2009 Lectures

Each link below is to a large MP3 file. It is STRONGLY RECOMMENDED that you download each lecture to your own computer or audio device and listen from there, rather than trying to stream each lecture from our site.

Week 1: August 2-8

40 days and 40 years: What's the significance of 40 in the Word?

During the church year, we are mindful of special periods of 40 days; Advent, Lent and the 40 days after Easter until Pentecost. What is the origin of these periods of religious observation in the Christian calendar? What does Swedenborg offer as explanation of the significance of the number 40? The 40 days of rain in Noah's time and the 40 days Moses spent on Mt. Sinai are two notable examples. Throughout the Biblical narrative, the Israelites have numerous periods of 40 year periods; wandering in the wilderness, periods of peace and periods of domination. And, of course, we know that Jesus' period of temptation in the desert was of 40 days duration. This week's lecture topics will explore some of these significant biblical times, how they enhance our church year observances and what they offer us in our individual and collective spiritual journeys.

Monday

9am: Noah and the Flood - Rev. Ken Turley
10am: The Humanity Test - Rev. Lee Woofenden

Tuesday

9am: Moses on the Mountaintop - Rev. Susannah Currie
10 am: From Generation to Generation - Rev. Dr. George Dole

Thursday

9am: The Israelites in the Desert: 40 Years of Temptation - Rev. Andy Stinson
10 am: The Meaning of Temptation - Rev. Lee Woofenden

Friday

9am: Before & After - Rev. Dr. George Dole
10 am: Jesus in the Wilderness - Rev. Andy Stinson

Saturday

9am: Revelation - Rev. Ken Turley
10 am: Panel Discussion: Question & Answer

Week 2: August 9-15

Practice, practice, practice… the Path of Spiritual Growth through Daily Life!

The process of regeneration that Swedenborg outlines begins with repentance of things we want to change and then a period of reformation, where, with the Lord's help, we pray to, and work with, the Lord to make those changes a reality. This is the daily walk with God that each of us takes as we grow spiritually. What are some of the spiritual practices, tasks, methods and devotions that are useful in staying mindful of our spiritual growth in the material world? What can we learn from our theology to help us to creatively engage in useful tasks that help our development as well as serve others? This week's lectures will be offering tools and ideas to spark enthusiasm and renewed commitment in your spiritual journey.

Friday

9 am: Spiritual Experience - SCYL/The Flames
10 am: Rebirth in One Lesson - Rev. Lee Woofenden

Saturday

9 am: The Practice of Spiritual Freedom - Rev. Sage Currie
10 am: Diagnosis & Prescription - Rev. Dr. George Dole