We made it to the Holy City! Join us for our last installment reviewing Revelation chapters 21 & 22.

Please take note we plan to hold a Live Video Call with listeners on Monday, November 17th 2025 at 11:00 am Eastern. Reply to this email if you’d like to participate or you have questions you’d like us to engage.

Do also get in touch if you are interested in the December Creation series and would like more information ❤️

Both Sage and Ted were ordained two decades ago, Sage as a Swedenborgian Minister and Ted as an Episcopal priest. Sage is currently the visionary founder of the Helen Keller Spiritual Life Collaborative, author of the Substack Worship is Life, and producer of the Be Love Podcast. Ted serves as the rector of St. John’s Episcopal Church. Sage and Ted live in the Hyde Park neighborhood of Boston with their two sons Theo & Zach, their cat Miso and their newly adopted dog Princess.

keywords Holy City, Swedenborg, Revelation, spiritual regeneration, divine connection, community, transformation, inner journey, authenticity, healing

summary In this conversation, Sage and Ted explore the profound themes of the Holy City as depicted in Revelation, drawing on Swedenborg’s insights. They discuss the journey of spiritual regeneration, the transformation of the temple, the role of nations, and the qualities that are excluded from the Holy City. The dialogue emphasizes the importance of authenticity, healing, and the divine life that flows through the city, inviting listeners to engage in their inner transformation and recognize their connection to one another.

takeaways

* The Holy City symbolizes a renewed individual and collective life.

* Swedenborg’s vision emphasizes spiritual regeneration and the journey back to innocence.

* The absence of a temple in the Holy City signifies complete harmony between the divine and humanity.

* Judgment is about manifesting one’s character in relation to the divine reality.

* The nations play a vital role in the Holy City, bringing their glory and honor.

* Certain qualities, such as fear and unbelief, have no place in the Holy City.

* Authentic living requires relinquishing ego and embracing vulnerability.

* The Holy City is a space for healing and connection among all people.

* Inner transformation is essential for entering the Holy City.

* Humility is crucial in recognizing the diverse experiences of others.

Sound Bites

* “We finally made it to the Holy City!”

* “The Holy City is open to everyone.”

* “The nations will walk by its light.”

Chapters

00:00 Journey to the Holy City

06:13 The Vision of the Holy City

09:41 The Transformation of the Divine Presence

14:37 The Inner Journey and Spiritual Regeneration

18:41 The Crisis of Faith and the Role of the Church

22:26 Qualities of the Holy City and Exclusion of Certain Traits

30:29 The Freedom to Choose and Vulnerability

32:38 Divinization and Spiritual Growth

34:13 Overcoming Fear and Self-Doubt

36:18 The Journey from Genesis to Revelation

38:50 Symbols of the Holy City

41:22 Diversity and Unity in the Holy City

45:35 The Invitation to the Holy City

47:50 Healing and Life Energy in the Holy City

50:29 Spiritual Maturity and Humility

54:27 Closing Thoughts on the Holy City

This episode’s theme music is “New Heaven & New Earth,” by the Rev. Ken Turley www.turleymusic.com

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit worshipislife.substack.com

We’re almost to the Holy City, just hold on. This week we engage Revelation chapters 17-20 dealing with the fall of Babylon.

Please take note we plan to hold a Live ZOOM with listeners on Monday, November 17th 2025. Reply to this email if you’d like to participate or you have questions you’d like us to engage.

Both Sage and Ted were ordained two decades ago, Sage as a Swedenborgian Minister and Ted as an Episcopal priest. Sage is currently the visionary founder of the Helen Keller Spiritual Life Collaborative, author of the Substack Worship is Life, and producer of the Be Love Podcast. Ted serves as the rector of St. John’s Episcopal Church. Sage and Ted live in the Hyde Park neighborhood of Boston with their two sons Theo & Zach, their cat Miso and their newly adopted dog Princess.

Keywords Revelation, Babylon, New Jerusalem, spirituality, symbolism, judgment, transformation, feminine symbolism, historical context, spiritual forces

Summary In this conversation, Sage and Ted explore the complex themes of the Book of Revelation, focusing on the contrasting symbols of Babylon and the New Jerusalem. They delve into the significance of the prostitute as a symbol of exploitation and the spiritual forces at play in the world. The discussion also touches on historical contexts, the role of women, and the nature of judgment and transformation. Ultimately, they emphasize the importance of truth and the ongoing journey of spiritual growth.

Takeaways

* The contrast between Babylon and the New Jerusalem symbolizes the struggle between exploitation and divine truth.

* The image of the prostitute represents a perversion of relationships and the exploitation of resources.

* Spiritual forces of evil are depicted as powerful yet ultimately transient.

* Historical context, particularly the Book of Daniel, informs the understanding of Revelation.

* Feminine symbolism in Revelation reflects cultural perceptions and distortions of women.

* The fall of Babylon serves as a warning about the cyclical nature of power and exploitation.

* Judgment is not merely punitive but transformative, leading to renewal.

* The rider on the white horse symbolizes the truth that cuts through falsehood.

* The final judgment emphasizes the importance of living in alignment with divine principles.

* Spiritual growth is an ongoing journey that requires humility and openness to transformation.

Sound Bites

* “This is the contrast of two cities.”

* “The cycle of the seven trumpets is a spiral.”

* “The rider on the white horse brings truth.”

Chapters

00:00 Celebrating Birthdays and Unpacking Revelation

01:55 The Contrast of Two Cities: Babylon vs. New Jerusalem

04:45 Spiritual Forces and John’s Vision

08:02 The Astonishing Reality of Evil

10:48 Misalignment of Goodness and Truth

14:22 John’s Context and the Book of Daniel

16:13 Swedenborg’s Critique of Faith and Charity

21:39 The Fall of Babylon: A Dark Yet Hopeful Narrative

23:49 Exploitation and the Human Cost of Power

26:14 The Distortion of Feminine Power in John’s Vision

28:02 Exploring Visionary Experiences

29:59 The Fall of Babylon and Transformation

33:49 Celebration and the Wedding of the Lamb

36:31 The Rider on the White Horse and Truth

40:50 The Nature of Judgment and Spiritual Growth

45:27 The New Heaven and New Earth

This episode’s theme music is “Ephesus and Smrynna,” and “New Heaven & New Earth,” by the Rev. Ken Turley www.turleymusic.com

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit worshipislife.substack.com

We’re back! This week we engage chapter Revelation 12-16.

Both Sage and Ted were ordained two decades ago, Sage as a Swedenborgian Minister and Ted as an Episcopal priest. Sage is currently the visionary founder of the Helen Keller Spiritual Life Collaborative, author of the Substack Worship is Life, and producer of the Be Love Podcast. Ted serves as the rector of St. John’s Episcopal Church. Sage and Ted live in the Hyde Park neighborhood of Boston with their two sons Theo & Zach, their cat Miso and their newly adopted dog Princess.

Summary

In this episode of the Holy City is for Everyone podcast, Ted and Sage delve into the complex themes of the Book of Revelation, exploring the imagery of the woman clothed with the sun and the dragon. They discuss the parallels between biblical narratives and personal spiritual journeys, emphasizing the importance of spiritual perspective and resilience in the face of suffering.

Keywords

Revelation, spiritual journey, woman clothed with the sun, dragon, spiritual resilience

Takeaways

* The concept of completion amidst suffering resonates deeply.

* The woman clothed with the sun symbolizes new beginnings and spiritual radiance.

* Revelation’s imagery parallels personal spiritual journeys.

* The dragon represents chaos and the struggle between order and disorder.

* Spiritual resilience is crucial in navigating life’s challenges.

* The 144,000 symbolize spiritual purity and resilience.

* The Book of Revelation offers a spiritual perspective on worldly struggles.

* The plagues in Revelation symbolize spiritual transformation and consequences.

* Forgiveness and letting go of suffering are central to spiritual growth.

* The Holy City represents the ideal of living with spiritual focus amidst worldly challenges.

Sound Bites

“Completion in the midst of suffering.”

“The woman clothed with the sun symbolizes new beginnings.”

“Spiritual resilience is crucial in navigating life’s challenges.”

“The dragon represents chaos and the struggle between order and disorder.”

“Forgiveness and letting go of suffering are central to spiritual growth.”

Chapters

* 00:00:02 Introduction to Revelation

* 00:00:14 Woman Clothed with the Sun

* 00:00:59 Dragon and Chaos

* 00:01:55 Spiritual Resilience

* 00:03:24 144,000 and Spiritual Purity

* 00:43:29 Plagues and Transformation

* 00:57:27 Holy City and Spiritual Living

This episode’s theme music is “Ephesus and Smrynna,” by the Rev. Ken Turley www.turleymusic.com

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit worshipislife.substack.com

We are so glad you are joining us this week! Please note our next episode will release in two weeks time on Thursday October 23rd and we’ll be covering Revelation Chapter 12-16.

Both Sage and Ted were ordained two decades ago, Sage as a Swedenborgian Minister and Ted as an Episcopal priest. Sage is currently the visionary founder of the Helen Keller Spiritual Life Collaborative, author of the Substack Worship is Life, and producer of the Be Love Podcast. Ted serves as the rector of St. John’s Episcopal Church. Sage and Ted live in the Hyde Park neighborhood of Boston with their two sons Theo & Zach, their cat Miso and their newly adopted dog Princess.

In today’s podcast we reference two books Apocalypse Revealed by Emanuel Swedenborg and After the End of Time: Revelation and the Growth of Consciousness by Robin Roberston.

keywords Revelation, spiritual transformation, love, Swedenborg, discomfort, repentance, cycles, trumpet blasts, human condition, two witnesses, kingdom of God

summary In this episode, the hosts explore Revelation chapters 8 through 11, delving into themes of love, discomfort, and the human condition. They discuss the stubbornness of humanity in the face of suffering and the cycles of transformation that occur throughout the text. The conversation highlights the significance of the trumpet blasts as symbols of divine intervention and the call to repentance. The hosts also reflect on the role of the two witnesses and the ultimate triumph of God’s kingdom, emphasizing the need for a lived faith that transcends mere belief.

takeaways

* Revelation reveals the importance of love and honesty in spiritual engagement.

* Discomfort is a necessary part of spiritual growth and transformation.

* Human stubbornness often leads to repeated cycles of suffering.

* The interaction between earthly and heavenly realms is crucial in understanding Revelation.

* The trumpet blasts symbolize divine intervention and the call to repentance.

* The chaos in the world is often a reflection of humanity’s disconnection from the divine.

* Faith must be lived and embodied, not just professed.

* The seventh trumpet signifies the coming of God’s kingdom on earth.

* Transformation requires a deep connection to both the spiritual and material realms.

Sound Bites

* “Where was love coming out of this passage?”

* “We are a stubborn species.”

* “The prayers of the saints ascending.”

Chapters

00:00 Exploring Revelation: Energy and Engagement

07:51 Cycles of Transformation in Revelation

16:06 The Symbolism of the Trumpets

24:41 Faith and Transformation: A Lived Experience

25:59 From Fear to Fascination: A Journey with Insects

27:00 The Depth of Experience: Understanding Suffering and Connection

28:44 The Swarm of Outrage: Social Media and Collective Mentality

29:44 Witnessing the Unfolding: The Sixth Angel’s Trumpet

33:39 The Call to Repentance: Humanity’s Response to Suffering

34:37 The Measuring of the Temple: A Symbol of Transformation

38:54 Hope Amidst Despair: The Two Witnesses

41:35 The Seventh Trumpet: The Kingdom of God Revealed

This episode’s theme music is “Ephesus and Smrynna,” by the Rev. Ken Turley www.turleymusic.com

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit worshipislife.substack.com

Join Rev’s Sage and Ted Cole for a seven week podcast series on the Book of Revelation titled, “The Holy City is for Everyone.” Releases Thursday mornings.

Both Sage and Ted were ordained two decades ago, Sage as a Swedenborgian Minister and Ted as an Episcopal priest. Sage is currently the visionary founder of the Helen Keller Spiritual Life Collaborative, author of the Substack Worship is Life, and producer of the Be Love Podcast. Ted serves as the rector of St. John’s Episcopal Church. Sage and Ted live in the Hyde Park neighborhood of Boston with their two sons Theo & Zach, their cat Miso and their newly adopted dog Princess.

Keywords

Holy City, Revelation, spiritual journey, judgment, Lamb, Four Horsemen, seals, spiritual maturity, transformation, silence

Summary

In this episode, the hosts explore the themes of the Book of Revelation, focusing on the significance of the Holy City, the role of the Lamb, and the imagery of judgment and transformation. They discuss the Four Horsemen as representations of human stages, the martyrs under the fifth seal, and the unity of the great multitude. The conversation culminates in the invitation to silence after the seventh seal, emphasizing the importance of reflection and spiritual growth.

Takeaways

The Holy City is for everyone, emphasizing inclusivity.

The Book of Revelation explores deep spiritual truths amidst chaos.

Judgment is portrayed through the imagery of the throne and the Lamb.

The Lamb represents innocence and the power of love over judgment.

The Four Horsemen symbolize stages of human evolution and chaos.

The fifth seal reveals the souls of martyrs, highlighting their faithfulness.

The sixth seal depicts destruction and the fear of God’s judgment.

The 144,000 represent those receptive to divine wisdom and truth.

The great multitude signifies unity among diverse peoples in faith.

Silence after the seventh seal invites reflection and peace.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Holy City and Its Purpose

02:00 Exploring the Book of Revelation

04:34 The Significance of the Throne and Judgment

08:57 The Role of the Lamb and Spiritual Maturity

13:27 The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse

26:37 Navigating Human Energies and Spiritual Growth

29:06 Personal Reflection and Growth

29:48 Exploring the Fifth Seal

34:21 The Sixth Seal: Destruction and Transformation

44:02 The Vision of Unity and Hope

47:42 The Invitation to Silence and Rest

This episode’s theme music is “The Throne,” by the Rev. Ken Turley www.turleymusic.com

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit worshipislife.substack.com

Join Rev’s Sage and Ted Cole for a seven week podcast series on the Book of Revelation titled, “The Holy City is for Everyone.” Releases Thursday mornings.

Both Sage and Ted were ordained two decades ago, Sage as a Swedenborgian Minister and Ted as an Episcopal priest. Sage is currently the visionary founder of the Helen Keller Spiritual Life Collaborative, author of the Substack Worship is Life, and producer of the Be Love Podcast. Ted serves as the rector of St. John’s Episcopal Church. Sage and Ted live in the Hyde Park neighborhood of Boston with their two sons Theo & Zach, their cat Miso and their newly adopted dog Princess.

summary In this conversation, Ted and Sage explore the first three chapters of the Book of Revelation, focusing on the letters to the seven churches. They discuss the significance of spiritual perseverance, the concept of ‘first love’, and the urgency of transformation in faith. The dialogue emphasizes the importance of community, shared experiences, and the multifaceted nature of truth. John’s vision is presented as a guide for contemporary spiritual understanding, inviting listeners to engage in ongoing dialogue about their spiritual journeys and the call to change.

keywords Revelation, spiritual growth, letters to churches, first love, transformation, community, truth, interpretation, John, spiritual journey

takeaways

* The letters to the seven churches provide insights into spiritual perseverance.

* The concept of ‘first love’ emphasizes the importance of maintaining one’s spiritual passion.

* Spiritual growth requires recognizing both strengths and areas for improvement.

* The urgency of transformation is a recurring theme in Revelation.

* Understanding the context of Revelation enhances its relevance today.

* Community plays a crucial role in spiritual journeys and shared experiences.

* John’s vision serves as a guide for contemporary spiritual understanding.

* Truth is multifaceted and can be interpreted through various lenses.

* Revelation invites ongoing dialogue about spiritual experiences.

* The call to change is a fundamental aspect of the spiritual journey.

Sound Bites

* “You have forsaken your first love.”

* “We are at a time of choosing.”

* “We all have a shared experience of life.”

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Revelation and Its Context

05:38 Insights from the Letter to Laodicea

13:46 Transformation and the Holy City

19:43 The Continuing Revelation of God

25:42 Trusting Personal Experience in Spirituality

32:15 Navigating Truth in a Post-Truth World

37:57 The Inner Examination of Hearts

This episode’s theme music is “Ephesus and Smrynna,” by the Rev. Ken Turley www.turleymusic.com

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit worshipislife.substack.com

Join Rev’s Sage and Ted Cole for a seven week podcast series on the Book of Revelation titled, “The Holy City is for Everyone.” Releases Thursday mornings.

Both Sage and Ted were ordained two decades ago, Sage as a Swedenborgian Minister and Ted as an Episcopal priest. Sage is currently the visionary founder of the Helen Keller Spiritual Life Collaborative, author of the Substack Worship is Life, and producer of the Be Love Podcast. Ted serves as the rector of St. John’s Episcopal Church. Sage and Ted live in the Hyde Park neighborhood of Boston with their two sons Theo & Zach, their cat Miso and their newly adopted dog Princess.

Summary

In this episode, Sage and Ted Cole introduce their new podcast, "The Holy City is for Everyone," a collaboration with the Helen Keller Spiritual Life Collaborative. They explore the spiritual life of Helen Keller and the vision of the Holy City, delving into the Book of Revelation and its symbology. The hosts share their hopes for the podcast, aiming to connect more deeply as a couple and bring wisdom to their audience. They discuss their personal spiritual journeys, the significance of the Book of Revelation, and the themes of unity, transformation, and love. The episode sets the stage for future discussions on the podcast.

Keywords

Holy City, Helen Keller, Emanuel Swedenborg, dream work, spiritual life, Book of Revelation, symbology, unity, transformation, love, spiritual journey

Takeaways

* The Holy City is for Everyone podcast explores spiritual themes.

* Helen Keller's vision of the Holy City is central to the podcast.

* The Book of Revelation's symbology is a key focus.

* The hosts aim to connect more deeply as a couple.

* Unity and transformation are recurring themes.

* The podcast is a collaboration with the Helen Keller Spiritual Life Collaborative.

* Personal spiritual journeys of the hosts are shared.

* The podcast seeks to bring wisdom to its audience.

* Love and hope are emphasized throughout the discussion.

* Future episodes will delve deeper into these themes.

Sound bites

* "The Holy City is for Everyone."

* "Exploring the Book of Revelation."

* "Unity and transformation are key."

* "Helen Keller's vision guides us."

* "Connecting deeply as a couple."

* "Love and hope in every episode."

* "A journey through spiritual themes."

* "Wisdom from the Holy City."

* "Revelation's symbology explored."

* "Join us on this spiritual journey."

Chapters

* 00:00:09 Introduction to the Podcast

* 00:00:35 Exploring Helen Keller's Vision

* 00:01:42 Personal Spiritual Journeys

* 00:05:35 Themes of Unity and Transformation

* 00:11:18 Dream Work and Spiritual Insights

* 00:17:28 Setting the Stage for Future Episodes

This episode’s theme music is “The Throne,” by the Rev. Ken Turley www.turleymusic.com

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit worshipislife.substack.com