We've been told Revelation is about predicting the future or achieving the right political outcomes. But what if it's actually about something we can't control or engineer ourselves? This sermon explores how the Bible's most misunderstood book challenges both religious conservatives and progressive activists to reconsider what liberation actually means. Drawing on imagery of empire's collapse and unexpected visions of hope, this talk argues that treating faith as either a political platform or an intellectual puzzle drains our capacity to act. Instead, Revelation calls us to something bigger: receiving what we cannot explain, resisting what we cannot ignore, and enduring when logic fails. If you've ever felt exhausted by trying to figure everything out or felt your doubts piling up despite all the books you've read, this perspective on salvation as "spaciousness" rather than certainty might reframe everything.

What do you do with biblical texts that depict God pouring out bowls of cosmic destruction? For those of us who believe in a nonviolent, loving God, passages like Revelation 15-16 create serious problems. They've been used to terrorize people and justify violence for centuries. This sermon offers a different way forward. By understanding apocalyptic literature as symbolic resistance writing from the powerless, and by reading through three theological frameworks—universalism, pacifism, and open theology—we discover something surprising: even here, the text itself points toward universal reconciliation rather than eternal punishment. The sermon explores how God's wrath might be less about cosmic revenge and more about love fiercely opposing what harms creation. If you've ever struggled with violent biblical imagery, wondered how justice and mercy fit together, or wanted to resist oppressive systems while still holding onto hope, this conversation is for you. Includes a bonus Andor reference about resisting empire.

Why does doing the right thing seem to cost everything while everyone else appears to be thriving? And when resistance feels futile, is conformity really that bad? Using Revelation 13's symbolism of beasts and marks, this sermon cuts through religious jargon to expose how state power and propaganda work together to make injustice feel inevitable. It's raw, vulnerable, and honest about the real costs of standing firm—including a church losing its home and a queer preacher wrestling with the temptation of closeted safety. You'll walk away understanding that you're not fighting individuals but systems, and that endurance means actively resisting with others, not suffering alone.

We all participate in systems that harm people—it's nearly impossible not to. Your credit card, your phone, your morning coffee: all connected to exploitation somewhere down the line. So what do we do when opting out isn't really an option, but going along feels like giving up everything we stand for? This talk digs into why resistance always comes with a price tag—lost security, financial strain, real consequences—while compliance costs something harder to measure: your sense of who you are. Drawing on MLK's final speech and current struggles for justice from Gaza to the U.S., it asks the question: what will happen to your neighbor if you don't stand up? If you've ever felt stuck between doing what's right and doing what's safe, or wondered how to keep going when the systems seem too big to fight, this one's for you.

Ever wonder why the Bible ends with dragons, cosmic battles, and a woman giving birth in space? Turns out, Revelation 12 isn't trying to predict the future or scare you—it's doing something far more interesting. This passage takes everything the Bible has been saying about good, evil, death, and resurrection and cranks it up to high definition. Drawing on Eugene Peterson's insight that Revelation is meant to "revive our imagination" rather than give us new information, this sermon explores how ancient apocalyptic imagery speaks directly to our current moment of chaos and uncertainty. Whether you're familiar with the book of Revelation or have always found it confusing, you'll walk away with a fresh perspective on why these strange, vivid stories might be exactly what we need right now.

What does it mean to witness suffering without becoming bitter or indifferent? Can you stare directly at systemic injustice and still believe in life?   Using Assata Shakur's poem "Affirmation" and readings from Revelation 6-8, this sermon reframes ancient apocalyptic literature as a survival guide for communities under oppression. The Four Horsemen aren't about end-times predictions—they're about naming the root causes of violence, inequality, and death that plague us today. Through Indigenous interpretations of judgment as restorative rather than punitive, and examples from movements for justice, it offers a framework for maintaining hope while doing the hard work of resistance. Because hopeful witnesses don't ignore the riders of death—they call them out while planting seeds anyway.

Ever wonder why the Bible is so hard to understand? It's not just because it's old—it's because we're missing the cultural references. Just like future generations won't get "boots with the fur" or calling 411 for information, we're 2,000 years removed from the world that wrote Revelation. This talk explores the throne room vision in Revelation 4-5 and its central image: a lion that's actually a lamb. It's the key to understanding the whole book—and it completely redefines what power and victory look like. Instead of a warrior God coming back for revenge, we see sacrificial love as the ultimate form of strength. This matters because what we worship shapes how we see justice, community, and ourselves. For anyone deconstructing harmful theology or wondering if worship can be meaningful without manipulation, this offers a different way forward—one where you can question everything and still choose to pay attention to what matters.

The U.S. government recently issued a directive targeting groups that show "anti-American" or "anti-capitalist" tendencies. Early Christians faced eerily similar accusations: they were called atheists, conspirators, and haters of humanity. This sermon explores how the book of Revelation wasn't written as a prophecy decoder ring—it was a survival manual for communities resisting empire. But there's a twist. After unpacking how to read Revelation as a guide for dissident discipleship, Pastor Anthony turns the mirror on progressive faith communities themselves. What happens when deconstruction—necessary as it was—becomes a wall that keeps out not just toxic religion, but genuine encounter with the sacred? Can you be both critically thinking and spiritually surrendered? Includes a powerful testimony about kidney transplants, monuments to God's faithfulness, and why hope isn't magic—it's work. For anyone who's left the church but still wonders if there's something worth rebuilding.

How do you resist injustice without becoming what you despise? In times when hope feels scarce and violence seems to win, many of us struggle with what we're supposed to feel—and how we're supposed to respond. This sermon tackles those uncomfortable tensions head-on. Rather than treating Revelation as a roadmap to the end times, this message reframes the ancient text as a guide for "dissident discipleship"—living with integrity when the world around you demands compromise. You'll discover why the center of Revelation isn't the four horsemen or 666, but something far more relevant to our current moment. Whether you're wrestling with recent events, questioning how to maintain hope, or wondering how faith intersects with resistance, this conversation offers a fresh perspective on an often-misunderstood text. No religious background required—just bring your questions about how to live well in turbulent times.

How do you stand up to injustice without letting anger consume you? How do you fight systems of oppression without becoming the very thing you oppose? These questions feel especially urgent right now, as many of us wrestle with complex emotions about violence, justice, and what it actually means to create change. This talk explores the Book of Revelation not as a cryptic prediction about the end times, but as a practical guide for "dissident discipleship" — learning to resist empire while staying grounded in what gives life rather than death. Drawing on the image of Jesus as "the Lion who is really a slain Lamb," we'll examine what it looks like to wield power through vulnerability and maintain hope without naive optimism. Whether you're familiar with religious texts or not, you'll walk away with concrete insights about navigating resistance, processing difficult emotions, and staying human in dehumanizing times.

Many of us carry shame about our faith - shame about questions we've asked, people we've hurt, or feeling like we don't fit the "good Christian" mold. This honest reflection explores how religious shame can poison our relationship with spirituality and keep us from authentic community. Drawing from a summer of solitude and the apostle Paul's bold declaration "I am not ashamed of the gospel," this message distinguishes between life-giving faith and the harmful interpretations that wound people. Through vulnerable storytelling and practical wisdom, it offers a path toward shame resilience and deeper authenticity. Whether you're wrestling with religious trauma, feeling like an imposter in your calling, or simply trying to separate genuine faith from toxic messaging, this conversation provides tools for healing and two essential questions for personal reflection.

Ever feel like you're the only one who cares? Like you have to fix every injustice or no one will? Many of us cycle between doing too much, burning out, then either withdrawing completely or blaming others for not stepping up. This pattern destroys both activists and movements. Drawing from the ancient story of prophet Elijah's breakdown and recovery, Daniel explores how sustainable resistance requires intentional rest. He weaves together current events, Palestinian concepts of steadfast resistance, and practical psychology to show why caring for yourself isn't selfish—it's strategic. Whether you're overwhelmed by news cycles, exhausted from volunteering, or struggling to balance self-care with showing up for others, this offers a framework for staying engaged without losing yourself in the process.

We all hit walls—whether it's career ambitions that feel out of reach, relationships that drain us, or dreams that seem impossible. But what if the problem isn't your limitations? What if you're just misreading the signals? Trevor shares a fresh perspective on personal boundaries, offering practical tools to distinguish between obstacles worth pushing through and limits worth accepting. Through relatable stories (including one about spectacularly breaking expensive furniture), he explores how understanding your constraints can actually expand your possibilities and lead you toward what you actually need.   You'll walk away with specific techniques for self-assessment, including the three-circle test, energy audits, and how to listen to your body's wisdom. Perfect for anyone tired of fighting the wrong battles and ready to work with their authentic self instead of against it.

Do you exhaust yourself trying to fix everyone around you? Civil rights lawyer and pastor Antonio explores why our need to be everyone's savior leads to anxiety, burnout, and resentment. Whether you're supporting struggling friends, fighting for social justice, or caring for family members, the pressure to solve every problem can be overwhelming. Drawing from the example of John the Baptist, Antonio reveals how embracing your human limitations isn't selfish—it's essential. He shares practical insights on setting boundaries that actually make you more effective at helping others, not less. Learn the difference between being a supportive person and being someone's unofficial therapist, and discover how acknowledging what you can't control creates space for real solutions. If you're tired of carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders, this conversation offers a refreshing perspective on sustainable caring that protects your mental health while still showing up for the people and causes you love.

Whether you're fighting for justice or just trying to make it through tough times, burnout is real. This conversation explores an honest question: Are you the person who needs care right now, or are you in a position to help others? Using the ancient story of Elijah's breakdown and recovery, we examine how to assess where you are emotionally and spiritually. The discussion offers practical tools for envisioning what your "healed self" might look like and identifying concrete next steps to get there. Rather than promoting endless self-improvement, it emphasizes that personal healing ultimately leads us back to community and collective action—not away from it. Includes interactive reflection exercises you can do while listening. Perfect for anyone feeling overwhelmed by current events or wondering how to sustain their energy for the long haul.

Most of us carry experiences that overwhelmed our ability to cope—trauma that literally rewires our brains and makes safe things feel dangerous. Whether it's childhood neglect, discrimination, abuse, or chronic stress, these experiences can leave us feeling frozen, anxious, and disconnected from the relationships we need most. This talk explores how ancient stories can offer surprisingly modern wisdom about healing. You'll discover why trauma can only be healed in relationship (even though relationships often caused the hurt), practical techniques for nervous system regulation, and why authentic healing requires ditching other people's expectations about how you "should" recover. If you're tired of being told to "just get over it" or "think positive," this conversation offers a different path—one that honors your actual needs and meets you exactly where you are.

Ever notice how one person's stress can spiral through an entire family, workplace, or friend group? This talk explores why anxiety is "viral" and how we unconsciously pass our emotional states to others—often without realizing it. Drawing from family systems theory and stories of Jesus navigating conflict, Anthony introduces the concept of "non-anxious presence"—the ability to stay emotionally regulated and connected during others' crises without absorbing their chaos or requiring them to change for you to feel okay. You'll learn practical ways to distinguish between healthy conflict and actual abuse, stop triangulating others into your problems, and recognize when past trauma is distorting your current reality. If you're tired of feeling like everyone else's emotional dumping ground or find yourself constantly reactive in relationships, this offers concrete tools for breaking cycles and creating healthier dynamics.

Ever feel like you're finally independent, only to realize you're still making decisions based on what you're rebelling against? This talk explores how anxiety spreads through families like a virus, creating patterns that control our choices long after we've left home. Using family systems theory and the story of Joseph, Pastor Anthony reveals how we often think we're being ourselves when we're actually just reacting to inherited dysfunction. You'll discover the difference between making yourself "really big" (gaining control) versus "really small" (people-pleasing) as trauma responses, and why both keep us trapped. Learn practical ways to notice when you're being reactive versus responsive, and how to stop letting other people's emotional chaos dictate your decisions. Ready to break free from patterns you didn't even know were controlling you? This is part one of a two-part series on family systems and healing.

What if your life isn’t “off track”—just on a longer, more winding route than you expected? For anyone wrestling with job loss, big transitions, or that nagging feeling of being stuck, this sermon explores what it means to navigate uncertainty without losing hope. Drawing from the story of Moses and the Israelites, we look at how guidance often shows up—not in big, dramatic signs—but in everyday moments: a quiet breath, a conversation with a friend, a walk under the trees. You’ll walk away with three simple practices to help you notice your own “pillar of cloud and fire” when the future feels foggy. Whether you’re figuring out your next step or just trying to stay afloat, this message offers practical ways to listen for what matters—and find your way forward, one step at a time.

Ever feel like you're making major life decisions based on dreams about cats? You're not alone. In this honest conversation about discernment, Daniel Dixon explores what it means to figure out where you're going when you genuinely have no clue. Moving beyond the tired "God has a plan" rhetoric and simplistic self-help formulas, this talk gets real about navigating life's big questions. Through stories of getting lost in Bangladesh, adopting an unhinged kitten, and organizing for justice, discover practical tools for making decisions that actually matter. Learn why your grief might be a better guide than your pros-and-cons list, how indigenous wisdom can reshape your thinking about the future, and what it means to find your place in the ecosystem of change. Perfect for anyone tired of pretending they have it all figured out.