Fourthstream - Finding Hope
What is truth? In this episode, Dave follows an amazing biblical thread through Jesus’ words to Thomas, His conversation with Pilate, and the repeated phrase, “I tell you the truth.” • Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life - John 14.1-6 •Pilate asks, “What is truth?” - John 18.33-40 •Before Abraham was born, I AM - John 8.58 •Jesus as the gate for the sheep - John 10.1 and John 10.7 •The kernel of wheat and new life - John 12.24 •The messenger, the Father, and greater works - John 13 and John 14 •Truth, grief, joy, and asking the Father - John 16 •Suppressing...
info_outlineFourthstream - Finding Hope
Is there only one true God? In this episode, Dave explores how God reveals Himself through creation, Scripture, the woven threads of the Bible, and ultimately through Jesus, the Word made flesh. Creation and the one true God - Genesis 1 No other gods before Him - Exodus 20 The prophetic Word made sure - 2 Peter 1 All Scripture inspired by God - 2 Timothy 3 The I AM and the Ancient of Days Jesus, Abraham, and the Father - John 8 Christ reigning until all things are subject to Him - 1 Corinthians 15 The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit revealed through Scripture God speaking through His Son -...
info_outlineFourthstream - Finding Hope
Where did the Jews Come From? In this episode, Dave walks through the biblical story of Israel, Abraham, the written Word, the Messiah, and why the Jewish people matter in God’s purposes for the nations. • Genesis 1-11 and the human story before Israel • Abraham chosen and the promise of faith - Genesis 12 • God swearing by Himself - Genesis 15 and Hebrews 6.13-14 • The Jews entrusted with the oracles of God - Romans 3 • The righteous branch of David - Jeremiah 33.15 • The apple of God’s eye - Zechariah 2.8 and Psalm 17 • Israel, covenant, and mercy - Ezekiel 16 •...
info_outlineFourthstream - Finding Hope
Am I a Kingdom Scribe? In this episode, Dave explores Jesus’ words in Matthew 13 and what it means to become a scribe, a disciple of the Kingdom, and the head of a household who brings out treasure both new and old. • King first, then Kingdom, then Church •The Bride of Christ and the Kingdom of God •Every scribe who becomes a disciple - Matthew 13 •Becoming a disciple of the Kingdom of Heaven •The head of a household and spiritual responsibility •Bringing out treasure, things new and old •Doing good, sharing, and building up the Kingdom - Hebrews 13 •Inheriting the Kingdom...
info_outlineFourthstream - Finding Hope
What are kingdom rewards? In this episode, Dave explores how kingdom reward is not a spiritual lottery or self-centered prize, but something inseparably linked with honor, faith, humility, and the promises of God. Adam and Eve, dishonor, and death - Genesis 3 The promise given to Abraham - Romans 4 The promise by faith in Jesus Christ - Galatians 3.22 God swearing by Himself - Hebrews 6 Partakers of the divine nature - 2 Peter 1 Faith, moral excellence, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness, and love - 2 Peter 1.5-11 The promise of eternal life - 1 John 2.25...
info_outlineFourthstream - Finding Hope
Why submission of self? In this episode, Dave explores why humility, decreasing, and surrendering first place are central to living in the kingdom of God. John the Baptist and "He must increase" - John 3 The fear of the Lord and the hatred of pride - Proverbs 8.13 Pride, dishonor, and wisdom with the humble - Proverbs 11.2 Pride before destruction - Proverbs 16.18 The lust of the flesh, eyes, and pride of life - 1 John 2.16 Nebuchadnezzar humbled before the King of heaven - Daniel 4 Jesus as first place over all creation - Colossians 1 Choosing humility instead of self-kingship Watch next:...
info_outlineFourthstream - Finding Hope
What is kingdom courage? In this episode, Dave explores how courage is not self-generated strength, but something formed in us through the power and presence of God. God revealed as warrior — Exodus 15 Courage flowing from the Father — Luke 12 Waiting on God for strength — Psalm 27 Jesus as victorious king — Revelation 19 Spiritual warfare and the armor of God — Ephesians 6 Fighting with purity, truth, patience, and love — 2 Corinthians 6 Paul finishing the fight faithfully — 2 Timothy 4 To read the full notes and learn more:
info_outlineFourthstream - Finding Hope
How do we actually live gratefully when life is difficult? In this episode, Dave explores how gratitude is deeply connected to the Kingdom of God, eternal purpose, and a transformed heart. Why thankfulness is foundational to Kingdom living Hebrews 13 and the “sacrifice of praise” 2 Corinthians 4 and the “eternal weight of glory” How gratitude impacts our relationships and daily choices The connection between belonging to God and living honorably Psalms, worship, and rejoicing through difficulty Why thankfulness prepares believers to reign with Christ Scriptures Referenced: ...
info_outlineFourthstream - Finding Hope
Suffering and honor are deeply connected in the life of faith. This episode looks at how choosing honor before God can shape the way we endure hardship, follow Jesus, and keep eternal perspective. Suffering is not always evidence of failure or deficiency Jesus suffered because He was honorable and obedient to the Father Humility comes before honor — Proverbs 15.33 Honoring God is central to spiritual identity Faith tested by suffering can result in praise, glory, and honor — 1 Peter 1.7 Present affliction is temporary, but eternal glory carries weight — 2 Corinthians 4.16-18 To...
info_outlineFourthstream - Finding Hope
Humility is more than a virtue—it’s a key to the Kingdom. In this episode, we explore how Jesus reveals humility as a pathway to freedom, honor, and true life. “Poor in spirit” → spiritual dependence (Matthew 5) Repentance = turning from bondage → toward freedom (Matthew 3–4) Humility unlocks the “door” (John 10) Pride traps; humility frees through Christ David’s life models returning to humility (Psalm 51) Jesus gives “keys” to the Kingdom (Matthew 16) God opposes pride, gives grace to the humble (1 Peter 5) Jesus ultimately holds all authority (Revelation 1.18) To...
info_outlineHow do you navigate true mysteries? What things are already known? What is becoming known as the story unfolds? While the Word of God is plain concerning most things, there are also aspects of God's will which are filled with unfolding mystery. This occurs on a global scale (no man knows the hour or the day) while throughout time things continue unfolding personally - generation after generation (such as people awakening to God).
About God mystery:
“I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.” Revelation 1:8/the first and the last
"And the four living creatures, each one of them having six wings, are full of eyes around and within; and day and night they do not cease to say, Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord God, the Almighty, Who was and Who is and Who is to come." Revelation 4:8/the true story of time.
At the center of mystery is the Bride of Jesus. This Bride is made up of all who are being purified for the greatest wedding of all time (Then he said to me, “Write, ‘Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.’” And he said to me, “These are true words of God.” Revelation 19:9)
"Of this church I was made a servant according to the stewardship from God placed upon on me for your benefit, so that I might fully carry out the preaching of the word of God, that is, the mystery which has been hidden from the past ages and generations, but has now been made plain to His saints. Those whom God willed to make known the nature of the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. We proclaim Him, admonishing every man and teaching every man with all wisdom, so that we may present every man complete in Christ. For this purpose also I labor, striving according to His power, which mightily works within me." Colossians 1:25-29
Let's return to Matthew and to Jesus' Kingdom parables where He takes the time to present the nature of the Kingdom to His current and future disciples (followers). Each metaphor gives us insight into what He is doing and where we fit into His plans for us - as we find ears to hear and eyes to see. They unfold mystery for each one of our souls.
The Sower (Matthew 13:18-23) teaches us why things are the way they are. Seeds, soil, sower. Hours of meditating for our ears and eyes as we seek to hear and see.
The Wheat and the Weeds (Matthew 13:24-31) helps us contemplate why there is so much deceptive turmoil in the world. These "tares" were weeds that were almost indistinguishable from the crop, and ripping them out would wreck the harvest crop.
The Mustard Seed (Matthew 13:31-32) Though small it exceeded all seeds in growing power. We function based upon appearance. God considers fruit and crops.
The Leaven (Matthew 13:33) Jesus is the mystery ingredient. His Spirit animates our spiritual growth. It transforms the bread. It transforms us.
The Treasure (Matthew 13:44) What a great story about value! True treasure means real value. It transforms our approach. Where we set our heart.
The Dazzling Pearl (Matthew 13:45-46) This pearl transcended most treasure. It was birthed and grown by God and discovered by men. Once valued it became the apple of this dealer's eye.
The Dragnet (Matthew 13:47-50) Here we return to the end of the age when all "fish" will be brought in by dragnet and sorted out.
So many mysteries - so little time. Don't fall into the trap of casting our King and His mysteries as lackluster or boring. When our eyes are open to true value the world of our soul animates!
√ We will reign with Him. (2 Timothy 2:12)
√ All things will be made new. (Revelation 21:5)
√ We will share His glory. (Revelation 19:7)
√ We will know as we have been known! (1 Corinthians 13:12; 1 John 3:2)
Another conversation about The Sower
A Garden Song
This is so cool!
"Who is the man who fears the Lord? He will instruct him in the way he should choose. His soul will abide in prosperity, and his descendants will inherit the land. The secret (circle) of the Lord is for those who fear Him, and He will make them know His covenant. My eyes are continually toward the Lord, for He will pluck my feet out of the net." Psalm 25:12-15
Enjoying the unfolding mystery with you!
Dave and Burnadette