Episode Summary:

Picture walking into a neighborhood bakery and sensing something deeper than the smell of fresh bread - an atmosphere charged with love, peace, and transformation. What if that bakery wasn’t just a place to satisfy your hunger, but a place where heaven meets earth, and lives are transformed daily?

In this episode of the As in Heaven podcast, we uncover how one woman, Deniz Koprulu, went from opening a small bakery in Toronto to becoming a beacon of hope and spiritual transformation, turning her bakery into an Ecclesia—a gathering place where Jesus shows up every day.

Her story invites us to consider how we can bring the presence of heaven into our everyday spaces.

Key Takeaways:

1. God shows up in unexpected places: Deniz’s bakery became a place where heaven touches earth, showing that God can use any space as a meeting place with Him.
2. Love is the most powerful tool for transformation: Deniz’s testimony highlights how her acts of love, through her baking and interactions, opened doors for people to experience the love of Christ.
3. The Ecclesia is not just a Sunday gathering: Deniz’s story challenges the traditional view of the church, showing that the body of Christ can gather and worship in everyday spaces like a bakery.
4. God answers specific prayers: Deniz’s journey shows how God spoke to her through people, events, and even customers, answering her prayers and guiding her in both spiritual and practical matters.
5. Boldness in faith leads to impact: Deniz stepped out in faith to make Jesus known in her community, transforming not only her life but also the lives of those she encountered.

Pull Quotes:

1. "Why limit Jesus to a church building? He’s everywhere - He’s in me, and He’s in my bakery." - Deniz Koprulu
2. "I’m just a simple baker, but God is using my little bakery to impact my whole neighborhood." - Deniz Koprulu
3. "Heaven is not just for church on Sundays; it’s meant to show up in our everyday lives and spaces." - Bryan Elliott

Chapter Markers:

• 00:00 - Introduction: Meeting Deniz Koprulu and her story
• 02:07 - Deniz’s background: From Turkey to Toronto’s bakery scene
• 07:27 - Discovering the presence of God in the bakery
• 12:33 - The turning point: Deniz’s first encounter with Jesus through prayer
• 16:47 - Surrendering to Jesus: Deniz’s journey to faith
• 22:21 - The bakery as an Ecclesia: A place of ministry and community transformation
• 26:57 - Deniz’s dream of "The Table" and creating spaces of testimony
• 31:59 - Deniz’s message to business owners: Bringing heaven into everyday spaces

Imagine walking into a small bakery, expecting nothing more than the usual pastries, but instead, you feel something deeper - an atmosphere of peace, joy, and love that captivates your soul.

What is it about this bakery that makes people linger? It's not just the food - it's the presence of something divine.

How can we, as believers, live out our role as the Ekklesia - God's called-out ones - beyond the walls of a church building, bringing the power and principles of heaven into every sphere of life?

In this episode, we explore what it means to live as Ekklesia - God's legislative assembly on earth - and how ordinary people and places, like a humble bakery, can become gateways to heaven's influence.

1. The Ekklesia is not confined to a building or Sunday service: It is a 24/7 movement of believers called to bring heaven to earth.
2. We are participationists in God's grand story: Our role is to be available and active in our communities, workplaces, and homes, shaping society according to God's kingdom.
3. The power of agreement and unity is foundational: When two or more gather in Christ's name, they have the authority to legislate heaven’s realities on earth.
4. Spiritual warfare is real, but victory is assured: When we understand our identity in Christ, we can operate from a place of guaranteed victory rather than fear.
5. Start small but with purpose: Whether it's in your family, workplace, or community, begin by taking responsibility for the area God has placed you in.

1. "We are participationists in God's grand story. Our job? To be available, ready for His move at any time."
2. "You don't need a big church or special building to be Ekklesia. Two believers in agreement can change the spiritual atmosphere."
3. "The kingdom of God is fully relational - it operates through love, and only through love can we transform the world."

• 00:00 – Introduction: Defining Ekklesia and its broader implications beyond traditional church.
• 03:00 – Called Out Ones: Exploring the true meaning of Ekklesia as a legislative body with authority to influence the world.
• 10:00 – The Power of Agreement: How two or more gathered in Jesus' name can transform the spiritual landscape.
• 17:00 – Bringing Heaven to Earth: Practical steps to live out your role as Ekklesia in your family, business, and community.
• 30:00 – Spiritual Warfare: Understanding the battle and operating from a place of victory.
• 50:00 – Ecclesia in Unexpected Places: The story of a bakery transformed into a hub of God’s kingdom.
• 1:03:00 – The Kingdom Economy: How the principles of God’s kingdom can create sustainable, flourishing economies.
• 1:10:00 – Closing Encouragement: A call to action to live as Ekklesia, wherever you are.

Imagine standing in front of God and asking, "Why are there so many problems in the world?" Now imagine God turning to you and saying, "This is why I sent you."

This is the crux of the episode: we are co-rulers with Christ, tasked with partnering with God to bring about His kingdom on earth.

In this episode of As In Heaven, we shoulder the weighty responsibility we carry as co-heirs with Christ, exploring the Kingdom Principle of co-ruling and what it means for believers to take action in solving the world’s problems.

1. We are called to be co-rulers with Christ — Our role as believers is to exercise Kingdom authority and extend God’s rule on earth through our actions and decisions.
2. Faithful stewardship starts small but extends broadly — Like tending a garden, we can bring Kingdom solutions into our homes, communities, and eventually the world.
3. Kingdom authority is tied to humility and intimacy with God — Before we can rule, we must first yield our hearts fully to King Jesus.
4. Kingdom advancement involves both prayer and action — It’s not enough to pray; we are called to be active participants in bringing Kingdom solutions to the problems we see around us.
5. Healing the world begins with us — God has chosen believers to be the solution to the world's pain and suffering, empowering us to bring restoration and order in every sphere of life.

1. "God didn’t just send you to pray for change; He sent you to be the change."
2. "We are living gateways for the Kingdom of Heaven to come to earth."
3. "Without God, we cannot. Without us, God will not."

1. [00:00] - Introduction to Kingdom Solutions Setting the stage for the episode's focus on the Kingdom Principle of co-ruling with God.
2. [01:22] - Tikkun Olam: Repairing the World Exploring the concept of humanity’s divine partnership with God in repairing the brokenness of the world.
3. [02:05] - Our Role as Co-Rulers Discussing what it means to be co-heirs with Christ, responsible for stewarding God’s authority on earth.
4. [06:11] - The Garden Analogy A metaphor for how we are called to cultivate small “pockets of heaven” and expand God's Kingdom across the earth.
5. [10:52] - The Power of Humility and Prayer The importance of repentance, prayer, and humility in inviting God’s presence to move through us.
6. [13:32] - Kingdom Authority in Everyday Life How believers can bring Kingdom solutions into business, family, and communities.
7. [19:21] - Reclaiming Lost Ground Addressing how the Church can regain the influence and authority that has been relinquished to the world.
8. [23:04] - Practical Partnership with God Stories and examples of how believers can practically live out their calling as co-rulers.
9. [30:04] - Kingdom Authority and Transformation Exploring the power of God’s authority to bring transformation to every area of life.
10. [41:31] - Closing Prayer Ending with a call to embrace the grace and responsibility of ruling and reigning with Christ in all areas of life.

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?

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.

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."

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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."

• 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

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?

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.

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."

• 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