Fourthstream - Finding Hope

The best questions take us deeper. Seriously. Life is supposed to be fun and satisfying, but it should also be filled with substance and meaning. Relationships. Work. Accomplishments. Personal growth. Being at peace.

This podcast episode investigates the good questions that will get us where we want to go. Brent outlines three very central queries which will help us succeed.

√ Can I say I am good with who I am and how I am living?

√ Are you and I good - are things right between us?

√ And most importantly, am I good with God?

When we take an honest look at ourselves we are then able to focus on good relationships. This, in turn, sets things right with God. There is a flow here!

"My dear, dear friends, if God loved us like this, we certainly ought to love each other. No one has seen God, ever. But if we love one another, God dwells deeply within us, and his love becomes complete in us—perfect love!" - 1 John 4:11,12/M

Here is a great chance to reflect on your list of the big questions for making your life count. We will let you know when you can get the book on Amazon. What a great way to stimulate depth of conversation and thought with your friends. For months and years ahead!

Brent Harris Dave Nadler

Every Jesus follower wants to see God's Kingdom grow. Deeper conversation, personal meditation, Jesus discipleship, and sheltering others are all a part of making our lives count. Brent Harris and Dave Nadler combine their gifts and experiences to bring clarity to how your life can build organic spirituality, as we follow the true Leader of all human souls.

Brent's careers in the military, law enforcement, and business bring leadership insights that will focus your road to spiritual success. Dave has worked to bring about Kingdom outreach to our city and beyond. Together with Brent's wife Brenda and Dave's wife Burnadette, they provide their unified message of God's Man/God's Woman: we are made in God's image and we are better together when Jesus is at the center of our home.

This is the first of 10 podcasts that will draw you and others deeply into the learning, training, and mobilizing of the content of God's Man/God's Woman. The book will be available soon from Amazon.com, and will be offered in both printed and audio versions.

Enjoy! Brent Harris, Leader-Teacher Dave Nadler, Teacher-Leader

Added content: Lady Wisdom

What if you could be taught by Jesus Himself AND Grow deeper roots - at your own pace - with a clear plan?

1000 KINGDOM ALLIES at fourthstream.com

In our lifetime it is possible to deeply impact hundreds of souls. If we understand and embrace Jesus' example and invite Him to be the guide and power of our lives, this can definitely happen through us. Different than mere attendance participation, this is personal, spiritual engagement with other hearts and souls. It is what Jesus did. For instance, Burnadette and I disciple about a dozen people at any one time. These are those who choose to respond to guidance in God's Word and open themselves to doing good and sharing - as they are directed by Jesus. When people do so at the pleasure of Jesus, like mustard seeds, the Kingdom begins to multiply through us. Fourthstream.com is designed to provide a lifetime of encouragement and help for helping ourselves and others engage the depths of the mind and heart of God!

√ There are 7 quick connect videos to get to know us and where we are headed - click on the left of the masthead. The navbar includes access to each of the things we will now consider.

√ We stay connected with ongoing blog posts which highlight spiritual subjects in relationship to the events and situations unfolding around us.

√ Our latest Finding Hope podcasts can be opened at the right top of the home page.

√ Our ongoing plan for taking a Jesus-Centric look at the entire Bible can be found in the same place, and our podcast seasons are available wherever you find your content. Jesus-Centric rotates, so you can begin where you wish and choose based upon where God is directing you to read.

√ We also produce a series of conversation podcasts to help you engage others in considering Jesus. These can been scrolled in the navbar as well.

√ There are 5 pivotal occasions when God has spoken to us during our spiritual journey together. Each time He has given a series of essays and podcasts through which to share some insights. You can find printed, audio, or pdf copies of each in the navbar - under books.

CURIOUS JOURNEY/Your Story MattersOur identity is precious to God and important to us. It gets convoluted by our circumstances, choices, and the short-comings of humankind. Even the most enlightened soul needs to believe his or her story - what we do and how we live our lives - matters to those around us - as well as to our Creator.

KINGDOM/Finding Your True SelfAnswers to deep questions are not discovered through mere reasonings of men. If we are to find our true selves we must experience connectivity with God and His Son. The Author has the answers to our identity and what is important for our eternity. King first, then Kingdom, then church. Religion, philosophy, and science are only echoes of the Kingdom of Heaven.

MENTORED BY GOD/Finding Our Way In A Darkening WorldJesus is the Author and Perfecter of Faith. He came to know His Father completely by the same human means which were stolen from us in the Garden. Because God is limitless, He is available to mentor us through Jesus. If we care. As the world darkens in her soul the Light shines brightly to those who hope in God.

TURBULENCE OF IMPERFECTION/Essays About Real LifeWe are born into a world at spiritual war. Imperfection is all around us. Turbulence of some sort is a part of every man and woman's journey. These essays address the nature of this war, our part in it, and Jesus' victory over it. Each helps us to use faith to navigate the big picture on this war, as well as how to be victorious in it.

GOD'S MAN/GOD'S WOMAN/Let's Make It Count God's design specifically includes the man/woman partnership. Here is a fresh, truly biblical look at how the home becomes the heart for the growth of Jesus' Kingdom which we co-authored with Brent Harris.

√ In addition to our books we have developed a series of in-depth courses where you can conduct your own deepening study of the Word of God. It is comprehensive, it is layered, and it is accessible. Did we mention that it works?!

We have taken these approaches deeply into our hearts and lives, and have searched the Word and Wisdom of God to find deeper Jesus connectivity. If you have known Jesus for awhile but are still struggling with your God connection, we also offer interaction for personal healing in discipleship with our Jesus Upgrade.

√ Together we attempt to stay on the same page with Jesus concerning warfare prayer. This weekly prayer post gives us connection to a short audio prayer to send us in the right direction.

So whether you are single, have a small group study, or married and raising a family or beyond - let us know if you wish to discuss encouragement options for structure to get it done!

Dave and Burnadette

In times past one common form of art was the weaving of tapestries. Usually these were artistic "rugs" hung on walls, and only the rich had access to such extravagance. The visual side was always of beautiful colors and often told a story. Recently we were visiting the Biltmore estate in Ashville, NC (huge - pretty amazing 19th century monstrous tech!). The reverse side of a woven tapestry (vs modern printing process) was a series of disconnected colors and threads, and was not useful for indicating what was on the flip side. The God Story is like this. Yet if you follow the threads of the God Story from behind the tapestry you will find a wealth of connection concerning God's choice to reveal His mind and heart to humanity.

The Bible is a series of woven threads which must be allowed to interpret themselves. Some refer to this as the study of systematic or Biblical theology. God's Word transcends the dogmas of any church or religious group, and reveals the unfolding of the Kingdom of Jesus and the Kingdom of Heaven. Here we consider several major conversations that help us to stay focused on experiencing Kingdom spirituality.

To find God we must encounter His chosen King Jesus.

"And I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse, and He who sat on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and wages war. His eyes are a flame of fire, and on His head are many diadems; and He has a name written on Him which no one knows except Himself. He is clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God. And the armies which are in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, were following Him on white horses. From His mouth comes a sharp sword, so that with it He may strike down the nations, and He will rule them with a rod of iron; and He treads the wine press of the fierce wrath of God, the Almighty. And on His robe and on His thigh He has a name written, King of Kings, and Lord of Lords." - Revelation 19:11-16

This is not about religion. It is about transcendent and supernatural authority. This is why we teach King first - then Kingdom - then Church. Here are the three great questions of life for every soul who ever has or ever will walk the face of the earth. Answering these for yourself will take you far on your path to finding a satisfied mind.

Has God spoken? "God, after He spoke long ago to the fathers in the prophets in many portions and in many ways, in these last days has spoken to us in His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the world. And He is the radiance of His glory and the exact representation of His nature, and upholds all things by the word of His power. When He had made purification of sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, having become as much better than the angels, as He has inherited a more excellent name than they." - Hebrews 1:1-4

If so, what has He communicated? You are lost. I am gracious. Return to Me and I will return to you.

And Jesus, looking around, said to His disciples, "How difficult it will be for those who are wealthy to enter the kingdom of God!" The disciples were amazed at His words. But Jesus answered again and said to them, "Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God." They were even more astonished and said to Him, "Then who can be saved?" Looking at them, Jesus said, "With people it is impossible, but not with God; for all things are possible with God." - Mark 10:23-26

How do I hear the words of God?

"For to us God revealed them through the Spirit; for the Spirit searches all things, even the depths of God. For who among men knows the thoughts of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him? Even so the thoughts of God no one knows except the Spirit of God." - 1 Corinthians 2:10 As it says in the (hyper) link below, the Bible contains thousands of woven connections. Not just to other information, but to the mind and heart of God as well. This is why we must allow the Bible to interpret itself. The argument that the Bible may be interpreted anyway you wish is a canard (spoof, trick, fraud, chicanery, deception). Once the woven threads are considered, there is little wiggle-room for what the Bible says about any subject. Seriously. If we are to pursue the Kingdom we must consult the King's Words.

In hot pursuit with you, Dave and Burnadette

Links: One Woven Story Our Hyperlinked Bible

One of the truly rewarding things in life is to invest in meaningful relationships. When people speak of our "tribes" we are talking about those with whom we find and keep connection. We were not meant to live and build alone. Even though relationships have risk and rewards, for most people they are preferable to existing isolated or alone.

Jesus' 12 disciples were surrounded by others who formed His community. Mary and Martha and Lazarus, Jesus' Mom, and Peter, James, and John and a few others were at the center of this relational discipleship network. It included His Father as well. This extended to another 70 and then 120, and then, to wherever Jesus chose to extend Himself to building bridges of connection. The idea of living in partnerships is well-defined by Solomon: "Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor. For if either of them falls, the one will lift up his companion. But woe to the one who falls when there is not another to lift him up. Furthermore, if two lie down together they keep warm, but how can one be warm alone? And if one can overpower him who is alone, two can resist him. A cord of three strands is not quickly torn apart." – Ecclesiastes 4:9

How do we participate in building our own God-honoring, Kingdom tribe?

√ First we must believe it is worth the effort. √ We also must fully face the risks of giving ourselves to others. √ Next, we must begin with those who are near and build out. √ When we find like-minded partners to do this with the building can be fulfilling. √ In all of this, we must recognize the power and intentions of the ultimate Builder

There is much that Jesus and the God Story reveal about the ups and downs of engaging these kinds of connective relationships. Consider who you have been given the most access to. Family members. Children. Grandchildren. While these relationships modify with time, we can ALWAYS choose to do good and share with those close to home. At a minimum, we should have a list of each family member and what we are praying for them. It is not only about "witnessing" to those we love. It is about being salt and light. Consider:

"You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt has become tasteless, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled under foot by men." (Matthew 5:13)

"You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven." (Matthew 5:15-16)

This is how it begins. Salt and Light. Whether it is the flavor contrast or preserving aspects of salt, we are told we are the salt of the earth. What am I doing to bring the contrast of truth and love to those in my family tribe? And what are my "good works" of shining light that are being displayed through me? Once we identify and build-in pursuit of being salt and light within our family tribes, we begin to investigate the Kingdom tribe opportunities around us. Neighborhood. School. Work. Common interests. All these areas are filled with souls - thousands of them. The key is to be guided and blessed by Jesus as we build more tribal relationships. This often will be reflected through our gifting, interests, and how available we make ourselves to cultivating doing good and sharing.

From these may also result in relationships with people who are like-minded, as well as those we are able to encourage in the power of the Spirit (do good and share). Take a sheet of paper or make a note on your phone. List level one: who is in my family tribe? Then: Who is in my influence tribe? Whom have I identified as like-minded in seeking out the good of others? Finally, (short list) who has God confirmed for me to build bridges with? When we are God-directable relationally, you will be surprised at how involved God is when providing direction, effectiveness, and satisfaction.

"Through Him then, let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that give thanks to His name. And do not neglect doing good and sharing, for with such sacrifices God is pleased." - Hebrews 13:15,16

And so it goes, Dave and Burnadette

Related: The Power of Two Song: Love Kiss

Jesus is clear: there is only one way for any human to find freedom.

So Jesus was saying to those Jews who had believed Him, "If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free." - John 8:31

He goes further when defining His Word. Note what is in bold - it is a study in discipleship!

Now He said to them, "These are My words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things which are written about Me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled." Then He opened their minds to understand the Scriptures, and He said to them, "So it is written, that the Christ would suffer and rise again from the dead the third day, and that repentance for forgiveness of sins would be proclaimed in His name to all the nations, beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. And behold, I am sending out the promise of My Father upon you; but you are to stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high." - Luke 24:44-49

And also gives us His discipling parable...

And He also spoke a parable to them: "A blind man cannot guide a blind man, can he? Will they not both fall into a pit? A pupil is not above his teacher; but everyone, after he has been fully trained, will be like his teacher. Why do you look at the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, 'Brother, let me take out the speck that is in your eye,' when you yourself do not see the log that is in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take out the speck that is in your brother's eye. For there is no good tree which produces bad fruit, nor, on the other hand, a bad tree which produces good fruit. For each tree is known by its own fruit. For men do not gather figs from thorns, nor do they pick grapes from a briar bush. The good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth what is good; and the evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth what is evil; for his mouth speaks from that which fills his heart."

"Why do you call Me, 'Lord, Lord,' and do not do what I say? Everyone who comes to Me and hears My words and acts on them, I will show you whom he is like: he is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid a foundation on the rock; and when a flood occurred, the torrent burst against that house and could not shake it, because it had been well built. But the one who has heard and has not acted accordingly, is like a man who built a house on the ground without any foundation; and the torrent burst against it and immediately it collapsed, and the ruin of that house was great." - Luke 6:39-49

And gives us the goal and vision for our discipled, Kingdom heart.

Have you understood all these things?" They said to Him, "Yes." And Jesus said to them, "Therefore every scribe who has become a disciple of the kingdom of heaven is like a head of a household, who brings out of his treasure things new and old." - Matthew 13:51

Becoming like Him very well could be the greatest pursuit of our lives. We are literally vibrating with His life within us!

Dave and Burnadette

"And coming to Him as to a living stone which has been rejected by men, but is choice and precious in the sight of God, you also, as living stones, are being built up as a spiritual house for a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ." - 1 Peter 2:4

Becoming Living Stones The Faith Desert Cornerstone Song

Praying for a spiritual awakening and requesting God for workers for the King's harvest is the best we can give to God's people, as well as to the lost souls around us. "He gave them this charge: What a huge harvest! And how few the harvest hands there are. So on your knees; ask the God of the Harvest to send harvest hands." – Luke 10:2/M

Because we are in a war, we feel inclined to pray warfare prayers. This is why we include a PRAY section on our site.

Here are some thoughts about praying for the Kingdom Church. Sometimes things can seem so overwhelming that we feel powerless to make a difference. Yet we serve the God of the universe!

Pray for our rescue by the hand of God Almighty We lift up Creator God Who is our rescuer, and we ask Him to awaken sleeping souls around us. "For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost." (Luke 19:10)

Pray for open hearts to the teachings of Jesus We are followers of the teaching of Jesus and His Father. "If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free." (John 8:31,32)

Pray for healing of hearts for ourselves and our neighbors (John 7:37-38; Luke 23:43) We are blessed with the healing of Jesus for our past, present, and future. Now on the last day, the great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, "If anyone is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture said, 'From his innermost being will flow rivers of living water.'"

Pray for the Spirit's comfort and guidance We grow in the comfort of the Spirit toward the healing of soul and conscience. "I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. After a little while the world will no longer see Me, but you will see Me; because I live, you will live also. In that day you will know that I am in My Father, and you in Me, and I in you." (John 14:18-24)

Pray for submission to the King of His Church (Revelation 21:1) For Kingdom workers around the world to bend, repent, and pray. "And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, made ready as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne, saying, "Behold, the tabernacle of God is among men, and He will dwell among them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself will be among them, and He will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there will no longer be any death; there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away."

The church is not merely a place we go - it is who we are."For this reason it says, "Awake, sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you." Ephesians 5:14

HOW JESUS PRAYED ISAIAH 61:1-3

When Jesus began His public ministry He returned to His hometown, and He read from the prophet Isaiah. When He finished He said: "Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing." (Luke 4:14-21) Here is a composite of the two readings: one from Isaiah and one from God's Son.

√ The Spirit of the Lord God has anointed Me, praying to courageously overcome stagnation, hopelessness, and self-centeredness.

√ Bringing good news to the afflicted (poor in spirit), praying for those who are suffering and pushed down.

√ Prayer for God to bind up the broken-hearted and the weak.

√ Prayer for release to those who are captive to sin.

√ Prayer for recovery of sight to the spiritually blind (awakening).

√ Prayer to God to free those who are under the hand of oppression (drugs, trafficking, greed, abortion, etc).

√ Prayer for proclamation of the coming of Lord God's supremacy!

"To bring these to those who mourn among His people, giving them a beautiful identity instead of futility, the oil of joy instead of mourning, a covering of praise instead of a spirit of fainting. They will be called supports of righteousness, in the Lord's garden, that He may be glorified."

This is why we pray - and how we pray! The Kingdom Church is to be a spiritual army who has complete access to the One who can change things from the inside-out. In addition to this, His arm is long enough to intervene ANYWHERE and over ANYTHING. Each week we post part of a warfare prayer that can help us stay focused as spiritual warriors. Check it out under Prayer in the Navbar.

We're with you! Dave and Burnadette

Links: Warfare Prayer Warrior Covering Prayer Miracle Prayers Pray for Rain Song

What happens when you eyewitness something dramatic? It kind of gets etched into your mind, perhaps even your soul, right? This is what the God Story is all about. It is one eyewitness after another, with descriptions of men and women encountering Yahweh. And it wasn't just the main characters looking on. Sometimes hundreds and even thousands of people are present when God's hand moves (Acts 2).

In addition to being a book of woven threads of truth, God's Word is filled with woven stories of encounter. When we read the Bible it is so important to put ourselves in the sandals of those experiencing God's hand upon them. Let's note a few of these situations and see if we can draw any correlations to our own lives. These are words of life!

Jesus Was In The Ark/He IS our ark!"For the coming of the Son of Man will be just like the days of Noah." (Matthew 24:37) "The patience of God kept waiting in the days of Noah, during the construction of the ark, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were brought safely through the water. Corresponding to that, baptism now saves you — not the removal of dirt from the flesh, but an appeal to God for a good conscience — through the resurrection of Jesus Christ..." (1 Peter 3:20)

Jesus Was In The Burning Bush/He is God come near!Then He said, "Do not come near here; remove your sandals from your feet, for the place on which you are standing is holy ground." He said also, "I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob." Then Moses hid his face, for he was afraid to look at God." - Exodus 3:5-6 God said to Moses, "I Am Who I Am"; and He said, "This you shall say to the sons of Israel, 'I AM has sent me to you.'" - Exodus 3:14 Jesus said to them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was born, I am." - John 8:58

Jesus is in the Fire, the Cloud, and the Rock/His eyes are fire and He is coming with the clouds (Revelation 1:14) and sustains us with living water (John 4)!"And with a pillar of cloud You led them by day, and with a pillar of fire by night to light for them the way in which they were to go." - Nehemiah 9:12 "For I do not want you to be unaware, brethren, that our fathers were all under the cloud and all passed through the sea; and all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea; and all ate the same spiritual food; and all drank the same spiritual drink, for they were drinking from a spiritual rock which followed them; and the rock was Christ." - 1 Corinthians 10:1-4

Jesus Was With Elijah/He did more works than both Elijah and Elisha for sure! The angel of the LORD said to Elijah, "Go down with him; do not be afraid of him." So he arose and went down with him to the king." - 2 Kings 1:15 "And while He was praying, the appearance of His face became different, and His clothing became white and gleaming. And behold, two men were talking with Him; and they were Moses and Elijah, who, appearing in glory, were speaking of His departure which He was about to accomplish at Jerusalem." - Luke 9:29-31

Jesus Was With King David/He IS the giant killer and promise keeper! Then David the king went in and sat before the LORD, and he said, "Who am I, O Lord GOD, and what is my house, that You have brought me this far? And yet this was insignificant in Your eyes, O Lord God, for You have spoken also of the house of Your servant concerning the distant future." - 2 Samuel 7:18 "...and one of the elders said to me, "Stop weeping; behold, the Lion that is from the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has overcome so as to open the book and its seven seals." - Revelation 5:5

Fishermen in a Storm/He IS the Word made flesh! The men were amazed, and said, "What kind of a man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey Him?" - Matthew 8:27 When the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, "It is a ghost!" And they cried out in fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, "Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid." - And those who were in the boat worshiped Him, saying, "You are certainly God's Son!" - Matthew 14:26,27,33

With Jesus On Our Mountain/He covers our sin!"But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to myriads of angels, to the general assembly and church of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven, and to God, the Judge of all, and to the spirits of the righteous made perfect, and to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood, which speaks better than the blood of Abel." - Hebrews 12:22-24

Jesus On the Road/He alone makes our hearts burn within us! "Then their eyes were opened and they recognized Him; and He vanished from their sight. They said to one another, "Were not our hearts burning within us while He was speaking to us on the road, while He was explaining the Scriptures to us?" - Luke 24:31,32 Now He said to them, "These are My words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things which are written about Me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled." - Luke 24:31,32

Jesus and The Day of Pentecost/He IS the wind!"When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. And suddenly there came from heaven a noise like a violent rushing wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. And there appeared to them tongues as of fire distributing themselves, and they rested on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit was giving them utterance." - Acts 2:1-4

This is why Peter and John said what they did - they had seen it all first-hand! "For we did not follow cleverly devised tales when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of His majesty." - 2 Peter 1:16

The King's words are connectively important for us!

"What was from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we have looked at and touched with our hands, concerning the Word of Life." - 1 John 1:1

Our priorities are challenged, changed, and focused. Kingdom time in God's Word, praying for others, and doing good and sharing fuels our vision and our actions. This helps us to place Jesus' voice above our own, as well as the voices of others. "So Jesus was saying to those Jews who had believed Him, "If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free." – John 8:31, 32

And so it goes...we are blessed by His Kingdom Words! Dave and Burnadette

One Woven Story Learning the Books (Fourthstream Music Player/songs for kids)

Since the Jesus explosion in the Gospels and Acts, the church in history has done much good. Often a civilizing factor in many decades and centuries, she has stepped up to present Her King to many. Like all human institutions, however, she has often been co-opted by her own opportunistic leaders. Wherever any historical opportunity or success exists, mankind often thinks he or she can manage things better than the Holy Spirit. And so, instead of speaking accurately for God, we often convolute the meaning of King, Kingdom, and Church. This is why the credibility of so-called "holy ones" of the church can be compromised, and why testimony to the King may suffer.

So - She experiences Her successes and failures - as do all human groupings and institutions, and will be held to the Word of God concerning Her dedication to truth and effectiveness of mission - as will all human institutions. From God's Word we have concluded that the Spirit's unfolding power and protection for Jesus followers is King first, then, Kingdom, then church.

So, to discover the principles and power of the Kingdom Church, we must turn to the King of the earth to understand what it means to honor and follow God. Everyone has his or her idea of what church is and what it should look like. We will do it this way. We will do it better. We will build the church. Consider however:

She is a spiritual house being prepared for Heaven, called out of darkness into God's Light. If we do not shine the Light, where will people find their way?

"So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints, and are of God's household, having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the corner stone, in whom the whole building, being fitted together, is growing into a holy temple in the Lord, in whom you also are being built together into a dwelling of God in the Spirit." - Ephesians 2:19-22

She is to be the Pillar and Support of the Truth. In what ways does our Kingdom community bring foundations to truth?

"...but in case I am delayed, I write so that you will know how one ought to conduct himself in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and support of the truth." - 1 Timothy 3:15

The Church is the Bride of Jesus. We are being washed whiter than snow, and will be presented to Him spotless.

"Let us rejoice and be glad and give the glory to Him, for the marriage of the Lamb has come and His bride has made herself ready." - Revelation 19:7

√ In order to understand the Kingdom Church, we must consult the words and teachings of our King. Remember, He is the One Who is building His Church (Matthew 16:18)!

√ The church is only as effective as Her connection to Her King. Kingdom Christ followers always place connection with Jesus first.

√ Church is not merely a place we GO, it is Who we are.

And they sang a new song, saying, "Worthy are You to take the book and to break its seals; for You were slain, and purchased for God with Your blood men from every tribe and tongue and people and nation. You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to our God; and they will reign upon the earth." - Revelation 5:9,10

First King, then Kingdom, then Church - this belongs to all of us! Dave and Burnadette

Seven Churches The Perfect Wedding

Here are a few insights on moving from Story to personal experience with our King - resulting in a Kingdom perspective on our lives!

Once we are on the Kingdom path, the Word of God animates to us in ways which mere religion cannot accomplish. Our minds and hearts have been opened to our King, and His Spirit has been placed within us as a pledge.

"In Him, you also, after listening to the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation — having also believed, you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is given as a pledge of our inheritance, with a view to the redemption of God's own possession, to the praise of His glory." - Ephesians 1:13-14

So, we exchange a temporary world-view for eternal design, where our days here are completely connected to the life that is coming. This is what the Bible defines as wise living. We go beyond knowledge about God to a deeper connectivity with God. We understand that we are in the middle of an epic story, and we have incredible value as image-bearers of God. Here is a sampling of what this looked like for Jesus and His disciples!

Turn & Follow/Matthew 4:19-20 We are headed in one direction, and then we choose another distinct focus. And He said to them, "Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men." Immediately they left their nets and followed Him.

Fix My Eyes/Hebrews 12:1,2 Rather than self we exchange our focus and affection from ourselves to Jesus and His Kingdom. Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Living Sacrifice/Romans 12:1,2 The powerful truth about sacrifice becomes the way we live our lives, and just as Jesus gave Himself up for us we do the same for Him - and for others. Therefore I urge you, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.

Search Daily/Whole Counsel/Acts 17:11; 20:20 We now have an internal and external compass which is unlocked by our relationship with the woven threads of His God Story. We continue in His Word because He has promised us true freedom of heart, mind, and soul. Now these were more noble-minded than those in Thessalonica, for they received the word with great eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see whether these things were so...how I did not shrink from declaring to you anything that was profitable, and teaching you publicly and from house to house...

One Thing I Do/Philippians 3:13-14 All of this allows us to live with Kingdom focus, giving us the spiritual edge we need to honor our King. Brothers, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

Rejoice Always/1 Peter 1:6,7 Testing is a huge part of how God increases our faith. How we respond to trials either builds up or takes away from the reward of our obedience. Joy is evidence of victory as we are tested. In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.

Love with Devotion/Romans 12:9-13 All of this significantly changes not only the focus of your lives, but the fruit of them as well. Our lives look drastically different when we truly follow our King. Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor; not lagging behind in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, persevering in tribulation, devoted to prayer, contributing to the needs of the chosen ones, practicing hospitality.

Pray Without Ceasing/1 Thessalonians 5:16-22 We now become open to living in the Spirit, the One who leads us into the truth and safety of the shadow of His wings. Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. Do not quench the Spirit; do not despise prophetic declarations. Rather, examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good; abstain from every form of evil.

Go/Make Disciples/Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 1:7-8 All of our Kingdom perspective is animated by following His great "commission" to go in the power He has lavished upon us and locked within us. He said to them, "It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has fixed by His own authority; but you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth."

This is a central "sketch" of the active nature of living out Kingdom belief. Each one of Jesus' disciples (then and now) wrestled with what it all meant when it came time for them to shape the way they would live based upon the King's words. Each one appears to have taken it seriously, for sure.

We try to do the same. Let's run the race together! Dave & Burnadette

Jesus' Brother James the Disciple Jesus' Companion John the Disciple Jesus' Companion Peter the Disciple Jesus' Disciple Paul