Episode Summary:

Close your eyes. You’re standing on the edge of a cliff, gazing into the vast unknown, sensing your smallness in the face of the infinite. Now, replace that view with the overwhelming awe of God's kingdom, beckoning you to align your life, family, and work with His divine order. 

In this episode of As In Heaven, Bryan Elliott and Matt Davis invite you to move from understanding to applying Kingdom principles. 

The problem we seek to solve? How do we live out our faith practically and bring the Kingdom of God into every sphere of our lives - from business to relationships?

Key Takeaways:

1. The Kingdom of God offers a roadmap to flourishing — God's principles, when applied, lead to order, prosperity, and justice.
2. Faith should impact every area of life — The Kingdom is meant to influence not just personal spiritual growth but business, leadership, and family as well.
3. Kingdom wisdom is both spiritual and practical — The wisdom of God aligns heavenly priorities with earthly realities, guiding decision-making in all areas.
4. Our human governments will never be perfect — The kingdom of God is the only government that truly brings peace and justice, transcending earthly political systems.
5. Submission to God's rule leads to life — Following Kingdom principles in daily life transforms us, our families, and our communities.

Pull Quotes:

1. "This is not just about experiencing the depths of God - it’s about putting Kingdom principles to work in your life."
2. "God’s kingdom is an ever-expanding realm. The beauty of it? It transcends borders and enters every aspect of our lives."
3. "We’re called to live out God’s kingdom on earth, and that means stepping into a new way of life, a Kingdom way of life."

Chapter Markers:

1. [00:00] - Welcome to Part Three: Kingdom Solutions
   Introduction to practical Kingdom principles and how they apply to daily life.
2. [02:05] - Ruling and Reigning in Life
   Bryan introduces the concept of Ecclesia and how God's legislative assembly works through believers on earth.
3. [04:15] - The Invitation to Flourish
   Discussing the alignment of life, family, and work with the Kingdom of God.
4. [09:41] - Dual Citizenship: Earthly and Heavenly
   Wrestling with the tension of living as citizens of both heaven and earth.
5. [16:35] - A Kingdom Renaissance in Personal Life
   Matt shares about a personal renewal in seeking God's truth and wisdom.
6. [23:49] - Wisdom as the Foundation of the Kingdom
   The importance of pursuing wisdom and aligning our decisions with Kingdom values.
7. [29:32] - Courage to Live Differently
   The boldness needed to walk in wisdom and counter-cultural decisions based on Kingdom principles.
8. [33:01] - Preparing for Kingdom Solutions
   Inviting listeners into an exercise of awe and reverence as they step into the next chapter of applying Kingdom principles in their lives.

 

Check out M46 Ministries: https://m46ministries.com/ Buy the book on Amazon US. Buy the book on Amazon Canada. 

 

Episode Summary:

Imagine hitting rock bottom - completely out of options, feeling abandoned by everyone you once depended on.

Gavin Walters found himself not just at the end of his rope but shackled by the weight of failed promises and federal charges.

What happens when you can’t pull yourself out?

This bonus episode of As In Heaven explores a story of miraculous transformation where suffering leads to redemption, where God shows up in the least expected ways, and where faith is tested, yet triumphs.

Gavin’s journey reveals how God intervenes, often at the last moment, to show His power and love.

Key Takeaways:

1. Sometimes the darkest moments in life serve as the entry point for God’s most miraculous interventions.
2. Worship in the midst of suffering transforms the fire of despair into the refiner’s fire, purifying rather than destroying.
3. God’s timing often feels last-minute, but it’s always precise, creating opportunities for growth and faith-building.
4. Real transformation happens when we not only endure suffering but allow it to shift our focus from self-reliance to total surrender to God.
5. We are called to bear one another’s burdens, serving as God’s hands and feet to those in the fire, offering both empathy and action.

Pull Quotes:

1. “The Lord will fight for you; you only have to be silent.”
2. “God said, ‘No, no, no. I’m going to show you a path and a way - through the fire, through miracles, through people.’”
3. “Worship was my prescription, and faith was my shelter.”

Chapter Markers:

• 00:00 - Introduction: Gavin Walters' journey begins
• 01:05 - Gavin’s background: From Africa to the U.S. mission field
• 05:55 - The turning point: Projects failing and optimism fading
• 08:20 - Arrest and imprisonment: Calling out to God in a jail cell
• 13:05 - Family’s strength and the beginning of a faith journey
• 15:25 - Experiencing doubt in God’s presence and involvement
• 17:53 - The miracle lawyer: A sign of God’s intervention
• 22:39 - Facing fear: The transformative power of naming worst-case scenarios
• 31:56 - The call to surrender: "Your people will be my people"
• 40:37 - September 2024: Miraculous provision just in time
• 52:26 - The significance of suffering: God’s refining work through fire
• 57:17 - Isaiah 54 fulfilled: “Your shame is no more”
• 01:02:00 - Conclusion: The journey from ashes to glory

Episode Summary

Imagine a pastor, freshly let go, sitting in church six weeks later, quietly uttering a prayer that seems counterintuitive: "Thank you, Lord, for this season." 

This episode of As in Heaven tackles one of the hardest subjects - suffering, but not just any suffering - transformational suffering. It explores how enduring hardship with Christ reshapes us, turning what seems like unbearable pain into a refining process that draws us closer to God. 

Bryan Elliott and Matt Davis discuss how suffering, whether personal, spiritual, or communal, becomes an accelerant to growth, deepening faith, and cultivating resilience.

Key Takeaways:

1. Suffering with Christ transforms: Rather than becoming victims, we are refined and drawn closer to Jesus, experiencing profound inner change.
2. Mindset matters: Approaching suffering as a refining process rather than punishment changes everything.
3. Biblical suffering is a calling: As believers, we are called to suffer like Christ, understanding that glory and growth follow hardship.
4. Adversity builds strength: Personal trials, whether through ministry, family, or personal faith, serve as pathways to a deeper, richer relationship with God.
5. God’s presence in suffering: Even in the wilderness, God encircles and cares for us, teaching that pain is not wasted but redemptive.

Pull Quotes:

1. "This suffering is not happening to you; it’s happening for you when you walk with Jesus."
2. "Suffering, that once seemed like suffering, gives way to a better way of living because God refines you."
3. "Pain is an indicator, a wake-up call. But most of the time, we try to bypass it rather than face it."

Chapter Markers:

1. [00:00] - Introduction: Transformational Suffering
   Matt Davis opens the conversation on how suffering with Christ is different from suffering alone and introduces the key theme of the episode.
2. [03:14] - The Call to Suffer with Christ
   Discussing biblical foundations, especially 1 Peter 2:21, the hosts reflect on how Christians are called to follow in Christ's suffering.
3. [10:26] - Wrestling with the Purpose of Pain
   Personal stories illustrate how viewing suffering as part of God’s plan reshapes how we endure hardship.
4. [19:57] - Embracing the Ambush of God
   A deep dive into the importance of surrendering to God's plans, even when it feels like He’s "ambushing" your life.
5. [31:44] - Seasons of Wilderness
   Exploring how wilderness seasons shape believers, drawing from biblical examples of Israel’s wandering and Jesus' suffering.
6. [50:44] - Moving From Self-Focus to Self-Abandonment
   How abandoning self-interest and embracing sacrificial love transforms suffering into a form of worship.
7. [1:14:37] - The Invitation to Co-Suffer with Christ
   Discussing the profound spiritual principle that we are co-glorified with Christ when we accept His sufferings as our own.
8. [1:31:10] - The Eternal Perspective of Suffering
   The hosts conclude with reflections on how this brief earthly suffering pales in comparison to the eternal glory awaiting believers in Christ.

 

Check out M46 Ministries: https://m46ministries.com/ Buy the book on Amazon US. Buy the book on Amazon Canada. 

Podcast Summary

Picture a bustling city like Times Square on a busy Friday afternoon - honking cars, crowded streets, the chaos of life at full speed. Now imagine that by evening, all that chaos ceases. The streets are empty, the noise is gone, and a stillness settles in. 

This is the experience of Sabbath in Jerusalem. 

In today's episode, we dive into the importance of the Sabbath, a kingdom principle that invites us to stop, rest, and realign with God. Why is it so hard to stop? Why do we resist the rest that God Himself modeled for us? 

Join us as we explore the rhythm of work and rest that God built into creation itself.

Key Takeaways:

1. Sabbath is an act of trust - resting in God means acknowledging that He is the sustainer, not us.
2. Rest is productive - just as land that rests becomes more fruitful, our lives bear more fruit when we rest in God.
3. Sabbath is about relationship, not legalism - it’s an invitation to connect deeply with God and others, not just a rule to follow.
4. Rest is a weapon against burnout - pausing for Sabbath strengthens us physically, mentally, and spiritually.
5. We were created to work from rest - our lives should flow from a place of rest in God, not a frantic race to catch up.

Pull Quotes:

1. "Sabbath isn’t just about doing nothing - it’s about actively trusting God to provide for us, even in our rest."
2. "We don’t rest because we’re tired, we rest because God commands it - and it’s His way of renewing us."
3. "The invitation is not to rest from our work, but to work from our rest - starting with God’s gift of Sabbath."

Chapter Markers:

• 00:00 - Introduction: Defining Sabbath and Its Importance
• 02:52 - Personal Story of Sabbath: Growing Up Observing Shabbat
• 05:19 - Biblical Foundations of Sabbath: The Commandment and the Concept of Rest
• 12:44 - The Principle of Rest: Letting the Land Rest and Trusting God
• 19:21 - The Consequences of Ignoring Rest: Lessons from Israel’s 490 Years
• 22:01 - Working From Rest, Not For Rest: A Key Kingdom Principle
• 25:16 - Sabbath in the Business World: Applying Sabbath Principles as a CEO
• 31:21 - Jesus and the Pharisees: The Sabbath Laws and Legalism
• 33:20 - Living Sabbath Joyfully: Practical Ways to Observe and Enjoy Sabbath
• 35:02 - Invitation to Rest: Finding Rhythm in Diverting Daily, Withdrawing Weekly, and Abandoning Annually
• 37:31 - Conclusion: Sabbath as a Divine Appointment for Rest and Renewal

 

Check out M46 Ministries: https://m46ministries.com/ Buy the book on Amazon US. Buy the book on Amazon Canada. 

Podcast Summary

Imagine carrying around a heavy stone in your pocket, day after day. Each step is weighed down by its burden, a constant reminder of the hurt or betrayal that lingers in your heart. Now, imagine finally letting that stone go, but realizing it was never about the weight - it was about the healing you were missing. 

In today’s episode, we jump into the power of forgiveness and mercy in the Kingdom of God, the very keys to unlocking freedom and healing in our lives and the lives of others. Forgiveness, while difficult, is not just a suggestion from the Bible; it is a command that transforms us into conduits for God’s grace.

We wrestle with the challenge of forgiveness, especially when the pain is deep, such as the trauma of murder, abuse, or betrayal. How do we forgive those who don’t ask for it? How do we release ourselves from the bondage of unforgiveness and live in the freedom that God’s kingdom offers?

Key Takeaways:

1. Forgiveness is not a suggestion, but a biblical command - it's essential for living as conduits of God's grace.
2. Forgiveness and trust are separate - forgiveness releases someone from judgment, but trust must be rebuilt over time.
3. The act of forgiving doesn't depend on the other person's repentance - Jesus and Stephen modeled forgiveness even for those who did not repent.
4. Forgiveness invites healing - it brings freedom to both the forgiver and the forgiven, allowing God’s redemption to flow.
5. Mercy and judgment - while we are called to show mercy, judgment belongs to God alone, and our role is to model His grace on earth.

Pull Quotes:

1. "Forgiveness isn’t just letting someone off the hook; it’s canceling their debt, releasing them from our judgment."
2. "As we forgive others, we invite the healing and freedom that come with God's redemptive power into our own lives."
3. "There is no loss in the kingdom; God’s grace uses even our greatest hurts for our good and His glory."

Chapter Markers:

• 00:00 - Introduction: Forgiveness as a Kingdom Principle
• 03:23 - What Forgiveness Is and Isn’t: The Difference Between Forgiveness and Trust
• 05:19 - The Weight of Forgiveness: Personal Stories of Forgiving the Unforgivable
• 10:50 - Practical Steps to Forgive: Specific Processes for Releasing Hurt
• 19:11 - The Kingdom's Role in Forgiveness: Spiritual and Physical Changes Through Forgiveness
• 25:12 - Forgiving Without Repentance: How Jesus Modeled Forgiving Unrepentant People
• 30:00 - Mercy and Forgiveness: Understanding How Mercy and Forgiveness Work Together
• 34:09 - Judgment Belongs to God: Our Role in Mercy and Judgment as Believers
• 45:46 - Receiving Forgiveness: The Misconception of “Forgiving Yourself” and Accepting God’s Grace
• 49:54 - Conclusion: Living as Conduits of God’s Grace Through Forgiveness and Mercy

 

Check out M46 Ministries: https://m46ministries.com/ Buy the book on Amazon US. Buy the book on Amazon Canada. 

 

Podcast Summary:

You’re holding a tiny seed in your hand. It seems insignificant, almost forgettable. Yet, within that seed lies the potential for a forest. 

In this episode of As In Heaven, we explore the powerful kingdom principle of sowing and reaping. Whether in life, relationships, or faith, the seeds we sow today will define the harvest we reap tomorrow. 

But here's the challenge - many of us grow frustrated in the waiting season, not seeing the fruit of our efforts. How do we faithfully sow seeds in the waiting season and trust God’s divine timing, even when we don’t immediately see results? 

Bryan, Chantal, and Matt shed light on how to faithfully sow, nurture, and trust God's timing in bringing about a harvest that goes far beyond our expectations. 

Key Takeaways:

1. Sowing Happens Every Day: We are always sowing seeds in our lives, whether through our actions, words, or attitudes. The question is not if we are sowing but what kind of seeds we are planting.
2. God's Faithful Economy: God's principle of sowing and reaping isn't just about agriculture - it's about spiritual growth, relationships, and our daily lives. We reap what we sow, both in the natural and spiritual realms.
3. Small Beginnings, Big Impact: Like a mustard seed, even the smallest action sown in faith can produce a massive harvest that impacts many, often beyond our imagination.
4. The Waiting Season is Crucial: The growth process includes a hidden season where seeds die, take root, and grow. This in-between time is where God builds our character and prepares us for greater fruitfulness.
5. Generosity Unlocks Multiplication: Just as the boy’s small offering of loaves and fishes was multiplied to feed thousands, God will multiply what we faithfully surrender to Him.

Pull Quotes:

1. "Every day we are sowing seeds - whether we realize it or not. The question is, what kind of harvest are we preparing for?"
2. "God's divine economy is that He multiplies what we faithfully give, even when it seems small and insignificant."
3. "In the waiting season, the seed must first die before it brings forth a harvest. This is where God works in the unseen."

Chapter Markers:

• 00:00 – Introduction: Welcome to the episode on sowing and reaping, setting the stage for the powerful principle in both the natural and spiritual realms.
• 01:11 – Sowing Seeds of the Kingdom: Bryan shares the importance of sowing seeds daily and the law of reciprocity in God’s kingdom.
• 03:18 – Planting in People: Discussion on how our actions and attitudes sow seeds into the lives of others, with eternal consequences.
• 06:34 – The Ripple Effect: Chantel reflects on the long-term impact of seeds sown in faith and how God’s reward often comes years later.
• 09:09 – The Good Soil of the Heart: Understanding that the soil of our hearts must be prepared to receive the seeds God sows, resulting in a harvest of 30, 60, or 100-fold.
• 12:45 – Seeds of Generosity: Matt shares a story of a farmer valuing high-quality seeds, paralleling how small seeds of faith can produce great growth when nurtured.
• 14:57 – The In-Between Season: Bryan discusses the tension of waiting, where seeds die before they bring forth fruit, and the importance of trusting God in this hidden process.
• 19:45 – The Journey of Bee Me Kidz: Bryan shares the story of starting a charity to help impoverished children and how failure led to eventual success through God’s guidance.
• 24:42 – Introducing Chantel: Matt and Bryan highlight how Chantel’s journey into Flow, a secular business, was led by God, and how her role as a prayer leader transformed the company.
• 31:10 – Death Before Life: Bryan shares how the principle of a seed dying to bring new life applies to his personal tragedy of losing his daughter and finding redemption through ministry.
• 35:58 – Navigating the In-Between: A reflection on living in the tension between planting and waiting, and how impatience can lead us to miss out on God’s perfect timing.
• 43:28 – Entangling with God in the Wait: Chantel explains the Hebrew concept of waiting on God, not as passive but as actively entwining our hearts with His during the process.
• 51:59 – Loaves and Fishes: The story of Jesus multiplying the boy's loaves and fishes teaches us that God uses even our small offerings to bring abundant provision.
• 56:02 – Closing Prayer: The episode concludes with a prayer of gratitude for God’s faithfulness in multiplying our seeds and empowering us to trust Him in the in-between.

 

Check out M46 Ministries: https://m46ministries.com/ Buy the book on Amazon US. Buy the book on Amazon Canada. 

Podcast Summary:

Imagine walking into a church service where everyone’s attention is focused not on the performance, but on one purpose: to honor Jesus. The atmosphere shifts, and before a word is sung, you're moved to tears by the presence of God. 

In this episode of As In Heaven, we dive deep into two intertwined principles of the kingdom: honor and humility. We explore how these two elements are not only central to our relationship with God but essential for building thriving communities and families. 

But how do we truly live out these principles in our everyday lives, in a world that often prioritizes status, success, and pride? How can we live out honor and humility in a culture that often values power and pride, and how do these kingdom principles transform our relationships with God and others?

Key Takeaways:

1. Honor Invites God's Presence: True honor shifts the atmosphere, allowing God's presence to dwell in a room. It's not just mentioning His name but adoring and exalting Him.
2. Humility Precedes Honor: Biblical humility is the foundation for experiencing honor in the kingdom. Yielding to God allows His honor and blessing to flow.
3. Honor Reflects Love and Respect: Honor is love and respect made visible, not based on what people have done, but on the fact that they are made in the image of God.
4. Dishonor is Destructive: Dishonoring others opens the door to chaos and breaks relationships, while honoring brings blessings and builds strong communities.
5. Humility and Service: Jesus' act of washing His disciples' feet illustrates the power of humility, where true leadership is rooted in serving others.

Pull Quotes:

1. "Jesus doesn't walk into a room where His name is mentioned. He walks into a room where He's honored and adored."
2. "Honor is love and respect made visible - it's not about what someone has done but who they are in God’s image."
3. "Humility is a superpower in the kingdom - it opens the door for God’s honor, glory, and blessing."

Chapter Markers:

• 00:00 – Introduction: Welcome to the episode on kingdom principles of honor and humility, setting the stage with the power of honor.
• 00:49 – Story of Honor: Bryn shares how a worship service changed her entire approach to prayer and worship through the power of honoring Jesus.
• 03:43 – Engaging with the Heart of God: Bryn explains how engaging with God's heart transforms spiritual practices like prayer and worship.
• 05:41 – Why Honor Matters: Bryan unpacks the biblical principle of honor and how it contrasts with worldly views of success and status.
• 10:46 – Honoring One Another: Discussion on how we honor others, not based on their position or power, but as people created in God's image.
• 12:51 – The Impact of Dishonor: Bryan shares personal experiences of dishonor and how it negatively impacts relationships.
• 16:22 – Honor vs. Obedience: Exploring the difference between obedience and honor in family dynamics, especially between parents and children.
• 24:53 – Honor in Difficult Situations: How to navigate showing honor in abusive or toxic relationships, while maintaining healthy boundaries.
• 28:40 – Pivot to Humility: Transition to discussing biblical humility and its foundational role in kingdom living.
• 30:41 – Humility as Yieldedness: Humility is yielding to God’s authority and submitting to others out of love, leading to true honor.
• 32:58 – Jesus’ Example of Humility: Reflecting on Jesus washing His disciples' feet as an ultimate act of humility and service.
• 36:29 – Honor and Humility in Everyday Life: Closing thoughts on how to intentionally live out honor and humility in daily interactions.
• 37:36 – Prayer: A prayer for the grace to live in humility and honor, bringing God's kingdom to earth as it is in heaven.

 

Check out M46 Ministries: https://m46ministries.com/ Buy the book on Amazon US. Buy the book on Amazon Canada. 

Podcast Summary:

Imagine being in the midst of absolute chaos - storms raging, danger all around - and yet feeling an unexplainable peace, a calm that defies the chaos. 

In this episode of As In Heaven, Bryan Elliott, Chantal Fowler, and Matt Davis explain the kingdom principle of peace - what it means to experience true shalom even in life's most turbulent moments. 

How can we, as believers, access the peace that passes understanding when the world around us is in turmoil? How can we stop trying to manufacture peace and instead lean into the peace that is a person - Jesus Himself? How do we experience and maintain God's peace (shalom) amidst the chaos and uncertainty of life?

Key Takeaways:

1. Peace is a Person: True peace isn’t something to be grasped but a person - Jesus, the Prince of Peace - whose presence changes everything.
2. Shalom is Now: We often think of peace as something in the future, but Jesus offers His kingdom and peace now. It's available in every moment.
3. Rest and Peace Are Linked: True peace doesn’t come from external circumstances, but from resting in God’s sovereignty and provision.
4. Casting Cares is an Active Practice: Peace requires us to intentionally cast our cares onto Jesus, trusting Him fully with the burdens of life.
5. Peace Displaces Chaos: God's peace is not just a feeling but a transformative power that displaces fear, anxiety, and chaos.

Pull Quotes:

1. "We can have the peace that passes all understanding when we give up the right to understand."
2. "Shalom is the realm of heaven, and that’s what we have access to 24/7."
3. "True peace isn’t about the absence of chaos, but about being anchored in Christ, no matter what storms are raging around us."

Chapter Markers:

• 00:00 – Introduction: Setting the scene with the story of the king and the perfect picture of peace.
• 02:11 – Personal Story: Bryan shares how he found supernatural peace in the midst of his daughter’s tragic death.
• 05:36 – Peace in Chaos: The difference between avoiding fear and experiencing peace in the midst of it.
• 07:33 – Yielding to Peace: The importance of humility and yielding to Christ to experience peace.
• 11:29 – The Threat to Peace: How the world’s chaos and worry crowd out peace and how we can combat it with faith.
• 16:02 – Rest and Shalom: Understanding how peace is tied to Sabbath rest and casting our cares onto God.
• 20:00 – Practical Peace: What it looks like to actively cast our cares and find peace in God.
• 29:24 – The Meaning of Shalom: Explaining the full, rich meaning of the Hebrew word shalom and how it encapsulates God’s peace.
• 32:35 – Jesus Speaks Shalom: Reflecting on Jesus calming the storm and how we experience His peace today.
• 35:31 – Prayer and Verses of Peace: Hosts read passages of Scripture to invite peace over listeners' lives.
• 42:05 – Conclusion: Final thoughts and a prayer for peace to close the episode.

 

Check out M46 Ministries: https://m46ministries.com/ Buy the book on Amazon US. Buy the book on Amazon Canada. 

Podcast Summary:

Imagine driving through life with no gratitude, constantly missing the beauty and joy right in front of you. We've all encountered people like that - perhaps we've even been that person. 

In this episode of As In Heaven, the hosts explore the kingdom principle of thanksgiving, discussing how thankfulness is not just a ritual but a transformative heart posture that changes how we experience life, relationships, and God. 

How can practicing gratitude shift our spiritual lives, health, and mindset, even when circumstances are difficult? How can we cultivate a heart of thanksgiving, especially in the midst of life's challenges, and why is it vital to the kingdom of God? Let’s find out!

Key Takeaways:

1. Thanksgiving is transformative: It shifts our focus from lack to abundance and ushers us into God's presence, deepening intimacy with Him.
2. Physiological impact of gratitude: Thanksgiving releases hormones like serotonin, dopamine, and oxytocin, promoting mental and physical health.
3. Community amplifies gratitude: Surrounding ourselves with thankful people helps us stay grounded in gratitude, even when we’re struggling.
4. Thankfulness combats entitlement and comparison: Gratitude shifts us away from self-pity and victimhood, helping us embrace contentment and dependence on God.
5. Thankfulness is tied to humility: True thanksgiving acknowledges God's sovereignty and grace, leading us to humility and deeper trust in His provision.

Pull Quotes:

1. "Thankfulness literally changes our experience of life, both spiritually and physically. It ushers us into the presence of God and rewires our brains."
2. "Gratitude is the gateway to joy. When we give thanks, we stop dwelling on what we lack and start recognizing all that we’ve been given."
3. "Thankfulness leads us to humility, and humility leads to deeper intimacy with God. It’s a beautiful spiral of goodness."

Chapter Markers:

• 00:00 – Introduction: Setting the tone - how gratitude shapes the kingdom life.
• 02:14 – Personal Gratitude Stories: Hosts share what they’re thankful for.
• 03:47 – Scripture Focus: Reading Psalm 100 and its message of thanksgiving.
• 06:13 – The Science of Gratitude: How thankfulness impacts our physiology.
• 10:20 – Gratitude in Every Season: Practical ways to practice thanksgiving.
• 19:43 – Hearing God's Voice: The role of gratitude in listening to the Shepherd.
• 25:14 – The Power of Gratitude: Why thanksgiving is vital for spiritual health.
• 33:09 – Community and Gratitude: How others remind us to give thanks.
• 41:00 – Thankfulness and Humility: How gratitude guards us against entitlement and comparison.
• 46:09 – Closing Prayer: Asking for the grace to be continually thankful.

 

Check out M46 Ministries: https://m46ministries.com/ Buy the book on Amazon US. Buy the book on Amazon Canada. 

Episode Summary 

Think back to the last wedding you attended. Do you remember witnessing the bride walking down the aisle to meet her groom? This is a moment filled with promises of love that will be tested throughout their lives. 

In this episode of As In Heaven, we dive into the heart of the greatest kingdom principle: love. 

How can we live out true love, the kind that Jesus modeled, in a world where love is often distorted? How do we avoid becoming known for what we are against rather than who we love? 

This episode wrestles with the disconnect many Christians face: while we are called to be known by our love, society often sees us as defined by judgment. 

How can we reclaim the heart of the gospel and demonstrate authentic, Christ-like love?

Key Takeaways:

1. Love is the defining mark of Christian discipleship – It’s not about agreeing with everyone but showing consistent, unconditional love.
2. We plant seeds of love even when we don’t see immediate results – Trust that God will nurture what you plant, even when others' responses seem slow or negative.
3. The kingdom of God is an other-focused kingdom – True love is not self-serving but seeks the good of others, regardless of personal cost.
4. Engagement doesn’t equal endorsement – We must engage with the world, loving those who live differently without endorsing every lifestyle.
5. Love involves boundaries – Loving well also includes setting healthy boundaries to protect relationships and honor God.

Pull Quotes:

1. “No one's ever been drop-kicked into the kingdom. People are always loved into the kingdom.” – Bryn
2. “We only love because He first loved us. An encounter with God's love changes us forever.” – Bryan
3. “You don’t add love to what you do; you live from the place of love.” – Chantal

Chapter Markers:

• [00:00] – Introduction: The Law of Love
• [01:21] – Bryan’s Communion Moment: A Vision of Jesus on the Cross
• [03:18] – Bryn’s Life Mission: Loving People into the Kingdom
• [05:50] – The Kingdom of God: Love in Action
• [12:23] – Bryn’s Story: Loving without Expectation of Return
• [16:27] – Planting Seeds: The Long Game of Love
• [20:28] – Engaging vs. Endorsing: Jesus’ Model of Love
• [27:06] – Kindness that Leads to Repentance: A Jewish Doctor’s Story
• [34:53] – Love and Trust: Sacrificial, Other-Focused Love
• [41:45] – Daily Practice: Living from a Place of Overflowing Love
• [49:24] – Seeing People through God’s Eyes: Loving Beyond Agreement
• [54:29] – Conclusion: Love is the Greatest Kingdom Principle

Check out M46 Ministries: https://m46ministries.com/ Buy the book on Amazon US. Buy the book on Amazon Canada. 

 

Episode Summary:

Our goal should be to live by a constitution that feels too good to be true - a set of rules and principles meant to guide us into a flourishing life. Sadly, this often seems impossible in a world so far from such a system. 

In this installment of the “Setting the Table” series, Bryan and Matt dig deep into The Kingdom Constitution, navigate the tension between our earthly reality and the upside-down, joy-filled kingdom of God. 

The problem is clear: many of us are living in the "empire" of this world, struggling to trust institutions like the church and government, while yearning for the transformative power of God's kingdom. But how do we live out these radical, counter-cultural principles of God's kingdom in a world that feels broken and disillusioned? 

This episode invites listeners into the challenging yet liberating process of learning to live under God's rule - a journey that promises joy, creativity, and intimacy with the Holy Spirit.

Key Takeaways:

1. Trust in Institutions is Declining: The church and government are losing credibility, but God's kingdom offers a trust that transcends human failure.
2. The Kingdom Constitution is Counter-Cultural: God's kingdom operates on joy, mercy, and humility, flipping the values of worldly power and control.
3. Holiness is a Relationship, Not a Rulebook: True transformation comes from intimacy with Jesus, allowing His holiness to reshape us from the inside out.
4. Joy is a Person: Joy isn’t just an emotion, it’s the presence of Jesus within us, a state we live in regardless of our circumstances.
5. The Kingdom Requires Surrender: Living under God's rule means embracing suffering and letting go of worldly attachments, but it leads to unimaginable joy and freedom.

Pull Quotes:

1. “Joy is not something you manufacture. The joy of the Lord is our strength - it’s His joy, and it comes to us through union with Jesus.” – Bryan Elliott
2. “We want the experience of the kingdom without reading the constitution of the kingdom.” – Matt Davis
3. “Joy allows us to stay in relational connection even in suffering. It’s a mindset that shifts our consciousness into the awareness of Jesus’ presence.” – Bryan Elliott

Chapter Markers:

• 00:00 – Introduction: The Kingdom Constitution
• 02:35 – Trust in Institutions vs. God's Kingdom
• 07:01 – Defining the Kingdom Constitution: God's Perfect Design
• 11:55 – The Challenge of Engaging with Scripture
• 16:01 – Biblical Principles Work, Whether We See Them or Not
• 18:43 – The Sermon on the Mount: The Condensed Kingdom Constitution
• 22:27 – The Beatitudes: Pathway to Joy
• 26:23 – Joy as a Person: The Role of Jesus in Joy
• 33:46 – Laughter and Joy as Hallmarks of the Kingdom
• 39:23 – Creativity and Joy in the Kingdom
• 44:20 – Extravagant Love: The Woman with the Alabaster Jar
• 50:43 – Sacrificial Living: The Story of William Borden
• 55:22 – Empire vs. Kingdom: The Tension We Live In
• 01:03:57 – The Invitation to Holiness and Suffering
• 01:09:14 – Closing Prayer of St. Francis: Living as a Sacrifice

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