The Fourth Stream

Bible Study Resources

2008-06-23T11:20:00.003-05:00

Ever read something in Scriptures and needed some help discerning what is being said? Ever wish you had something that helped you outline the key verses and points in a section of Scripture?

Visit the God Story section of Fourthstream.com and choose the book you are studying for some resources you may find helpful. Contact the guys at Fourthstream.com and, if you're nice; they might send you even more notes, curriculum, and other materials that will help you as you discover His story.

While you're there, download or order the Streamsbook. It's a combined Gospel account that will bring the four Gospels alive to you. It is also a great thing to read with others who are exploring the Jesus story for the first time.

Church Praxis

2008-06-20T12:29:00.003-05:00

Have you ever wondered what you're supposed to revere when you meet a Reverend?

Have you ever heard someone say, "...You can't do that/say that in church!"?

Have you ever wondered why religious traditions are often treated with the same deference as Scripture?

Ever wondered why we spend so much time and money on our buildings?

Perhaps it is because we have been sold the idea that anything besides our souls/spirits and God can be holy. Have things created to meet a need or to remind us of truth taken root in our hearts as idols?

Fourthstream.com

2008-04-23T22:34:00.002-05:00

Have you checked out Fourthstream.com lately? If so, what ways could it be improved? What do you like about it?

Startling Church Statistics

2008-03-22T16:55:00.001-05:00

Here are some very alarming church statistics.

Should we remove tax exempt status from Churches? Would this open them up to more accountability and actually save the churches money in the long run?

Curious Journey

2008-03-07T09:34:00.002-06:00

Curious Journey, a book written by Dave Nadler of Fourthstream.com is now available at Fourthstream.com.

After reading this myself a couple times, I would describe Curious Journey as a collection of down-to-earth reflections on life and spirituality.

Dave Nadler delves into the big picture of what is "Kingdom Spirituality," reflects on his own spiritual journey, outlines the makings of a community of Christ-followers, and paints a picture of how "Kingdom Spirituality" can work out in your life and mine.

If you are looking for a quick read that will encourage you, give great insight and a new perspective on living out your faith in today's culture, or just feel like there just might be 'something more' to the Christian life than what you are experiencing now, this book is for you.

The Limits Of Sharing

2008-02-28T19:55:00.003-06:00

To what lengths would you go to share the Gospel with someone open to hearing?

How far is too far in being "relevant?"

I would love to start a conversation about who isn't being reached, what isn't being done to reach them, and what are pitfalls to avoid. Comments welcome!

Sharing The Gospel With Others

2008-02-12T18:06:00.000-06:00

Do you have a friend or family member that is curious about Jesus or feels that (s)he is "spiritual" but doesn't seem to be interested in reading the Bible?

You have a neighbor, co-worker, or acquaintance you feel you should read the Scriptures with but don't know how to bring it up or where to start?

Check out Fourthstream.com and click on "Streamsbook." This is a compilation of the four Gospels put together in a handsome spiral-bound format that is not intimidating, doesn't look like a Bible, but walks the reader through the life of Jesus. You can also download it in sections for free!

It's a great introduction to Jesus and the Gospel message. And I have read through it a couple times myself as a great way to read the entire message of the Gospels in one flowing story line.

Also on that page of the Fourthstream.com website are notes, introductory videos, and a place for you to comment about the book, your stories, or how you have utilized it.

A New Fourthstream.com Video

2008-01-30T19:56:00.000-06:00

Here's new video released by Fourthstream.com. Tons more video, resources, and discussion on the website! Check it out!

It's Been Cold Outside

2008-01-27T18:27:00.000-06:00

It has been unusually cold in Iowa lately. I can't remember the last time we've had snow on the ground for this long, or temperatures this low (-10 the other day) for this long. Last week one morning, however, I went out with a relatively light jacket, jeans, normal shoes, and no gloves and shoveled the dusting of snow we got yesterday off my walk, the sidewalk, and part of the drive way. I then got in the SUV and, after turning it on, noticed the thermometer on the rearview mirror said it was 22 degrees outside. Kind of cold, huh? (global warming)

I wasn't a bit cold. Hands weren't cold, ears weren't cold...no problem. A few months ago I would have needed gloves and a heavier coat in that temp. I also would have needed a hat or stocking cap.

But I've become desensitized to the cold. I'm used to it.

It's made me think a lot about our culture. If it is that easy to get desensitized to something as basic and downright painful as freezing temperatures; how much easier is it to get desensitized to more subjective things like our culture, the love of money, the sex and violence in our entertainment, and other social morays and degradations that we take for granted but may break the heart of God.

I have no patience for legalism...but we must guard our hearts and listen to the Spirit within us whispering to us when we pass from culturally sensitive and passionate about evangelism to culturally desensitized.

Wanted: Artists

2008-01-20T09:46:00.001-06:00

Are you an artist? Musician? Videographer? Submit your artwork to the Fourthstream.com gallery. You just might get your submission listed on the site!

Time And Kingdom Spirituality

2008-01-20T09:29:00.000-06:00

I've been reading Margin by Richard A. Swenson, M.D. (NavPress) and have been impressed with how he addresses an issue we've all experienced, sat through seminars on, etc. Time. He calls it "margin." Margin is having time and energy for the things that are truly important in life. And time for leisure.

Here's a quote I like on the stresses of time:

The marginless lifestyle and its resultant chronic time pressure are particularly devastating to our relationships: to self, to family, to others, to God.

Everyone needs personal time. Those who say they don't need time for self are probably the ones who need it the most. We all need time to let the dust settle, to evaluate how life is going, to plan for the future. "Those who are caught up in the busy life have neither the time nor quite to come to understand themselves and their goals," explains Robert Banks. "Since the opportunity for inward attention hardly ever comes, many people have not head from themselves for a long, long time. Those who are always 'on the run' never meet anyone any more, not even themselves."

Fourthstream.com Relaunched

2008-01-15T12:17:00.001-06:00

Fourthstream.com is now online! Please check out Fourthstream.com to find out more about Kingdom Spirituality and to interact with others looking to engage God and their neighbors.

I'll be posting here periodically on issues related to fourthstream.com so be sure to subscribe to the RSS feed.

our myspace

2006-06-12T14:12:00.000-05:00

just wanted everyone to know that in an effort to build relationships with artists for fourthstream radio, we just launched our myspace. you can now listen to fourthstream radio by going here. so bring it on... we'd love to hear what you think.

ACTION AS AN OFFERING

2006-03-10T09:39:00.000-06:00

"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge." - Proverbs 1
"Fear God and keep His commandments - for this applies to everyone." - Ecclesiastes 12

I have been struck in my refections this week by the sheer importance of this concept. This kind of fear is an honoring, reverential fear. Like a wild Lion - you cannot fully feel safe - and yet as a strong, gracious Shepherd you can trust Him with everything.

I see all of the energy I put into "doing" my life (it is inescapable) but as the earthquake shakes and as the storm pounds I wait for the soft, gentle blowing of the One I fear. He either is true to His Word - or He is not. If He is, I am of all men who have ever lived most fortunate. If not, I am truly to be pitied.

For all practical purposes Moses was pitiful in fearing God when he began to make his transition to submission (Exodus 1-3), but by the time he falls on his face begging God to spare the life of all of the Hebrews - he has begun to fear God. His intercession for others has eclipsed his poor self-image, his need for recognition, and his immature understandings of who his God really is.

It truly is easier to move a mountain than to deliver a heart to the point of reverential fear. I am so grateful that Christ has won this honor for me - and for you.

"In the days of His flesh, He offered up both prayers and supplications with loud crying and tears to the One able to save Him from death, and He was heard because of His reverent submission." - Hebrews 5:7

2006-02-27T10:13:00.000-06:00

I was looking at the stars the other night on a "retreat" with some friends. I am blown away by the immense beauty that IS God. It is good to be quiet, it is good to be alone, and it is good to let my heart reflect! I am in awe.

QUESTION(S) FOR THE WEEK:
What is your vision for changing the face of religion? Do you think it needs to change? Do you think it can change in our lifetime? Please weigh in!

WHERE HAS GOD PLACED US?
Our group is taking the time this month to look at the "Spiritual Geography" into which each of us has been placed. I drew three concentric circles and began to think about those who are closest, those who are near, and those with whom my life touches on a semi-regular/somewhat engaged basis. It helped to kind of sort it out - made it easier to assess where my time is going and how God is moving in relationships in my life. Where are the "Good News" opportunities in your life?

THE POWER OF STORY
Jesus' Kingdom is growing one heart at a time, and many of us a privileged to see God at work right before our eyes. Tell us your stories of where you see God at work in and around you.

END OF THE SPEAR
Saw this yesterday - found myself having to control my emotions on numerous occasions. It will bless your missional heart - made me think about OUR tribes local, regional, and national that are too numerous to count. See it - it will bleed parts of your soul (in a good way).

2006-01-30T15:11:00.000-06:00

"I am enough of an artist to draw freely upon my imagination. Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited. Imagination encircles the world." - Al Einstein

WHY WE ARE HERE
Fourthstream.com is prepared to encourage the creative revolution necessary to rekindle imagination for what the Church COULD BE.

God HAS spoken words that can fill us with a sense of adventure, enjoyment, and wonder. The Holy Spirit CONTINUES to speak to all three into the giftedness and diversity of His Body throughout the world. We are with you! We want to hear your stories! And we want to change the world with you!

WHAT WE ARE NOT
We are not here to dissemble Christiandom. We are here to exceed her historical role and to encourage return to an apostolic, organic, and biblically faithful mission. Anyone can criticize - we desire to walk with those who will ENGAGE change.

WHY THIS WILL WORK
We have no allegiance to tradition, no need for financial gain, and a deep belief that God is doing something different. We simply want to rise to that call.

"The kind of thinking that will solve the world's problems will be of a different order to the kind of thinking that created them in the first place." - A. Einstein

You are invited to participate!