Why Cosmic Faith Must Shape Everyday Life - Jeremy Duncan
Jun 29, 2025
Explore how cosmic reconciliation influences daily life through Paul's teachings. Discover the interplay of personal desires and spiritual beliefs while reevaluating household roles. Delve into the moral implications of slavery in the Roman Empire and the early church's stance. Discuss how suffering can lead to transformation and higher purpose. Embrace your role in a grand narrative for meaningful living, emphasizing community, gratitude, and the power of prayer to create a positive impact.
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Cosmic Conviction Shapes Ethics
Paul grounds daily ethics in cosmic convictions about Christ reconciling all things.
Our biggest ideas about the universe influence how we live our daily lives and treat others.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Recalibrate Your Desires
Assess if your desires lead to peace and flourishing for yourself and others.
If not, recalibrate your desires toward what is truly good and life-giving.
insights INSIGHT
Household Codes as Subversive
Paul's household codes subvert oppressive norms by directing commands to those in power.
Love and fairness are insisted upon from husbands and masters, not just obedience from wives and slaves.
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Dirt and Stardust explores the themes of being both grounded and illuminated, drawing inspiration from the Sermon on the Mount. It reflects on the dual nature of existence, connecting the tangible aspects of life with the intangible and cosmic dimensions. The book delves into the idea of being the 'salt of the earth' and 'light of the cosmos,' emphasizing the importance of grounding oneself in practical realities while striving for higher ideals. Duncan connects the teachings of Jesus to contemporary issues, exploring how faith can inform our understanding of justice and ethics. The narrative encourages readers to find meaning in both the mundane and the extraordinary, fostering a sense of interconnectedness.
In the finale of our Colossians series, we explore Paul’s sign-off in Chapter 4—and uncover how his final greetings actually complete a sweeping movement through the letter: from the cosmic scale of Christ’s reconciliation of all things… to the gritty, intimate realities of daily life.
✨ We revisit the major themes: • The Cosmic Opening: Why Paul starts in the stars to talk about daily ethics. • Our Desires and Contributions: How our wants shape the world—and how to reshape them. • Household Codes (and Their Subversion): Reading Paul’s commands through a lens of mutuality and reconciliation. • Bringing It Home: How the grand story of the universe lands in something as ordinary as greetings and gratitude.
🔍 Along the way, Jeremy draws connections to his book Dirt and Stardust, exploring what it means to be both grounded and illuminated—salt of the earth and light of the cosmos. You’ll hear reflections on slavery, submission, justice, and the surprising relevance of Paul’s personal roll call to our lives today.
🧂 Live lives seasoned with salt. 🕊️ Be grateful. Be hopeful. Be wise.
Subscribe for more teaching rooted in Scripture, justice, and lived faith. 📖 Series Playlist: [link to playlist if available] 📚 Learn more about Dirt and Stardust: [link to book if available]
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