Raised and Redeemed

Raised and Redeemed

By Michaela NikolaenkoReligion & SpiritualityChristianity
Download on the App Store

Raised and Redeemed episodes

  • 102. What Happens When We Die? Orthodox Priest on the Afterlife & Spiritual Warfare

    What happens when we die? In this episode, Orthodox priest Fr. Paul Truebenbach joins me to share the ancient Christian understanding of the afterlife, the 40 days after death, and the reality of spiritual warfare.


    We discuss how the Orthodox Church explains the journey of the soul after death, the difference between temptation and demonic oppression, and how to prepare for the Final Judgment. We also address common questions: Can demons know your thoughts? Are paranormal experiences and “ghosts” always demonic?


    If you’ve ever wondered about life after death, angels and demons, or the invisible spiritual realm, this conversation will give you a clear and biblical foundation rooted in the Orthodox tradition.


    🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share if you find this helpful!


    #orthodoxchristian #afterlife #spiritualwarfare


    ----------------------------------------------------


    Follow Fr. Paul Truebenbach: https://www.youtube.com/@frpaul


    ----------------------------------------------------


    🌐 Explore More:

    ALL LINKS → https://beacons.ai/michaelanikolaenko


    Website → www.michaelanikolaenko.com


    🎙️ Listen to the Podcast:https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/raisedandredeemed


    🎥 Subscribe on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCn2x_6If3KUo5d9aA_7ALLw


    📲 Follow Along on Socials:

    Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/michaelanikolaenko/

    TikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@michaelanikolaenko

    Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/michaelanikolaenko


    ----------------------------------------------------

    ⏳ TIMESTAMPS:

    00:00-1:59 Intro

    1:59-13:27 How can believers be victorious over demonic influence and torment?

    13:27-17:56 How can we know the difference between our flesh and demonic torment?

    17:56-22:05 Do demons know our thoughts?

    22:05-25:10 Have you ever encountered someone who was possessed?

    25:10-42:21 What is the soul’s journey after death?

    42:21-47:29 What happened to the souls of non-Christian’s after death?

    47:29-50:11 Is God in all the hearts of Christian and non-Christian people?

    50:11-56:44 Clarifying paradise and hades versus heaven and hell

    56:44-59:35 What happens at the final judgement?

    59:35-1:04 Have many or all biblical prophecies been fulfilled?

    1:04:31-1:16:12 Why pray to saints?

    1:16:12-1:20:28 Can our loved ones in heaven see us?

    1:20:28-1:27:02 What do you wish you would have known before becoming Orthodox?

    1:27:02-1:28:49 Final thoughts

    1 hr 29 min
  • 101. What does it mean to be an excellent Christian? | The Ladder of Divine Ascent | Thirty Steps to Heaven

    What does it truly mean to be an excellent Christian?

    In this season finale of the Raised & Redeemed podcast we reach the summit of the Christian life by exploring Steps 26–30 of Thirty Steps to Heaven by Fr. Vassilios Papavassiliou—based on the timeless Orthodox classic The Ladder of Divine Ascent by St. John Climacus.


    In this episode, we dive deep into the virtues that crown a life in Christ:

    🧭 Discernment

    🌿 Stillness

    🙏 Prayer

    🔥 Dispassion

    💫 Faith, Hope, and Love


    This isn’t about striving for perfection or appearing “religious.” It’s about surrendering fully to God’s will and becoming so filled with His love that your life itself becomes a witness—without even saying a word.


    -------------------------------------------------


    📚 Resources Referenced (Affiliate Links):


    FREE DOWNLOADABLE GUIDE to "The Passions" Serieshttps://www.michaelanikolaenko.com/#freepassionsguide


    📖 The Ladder of Divine Ascent by St. John Climacushttps://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XMYTZ5R/ref=cm_sw_r_as_gl_api_gl_DX1KQSTFH0NBD69EKGWJ?linkCode=ml1&tag=michaelare072-20


    📖 Thirty Steps to Heaven by Fr. Vassilios Papavassiliouhttps://www.amazon.com/dp/1936270897/ref=cm_sw_r_as_gl_api_gl_i_FW05ZVMT36V1Q4WT5JVH?linkCode=ml1&tag=michaelare072-20


    📖 Orthodox Study Biblehttps://www.amazon.com/dp/0718003594/ref=cm_sw_r_as_gl_api_gl_i_83T623KVX235AS8T6KZ2?linkCode=ml1&tag=michaelare072-20


    -------------------------------------------------


    🎧 Start from the beginning: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XGT8kg7CzX8


    📖 Find the show notes here 👉 https://www.michaelanikolaenko.com/podcast/what-does-it-mean-to-be-an-excellent-christian


    🔔 Subscribe and join me each week as we climb this ladder together—step by step, passion by passion, virtue by virtue.


    ----------------------------------------------------


    🌐 Explore More:Website → www.michaelanikolaenko.com (blog, book updates, merch, and more)


    🎙️ Listen to the Podcast:https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/raisedandredeemed


    🎥 Subscribe on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCn2x_6If3KUo5d9aA_7ALLw


    📲 Follow Along on Socials:

    Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/michaelanikolaenko/

    TikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@michaelanikolaenko

    Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/raisedandredeemed


    ----------------------------------------------------


    🕒 Timestamps:

    00:00-1:51 Intro

    1:51-5:44 what is spiritual discernment

    5:44-7:46 how to be still

    7:46-10:41 what is true prayer

    10:41-11:56 how to aquire dispassion

    11:56-14:03 the summit: faith, hope & love

    14:03-14:48 prayer for flowing God's love

    14:48-16:22 Closing

    17 min
  • 100. Practical Steps to Overcome Pride with Humility | The Ladder of Divine Ascent | Thirty Steps to Heaven

    Are you struggling with pride, vainglory, or the constant need for validation? This video explores the final and most dangerous passions from the Ladder of Divine Ascent - vainglory and pride - and reveals their powerful antidotes: meekness, simplicity, and humility.


    What You'll Learn:


    ✅ The difference between vainglory and pride (and why pride is deadlier)

    ✅ How validation-seeking destroys our spiritual life

    ✅ Why "fake saints" are more dangerous than honest sinners

    ✅ Practical steps to develop genuine humility

    ✅ How to respond rather than react when wronged

    ✅ The prayer that transforms proud hearts


    -------------------------------------------------


    📚 Resources Referenced (Affiliate Links):


    FREE DOWNLOADABLE GUIDE to "The Passions" Serieshttps://www.michaelanikolaenko.com/#freepassionsguide


    📖 The Ladder of Divine Ascent by St. John Climacushttps://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XMYTZ5R/ref=cm_sw_r_as_gl_api_gl_DX1KQSTFH0NBD69EKGWJ?linkCode=ml1&tag=michaelare072-20


    📖 Thirty Steps to Heaven by Fr. Vassilios Papavassiliouhttps://www.amazon.com/dp/1936270897/ref=cm_sw_r_as_gl_api_gl_i_FW05ZVMT36V1Q4WT5JVH?linkCode=ml1&tag=michaelare072-20


    📖 Orthodox Study Biblehttps://www.amazon.com/dp/0718003594/ref=cm_sw_r_as_gl_api_gl_i_83T623KVX235AS8T6KZ2?linkCode=ml1&tag=michaelare072-20


    -------------------------------------------------


    🎧 Start from the beginning: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XGT8kg7CzX8


    📖 Find the show notes here 👉 www.michaelanikolaenko.com/podcast


    🔔 Subscribe and join me each week as we climb this ladder together—step by step, passion by passion, virtue by virtue.


    ----------------------------------------------------


    🌐 Explore More:

    Website → www.michaelanikolaenko.com (blog, book updates, merch, and more)


    🎙️ Listen to the Podcast:https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/raisedandredeemed


    🎥 Subscribe on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCn2x_6If3KUo5d9aA_7ALLw


    📲 Follow Along on Socials:

    Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/michaelanikolaenko/

    TikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@michaelanikolaenko

    Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/raisedandredeemed


    ----------------------------------------------------

    🕒 Timestamps:

    00:00-1:53 Intro

    1:53-6:40 Vainglory

    6:40-11:30 Pride

    11:30-13:20 Meekness

    13:20-16:35 Humility

    16:35-17:54 Practical Steps

    17:54-19:27 Closing

    20 min
  • 99. Growing in Alertness to the Holy Spirit | The Ladder of Divine Ascent | Thirty Steps to Heaven

    Growing in Alertness to the Holy Spirit - Awakening the Numb Soul


    Have you ever caught yourself praying but not really praying? Going through the motions of faith while feeling spiritually numb? You're not alone. In this powerful episode, we explore how to move from spiritual insensitivity to genuine alertness to God's presence.


    📖 WHAT WE COVER:


    Step 18: The dangerous trap of spiritual insensitivity and hypocrisy

    Step 19: When sleep becomes escape from spiritual reality

    Step 20: Cultivating true spiritual alertness and sobriety


    🎯 KEY TAKEAWAYS:

    ✓ Spiritual insensitivity is common but curable

    ✓ "Every sinner is a mirror of another" - our judgments reveal our own sins

    ✓ True hope begins with holy despair: "Lord, I cannot save myself"

    ✓ Alertness isn't anxiety - it's spiritual sobriety

    ✓ One honest moment with God can pierce through weeks of numbness


    💡 THIS WEEK'S CHALLENGE:

    Move beyond spiritual checklists and practice meditative presence with God through Scripture, prayer, silence, and nature.


    -------------------------------------------------


    📚 Books Referenced (Affiliate Links):


    📖 The Ladder of Divine Ascent by St. John Climacus

    https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XMYTZ5R/ref=cm_sw_r_as_gl_api_gl_DX1KQSTFH0NBD69EKGWJ?linkCode=ml1&tag=michaelare072-20


    📖 Thirty Steps to Heaven by Fr. Vassilios Papavassiliou

    https://www.amazon.com/dp/1936270897/ref=cm_sw_r_as_gl_api_gl_i_FW05ZVMT36V1Q4WT5JVH?linkCode=ml1&tag=michaelare072-20


    📖 Orthodox Study Bible

    https://www.amazon.com/dp/0718003594/ref=cm_sw_r_as_gl_api_gl_i_83T623KVX235AS8T6KZ2?linkCode=ml1&tag=michaelare072-20


    -------------------------------------------------


    🎧 Start from the beginning: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XGT8kg7CzX8


    📖 Find the show notes here 👉 https://www.michaelanikolaenko.com/podcast/growing-in-alertness-to-the-holy-spirit


    🔔 Subscribe and join me each week as we climb this ladder together—step by step, passion by passion, virtue by virtue.


    ----------------------------------------------------


    🌐 Explore More:

    Website → www.michaelanikolaenko.com (blog, book updates, merch, and more)

    🎙️ Listen to the Podcast:

    https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/raisedandredeemed

    🎥 Subscribe on YouTube:

    https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCn2x_6If3KUo5d9aA_7ALLw

    📲 Follow Along on Socials:

    Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/michaelanikolaenko/

    TikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@michaelanikolaenko

    Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/raisedandredeemed


    ----------------------------------------------------


    🕒 Timestamps:

    00:00-1:40 intro

    1:40-5:14 Passion of Insensitivity

    5:14-6:30 Passion of Sleep

    6:30-7:18 The Virtue of Alertness

    7:18-8:31 My Takeaway

    8:31-10:23 Practical Application

    10:23-11:10 Prayer to Awaken Soul

    11:10-11:56 Closing

    12 min
  • 98. Overcoming the Love of Money & the Fear That Fuels It | Thirty Steps to Heaven | The Ladder of Divine Ascent

    Today we discuss overcoming the love of money and the fear that fuels it by deep diving into Steps 16-17 & 21 from "Thirty Steps to Heaven" and "The Ladder of Divine Ascent" - exploring how to overcome avarice (greed) through voluntary poverty and conquering the fear that drives our attachment to money.


    🔥 What You'll Learn:

    ✅ The spiritual roots of greed and money anxiety

    ✅ How fear of lack keeps us trapped in endless striving

    ✅ The difference between holy fear vs unholy fear

    ✅ Practical steps to develop voluntary poverty as a virtue

    ✅ Biblical principles for breaking free from materialism

    ✅ How to find your identity in Christ, not possessions


    -------------------------------------------------


    📚 Books Referenced (Affiliate Links):


    📖 The Ladder of Divine Ascent by St. John Climacushttps://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XMYTZ5R/ref=cm_sw_r_as_gl_api_gl_DX1KQSTFH0NBD69EKGWJ?linkCode=ml1&tag=michaelare072-20


    📖 Thirty Steps to Heaven by Fr. Vassilios Papavassiliouhttps://www.amazon.com/dp/1936270897/ref=cm_sw_r_as_gl_api_gl_i_FW05ZVMT36V1Q4WT5JVH?linkCode=ml1&tag=michaelare072-20


    📖 Orthodox Study Biblehttps://www.amazon.com/dp/0718003594/ref=cm_sw_r_as_gl_api_gl_i_83T623KVX235AS8T6KZ2?linkCode=ml1&tag=michaelare072-20


    -------------------------------------------------


    🎧 Start from the beginning: https://youtu.be/XGT8kg7CzX8?si=VJXwfufOgURUAXOw


    📖 Find the show notes here 👉 https://www.michaelanikolaenko.com/podcast/overcoming-the-love-of-money-and-the-fear-that-fuels-it


    🔔 Subscribe and join me each week as we climb this ladder together—step by step, passion by passion, virtue by virtue.


    ----------------------------------------------------


    🌐 Explore More:Website → www.michaelanikolaenko.com (blog, book updates, merch, and more)


    🎙️ Listen to the Podcast:https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/raisedandredeemed


    🎥 Subscribe on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCn2x_6If3KUo5d9aA_7ALLw


    📲 Follow Along on Socials:Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/michaelanikolaenko/TikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@michaelanikolaenkoFacebook → https://www.facebook.com/raisedandredeemed


    ----------------------------------------------------


    🕒 Timestamps:

    00:00-1:14 Intro

    1:14-2:54 What is Avarice

    2:54-5:30 Delusions About Money

    5:30-7:43 How Fear Led Me to Greed

    7:43-9:31 Holy vs Unholy Fear

    9:31-14:33 Poverty & Generosity

    14:33-16:52 Practical Application

    16:52-17:23 Prayer for Greed

    17:23-18:03 Closing

    19 min
  • 97. How to Battle the Passion of Lust | The Ladder of Divine Ascent

    In this powerful episode of Raised & Redeemed, we dive into Step 15 of "Thirty Steps to Heaven" by Fr. Vassilios Papavassiliou to explore how to battle the passion of lust and walk in true spiritual freedom.


    You'll learn how to recognize the spiritual roots of lust, distinguish it from God’s holy design for sexuality, and apply biblical strategies for healing and growth. Whether you’re battling temptation, guiding others, or seeking to deepen your faith, this episode offers both practical tools and spiritual wisdom.


    🔑 What You’ll Learn:


    - The difference between lust and holy desire


    - How lust connects to pride, gluttony, and despair


    - The role of prayer, fasting, and spiritual discipline


    - Saints who overcame sexual temptation and addiction


    - How to redirect lust into a life of holiness and purpose


    ✝️ Key Topics Covered:


    - Understanding lust as a form of spiritual warfare


    - How to overcome in moments of weakness


    - Steps to break the cycle of sin, shame, and despair


    - Embracing chastity as a path to peace and power


    - A personal testimony of healing from sexual addiction


    🎧 Perfect for:


    - Christians battling pornography or sexual sin


    - Pastors, youth leaders, and mentors


    - Anyone seeking purity, healing, and transformation


    ➡️ Subscribe for more episodes on overcoming spiritual struggles and growing in holiness.


    #ChristianLiving #SpiritualWarfare #OvercomingLust #ChastityTips

    -------------------------------------------------

    📚 Books Referenced (Affiliate Links):

    📖 The Ladder of Divine Ascent by St. John Climacushttps://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XMYTZ5R/ref=cm_sw_r_as_gl_api_gl_DX1KQSTFH0NBD69EKGWJ?linkCode=ml1&tag=michaelare072-20


    📖 Thirty Steps to Heaven by Fr. Vassilios Papavassiliouhttps://www.amazon.com/dp/1936270897/ref=cm_sw_r_as_gl_api_gl_i_FW05ZVMT36V1Q4WT5JVH?linkCode=ml1&tag=michaelare072-20


    📖 Orthodox Study Biblehttps://www.amazon.com/dp/0718003594/ref=cm_sw_r_as_gl_api_gl_i_83T623KVX235AS8T6KZ2?linkCode=ml1&tag=michaelare072-20


    -------------------------------------------------

    🎧 Start from the beginning: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XGT8kg7CzX8


    📖 Find the show notes here 👉


    🔔 Subscribe and join me each week as we climb this ladder together—step by step, passion by passion, virtue by virtue.


    ----------------------------------------------------


    🌐 Explore More:Website → www.michaelanikolaenko.com (blog, book updates, merch, and more)


    🎙️ Listen to the Podcast:https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/raisedandredeemed


    🎥 Subscribe on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCn2x_6If3KUo5d9aA_7ALLw


    📲 Follow Along on Socials:Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/michaelanikolaenko/TikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@michaelanikolaenkoFacebook → https://www.facebook.com/raisedandredeemed


    ----------------------------------------------------

    🕒 Timestamps:

    00:00-1:15 Intro

    1:15-3:01 Godly Sexuality vs. Lust

    3:01-5:45 Sexual Sins Born from Lust

    5:45-7:42 Lust & Spiritual Passions

    7:42-9:56 Personal Testimony

    9:56-11:29 Scripture on Lust

    11:29-16:14 How to Grow in Chastity

    16:14-22:14 Practical Steps for Chastity

    22:14-24:35 Saints Who Overcame Lust

    24:35-25:06 Prayer for Lust

    25:06-25:30 What's Next

    26 min
  • 96. Conquering the Spiritual Passion of Gluttony | Ladder of Divine Ascent

    The spiritual passion of gluttony is more than overeating—it’s a battle for your soul. In this episode of Raised & Redeemed, discover how to conquer it through Christ.


    ✨ Gluttony isn’t just about food—it’s a disordered desire that weakens our will, clouds our spiritual clarity, and distances us from God.


    In this episode, we’ll explore:


    ~ What gluttony really is according to the Bible and the Church Fathers


    ~ How gluttony affects your spiritual life, mental health, and self-control


    ~ The connection between gluttony and other sins like lust and sloth


    ~ Practical steps to conquer gluttony through fasting, prayer, and spiritual discipline


    🎧 Whether you’re on a healing journey or want to grow in holiness, this episode will inspire you to crucify the flesh and be filled with the Spirit.


    🕊️ Let your hunger lead you home. Don’t forget to like, comment, and share with someone who needs encouragement today!

    -------------------------------------------------

    📚 Books Referenced:

    The Ladder of Divine Ascent by St. John Climacus

    Thirty Steps to Heaven by Fr. Vassilios Papavassiliou

    🎧 Start from the beginning: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XGT8kg7CzX8

    📖 Find the show notes here 👉 https://www.michaelanikolaenko.com/podcast/conquering-the-spiritual-passion-of-gluttony

    🔔 Subscribe to Raised & Redeemed for more Christ-centered content on healing, holiness, and the spiritual life.

    ----------------------------------------------------

    🌐 Explore More:

    Website → www.michaelanikolaenko.com (blog, book updates, merch, and more)

    🎙️ Listen to the Podcast:

    https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/raisedandredeemed

    🎥 Subscribe on YouTube:

    https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCn2x_6If3KUo5d9aA_7ALLw

    📲 Follow Along on Social:

    Instagram → @michaelanikolaenko

    TikTok → @michaelanikolaenko

    Facebook → Raised & Redeemed

    ----------------------------------------------------

    🕒 Timestamps:

    00:00-1:18 Intro

    1:18-5:02 Gluttony Explained

    5:02-8:23 Personal Testimony

    8:23-13:15 The Power of Fasting

    13:15-16:53 Practical Application

    16:53-18:33 Final Encouragement

    19 min
  • 95. Defeating the Demon of Despondency | Thirty Steps to Heaven | The Ladder of Divine Ascent

    Feeling spiritually weary? Defeat the noonday demon of despondency with ancient wisdom that actually works.


    Ever felt like God isn't hearing your prayers? Like your spiritual motivation has completely disappeared? You're not just dealing with a bad mood—you're facing one of the enemy's most subtle attacks: spiritual despondency (acedia). This episode reveals how to fight back.


    🎯 What You'll Learn:

    ✅ What despondency really is (and why it's not just depression)

    ✅ The 3 gateways that let this demon into your life

    ✅ Why modern solutions fail at addressing spiritual warfare

    ✅ 6 powerful weapons from the Church Fathers to defeat spiritual sloth

    ✅ How to break the despair cycle with hope, faith, and action


    💡 Powerful Quote from This Episode:

    "We drown in entertainment to avoid the silence where God speaks—then complain when He is silent..."


    Scripture Focus: Galatians 6:9 - "Let us not grow weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up."

    -------------------------------------------------

    📚 Books Referenced:

    The Ladder of Divine Ascent by St. John Climacus

    Thirty Steps to Heaven by Fr. Vassilios Papavassiliou

    🎧 Start from the beginning: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XGT8kg7CzX8

    📖 Find the show notes here 👉

    🔔 Subscribe and join me each week as we climb this ladder together—step by step, passion by passion, virtue by virtue.

    ----------------------------------------------------

    🌐 Explore More:Website → www.michaelanikolaenko.com (blog, book updates, merch, and more)

    🎙️ Listen to the Podcast:https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/raisedandredeemed

    🎥 Subscribe on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCn2x_6If3KUo5d9aA_7ALLw

    📲 Follow Along on Social:

    Instagram → @michaelanikolaenko

    TikTok → @michaelanikolaenko

    Facebook → Raised & Redeemed

    ----------------------------------------------------

    🕒 Timestamps:

    00:00-1:18 Intro

    1:18-5:42 What is Despondency?

    5:42-8:32 Personal Testimony

    8:32-11:17 How to Combat Despondency

    11:17-13:21 Closing

    14 min
  • 94. How to Overcome Anger as a Christian | Thirty Steps to Heaven | The Ladder of Divine Ascent

    How do you overcome anger as a Christian? Or the passions like malice and slander that flow from it? In order to overcome it, we have to get to its root: our hearts.

    In this episode, we dive into Steps 8–12 of Thirty Steps to Heaven by Fr. Vassilios Papavassiliou, based on The Ladder of Divine Ascent by St. John Climacus. These steps focus on the spiritual passions that flow from pride and poison our relationships:

    🤐 Meekness & Loss of Anger

    🤐 Remembrance of Wrongs & Malice

    🤐 Slander

    🤐 Talkativeness & Silence

    🤐 Falsehood

    The desert fathers saw these not as minor flaws, but as powerful passions that choke out love and disrupt communion with God and others.

    Join us as we uncover the path from inner chaos to spiritual peace, learning how to tame the tongue, purify the heart, and walk more freely in Christ’s love.

    -------------------------------------------------

    📚 Books Referenced:

    The Ladder of Divine Ascent by St. John Climacus

    Thirty Steps to Heaven by Fr. Vassilios Papavassiliou

    🎧 Start from the beginning: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XGT8kg7CzX8


    Find the show notes here 👉https://www.michaelanikolaenko.com/podcast/overcome-the-passion-of-anger-podcast


    🔔 Subscribe and join me each week as we climb this ladder together—step by step, passion by passion, virtue by virtue.

    ----------------------------------------------------

    🌐 Explore More:Website → www.michaelanikolaenko.com (blog, book updates, merch, and more)

    🎙️ Listen to the Podcast:https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/raisedandredeemed

    🎥 Subscribe on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCn2x_6If3KUo5d9aA_7ALLw

    📲 Follow Along on Social:

    Instagram → @michaelanikolaenko

    TikTok → @michaelanikolaenko

    Facebook → Raised & Redeemed

    ----------------------------------------------------

    🕒 Timestamps:

    00:00-2:00 Intro

    2:00-5:54 Step 8: Anger

    5:54-7:48 Step 9: Remembrance of Wrongs

    7:48-9:42 Step 10: Slander

    9:42-11:45 Step 11: Talkativeness & Silence

    11:45-13:36 Step 12: Falsehood

    13:36-15:12 Practical Application

    15:12-16:35 Closing

    17 min
  • 93. The First 7 Steps to Spiritual Freedom | Thirty Steps to Heaven | The Ladder of Divine Ascent

    What does it take to begin the journey to true spiritual freedom?

    In this episode of The Raised & Redeemed Podcast, we begin our ascent up the Ladder of Divine Ascent by St. John Climacus, guided by Thirty Steps to Heaven by Fr. Vassilios Papavassiliou.

    🪜 Today, we cover Steps 1–7, which lay the spiritual foundation for inner transformation:

    🕊 Renunciation

    🕊 Detachment

    🕊 Exile

    🕊 Obedience

    🕊 Repentance

    🕊 Remembrance of Death

    🕊 Holy Mourning

    These ancient steps help us break free from the sins and passions that keep us bound, preparing our hearts to receive the virtues of Christ and walk in freedom.

    💬 Whether you’re new to the faith or deep into your spiritual journey, this episode will challenge and inspire you to take your next step toward heaven.

    --------------------------------

    🔥 Key Topics Covered:

    "How to detach from worldly attachments"

    "Why remembrance of death brings life"

    "What holy mourning means and how it purifies the soul"

    "The connection between repentance and transformation"

    "Preparing the heart to grow in virtue"

    --------------------------------

    📚 Books Referenced:

    The Ladder of Divine Ascent by St. John Climacus

    Thirty Steps to Heaven by Fr. Vassilios Papavassiliou


    🎧 Start from the beginning: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XGT8kg7CzX8


    🔔 Subscribe and join me each week as we climb this ladder together—step by step, passion by passion, virtue by virtue.


    📖 Find the show notes here 👉 https://www.michaelanikolaenko.com/podcast/first-7-steps-to-spiritual-freedom-podcast


    ✨ Don’t forget to visit www.michaelanikolaenko.com and sign up for the newsletter to stay connected and get updates on my book journey!

    --------------------------------

    🌐 Explore More:Website → www.michaelanikolaenko.com (blog, book updates, merch, and more)


    🎙️ Listen to the Podcast:https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/raisedandredeemed


    🎥 Subscribe on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCn2x_6If3KUo5d9aA_7ALLw


    📲 Follow Along on Social:

    Instagram → @michaelanikolaenko

    TikTok → @michaelanikolaenko

    Facebook → Raised & Redeemed

    --------------------------------

    🕒 Timestamps:

    00:00-1:33 Intro

    1:33-4:10 Step 1: Renunciation

    4:10-6:04 Step 2: Detachment

    6:04-7:02 Step 3: Exile

    7:02-8:20 Step 4: Obedience

    8:20-11:20 Step 5: Repentance

    11:20-13:03 Step 6: Remembrance of Death

    13:03-14:07 Step 7: Mourning

    14:07-16:16 Practical Application

    16:16-17:09 Closing

    18 min

About Raised and Redeemed

From the publisher's feed

I’m Michaela—a wife, mom, and Jesus follower who was radically saved from child abuse trauma, substance abuse, ungodly relationships, and the occult.

More shows like Raised and Redeemed

The Higherside Chats by Greg Carlwood

The Higherside Chats

3,416 Listeners

Counterflow with Buck Johnson by Buck Johnson

Counterflow with Buck Johnson

256 Listeners

Search the Scriptures Live by Dr. Jeannie Constantinou, and Ancient Faith Ministries

Search the Scriptures Live

226 Listeners

The Lila Rose Show by Lila Rose

The Lila Rose Show

2,645 Listeners

Culture Apothecary with Alex Clark by Turning Point USA

Culture Apothecary with Alex Clark

14,698 Listeners

Blurry Creatures by Blurry Creatures

Blurry Creatures

5,220 Listeners

The Lord of Spirits by Fr. Andrew Stephen Damick, Fr. Stephen De Young, and Ancient Faith Ministries

The Lord of Spirits

1,485 Listeners

Bible Mysteries by Scott Mitchell, Bleav

Bible Mysteries

691 Listeners

The Megyn Kelly Show by SiriusXM

The Megyn Kelly Show

39,385 Listeners

The Arena by Fr. Josiah Trenham

The Arena

192 Listeners

Let's be friends by Kara Mosher

Let's be friends

827 Listeners

The Exorcist Files by Ryan Bethea, Fr. Carlos Martins

The Exorcist Files

5,707 Listeners

The Tucker Carlson Show by Tucker Carlson Network

The Tucker Carlson Show

15,904 Listeners

Candace by Candace Owens

Candace

10,619 Listeners

Orthodox Health by Dr. Michael Kuhn

Orthodox Health

8 Listeners