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Episode 407. James B and Eddie discuss back to back Spider-Man stories series both with controversial art but clearly on opposite sides of the humor spectrum. Sponsored by: Tiffany Gibson Theme Music by Jeff Kenniston. This Episode Edited by James B using Audacity and Cleanfeed. Summaries written by James B and Eddie and Mister Coffee. Most Sound effects and music generously provided royalty free by www.fesliyanstudios.com and https://www.zapsplat.com/ Check out all the episodes on letsreadspiderman.podbean.com or wherever you get your podcasts. Check out our live meetup and Discord Channel here https://docs.google.com/document/d/1_mW6htjJUHOzlViEvPQqR-k68tClMGAi85Bi_xrlV7w/edit
Episode 406. James B and Eddie discuss six more books featuring Tombstone, Crusher Hogan and a bar full of villains. Also a named villain dies and Benicio Del Toro is discussed. Sponsored by Coney Island Carnival Employees Theme Music by Jeff Kenniston. This Episode Edited by James B using Audacity and Cleanfeed. Summaries written by James B and Eddie and Stag Beetle's Daughter. Most Sound effects and music generously provided royalty free by www.fesliyanstudios.com and https://www.zapsplat.com/ Check out all the episodes on letsreadspiderman.podbean.com or wherever you get your podcasts. Check out our live meetup and Discord Channel here https://docs.google.com/document/d/1_mW6htjJUHOzlViEvPQqR-k68tClMGAi85Bi_xrlV7w/edit
Episode 405. James B and Eddie read two books with no words and disagree on which books are the best. Sponsored by: Shhhh! Earplugs Theme Music by Jeff Kenniston. This Episode Edited by James B using Audacity and Cleanfeed. Summaries written by James B and Eddie and Kelvin. Most Sound effects and music generously provided royalty free by www.fesliyanstudios.com and https://www.zapsplat.com/
The sermon focuses on the transformative necessity of a dedicated, private prayer life. Drawing from a recent youth camp experience characterized by a "spiritual renaissance," the message challenges the congregation to move past cultural distractions and performance-based faith to seek a genuine, unhurried connection with God.Key Camp TeachingsErik begins by summarizing the core messages delivered during the recent youth camp, which laid the foundation for the students' spiritual breakthroughs:The Chalk Circle (Rodney Smith): A challenge to draw a metaphorical circle around oneself and pray fervently for revival to start exclusively within that circle.Discernment (Ralph Garcia): The importance of distinguishing between four distinct voices: God, the enemy, the world, and self. This is achieved through Scripture, the Holy Spirit, and wise counsel.The Power of Imagination (Travis): A call to stop surrendering the mind's eye to the enemy and instead use imagination to visualize God and cleanse the mind.Making Disciples (Robbie): A reminder that believers cannot lead others where they have not spiritually gone themselves.Student TestimoniesTo demonstrate the practical impact of these teachings, six students shared their personal breakthroughs from the camp:Ally: Overcame a strong reluctance to attend camp and experienced a profound sense of God's presence and peace during prayer.Carson: Broke free from a draining, performance-based faith and removed digital distractions (like phones) to find pure spiritual freedom.Evie: Conquered a lifelong fear of embarrassment and the judgment of others in order to fully surrender and worship openly.James: Navigated the fallout of a public mistake, a battle with pneumonia, and profound grief, ultimately finding the overwhelming presence of Jesus.Addie: Battled internal divides, anxiety, and shame by using Scripture (Philippians 4, Psalm 139) to renew her mind and silence lies.Liam: Transitioned from an inconsistent, wavering relationship with God to stepping up in leadership and finding clear spiritual direction.The Core Message: Fueling Ministry Through PrayerFollowing the testimonies, Erik grounds the message in Luke 10:38-42, using the story of Martha and Mary to illustrate the ultimate goal of prayer.The Danger of Distraction: Martha was frantic, working hard to prepare a meal for Jesus, but her busyness left her frustrated, burned out, and resentful. Erik warns against doing things for Jesus while neglecting to spend time with Jesus.The "Good Portion": Mary chose the better path by simply sitting at the feet of Jesus and listening. True spiritual peace and effectiveness come from proximity to God, not from frantic service.Motivations in Prayer: A healthy prayer life must seek the advancement of God's kingdom rather than personal glory. Erik challenges the congregation to examine if their prayers are focused on building up their own names or honoring God."No man is greater than his prayer life." — Leonard Ravenhill (Quoted by Erik Schlick)The sermon concludes with a call to action: to stop living out of anxiety or a desire for human approval, and instead adopt a posture of stillness, knowing that a public life of faith must be directly fueled by a private life of prayer. Support the show*Summaries and transcripts are generated using AI. Please notify us if you find any errors.
Episode 404. James B and Eddie discuss three different tales involving $500 in rent money, $500 in opera tickets and $500,000 of stolen jewels. Sponsored by Daily Workout Sparring Partners for Crime Bosses Theme Music by Jeff Kenniston. This Episode Edited by James B using Audacity and Cleanfeed. Summaries written by James B and Eddie and the Vulture's old girlfriend. Most Sound effects and music generously provided royalty free by www.fesliyanstudios.com and https://www.zapsplat.com/ Check out all the episodes on letsreadspiderman.podbean.com or wherever you get your podcasts. Check out our live meetup and Discord Channel here https://docs.google.com/document/d/1_mW6htjJUHOzlViEvPQqR-k68tClMGAi85Bi_xrlV7w/edit
AI summaries are gaining traction and making the potential for a “zero click web” increasingly real. What does that mean for the internet as we know it today? Fact checking by Sierra Juarez.Your Next Listen — AI is pumping out books. Are they any good?Connect with The Indicator — Sign up for The Indicator's brand new newsletter— Buy the Planet Money book— Find our socials, YouTube and more!— For sponsor-free episodes, subscribe to NPR+ See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy
Episode 403. James B and Eddie start a new series featuring stories of characters impacted indirectly by Spider-Man. Segments: Spider-Man's Orchestra Sponsored by: Professional Spies and Assassins Incorporated Theme Music by Jeff Kenniston. This Episode Edited by James B using Audacity and Cleanfeed. Summaries written by James B and Eddie and Stella. Most Sound effects and music generously provided royalty free by www.fesliyanstudios.com and https://www.zapsplat.com/ Check out all the episodes on letsreadspiderman.podbean.com or wherever you get your podcasts. Check out our live meetup and Discord Channel here https://docs.google.com/document/d/1_mW6htjJUHOzlViEvPQqR-k68tClMGAi85Bi_xrlV7w/edit
How do we navigate the "mixed bag" of prophecy today? In this message from the Is This Thing On? series, Pastor Travis Aicklen addresses one of the most misunderstood and sometimes misused gifts of the Spirit: prophecy. Travis candidly acknowledges the awkwardness and skepticism many feel toward the prophetic, often born from seeing the gift abused or used to manipulate others. However, he challenges us not to let past negative experiences or "fuzzy details" cause us to reject a genuine and powerful gift from God. By comparing two biblical examples of prophecy, Travis provides a framework for understanding how God speaks, how to test what we hear, and how to embrace the prophetic to build up the church.Key Points & Scripture ReferencesThe Reality of the "Mixed Bag": The church in Corinth was a messy place, and their use of spiritual gifts reflected that. Prophecy, like any gift given to flawed humans, can be misunderstood or misapplied. Just because a gift is sometimes abused doesn't mean it isn't real or valuable. We are called to "earnestly desire spiritual gifts, especially that you may prophesy" (1 Corinthians 14:1).Two Kinds of Prophets: Travis contrasts the prophet Agabus, who accurately foretold a famine and Paul's future imprisonment, with false prophets who use their "gift" for personal gain or manipulation. Agabus demonstrates that true prophecy is a humble, specific revelation from God, meant to prepare and strengthen the church.The Components of Prophecy: A prophetic word consists of three parts: Revelation (what God shows you), Interpretation (what you think it means), and Application (what you should do about it). The revelation is from God, but the interpretation and application are human processes, which is why prophecy must always be tested against Scripture and the wisdom of the community.The Purpose is Edification: According to 1 Corinthians 14:3, the primary purpose of prophecy is not to tell the future or reveal secrets, but to bring "upbuilding and encouragement and consolation" to the church. The one who prophesies "builds up the church". If a "word from God" tears down or manipulates, it is not true prophecy.Embracing the Mystery: We don't have to understand everything about the prophetic to participate in it. Travis encourages us to be open to how God might speak through dreams, pictures, or "props" (like Agabus taking Paul's belt), and to humbly share those impressions with one another.Call to ActionHave you completely closed yourself off to the idea that God might speak to you, or through you, to encourage someone else? This week, ask God to give you an "Agabus moment"—a specific, encouraging word for a friend, a coworker, or a family member. It doesn't have to be dramatic; it could be as simple as, "I feel like God wants you to know..." As we step out in faith, even with "fuzzy details," God can use our tentative words to build up His church. Let's not let the misuse of a gift prevent us from experiencing its true power.Join us Sundays at 8:30am or 10:30am. Find out more at RadiantVisalia.com. Support the show*Summaries and transcripts are generated using AI. Please notify us if you find any errors.
Episode 402. James B and Eddie discuss the conclusion of the Morlun and Ezekiel saga. JMS makes fun of himself. Aunt May prepares to discuss her discovery of Peter being Spider-Man. Sponsored by Morlun HVAC Theme Music by Jeff Kenniston. This Episode Edited by James B using Audacity and Cleanfeed. Summaries written by James B and Eddie and an underage kid living in an abandoned building but don't tell anyone. Most Sound effects and music generously provided royalty free by www.fesliyanstudios.com and https://www.zapsplat.com/ Check out all the episodes on letsreadspiderman.podbean.com or wherever you get your podcasts. Check out our live meetup and Discord Channel here https://docs.google.com/document/d/1_mW6htjJUHOzlViEvPQqR-k68tClMGAi85Bi_xrlV7w/edit
Episode 401. James B and Eddie meet Peter's new neighbor, find out why Fusion is angry at Spider-Man and meet a hero with dementia. Sponsored by Fusion Theme Music by Jeff Kenniston. This Episode Edited by James B using Audacity and Cleanfeed. Summaries written by James B and Eddie and LaFronce. Most Sound effects and music generously provided royalty free by www.fesliyanstudios.com and https://www.zapsplat.com/ Check out all the episodes on letsreadspiderman.podbean.com or wherever you get your podcasts.
Are you telling the story of what God has done in your life? In this installment of the Is This Thing On? series, guest speaker David Jansson tackles "The Power of Testimony." We often shy away from sharing our stories because they don't seem "dramatic" enough—maybe we didn't have a radical conversion from a life of extreme sin. But David reminds us that the power of a testimony lies not in its drama, but in its truth. Your story, no matter how "ordinary" it may seem, is living proof of God's grace and an essential tool for building up the church.Key Points & Scripture ReferencesThe Command to Tell: Throughout Scripture, from the Old Testament (Deuteronomy 6) to the New (1 John 1), God's people are commanded to tell the stories of His faithfulness. A testimony is simply declaring what we have seen and heard God do.Doctrine and Story Must Align: We need both the map (theology/doctrine) and the stories (testimony). Theology provides the structure, but personal stories provide the lived reality of God's character. They validate and reinforce each other.The Danger of the "Social Imaginary": We live in a culture that tells us a different story—one where God is irrelevant and human reason is supreme. If we aren't actively telling the true story of God's work, the world's false narratives will quickly fill the void.Your Story Matters: You don't need a dramatic "before and after" to have a testimony. If God has given you peace, answered a prayer, or guided you through a difficult season, that is a testimony. Don't withhold your story; it's a vital part of God's work in the world.Overcoming the Hindrances: Pride and fear often keep us silent. We might fear rejection or simply think our story isn't "good enough." David challenges us to cultivate humility, recognize that we are all completely dependent on God's grace, and boldly share our experiences.Call to ActionThis week, intentionally reflect on your own story. What is one specific way God has been faithful to you? It might be a recent answered prayer or a lesson learned years ago. Once you have it, share it. Tell your spouse, your children, or a friend. Don't let your testimony remain unspoken; use your words to build faith and declare God's goodness to those around you.Join us Sundays at 8:30am or 10:30am. Find out more at RadiantVisalia.com. Support the show*Summaries and transcripts are generated using AI. Please notify us if you find any errors.
Tech commentator Alex Sims looks at increasing complaints about Google's search results - can you really find what you're looking for or is it more of an advertising delivery vehicle? And how trustworthy are the AI summaries that now appear at the top? Alex details examples of where AI has got professionals into trouble, for not verifying the information they've used in the job. Alex Sims is a Professor in the Department of Commercial Law at the University of Auckland Business School and an expert on blockchain technology, copyright law and consumer law.
Episode 399. James B and Eddie discuss the return of MJ, the separation of Peter and MJ, Peter's job as a science teacher, the introduction of Ezekiel and Spider-Man's foul language. Sponsored by What Would The Petrified Tablet Do Theme Music by Jeff Kenniston. This Episode Edited by James B using Audacity and Cleanfeed. Summaries written by James B and Eddie and the Spider-Light. Most Sound effects and music generously provided royalty free by www.fesliyanstudios.com and https://www.zapsplat.com/ Check out all the episodes on letsreadspiderman.podbean.com or wherever you get your podcasts. Check out our live meetup and Discord Channel here https://docs.google.com/document/d/1_mW6htjJUHOzlViEvPQqR-k68tClMGAi85Bi_xrlV7w/edit
Are your words rushing ahead of your wisdom? In week two of our Is This Thing On? series, Pastor Danny Cantelmi tackles the critical counterpart to the power of speaking blessing: the discipline of how we listen. Drawing on the ancient wisdom of James, Danny challenges our fast-paced, quick-to-respond culture by examining what it truly means to be "quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger." This message is a vital gut-check for our relationships, marriages, and daily interactions, revealing how uncontrolled words and the subtle poison of pride can undermine the very lives we're trying to build.Key Points & Scripture ReferencesThe Weight of Our Words: Building on last week's message, we have the immense responsibility and invitation to participate in God's harvest by using our words to bless and build up others. Our words are not passive; they have exponential, active power.The Discipline of Listening: James 1:19-20 urges believers to be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger. True listening is an active, engaged posture—not a passive waiting for your turn to talk or a defensive stance.Pride vs. Humility: Being quick to listen cultivates humility, which invites God's grace into our lives (James 4:6). Conversely, pride—whether in the form of arrogance ("I'm better than you") or isolation ("I don't need you")—is the enemy of authentic listening and relationship.The Danger of the Quick Reply: In a world of instant communication, our uncontrolled speech often leads to uncontrolled anger. A failure to listen deeply can result in misrepresentation, hurt feelings, and relational breakdown (Proverbs 13:10, 17:27).The Ultimate Listener: Jesus modeled perfect humility by submitting to the Father, even to the point of death on a cross (Philippians 2:6-13). When we struggle with pride or uncontrolled speech, we look to Christ, who empowers us to walk in humility and grace.Call to ActionHow are you doing with the "quick to listen" command? This week, take a moment to ask a trusted friend or spouse for an honest assessment of your listening skills. Practice the discipline of slowing down your responses, avoiding defensive "quick replies," and intentionally validating the feelings of those around you. If you realize your words have caused damage, don't wait—take the humble step of apologizing and seeking reconciliation today.Join us Sundays at 8:30am or 10:30am. Find out more at RadiantVisalia.com. Support the show*Summaries and transcripts are generated using AI. Please notify us if you find any errors.
Episode 398. James B and Eddie watch Spider-Man relive the secrets of the petrified tablet in a nearly identical tale, only with two different crimebosses and neither is named Silvermane. Sponsored by The Tompkins Agency Theme Music by Jeff Kenniston. This Episode Edited by James B using Audacity and Cleanfeed. Summaries written by James B and Eddie and Shea. Most Sound effects and music generously provided royalty free by www.fesliyanstudios.com and https://www.zapsplat.com/ Check out all the episodes on letsreadspiderman.podbean.com or wherever you get your podcasts. Check out our live meetup and Discord Channel here https://docs.google.com/document/d/1_mW6htjJUHOzlViEvPQqR-k68tClMGAi85Bi_xrlV7w/edit
From the inside flap: “A rich resource of Deleuze's research that is unavailable in his published writing Includes summaries of 216 seminar sessions available in transcripts and recordings Summaries are based on research for the Deleuze Seminars project (co-directed by Charles J. Stivale and Daniel W. Smith), where full transcripts and translations, to which readers will have access for simultaneous or subsequent consultation, have been developed by an international team of scholar-translators Alongside summaries, an attached critical apparatus provides references to corresponding links within Deleuze's writings, seminars, and other sources to facilitate additional research The texts in this volume - summaries of the 216 seminars taught by Gilles Deleuze - provide unique insight into the latter half of Deleuze's teaching career. Deleuze understood his seminars as a laboratory for developing his ongoing research, and this volume is a guide to the creative becomings in the development of his philosophical works through teaching.From Anti-Oedipus (1972) to The Fold: Leibniz and the Baroque (1987), Deleuze examined a wide range of philosophical perspectives in pursuit of successive thematic topics. These summaries and commentaries serve as incitement for further research, allowing readers familiar with Deleuze's work to find new angles of approach and providing greater access to readers coming to his work for the first time." New Books Network: Stivale, Charles J., and Daniel W. Smith. (2025-10-21). "Gilles Deleuze, On Painting" Machinic Unconscious Happy Hour: Stivale, Charles J., Taylor Adkins, and Cooper Cherry. (2025-08-12). "Deleuze and Guattari – How Do You Make Yourself A Body Without Organs" Stivale, Charles J., Daniel W. Smith. (2023-06-29). "Deleuze on Painting and Cinema". The Deleuze Seminars: here Nathan Smith is a PhD candidate in Music Theory at Yale University nathan.smith@yale.edu Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/psychoanalysis
From the inside flap: “A rich resource of Deleuze's research that is unavailable in his published writing Includes summaries of 216 seminar sessions available in transcripts and recordings Summaries are based on research for the Deleuze Seminars project (co-directed by Charles J. Stivale and Daniel W. Smith), where full transcripts and translations, to which readers will have access for simultaneous or subsequent consultation, have been developed by an international team of scholar-translators Alongside summaries, an attached critical apparatus provides references to corresponding links within Deleuze's writings, seminars, and other sources to facilitate additional research The texts in this volume - summaries of the 216 seminars taught by Gilles Deleuze - provide unique insight into the latter half of Deleuze's teaching career. Deleuze understood his seminars as a laboratory for developing his ongoing research, and this volume is a guide to the creative becomings in the development of his philosophical works through teaching.From Anti-Oedipus (1972) to The Fold: Leibniz and the Baroque (1987), Deleuze examined a wide range of philosophical perspectives in pursuit of successive thematic topics. These summaries and commentaries serve as incitement for further research, allowing readers familiar with Deleuze's work to find new angles of approach and providing greater access to readers coming to his work for the first time." New Books Network: Stivale, Charles J., and Daniel W. Smith. (2025-10-21). "Gilles Deleuze, On Painting" Machinic Unconscious Happy Hour: Stivale, Charles J., Taylor Adkins, and Cooper Cherry. (2025-08-12). "Deleuze and Guattari – How Do You Make Yourself A Body Without Organs" Stivale, Charles J., Daniel W. Smith. (2023-06-29). "Deleuze on Painting and Cinema". The Deleuze Seminars: here Nathan Smith is a PhD candidate in Music Theory at Yale University nathan.smith@yale.edu Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network
From the inside flap: “A rich resource of Deleuze's research that is unavailable in his published writing Includes summaries of 216 seminar sessions available in transcripts and recordings Summaries are based on research for the Deleuze Seminars project (co-directed by Charles J. Stivale and Daniel W. Smith), where full transcripts and translations, to which readers will have access for simultaneous or subsequent consultation, have been developed by an international team of scholar-translators Alongside summaries, an attached critical apparatus provides references to corresponding links within Deleuze's writings, seminars, and other sources to facilitate additional research The texts in this volume - summaries of the 216 seminars taught by Gilles Deleuze - provide unique insight into the latter half of Deleuze's teaching career. Deleuze understood his seminars as a laboratory for developing his ongoing research, and this volume is a guide to the creative becomings in the development of his philosophical works through teaching.From Anti-Oedipus (1972) to The Fold: Leibniz and the Baroque (1987), Deleuze examined a wide range of philosophical perspectives in pursuit of successive thematic topics. These summaries and commentaries serve as incitement for further research, allowing readers familiar with Deleuze's work to find new angles of approach and providing greater access to readers coming to his work for the first time." New Books Network: Stivale, Charles J., and Daniel W. Smith. (2025-10-21). "Gilles Deleuze, On Painting" Machinic Unconscious Happy Hour: Stivale, Charles J., Taylor Adkins, and Cooper Cherry. (2025-08-12). "Deleuze and Guattari – How Do You Make Yourself A Body Without Organs" Stivale, Charles J., Daniel W. Smith. (2023-06-29). "Deleuze on Painting and Cinema". The Deleuze Seminars: here Nathan Smith is a PhD candidate in Music Theory at Yale University nathan.smith@yale.edu Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/critical-theory
From the inside flap: “A rich resource of Deleuze's research that is unavailable in his published writing Includes summaries of 216 seminar sessions available in transcripts and recordings Summaries are based on research for the Deleuze Seminars project (co-directed by Charles J. Stivale and Daniel W. Smith), where full transcripts and translations, to which readers will have access for simultaneous or subsequent consultation, have been developed by an international team of scholar-translators Alongside summaries, an attached critical apparatus provides references to corresponding links within Deleuze's writings, seminars, and other sources to facilitate additional research The texts in this volume - summaries of the 216 seminars taught by Gilles Deleuze - provide unique insight into the latter half of Deleuze's teaching career. Deleuze understood his seminars as a laboratory for developing his ongoing research, and this volume is a guide to the creative becomings in the development of his philosophical works through teaching.From Anti-Oedipus (1972) to The Fold: Leibniz and the Baroque (1987), Deleuze examined a wide range of philosophical perspectives in pursuit of successive thematic topics. These summaries and commentaries serve as incitement for further research, allowing readers familiar with Deleuze's work to find new angles of approach and providing greater access to readers coming to his work for the first time." New Books Network: Stivale, Charles J., and Daniel W. Smith. (2025-10-21). "Gilles Deleuze, On Painting" Machinic Unconscious Happy Hour: Stivale, Charles J., Taylor Adkins, and Cooper Cherry. (2025-08-12). "Deleuze and Guattari – How Do You Make Yourself A Body Without Organs" Stivale, Charles J., Daniel W. Smith. (2023-06-29). "Deleuze on Painting and Cinema". The Deleuze Seminars: here Nathan Smith is a PhD candidate in Music Theory at Yale University nathan.smith@yale.edu Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/intellectual-history
From the inside flap: “A rich resource of Deleuze's research that is unavailable in his published writing Includes summaries of 216 seminar sessions available in transcripts and recordings Summaries are based on research for the Deleuze Seminars project (co-directed by Charles J. Stivale and Daniel W. Smith), where full transcripts and translations, to which readers will have access for simultaneous or subsequent consultation, have been developed by an international team of scholar-translators Alongside summaries, an attached critical apparatus provides references to corresponding links within Deleuze's writings, seminars, and other sources to facilitate additional research The texts in this volume - summaries of the 216 seminars taught by Gilles Deleuze - provide unique insight into the latter half of Deleuze's teaching career. Deleuze understood his seminars as a laboratory for developing his ongoing research, and this volume is a guide to the creative becomings in the development of his philosophical works through teaching.From Anti-Oedipus (1972) to The Fold: Leibniz and the Baroque (1987), Deleuze examined a wide range of philosophical perspectives in pursuit of successive thematic topics. These summaries and commentaries serve as incitement for further research, allowing readers familiar with Deleuze's work to find new angles of approach and providing greater access to readers coming to his work for the first time." New Books Network: Stivale, Charles J., and Daniel W. Smith. (2025-10-21). "Gilles Deleuze, On Painting" Machinic Unconscious Happy Hour: Stivale, Charles J., Taylor Adkins, and Cooper Cherry. (2025-08-12). "Deleuze and Guattari – How Do You Make Yourself A Body Without Organs" Stivale, Charles J., Daniel W. Smith. (2023-06-29). "Deleuze on Painting and Cinema". The Deleuze Seminars: here Nathan Smith is a PhD candidate in Music Theory at Yale University nathan.smith@yale.edu Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/european-studies
From the inside flap: “A rich resource of Deleuze's research that is unavailable in his published writing Includes summaries of 216 seminar sessions available in transcripts and recordings Summaries are based on research for the Deleuze Seminars project (co-directed by Charles J. Stivale and Daniel W. Smith), where full transcripts and translations, to which readers will have access for simultaneous or subsequent consultation, have been developed by an international team of scholar-translators Alongside summaries, an attached critical apparatus provides references to corresponding links within Deleuze's writings, seminars, and other sources to facilitate additional research The texts in this volume - summaries of the 216 seminars taught by Gilles Deleuze - provide unique insight into the latter half of Deleuze's teaching career. Deleuze understood his seminars as a laboratory for developing his ongoing research, and this volume is a guide to the creative becomings in the development of his philosophical works through teaching.From Anti-Oedipus (1972) to The Fold: Leibniz and the Baroque (1987), Deleuze examined a wide range of philosophical perspectives in pursuit of successive thematic topics. These summaries and commentaries serve as incitement for further research, allowing readers familiar with Deleuze's work to find new angles of approach and providing greater access to readers coming to his work for the first time." New Books Network: Stivale, Charles J., and Daniel W. Smith. (2025-10-21). "Gilles Deleuze, On Painting" Machinic Unconscious Happy Hour: Stivale, Charles J., Taylor Adkins, and Cooper Cherry. (2025-08-12). "Deleuze and Guattari – How Do You Make Yourself A Body Without Organs" Stivale, Charles J., Daniel W. Smith. (2023-06-29). "Deleuze on Painting and Cinema". The Deleuze Seminars: here Nathan Smith is a PhD candidate in Music Theory at Yale University nathan.smith@yale.edu Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/french-studies
Episode 397. James B and Eddie discuss new iterations of the Green Goblin and Mysterio as Spider-Man enters a new millennium. A Man Called Joe and Betsy find themselves in trouble, and it's not from the illegal copyright of Captain America figures. Will Daredevil and ol' Webhead be able to save them or is is Spider-Man who needs saving? Listen and find out! Sponsored by: The Wild Pack Theme Music by Jeff Kenniston. This Episode Edited by James B using Audacity and Cleanfeed. Summaries written by James B and Eddie and a guy who fought Spider-Man to a standstill. Most Sound effects and music generously provided royalty free by www.fesliyanstudios.com and https://www.zapsplat.com/ Check out all the episodes on letsreadspiderman.podbean.com or wherever you get your podcasts. Check out our live meetup and Discord Channel here https://docs.google.com/document/d/1_mW6htjJUHOzlViEvPQqR-k68tClMGAi85Bi_xrlV7w/edit
Is your life operating from a place of blessing, or are you constantly striving to earn it?In the kickoff message of our new summer series, Is This Thing On?, Travis Aicklen dives deep into the profound, exponential power of our words. Far from just a polite cliché or a quick response to a sneeze, a true biblical blessing is the projection of good into the life of another person. By examining the roots of the word—from the Old Testament Barak to the New Testament Eulogia—this sermon challenges us to break free from insecurity, comparison, and the "blessing deficit" that plagues so many families. Discover how to speak life, direct your future, and operate from the secure identity of being fully loved and blessed by God.Key Points & Scripture ReferencesWork From Blessing, Not For It: Before humanity ever accomplished a single task, God created and blessed them. Just like Jesus at his baptism, we are designed to work from a place of blessing and affirmation, rather than striving to earn it. (Genesis 1:27-29)The Danger of the Deficit: The story of Jacob highlights the brokenness and deception that occur when we live with an orphan spirit, desperately trying to scheme our way into receiving a blessing. (Genesis 27)Blessings Must Be Spoken Out Loud: A blessing isn't truly a blessing until it leaves your lips. We must actively and verbally "eulogize" (speak well of) the people in our lives to empower them. (Luke 24, Proverbs 31)Words Direct Our Future: Just like the rudder of a ship, the words we speak—whether blessings or curses—set the trajectory for our lives and the lives of those around us. (James 3)Our Spiritual Inheritance: Through Christ, we have been redeemed from the curse and have already been given every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places. We are blessed to be a blessing. (Ephesians 1, Galatians 3)Call to ActionTake a close inventory of your words this week. Are you withholding encouragement from your spouse, children, friends, or coworkers? Don't let your loved ones live with a blessing deficit. Step into your God-given authority, speak life over your family, and intentionally direct the course of their future with your words. If you are struggling with insecurity or an unhealed "orphan spirit," bring it to God and allow your church family to speak truth and blessing over you today.Join us Sundays at 8:30am or 10:30am. Find out more at RadiantVisalia.com. Support the show*Summaries and transcripts are generated using AI. Please notify us if you find any errors.
Episode 396. James B and Eddie discuss two major storylines, Return of the Green Goblin and the Maximum Security Crossover. Highlights include Jill Stacy explaining to Spider-Man who Gwen Stacy was, and Aliens using Earth as a prison camp. Sponsored by: Green Goblin Costume Theme Music by Jeff Kenniston. This Episode Edited by James B using Audacity and Cleanfeed. Summaries written by James B and Eddie and Donald Mekken. Most Sound effects and music generously provided royalty free by www.fesliyanstudios.com and https://www.zapsplat.com/ Check out all the episodes on letsreadspiderman.podbean.com or wherever you get your podcasts. Check out our live meetup and Discord Channel here https://docs.google.com/document/d/1_mW6htjJUHOzlViEvPQqR-k68tClMGAi85Bi_xrlV7w/edit
We have reached the end of our Exodus series! Chapter 40 concludes with the glory of the Lord filling the tabernacle, marking the completion of the structure, but not the end of the journey. The Israelites are not yet in the Promised Land. So why is this 40-chapter story so central to the biblical narrative? Because Exodus is not just background history—it is a legally binding testimony that points directly to the coming of a greater Messiah.Key Points1. A Testimony to the FutureHebrews 3:5 states that Moses was faithful as a servant, bearing witness to what would be spoken by God in the future. The Greek word used here for servant (therapon) implies an intimate, trusted servant whose testimony carries legal weight. Moses is a credible witness establishing the criteria for the Messiah. Anyone claiming to be the Messiah must be greater than Moses.2. Jesus is the Greater IntercessorMoses: Interceded for the Israelites on a hill to win a physical battle against the Amalekites. His hands were held up by his friends (Exodus 17).Jesus: Interceded on the hill of Calvary to win the eternal war against sin and death. His hands were held up by nails—and by the joy set before Him.3. Jesus is the Greater Deliverer & SacrificeMoses: Delivered the Israelites physically from Egypt, but he could not lead them all the way into the Promised Land. The Old Covenant required sacrifices to be made over and over again, like weed killer that only offers temporary relief.Jesus: Shared in our humanity to break the power of death and deliver us spiritually (Hebrews 2:14). As our High Priest, He offered one sacrifice for sins for all time, and then He sat down—because the work was finished (Hebrews 10:11-12). Note: Joshua (Yeshua), whose name points to Jesus, was the one who ultimately led the people into the Promised Land.4. Jesus is the Greater TabernacleMoses: Built the physical tabernacle where God's presence dwelled, but the people were kept out by a thick curtain and the barrier of sin.Jesus: The Word became flesh and "tabernacled" among us (John 1:14). When Jesus died on the cross, the physical curtain in the temple was torn in two. Now, through the blood of Jesus, we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place. Better yet, through the Holy Spirit, believers have become living tabernacles.5. The Warning: Guard Against a Hard HeartThe Israelites saw the Red Sea part and manna fall from the sky, yet their hearts grew hard and they built a golden calf. Signs and wonders cannot replace an intimate relationship with God. Hebrews warns us not to harden our hearts as they did, but to encourage one another daily. We guard against a hard heart through personal devotion and active participation in a faith community.ConclusionWhen Moses asked God, "Show me your glory," God tucked him in a rock and only allowed him to see His back. Moses did not get exactly what he asked for in that moment, nor did he get to enter the Promised Land in his lifetime. However, God does not forget our prayers. Centuries later, on the Mount of Transfiguration (Matthew 17), Moses finally stands in the Promised Land, face-to-face with Jesus, whose face shone like the sun. Moses finally saw the full glory of God. God is worth the wait.Calls to ActionExamine Your Heart: Are there areas where your heart has grown hard or calloused toward God?Speak it Out: If you are struggling with unbelief or a hard heart, confess it to someone in your faith community this week to break its power.Trust the Delay: If you have been waiting a long time for a prayer to be answered, look to Moses. Trust that God's timing is perfect and His glory is worth the wait. Support the show*Summaries and transcripts are generated using AI. Please notify us if you find any errors.
Jim Love hosts Hashtag Trending for Friday, June 12, 2026, with a special look at a week of technology stories that range from bizarre to genuinely concerning. It starts with a personal experience involving a Bose warranty that appeared to vanish after being successfully registered, raising questions about what happens when automated systems become the final authority and no one seems empowered to challenge them. That leads into a discussion of a recent German court ruling holding Google responsible for inaccurate AI-generated summaries and the growing push in Europe toward liability for software mistakes. Other stories include reports that Meta is housing AI infrastructure in giant tent-like structures to get computing capacity online faster, a North Carolina software engineer who reportedly received a religious exemption from using AI at work, the NSA's reported use of Anthropic's Mythos cybersecurity AI despite tensions elsewhere in Washington, the UK's decision to help workers worried about AI-driven job losses with yet another AI tool, and a courtroom drama where lawyers on both sides submitted AI-generated legal citations so flawed that a judge cancelled the trial. Chapters 00:00 Weekly Weirdness Intro 00:32 Bose Warranty Vanishes 06:00 Google AI Liability Ruling 08:20 Meta AI Tent Cities 10:32 Religious Exemption From AI 12:43 Anthropic And The NSA 15:02 UK Jobseekers Get More AI 16:08 Lawyers Caught By Hallucinations 18:21 Wrap Up And Weekend Plug
Elsie and Rob break down the recent 28% rise in podcast ad dollars and explain why tracking your income per download is a much better measure of success than looking at total industry averages. They also answer a listener question about whether you need to be a guest on other shows before starting your own and the value of finding a podcasting community.The conversation shifts to search and discovery. They look at how Google's AI search mode is changing the way audiences find content and why third-party conversations about your show matter. They also cover Jay Shetty's exclusive video deal with Spotify and Netflix, noting that his audio will remain on the open RSS feed.Finally, the hosts talk about artificial intelligence in podcasting. They explore YouTube's new AI disclosure labels, the arrival of fully AI-generated podcast tools, and audio cleanup software. Rob also announces that Katee Sackhoff's Battlestar React-ica is joining the Captivate DAX US team.Links to interesting things from this episode:
Welcome to Episode 4 of the SciTech Critical Evaluation of Literature and AI Series: “Smarter Summaries, Better Decisions: AI Across Medical Affairs"Medical Affairs teams handle a flood of scientific data, so how can AI help turn complexity into clarity? Join experts from the MAPS Scientific & Technical Knowledge Domain to discover how AI tools evaluate evidence for diverse functions, from field teams to HEOR and publications.In this session, you'll learn practical strategies for creating concise, decision-ready summaries and explore why context and clinical relevance must guide every AI-driven workflow. If you want to leverage AI to evaluate evidence, podcast is for you!Learning Objectives:Describe how AI tools adapt evidence evaluation for different Medical Affairs functionsExplore how field medical, medical communications, publications, medical information, and HEOR teams can prompt the same data set differently to generate outputs tailored to their specific needs.Demonstrate strategies to create concise, decision-ready summaries using AILearn practical prompting and structuring techniques that convert complex scientific literature into clear, stakeholder-specific deliverables that support better strategic and scientific decisions.Explain why context and applicability are essential in AI-enabled evidence workflowsUnderstand how role-specific context, intended use, and decision impact must guide both the prompting and interpretation of AI-generated outputs.Hear more from the Scientific & Technical Knowledge Domain through their position paper: "Safeguarding Scientific Rigor in the Critical Evaluation of Literature"
Episode 395. James B and Eddie discuss Spider-man's interaction with aliens and Sandman watching soap operas. Plus three a three-book blast from the past with Gwen Stacy and Miles Warren and Master Planner. Listen to an episode with no Buffy references, no clone references and no attempts to find MJ by Peter. Sponsored by Master Planner. Theme Music by Jeff Kenniston. This Episode Edited by James B using Audacity and Cleanfeed. Summaries written by James B and Eddie and Typeface's boss. Most Sound effects and music generously provided royalty free by www.fesliyanstudios.com and https://www.zapsplat.com/ Check out all the episodes on letsreadspiderman.podbean.com or wherever you get your podcasts. Check out our live meetup and Discord Channel here https://docs.google.com/document/d/1_mW6htjJUHOzlViEvPQqR-k68tClMGAi85Bi_xrlV7w/edit
The word "radiant" reflects a profound biblical truth: those who look to the Lord reflect His glory (Psalm 34:5). Becoming radiant is not achieved by human effort, but by encountering the presence of God. This sermon outlines the spiritual progression of beholding God's glory, removing the things that substitute His presence, and reflecting His brilliance to the world.Key Points1. Remove God SubstitutesIn Exodus 32, the Israelites created a golden calf out of impatience. The human heart is an "idol factory" that frequently elevates comfort, control, power, or approval to the place of God. Becoming radiant begins with recognizing and renouncing these functional idols.2. Crave the Presence of GodIn Exodus 33, God offers Israel the Promised Land but states He will not go with them. The people mourn this prospect. True freedom from idolatry is evident when God ceases to be a means to an end and becomes the ultimate end. A promised land is worthless without the presence of the King.3. Experience God's CharacterExodus 34:6-7 functions as the "John 3:16 of the Old Testament." God reveals Himself as compassionate, gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love. These divine attributes are not merely intellectual facts; they are realities meant to be intimately experienced.4. Respond in WorshipUpon seeing God's glory, Moses immediately bowed down. Worship is the natural, inevitable response to a revelation of God's worth. If worship feels difficult, the solution is not to try harder, but to pray, "Show me your glory."5. Be Ruined for the OrdinaryAn authentic encounter with God disrupts the mundane. It fundamentally changes how people work, celebrate, and live. True encounters do not allow for compartmentalized lives; they shift everyday realities and demand total transformation.ConclusionMoses served as an incredible mediator for the Old Covenant, but he ultimately points to Jesus. Jesus is the exact representation of God's being and the true radiance of God's glory. Through Christ, the veil is removed. By beholding Him, believers are progressively transformed into His glorious image.Calls to ActionIdentify and renounce the functional idols (comfort, control, power, approval) currently operating in your life.Shift your prayers from asking for favorable outcomes to asking God, "Show me your glory."Allow your encounters with God's presence to actively reshape your daily routines. Support the show*Summaries and transcripts are generated using AI. Please notify us if you find any errors.
Episode 394. James B and Eddie discuss Marvel Team Up books featuring Hercules and the first meeting of Spider-Man and Blade in this Saturday Express Episode. Theme Music by Jeff Kenniston. This Episode Edited by James B using Audacity and Cleanfeed. Summaries written by James B and Eddie and Namor. Most Sound effects and music generously provided royalty free by www.fesliyanstudios.com and https://www.zapsplat.com/ Check out all the episodes on letsreadspiderman.podbean.com or wherever you get your podcasts. Check out our live meetup and Discord Channel here https://docs.google.com/document/d/1_mW6htjJUHOzlViEvPQqR-k68tClMGAi85Bi_xrlV7w/edit
Episode 393. James B and Eddie discuss a special box Peter is afraid to open. Spider-man gets smacked by an old lady. James B and Eddie argue about an old person. Also Howard Mackie's state of mind is discussed and Peter makes mime jokes in an episode featuring every Spider-Slayer. (07:04) Dated Reference Segment (14:55) Sponsored by: Comedy Box Comedy Club Theme Music by Jeff Kenniston. This Episode Edited by James B using Audacity and Cleanfeed. Summaries written by James B and Eddie and that old lady who smacked Spider-Man. Most Sound effects and music generously provided royalty free by www.fesliyanstudios.com and https://www.zapsplat.com/. Dated reference music by David Gwyn Jones. Check out all the episodes on letsreadspiderman.podbean.com or wherever you get your podcasts. Check out our live meetup and Discord Channel here https://docs.google.com/document/d/1_mW6htjJUHOzlViEvPQqR-k68tClMGAi85Bi_xrlV7w/edit
Moses pitched a tent outside the camp called the "Tent of Meeting." There, God would speak to Moses "face to face, as one speaks to a friend." Across scripture—from Adam and Abraham to Jesus' disciples—God desires friendship with His creation. Yet, in our modern culture, we are experiencing a "friendship recession." We must reclaim the depth of friendship, both with one another and with God, moving past the surface-level encounters we have settled for.Key Points1. God Desires True FriendshipGod doesn't speak to Moses as a subordinate, but as a friend. When Jesus arrived, He wasn't known as a political leader or an entrepreneur, but as a "friend of sinners." He told His disciples, "I no longer call you servants... I have called you friends." Discipleship is friendship. Yet, we often reduce this profound invitation to a scheduled 15-minute "quiet time." God is everywhere; He desires a relationship that permeates our daily lives, not just an appointment on a calendar.2. The Friendship RecessionWe spend more time alone than any previous generation. Friendship has been reduced to a social luxury rather than a daily necessity. If we lack the capacity for deep, vulnerable relationships with the people around us, it will inevitably damage our capacity for a deep relationship with God.Stop finding time; make time. You make time for what you value.Stop finding friends; be a friend. If you go out to be a friend—focused on being interested rather than interesting—you will never lack friendship.3. Grateful, But Not Satisfied (Show Me Your Glory)Moses had seen more of God's glory than anyone—the burning bush, the plagues, the parting of the sea. Yet, in Exodus 33, he asks, "Now show me your glory." He was grateful for past encounters, but he was not satisfied.Many Christians are living off a spiritual high from ten years ago. We have become "domesticated tigers," settling for small, scheduled moments instead of hungering for the wild, full presence of God.A true revival happens when God's people band together and declare, "Show us your glory! We will not be satisfied with what the previous generation experienced. Do it again."4. The Ultimate Glory is JesusHow does God answer Moses' request to see His glory? In Matthew 17, at the Transfiguration, Moses finally stands in the Promised Land alongside Jesus. The glory Moses asked to see in Exodus was ultimately revealed in the person of Christ. If we want to show a hungry generation the glory of God, we must stop pointing to ourselves, our cool aesthetics, or our trendy evangelism strategies. Like John the Baptist, we must simply and constantly point to Jesus in every season of our lives.ConclusionGod has invited us into a profound friendship. As we reflect on what God has done in our lives and in our church, let us be deeply grateful, but never satisfied. Let us reject shallow routines and isolation, choosing instead to pursue God with a "greed for His presence," constantly pointing the world to Jesus.Calls to ActionEvaluate Your Friendship with God: Are you treating God like a scheduled appointment or a true friend? Move beyond the 15-minute quiet time and invite Him into your entire day.Be a Friend: This week, actively make time to deepen a relationship. Ask questions, be vulnerable, and focus on being interested in someone else's story.Point to Jesus: In your victories and your defeats, make it your primary goal to point others to the glory of Christ rather than yourself. Support the show*Summaries and transcripts are generated using AI. Please notify us if you find any errors.
Episode 392. James B and Eddie cover two annuals in 2000 featuring kidnapping, murder, heartbreak, betrayals holograms and women who kiss Spider-Man who aren't Mary Jane! Join us for a special Saturday Express episode of LRSM. Sponsored by: Bounty's Fake Your Own Death.com Theme Music by Jeff Kenniston. This Episode Edited by James B using Audacity and Cleanfeed. Summaries written by James B and Eddie and Jack and Diane's son Peter. Most Sound effects and music generously provided royalty free by www.fesliyanstudios.com and https://www.zapsplat.com/ Check out all the episodes on letsreadspiderman.podbean.com or wherever you get your podcasts. Check out our live meetup and Discord Channel here https://docs.google.com/document/d/1_mW6htjJUHOzlViEvPQqR-k68tClMGAi85Bi_xrlV7w/edit
This sermon addresses the modern difficulty of simply trusting and following established paths of faith. Through an exploration of the early church and the life of Abraham, we discover that true maturity often requires setting aside our need to uniquely innovate and instead committing to faithful imitation of proven models.Scripture ReferencesHebrews 5:11-14Hebrews 6:9-20Romans 4:20Genesis 11:31Acts 7:2-4Key PointsThe Calling of the Church: The church is called to imitate the examples of maturity and faithfulness that came before it, not to constantly reinvent the wheel.The Struggle to Follow: The author of Hebrews expresses frustration with the early church because they have become "spiritually dull and indifferent." They are still relying on basic teachings when they should be mature enough to teach others.The "But We Need Our Spin On It" Mindset: A major obstacle to maturity is the modern tendency to accept a proven truth or model but insist on customizing it or adding a personal "spin." This often weakens the effectiveness of the original truth.The Example of Abraham: Abraham is considered the father of faith, not because he was perfect, but because his faith grew stronger over time. Romans 4:20 says, "Abraham never wavered in believing God's promise. In fact, his faith grew stronger, and in this he brought glory to God."The Delay in Haran: The story of Abraham's journey to Canaan reveals a crucial point about obedience. He received the call to go to Canaan, but stopped in Haran and stayed there until his father died. His father, Terah, became a form of baggage that delayed his obedience. God often waits for us to leave our baggage behind before moving us forward.ConclusionTrue spiritual maturity involves a willingness to follow without needing to be the innovator. It requires leaving behind the "baggage" of our own preferences and cultural conditioning. Like Abraham, our faith is proven not in instant perfection, but in a lifelong journey of growing trust and increasingly radical obedience to God's calling.Calls to ActionExamine your life for areas where you are insisting on your own "spin" rather than simply obeying God's word.Identify the "baggage" or comfortable stopping points (like Haran) that might be delaying your obedience to God's calling.Commit to imitating the faithful examples of mature believers in your community. Support the show*Summaries and transcripts are generated using AI. Please notify us if you find any errors.
This message tackles the modern difficulty of trusting and following established paths of faith. Through an exploration of the early church and the life of Abraham, we discover that true maturity often requires setting aside our need to uniquely innovate and instead committing to faithful imitation of proven models.Scripture ReferencesHebrews 5:11-14Hebrews 6:9-20Romans 4:20Genesis 11:31Acts 7:2-4Key PointsThe Calling of the Church: The church is called to imitate the examples of maturity and faithfulness that came before it, not to constantly reinvent the wheel.The Struggle to Follow: The author of Hebrews expresses frustration with the early church because they have become "spiritually dull and indifferent." They are still relying on basic teachings when they should be mature enough to teach others.The "But We Need Our Spin On It" Mindset: A major obstacle to maturity is the modern tendency to accept a proven truth or model but insist on customizing it or adding a personal "spin." This often weakens the effectiveness of the original truth.The Example of Abraham: Abraham is considered the father of faith, not because he was perfect, but because his faith grew stronger over time. Romans 4:20 says, "Abraham never wavered in believing God's promise. In fact, his faith grew stronger, and in this he brought glory to God."The Delay in Haran: The story of Abraham's journey to Canaan reveals a crucial point about obedience. He received the call to go to Canaan, but stopped in Haran and stayed there until his father died. His father, Terah, became a form of baggage that delayed his obedience. God often waits for us to leave our baggage behind before moving us forward.ConclusionTrue spiritual maturity involves a willingness to follow without needing to be the innovator. It requires leaving behind the "baggage" of our own preferences and cultural conditioning. Like Abraham, our faith is proven not in instant perfection, but in a lifelong journey of growing trust and increasingly radical obedience to God's calling.Calls to ActionExamine your life for areas where you are insisting on your own "spin" rather than simply obeying God's word.Identify the "baggage" or comfortable stopping points (like Haran) that might be delaying your obedience to God's calling.Commit to imitating the faithful examples of mature believers in your community. Support the show*Summaries and transcripts are generated using AI. Please notify us if you find any errors.
This session challenges listeners to examine their faith, their commitment to obedience, and their willingness to let God dictate their paths. By examining the legacy of the Thessalonians and the faith of Abraham, we learn what it means to live out faith rather than just profess it.Scripture ReferencesHebrews 6Hebrews 11Hebrews 12Genesis 12Romans 4:20Key PointsThe Calling to Imitate: The early church in Thessalonica was praised for its quick faith and commitment to following the example of the apostles. True faith often begins with imitating the right examples.Faith is Active: The speaker emphasizes that true faith is not passive or merely internal; it is defined by action, risk, and pioneering. It requires an entrepreneurial spirit willing to take a leap and follow God's direction.The Cost of Faith: While God's plan is good, following it often means giving up comfort and facing significant obstacles. The call to obedience is an invitation to lay down our lives, our plans, and our preferences.The Journey of Abraham: Abraham is held up as a prime example of faith because he "believed God's promise." He left everything behind to follow God, though he still experienced moments of doubt and delay.God's Relentless Presence: Even when we are resistant or struggling with unbelief, God is with us and actively leading us. He does not abandon us in our doubts but patiently guides us toward his purposes.ConclusionA robust Christian faith is marked by action, imitation of godly examples, and a radical submission to God's leadership. We are called to leave behind our desire to uniquely innovate and instead confidently step into the paths of obedience marked out for us. As we do this, we reflect the glory of God to the world.Calls to ActionAssess whether your faith is currently active or passive.Identify the examples of faith around you that you are imitating.Examine areas of your life where you might be holding back from fully committing to what God has called you to do. Support the show*Summaries and transcripts are generated using AI. Please notify us if you find any errors.
This sermon from the Celebration CA camp series confronts the idol of expressive individualism in modern Western culture. It explores the tension between the modern desire to constantly innovate and the biblical call to submit, imitate, and reproduce proven models of faith.Scripture References1 Thessalonians 11 Thessalonians 2Key PointsThe Danger of the "Spin": There is a strong cultural tendency, particularly on the West Coast, to take a functional model and immediately add a personal spin to it. This relentless desire to be unique can often hinder a church's effectiveness.The Fruit of Submission: True growth often comes from radical submission to authority. A group of men experienced decades of trauma healed in just four days by submitting entirely to scripture and trusted leaders.Imitation over Innovation: A pastor from the Midwest successfully implemented a leadership track by simply copying a functioning model exactly as it was, demonstrating that straightforward imitation often yields better results than forced creativity.The Thessalonian Model: The early church in Thessalonica became an exemplary model to all of Macedonia and Achaia. They achieved this not by innovating, but by strictly imitating the apostles and the Lord despite facing severe affliction.The Idolatry of Independence: The ultimate, unquestioned value in Western civilization is often personal freedom and total independence, which can severely hinder the advancement of the Kingdom of God.ConclusionThe church is called to be a unified body of imitators. By laying down the prideful need to uniquely innovate every aspect of faith, believers can experience the profound power that comes from submitting to God's word and replicating faithful, proven models.Calls to ActionReflect on areas where expressive individualism and the need for independence have hindered spiritual growth or leadership.Identify faithful, working models of leadership in your church community and commit to imitating them without unnecessary alterations.Share this sermon with other leaders seeking to build healthy, unified church cultures. Support the show*Summaries and transcripts are generated using AI. Please notify us if you find any errors.
Episode 391. James B and Eddie discuss a book where Spider-Man breaks more fourth walls than Deadpool. Venom kills one of the Sinister Six and eats another. A new listener joins the Let's Read Spider-Man Podcast family. Sponsored by: White Dragon BBQ Chicken and Duck Sandwiches Theme Music by Jeff Kenniston. This Episode Edited by James B using Audacity and Cleanfeed. Summaries written by James B and Eddie and Baby Miles. Most Sound effects and music generously provided royalty free by www.fesliyanstudios.com and https://www.zapsplat.com/ Check out all the episodes on letsreadspiderman.podbean.com or wherever you get your podcasts. Check out our live meetup and Discord Channel here https://docs.google.com/document/d/1_mW6htjJUHOzlViEvPQqR-k68tClMGAi85Bi_xrlV7w/edit
Episode 390. James B and Eddie talk about MJ's death and Peter caught making out with Spider-Woman. Sponsored by: Tourism Department of Latveria Theme Music by Jeff Kenniston. This Episode Edited by James B using Audacity and Cleanfeed. Summaries written by James B and Eddie and Drooling Morris Maxwell. Most Sound effects and music generously provided royalty free by www.fesliyanstudios.com and https://www.zapsplat.com/ Check out all the episodes on letsreadspiderman.podbean.com or wherever you get your podcasts. Check out our live meetup and Discord Channel here https://docs.google.com/document/d/1_mW6htjJUHOzlViEvPQqR-k68tClMGAi85Bi_xrlV7w/edit
As we near the end of our journey through Exodus, we arrive at a heartbreaking chapter: the Golden Calf. In Exodus 32, we see the Israelites—freshly rescued from 400 years of slavery—abandoning their vows to God. They break the covenant mere days after making it. But before we judge them too harshly, we must recognize that we, too, are prone to wander. As John Calvin noted, the human heart is a "perpetual factory of idols." This sermon explores why we create idols, what they cost us, and how we can find freedom through the Greater Moses, Jesus Christ.Key Points1. The Context of the Crime The sin of the Golden Calf wasn't just about breaking a rule; it was spiritual adultery. The Israelites had just entered into a marriage covenant with Yahweh (Exodus 20), promising to have no other gods. Yet, while on their "honeymoon," they turn to an Egyptian idol. Taking something created and placing it in the position of the Creator always leads to destruction.2. Why Do We Make Idols?We want something NOW: Moses was delayed on the mountain, and the people grew impatient. Delay either deepens our faith or detours it. Often, when we feel God isn't moving fast enough, we turn to idols for immediate relief.We want something we can HOLD: Yahweh is invisible; the gods of Egypt were tangible. We crave physical things to put our trust in.We want a Genie, not a God: An idol like a golden calf cannot speak, correct, or demand holiness. The Israelites wanted a god they could control so they could indulge in whatever behavior they pleased without conviction.3. The Cost of Idolatry Idols demand sacrifice. They over-promise and under-deliver. While following Jesus requires sacrifice, He promises life and rest. Idols only demand more of you. Furthermore, you become like what you behold. Just as the golden calf was rigid and stiff-necked, God calls the Israelites stiff-necked. Whatever you worship will shape your character.4. The Greater Moses When God threatens to destroy the Israelites, Moses steps in as a mediator. He even asks God to blot his name out of the book to save the people. God says no to Moses, but centuries later, He says yes to Jesus. Jesus is the Greater Moses who took our sins upon Himself, granting us positional holiness before God so we can pursue progressive holiness in our lives.ConclusionEvery person is wired for worship; the question is not if you will worship, but what. Idols are sneaky, often masquerading as good things (family, politics, comfort) that we have made ultimate things. When we bring our idols into the presence of God, they will eventually shatter. God is a gracious Father who welcomes us back every time we choose to cast our idols down.Calls to ActionRecognize Your Idols: Look closely at what you crave (comfort, control, power, approval) and identify what has taken the center seat in your life.Repent and Confess: Do not justify or minimize your idolatry. Call it sin, confess it aloud, and ask Jesus to cover it.Renounce and Replace: You cannot just remove an idol; you must replace it with the true God. Bow your knee and consciously return the throne of your life to Jesus. Support the show*Summaries and transcripts are generated using AI. Please notify us if you find any errors.
Episode 389. James B and Eddie discuss whether Peter should divorce MJ and how much the 1999 comics should cover the hearings. Plus Eddie makes some big changes by considering two new jobs and finally bringing in a sponsor to the podcast. Sponsored by Big Bald Boss Cream Theme Music by Jeff Kenniston. This Episode Edited by James B using Audacity and Cleanfeed. Summaries written by James B and Eddie and Hulk. Most Sound effects and music generously provided royalty free by www.fesliyanstudios.com and https://www.zapsplat.com/ Check out all the episodes on letsreadspiderman.podbean.com or wherever you get your podcasts. Check out our live meetup and Discord Channel here https://docs.google.com/document/d/1_mW6htjJUHOzlViEvPQqR-k68tClMGAi85Bi_xrlV7w/edit
Before moving into our main topic—the Tabernacle—we begin by examining the fifth commandment: "Honor your father and your mother." Often relegated to "kids church," this command was actually given to a nation of adults. In a culture that frequently despises or makes light of the elderly, God calls us to give weight to and highly value them. Furthermore, unlike other ancient documents, the Bible explicitly commands honoring both the mother and the father, demonstrating God's consistent elevation of women.Key Points1. The Purpose of the Tabernacle When we read the detailed instructions for the Tabernacle in Exodus, we shouldn't get lost in looking for obscure meanings in every measurement or crossbar. The big idea is this: The Tabernacle was God making His home among the Israelites. From God's perspective, the climax of the Exodus story wasn't the parting of the Red Sea; it was coming down from the mountain to dwell—or "go camping"—with His people. True freedom isn't just about escaping slavery; it's about being free to live in the presence of God.2. The Walking Tabernacle (Jesus) For hundreds of years, the Jews wondered where the presence of God had gone after the temple was destroyed. John 1:14 provides the answer: "The Word became flesh and made his dwelling [literally: tabernacled] among us." Jesus was the walking Tabernacle. The glory of God, once restricted to a humble tent, was now restricted to a humble human body.Example 1: The Samaritan woman at the well was closer to the glory of God in her conversation with Jesus than the High Priest was in the Most Holy Place.Example 2: When Jesus visited Mary and Martha, the "Most Holy Place" was sitting in their living room. Martha chose dishes, but Mary perceived the sacredness of the moment and chose to sit at His feet.3. We Are the Tabernacle Now Where is God today? After Jesus ascended, He sent the Holy Spirit. Now, instead of one physical Tabernacle or one human body, there are millions of "little tabernacles" running around. The glory of God dwells within believers, both individually and corporately. God still comes in ways that are outwardly humble—through the people of the Church—but hold sacred glory on the inside. You cannot experience the fullness of God's presence in isolation; you must interact with His people.4. The Ultimate Fulfillment We experience God's presence now, but not in its fullness. We look forward to the day described in Revelation 21, when God's dwelling place will permanently be among His people, wiping away every tear and making all things new.ConclusionFrom a tent in the wilderness to the person of Jesus, to the Church today, and finally to the new creation, God's ultimate desire has always been to dwell with us. Wisdom is knowing where God is and choosing to sit near His presence.Calls to ActionHonor Your Parents: Regardless of your age, find a way to honor and give weight to your mother and father, and the elderly in your life.Seek His Presence: Like Mary, choose what is better. Don't let the distractions of daily life keep you from sitting at the feet of Jesus.Embrace the Church: Reject isolation. Recognize that the presence of God is found in community with other believers, despite our outward flaws. Support the show*Summaries and transcripts are generated using AI. Please notify us if you find any errors.
16/16: Gene Marks explains how small businesses are developing custom AI applications to improve productivity. He highlights tools like Claude for automating sales quotes and executive summaries. However, researchers warn that AI's tendency toward sycophancy and charm can sometimes mislead users in professional settings.1900 PUEBLO SNAKE DANCE
Episode 388 James B and Eddie go crazy for Vampires and Mobsters with the Kingpin and Morbius. Plus and a whole host of special guests appear while Jill Stacy and Peter continue their flirtmance and MJ and Peter's marriage continues to struggle. Sponsored by: Marc Spector and Associates Theme Music by Jeff Kenniston. This Episode Edited by James B using Audacity and Cleanfeed. Summaries written by James B and Eddie and Mutt. Most Sound effects and music generously provided royalty free by www.fesliyanstudios.com and https://www.zapsplat.com/ Check out all the episodes on letsreadspiderman.podbean.com or wherever you get your podcasts. Check out our live meetup and Discord Channel here https://docs.google.com/document/d/1_mW6htjJUHOzlViEvPQqR-k68tClMGAi85Bi_xrlV7w/edit
God has no problem talking about money because it is the primary means to reach the human heart. In Exodus, God calls for an offering to build the Tabernacle—a mobile dwelling place for His presence. This wasn't a call for funds; it was a call for a people to prioritize God at the very center of their lives. When the people responded, they gave so much that they had to be restrained. This sermon explores the spiritual reality of stewardship and the invitation to participate in God's work.Key Points1. Money as a Heart Diagnostic Jesus spoke about money and possessions in 1 in 10 verses of the Gospels because "where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." Spending habits reveal functional saviors and where trust truly lies. Giving is an act of worship that moves God from the periphery to the center of our lives.2. The Purpose of the Tabernacle The Tabernacle served as a visual aid of God's presence. Three terms define it:Tent: It was mobile, moving with the people.Dwelling: Its purpose was to house God's presence.Holy Place: It reflected the distinct, separate character of God.3. Principles of Biblical GivingGiving is First to God: We do not give to a church or a cause primarily, but to the Lord. His worthiness, not the recipient's, is the standard.Grace Fuels Generosity: The Israelites could give gold because they had "plundered" Egypt by God's grace. We are stewards, not owners, of what we have.Obedience Over Understanding: Moses didn't need to understand why God wanted "goat hair" to obey. We give what is commanded, trusting the "God math" that multiplies small offerings.Giving is a Heart Issue: Giving must be willing and "cheerful" (hilarious), not done under compulsion.4. The "Goat Hair" Principle Generosity is not an amount; it is a percentage of sacrifice. Everyone is invited into the game. Whether you have "onyx stones" or "goat hair," God doesn't need the gift—He wants the participant. Excelling in the grace of giving is for the whole body, not just a wealthy few.ConclusionWe are called to move from being "swarms of slaves" to a "congregation" that marches with God at the center. This requires sacrifice and worship. True generosity starts with recognizing that everything we have is a gift from the God who gave His all for us.Calls to ActionGet in the Game: If you aren't giving, start somewhere. Don't let the inability to give a "perfect" amount stop you from giving anything.Give First: Make giving a priority by setting it aside on the first day of the week rather than giving from the leftovers.Standard of Giving: As your income increases, ensure your percentage of giving grows alongside your standard of living. Support the show*Summaries and transcripts are generated using AI. Please notify us if you find any errors.
Episode 387. James B and Eddie cover five Amazing Spider-Man books featuring a rewrite by Howard Mackie and a rewrite by…. Eddie? Sponsored by: Manilla Folder Announcements Theme Music by Jeff Kenniston. This Episode Edited by James B using Audacity and Cleanfeed. Summaries written by James B and Eddie and Heroic Flash. Most Sound effects and music generously provided royalty free by www.fesliyanstudios.com and https://www.zapsplat.com/ Check out all the episodes on letsreadspiderman.podbean.com or wherever you get your podcasts. Check out our live meetup and Discord Channel here https://docs.google.com/document/d/1_mW6htjJUHOzlViEvPQqR-k68tClMGAi85Bi_xrlV7w/edit
Episode 386. James B and Eddie discuss a book full of Spider-Women. Plus Jill Stacy gives Peter a kiss. Peter hooks up with the Black Cat and MJ complains about Peter's desire to be Spider-Man. Sponsored by White Dragon Theme Music by Jeff Kenniston. This Episode Edited by James B using Audacity and Cleanfeed. Summaries written by James B and Eddie and Jessica Drew. Most Sound effects and music generously provided royalty free by www.fesliyanstudios.com and https://www.zapsplat.com/ Check out all the episodes on letsreadspiderman.podbean.com or wherever you get your podcasts. Check out our live meetup and Discord Channel here https://docs.google.com/document/d/1_mW6htjJUHOzlViEvPQqR-k68tClMGAi85Bi_xrlV7w/edit
Episode 385. James B and Eddie read about Spider-Man travelling between worlds and saving all realities, including one where Spider-Man is a talk show host. Spidey also fights a dead guy for two issues, catches a guy falling out a window and hangs out with Elektra in a crossover annual involving a boxer. Sponsored by: Doleman Dynamics Theme Music by Jeff Kenniston. This Episode Edited by James B using Audacity and Cleanfeed. Summaries written by James B and Eddie and Big Bear's Granddaughter. Most Sound effects and music generously provided royalty free by www.fesliyanstudios.com and https://www.zapsplat.com/ Check out all the episodes on letsreadspiderman.podbean.com or wherever you get your podcasts. Check out our live meetup and Discord Channel here https://docs.google.com/document/d/1_mW6htjJUHOzlViEvPQqR-k68tClMGAi85Bi_xrlV7w/edit
Episode 384. James B and Eddie start 1999 with Peter Parker being introduced to a new Spider-Man. Sponsored by Rattlesnake Airlines Theme Music by Jeff Kenniston. This Episode Edited by James B using Audacity and Cleanfeed. Summaries written by James B and Eddie and the Immortal Madam Webb Most Sound effects and music generously provided royalty free by www.fesliyanstudios.com and https://www.zapsplat.com/ Check out all the episodes on letsreadspiderman.podbean.com or wherever you get your podcasts. Check out our live meetup and Discord Channel here https://docs.google.com/document/d/1_mW6htjJUHOzlViEvPQqR-k68tClMGAi85Bi_xrlV7w/edit