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Welcome to Cultivate Connection, a weekly Bible-based meditation podcast, giving you the skills to carve out space, experience peace, and grow your relationship with God. Each 30 minute podcast provides you with plenty of quiet time to meditate and reflect on several Bible verses with a specific focus at heart. We often dedicate several weeks or more to a podcast series. While you can certainly listen to any one podcast in any order you wish, to get the most from Cultivate Connection’s podca ...
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Rod Dreher wrote “to order the world rightly as Christians requires regarding all things as pointing to Christ” Christ is the One in Whom in all things consist and humanity is not the measure of all things. If a defining characteristic of the modern world is disorder then the most fundamental act of resistance is to discover and life according to the deep, divine order of the heavens and the earth. In this series we want to look at the big model of the universe that the Bible and Christian h ...
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No matter our level of faith in Him, God remains perfectly faithful. Into your hands I now entrust my spirit. O Lord, the God of faithfulness, you have rescued and redeemed me. I despise these deceptive illusions, all this pretense and nonsense, for I worship only you. - Psalm 31:5-6 TPT It is a trustworthy statement: For if we died with Him, we wi…
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Can our modern reliance on pharmaceuticals be likened to the ancient practice of magic? Explore this thought-provoking idea with PJ from the Global Church History Project as we unravel the Greek word 𝑝ℎ𝑎𝑟𝑚𝑎𝑐𝑜𝑛, which intriguingly encompasses poisons, medicines, and magical potions. We challenge traditional boundaries between medicine, magic, and th…
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The same God who delivered the Israelites from the Egyptians, is the same God who delivers you from trouble. Where does God wants to be your rock, your deliverer? For you are my high fortress, where I’m kept safe. You are to me a stronghold of salvation. When you deliver me out of this peril, it will bring glory to your name. As you guide me forth …
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What if your words had the power to shape not only your reality but also your relationship with the divine? In today's episode, we unpack the profound ways in which language influences our prayers and communication with God. We argue that eloquence isn't a prerequisite for being heard by the divine; even the simplest, most honest utterances reach H…
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Welcome to the first episode of our series on Psalm 31. It’s been a few years since we’ve meditated on an individual Psalm, and it feels good to be back here doing so. Over the next several weeks we will focus on a few verses at a time. Enjoy! I trust you, Lord, to be my hiding place. Don’t let me down. Don’t let my enemies bring me to shame. Come …
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Can we ever fully convey the infinite nature of God using our limited human language? Embark on a profound exploration with us as we grapple with this age-old theological question. We begin by dissecting the concept of analogy and the inherent limitations of language, considering whether apophatic theology's emphasis on describing God through negat…
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God does not lead us into temptation, He delivers us from evil. Better than any earthly father, His desires for us are always good beyond all imagination. The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, My God, my rock, in whom I take refuge; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. - Psalms 18:2 NASB I sought the LORD, and He a…
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Can the simple act of speaking shape our understanding of good and evil? Prepare to uncover how the Bible's first recorded conversation between the serpent and Eve in Genesis 3:1-5 holds the key to this profound question. This episode of Christ-Centered Cosmic Civilization examines the crucial role of Christ's verbal instructions to Adam and Eve, i…
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Peter asked Jesus if he was expected to forgive someone up to seven times. How did Jesus reply? Not just seven, “but up to seventy times seven.” Then Peter came and said to Him, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me and I forgive him? Up to seven times?” Jesus *said to him, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times…
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How does aligning our language with God's primal speech enable us to connect deeply with reality? Join us in this thought-provoking episode of Christ-centered Cosmic Civilization as we explore the transformative power of divine language and the eternal Word of God. We'll unravel the profound connection between language, creation, and Christ, examin…
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Jesus accomplished what the law could never do on its own; free us from our sin. In Him, all debts are forgiven. “The kingdom of God is like a king who decided to square accounts with his servants. As he got under way, one servant was brought before him who had run up a debt of a hundred thousand dollars. He couldn’t pay up, so the king ordered the…
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Have you ever wondered how poetry can reshape your faith and understanding of life? In this episode, Glen Scrivener from Speak Life takes us on a transformative journey through the power of poetic language. We start by reflecting on George Herbert's evocative poem about prayer, highlighting how its rich imagery transcends mere ritual, inspiring dee…
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God supplies for ALL of our needs, not just simply food for our bodies, but for every area of our lives. What is God showing you about this “daily bread?” Jesus answered by quoting Deuteronomy: “It takes more than bread to stay alive. It takes a steady stream of words from God’s mouth.” - Matthew 4:4 MSG I am the bread of life. Your fathers ate the…
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Join us for an enlightening conversation with the legendary Glen Scrivener at the Speak Life headquarters in Eastbourne, as we unlock the secrets of divine communication through the beauty of language, poetry, and song. Explore the evolution of human expression from simple sounds to the profound harmonies of sacred music, and discover how heavenly …
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When we pray “on Earth as it is in Heaven”, we are praying for the things Jesus desires. The very things he did as he walked on Earth. It’s the love of God crashing into people’s lives, causing radical change. Healing the sick, raising the dead, cleansing lepers, and casting out demons. “The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, Because He anointed Me to …
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Joined again by the Reformed Mythologist, Nate Morgan Locke, we ask - what if the cosmic patterns of the universe were fundamentally rooted in the life of Jesus Christ? Join us as we take a celestial journey through the stars, contrasting the insights of Lessing and Isaac Newton, and unravel how celestial phenomena and zodiac symbols form part of a…
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Welcome to episode 6 of our journey through “How to Pray”, Jesus’ response when his disciples asked “Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples.” This week, we open by reading the Matthew 6:9-13 using the VOICE translation. saying, “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.” -…
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Is truth found in numbers, or in the stories we tell? Join us as we welcome Nate Morgan Lock, the Reformed Mythologist, to our Christ-centered cosmic civilization for a captivating conversation that blends theology with the study of mythology. Nate's unique perspective challenges us to reconsider our understanding of truth, urging us to see beyond …
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God’s kingdom is not of this world, yet we are called to seek it first before everything else. This week, we open by reading Matthew 6:9-13 from the Amplified Bible. Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, My servants would be fighting so that I would not be handed over to the Jews; but as it is, My kingd…
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Can language shape our understanding of reality? Join us in this enlightening episode of the Christ-Centered Cosmic Civilization podcast as we explore the profound impact of words on our perception of the universe and our relationships. Discover how recognizing Jesus as the archetypal Logos empowers us to use language with creativity and confidence…
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When we pray, we recognize God for who He is, our Heavenly Father. In this manner, therefore, pray: Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done On earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, As we forgive our debtors. And do not lead us into temptation, But deliver us f…
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Can the simple structure of a sentence reflect the eternal nature of God? Join us as we uncover how the seemingly mundane elements of human language can mirror the profound intra-Trinitarian relations between the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. With insights from Vern Poythress, we explore the divine truth encapsulated in our words and how Je…
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Heaven is a real place. Created by God, it is where he currently resides. At this very moment, he is there, seated on His throne. In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. - Genesis1:1 NASB 1995 Behold, to the Lord your God belong heaven and the highest heavens, the earth and all that is in it. - Deuteronomy 10:14 NASB 1995 We lift up…
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Episode 54 - The Divine Language: Unveiling the Transformative Power of Words and Eternal Communication
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Can words truly shape our reality? Discover how simple phrases, from marriage vows to declarations of love, wield the power to transform lives. This episode takes you on a journey through the biblical and theological significance of spoken words, starting with Proverbs 18:21 and insights from John Gill. We highlight the divine intention behind huma…
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You are a child of the Living God. You are a part of this family. For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, “Abba! Father!” The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow …
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Can language truly shape our reality? Join us in the Christ-centered Cosmic Civilization as we explore the profound theology of language, beginning with the divine act of creation itself. We'll discuss how God's spoken word, as depicted in Genesis 1, brought the universe into existence, highlighting the essential role of language in forming reality…
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Welcome to our newest series, titled When You Pray. We are going to spend the next several weeks meditating verse by verse from the prayer Jesus taught His disciples. We hope this series blesses your relationship with God, creating richness and depth in the way you pray to your Heavenly Father. “When you pray, you are not to be like the hypocrites;…
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Embark on an enlightening journey with PJ from the Global Church History Project as we probe the enigmatic realms of archangels and their integral role in literature and theology. This episode promises to enrich your understanding of the angelic influence in church history and the celebration of Michaelmas, while also venturing into the mythologica…
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We, as believers, are filled with the Holy Spirit. It is by His power, active and alive within us, that we are able to be a light to the world, and salt to the Earth. He leads and guides, provides wisdom and encouragement, discernment, strength, encouragement, and so much more. He is our everything. He is The Spirit of God, and we honor and adore H…
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Discover the mysteries of the heavenly order as PJ from the Global Church History Project joins me to unravel the scriptural evidence of archangels in Christianity. Together, we traverse the enigmatic passages of the Book of Revelation and the Prophet Zechariah, seeking understanding in the symbolic number seven and its divine connection to the spi…
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The same Spirit who raised Christ Jesus from the dead, also lives within you. Your body is a temple for the Spirit of God. Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own? For you have been bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body. - 1 Corinthians 6…
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Embark on a celestial journey with PJ from the Global Church History Project as we unravel the mysteries of angels and their place in divine justice. Our latest conversation is a deep dive into the spiritual dynamics of accountability, examining how even celestial beings are not exempt from facing the consequences of their actions. We sift through …
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The Holy Spirit is the Power of the gospel. Jesus needed the Holy Spirit and so did his disciples. John responded to them all, saying, “As for me, I baptize you with water; but He is coming who is mightier than I, and I am not fit to untie the straps of His sandals; He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. - Luke 3:16 NASB And when He had…
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Prepare to cast aside the rigid ladder of angelic hierarchy as we unravel a tapestry of interdependence among celestial beings that's more web than pyramid. Together with PJ, we dissect the traditional Dionysian categorisation of angels, pondering over biblical and extra-biblical texts that suggest a divine order far more intricate and intertwined …
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Jesus is currently seated in Heaven at the right hand of God, therefore He is not here with us. It’s better for us that He left this planet, as He himself said so to his disciples. Nevertheless I tell you the truth, It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to …
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Episode 48 - Navigating the Angelic Order: Dionysius, Divinity, and the Great Chain of Being
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Embark on a celestial quest to unravel the angelic hierarchy with the legendary guidance of Dionysius the Areopagite and our esteemed guest, PJ. Together, we dissect the nine choirs of angels and their roles within the cosmic order, juxtaposing biblical roots against the philosophical frameworks of Plato and Aristotle. As we navigate the Great Chai…
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Jesus needed the Holy Spirit to complete his mission, just as we need the Holy Spirit to complete ours. It is impossible for us to live our lives as Christians without the Spirit of God. After He was baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending as a dove and settlin…
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This episode promises a profound understanding of the angelic heavenly intermediaries and their role within the cosmic empire of Christ. With our guest PJ Blackham we offer an enlightening discourse on the significance of angels. Respecting the divine and its messengers often treads a fine line between veneration and worship. We tackle this delicat…
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How did Joseph know Pharaoh’s dream? Where did Daniel get the wisdom to interpret King Nebuchadnezzar’s? Who can you look to for solutions to the problems you face? So Daniel was rushed in to see the king. The king asked him, “Are you the Daniel brought from Israel as a captive by King Nebuchadnezzar? I have heard that you have the spirit of the go…
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As we traverse the mysteries of the cosmos and the divine, our latest conversation unveils the transformative Christian belief in a universe interwoven with eternity. Through the lens of the incarnation of God in Jesus Christ, we delve into the monumental implications for both the physical realm and our ultimate fate. The episode paints a vivid nar…
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The Holy Spirit was there, even before the Earth was formed. If you look closely, you will find Him present throughout the entire Bible. He was hovering over the waters at the dawn of creation. In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was formless and void, and darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of Go…
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Episode 45: The Fabric of Faith: Christianity's Imprint on Technological Progress and Human Flourishing
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Discover the profound relationship between Christian theology and the transformation of the cosmos and society, as articulated by the insightful Vishal Mangalwadi. We examine the biblical view of a pristine creation marred by human transgression, with its present state of death and decay a stark deviation from its intended perfection. This episode …
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Just as we think, feel, and behave, so does the Holy Spirit. He has a personality just like you and I. How familiar are you with the personality of the Holy Spirit? The Holy Spirit has a mind Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God. - Romans 8:27 …
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Can the cosmos truly be understood without recognizing the divine craftsmanship behind it? Prepare to have your perspective shifted as we uncover the profound connections between the Christian doctrine and the very fabric of the universe. Engage with us in a conversation that promises to transform the mundane into the miraculous, revealing the purp…
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Who is this Holy Spirit? He is the third person of the Godhead, and the very first to be mentioned in scripture. He is the Spirit of God, the Helper, the Comforter, the Holy One, and the Lord. In this series, we will spend time meditating on the Holy Spirit, creating space for Him to reveal himself to us in wonderful new ways. We hope you enjoy it!…
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Discover the extraordinary way the biblical worldview intertwines with our understanding of science and civilization as we traverse the narrative of creation, guided by the cosmic significance of Jesus as the high priest. Together, we'll uncover the divine intricacies of the universe, manifested through the meticulous design of the hydrologic cycle…
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Death and Resurrection Easter 2024 As Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 15, if Jesus had not been raised from the dead, all preaching would be in vain and our faith worthless. It is for this reason we celebrate Easter, proclaiming victory! We have been saved from sin and death. Thank you Jesus, for your sacrifice, your resurrection, and gifting your spir…
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Have you ever pondered the divine brushstrokes that painted the universe into being? This episode takes you on a profound journey through creation theology, contrasting the serene Christian narrative with the tumultuous tales of ancient mythologies and the Islamic view of earthly existence. We navigate the waters of divine love and will, weaving th…
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What is Your Word? Comfort Thanks for joining us as we wrap up our What is Your Word? series this week! It has been fun sharing over the last 12 weeks. Thanks to everyone who submitted words this year. Where do you look for comfort? What is filling your need to feel peace and protection? Do not fear: I am with you; do not be anxious: I am your God.…
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Discover how the timeless pursuit for understanding our origins transcends through ancient myths to modern scientific theories. Join us for a profound exploration into the Christian theological perspective of creation; envision a cosmos born not of chaos, but from the divine love and purpose of a triune God. Contrast this peaceful inception with th…
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