Fourthstream

It is difficult to separate the historic church from what “church” meant in the first century – and for that matter, to Jesus Himself. Jesus mentions the church only a few times (Matthew 16;18; 18:17), but He speaks of the Kingdom many times (Matthew 4:7,23). This is the story of the book of Ephesians. As people were forsaking their idols and embracing Christ’s Kingship (Acts 19/so awesome!), they were awakening to what it meant not merely to “go” to church but to “be” the Church.

The Story of Jesus clearly explains that He is the King of the earth. His Kingdom is coming alive in the hearts of men. As we are being “called out” of futility, we are made alive into His “body.” Dead to sin – and alive to God.

The Ephesian believers were Gentile pagans to their core. Just as we reason like Greeks, the Ephesian culture was immersed in the false religion of self. Paul spent a couple of years establishing this community of believers – long before there were church buildings on every corner. Ephesians is telling us what has happened to us as we have believed and become a part of His Kingdom. It is a real challenge to once again embrace the “we ARE the church” paradigm of the first century. It is all too easy to lose our identity as sons and daughters of the Kingdom and see ourselves as passive attendees at a location.

The letter to the Ephesians reminds us of the riches we have because we have inherited God’s favor through Jesus. This is a “mystery” that is being resolved and animated into our hearts through personal faith in Jesus. The rich truth of the Son makes us able to become a part of a community which before was impossible to even imagine.

Deep waters here, my friend!

Here is a link to my book Kingdom which explores this concept more extensively.
Deeper in the Book of Ephesians

As the Gospel takes root among the Gentiles throughout the world, God’s purpose for the Jews comes to fruition. They experienced, recorded, and protected God’s Word to the world. In doing so they amplified the truth about humanity as well as God Himself. And through them the Savior of the world was brought into the world. And His own nation – His own people – then crucified the Son of God Most High. Chilling.

The Plan for the One New Man was unfolding within the story of the book of Acts. “By taking away the curse of sin through delivering His body – He rendered the hostility between God and mankind powerless, so that in Himself He might make both Jews and Gentiles into One New Man, and establish His peace as He changes everything – by making everything right through His cross and making us one…through Him all of us have been brought near in One Spirit through the Father.”  – from a Nadler translation in Ephesians 2. We will talk more about this one new man when we get to the book of Hebrews, or you can enter One New Man into the search box above.

Understanding this concept brings together hundreds of threads of the God Story, and establishes our understanding Who God is, what He has planned, and our personal identities within this story.

As you read Acts 21-27 we will observe the backdrop for the letters that are being written (Romans 1:16). We will now consider Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, Timothy, Titus, Philemon, and Hebrews as well as Peter and John’s letters. Paul now will finally arrive in Rome – totally prepared to make the ultimate sacrifice to see the Gospel grow to the ends of the earth (Philippians 1:21). Inspiring and so crystal clear – for the story and for our souls!

Reading the message of the book of Ephesians
Reading the message of the book of Colossians

I thought it would be a good idea to talk about the threads of hope found in the God Story. For years I have studied systematic theology, biblical theology, as well as the crazy theologies of the religions of the world (including christianity). What has occurred to me is that there are authentic, relational teaching threads throughout God’s Word which are true gifts to the hungry, faithful heart.

The slide above lays out our approach, and as I teach on-line today (Sunday) you may find it helpful for your own process. I encourage you to think about these questions relationally, and as we encounter each one I will attempt to unlock my own Spirit-findings for our get together.

Here is a somewhat authentic systematic theology – see what you can add to make it relational 🙂
Here’s a great Family song of Hopeful Threads
And the God Story panorama in 8 minutes

Enjoy!
Dave the weaver

 

It is truly difficult to make sense out of our human history regarding philosophy, science, and theology. Philosophy in essence is our reflections upon what makes us tick – for better and for worse. Science is supposed to be conclusions based upon weighing facts to prove what is irrefutable. Theology is man’s organization of what is perceived to be true about God. Obviously there are many philosophies and theologies – and even views of “science.”

If God has spoken (and I think He has) – then Romans is the big picture on what the God Story means for the heart of mankind. When we encounter, wrestle with, and master the themes of this book – we are well on our way to understanding not only the mind of God, but how to make sense of our lives as well.

Above is a useful outline for the book of Romans. This post will encompass a reading of the first two movements of the book (1.0-2.0), providing an understanding of both the flow and the foundations of the heart message contained in Paul’s letter.

Search your current beliefs as you begin. Your worldview. Is there a God? Where do we fit in? What was God’s purpose for mankind? What went wrong? What is going right? Why is every human ever born “without excuse?” What do you think are the “secrets of men?” Where do the Jews fit in? What constitutes a “true Jew?” What weight is placed upon personal faith?

These are deep waters my friend!

Some great questions from the Book of Romans
What is a True Jew?
A Solid Romans Song
Your reading guide to Romans

We have been encouraged to number our days by the man of God Moses (Psalm 90). There are two things to keep in tension as we engage a consideration of numbering our days.

First, we are reminded that even our tears do not escape God’s notice. He sees and identifies with our pain and extends His right hand of favor to those who call upon His Name. Even when we feel alone and most isolated we can count on God not losing track of our souls.

“You have taken account of my wanderings; put my tears in Your bottle. Are they not in Your book?” – Psalm 56:8

Next, we are reminded that we do not live our lives unnoticed by our Creator. He is a Rock to those who call upon His name.

“For who is God, but the LORD? and who is a rock, except our God, the God who girds me with strength and makes my way blameless? He makes my feet sure like a deer, and sets me upon my high places. He trains my hands for battle, so that my arms can bend a bow of bronze. You have also given me the shield of Your salvation, and Your right hand upholds me; and Your gentleness makes me great. You have planted me firmly, and my feet have not slipped.”  – Psalm 18:31-36

These two realities help to frame reflections upon our own personal gift of days. We are special. We are noticed. Our lives – our souls matter to God. As we sort out some of the gifts and challenges of the days we have been given as a gift, we can take heart that we are not living lives of “quiet desperation” or futility.

A few years ago I wrote a book entitled, Curious Journey, Your Story Matters. Here are the first few pages talking about the gifts and challenges of our days.

Here is a deeper consideration of these gifts and challenges.
Here is an insightful Gift of Days Song