Keeping It Real: Kingdom Conversations with Chris Barhorst, Kevin Bryant, Stefani Jebavy and Jon Jebavy

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The discussion focused on the spiritual discipline of "daily manna" and the mechanics of faith, emphasizing the transition from intellectual agreement to heart-level belief through meditation and the spoken word.

The Daily Manna Framework

The group distilled the process of spiritual nourishment into a three-part cycle based on the biblical account of Israelites collecting manna:

• Collect: Finding the Word (scripture).
• Consume: Taking the Word in (reading/hearing).
• Digest: Meditating on the Word until it becomes a "revealed word" rather than just written text. This stage is where nutrients are absorbed into the "spirit man."

The Mechanics of Faith and Words

A significant portion of the dialogue explored why many believers struggle to see results despite "believing" in their heads.

• Heart vs. Head: True faith is described as a full heart characterized by excitement and joy. Intellectual belief without emotional experience or spoken declaration is insufficient.
• The Power of the Tongue: Participants emphasized that words are the "pen of a ready writer" that sign for either the promise or the problem. Speaking in alignment with God’s Word is viewed as a training exercise for the brain and mouth.
• Expectation: Expectation was defined not as passive waiting, but as "leaning in." It is the bridge between the seed (the Word) and the harvest (the manifestation).

Abiding and Identity

The group critiqued the "busyness" of modern society, which prevents the stillness required to know God.

• The Vine and the Branch: Success in the spiritual life is a byproduct of abiding, not striving. Fruit is the natural result of resting in the vine’s nutrients.
• His Faith, Not Ours: The group noted that believers use the "faith of the Son of God" (Galatians 2:20). The burden is not on the individual to "drum up" faith, but to receive and use the faith Jesus has already provided.

Unity and Discernment in the Body

The conversation concluded with a call for civility and love among believers, specifically addressing the toxicity of social media "apologetics."

• Sowing Discord: The group warned against the "demonic" trend of flippantly calling other believers heretics over non-essential doctrinal differences (e.g., Calvinism vs. Arminianism, cessationism).
• The Tares and the Wheat: Referencing Matthew 13, the participants argued that attempting to "uproot" perceived false believers often damages the genuine "wheat."
• Teachable Spirit: A participant shared three personal pillars for spiritual stability: staying in the Word, praying in the Holy Ghost, and remaining teachable (willing to be wrong).
• The Spiritual Digestion Process
  Collect → Consume
  Consume → Digest
  Digest → Revealed Word (Meditation)
  Revealed Word → Manifestation (Confession)

Support the show

[email protected]

Email us: [email protected]

The discussion focused on the spiritual discipline of "daily manna" and the mechanics of faith, emphasizing the transition from intellectual agreement to heart-level belief through meditation and the spoken word.

The Daily Manna Framework

The group distilled the process of spiritual nourishment into a three-part cycle based on the biblical account of Israelites collecting manna:

• Collect: Finding the Word (scripture).
• Consume: Taking the Word in (reading/hearing).
• Digest: Meditating on the Word until it becomes a "revealed word" rather than just written text. This stage is where nutrients are absorbed into the "spirit man."

The Mechanics of Faith and Words

A significant portion of the dialogue explored why many believers struggle to see results despite "believing" in their heads.

• Heart vs. Head: True faith is described as a full heart characterized by excitement and joy. Intellectual belief without emotional experience or spoken declaration is insufficient.
• The Power of the Tongue: Participants emphasized that words are the "pen of a ready writer" that sign for either the promise or the problem. Speaking in alignment with God’s Word is viewed as a training exercise for the brain and mouth.
• Expectation: Expectation was defined not as passive waiting, but as "leaning in." It is the bridge between the seed (the Word) and the harvest (the manifestation).

Abiding and Identity

The group critiqued the "busyness" of modern society, which prevents the stillness required to know God.

• The Vine and the Branch: Success in the spiritual life is a byproduct of abiding, not striving. Fruit is the natural result of resting in the vine’s nutrients.
• His Faith, Not Ours: The group noted that believers use the "faith of the Son of God" (Galatians 2:20). The burden is not on the individual to "drum up" faith, but to receive and use the faith Jesus has already provided.

Unity and Discernment in the Body

The conversation concluded with a call for civility and love among believers, specifically addressing the toxicity of social media "apologetics."

• Sowing Discord: The group warned against the "demonic" trend of flippantly calling other believers heretics over non-essential doctrinal differences (e.g., Calvinism vs. Arminianism, cessationism).
• The Tares and the Wheat: Referencing Matthew 13, the participants argued that attempting to "uproot" perceived false believers often damages the genuine "wheat."
• Teachable Spirit: A participant shared three personal pillars for spiritual stability: staying in the Word, praying in the Holy Ghost, and remaining teachable (willing to be wrong).
• The Spiritual Digestion Process
  Collect → Consume
  Consume → Digest
  Digest → Revealed Word (Meditation)
  Revealed Word → Manifestation (Confession)

Support the show

[email protected]

Email us: [email protected]

• The Debt of Love: Referencing Romans 13:8, the group emphasizes that while financial debt is a matter of practical management, the "debt of love" is one that can never be fully repaid. This serves as the foundational motive for treating others well, even when they are antagonistic.
• Yielding and Peace: A participant shares a personal story from a past factory job where apologizing to an aggressive coworker—despite being in the right—immediately dissolved their own internal rage. They cite Ecclesiastes 10:4, noting that "yielding pacifies great offenses" and provides emotional healing.
• The "Serpent" in the Call: The group discusses the symbolism of Moses’ rod turning into a serpent, suggesting that every person's calling contains a "serpent" of self/ego that must be "thrown down" to be used by God.

• Responding to Betrayal: One speaker describes a situation where a supervisor, Eric, took credit for their idea to win an award. Instead of fighting for credit, the speaker chose to support the supervisor, viewing the situation as a test of their commitment to walking in love rather than self-promotion.
• Subtlety vs. Dishonesty: In a discussion about a potential promotion that might cause envy in a coworker, the group explores the concept of "playing the game" through subtlety. They compare this to Samuel’s approach in the Old Testament—using wisdom to navigate transitions without unnecessary confrontation.
• The Witness of Difference: The group reflects on how secular coworkers are constantly "watching" Christians. They conclude that responding with peace and looking out for the interests of those who wrong you provides a more powerful witness than verbal proselytizing.

• Intentional Growth: The group rejects the idea that spiritual maturity happens by accident. They argue that growth requires intentionality and often occurs in moments of discomfort, which people mistakenly attribute to the "devil" rather than a process of refinement.
• The Role of Brokenness: Humility and "brokenness" are identified as the primary indicators of a person's readiness for "God’s promotion." They warn against the danger of "puffed up" knowledge that lacks a heart for service.
• Abiding in Love: The discussion concludes with the importance of "keeping yourself in the love of God." They note that one cannot give what they do not have; therefore, maintaining a personal revelation of being loved by God is the only way to consistently love others.

Support the show

[email protected]

Email us: [email protected]

• The Debt of Love: Referencing Romans 13:8, the group emphasizes that while financial debt is a matter of practical management, the "debt of love" is one that can never be fully repaid. This serves as the foundational motive for treating others well, even when they are antagonistic.
• Yielding and Peace: A participant shares a personal story from a past factory job where apologizing to an aggressive coworker—despite being in the right—immediately dissolved their own internal rage. They cite Ecclesiastes 10:4, noting that "yielding pacifies great offenses" and provides emotional healing.
• The "Serpent" in the Call: The group discusses the symbolism of Moses’ rod turning into a serpent, suggesting that every person's calling contains a "serpent" of self/ego that must be "thrown down" to be used by God.

• Responding to Betrayal: One speaker describes a situation where a supervisor, Eric, took credit for their idea to win an award. Instead of fighting for credit, the speaker chose to support the supervisor, viewing the situation as a test of their commitment to walking in love rather than self-promotion.
• Subtlety vs. Dishonesty: In a discussion about a potential promotion that might cause envy in a coworker, the group explores the concept of "playing the game" through subtlety. They compare this to Samuel’s approach in the Old Testament—using wisdom to navigate transitions without unnecessary confrontation.
• The Witness of Difference: The group reflects on how secular coworkers are constantly "watching" Christians. They conclude that responding with peace and looking out for the interests of those who wrong you provides a more powerful witness than verbal proselytizing.

• Intentional Growth: The group rejects the idea that spiritual maturity happens by accident. They argue that growth requires intentionality and often occurs in moments of discomfort, which people mistakenly attribute to the "devil" rather than a process of refinement.
• The Role of Brokenness: Humility and "brokenness" are identified as the primary indicators of a person's readiness for "God’s promotion." They warn against the danger of "puffed up" knowledge that lacks a heart for service.
• Abiding in Love: The discussion concludes with the importance of "keeping yourself in the love of God." They note that one cannot give what they do not have; therefore, maintaining a personal revelation of being loved by God is the only way to consistently love others.

Support the show

[email protected]

Email us: [email protected]

• The Debt of Love: Referencing Romans 13:8, the group emphasizes that while financial debt is a matter of practical management, the "debt of love" is one that can never be fully repaid. This serves as the foundational motive for treating others well, even when they are antagonistic.
• Yielding and Peace: A participant shares a personal story from a past factory job where apologizing to an aggressive coworker—despite being in the right—immediately dissolved their own internal rage. They cite Ecclesiastes 10:4, noting that "yielding pacifies great offenses" and provides emotional healing.
• The "Serpent" in the Call: The group discusses the symbolism of Moses’ rod turning into a serpent, suggesting that every person's calling contains a "serpent" of self/ego that must be "thrown down" to be used by God.

• Responding to Betrayal: One speaker describes a situation where a supervisor, Eric, took credit for their idea to win an award. Instead of fighting for credit, the speaker chose to support the supervisor, viewing the situation as a test of their commitment to walking in love rather than self-promotion.
• Subtlety vs. Dishonesty: In a discussion about a potential promotion that might cause envy in a coworker, the group explores the concept of "playing the game" through subtlety. They compare this to Samuel’s approach in the Old Testament—using wisdom to navigate transitions without unnecessary confrontation.
• The Witness of Difference: The group reflects on how secular coworkers are constantly "watching" Christians. They conclude that responding with peace and looking out for the interests of those who wrong you provides a more powerful witness than verbal proselytizing.

• Intentional Growth: The group rejects the idea that spiritual maturity happens by accident. They argue that growth requires intentionality and often occurs in moments of discomfort, which people mistakenly attribute to the "devil" rather than a process of refinement.
• The Role of Brokenness: Humility and "brokenness" are identified as the primary indicators of a person's readiness for "God’s promotion." They warn against the danger of "puffed up" knowledge that lacks a heart for service.
• Abiding in Love: The discussion concludes with the importance of "keeping yourself in the love of God." They note that one cannot give what they do not have; therefore, maintaining a personal revelation of being loved by God is the only way to consistently love others.

Support the show

[email protected]

Email us: [email protected]

We are featuring Dr Jim Richards on this week's podcast. The Three teachings are on the subjects:
- Not Worthy but Qualified
- Overcoming Guilt and Condemnation
- Restoring Lost Opportunity

The series is called Rescue and Recovery, and it is a great series.
If you would like more information on Dr Jim Richards YouTube channel click this link: Dr Jim Richards YouTube

You can find a wealth of great information and ministry teaching on Dr Jim Richards website: Impact Ministries

Support the show

[email protected]

Email us: [email protected]

We are featuring Dr Jim Richards on this week's podcast. The Three teachings are on the subjects:
- Not Worthy but Qualified
- Overcoming Guilt and Condemnation
- Restoring Lost Opportunity

The series is called Rescue and Recovery, and it is a great series.
If you would like more information on Dr Jim Richards YouTube channel click this link: Dr Jim Richards YouTube

You can find a wealth of great information and ministry teaching on Dr Jim Richards website: Impact Ministries

Support the show

[email protected]

Email us: [email protected]

We are featuring Dr Jim Richards on this week's podcast. The Three teachings are on the subjects:
- Not Worthy but Qualified
- Overcoming Guilt and Condemnation
- Restoring Lost Opportunity

The series is called Rescue and Recovery, and it is a great series.
If you would like more information on Dr Jim Richards YouTube channel click this link: Dr Jim Richards YouTube

You can find a wealth of great information and ministry teaching on Dr Jim Richards website: Impact Ministries

Support the show

[email protected]

Email us: [email protected]

The discussion centered on a theological exploration of 1 Corinthians 3, focusing on the distinction between spiritual and carnal believers, the nature of spiritual growth, and the importance of the Holy Spirit in the life of a believer.

Core Theological Insights

We examined the "three distinct people" mentioned in scripture: the wicked, mere men (carnal believers), and the saints. We noted that Paul addressed the Corinthians as "mere men" because they were acting like non-believers despite being sanctified in Christ.

  | Building on the Foundation: Using the metaphor of building with gold, silver, precious stones versus wood, hay, and straw, the group defined the former as the image of Christ and the latter as human wisdom or head knowledge without heart transformation.
  | The Role of Trials: Trials and pressure act as the "fire" that reveals the quality of a believer's work. Building on fleshly wisdom leads to loss during trials, while building on Christ's image endures.
  | Self-Deception and Pride: A significant portion of the conversation addressed the danger of being "wise in one's own eyes." They concluded that human wisdom, while it may seem to work, is ultimately self-absorbed and damaging to others.

Spiritual Practices and Growth

The participants shared personal experiences regarding spiritual disciplines and the internal work of the heart.

  | The Ministry of the Holy Spirit: We emphasized that the "letter kills, but the Spirit gives life." We argued that scripture without the Holy Spirit's power is merely information and lacks the ability to transform.
  | Praying in Tongues: Several speakers highlighted the importance of praying in the Spirit as a means of building oneself up, receiving revelation, and shifting one's internal atmosphere from anxiety to joy. It was described as a "perfect prayer" that bypasses human understanding.
  | Guarding the Heart: The discussion touched on the necessity of being attentive to the heart's condition. We noted that spiritual health is a prerequisite for being a blessing to others, using the airplane oxygen mask analogy to justify self-investment in spiritual growth.

Identity and Perspective

We discussed the shift in identity that occurs through a revelation of righteousness.

  | Righteousness vs. Sin Nature: We challenged the "old sinner saved by grace" mindset, asserting that a believer is a new creation with a righteous spirit. Sinful desires were attributed to an unrenewed mind rather than a sinful nature.
  | The Resurrection: The resurrection was presented as the proof that the price for sin has been paid and death defeated. Believing in the resurrection implies being raised above sin, sickness, and fear.
  | Effortless Evangelism: Witnessing was described as an extension of God's love that should be effortless when one is "abiding in Christ." 

They noted that people are often more interested in spiritual answers than believers assume.

Support the show

[email protected]

Email us: [email protected]

The discussion centered on a theological exploration of 1 Corinthians 3, focusing on the distinction between spiritual and carnal believers, the nature of spiritual growth, and the importance of the Holy Spirit in the life of a believer.

Core Theological Insights

We examined the "three distinct people" mentioned in scripture: the wicked, mere men (carnal believers), and the saints. We noted that Paul addressed the Corinthians as "mere men" because they were acting like non-believers despite being sanctified in Christ.

  | Building on the Foundation: Using the metaphor of building with gold, silver, precious stones versus wood, hay, and straw, the group defined the former as the image of Christ and the latter as human wisdom or head knowledge without heart transformation.
  | The Role of Trials: Trials and pressure act as the "fire" that reveals the quality of a believer's work. Building on fleshly wisdom leads to loss during trials, while building on Christ's image endures.
  | Self-Deception and Pride: A significant portion of the conversation addressed the danger of being "wise in one's own eyes." They concluded that human wisdom, while it may seem to work, is ultimately self-absorbed and damaging to others.

Spiritual Practices and Growth

The participants shared personal experiences regarding spiritual disciplines and the internal work of the heart.

  | The Ministry of the Holy Spirit: We emphasized that the "letter kills, but the Spirit gives life." We argued that scripture without the Holy Spirit's power is merely information and lacks the ability to transform.
  | Praying in Tongues: Several speakers highlighted the importance of praying in the Spirit as a means of building oneself up, receiving revelation, and shifting one's internal atmosphere from anxiety to joy. It was described as a "perfect prayer" that bypasses human understanding.
  | Guarding the Heart: The discussion touched on the necessity of being attentive to the heart's condition. We noted that spiritual health is a prerequisite for being a blessing to others, using the airplane oxygen mask analogy to justify self-investment in spiritual growth.

Identity and Perspective

We discussed the shift in identity that occurs through a revelation of righteousness.

  | Righteousness vs. Sin Nature: We challenged the "old sinner saved by grace" mindset, asserting that a believer is a new creation with a righteous spirit. Sinful desires were attributed to an unrenewed mind rather than a sinful nature.
  | The Resurrection: The resurrection was presented as the proof that the price for sin has been paid and death defeated. Believing in the resurrection implies being raised above sin, sickness, and fear.
  | Effortless Evangelism: Witnessing was described as an extension of God's love that should be effortless when one is "abiding in Christ." 

They noted that people are often more interested in spiritual answers than believers assume.

Support the show

[email protected]