Fourthstream - Finding Hope
If humility is the key to the Door of the Kingdom (and we think it is) then a few things must be considered. Jesus is clear that He is the Door to His Father and His Kingdom. The keys to the Kingdom were given to the right person. This has nothing to with church authority and everything to do with Peter's magnificent followthrough in his imperfect faith. Peter promised never-ending allegiance to Jesus. Then Jesus said to them, “You will all fall away because of Me this night, for it is written, 'I will strike down the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.' But after I have...
info_outline S7E10 - I Bow My KneesFourthstream - Finding Hope
So Jesus said to them again, “Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. All who came before Me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not hear them. I am the door; if anyone enters through Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly." John 10:7-9 Jesus spends much time explaining His Kingdom. He is the Door of the Kingdom, of course, but we enter through this Door through the reality of humility. Let's take a look at part of this woven thread!...
info_outline S7E9 - Deep Calls To DeepFourthstream - Finding Hope
We thought it was a good time for a deep dive into who is really in control. Let's follow the thread. The evil one manipulates us with fear. "Therefore, since the children share in flesh and blood, He Himself likewise also partook of the same, that through death He might render powerless him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, and might free those who through fear of death were subject to slavery all their lives." (Hebrews 2:14-15) God's perfect love casts out fear. "There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves punishment, and the one who...
info_outline S7E8 - The Joy of ForgettingFourthstream - Finding Hope
As humans we cannot help but carry our own amount of weights. Disappointments. Bad memories. Unfulfilled hopes. Critical words. Jesus commented on the weight He places upon His followers: “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) The word yoke encompasses the idea of weights and balances. If you have every contemplated Proverbs you have encountered how God feels about "just"...
info_outline S7E7 - Full of JoyFourthstream - Finding Hope
As you know, at Fourthstream we are all about following, knowing, and applying the woven threads of the God Story. Today we are talking about joy - which is a major thread! There is a strength which comes from God and is powerful in very practical and amazing ways. We will do our best to consider the panoramic specifics of what joy brings into the world - and into the heart and life of a Jesus follower. The Source of Joy - Nehemiah 8:10 The Jews had returned from a long and painful captivity. Ezra, Nehemiah, and Esther were raised up to encourage joy among those who...
info_outline S7E6 - Forever TrueFourthstream - Finding Hope
The concept of forever is tough to grasp. Everything about being human eventually runs into limitation. "As for the days of our lives, they contain seventy years, or if due to strength, eighty years. Yet human pride is only labor and sorrow, for soon it is gone and we fly away. Who understands the power of Your angerand Your fury, according to the reverence that is due You? So teach us to number our days, that we may present to You a heart of wisdom." - Moses in Psalm 90 There are a couple of important keys to unlocking a life of hope. The first is...
info_outline S7E5 - Hand of GodFourthstream - Finding Hope
When God's hand moves His will is done - on earth and in heaven. His authority backs up His intentions seamlessly. There is no hesitation. There is nothing that can stop it. He thinks and His hand moves and His will is done. In Mary's prayer of praise to God in Luke 1:49-52 she says: “For the Mighty One has done great things for me and holy is His name. His mercy is upon generation after generation toward those who revere Him. He has done mighty deeds with His arm; He has scattered those who were proud in the thoughts of their heart. He has brought down...
info_outline S7E4 - WickednessFourthstream - Finding Hope
The wickedness thread from the God Story is extensive. Here are a few of the central elements. The word itself is tied to "working at things which are not just" so there must be distinct departure from the truth to become a "worker of wickedness." This differs from the sin which is endemic to the entire human race. Sin is our condition of rebellion and separation from our Creator. Wickedness is our choice to reject God and subjugate others. When one thinks about wicked people usually some sort of injustice comes to mind. Oppression. Human trafficking. Abortion. Taking the life of another....
info_outline S7E3 - Over Our HeadsFourthstream - Finding Hope
Humanity has been and continues to be a slippery group. Our propensity to blame and accuse others, to consider ourselves greater and others lesser, and to justify our own acts toward others is epic. "But at the evening offering I arose from my humiliation with my garment and my robe torn, and I fell on my knees and stretched out my hands to the Lord my God; saying “O my God, I am ashamed and embarrassed to lift up my face to You, my God, for our iniquities have risen above our heads and our guilt has grown even to the heavens. “Since the days of our...
info_outline S7E2 - Love Your NeighborFourthstream - Finding Hope
The Hebrew word for neighbor means companion or friend. It focuses His people on our identity as sons of Adam. By caring for and about our neighbor(s) we are carried into God's world. This is a central thread in the Word of God, so it is key to our spiritual success. When Jesus quotes the Law of Moses to the man who wanted to know the greatest commandment: "One of them, a lawyer, asked Him a question, testing Him, “Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?” And He said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all our heart, and with all your soul, and with all...
info_outlineAt Fourthstream.com we enjoy connectivity with a circle of a men and women who are willing to dedicate necessary effort to become fully trained as a disciple of Jesus - managing our distracted lives - devoting ourselves to accurately handling the Word of truth.
Check it out, pray, and join up by reaching out at [email protected]. This is for those who take seriously the desire to hear the words “well done.”
Here is a pdf of what you will experience - with diligence - at your own pace.
Others who have benefitted from Fourthstream.com:
“Understanding the difference between putting the King first vs church first has been a game changer for me as I am assessing my relationships with people. I appreciate Fourtstream.com because it gives me the opportunity to read articles and get a brief soul overview in the middle of a busy day that brings me joy and fills my cup. Fourthstream totally helps me become a better member of society, because they teach me that it’s important to follow the Word of God, yet to not take myself too seriously. Who wants to be around a dreary Christian? My life makes more sense following Kingdom discipleship with Dave and Burney.” - Ann
“I have watched as Dave has stayed true to his giftings of teaching, shepherding, and discipling even when assaulted by the enemy’s schemes. Burney is a peace-maker and has shown my wife and countless other young women how to operate out of a “Proverbs 31 identity.” When I connect with the Kingdom through you and what you teach, I come away refreshed in my heart and strengthened in my spirit!” - Daniel
“Dave and Burney’s knowledge of the Word of God and their ability to connect the threads has really helped me understand the God Story and apply it in my life. Through tools they have created, such as Fourthstream.com, I have been given a path and a clear defined process to help me dive deeper into the Word. I have been engaged in their Jesus Centric program on Fourthstream.com that has given me a strong foundation and pushed me to want deeper understanding of the Word. Dave and Burney also have been discipling our family on this history and the big picture of the God story. If you are someone wants a closer connection with God and a better understanding of his Word I highly recommend taking advantage of the tools on Fourthstream.com!” - Nick
"Kingdom teaching is about me and my relationship with Jesus and learning about who I am. Dave has created an extensive teaching site that allows you to ask questions and search for answers on Fourthstream. It has allowed me to grow closer to Jesus and grow deeper - through all the courses, podcasts, books, study guides! Dave and Burney have impacted my life in so many ways. I’m thankful for their kingdom teaching and discipleship focus. A couple with a heart for Jesus and fire for others to know his love.” - Roland
Welcome to a deeper, systematic, Jesus-centric dive into God's Story,
Dave and Burnadette