Fourthstream - Finding Hope

In our culture the subject of death is embraced by some, ignored by many, and glossed over by most. Of course, life and death are a reality shared by every human who has ever lived. But Jesus’ take on what happens after we die is unique among the religious sages of the world. His insights […]

Woven into the Story is God’s sheep metaphor. It not only explains the nature of sheep, but also of shepherds. Most importantly it describes a clear picture of the “Good” and “Great” Shepherd of the sheep. Today Burnadette and I examine both the teaching of the God Story and the personal benefits we have experienced […]

Much has been written and taught about the end of days, with somewhat variant features. I have always found it most helpful with any teaching to see what God’s Son Jesus has to say about a subject, and then consult the rest if the scriptures. Matthew 24 is Jesus’ answer to a direct question from […]

Jesus used water to train His followers, transport Galilee, teach, and bring an understandable metaphor for connection with God. Now on the last day, the great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture said, […]

The miracles of Jesus are history and earth-shaking in every way. How many documented miracles were accomplished by any other religious leaders in history? Everything Jesus said and did was done in broad daylight. With thousands of witnesses. It is no wonder the earth was turned upside-down by Jesus and His followers. And it is […]

From time to time it has been good for me to revisit the heart-Psalms of Israel. King David wrote the lion’s share of the Psalms. Asaph (David’s worship leader) adds a dozen more. David’s son King Solomon wrote over a thousand Psalms, but only two make it into this collection. That leaves one for Moses […]

Our city, like all cities, needs spiritual rain to fall upon our thirsty souls – whether we know we are thirsty or not. For this reason it says, “Awake, sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.”  – Ephesians 5:14 Today Burnadette and I consider the concept of spiritual rain and what […]

Dave’s Take: It is easy to ascribe all sorts of meaning to this particular teaching of Jesus. I wonder if the sweeping view isn’t the most accurate? The parable of the sower to me is the most macro of Jesus’ parables about the Kingdom.  It is the story of the entire creation, and one which covers […]

The account of the man born blind from John 9 is incredible on many levels. The interplay between each character is so instructive about human nature – and our response to human suffering. Who were the truly blind people in this story? Dave’s Take: “So a second time they called the man who had been […]