Kingdom Living in Light of the Bible's Cosmic Vision
October 9, 2026 | Golden, Colorado
The 2026 Divine Council Worldview Conference brought together scholars, teachers, and ministry leaders to explore not only the biblical worldview articulated by Dr. Michael Heiser, but also its implications for how we understand Scripture and live as God's people.
Friday evening featured four research presentations exploring different aspects of biblical theology and the supernatural worldview. While each addressed a distinct topic, together they reflected the continuing work of examining Scripture in its ancient contexts and following the evidence wherever it leads.
The resources below link to the materials currently accessible from the presenters.
Carey Griffel
This Injustice Will Not Stand: Reframing Divine Rebellion through Justice and Failed Governance in Psalm 82
Psalm 82 is frequently discussed in connection with the divine council and the rebellion of the gods, but what exactly constitutes their rebellion? Griffel approaches this question through frame semantics, building on its use in biblical studies while developing it into a repeatable methodology for biblical theology. By examining the psalm's judicial setting, its language of justice and deliverance, and its connections to governance, she argues that the gods' rebellion, insofar as that is an appropriate category, is framed primarily as a failure to administer justice and protect the vulnerable, rather than a matter of illicit worship or opposition to God's authority. This reading brings the psalm's own accusations to the foreground and explores their significance within the larger biblical narrative while providing an example of how frame semantics might be leveraged for biblical theology.
Resources:
- Download the conference paper: This Injustice Will Not Stand: Reframing Divine Rebellion through Justice and Failed Governance in Psalm 82
- [Listen to the presentation — forthcoming]
Anthony Delgado
The One Who Claims the Dead: The Serpent as Warder of Hades
Beginning with the serpent's judgment in Genesis 3:14, Delgado explores the biblical association between the serpent, death, and the underworld. Drawing on ancient Near Eastern imagery, Second Temple Jewish literature, and early Christian interpretations, he argues that the serpent's humiliation and sentence to eat dust establish his role as the guardian of Sheol, the realm of the dead. His presentation traces this imagery through Scripture and Christian tradition, considering how humanity's captivity to death is ultimately answered through Christ's victory and the restoration of life.
Resources:
- Read his presentation — available to paid MSHF Substack subscribers and authorized drmsh community members (links below):
Michael S Heiser Foundation | Substack
https://community.michaelsheiserfoundation.com/
Jenny Higginbotham
Cosmic Geography's Influence on the Way We Live
Drawing on her experience as a personal trainer and Michael Heiser's work on the supernatural worldview, Higginbotham explores how biblical cosmic geography challenges the ways Christians understand strength, fitness, and dependence on God. Connecting themes of sacred space, spiritual warfare, and the body as the temple of the Holy Spirit, she argues that believers are called to live by faith rather than reliance on their own abilities. Her presentation considers how even ordinary practices, such as exercise and caring for the body, can be reexamined in light of our identity and mission as participants in Christ's kingdom.
Resources:
- Download the conference paper: Cosmic Geography's Influence on the Way We Live
- Listen to the presentation on YouTube: Cosmic Geography's Influence on the Way We Live
Jordan Coss
The Unseen Romans: Finding the Gods and Reframing the Conversation on Homosexuality in Romans 1:18–2:11
Building on Michael Heiser's work on the Deuteronomy 32 worldview, Dr. Coss argues that Paul's discussion in Romans 1:18–2:11 is best understood within the context of humanity's rebellion, idolatry, and subjection to corrupt spiritual powers. Drawing particularly on Deuteronomy 4, Psalm 106, and Psalm 82, he proposes that Paul's argument is situated within a larger cosmic narrative that finds its resolution in Christ's victory over the powers in Romans 8. Coss engages both affirming and non-affirming interpretations, arguing that while one side is biblical, both sides have largely overlooked this supernatural framework and its implications for understanding Paul's treatment of same-sex relations.
Resources:
- Download the conference paper: The Unseen Romans: Finding the Gods and Reframing the Conversation on Homosexuality in Romans 1:18-2:11
- Watch the presentation on YouTube: The Unseen Romans: A Third Way to Read Romans 1
Saturday Conference Presentations
The Saturday sessions continued the conference's theme, Kingdom Living in Light of the Bible's Cosmic Vision, with presentations by Dr. Joel Muddamalle, Dr. Matthew Halsted, Doug Van Dorn, and Dr. Ronn Johnson. Recordings of these sessions are available separately to paid subscribers of the Michael S. Heiser Foundation's Substack, as well as the drmsh community.
Michael S Heiser Foundation | Substack
https://community.michaelsheiserfoundation.com/
For the complete program of the October 9-10 conference, see the 2026 Divine Council Worldview Conference Schedule.
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