Just Sitting Here Thinking

5-20-07 The Holy City, the New Jerusalem (Revelation - part 6)

Lesson on the kingdom of God, the Jewish background and tradition of St. John's vision of heaven, and the history and significance of Jerusalem to Judaism and Christianity.

5-13-07 The Bride and the Bridegroom (Revelation - part 5)

Lesson on the marriage of Jesus and his church, justification by faith not deeds, and salvation through the gift of grace. 

5-06-07 The Trumpets Sound (Revelation - part 4)

Lesson on the further prophecies of Revelation, including the seven angels with seven trumpets and the ten kings, Roman persecution and early Christian martyrdom.

4-22-07 Worthy Is The Lamb (Revelation - part 3)

Lesson on the prophecy of the Seventh Seal and the Lamb who is worthy, and discussing the meaning of Christ's sacrifice at the crucifixion from the perspective of Luther, Calvin, Schleiermacher and other theologians.

Easter Special - Introspective of the Apostle Simon Peter

To celebrate Easter, we revisit this introspective monologue on the apostle Simon Peter from 2003. As always, no notes - just an extemporized yet structured meditation based on heavy research.
Also available in VIDEO at the following link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AjwG-eUhOOw&t=1329s

4-15-07 The Throne of God (Revelation - part 2)

Lesson on the background to the writing of the Book of Revelation - the Roman persecution of the Christians by the Emperor Domitian, St. John's exile to the isle of Patmos, and poetry and symbolism in the language of his visions.

4-11-07 The Role of the Church in the Development of America + Q&A

The history of the church from the Holy Roman Empire to the Reformation, and the foundation of religious freedom in the American colonies which led to the war of independence.

4-01-07 Palm Sunday and the Book of Revelation

Lesson on the history, authorship, metaphors and context of the Book of Revelation on Palm Sunday. Fulfilling the prophecy of the Messiah and Jesus as the sacrificial lamb.

3-25-07 Agape Love (1 John - part 2)

Lesson continues with 1 John and the theme of love as a spiritual gift, the power and challenge of "Agape" love (love of God for us, and of us for God) that allows anyone from Mother Teresa to each of us every day to more deeply care for each other in the world and see each other with grace through Christ.

3-18-07 God is Love (1 John - part 1)

Lesson on the many ways the Bible shows, and many different religions agree that God is Love. Discussion of the "gospel of Love," the Apostle John, and the response of the John the Evangelist of the epistle of 1 John.

3-11-07 Choosing Between Loving God and Loving the World

Lesson on Jesus' temptations in the desert - to live for oneself, fame, wealth and power. Living for others, for joy rather than possession, and finding true purpose and calling that gives a person real satisfaction and joy. The power of giving back blessings you reap in worldly rewards.

3-20-05 Romans: Justification by Faith

Lesson on Paul's letter to the church at Rome and his vital message which lies at the core of Christianity.

2-25-07 ”I Am The True Vine, You Are The Branches”

Lesson on John 15:5 “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing."

The Story of Ruth and Naomi (Part 1) + John Wesley Q&A

One of the most intimate personal bonds between characters in the Bible is that of Ruth and Naomi, as told in the Book of Ruth. Lesson on trust, friendship, family, bravery and loyalty through seemingly insurmountable struggles.
But first, it's open floor for questions and discussion following the introspective on John Wesley.

Introspective on John Wesley

John Wesley tells the intimate story of his own life and spiritual journey, as well as the birth of Methodism in this inspiring and candid introspective monologue. As always, no notes - just an extemporized yet structured meditation based on heavy research.

2-08-04 Hope, Thankfulness and Peace in Ecclesiastes

Lesson on finding the positive and life-affirming in the teachings of the book of Ecclesiastes.

Isaiah - A New Creation

Lesson on the Babylonian Captivity, destruction and rebirth, mourning and hope. God is not one to turn his back upon the people.

1-26-08 Jesus at the Temple at age twelve

Lesson examining Jesus' exchange with the elders of the Temple at 12, the yearning of everyone to set out beyond their home and embark on life's journey, and the need later in life to find home again.

Birthday Special - Introspective on Simon Peter

In celebration of Rev. Eastridge's 95th birthday, here is a special Easter introspective monologue as the apostle Simon Peter from 2003. As always, no notes - just an extemporized yet structured meditation based on heavy research.
Also available in VIDEO at the following link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AjwG-eUhOOw&t=1329s

1-28-07 ”I Am the Light of the World”

Lesson discussing John 8:12  -  "I am the light of the world; whoever follows me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life."