as a believer—unveiling your true potential.
Goldylocks Productions presents Spiritual Insight with Tiffany White Sage WomanTiffany White Sage Woman is a Cosmic Heart Healing, Quantum Healing Facilitator, Usui Reiki Master Teacher, Spiritual Intuitive and a Holistic Health and Wellness Professional. She is also an ordained Metaphysical Inter-Denominational Minister.She is the Owner of Goldylocks Temple of Healing and Goldylocks Productions. Tiffany produces Live Streamed Shows, Podcasts, and Events for those in the Spiritual, Metaphysical and Holistic Professions.http://www.whitesagewoman.com Goldylocks Productions: http://www.goldylocksproductions.com Receive links and updates for our Shows, Special Events and Sales! Subscribe to The Goldylocks Zone Blog: https://www.whitesagewoman.me Join us on Telegram: https://t.me/goldylocksproductions Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Join Deb Graham on a captivating journey into the world of psychic readings and spiritual insights. In this episode, Deb connects with callers, offering transformative advice and uncovering deep truths. Discover how to harness your own psychic abilities and navigate life's challenges with clarity and purpose. Psychic Readings and Spiritual Insights with Transformative Advice, Welcome to the Psychic Connection With Deborah Graham Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this stunning episode of Nephilim Death Squad, Top Lobsta and The Raven (David Lee Corbo) sit down with Pastor Joe Infranco to uncover the hidden spiritual realities behind telepathy, autism, and unseen warfare. Joe is the founder of Hidden Gifts Ministries, a former litigator and pastor, and one of the key voices featured in The Telepathy Tapes. In this conversation, he reveals what was left out of that viral podcast—including powerful testimonies of nonverbal autistic individuals communicating with angels, demons, and even Jesus Christ. This episode dives deep into the intersection of faith, science, and spiritual discernment, connecting ancient biblical truths with modern-day phenomena the mainstream world is just beginning to understand.
Join Southwest Radio Ministries' daily broadcast, Watchman on the Wall, as they host best-selling author Jonathan Cahn. In this episode, Cahn delves into his latest book, Avatar, revealing prophetic mysteries and insights into current events, American leadership, and biblical prophecies. Discover the parallels between ancient templates and modern political figures, and explore exclusive content from Cahn's Avatar Uncensored 8 DVD album. Support the ministry and uncover the secrets behind global transformations.
EVEN MORE about this episode!What if the line between science and spirituality isn't as clear as we think? In this fascinating episode, Dr. Steven A. Ross — founder of the World Research Foundation — shares how a single mystical encounter transformed his life from scientific researcher to spiritual pioneer. Guided by dreams and otherworldly messages, he reveals how ancient wisdom and modern science intertwine to unlock the body's innate healing potential.Discover how a sports injury and an unexpected magazine article became catalysts for his lifelong study of alternative medicine and energy healing. From exploring karma and intuition to understanding the language of spirit guides, Dr. Ross shows how joy, laughter, and love (LEFL) can elevate both our physical and spiritual health.Join us as we uncover the hidden harmony between logic and mysticism, the unseen forces guiding innovation, and the power of trusting your inner knowing. This episode will leave you questioning what's truly possible when science opens its heart to spirit.Guest Biography:Dr. Steven A. Ross is the co-founder and CEO of the World Research Foundation (WRF), a global organization dedicated to preserving and sharing knowledge across health, philosophy, spirituality, and subtle energy sciences. For over 50 years, Dr. Ross has lectured internationally, uncovering and protecting rare scientific and spiritual materials that bridge ancient wisdom and modern understanding.As steward of the Wisdom Library—housing over 30,000 volumes on health and metaphysical studies dating back to the 16th century—he continues to champion holistic healing and higher consciousness. Guided by dreams and loving spiritual entities since age 24, Dr. Ross inspires others to awaken their Higher Awareness through the balance of the Divine Feminine and Divine Masculine within.Episode Chapters:(0:00:01) - Spiritual Insights and Healing Traditions(0:10:49) - Healing Modalities and Spirit Guidance(0:23:29) - Exploring Spiritual Healing and Wisdom(0:28:28) - Messages From Spirit and Divine Downloads(0:48:09) - Discerning Truth Through Intuition and Body(0:55:14) - Natural Healing and Spiritual Wisdom(1:02:00) - Spiritual Experiences➡️Subscribe to Ask Julie Ryan YouTube➡️Subscribe to Ask Julie Ryan Español YouTube➡️Subscribe to Ask Julie Ryan Português YouTube➡️Subscribe to Ask Julie Ryan Deutsch YouTube➡️Subscribe to Ask Julie Ryan Français YouTube✏️Ask Julie a Question!
Goldylocks Productions presents Spiritual Insight with Tiffany White Sage WomanTiffany White Sage Woman is a Cosmic Heart Healing, Quantum Healing Facilitator, Usui Reiki Master Teacher, Spiritual Intuitive and a Holistic Health and Wellness Professional. She is also an ordained Metaphysical Inter-Denominational Minister.She is the Owner of Goldylocks Temple of Healing and Goldylocks Productions. Tiffany produces Live Streamed Shows, Podcasts, and Events for those in the Spiritual, Metaphysical and Holistic Professions.http://www.whitesagewoman.com Goldylocks Productions: http://www.goldylocksproductions.com Receive links and updates for our Shows, Special Events and Sales! Subscribe to The Goldylocks Zone Blog: https://www.whitesagewoman.me Join us on Telegram: https://t.me/goldylocksproductions Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Goldylocks Productions presents Spiritual Insight with Tiffany White Sage WomanTiffany White Sage Woman is a Cosmic Heart Healing, Quantum Healing Facilitator, Usui Reiki Master Teacher, Spiritual Intuitive and a Holistic Health and Wellness Professional. She is also an ordained Metaphysical Inter-Denominational Minister.She is the Owner of Goldylocks Temple of Healing and Goldylocks Productions. Tiffany produces Live Streamed Shows, Podcasts, and Events for those in the Spiritual, Metaphysical and Holistic Professions.http://www.whitesagewoman.com Goldylocks Productions: http://www.goldylocksproductions.com Receive links and updates for our Shows, Special Events and Sales! Subscribe to The Goldylocks Zone Blog: https://www.whitesagewoman.me Join us on Telegram: https://t.me/goldylocksproductions Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Could the book of Psalms contain hidden prophecies, set to be discovered by our generation? That question drove Rev. J.R. Church, founder of Prophecy in the News, to dive deep into this book of the Bible. What he discovered turned into one of his most popular teachings of all time. Brought out of the vault for the first time in many years, Rev. Church's classic teaching points out many parallels between historical events and the book of Psalms. In today's episode, Rev. Church points to Jesus as the ultimate fulfillment of the prophetic Psalms.
CONTROLLING YOUR WORRY & ANXIETY PT. 2 Morning Devotions and Meditations designed to bring Spiritual Insight to your daily life. Building A Better Life, Starts With Building A Better You. The Keys to a Life in Focus are Wisdom, Courage, Strength, Faith, Commitment, Confidence, Boldness, and Discernment. DEVOTION AND MEDITATION Matthew 11:28-29 Jesus Teaches Us How To Overcome Worry and Anxiety. MUSIC COMPOSED BY: MIKE OUTLAND MUSIC
CONTROLLING YOUR WORRY & ANXIETY PT. 2 Morning Devotions and Meditations designed to bring Spiritual Insight to your daily life. Building A Better Life, Starts With Building A Better You. The Keys to a Life in Focus are Wisdom, Courage, Strength, Faith, Commitment, Confidence, Boldness, and Discernment. DEVOTION AND MEDITATION Matthew 11:28-29 Jesus Teaches Us How To Overcome Worry and Anxiety. MUSIC COMPOSED BY: MIKE OUTLAND MUSIC
CONTROLLING YOUR WORRY & ANXIETY PT. 1 Morning Devotions and Meditations designed to bring Spiritual Insight to your daily life. Building A Better Life, Starts With Building A Better You. The Keys to a Life in Focus are Wisdom, Courage, Strength, Faith, Commitment, Confidence, Boldness, and Discernment. DEVOTION AND MEDITATION Matthew 11:28-29 Jesus Teaches Us How To Overcome Worry and Anxiety. MUSIC COMPOSED BY: MIKE OUTLAND MUSIC
In this episode of the Gladden Longevity Podcast, Dr. Jeffrey Gladden engages in a deep conversation with Adam Schell, exploring the intersection of psychedelics, brain optimization, and longevity. Adam shares his personal journey from a failed novelist to a mushroom expert, discussing the therapeutic potential of psilocybin and microdosing. The conversation delves into the historical context of psychedelics, their impact on human evolution, and the science behind neural connectivity. Listeners will gain insights into the benefits of microdosing, the development of new products in the psychedelic space, and the profound personal experiences that can arise from these substances. The episode concludes with reflections on the expansive nature of consciousness and the importance of community in the psychedelic experience. For Audience Use code 'Podcast10' to get 10% OFF on any of our supplements at https://gladdenlongevityshop.com/ ! Use code ‘GLADDEN' to get 15% OFF on any products at https://brainsupreme.co/ Takeaways The quest for longevity involves optimizing brain function. Adam Schell transitioned from writing to exploring psychedelics. Psychedelics like psilocybin can significantly impact mental health. There are theories suggesting psychedelics played a role in human evolution. Psychedelics can enhance neural connectivity and cognitive function. Microdosing can lead to improved mood and cognitive performance. Psychedelics are being researched for therapeutic applications in mental health. Personal experiences with psychedelics can lead to profound insights. The science of microdosing is still evolving and requires more research. Community and connection are enhanced through psychedelic experiences. Chapters 00:00 The Journey to Mushroom Mastery 04:49 The Evolution of Psychedelics and Human Consciousness 07:47 Psychedelics: A Path to Personal Transformation 10:40 The Science Behind Psilocybin and Brain Connectivity 13:22 Microdosing: Enhancing Life Through Subtle Changes 16:01 The Role of Genetics in Psychedelic Experiences 18:43 Future Innovations in Psychedelic Products 26:00 Microdosing Protocols and Personal Experiences 28:55 Optimizing Microdosing with Supplements 31:31 Product Offerings and Their Benefits 34:30 Flow States and Athletic Performance 38:04 Exploring the Connection Between Psychedelics and Consciousness 41:51 The Interconnectedness of Life and Spiritual Insights 46:45 Quantum Consciousness and the Nature of Reality To learn more about Adam Schell: Email: adam@thebrainsupreme.com Website: https://brainsupreme.co/ Got a question for Dr. Gladden? Submit it using the link below and it might be answered in our next Q&A episode! https://form.typeform.com/to/tIyzUai7? Reach out to us at: Website: https://gladdenlongevity.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Gladdenlongevity/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gladdenlongevity/?hl=en LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gladdenlongevity YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5_q8nexY4K5ilgFnKm7naw
Join family therapists Nancy Saxton-Lopez and Ken Dolan-Del Vecchio for a conversation with internationally acclaimed medium, speaker, and author Miki Jacobs. Miki journeyed from a conservative Jewish upbringing and service in the Israeli army to building a business in the U.S. shaped a profound spiritual awakening. She's conducted thousands of readings worldwide and is the author of "Soul Secrets" and "Sacred Wild," the latter inspired by decades of animal rescue on her Southern California ranch. Learn more about Miki at:mikijacobs.commikijacobs.com/mediayoutube.com/@mediummikiReach Ken at kenddv@gmail.com, Nancy at nancysaxtonlopez@gmail.com.To read our email correspondence with listeners and view photos of their beloved animal companions subscribe at https://petlosscompanionconversations.substack.com(A $5/month subscription fee applies.)To support our work on this podcast with a one-time gift: Venmo @Ken-Dolan-DelVecchio or PayPal (https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/kenddv?country.x=US&locale.x=en_US)To support this podcast with a monthly subscription: https://anchor.fm/kenneth-dolan-del-vecchio/supportWe are happy to announce our affiliation with Bereave, a company that offers beautifully crafted granite pet memorial plaques. When you purchase one of their plaques using the link that follows you are also supporting our podcast. https://shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=2399618&u=3798931&m=141340&urllink=&afftrack=The Pet Loss Companion (book) on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Pet-Loss-Companion-Healing-Therapists/dp/1484918266/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=pet+loss+companion&qid=1612535894&sr=8-3mpa...To subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thepetlosscompanion6602 (and hit the "subscribe" button)To RSVP for the next cost-free zoom pet loss support group facilitated by Ken: https://www.dakinhumane.org/petlossThis program is a friend of Dakin Humane Society in Springfield, Mass. Dakin is a 501 (c) (3) community-supported animal welfare organization that provides shelter, medical care, spay/neuter services, and behavioral rehabilitation for more than 20,000 animals and people each year. Since its inception in 1969, Dakin has become one of the most recognized nonprofit organizations in central Massachusetts and a national leader in animal welfare. You can learn more about Dakin and make a donation at dakinhumane.org.For a list of financial resources to help with payment for veterinary care visit the community tab on our YouTube channel.Additional resources/friends of the program:Kate LaSala, Multi-Credentialed Canine Behavior consultant and Companion Animal Death Doula, https://rescuedbytraining.comAngela Shook, End-of-Life Support, Companion Animal Doula Support, Pet Loss Grief Support, https://angelashook.comCrystal Soucy, Pet Loss Grief Coach and Certified Grief Educator, https://www.getcrystalclear.com
LIVING WITH HOPE Rev. 21:4 “And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.” This message reminds us that even in life's darkest moments, the promise of God's eternal comfort gives us strength to endure. Morning Devotions and Meditations designed to bring Spiritual Insight to your daily life. Building A Better Life, Starts With Building A Better You. The Keys to a Life in Focus are Wisdom, Courage, Strength, Faith, Commitment, Confidence, Boldness, and Discernment. Music composed by: MIKE OUTLAND MUSIC
In this episode of Encouraging Prayer, James Banks and Robby Dilmore, discuss how prayer can make a difference for your spiritual insight.
BUY YOUR TICKETS TO THE "MAN ON WATER" TOUR NOW!https://www.thegeorgejankoshow.com/Text Me To Perform In Your City! (602) 932-8118 Follow Dr. Gabrielle Lyon!https://www.youtube.com/@DrGabrielleLyonGo Get Dr. Gabrielle Lyon's Books, ‘Forever Strong' And 'The Forever Strong Playbook'https://drgabriellelyon.com/Follow George! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/georgejanko Twitter: https://twitter.com/GeorgeJanko TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@georgejanko Follow Shawna! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shawnadellaricca/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ShawnaDellaRiccaOfficial Follow Grant! (Video / Edit) Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blaccwellBusiness Inquiries Email: george@divisionmedia.coTimestamps:01:42 Female Sexual Health Discussion03:04 Introduction to the George Janko Show04:10 Hormones and Health Myths07:27 Traits of Successful Individuals08:16 The Power of Neutrality10:25 Parenting and Personal Growth18:15 Spirituality and Life's Mission28:05 The Impact of Positive Internal Dialogue29:13 Stress Responses and Health30:49 Understanding Internal Responses31:52 The Power of Positive Self-Talk33:31 Reinterpreting Stress34:10 Predictable Human Behavior35:25 Managing Highs and Lows36:43 Gratitude and Performance39:20 Spiritual Insights and Service44:14 Navigating Public Life and Mission01:00:50 Handling Betrayal and Forgiveness01:02:10 Embracing Challenges with Faith01:08:51 Wisdom and Understanding in Relationships01:09:14 The Gift of the Sword01:09:41 Muscle Talk and Pushups01:09:56 Protein Shakes and Fitness Routines01:10:38 Books and Muscle Fiber01:12:17 Muscle-Centric Medicine01:12:46 Geriatrics and Body Composition01:15:06 Personal Health Struggles01:16:20 Touring and Eating Clean01:18:25 The Importance of Strength01:22:42 Workout Routines and Diet01:30:21 Commitment to Health
Join Southwest Radio Ministries for a three-day Bible prophecy conference in Bristol, Virginia. Engage with top Bible scholars, including Dr. Larry Spargiamino and Micah Van Huss, as they explore the mysteries of the Bible and end-time headlines. Register at SWRC.com for 19 sessions filled with Scripture-based insights. Don't miss this enriching spiritual experience, featuring discussions on ancient writings, the role of fallen angels, and much more. Includes unique exhibits of ancient artifacts to illuminate biblical texts.
Join Larry Stamm on 'Watchman on the Wall' as he delves into the significance of Yom Kippur and its roots in Judaism and Christianity. Discover the deep connections between Jewish traditions and Christian faith, featuring insights into the Day of Atonement, the sacrificial system, and how these ancient practices find fulfillment in Jesus Christ. This episode also highlights an upcoming prophecy conference, inviting listeners to explore biblical teachings with renowned scholars. Tune in for a thoughtful exploration of faith, history, and redemption.
Join us for Prophetic Pulse as Pastor Hank will be sharing prophetic insight on the turning point of a nation, and the great eruptions of God's righteousness and justice that are breaking forth in the earth.
In this episode of Poducer, recorded live at Summer's End Smokeout in Republic, Michigan, we sit down with Porch (Nick Loporchio) — a multi-instrumentalist and producer whose journey bridges music, science, and spirit. From his first spark of inspiration through Weird Al parodies to years of playing guitar, handbells, and powerlifting, Porch opens up about the pivotal injury that led him toward reggae, bass, and ultimately the Porch project. He shares stories from touring with his band Iya Terra (200+ shows a year across the U.S. and abroad) and how his sound evolved into a fusion of roots, funk, hip-hop, and heavy dub. We dive into his scientific background in molecular biology, exploring how concepts like epigenetics and energy transfer connect to sound, and why he sees music as a kind of “potion.” Porch also reflects on the spiritual side of creation, from the unique frequencies of Joshua Tree to the vibrations we carry in everyday life.
Reformed Brotherhood | Sound Doctrine, Systematic Theology, and Brotherly Love
In this introductory episode to their new series on the Parables of Jesus, Tony Arsenal and Jesse Schwamb explore the profound theological significance of Christ's parables. Far from being mere teaching tools to simplify complex ideas, parables serve a dual purpose in God's redemptive plan: revealing spiritual truth to those with "ears to hear" while concealing these same truths from those without spiritual illumination. This episode lays the groundwork for understanding how parables function as divine teaching devices that embody core Reformed doctrines like election and illumination. As the hosts prepare to journey through all the parables in the Gospels, they invite listeners to consider the blessing of being granted spiritual understanding and the privilege of receiving the "secrets of the kingdom" through Christ's distinctive teaching method. Key Takeaways Parables are more than illustrations—they are comparisons that reveal kingdom truths to those with spiritual ears to hear while concealing truth from those without spiritual illumination. Jesus intentionally taught in parables not to simplify his teaching but partly to fulfill Isaiah's prophecy about those who hear but do not understand, confirming the spiritual condition of his hearers. The ability to understand parables is itself evidence of God's sovereign grace and election, as Jesus states in Matthew 13:16: "Blessed are your eyes for they see and your ears for they hear." Parables vary in form and function—some are clearly allegorical while others make a single point, requiring each to be approached on its own terms. Proper interpretation requires context—understanding both the original audience and the question or situation that prompted Jesus to use a particular parable. Parables function like Nathan's confrontation of David—they draw hearers in through narrative before revealing uncomfortable truths about themselves. Studying parables requires spiritual humility—recognizing that our understanding comes not from intellectual capacity but from the Spirit's illumination. Understanding Parables as Revelation, Not Just Illustration The hosts emphasize that parables are fundamentally different from mere illustrations or fables. While modern readers often assume Jesus used parables to simplify complex spiritual truths, the opposite is frequently true. As Tony explains, "A parable fundamentally is a comparison between two things... The word parable comes from the Greek of casting alongside." This distinction is crucial because it changes how we approach interpretation. Rather than breaking down each element as an allegorical component, we should first understand what reality Jesus is comparing the parable to. The parables function as a form of divine revelation—showing us kingdom realities through narrative comparison, but only those with spiritual insight can truly grasp their meaning. This is why Jesus quotes Isaiah and explains that he speaks in parables partly because "seeing they do not see and hearing they do not hear nor do they understand" (Matthew 13:13). The Doctrine of Election Embedded in Parabolic Teaching Perhaps the most profound insight from this episode is how the very form of Jesus' teaching—not just its content—embodies the doctrine of election. Jesse notes that "every parable then implicitly teaches a doctrine of election," because they reveal spiritual truth to some while concealing it from others. This isn't arbitrary but reflects spiritual realities. The hosts connect this to Jesus' words in Matthew 13:16: "Blessed are your eyes for they see and your ears for they hear." This blessing comes not from intellectual capacity or moral superiority but from God's sovereign grace. Tony describes this as "the blessing in our salvation and in our election that we are enabled to hear and perceive and receive the very voice and word of God into our spirit unto our salvation." The parables thus become a "microcosm" of Reformed doctrines like election, regeneration, and illumination. When believers understand Jesus' parables, they're experiencing the practical outworking of these doctrines in real time. Memorable Quotes "The parables are not just to illustrate a point, they're to reveal a spiritual point or spiritual points to those who have ears to hear, to those who've been illuminated by the spirit." - Tony Arsenal "Jesus is giving this message essentially to all who will listen to him... And so this is like, I love the way that he uses that quote in a slightly different way, but still to express the same root cause, which is some of you here because of your depravity will not be able to hear what I'm saying. But for those to whom it has been granted to come in who are ushered into the kingdom, this kingdom language will make sense." - Jesse Schwamb "But blessed are your eyes for they see and your ears for they hear. There's a blessing in our salvation and in our election that we are enabled to hear and perceive and receive the very voice and word of God into our spirit unto our salvation." - Tony Arsenal About the Hosts Tony Arsenal and Jesse Schwamb are the regular hosts of The Reformed Brotherhood podcast, where they explore Reformed theology and its application to Christian living. With a conversational style that balances depth and accessibility, they seek to make complex theological concepts understandable without sacrificing nuance or biblical fidelity. Transcript [00:00:45] Introduction and New Series Announcement [00:00:45] Jesse Schwamb: Welcome to episode 460 of The Reformed Brotherhood. I'm Jesse. [00:00:54] Tony Arsenal: And I'm Tony. And this is the podcast with ears to hear. Hey brother. [00:00:59] Jesse Schwamb: Hey brother. New series Time, new series. Time for the next seven years that, that's probably correct. It's gonna be a long one. New beginnings are so great, aren't they? And it is. [00:01:10] Jesse Schwamb: We've been hopefully this, well, it's definitely gonna live up to all the hype that we've been presenting about this. It's gonna be good. Everybody's gonna love it. And like I said, it's a topic we haven't done before. It's certainly not in this format. [00:01:23] Tony Arsenal: Yeah. Yeah. And you know what, just, um, as a side note, if you are a listener, which you must be, if you're hearing this, uh, this is a great time to introduce someone to the podcast. [00:01:33] Tony Arsenal: True. Uh, one, because this series is gonna be lit as the kids say, and, uh, it's a new series, so you don't have to have any background. You don't have to have any previous knowledge of the show or of who these two weird guys are to jump in and we're gonna. [00:01:53] Tony Arsenal: Talk about the Bible, which is amazing and awesome. And who doesn't love to talk about the Bible. [00:01:58] Jesse Schwamb: Yeah, that's correct. That's what makes these so good. That's how I know, and I could say confidently that this is gonna be all the hype and more. All right, so before we get to affirmations and denials, all the good ProGo, that's part and parcel of our normal episode content. [00:02:12] Jesse Schwamb: Do you want to tell everybody what we're gonna be talking about? [00:02:16] Tony Arsenal: Yeah, I'm excited. [00:02:17] Introducing the Parables Series [00:02:17] Tony Arsenal: So we are gonna work our way through, and this is why I say it's gonna take seven years. We are gonna work our way through all of the parables. Parables, [00:02:25] Jesse Schwamb: the [00:02:25] Tony Arsenal: gospels and just so, um, the Gospel of John doesn't feel left out. [00:02:30] Tony Arsenal: We're gonna talk through some of the I am statements and some of that stuff when we get to John. 'cause John doesn't have a lot of parables. Uh, so we're gonna spend time in the synoptic gospels. We're gonna just walk through the parables one by one. We're taking an episode, sometimes maybe two, sometimes 10, depending on how long the parable is and how deep we get into it. [00:02:47] Tony Arsenal: We're just gonna work our way through. We're gonna take our time. We're gonna enjoy it. So again, this is a great time to start. It's kinda the ground floor on this and you thing. This could really be its own podcast all by itself, right? Uh, so invite a friend, invite some whole bunch of friends. Start a Sunday school class listening to this. [00:03:04] Tony Arsenal: No, don't do that. But people have done that before. But, uh, grab your bibles, get a decent commentary to help prep for the next episode, and, uh, let's, let's do it. I'm super excited. [00:03:14] Jesse Schwamb: When I say para, you say Abel Para, is that how it works? Para? Yeah. I don't know. You can't really divide it. Pairable. If you jam it together, yes. [00:03:24] Jesse Schwamb: You get some of that. You can say, when I say pair, you say Abel p [00:03:27] Tony Arsenal: Abel. [00:03:31] Jesse Schwamb: And you can expect a lot more of that in this series. But before we get into all this good juicy stuff about parables, and by the way, this is like an introductory episode, that doesn't mean that you can just skip it, doesn't mean it's not gonna be good. We gotta set some things up. We wanna talk about parables general generally, but before we have that good general conversation, let's get into our own tradition, which is either affirming with something or denying against something. [00:03:54] Affirmations and Denials [00:03:54] Jesse Schwamb: And so, Tony, what do you got for all of us? [00:03:58] Tony Arsenal: Mine is kind of a, an ecclesial, ecclesiastical denial. Mm-hmm. Um, this is sort of niche, but I feel like our audience may have heard about it. And there's this dust up that I, I noticed online, uh, really just this last week. Um, it's kind of a specific thing. There is a church, uh, I'm not sure where the church is. [00:04:18] Tony Arsenal: It's a PCA church, I believe it's called Mosaic. The pastor of the church, the teaching elder, one of the teaching elders just announced that he was, uh, leaving his ministry to, uh, join the Roman Catholic Church, which, yes, there's its own denial built into that. We are good old Protestant reformed folks, and I personally would, would stick with the original Westminster on the, the Pope being antichrist. [00:04:45] Tony Arsenal: But, um, that's not the denial. The denial is that in this particular church. For some unknown reason. Uh, the pastor who has now since a announced that he was leaving to, uh, to convert to Roman Catholicism, continued to preach the sermon and then administered the Lord's supper, even though he in the eyes, I think of most. [00:05:08] Tony Arsenal: Reformed folk and certainly historically in the eyes of the reformed position was basically apostate, uh, right in front of the congregation's eyes. Now, I don't know that I would necessarily put it that strongly. I think there are plenty of genuine born again Christians who find themselves in, in the Roman Catholic, uh, church. [00:05:27] Tony Arsenal: Uh, but to allow someone who is one resigning the ministry right in front of your eyes. Um, and then resigning to basically leave for another tradition that, that the PCA would not recognize, would not share ecclesiastical, uh, credentials with or accept their ordination or any of those things. Um, to then just allow him to admit, you know, to administer the Lord's Supper, I think is just a drastic miscarriage of, uh, ecclesiastical justice. [00:05:54] Tony Arsenal: I dunno if that's the right word. So I'm just denying this like. It shows that on a couple things like this, this. Church this session, who obviously knew this was coming. Um, this session does either, does not take seriously the differences between Roman Catholic theology and Protestant theology, particularly reformed theology, or they don't take seriously the, the gravity of the Lord's supper and who should and shouldn't be administering it. [00:06:22] Tony Arsenal: They can't take both of those things seriously and have a fully or biblical position on it. So there's a good opportunity for us to think through our ecclesiology, to think through our sacrament and how this applies. It just really doesn't sit well and it's not sitting well with a lot of people online, obviously. [00:06:37] Tony Arsenal: Um, and I'm sure there'll be all sorts of, like letters of concern sent to presbytery and, and all that stuff, and, and it'll all shake out in the wash eventually, but just, it just wasn't good. Just doesn't sit right. [00:06:48] Jesse Schwamb: You know, it strikes me of all the denominations. I'm not saying this pejoratively. I just think it is kind of interesting and funny to me that the Presbyterians love a letter writing campaign. [00:06:56] Jesse Schwamb: Like that's kind of the jam, the love, a good letter writing campaign. [00:07:00] Tony Arsenal: It's true, although it's, it's actually functional in Presbyterianism because That's right. That's how you voice your concern. It's not a, not a, a rage letter into the void. It actually goes somewhere and gets recorded and has to be addressed at presbytery if you have standing. [00:07:17] Tony Arsenal: So there's, there's a good reason to do that, and I'm sure that that will be done. I'm sure there are many. Probably ministers in the PCA who are aware of this, who are either actually considering filing charges or um, or writing such letters of complaints. And there's all sorts of mechanisms in the PCA to, to adjudicate and resolve and to investigate these kinds of things. [00:07:37] Jesse Schwamb: And I'd like to, if you're, if you're a true Presbyterian and, and in this instance, I'm not making light of this instance, but this instance are others, you. Feel compelled by a strong conviction to write such a letter that really you should do it with a quill, an ink. Like that's the ultimate way. I think handwritten with like a nice fountain pen. [00:07:54] Jesse Schwamb: There's not, yeah. I mean, you know what I'm saying? Like that's, that is a weighty letter right there. Like it's cut to Paul being like, I write this postscript in my own hand with these big letters. Yeah, it's like, you know, some original Presbyterian letter writing right there. [00:08:07] Tony Arsenal: And then you gotta seal it with wax with your signe ring. [00:08:10] Tony Arsenal: So, and send it by a carrier, by a messenger series of me messengers. [00:08:14] Jesse Schwamb: Think if you receive any letter in the mail, handwritten to you. Like for real, somebody painstakingly going through in script like spencerian script, you know, if you're using English characters writing up and then sealing that bad boy with wax, you're gonna be like, this is important. [00:08:30] Jesse Schwamb: Yeah, this, even if it's just like, Hey, what's up? Yeah, you're gonna be like, look at this incredible, weighty document I've received. [00:08:36] Tony Arsenal: It's true. It's very true. I love it. Well, that's all I have to say about that to channel a little Forrest Gump there. Uh, Jesse, what are you affirming or denying tonight? [00:08:44] Jesse Schwamb: I'm also going to deny against, so this denial is like classic. [00:08:49] Jesse Schwamb: It's routine, but I got a different spin on it this time, so I'm denying against. The full corruption of sin, how it appears everywhere, how even unbelievers speak of it, almost unwittingly, but very commonly with great acceptance. And the particularity of this denial comes in the form of allergies, which you and I are talking about a lot of times. [00:09:09] Jesse Schwamb: But I was just thinking about this week because I had to do some allergy testing, which is a, a super fun experience. But it just got me think again, like very plainly about what allergies are. And how an allergy occurs when your immune system, like the part of your body responsible for protecting your body that God has made when your immune system mistakes like a non-harmful substance like pollen or a food or some kind of animal dander for a threat, and then reacts by producing these antibodies like primarily the immunoglobulin E. [00:09:36] Jesse Schwamb: So here's what strikes me as so funny about this in a, in a way that we must laugh. Because of our, our parents, our first parents who made a horrible decision and we like them, would make the same decision every day and twice in the Lord's day. And that is that this seems like, of course, such a clear sign of the corruption of sin impounded in our created order because it seems a really distasteful and suboptimal for human beings to have this kind of response to pollen. [00:10:03] Jesse Schwamb: When they were intended to work and care in a garden. So obviously I think we can say, Hey, like the fact that allergies exist and that it's your body making a mistake. [00:10:13] Tony Arsenal: Yeah. [00:10:13] Jesse Schwamb: It's like the ultimate, like cellular level of the ubiquity of sin. And so as I was speaking with my doctor and going through the, the testing, it's just so funny how like we all talk about this. [00:10:25] Jesse Schwamb: It's like, yeah, it's, it's a really over-indexed reaction. It doesn't make any sense. It's not the way the world is supposed to be, but nobody's saying how is the world supposed to be? Do you know what I mean? Like, but we just take it for granted that that kind of inflammation that comes from like your dog or like these particles in the air of plants, just trying to do a plant stew and reproduce and pollinate that, that could cause like really dramatic and debilitating. [00:10:49] Jesse Schwamb: Responses is just exceptional to me, and I think it's exceptional and exceptional to all of us because at some deep level we recognize that, as Paul says, like the earth, the entire world is groaning. It's groaning for that eschatological release and redemption that can only come from Christ. And our runny noses in our hay fever all prove that to some degree. [00:11:09] Jesse Schwamb: So denying against allergies, but denying against as well that ubiquity of corruption and sin in our world. [00:11:15] Tony Arsenal: Yeah, I just have this image in my head of Adam and Eve, you know, they're expelled outta the garden and they, they're working the ground. And then Adam sneezes. Yes. And Eve is like, did your head just explode? [00:11:28] Tony Arsenal: And he's like, I don't know. That would've been a, probably a pretty terrifying experience actually. [00:11:33] Jesse Schwamb: Yeah, that's that's true. So imagine like you and I have talked about this before, because you have young children, adorable. Young children, and we've talked about like the first of everything, like when you're a child, you get sick for the first time, or you get the flu or you vomit for the first time. [00:11:45] Jesse Schwamb: Like you have no idea what's going on in your body, but imagine that. But being an adult. [00:11:49] Tony Arsenal: Yeah, where you can process what's going on, but don't have a framework for it. [00:11:52] Jesse Schwamb: Yes, exactly. So like [00:11:54] Tony Arsenal: that's like, that's like my worst nightmare I think. [00:11:55] Jesse Schwamb: Yeah. It's like, to your point, 'cause there, there are a lot of experiences you have as an adults, even health wise that are still super strange and weird. [00:12:01] Jesse Schwamb: But [00:12:02] Tony Arsenal: yeah, [00:12:02] Jesse Schwamb: you have some rubric for them, but that's kind of exactly what I was thinking. What if this toiling over your labor is partly because it's horrible now because you have itchy, watery eyes or you get hives. Yeah. And before you were like, I could just lay in the grass and be totally fine. And now I can't even walk by ragweed without getting a headache or having some kind of weird fatigue. [00:12:23] Jesse Schwamb: Like I have to believe that that was, that part of this transition was all of these things. Like, now your body's gonna overreact to stuff where I, I, God put us in a place where that wouldn't be the case at all. [00:12:35] Tony Arsenal: Yeah. Sometimes I think about like the first. Time that Adam was like sore or like hurt himself. [00:12:42] Tony Arsenal: True. Like the, just the, just the terror and fear that must have come with it. And sin is serious stuff. Like it's serious effects and sad, sad, sad stuff. But yeah, allergies are the worst. I, uh, I suffered really badly with, uh, seasonal allergies. When I was a a kid I had to do allergy shots and everything and it's makes no sense. [00:13:03] Tony Arsenal: There's no rhyme or reason to it, and your allergies change. So like you could be going your whole life, being able to eat strawberries and then all of a sudden you can't. Right? And it's, and you don't know until it happens. So [00:13:14] Jesse Schwamb: what's up with that? [00:13:15] Tony Arsenal: No good. [00:13:16] Jesse Schwamb: What's up with that? So again, imagine that little experience is a microcosmic example of what happens to Adam and Eve. [00:13:24] Jesse Schwamb: You know, like all these things change. Like you're, you're right. Suddenly your body isn't the same. It's not just because you're growing older, but because guess what? Sins everywhere. And guess what, where sin is, even in the midst of who you are as physically constructed and the environment in which you live, all, all totally change. [00:13:40] Jesse Schwamb: So that, that's enough of my rants on allergies. I know the, I know the loved ones out there hear me. It's also remarkable to me that almost everybody has an allergy of some kind. It's very, it's very rare if you don't have any allergies whatsoever. And probably those times when you think you're sick and you don't have allergies could be that you actually have them. [00:13:57] Jesse Schwamb: So it's just wild. Wild. [00:14:02] Tony Arsenal: Agreed. Agreed. [00:14:03] Theological Discussion on Parables [00:14:03] Tony Arsenal: Well, Jesse, without further ado, I'm not, I, maybe we should have further ado, but let's get into it. Let's talk about some parable stuff. [00:14:13] Jesse Schwamb: Yeah, let's do it again. When I say pair, you say able pair. [00:14:17] Tony Arsenal: Able. [00:14:20] Jesse Schwamb: When I say [00:14:21] Tony Arsenal: para you say bowl. [00:14:24] Jesse Schwamb: That's what I was trying to go with before. [00:14:26] Jesse Schwamb: It's a little bit more, yeah, but you gotta like cross over like we both gotta say like that middle syllable kind of. Otherwise it's, it sounds like I'm just saying bowl. And [00:14:34] Tony Arsenal: yeah, there's no good way to chant that. Yeah, we're work. This is why Jesse and I are not cheerleaders. [00:14:39] Jesse Schwamb: We're, we're work shopping everybody. [00:14:40] Jesse Schwamb: But I agree with you. Enough of us talking about affirmations, the denials in this case, the double double denial. Let's talk about parables. So the beauty of this whole series is there's gonna be so much great stuff to talk about, and I think this is a decent topic for us to cover because. Really, if you think about it, the parables of Jesus have captivated people for the entirety of the scriptures. [00:15:06] Jesse Schwamb: As long, as long as they were recorded and have been read and processed and studied together. And, uh, you know, there's stuff I'm sure that we will just gloss over. We don't need to get into in terms of like, is it pure allegory? Is it always allegory? Is it, there's lots of interpretation here. I think this is gonna be our way of processing together and moving through some of these and speaking them out and trying to learn principally. [00:15:28] Jesse Schwamb: Predominantly what they're teaching us. But I say all that because characters like the prodigal son, like Good Samaritan, Pharisees, and tax collector, those actually have become well known even outside the church. [00:15:40] Tony Arsenal: Yeah. And [00:15:40] Jesse Schwamb: then sometimes inside the church there's over familiarity with all of these, and that leads to its own kind of misunderstanding. [00:15:46] Jesse Schwamb: So, and I think as well. I'm hoping that myself, you and our listeners will be able to hear them in a new way, and maybe if we can try to do this without again, being parabolic, is that we can kind of recreate some of the trauma. In these stories. 'cause Jesus is, is pressing upon very certain things and there's certainly a lot of trauma that his original audiences would've taken away from what he was saying here. [00:16:13] Jesse Schwamb: Yeah. Even just starting with what is a parable and why is Jesus telling them? So I presume that's actually the best place for us to begin is what's the deal with the parables and why is this? Is this Jesus preferred way of teaching about the kingdom of God. [00:16:30] Tony Arsenal: Yeah, and I think, you know, it bears saying too that like not all the parables are alike. [00:16:35] Tony Arsenal: Like true. We can't, this is why I'm excited about this series. You know, it's always good to talk through the bible and, and or to talk through systematic theology, but what really excites me is when we do a series like this, kind of like the Scott's Confession series, like it gives us a reason. To think through a lot of different disciplines and flex like exercise and stretch and flex a lot of different kinds of intellectual muscles. [00:17:00] Tony Arsenal: So there's gonna be some exegetical work we have to do. There's gonna be some hermeneutical work we're gonna have to do, probably have to do some historical work about how the parables have been interpreted in different ways. Yes, and and I think, so, I think it's important to say like, not every parable is exactly the same. [00:17:14] Tony Arsenal: And this is where I think like when you read, sometimes you read books about the, the parables of Christ. Like you, you'll hear one guy say. Well, a parable is not an allegory. Then you'll hear another guy say like, well, parables might have allegorical elements to it. Right. Now if one guy say like, well, a parable has one main point, and you'll have another guy say like, well, no, actually, like parables can have multiple points and multiple shades of meaning. [00:17:37] Tony Arsenal: And I think the answer to why you have this variance in the commentaries is 'cause sometimes the parables are alleg. [00:17:44] Jesse Schwamb: Right. And [00:17:44] Tony Arsenal: sometimes they're not allegorical. Sometimes they have one main point. Sometimes there's multiple points. So I think it's important for us to just acknowledge like we're gonna have to come to each parable, um, on its own and on its own terms. [00:17:57] Tony Arsenal: But there are some general principles that I think we can talk about what parables are. So parables in general are. Figurative stories or figurative accounts that are used to illustrate, I think primarily used to illustrate a single main point. And there may be some subpoints, but they, they're generally intended to, uh, to illustrate something by way of a, of a narrative, a fictional narrative that, uh, helps the reader. [00:18:27] Tony Arsenal: Uh, or the hearer is just, it's also important that these were primarily heard, these are heard parables, so there are even times where the phrasing of the language is important in the parable. Um, they're helping the, the hearer to understand spiritual truth. And this is where I think it's it's key, is that this is not just. [00:18:48] Tony Arsenal: When we're talking about the parables of Christ, right? There's people tell parables, there's all sorts of different teachers that have used parables. Um, I, I do parables on the show from time to time where I'll tell like a little made up story about a, you know, a situation. I'll say like, pretend, you know, let's imagine you have this guy and he's doing this thing that's a form of a parable when I'm using. [00:19:08] Tony Arsenal: I'm not, it's not like a makeup made up story. It's not asaps fables. We're not talking about like talking foxes and hens and stuff, but it's illustrating a point. But the parables of Christ are not just to illustrate a point, they're to reveal a spiritual point or spiritual points to those who have ears to hear, to those who've been illuminated by the spirit. [00:19:29] Tony Arsenal: And I just wanna read this. Uh, this is just God's providence, um, in action. I, um, I've fallen behind on my reading in The Daily Dad, which is a Ryan Holiday book. This was the reading that came up today, even though it's not the correct reading for the day. Uh, it's, it's for September 2nd. We're recording this on September, uh, sixth. [00:19:48] Tony Arsenal: Uh, and the title is, this is How You Teach Them. And the first line says, if the Bible has any indication, Jesus rarely seemed to come out and say what he meant. He preferred instead to employ parables and stories and little anecdotes that make you think. He tells stories of the servants and the talents. [00:20:03] Tony Arsenal: He tells stories of the prodigal son and the Good Samaritan. Turns out it's pretty effective to get a point across and make it stick. What what we're gonna learn. Actually that Jesus tells these stories in parables, in part to teach those who have spiritual ears to hear, but in part to mask the truth That's right. [00:20:24] Tony Arsenal: From those who don't have spiritual ears to hear, oh, online [00:20:26] Jesse Schwamb: holiday. [00:20:27] Tony Arsenal: So it's not as simple as like Jesus, using illustration to help make something complicated, clearer, right? Yes. But also, no. So I'm super excited to kind of get into this stuff and talk through it and to, to really dig into the parables themselves. [00:20:42] Tony Arsenal: It's just gonna be a really good exercise at sort of sitting at the feet of our master in his really, his preferred mode of teaching. Um, you know, other than the sermon on the Mount. There's not a lot of like long form, straightforward, didactic teaching like that most of Christ's teaching as recorded in the gospels, comes in the form of these parables in one way or another. [00:21:03] Tony Arsenal: Right. And that's pretty exciting to me. [00:21:05] Jesse Schwamb: Right. And there's so many more parables I think, than we often understand there to be, or at least then that we see in like the headings are Bible, which of course have been put there by our own construction. So anytime you get that. Nice short, metaphorical narrative is really Jesus speaking in a kind of parable form, and I think you're right on. [00:21:25] Jesse Schwamb: For me, it's always highlighting some kind of aspect of the kingdom of God. And I'd say there is generally a hierarchy. There doesn't have to be like a single point, like you said. There could be other points around that. But if you get into this place where like everything has some kind of allegory representation, then the parable seems to die of the death of like a million paper cuts, right? [00:21:40] Jesse Schwamb: Because you're trying to figure out all the things and if you have to represent something, everything he says with some kind of. Heavy spiritual principle gets kind of weird very quickly. But in each of these, as you said, what's common in my understanding is it's presenting like a series of events involving like a small number of characters. [00:21:57] Jesse Schwamb: It is bite-sized and sometimes those are people or plants or even like inanimate objects. So like the, yeah, like you said, the breadth and scope of how Jesus uses the metaphor is brilliant teaching, and it's even more brilliant when you get to that level, like you're saying, where it's meant both to illuminate. [00:22:13] Jesse Schwamb: To obfuscate. That is like, to me, the parable is a manifestation of election because it's clear that Jesus is using this. Those who have the ears to hear are the ones whom the Holy Spirit has unstopped, has opened the eyes, has illuminated the hearts and the mind to such a degree that can receive these, and that now these words are resonant. [00:22:32] Jesse Schwamb: So like what a blessing that we can understand them, that God has essentially. Use this parabolic teaching in such a way to bring forward his concept of election in the minds and the hearts of those who are his children. And it's kind of a way, this is kind of like the secret Christian handshake. It's the speakeasy of salvation. [00:22:52] Jesse Schwamb: It's, it's coming into the fold because God has invited you in and given you. The knowledge and ability of which to really understand these things. And so most of these little characters seemed realistic and resonant in Jesus' world, and that's why sometimes we do need a little bit of studying and understanding the proper context for all those things. [00:23:12] Jesse Schwamb: I would say as well, like at least one element in those parables is a push. It's in, it's kind of taking it and hyping it up. It's pushing the boundaries of what's plausible, and so you'll find that all of this is made again to illuminate some principle of the kingdom of God. And we should probably go to the thing that you intimated, because when you read that quote from, from Ryan Holiday, I was like, yes, my man. [00:23:34] Jesse Schwamb: Like he's on the right track. Right? There's something about what he's saying that is partially correct, but like you said, a lot of times people mistake the fact that, well, Jesus. Is using this language and these metaphors, these similes, he speaks in parables because they were the best way to get like these uneducated people to understand him. [00:23:57] Jesse Schwamb: Right? But it's actually the exact opposite. And we know this because of perhaps the most famous dialogue and expression and explanation of parables, which comes to us in Matthew 13, 10 through 17, where Jesus explains to his disciples exactly why he uses this mode of teaching. And what he says is. This is why I speak to them of parables because seeing they do not see and hearing, they do not hear they nor do they understand. [00:24:24] Jesse Schwamb: So, so that's perplexing. We should probably camp there for just a second and talk about that. Right, and, and like really unpack like, what is Jesus after here? Then if, like, before we get into like, what do all these things mean, it's almost like saying. We need to understand why they're even set before us and why these in some ways are like a kind of a small stumbling block to others, but then this great stone of appreciation and one to stand on for for others. [00:24:47] Tony Arsenal: Yeah, and I think you know, before we, before we cover that, which I think is a good next spot. A parable is not just an illustration. Like I think that's where a lot of people go a little bit sideways, is they think that this is effectively, like it's a fable. It's like a made up story primarily to like illustrate a point right. [00:25:09] Tony Arsenal: Or an allegory where you know, you're taking individual components and they represent something else. A parable fundamentally is a, is a, a comparison between two things, right? The word parable comes from the Greek of casting alongside, and so the idea is like you're, you're taking. The reality that you're trying to articulate and you're setting up this parable next to it and you're comparing them to it. [00:25:33] Tony Arsenal: And so I like to use the word simile, like that's why Christ says like the kingdom of God is like this. Yes. It's not like I'm gonna explain the kingdom of God to you by using this made up story. Right on. It's I'm gonna compare the kingdom of God to this thing or this story that I'm having, and so we should be. [00:25:49] Tony Arsenal: Rather than trying to like find the principles of the parable, we should be looking at it and going, how does this parable reflect? Or how is this a, um, how is this an explanation? Not in the, like, I, I'm struggling to even explain this here. It's not that the cer, the parable is just illustrating a principle. [00:26:10] Tony Arsenal: It's that the kingdom of God is one thing and the parable reveals that same one thing by way of comparison. Yes. So like. Uh, we'll get into the specifics, obviously, but when the, when the, um, lawyer says, who is my neighbor? Well, it's not just like, well, let's look at the Good Samaritan. And the Good Samaritan represents this, and the Levite represents this, and the priest represents this. [00:26:32] Tony Arsenal: It's a good neighbor, is this thing. It's this story. Compared to whatever you have in your mind of what a good neighbor is. And we're gonna bounce those things up against each other, and that's gonna somehow show us what the, what the reality is. And that's why I think to get back to where we were, that's why I think sometimes the parables actually obscure the truth. [00:26:53] Tony Arsenal: Because if we're not comparing the parable to the reality of something, then we're gonna get the parable wrong. So if we think that, um, the Good Samaritan. Is a parable about social justice and we're, we're looking at it to try to understand how do we treat, you know, the, the poor people in Africa who don't have food or the war torn refugees, you know, coming out of Ukraine. [00:27:19] Tony Arsenal: If we're looking at it primarily as like, I need to learn to be a good neighbor to those who are destitute. Uh, we're not comparing it against what Jesus was comparing it against, right? So, so we have to understand, we have to start in a lot of cases with the question that the parable is a response to, which oftentimes the parable is a response to a question or it's a, it's a principle that's being, um, compare it against if we get that first step wrong, uh, or if we start with our own presuppositions, which is why. [00:27:50] Tony Arsenal: Partially why I think Christ is saying like, the only those who have ears to hear. Like if you don't have a spiritual presupposition, I, I mean that, that might not be the right word, but like if you're not starting from the place of spiritual illumination, not in the weird gnostic sense, but in the, the. [00:28:07] Tony Arsenal: Genuinely Christian illumination of the Holy Spirit and inward testimony of the Holy Spirit. If you're not starting from that perspective, you almost can't get the parables right. So that's why we see like the opponents of Christ in the Bible, the Pharisees, the Sadducees, constantly. They're constantly confused and they're getting it wrong. [00:28:26] Tony Arsenal: And, and even sometimes the disciples, they have to go and ask sometimes too, what is this parable? Wow, that's right. What is, what does this mean? So it's never as simple as, as what's directly on the surface, but it's also not usually as complicated as we would make it be if we were trying to over-interpret the parable, which I think is another risk. [00:28:44] Jesse Schwamb: That's the genius, isn't it? Is that I I like what you're saying. It's that spiritual predisposition that allows us to receive the word and, and when we receive that word, it is a simple word. It's not as if like, we have to elevate ourselves in place of this high learning or education or philosophizing, and that's the beauty of it. [00:29:03] Jesse Schwamb: So it is, again, God's setting apart for himself A, a people a teaching. So. But I think this is, it is a little bit perplexing at first, like that statement from Jesus because it's a bit like somebody coming to you, like your place of work or anywhere else in your family life and asking you explicitly for instruction and, and then you saying something like, listen, I, I'm gonna show you, but you're not gonna be able to see it. [00:29:22] Jesse Schwamb: And you're gonna, I'm gonna tell you, but you're not gonna be able to hear it, and I'm gonna explain it to you, but you're not gonna be able to understand. And you're like, okay. So yeah, what's the point of you talking to me then? So it's clear, like you said that Jesus. Is teaching that the secrets, and that's really, really what these are. [00:29:37] The Secrets of the Kingdom of God [00:29:37] Jesse Schwamb: It's brilliant and beautiful that Jesus would, that the, the son of God and God himself would tell us the secrets of his kingdom. But that again, first of all by saying it's a secret, means it's, it's for somebody to guard and to hold knowledge closely and that it is protected. So he says, teaching like the secrets of the kingdom of God are unknowable through mere human reasoning and intuition. [00:29:56] Jesse Schwamb: Interestingly here though, Jesus is also saying that. He's, it's not like he's saying no one can ever understand the parables, right, or that he intends to hide their truth from all people. [00:30:07] Understanding Parables and God's Sovereign Grace [00:30:07] Jesse Schwamb: Instead, he just explains that in order to highlight God's sovereign grace, God in his mercy has enlightened some to whom it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of heaven. [00:30:17] Jesse Schwamb: That's verse 11. So. All of us as his children who have been illuminated can understand the truth of God's kingdom. That is wild and and that is amazing. So that this knowledge goes out and just like we talk about the scripture going out and never returning void, here's a prime example of that very thing that there is a condemnation and not being able to understand. [00:30:37] Jesse Schwamb: That condemnation comes not because you're not intelligent enough, but because as you said, you do not have that predisposition. You do not have that changed heart into the ability to understand these things. [00:30:47] Doctrine of Election and Spiritual Insight [00:30:47] Jesse Schwamb: This is what leads me here to say like every parable then implicitly teaches a doctrine of election. [00:30:53] Jesse Schwamb: Yeah, because all people are outside the kingdom until they enter the Lord's teaching. How do we enter the Lord's teaching by being given ears to hear. How are we understanding that? We have been given ears to hear when these parables speak to us in the spiritual reality as well as in just like you said, like this general kind of like in the way that I presume Ryan Holiday means it. [00:31:12] Jesse Schwamb: The, this is like, he might be exemplifying the fact that these stories. Are a really great form of the ability to communicate complex information or to make you think. [00:31:21] The Power and Purpose of Parables [00:31:21] Jesse Schwamb: So when Jesus says something like The kingdom of God is like a mustard seed, wow, we, you and I will probably spend like two episodes just unpacking that, or we could spend a lot more, that's beautiful that that's how his teaching takes place. [00:31:34] Jesse Schwamb: But of course it's, it's so much. More than that, that those in whom the teaching is effective on a salvation somehow understand it, and their understanding of it becomes first because Christ is implanted within them. Salvation. [00:31:46] Tony Arsenal: Yeah. Yeah. [00:31:48] Parables as More Than Simple Teaching Tools [00:31:48] Tony Arsenal: I think people, and this is what I think like Ryan Holiday's statement reflects, is people think of the parables as a simple teaching tool to break down a complicated subject. [00:32:00] Tony Arsenal: Yes. And so, like if I was trying to explain podcasting to a, like a five-year-old, I would say something like, well, you know. You know how your teacher teaches you during class while a podcast is like if your teacher lived on the internet and you could access your teacher anytime. Like, that might be a weird explanation, but like that's taking a very complicated thing about recording and and RSS feeds and you know, all of these different elements that go into what podcasting is and breaking it down to a simple sub that is not what a parable is. [00:32:30] Tony Arsenal: Right? Right. A parable is not. Just breaking a simple subject down and illustrating it by way of like a, a clever comparison. Um, you know, it's not like someone trying to explain the doctrine of, of the Trinity by using clever analogies or something like that. Even if that were reasonable and impossible. [00:32:50] Tony Arsenal: It's, it's not like that a parable. I like what you're saying about it being kind of like a mini doctrine of election. It's also a mini doctrine of the Bible. Yes. Right. It, it's right on. [00:33:00] The Doctrine of Illumination [00:33:00] Tony Arsenal: It's, it's the doctrine of revelation. In. Preached form in the Ministry of Christ, right? As Christians, we have this text and we affirm that at the same time, uh, what can be known of it and what is necessary for salvation can be known. [00:33:19] Tony Arsenal: By ordinary means like Bart Iman, an avowed atheist who I, I think like all atheists, whether they recognize it or not, hates God. He can read the Bible and understand that what it means is that if you trust Jesus, you'll be saved. You don't need special spiritual insight to understand that that is what the Bible teaches, where the special spiritual. [00:33:42] Tony Arsenal: Insight might not be the right word, but the special spiritual appropriation is that the spirit enables you to receive that unto your salvation. Right? To put your trust in. The reality of that, and we call that doctrine, the doctrine of illumination. And so in, in the sense of parables in Christ's ministry, and this is, this is if you, you know, like what do I always say is just read a little bit more, um, the portion Jesse read it leads way into this prophecy or in this comment, Christ. [00:34:10] Tony Arsenal: Saying he teaches in parable in order to fulfill this prophecy of Isaiah. Basically that like those who are, uh, ate and are apart from God and are resistant to God, these parables there are there in order to confirm that they are. And then it says in verse 16, and this is, this is. [00:34:27] The Blessing of Spiritual Understanding [00:34:27] Tony Arsenal: It always seems like the series that we do ends up with like a theme verse, and this is probably the one verse 16 here, Matthew 1316 says, but blessed are your eyes for they see and your ears for they hear. [00:34:40] Tony Arsenal: And so like there's a blessing. In our salvation and in our election that we are enabled to hear and perceive and re receive the very voice and word of God into our spirit unto our salvation. That is the doctrine of of election. It's also the doctrine of regeneration, the doctrine of sanctification, the doctrine. [00:35:03] Tony Arsenal: I mean, there's all of these different classic reformed doctrines that the parables really are these mic this microcosm of that. Almost like applied in the Ministry of Christ. Right. Which I, I, you know, I've, I've never really thought of it in depth in that way before, but it's absolutely true and it's super exciting to be able to sort of embark on this, uh, on this series journey with, with this group. [00:35:28] Tony Arsenal: I think it's gonna be so good to just dig into these and really, really hear the gospel preached to ourselves through these parables. That's what I'm looking forward to. [00:35:38] Jesse Schwamb: And we're used to being very. Close with the idea that like the message contains the doctrine, the message contains the power. Here we're saying, I think it's both. [00:35:47] Jesse Schwamb: And the mode of that message also contains, the doctrine also contains the power. And I like where you're going with this because I think what we should be reminding ourselves. Is what a blessing it is to have this kind of information conferred to us. [00:36:01] The Role of Parables in Revealing and Concealing Truth [00:36:01] Jesse Schwamb: That again, God has taken, what is the secrets that is his to disclose and his to keep and his to hold, and he's made it available to his children. [00:36:08] Jesse Schwamb: And part of that is for, as you said, like the strengthening of our own faith. It's also for condemnation. So notice that. The hiding of the kingdom through parables is not a consequence of the teaching itself. Again, this goes back to like the mode being as equally important here as the message itself that Christ's teaching is not too difficult to comprehend as an intellectual matter. [00:36:27] Jesse Schwamb: The thing is, like even today, many unbelievers read the gospels and they technically understand what Jesus means in his teaching, especially these parables. The problem is. I would say like moral hardness. It's that lack of spiritual predilection or predisposition. They know what Jesus teaches, but they do not believe. [00:36:47] Jesse Schwamb: And so the challenge before us is as all scripture reading, that we would go before the Holy Spirit and say, holy Spirit, help me to believe. Help me to understand what to believe. And it so doing, do the work of God, which is to believe in him and to believe in His son Jesus Christ and what he's accomplished. [00:37:02] Jesse Schwamb: So the parables are not like creating. Fresh unbelief and sinners instead, like they're confirming the opposition that's already present and apart from Grace, unregenerate perversely use our Lord's teaching to increase their resistance. That's how it's set up. That's how it works. That's why to be on the inside, as it were, not again, because like we've done the right handshake or met all the right standards, but because of the blood of Christ means that the disciples, the first disciples and all the disciples who will follow after them on the other hand. [00:37:33] The Complexity and Nuances of Parables [00:37:33] Jesse Schwamb: We've been granted these eyes to see, and ears to hear Jesus. And then we've been given the secrets of the kingdom. I mean, that's literally what we've been given. And God's mercy has been extended to the disciples who like many in the crowds, once ignorantly and stubbornly rejected God and us just like them as well in both accounts. [00:37:49] Jesse Schwamb: So this is, I think we need to settle on that. You're right, throughout this series, what a blessing. It's not meant to be a great labor or an effort for the child of God. Instead, it's meant to be a way of exploring these fe. Fantastic truths of who God is and what he's done in such a way that draw us in. [00:38:07] Jesse Schwamb: So that whether we're analyzing again, like the the lost coin or the lost sheep, or. Any number of these amazing parables, you'll notice that they draw us in because they don't give us answers in the explicit sense that we're used to. Like didactically instead. Yeah. They cause us to consider, as you've already said, Tony, like what does it mean to be lost? [00:38:26] Jesse Schwamb: What does it mean that the father comes running for this prodigal son? What does it mean that the older brother has a beef with the whole situation? What does it mean when Jesus says that the kingdom of God is like a mustard seed? How much do we know about mustard seeds? And why would he say that? Again, this is a kind of interesting teaching, but that illumination in the midst of it being, I don't wanna say ambiguous, but open-ended to a degree means that the Holy Spirit must come in and give us that kind of grand knowledge. [00:38:55] Jesse Schwamb: But more than that, believe upon what Jesus is saying. I think that's the critical thing, is somebody will say, well, aren't the teaching simple and therefore easy to understand. In a sense, yes. Like factually yes, but in a much greater sense. Absolutely not. And that's why I think it's so beautiful that he quotes Isaiah there because in that original context, you the, you know, you have God delivering a message through Isaiah. [00:39:17] Jesse Schwamb: Uh. The people are very clear. Like, we just don't believe you're a prophet of God. And like what you're saying is ridiculous, right? And we just don't wanna hear you. This is very different than that. This is, Jesus is giving this message essentially to all who will listen to him, not necessarily hear, but all, all who are hear Him, I guess rather, but not necessarily all who are listening with those spiritual ears. [00:39:33] Jesse Schwamb: And so this is like, I love the way that he, he uses that quote in a slightly different way, but still to express the same root cause, which is some of you here. Because of your depravity will not be able to hear what I'm saying. But for those to whom it has been granted to come in who are ushered into the kingdom, this kingdom language will make sense. [00:39:54] Jesse Schwamb: It's like, I'm going to be speaking to you in code and half of you have the key for all the code because the Holy Spirit is your cipher and half of you don't. And you're gonna, you're gonna listen to the same thing, but you will hear very different things. [00:40:06] Tony Arsenal: Yeah. Yeah. And you know, the other thing I think is, is interesting to ponder on this, um. [00:40:12] The Importance of Context in Interpreting Parables [00:40:12] Tony Arsenal: God always accommodates his revelation to his people. And the parables are, are, are like the. Accommodated accommodation. Yeah. Like God accommodates himself to those he chooses to reveal himself to. And in some ways this is, this is, um, the human ministry of Christ is him accommodating himself to those. [00:40:38] Tony Arsenal: What I mean is in the human ministry of the Son, the parables are a way of the son accommodating himself to those he chooses to reveal himself to. So there, there are instances. Where the parable is said, and it is, uh, it's seems to be more or less understood by everybody. Nobody asks the question about like, what does this mean? [00:40:57] Tony Arsenal: Right? And then there are instances where the parable is said, and even the apostles are, or the disciples are like, what does this parable mean? And then there's some interesting ones where like. Christ's enemies understand the parable and, and can understand that the parable is told against them. About them. [00:41:13] Tony Arsenal: Yeah. So there, there's all these different nuances to why Christ used these parables, how simple they were, how complicated they were. Yes. And again, I think that underscores what I said at the top of the show here. It's like you can't treat every parable exactly the same. And that's where you run into trouble. [00:41:28] Tony Arsenal: Like if you're, if you're coming at them, like they're all just simple allegory. Again, like some of them have allegorical elements. I think it's fair to look at the, the prodigal son or the, the prodigal father, however you want to title that. And remember, the titles are not, generally, the titles are not, um, baked into the text itself. [00:41:46] Tony Arsenal: I think it's fair to come to that and look at and go, okay, well, who's the father in this? Who's the son? You know, what does it mean that the older son is this? Is, is there relevance to the fact that there's a party and that the, you know, the older, older, uh, son is not a part of it? There's, there's some legitimacy to that. [00:42:02] Tony Arsenal: And when we look at Christ's own explanation of some of his parables, he uses those kinds, right? The, the good seed is this, the, the seed that fell on the, the side of the road is this, right? The seed that got choked out by the, the, um, thorns is this, but then there are others where it doesn't make sense to pull it apart, element by element. [00:42:21] Tony Arsenal: Mm-hmm. Um, and, and the other thing is there are some things that we're gonna look at that are, um. We're gonna treat as parables that the text doesn't call a parable. And then there are some that you might even look at that sometimes the text calls a parable that we might not even think of as a normal parable, right? [00:42:38] Tony Arsenal: So there's lots of elements. This is gonna be really fun to just dig stuff in and, and sort of pick it, like pull it apart and look at its component parts and constituent parts. Um, so I really do mean it if you, if you're the kind of person who has never picked up a Bible commentary. This would be a good time to, to start because these can get difficult. [00:42:59] Tony Arsenal: They can get complicated. You want to have a trusted guide, and Jesse and I are gonna do our, our work and our research on this. Um, but you want someone who's more of a trusted guide than us. This is gonna be the one time that I might actually say Calvin's commentaries are not the most helpful. And the reason for that is not because Calvin's not clear on this stuff. [00:43:17] Tony Arsenal: Calvin Calvin's commentaries on the gospel is, is a harmony of the gospels, right? So sometimes it's tricky when you're reading it to try to find like a specific, uh, passage in Matthew because you're, you, everything's interwoven. So something like Matthew Henry, um, or something like, um, Matthew Poole. Uh, might be helpful if you're willing to spend a little bit of money. [00:43:38] Tony Arsenal: The ESV expository commentary that I've referenced before is a good option. Um, but try to find something that's approachable and usable that is reasonable for you to work through the commentary alongside of us, because you are gonna want to spend time reading these on your own, and you're gonna want to, like I said, you're gonna want to have a trust guide with you. [00:43:55] Tony Arsenal: Even just a good study bible, something like. The Reformation Study Bible or something along those lines would help you work your way through these parables, and I think it's valuable to do that. [00:44:06] Jesse Schwamb: Something you just said sparked this idea in me that the power, or one of the powers maybe of good fiction is that it grabs your attention. [00:44:15] The Impact of Parables on Listeners [00:44:15] Jesse Schwamb: It like brings you into the plot maybe even more than just what I said before about it being resonant, that it actually pulls you into the storyline and it makes you think that it's about other people until it's too late. Yeah. And Jesus has a way of doing this that really only maybe the parable can allow. [00:44:30] Jesse Schwamb: So like in other words, by the time you realize. A parable is like metaphorical, or even in a limited case, it's allegorical form you've already identified with one or more of the characters and you're caught in the trap. So what comes to my mind there is like the one Old Testament narrative, virtually identical, informed to those Jesus told is Nathan's parable of the You lamb. [00:44:52] Jesse Schwamb: So that's in like second Samuel 12, and I was just looking this up as you were, as you were speaking. So in this potentially life and death move for the prophet Nathan confronts King David. Over his adultery with, or depending on how you see it, rape of Bathsheba, and then his subsequent murder of her husband Uriah, by sending him to the front lines of battle. [00:45:10] Jesse Schwamb: So he's killed. And so in this parable that Nathan tells Uriah is like the poor man. Bathsheba is like the Yu a and the rich man obviously represents David. If you, you know what I'm talking about, go back and look at second Samuel 12. And so what's interesting is once David is hooked into that story, he cannot deny that his behavior was unjust as that of the rich man in the story who takes this UAM for himself and he, which he openly. [00:45:38] Jesse Schwamb: Then David openly condemns of course, like the amazing climax of this. And as the reader who has. Of course, like omniscient knowledge in the story, you know, the plot of things, right? You're, you're already crying out, like you're throwing something, you know, across the room saying like, how can you not see this about you? [00:45:53] Jesse Schwamb: And of course the climax comes in when Nathan points the finger at David and declares, you are the man. And that's kind of what. The parables due to us. Yes. They're not always like the same in accusatory toward us, but they do call us out. This is where, again, when we talk about like the scripture reading us, the parable is particularly good at that because sometimes we tend to identify, you know, again, with like one of the particular characters whom we probably shouldn't identify with, or like you said, the parable, the sower. [00:46:22] Jesse Schwamb: Isn't the Christian always quick to be like, I am the virtual grounds? Yeah. You still have to ask like, you know, there is not like a Paul washer way of doing this, but there is like a way of saying like, checking yourself before you wreck yourself there. And so when Jesus's parables have lost some of that shock value in today's world, we maybe need to contemporize them a little bit. [00:46:43] Jesse Schwamb: I, and I think we'll talk about that as we go through it. We're not rewriting them for any reason that that would be completely inappropriate. Think about this though. Like the Jew robbed and left for dead. And you know the story of the Grace Samaritan may need to become like the white evangelical man who is helped by like the black Muslim woman after the senior pastor and the worship leader from the local reformed church passed by like that. [00:47:05] Jesse Schwamb: That might be the frame, which we should put it to try to understand it whenever we face a hostile audience that this indirect rhetoric of compelling stories may help at least some people hear God's world more favorably, and I think that's why you get both like a soft. And a sharp edge with these stories. [00:47:20] Jesse Schwamb: But it's the ability to, to kind of come in on the sneak attack. It's to make you feel welcomed in and to identify with somebody. And then sometimes to find that you're identifying entirely with a character whom Jesus is gonna say, listen, don't be this way, or This is what the kingdom of God is, is not like this. [00:47:35] Jesse Schwamb: Or again, to give you shock value, not for the sake of telling like a good tale that somehow has a twist where it's like everybody was actually. All Dead at the end. Another movie, by the way, I have not seen, but I just know that that's like, I'll never see that movie because, can we say it that the spoiler is, is out on that, right? [00:47:54] Tony Arsenal: Are we, what are we talking about? What movie are we talking about? [00:47:56] Jesse Schwamb: Well, I don't, I don't wanna say it. I didn't [00:47:57] Tony Arsenal: even get it from your description. Oh. [00:47:59] Jesse Schwamb: Like that, that movie where like, he was dead the whole time. [00:48:02] Tony Arsenal: Oh, this, that, that, that movie came out like 30 years ago, Jesse. Oh, seriously? [00:48:06] Jesse Schwamb: Okay. All right. [00:48:06] Tony Arsenal: So Six Sense. [00:48:07] Tony Arsenal: Yeah. That movie came out a long time ago. [00:48:10] Jesse Schwamb: So it's not like the parables are the sixth sense, and it's like, let me get you like a really cool twist. Right. Or like hook at the end. I, and I think in part it is to disarm you and to draw you in in such a way that we might honestly consider what's happening there. [00:48:22] Jesse Schwamb: And that's how it reads us. [00:48:24] Tony Arsenal: Yeah. Yeah. And I, I think that's a good point. And, and. It bears saying there are all sorts of parables all throughout the Bible. It's not just Jesus that teaches these, and they do have this similar effect that they, they draw you in. Um, oftentimes you identify it preliminarily, you identify with the wrong person, and it's not until you. [00:48:45] Tony Arsenal: Or you don't identify with anyone when you should. Right. Right. And it's not until the sort of punchline or I think that account with Nathan is so spot on because it's the same kind of thing. David did not have ears to hear. [00:48:58] Jesse Schwamb: Right. Until he had That's good point. Ears [00:49:00] Tony Arsenal: to hear. [00:49:00] Jesse Schwamb: Good point. [00:49:01] Tony Arsenal: And he heard the point of the parable. [00:49:03] Tony Arsenal: He understood the point of the parable and he didn't understand that the parable was about him, right? It's like the ultimate, I don't know why you're clapping David, I'm talking about you moment. Um, I'm just have this picture of Paul washer in like a biblical era robe. Um, so I think that's a enough progam to the series. [00:49:20] Preparing for the Series on Parables [00:49:20] Tony Arsenal: We're super excited we're, we'll cover some of these principles again, because again, different parables have to be interpreted different ways, and some of these principles apply to one and don't to others, and so we'll, we'll tease that out when we get there next week. We're gonna just jump right in. [00:49:34] Tony Arsenal: We're gonna get started with, I think, um, I actually think, you know, in the, the providence of, of the Holy Spirit and the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, and then obviously the providence of God in Christ's ministry, the, the parable that kind of like frames all of the other parables,
Welcome to the WealthBuilders Podcast with Karen Conrad Metcalfe and Dave Metcalfe discussing biblical wealth and aligning your heart with God's promises.The discussion explores the concept of true wealth as something that begins within each of us, rooted in a relationship with God and a heart aligned with His promises. They touch on overcoming limiting beliefs, trusting God's guidance, and practical steps for fixing your heart to receive abundance. Tune in for real-life examples of faith, perspective, and practical action working together for financial breakthrough. Unlocking the Wealth Within: Practical Steps and Spiritual InsightsMore Resources:Learn more about WealthBuildershttps://www.wealthbuilders.org/FREE e-Booklet - Touch Your Dreamswealthbuilders.org/tydreamFREE Download - The Covenant Names of Godhttps://www.karenconrad.net/product/free-notes-covenant-names-of-god-knowing-god/WealthBuilders Real Estate Workshop: Possess Your Promisehttps://billyepperhart.lpages.co/possess-your-promise/
You've been lied to about how long it takes to change a habit. This episode reveals a powerful, science-backed method to rewire your brain in just 63 seconds—without relying on willpower. You'll discover how to use the 63-second window to interrupt destructive thought loops and how true habit change requires 63-day habit formation, not the popularized 21-day myth. Watch this episode on YouTube for the full video experience: https://www.youtube.com/@DaveAspreyBPR Host Dave Asprey sits down with Dr. Caroline Leaf, a cognitive neuroscientist and best-selling author known for her groundbreaking work on the mind-brain connection. With over four decades of experience, Dr. Leaf has helped millions better understand the differences between the mind vs brain, how to harness intuition and neurobiology, and how to apply science-based tools for healing trauma with neuroscience. Her newest work, Help in a Hurry, builds on her bestselling book Cleaning Up Your Mental Mess, offering real-time tools to regain mental control during moments of emotional chaos. You'll learn: • Why the 21-day habit myth persists and what the neuroscience actually shows • How to use the 63-second window to stop toxic thoughts from wiring into your brain • What happens during the 63-day habit formation cycle and how to stay on track • The difference between the subconscious vs unconscious mind • How to rewire your brain for better emotional regulation and decision-making • The power of forgiveness and how it relates to quantum entanglement • Caroline Leaf's mental mess strategies to overcome triggers in real time • Why the free will neuroscience debate matters for your mental sovereignty • How to interpret intuitive “blips” through a neuroscience lens • Tools for using neuroplasticity to heal trauma, manage emotions, and boost clarity This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in brain optimization, biohacking, human performance, mental resilience, and smarter-not-harder strategies for personal growth. Whether you're focused on fasting, cold therapy, nootropics, sleep optimization, or upgrading your mitochondria, these mental frameworks will amplify your results. Dave Asprey is a four-time New York Times bestselling author, founder of Bulletproof Coffee, and the father of biohacking. With over 1,000 interviews and 1 million monthly listeners, The Human Upgrade is the top podcast for people who want to take control of their biology, extend their longevity, and optimize every system in the body and mind. Each episode features cutting-edge insights in health, performance, neuroscience, supplements, nutrition, hacking, emotional intelligence, and conscious living. Episodes are released every Tuesday and Thursday, where Dave asks the questions no one else dares, and brings you real tools to become more resilient, aware, and high performing. Thank you to our sponsors! Zbiotics | Go to https://zbiotics.com/DAVE for 15% off your first order IGNITON | Save 10% at https://endlss.io/sl/igniton/daveasprey Resources: • Order Caroline's New Book ‘Help in a Hurry' - https://a.co/d/6O9RaJB • Caroline's Website: https://drleaf.com/ • Dave Asprey's Website: https://daveasprey.com • Danger Coffee: https://dangercoffee.com/DAVE15 • Dave Asprey's BEYOND Conference: https://beyondconference.com • Dave Asprey's New Book – Heavily Meditated: https://daveasprey.com/heavily-meditated • Upgrade Collective: https://www.ourupgradecollective.com • Upgrade Labs: https://upgradelabs.com • 40 Years of Zen: https://40yearsofzen.com Timestamps: • 0:00 Trailer • 0:54 Intro • 1:12 63-Second Habit Rule • 5:14 21 vs 63 Days • 9:20 Habits vs Trauma • 14:19 Healing & Spiritual Insight • 17:43 Free Will & Mind-Brain Link • 19:11 Conscious vs Subconscious • 26:02 Intuition & Memory • 33:15 AI & Consciousness • 37:56 Death & Energy • 51:21 Forgiveness & Entanglement • 55:14 Self-Regulation Tools See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.