The Kingdom Is For Everyone

In the conclusion of our conversation with Leon Du Toit we continue discussing agape love, God's opinion about man and so much more. We even have the special treat of hearing from his wife Irina!

Join us as we share part one of a beautiful conversation with Leon Du Toit! In this episode we talk about the knowledge of the truth, revelation versus impartation, Gods opinion about man, Agape Love and more…

Join me as I share a snapshot into the journey that has gotten me to where I am today. I am grateful for every step along the way and am more excited than ever to share the good new!

This episode takes a look at some of the profound truths surrounding Good Friday, Silent Saturday and Easter Sunday. It also takes a look at how we mystically participate in Christ with all of these events! It's good news indeed!

When Christ died—the Creator in whom the cosmos was created—we all died. When Christ rose, we rose (II Cor. 5).

In the church, we commemorate it as Palm Sunday, marking Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem. On this day, Jesus of Nazareth orchestrated a symbolic yet profound event, fulfilling the prophecy of the coming Messiah as foretold by Zechariah (Zech 9:9). 

Zech 9:9 - Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion! Shout, Daughter Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey. (NIV)

Jesus enacted this prophecy in a tangible way.

It's no mere coincidence. While Pilate oversees Passover festivities on the west side of the Temple, poised to quell any potential unrest, Jesus deliberately chooses to enter Jerusalem riding on a humble donkey, devoid of weaponry. It's a stark departure from the anticipated image of a triumphant Messiah riding on a war horse.

We have reduced the gospel as being merely the good news of an escape, instead of the good news of a rescue---of our "returning home to the Father's embrace.” To authentically proclaim the gospel, our "emphasis must fall on our being saved into a new life with God, not merely from sin”.

When Christ died—the Creator in whom the cosmos was created—we all died. When Christ rose, we rose (II Cor. 5). The context of salvation involves three dimensions. First, prior to the foundation of the world we were all included. Saved in eternity (II Tim 1:9). Second, in the birth, life, death, resurrection and ascension of Jesus we were all included (II Cor 5:19). Third, within the context of our own experience a present tense on-going active participation to work out what God has worked in (Phil 2:12-13). 

While humanity was crucifying Jesus, they were also being crucified with Christ.

Humanity’s problem with sin began with a man and a tree and the problem of humanity (sin) was cured by a man on a tree. While the law certainly came through Moses, it was the actions of Adam that would ultimately cause Israel to cry out for rules. Legalism isn’t just about keeping rules, but it also obsesses over breaking. This is the essence of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil…it’s a symbol of keeping the scales balanced if you will. The tree God ever wanted for us to eat was LIFE…no balance to it. Jesus came to give life on top of life. Those who came before Him were thieves and robbers. Jesus had to hang on a tree (the cross) because the human problem of sin based/law based focus started on a tree.

God’s affection sent an intervening storm for Jonah - and it’s this same affection that sent an intervening Savior. God’s interventions come for us all…and we find ourselves in one of two groups in need of rescue. We are either in the group of the immoral, or the moral. The immoral person will try to save himself through lawless living while the moral person will try to save himself through legalistic living. Neither approach can save anyone. 

Dear friends…God loves you more than you can imagine, beyond the greatest heights and deepest chasms…

Ephesians 3:17-19-…that you, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, 19 and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.

That being said, of the many ways God loves you, He also loves you in and through others. It’s also a way you share God with those around you. We all are surrounded, whether we recognize it or not at times, by people who love us and need our love in return. This is what makes a difference. This is the love that remains. 

In this episode we are pleased to share a message with you called the Rorschach God. Often times the God we perceive is a projection of our experiences, whether they be good or bad, and the God we offer is the God we most believe in. We must get all of our information about God from the image of Jesus!

What does the story of Noah teach us? Is it a story about a desperate God Who exacts unimaginable violence against the creation He called "very good" or is it a story that reflects the violent-craving tendencies of humanity? How does the light of Jesus reveal the authentic nature of God in this timeless story?

In this episode we discuss the upcoming Primary Study Track with Present Truth Academy, Union With Christ. This study takes a deep dive into the Gospel of Union and leans into our intimate connection with the intertheistic union that is Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

God Who is Love is transformative. In 1 Corinthians 13 we don't only see the qualities of agape love, but we see how it transforms us from angry, impatient, proud and unforgiving people into people Who love others just like God-Self. The message of love must never grow old in our lives!

How eager are you to be a force of generosity? Are you able to be a generous person and release the need to let go of the outcomes? This episode takes a look at how to let go of what cannot control and still be generous with our finances, time, talent and abilities.

In this episode we take a look at the timeless truth of the depth and power of the unconditional love of God. He loves us always, no matter where we live, even if we choose to live in hell. He's the God who never leaves us or forsakes us...no matter what.

Join us on this third and final part of the conversation between Dr. Matthew Hester and Pastor Jay D'Ambrosio on the 1% Christian Podcast!

In this final part we discuss many topics surround the Sermon on the Mount and the significance of the the Gospel dynamics Jesus is releasing into the world.

Join us for part two as Dr. Matthew Hester has a conversation with Pastor Jay D'Ambrosio on the 1% Christian Podcast!

In this episode we talk about The Rorschach God, the conflict between Israel and Hamas, The Heavens and the Earth, the power of Forgiveness and much more...

Join us as Dr. Matthew Hester has a conversation with Pastor Jay D'Ambrosio on the 1% Christian Podcast!

In this episode we talk about Present Truth Academy and then we jump into the Sermon On The Mount. We also talk about Kingdom process, the beauty of the gospel, the beatitudes and much more…

For the conclusion of our time with Bishop Jamie Englehart we continue with our theme on the incarnation, but we especially lean into God identifying with human suffering. If God had any hope to identify with all of humanity, He knew He had to first identify with the least of humanity.

Hebrews 4:15- For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.

In this episode we have a conversation with our special guest, Bishop Jamie Englehart. Since Christmas season is upon us, we thought it would be appropriate for us to have a conversation about the incarnation (God becoming man).

“Jesus Christ is not a divine wrench which God picked up and used for a while and then put back in the heavenly tool box. Neither is Jesus a mere accountant who balances the legal ledger. Jesus Christ is living atonement. He is man, from the sin-gnarled stock of Adam, right with God the Father. He is Adamic man, at-one with the Father, living in union and communion with the Father, accepted and embraced by the Father and seated at His right hand. What emerges through 33 years of fire and trial and crucifixion is Adamic man sharing fully and completely in the great dance of the Trinity, now and forever. This living union, this relationship between God, on the one side, and humanity on the other, is the atoning work of Christ. This union is salvation; it is real, not theoretical, reconciliation.” - C. Baxter Kreuger

If we can’t be positively present and thankful right now without creating a problem, nothing new is ever going to happen. We will only experience what we already agree with and what does not threaten us and our preferred mode of being. We will never experience the unexpected depth and contentment that is always being offered to us from the Father.

In Philippians 4:6–7, Paul sums up an entire theology of prayer practice in very concise form: “Pray with gratitude, and the peace of Christ, which is bigger than knowledge or understanding, will guard both your mind and your heart in Christ Jesus.” Only a pre-existent attitude of gratitude, a deliberate choice of love over fear, a desire to be positive instead of negative, will allow us to live in the spacious place Paul describes as “the peace of Christ.” - Richard Rohr

Jesus is the narrow gate…the only way to the Father; the only way into the realities of the Kingdom of God. The wide gate is any other way. This would seem obvious that Jesus is certainly referring to the world, but He is also referring to the religious system of the Pharisees. Their system of observing the laws of the Mosaic Covenant are included in the “wide way” Jesus is condemning. 

This episodes revisits some of the things we have previously discussed in episode thirty seven.

The nature of God’s power is revealed in the helplessness of Jesus on the cross. God’s power is not revealed by being more violent than violent empires, but through absorbing the violence of the world into Christ’s body and by transforming it into pardon and liberation. Whatever image or picture of power we once believed about God should looks like the LAMB slain.

What are your thoughts on Halloween? Are you an autumnal scrooge or do you encourage people to come to your door? There's more history to this day than you may know so before your lock your doors for the evening take a few minutes and listen to this episode.

Jesus fulfilled the law, and in doing so, also finished it. The "until" mentioned in Matthew 5 has been fully accomplished in and through the life and ministry of Jesus. We are free from the law!

In this episode Dr Hester shares a message from the archives that he ministered at California Worship Center. This message shares a profound shift in our perspective concerning Who God has always been! God is a giver!

This episode speaks to the current events (10/23) of what is happening between Israel and Hamas. Where do we find the heart and nature of God in such horrific moments? Can the church broker peace between two warring parties or are we bringing our own god into the mix to exact vengeance?

The people we admire in Scripture may tell us more about ourselves than we think. Do we like people like David and Samson because they reflect the character and nature of God? Or could it be that the reveal more about our own character and nature. Listen now to find out more.

We are thrilled to share this two part conversation with you between Dr Matthew Hester and Bishop Carlos Garcia. In this episode they talk about judging according to righteousness, enemies of God, unity of the family of God, and much more...

We are thrilled to share this two part conversation with you between Dr Matthew Hester and Bishop Carlos Garcia. In this episode they talk about the challenges and opportunities of the church, the love of God, being the family of God and more...

Jesus is often times described as a lamb in the Scriptures. Is this the image that emerge when we think of the power and might of God? Does Jesus truly rule the world as a slain lamb? Let's talk about it in this episode.

I believe that our ability to recognize and love God in what is right in front of us makes us truly mature in love. The way to love God is to love what He loves...which is everything and everyone.

The work of Christ is the greatest paradox of all time! In Jesus Christ, a union is forged between two things that don’t go together. On one side you have the Triune God…full of joy, love, grace, life, purity and righteousness. On the other side you have the human experience full of corruption, fear, pain, brokenness, disease and perversion. The Incarnation means that the these two worlds are forever united.

What is our role when it comes to calling out peoples sins and confronting their immoral behavior? Maybe we need to let the Sheriff of the Kingdom do what she (ruach in Hebrew is always feminine) is well capable of doing. Take a listen now!

In this mystery episode we explore the greatest mystery known to mankind. The greatest mystery isn't little green men or how the pyramids were built, but it's Christ within!

The mystery in a nutshell is just this: Christ is in you, so therefore you can look forward to sharing in God’s glory. It’s that simple. That is the substance of our Message. We preach Christ, warning people not to add to the Message. We teach in a spirit of profound common sense so that we can bring each person to maturity. To be mature is to be basic. Christ! No more, no less. - The Message

On this episode we have Megan Hester as our guest of honor. We take some time and answer some great questions that some friends of ours sent in. We talk about balancing ministry life with family and marriage. We also talk about being authentic and healthy ways to communicate we had a blast!

This episode explores the importance of protecting the unity God has already provided for us and addresses the four primary threats against corporate unity: 1. Murmuring 2. Carnality 3. Rebellion 4. Unbelief

In this episode we take a look at the "ruah" of God as is mentioned in Judges 6. In the Hebrew ruah means vital powers and strength. When the Spirit of the Lord comes upon us it brings with it all that we need to navigate the challenges we face in life. It also speaks to our righteous identity as beloved children of an always good Father.

Jesus shares a profound truth in Luke. Those who know and believe how much God truly loves them and has forgiven them, they will end up loving Him very much! Those who have little understanding of His love and forgiveness will love little. This is why it is imperative as new covenant believers that we focus on how much God loves us instead of how much we love God. If you truly receive and believe how much God loves you and has forgiven you of all your sins, you will end up loving God greatly - he who is forgiven much, loves much!

Well, we have all experienced glimpses of one-way love throughout our lives. How about that time your parents didn’t punish you when you knew you deserved it? What about that time you said something mean to your friend and they responded in love? Has anyone ever been kind to you when all you did was gripe and complain? There are likely many other instances you can think of that are glimpses of what one-way love looks like; each one is special and is radically different from what we are accustomed to. One-way love is unconditional love. It’s love that is always extended in your direction. It doesn’t ask anything of its recipient. As the famous worship song declares, “Oh, the overwhelming, never ending, reckless love of God. Oh, it chases me down, fights ‘til I’m found, leaves the ninety-nine. I couldn’t EARN it, I don’t DESERVE it, still, You give Yourself away.” Owing and deserving have no place in one-way love! In other words, God doesn't bait you into the Kingdom with unconditional love and then make you earn it for the remainder of your Christian life.

In the third and final part of the conversation with Dr. Hester and Pastor Johnny Ova, we continue talking about major themes throughout Scripture that desperately need to be re-examined. We talk about Agape love, the LQBTQ Community, raising kids in this modern culture, what is sin, Gods Sovereignty and much more… Enjoy!

In the second part of the conversation with Dr. Hester and Pastor Johnny Ova, we continue talking about major themes throughout Scripture that desperately need to be re-examined. We talk about the moral idol of the Old Testament, God has no enemies, Hell, the Hallelujah song of Jesus and much more. Enjoy!

In this episode we are pleased to share a conversation with Dr Hester and Pastor Johnny Ova on his podcast Dig In! In this episode we talk about everything from what makes sinners attracted to Jesus, what do we do when Scripture doesn't look like Jesus, how God enjoys process and much more... If you enjoy this, there are two more parts to follow!

Why is the default of humanity the desire for rules when it comes to relationship with deity? God (Father, Son and Holy Spirit) has always been a relational familial family who desires for humanity to be a part of their other centered love, compassion, grace and joy. We must stop adopting a pragmatic approach to relationship with God and provide people an encounter with the Jesus we carry.

Do you preach Jesus or a moral idol made in the image of religion?

The Pharisees had God all figured out. They observed (rather poorly I would add) the 10 Commandments and added another 600+ rules on top of those for good measure. After all, whoever has the most rules wins right? What ensued was a moral standard, weaponized by the law, that not only reinforced surface level cleanliness and behavior modification, but it also created the needed separation between those who “kept” the law and those who didn’t.

When Jesus arrived on the scene, He challenged the moral idol that religion had built and revealed Who God had always been. Jesus had to systematically strip away the veil of the law which had built a great delusional chasm of distance and separation. Emmanuel showed us what it was like to truly be loved, seen, cared for and accepted without any performancism needed…ever.

To simply entertain the thought that God has a weakness doesn’t pair well with the thought of the Imperial Almighty God who reigns on high. Jesus, instead, shows us God as being the All-Vulnerable One who dwells among us. He is the one who chooses humility over power and weakness over strength. He is the God of absolute accessibility and fierce compassion. Those who choose to make these same choices, and His way of being theirs, are those who worship in spirit and in truth.