METRON LIVE 7-7-24: ‘Peace’
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Notes translated by AI
This talk covers hearing from God, evangelical
messages, dealing with anxiety, decision making,
empathy, and social issues in a spiritual context.
Date & Time: 2024-07-07 11:40:57
Location: Metron at Atlanta Theater
Keywords
spirituality anxiety decision making
Key Learnings
1. Hearing from God: The concept of hearing from God,
specifically through the Holy Spirit, and the importance of
discerning whether the voice is internal or external.
2. Evangelical Signs and Messages: The speaker discusses
various evangelical signs and messages encountered during
travels, and their impact.
3. Dealing with Anxiety and Being Present: The speaker
discusses the importance of being present and dealing with
anxiety, especially in the context of caring for a loved one.
4. Personal Experience in Pastoral Counseling: The importance
of sharing personal experiences in pastoral counseling and how
it can help others.
5. Decision Making and Responsibility: The process of making
difficult decisions and the responsibility that comes with it.
6. Coping with Anxiety and Stress: Strategies for coping with
anxiety and stress, especially when dealing with
responsibilities.
7. Human Experience and Empathy: The importance of
acknowledging and respecting the human experience and
showing empathy.
8. Dealing with Anxiety: Discussion on how anxiety is
omnipresent and how it affects individuals.
9. Eckhart Tolle’s Philosophy: Discussion on Eckhart Tolle’s
philosophy of not resisting any state of mind.
10. Conflict in the Christian Church at Rome: Discussion on the
conflict in the Christian church at Rome regarding meat offered
to idols.
11. Christian Nationalism and Modern Issues: Discussion on
Christian nationalism, its historical context, and its impact on
modern issues.
12. Moses and Abortion: Discussion on Moses’ perspective on
abortion as depicted in the Bible, specifically in the book of
Numbers.
13. Embryo Freezing and Fertility Drugs: Discussion on the
implications of embryo freezing and the use of fertility drugs.
14. Democracy and Individual Rights: Discussion on
democracy, individual rights, and the importance of respecting
others’ beliefs and identities.
15. Religious Beliefs and Social Issues: Discussion on how
religious beliefs influence opinions on social issues like
same-sex rights and abortion.
16. Conflict Resolution and Peace: Discussion on the
importance of resolving conflicts and maintaining peace.
17. Kingdom of God and Social Issues: Discussion on the
concept of the Kingdom of God and its relation to social issues.
18. Personal Peace and Well-being: Discussion on the
importance of personal peace and well-being.
Explanations
1. Hearing from God
Key Points
The speaker refers to the Holy Spirit as the voice of God.
It’s important to discern whether the voice is internal or
external.
The speaker has learned to switch gears between internal and
external voices.
Explanation
The speaker emphasizes the importance of getting quiet to
hear the Spirit. If the Spirit doesn’t speak internally, it might be
an external confirmation. Over time, the speaker has learned to
discern and switch between these sources.
Example of God’s Way Baptist Church
The speaker saw a sign for ‘God’s Way Baptist Church’ and
humorously noted that it claimed to have the definitive way to
God.
1. The speaker uses this example to illustrate the idea that
different people and institutions claim to have the ‘right’ way to
God.
2. It highlights the importance of personal discernment in
spiritual matters.
Example of Traveling and Recognizing Markers
The speaker describes a trip from Belmont City to Panama
City, noting familiar markers along the way.
1. This example is used to illustrate the idea of recognizing
familiar signs and markers in one’s spiritual journey.
2. It emphasizes the importance of experience and familiarity in
discerning spiritual guidance.
2. Evangelical Signs and Messages
Key Points
Evangelical signs often focus on warnings and destruction.
Some signs are more positive, like ‘Know Jesus, Know Peace’.
The choice of scripture on signs can be unusual or unexpected.
Explanation
The speaker reflects on the different types of evangelical
signs seen during travels. While some are focused on negative
messages, others are more positive. The speaker also notes the
unusual choice of scripture in some signs, which can be
surprising.
Prophet Love and His Sign
A man named Prophet Love held a sign stating ‘97% of guitar
tricks go into hell’.
1. The speaker criticizes the negative and fear-based message
of the sign.
2. The speaker suggests that more practical help, like buying a
hamburger for a homeless person, would be more impactful.
Sweet Old Man with a Positive Sign
An old man held a sign saying ‘Know Jesus, Know Peace’ with
a scripture from 2 Thessalonians 3:16.
1. The speaker appreciates the positive and encouraging
message of the sign.
2. The choice of scripture, while unusual, is seen as a pleasant
surprise.
3. Dealing with Anxiety and Being Present
Key Points
Being present and in the moment is crucial.
Caring for a loved one can be a source of anxiety.
Overreacting to minor complaints can be a sign of underlying
stress.
Explanation
The speaker shares personal experiences of dealing with
anxiety while caring for their mother in assisted living. The
importance of being present and not overreacting to minor
issues is emphasized. The speaker also reflects on the cultural
background of receiving correction rather than affirmation.
Hug from a Med Tech
A med tech named Chasten hugged the speaker without
saying anything.
1. The hug was a gesture of support and understanding.
2. It highlights the emotional challenges of caring for a loved
one and the importance of empathy.
4. Personal Experience in Pastoral Counseling
Key Points
Sharing personal experiences can create a connection with
others.
It is important to be honest about one’s own struggles and how
they are being dealt with.
Using personal stories can inspire and help others.
Explanation
The teacher emphasizes the importance of sharing personal
experiences in pastoral counseling. By being honest about their
own struggles and how they deal with them, they can create a
connection with others and inspire them.
Teacher’s Personal Experience
The teacher shares their own experience of dealing with
complaints and making decisions about their mother’s care.
1. The teacher overreacted to a couple of complaints and made
a suggestion to their mother without proper research.
2. Upon realizing the mistake, the teacher had to explain the
situation to their mother and make a decision about her care.
3. The teacher reflects on the importance of committing to
decisions and not second-guessing them.
5. Decision Making and Responsibility
Key Points
Making decisions involves considering all aspects and
potential consequences.
Responsibility includes planning and thinking ahead.
It is important to balance practical considerations with
emotional attachments.
Explanation
The teacher discusses the process of making difficult
decisions, such as selling a house and managing belongings.
They highlight the importance of planning and thinking ahead,
as well as balancing practical considerations with emotional
attachments.
Selling the House
The teacher contemplates selling their house and the
challenges that come with it, such as managing belongings and
emotional attachments.
1. The teacher considers the financial implications of selling the
house.
2. They think about where to store belongings, including a piano
that has sentimental value.
3. The teacher reflects on the emotional difficulty of making
such decisions.
6. Coping with Anxiety and Stress
Key Points
It is important to acknowledge and accept one’s current state.
Forgiving oneself for not being at peace can help reduce inner
conflict.
Finding peace involves accepting non-peace and surrendering
to the present moment.
Explanation
The teacher shares strategies for coping with anxiety and
stress, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging and
accepting one’s current state. They discuss how forgiving
oneself for not being at peace can reduce inner conflict and
how finding peace involves accepting non-peace and
surrendering to the present moment.
Eckhart Tolle’s Quote
The teacher finds solace in a quote by Eckhart Tolle that
advises not to look for peace but to accept the current state.
1. The quote suggests that looking for peace can create inner
conflict.
2. Accepting the current state can transmute non-peace into
peace.
3. The teacher reflects on how this advice helped them relax
and enjoy their time.
7. Human Experience and Empathy
Key Points
Acknowledging the human experience involves understanding
and respecting others’ feelings and situations.
Empathy is crucial in providing support and comfort to others.
Dehumanizing responses can be harmful and unhelpful.
Explanation
The teacher emphasizes the importance of acknowledging
and respecting the human experience and showing empathy.
They discuss how understanding and respecting others’
feelings and situations is crucial in providing support and
comfort, and how dehumanizing responses can be harmful and
unhelpful.
Jesus’ Human Response
The teacher references Jesus’ human response to Lazarus’
death as an example of empathy and acknowledging the human
experience.
1. Jesus wept before raising Lazarus from the dead, showing a
human response to grief.
2. This example highlights the importance of empathy and
understanding others’ feelings.
3. The teacher contrasts this with modern church practices that
often dehumanize the human experience.
8. Dealing with Anxiety
Key Points
Anxiety is omnipresent and follows you everywhere.
People often try to escape their problems by leaving town or
avoiding them.
Simple reassurances from others often do not help.
Explanation
The teacher explains that anxiety is a constant presence in
one’s life, and it cannot be easily escaped. Simple reassurances
from others often do not help because they do not understand
the depth of the individual’s struggles.
Personal Experience with Anxiety
The teacher shares a personal experience of trying to stop
thinking about certain issues and the struggle to manage
financial concerns.
1. The teacher tried to avoid thinking about certain issues but
found it difficult.
2. Financial concerns added to the anxiety, leading to a feeling
of helplessness.
3. The teacher sought temporary relief through distractions.
9. Eckhart Tolle’s Philosophy
Key Points
Surrendering to non-peace can bring peace.
Resisting negative states can make them persist.
Explanation
The teacher discusses Eckhart Tolle’s philosophy that
surrendering to non-peace can bring peace. Resisting negative
states can make them persist, as seen in the example of
churches constantly resisting the devil.
Churches Resisting the Devil
Churches that constantly resist the devil end up focusing on
him more, which makes the devil persist in their minds.
1. Churches focus on resisting the devil.
2. This constant focus makes the devil persist in their minds.
3. The teacher suggests that not resisting might bring more
peace.
10. Conflict in the Christian Church at Rome
Key Points
Two factions existed: one that accepted meat offered to idols
and one that did not.
Both factions had valid points based on their beliefs.
Explanation
The teacher explains the conflict in the Christian church at
Rome, where one faction accepted meat offered to idols
because it was of high quality and affordable, while the other
faction refused it on religious grounds.
Meat Offered to Idols
One faction in the Christian church at Rome accepted meat
offered to idols because it was of high quality and affordable.
The other faction refused it on religious grounds.
1. The first faction saw it as a practical choice for quality meat.
2. The second faction saw it as a violation of their religious
beliefs.
3. Both perspectives were valid within their own contexts.
11. Christian Nationalism and Modern Issues
Key Points
Christian nationalists call for a second American revolution.
They focus on issues like gay rights and abortion.
There is a historical context to their beliefs, including Manifest
Destiny and reactions to social changes.
Explanation
The teacher discusses the rise of Christian nationalism, its
historical roots in Manifest Destiny, and its focus on issues like
gay rights and abortion. The teacher also highlights the
historical context of certain symbols and phrases in American
history.
Project 25 and Christian Nationalism
Christian nationalists are calling for a second American
revolution, focusing on issues like gay rights and abortion. They
believe these issues signify the end times.
1. Christian nationalists see gay rights and abortion as signs of
moral decay.
2. They believe these issues signify the end times.
3. Their beliefs are rooted in a specific interpretation of
Christianity.
Historical Context of Symbols
The teacher explains the historical context of symbols like the
Confederate flag and phrases like ‘In God We Trust.’
1. The Confederate flag was added to the Georgia flag in the
1950s as a reaction to desegregation.
2. Phrases like ‘In God We Trust’ were added during times of
social change.
3. These symbols and phrases have historical contexts that are
often overlooked.
12. Moses and Abortion
Key Points
Moses had a specific law regarding suspected infidelity and
pregnancy.
A woman suspected of carrying another man’s child was given
a drink in front of the elders.
If she miscarried, it was seen as a sign from God that the child
was not her husband’s.
If she did not miscarry, the child was considered her husband’s.
Explanation
The law of Moses did not consider life to begin at conception.
Instead, it treated a fetus as a fetus, and the outcome of the
drink test determined the legitimacy of the child.
Biblical Example from Numbers
A woman suspected of infidelity was given a drink in front of
the elders. If she miscarried, it was a sign from God that the
child was not her husband’s.
1. The woman drinks the concoction in front of the elders.
2. If she miscarries, it is seen as divine intervention indicating
infidelity.
3. If she does not miscarry, the child is considered legitimate.
13. Embryo Freezing and Fertility Drugs
Key Points
Embryos can be frozen and implanted years later.
Fertility drugs can result in multiple births, sometimes referred
to as a ‘litter’.
Explanation
The discussion raises questions about the nature of life and
conception, especially in cases where embryos are frozen for
years or when fertility drugs result in multiple births.
Case of Frozen Embryos
Embryos that were frozen for 8 years were implanted and
resulted in children who are now 10 years old.
1. Embryos were frozen for 8 years.
2. They were implanted and resulted in successful births.
3. The children are now 10 years old, but technically they are
18 years old.
Case of Multiple Births from Fertility Drugs
A woman took fertility drugs and had 8 babies, which was
documented in a reality show ‘Kate Plus Eight’.
1. The woman took fertility drugs.
2. She gave birth to 8 babies.
3. The event was documented in a reality show.
14. Democracy and Individual Rights
Key Points
Democracy involves respecting everyone’s right to life, liberty,
and the pursuit of happiness.
People have the right to identify with their chosen pronouns.
Respecting others’ beliefs and identities is crucial in a
democratic society.
Explanation
The discussion emphasizes the importance of respecting
individual rights and beliefs in a democracy, even if one does
not personally understand or agree with them.
15. Religious Beliefs and Social Issues
Key Points
People’s religious beliefs strongly influence their opinions on
social issues.
Arguments based on religious beliefs often do not change
others’ opinions.
Respecting differing beliefs is important for social harmony.
Explanation
The discussion highlights that religious beliefs are deeply
personal and often unchangeable through argument. It stresses
the importance of respecting differing beliefs to maintain social
harmony.
Facebook Example
Friends on Facebook post about their religious beliefs, which
can be offensive to others.
1. People post their religious beliefs on social media.
2. These posts can be offensive to friends with different beliefs.
3. Respecting others’ beliefs is important to avoid conflict.
16. Conflict Resolution and Peace
Key Points
Stop arguing with others about their beliefs.
Choose battles wisely and save energy for important issues.
Unfriending or blocking someone on social media can be a way
to maintain peace.
Explanation
The discussion advises against engaging in arguments over
differing beliefs and emphasizes the importance of choosing
battles wisely. It suggests that maintaining peace sometimes
involves unfriending or blocking people on social media.
Personal Example of Conflict Resolution
The speaker shares a personal experience of telling someone
to stop calling Democrats ‘baby killers’ or they would remove
Fox News from their package.
1. The speaker confronted someone who repeatedly called
Democrats ‘baby killers’.
2. They threatened to remove Fox News from the person’s
package if they continued.
3. The person stopped making the offensive comments.
17. Kingdom of God and Social Issues
Key Points
The Kingdom of God is about righteousness, peace, and joy.
Arguing about social issues does not bring the Kingdom of God.
Jesus did not engage in political discussions.
Explanation
The discussion emphasizes that the Kingdom of God focuses
on righteousness, peace, and joy, rather than social or political
issues. It notes that Jesus did not engage in political
discussions, suggesting that Christians should focus on spiritual
matters.
Biblical Example of Jesus and Politics
Jesus was asked if taxes should be paid to Caesar. He
responded by saying, ‘Whose image is on it? Caesar’s? My
kingdom is not of this world.’
1. Jesus was asked about paying taxes to Caesar.
2. He pointed out that the coin bore Caesar’s image.
3. He stated that his kingdom is not of this world, avoiding
political entanglement.
18. Personal Peace and Well-being
Key Points
Identify and address sources of anxiety.
Focus on personal peace and well-being.
Trust that everything will work out in the end.
Explanation
The discussion encourages individuals to identify sources of
anxiety and focus on personal peace and well-being. It
reassures that everything will eventually work out.
The speaker discusses their preference for listening to podcasts over music to relax and fall asleep, as they find music too engaging.
The speaker introduces the topic of the podcast: ‘The Art of Being Happy, Daring to Live the Dream in the Real World,’ and critiques the superficial pursuit of happiness in modern culture.
The speaker references Psalm 126:1 to illustrate the concept of freedom and the difficulty of adjusting to it after long periods of captivity or hardship.
The speaker draws a parallel between the historical context of Juneteenth and the psychological impact of not knowing one is free, emphasizing the complexity of freedom.
The speaker shares personal anecdotes about dealing with stress, health issues, and the emotional toll of life events, highlighting the importance of recognizing small improvements.
The speaker reflects on the impact of stress on health, citing personal experiences with chest pain, acid reflux, and other ailments that have improved over time.
The speaker emphasizes the importance of focusing on positive changes and small miracles in life, rather than dwelling on negative experiences.
The speaker discusses the psychological impact of constantly focusing on negative events and the importance of shifting attention to positive developments.
The speaker encourages the audience to break free from old patterns of thinking and to become pioneers of their future by reacting differently to challenges.
The speaker shares a personal realization about the cumulative effect of small positive changes and how they can lead to a better overall quality of life.
The speaker reflects on the importance of maintaining a positive outlook and recognizing the benefits and improvements in life, even if they are small.
Most of our suffering is self-inflicted, stemming from how we think about our problems rather than the problems themselves.
Feeling good is essential and not superficial; it can influence your circumstances positively.
Adopting a positive mindset can preordain good feelings and outcomes, as illustrated by James Brown’s song.
Chaos and randomness are often just patterns we haven’t recognized or deciphered yet.
Life is not fair, and expecting it to be so can lead to disappointment. Instead, focus on your response to life’s challenges.
Stress can be addictive due to the release of dopamine, making people crave the high from stressful situations.
People can become so accustomed to stress that they feel uncomfortable when things are going well.
Relearning how to enjoy life and celebrate small victories is crucial for mental well-being.
Maintaining a youthful, carefree attitude can help mitigate the seriousness of life’s challenges.
Vacations and breaks are essential for resetting your mind and escaping daily stressors.
Taking responsibility for your own life and not blaming external factors like the devil is crucial for personal growth.
Drama and crisis can become a habitual way of life for some people, leading to a constant state of stress.
Staying in touch with the big picture and seeing life as happening for you, not to you, can help you find meaning in random events.
Understanding that your thoughts are the real demons can help you take control of your mental state.
Maintaining focus and not getting easily distracted can improve your overall well-being.
Recognizing and breaking the addiction to stress can lead to a healthier, more balanced life.
The speaker discusses the biological basis of addiction, particularly focusing on how habits like consuming sugar can provide a sense of well-being similar to other addictive behaviors.
The speaker shares personal anecdotes about dealing with stress and loss, emphasizing the importance of being proactive and taking care of loved ones to manage stress hormones effectively.
The speaker discusses the concept of being helpers rather than absorbers of stress, drawing on religious teachings to support this idea.
The speaker criticizes the focus on religious commandments in schools and suggests practical solutions like lunch programs to address children’s needs.
The speaker shares a personal preference for not sharing sad stories online to avoid seeking attention through negative means.
The speaker encourages self-love and appreciation for one’s own life, suggesting that this mindset can lead to a more fulfilling existence.
The speaker highlights the importance of small acts of kindness and how they can change the energy and help others.
The speaker shares a story about organizing a ‘love network’ to help others, emphasizing the positive impact of such actions.
