Fourthstream - Finding Hope
What does it mean to live with true kingdom character? This episode contrasts earthly wisdom with wisdom from above and explores how Christ’s character forms within us and flows outward. In this episode: Wisdom from above vs earthly, natural, demonic (James 3) Character as lived, not just believed The “one another” life: love, serve, bear, encourage Peace as the evidence of spiritual maturity Transformation from inside out Kingdom character is not self-improvement—it’s Christ formed within us. 🔗 Read the full notes & go deeper: 📬 Weekly teaching, reflection tools &...
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What does real community actually look like? In this episode, we explore Jesus’ prayer in John 17, where He reveals the foundation of true community—oneness with the Father that leads to meaningful connection with others. Isolation is common today, but Scripture shows that authentic community grows from truth, shared faith, and a deep relationship with God. In this episode: What Jesus’ prayer in John 17 reveals about community Why truth is essential: no truth, no community How oneness with the Father leads to unity with others Recognizing people in our lives as gifts from God ...
info_outlineFourthstream - Finding Hope
How Does Spirit Happen for Me? How does the Holy Spirit become real and active in your life? This episode explores what Scripture teaches about embracing Jesus, receiving the Spirit, and learning to live by His power. In this episode: One God, three persons — understanding the Trinity Why John 14.6 defines the starting point Receiving the Spirit as the pledge of our inheritance (Ephesians 1) The Spirit’s intercession in Romans 8.26 “Not by might… but by My Spirit” — Zechariah 4.6 A clear, Scripture-rooted foundation for spiritual growth and real transformation. 🔗 Read the...
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🎧 Do I Know God? A personal and searching question. In this episode, we reflect on what it truly means to know God—not just in theory, but in heart, action, and honor. In this episode: The connection between knowing God, hearing His voice, and pleasing Him Why humility (Matthew 5) is the doorway to a pure heart The role of honor in the two great commandments (Matthew 22.37-40) Faith and works in James 2 Building life on the rock (Matthew 7.24-27) Four reflection questions to examine your own pursuit Knowing God is not a moment—it’s a lifelong quest of honor, obedience,...
info_outlineFourthstream - Finding Hope
Is Jesus My Healer? Jesus healed in the Gospels—but does He still heal today? In this episode, we explore what it means to call Jesus my healer—personally, spiritually, and relationally. In this conversation: Jesus’ authority to heal in the Gospels Emotional and spiritual healing through relationship Freedom from bondage (John 8) Entering through the Shepherd (John 10) The healing thread of Isaiah 61 & Luke 4 “Two or more” and the pathway to freedom (Matthew 18) God’s declaration: “I am your healer” (Exodus 15.26) Living with eyes fixed above Healing...
info_outlineFourthstream - Finding Hope
It is one thing to know ABOUT someone but we go much deeper when we connect through personal knowledge and shared experiences. What are the keys to finding personal connection with God? Is it indeed possible to "hear God's voice" as some people talk about? Are we truly able to walk side by side with God? This is key: “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30 Knowing God...
info_outlineFourthstream - Finding Hope
God Treasure is Kingdom Treasure After teaching His incredibly transferable Kingdom parables (the Sower, the Wheat and the Weeds, the Seed, the Leaven, the Hidden Treasure, the Costly Pearl, and the Dragnet) Jesus makes a curious statement and asks His disciples a question in Matthew 13:51-52. “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.” Let's give this some careful thought as we...
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To our Fourthstream Friends! It seems timely to dive once again into the Turbulence and Imperfection which appear to be chasing the human family. You can find our book on this subject under Fourthstream.com/Learning/Books. Clarity from Chaos Several weeks ago we were rear-ended by a semi on I-80 traveling to share Jesus things at an awesome conference in Cedar Rapids, where we were to speak in the hearing of many serious-minded young men and women. In one moment our entire world turned over. Focus and clarity of purpose were consumed by chaos. Yet our lives appeared to have been spared by the...
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PURITY IN HONOR AND SURVIVAL AND VICTORY IN LIFEWARNING - THIS IS A LONG AND INVOLVED CONVERSATION - BUT WORTH YOUR TIME! “I am in my early 70’s. Much has changed in the realm of what is pure and what is impure during my lifetime. But then, of course, information has exploded (Daniel 12:4). We struggle like never before when it comes to our sexuality, our intimacy, and our oneness as a man and a woman. You know this. Those with open eyes understand. There are several anchors in God’s Word which are able to help deliver us from being consumed by impurity and lust. This is tricky. But take...
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Throughout the entire Word of God the idea of reigning means God has, does, and will always have dominion. Rulership. He IS the King. His Kingship was displayed throughout all of history and humanity when King Jesus arrived on earth to conquer death. Paul explains to Timothy that the following statement can be counted on because it represents the truth expressed throughout the Word of God - a "thread" if you will. "It is a trustworthy statement: For if we died with Him, we will also live with Him; If we endure, we will also reign with Him; If we deny Him, He also will deny us; If we are...
info_outlineWe have considered King first - then Kingdom - then Church in our Kingdom podcast #1. This gives us a Jesus perspective on the Kingdom, which is helpful as we integrate our lives into His Kingship and become disciples of the Kingdom - which in turn will bless the church of the Living God, which is being purified into a spotless Bride of Christ.
Within what Jesus lived and taught us was an example of a self-fulfilling, renewing, and ongoing work of the Holy Spirit who lives within all the sons and daughters of God.
"...that is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it does not see Him or know Him, but you know Him because He abides with you and will be in you." - John 14:17
"In the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words; and He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He intercedes for the saints according to the will of God." - Romans 8:26-27
There appears to be a Kingdom circle of life which continues to occur within the hearts of His Kingdom servants. A Pure Heart is a heart of humility. We bend to Him because He deserves it. This in turn opens the door to genuinely Knowing God as we enter into a reciprocal relationship with the Father God through His Son Jesus. This results in the genuine ability to Do Kindness into the lives around us, which results in the very real process of Growing Life.
The Kingdom circle or cycle feeds itself and multiplies much like the Kingdom seed Jesus spoke about: "...it is the smallest of all the seeds, but when it is grown, it becomes a tree that provides a place of shelter for the birds to nest in its' branches." In this sense we emulate God, because when we provide shelter people are blessed and God is honored. We plant, we water, but the Lord of the harvest brings about growth (Luke 10:2; 1 Corinthians 3:6)
What does this look like in a Kingdom life? Meet Ann. Ann submits herself to the Kingship of Jesus. She bends her will to searching His Word and following His example. This inevitably leads her deeper into knowing who God is and understanding His companionship and partnership in her life. She prays and chooses to activate her gifts and use them for the welfare of others and the patient honor of God. By caring for and "discipling" people in her family, neighborhood, and work-life, she brings the shelter of Jesus into the lives of others. She becomes an encourager for King and Kingdom, and does all she can to see people rooted and growing in faith. This feeds her own spiritual growth and helps her as she cares for her own Kingdom "tribe."
This Kingdom Circle allows us to share in the words "well done" at the end of the age. Beautiful!
The Kingdom conversation is incredibly powerful and very beautiful. It puts religion in its proper place, and unlocks a Kingdom experience which is meant for every follower of Jesus.
Your life is a Kingdom life. Your calling comes from your King. When you stand before Him you, like us, wish to hear the words well done. “And he said to him, ‘Well done, good servant, because you have been faithful in a very little thing, you are to be in authority over ten cities." - Luke 19:17
And so, by living out the Kingdom we celebrate the coming Kingdom. When we participate in the Kingdom circle and produce fruit that pleases God, we are truly blessed! And if we get to do this with other like-minded Christ followers, it is all the more glorious.
The Kingdom Circle is God's work and it is our work.
√ We come openly to God in humility
√ We experience personal connectivity
√ We invite God's kindness into our thoughts and actions
√ God includes us in the growth of true life
Working together with you,
Dave and Burnadette
More about the Kingdom:
Kingdom Book from Matthew
The Kingdom Journey
Kingdom Connectivity
Kingdom Spirituality Course
Kingdom Heart