Thy Kingdom Come

How do we carry what God teaches us into the life we actually live?

We read Scripture, attend worship, participate in Bible study, and seek to serve God faithfully. Yet we may still struggle to recognize how those experiences are shaping our character, relationships, decisions, and daily conduct.

We know that God calls us to grow. But how do we recognize that growth? And how do we identify the areas of our lives that still need attention?

Thy Kingdom Come is a spiritual formation framework of I'm Third Ministries designed to help believers examine their relationship with Christ and respond intentionally to His transforming work.

Rooted in our guiding philosophy, God First. Neighbor Second. I'm Third., the framework organizes Christian development around five interconnected pillars:

Worship. Discipleship. Fellowship. Ministry. Evangelism.

These pillars help us examine how our relationship with God shapes the whole of life.

“Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.”
John 15:4, KJV

The goal is not simply to know more about Christ. It is to become more like Him.

This framework has helped me abide in Christ and respond to what God is teaching me. I offer it for your consideration, examination through Scripture, and use in your own growth.

— Darryl L. Johnson, Founder, I'm Third Ministries

Imagine a cathedral.

Its foundation supports the entire structure. Its pillars bear the weight of the building. Its roof completes the architectural picture.

Thy Kingdom Come uses this illustration to help us understand spiritual formation.

The Foundation — Jesus Christ

“For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.”
1 Corinthians 3:11, KJV

Everything begins with Christ.

Our salvation, relationship with God, and spiritual development depend upon His grace, not our accomplishments.

We do not build the foundation through religious activity. We receive what God has provided through Jesus Christ.

The Five Pillars — Expressions of Our Relationship with Christ

Worship, Discipleship, Fellowship, Ministry, and Evangelism provide five interconnected areas through which we examine our spiritual lives.

Each pillar reveals something about our response to God's love and His work within us.

The Roof — Christian Maturity

“For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son...”
Romans 8:29, KJV

Christian maturity is not measured simply by how much Scripture we know, how long we have attended church, or how many ministries we serve.

The goal is Christlikeness.

The cathedral is an illustration of spiritual development, not a formula for earning God's acceptance. Christ remains both our foundation and the source of our growth.

God's love calls for a response.

Jesus said:

“If ye love me, keep my commandments.”
John 14:15, KJV

We may respond to God's love through worship and discipleship—or resist His direction and continue pursuing our own way.

• Worship recognizes who God is and responds to Him with love, gratitude, reverence, and surrender.
• Discipleship carries that response into the practice of following Jesus.

As discipleship matures, our relationship with Christ increasingly shapes how we love one another, serve others, and bear witness to Him.

In this sense, Fellowship, Ministry, and Evangelism are not disconnected religious activities.

They are developing expressions of a life being formed through worship and discipleship.

The five pillars help us examine that development.

“And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment.” Mark 12:30, KJV

Worship begins with recognizing who God is. We respond to His love, holiness, mercy, and grace through adoration, gratitude, trust, obedience, and surrender. Gathered worship provides opportunities to praise God together, but worship is not confined to a church service. Our attitudes, priorities, decisions, and daily conduct can also reveal what we truly value. Isaiah's encounter with God in Isaiah 6 illustrates how recognizing God's holiness can transform our understanding of ourselves and our willingness to respond to His call.

Worship invites us to examine whether our lives reflect the worth we assign to God.

Where is God inviting me to love, trust, and surrender to Him more fully?

“Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” Matthew 28:20, KJV

Discipleship is more than acquiring biblical information. It is learning to follow Jesus. Through Scripture, prayer, obedience, correction, and practice, we allow His teaching to challenge our assumptions, reshape our priorities, and influence our behavior. Jesus does not simply invite us to admire His teachings. He calls us to follow Him. Spiritual growth becomes evident as what we believe increasingly shapes what we practice. Romans 8:29 identifies the direction of this transformation: conformity to the image of God's Son. 

The question is not simply whether we know what Jesus taught, but whether we are learning to live according to His teaching. 

What is Jesus teaching me that I need to put into practice?

“A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.” John 13:34, KJV

Fellowship is more than gathering with other believers. It is learning to share life in Christ. We practice love through encouragement, compassion, truthfulness, forgiveness, accountability, generosity, and mutual care. Relationships provide opportunities to recognize whether the character of Christ is becoming evident in our lives. It is possible to possess considerable biblical knowledge while struggling to demonstrate patience, humility, or compassion. Fellowship challenges us to bring our understanding of God's love into the relationships we actually experience. And Christ's command to love our neighbor extends our concern beyond the people who already belong to our circles. Our relationships provide opportunities for the love of Christ to become visible. 

Who should experience greater love, patience, forgiveness, or encouragement because I am following Jesus?

“As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” 1 Peter 4:10, KJV

Ministry puts love into action. God has entrusted us with gifts, abilities, experiences, relationships, opportunities, and resources. Ministry invites us to consider how those gifts can serve the needs of others. Service is not limited to holding a church position or participating in an organized ministry. It may occur through parenting, mentoring, encouraging a neighbor, supporting someone in difficulty, meeting a practical need, or using our abilities to strengthen a community. Jesus demonstrated that greatness in His Kingdom is expressed through service.

Ministry is not simply about what we do for God. It is about allowing God's love to reach others through what He has entrusted to us. 

Who might experience God's care through what He has given me?

“But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.” Acts 1:8, KJV

Evangelism is our response to Christ's call to bear witness. We share the good news of Jesus Christ and invite others to know and follow Him. Our witness includes the message we proclaim and the lives we live. Words matter because the gospel must be communicated. Conduct matters because our relationships and behavior can either support or contradict what we profess. Evangelism is not simply an activity added to an already busy Christian life.

As our relationship with Christ matures, our concern for others increasingly includes their relationship with Him.

The Great Commission calls us not only to proclaim the gospel but also to make disciples.

We bear witness to Christ so that others may come to know Him and learn to follow Him.

How can I faithfully share Christ with someone God has placed in my life? 

Imagine a wooden barrel made from staves of different heights.

Each stave represents a different capacity.

The barrel can hold water only to the height of its shortest stave.

No matter how tall the other staves become, the shortest determines how much water the barrel can retain.

Thy Kingdom Come uses this illustration to encourage honest spiritual reflection.

• A believer may possess considerable biblical knowledge but struggle to demonstrate love in difficult relationships.
• Another may serve faithfully in ministry while neglecting prayer, personal worship, or time with God.
• Someone may be comfortable sharing the gospel but struggle with humility, forgiveness, or accountability.

Strength in one area does not automatically mean maturity in every area.

Our most visible spiritual activity may not reveal the area where God is calling us to grow.

The Limiting Factor concept is an illustration, not a scientific measurement of spirituality or a claim that God's grace is restricted by human weakness.

It reminds us to examine the whole of our Christian lives rather than assuming that strength in one area compensates for neglect in another.

And as we grow, we may discover new areas requiring attention.

The purpose is not condemnation.

It is recognition, repentance where needed, and a renewed willingness to follow Christ.

Jesus taught:

“I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.”
John 15:5, KJV

A branch does not produce fruit by separating itself from the vine and working harder.

• Fruit grows because the branch remains connected to its source of life.
• The same principle is central to Thy Kingdom Come.
• We can participate in religious activities without allowing Christ to transform our character.
• We can serve, teach, lead, and even speak in His name while neglecting our relationship with Him.

Jesus' warning in Matthew 7:21–23 reminds us that impressive religious works are not, by themselves, proof of a genuine relationship with Christ.

The framework therefore directs our attention first to abiding.

• As we remain in Christ, His life increasingly shapes our character, relationships, service, and witness.
• The works of Christian service are not the purchase price of salvation.

They are intended to be expressions of the life and love we have received through Christ.

Our guiding conviction is simple:

Fruit precedes works. Relationship gives meaning to service.

The five pillars help us examine spiritual development.

But they do not replace our relationship with Jesus.

Abiding remains central to the entire journey.

Through intentional spiritual practices, we make room to attend to God's Word, examine our lives, and respond to His leading.

These practices include:

• Prayer: Communicating with God.
• Scripture Meditation: Reflecting deeply on His Word.
• Listening: Attending to God's direction through Scripture and prayer.
• Worship: Recognizing and responding to God's worth.
• Silence: Making room for quiet attention.
• Solitude: Stepping away from distractions to be with God.
• Gratitude: Recognizing His goodness and grace.
• Confession: Acknowledging sin and receiving His forgiveness.
• Fasting: Practicing intentional self-denial in seeking God.
• Surrender: Yielding our desires and decisions to His will.

These practices are not techniques for earning God's favor.

They are ways of intentionally attending to the relationship He has made possible through Christ.

Spiritual formation does not always happen quickly or predictably.

Some seasons bring visible growth. Others reveal weaknesses, difficult questions, disappointment, or the need to begin again.

The invitation remains the same: abide in Christ.

How do we recognize the areas of our spiritual lives that may need attention?

Thy Kingdom Come includes a developing assessment and reflection process designed to help believers examine their experiences across the five pillars.

The purpose of assessment is not to determine whether someone is saved or assign a numerical value to their relationship with God.

Only God fully knows the heart.

Rather, assessments can help us recognize patterns in our attitudes, habits, relationships, and spiritual practices.

They encourage questions such as:

• Where do I see evidence of spiritual growth?
• Which practices are helping me remain attentive to Christ?
• Where do my actions differ from what I profess to believe?
• What relationships may require greater love or accountability?
• Where might God be inviting me to take a faithful next step?

The TKC-101 assessment introduces structured reflection across the five pillars. The broader framework also envisions personalized growth planning and resources for pastors and ministry leaders.

Assessment helps us examine where we are. Scripture provides direction. Abiding in Christ remains the source of transformation.

There is a difference between understanding Scripture and allowing Scripture to shape our conduct.

• We may know that Jesus commands forgiveness while continuing to nurture resentment.
• We may believe in generosity while resisting opportunities to share.
• We may teach about humility while struggling to listen when someone challenges us.

Spiritual growth requires more than remembering the right answer.

James reminds believers to be doers of the Word, and not hearers only (James 1:22).

Thy Kingdom Come encourages a simple rhythm of spiritual development:

Read. Reflect. Respond. Practice. Return.

• Read God's Word.
• Reflect on what it reveals about God and your life.
• Respond to what you understand.
• Practice that response in everyday circumstances.
• Return to Scripture, prayer, and reflection as you continue growing.

We do not always get it right.

But through confession, correction, surrender, and continued dependence on Christ, we learn to follow Him more faithfully.

The goal is not simply a better understanding of Scripture. It is a life increasingly shaped by the One Scripture reveals.

Spiritual development requires regular engagement with God's Word.

Word in Rhythm provides structured opportunities to read, reflect, and respond to Scripture through two complementary journeys.

The Sunday School Journey

• Explore the weekly Sunday School lesson through Scripture study, reflection, and practical application.
• The lessons help individuals, families, and groups connect biblical teaching with everyday Christian living.

Explore the Sunday School Lesson →

https://imthird.org/the-sunday-school-lesson-1

The Chronological Journey

• Read Scripture in a sequence that helps reveal the unfolding biblical story.
• Follow the people, events, promises, and purposes of God while considering how the whole of Scripture points toward His redemptive work.

Explore Word in Rhythm →

https://imthird.org/word-in-rhythm%E2%84%A2

The NightCap

• Close the day with reflection, encouragement, and an opportunity to consider how God's Word meets the experiences of everyday life.
• Each resource provides another opportunity to return to Scripture and continue the journey of abiding in Christ.

Thy Kingdom Come can support personal reflection, family discipleship, small-group learning, and congregational spiritual formation.

• For individuals, the framework provides a way to examine spiritual growth and identify areas needing attention.
• For families, it creates opportunities to discuss Scripture, relationships, responsibilities, and Christian practice together.
• For pastors and ministry leaders, the five pillars offer a common language for considering how congregational activities relate to the spiritual development of the people they serve.

The framework does not replace the local church, pastoral leadership, or the work of the Holy Spirit.

It offers a structure for reflection, teaching, and intentional discipleship.

Our desire is not simply to help churches do more. It is to help believers become more like Christ.

Every congregation has its own strengths, challenges, traditions, and opportunities for growth.

I'm Third Ministries offers workshops, training sessions, and guided conversations built around the complete Thy Kingdom Come framework or selected components.

Whether your church wants to strengthen discipleship, examine its ministries, or provide a focused learning experience, we can work with you to identify an approach suited to your congregation.

The Five Pillars of Christian Maturity

Explore Worship, Discipleship, Fellowship, Ministry, and Evangelism as interconnected expressions of spiritual growth.

Abiding in Christ

Examine the spiritual practices that help believers deepen their relationship with Jesus and respond to His teaching.

From Knowing to Practicing

Connect biblical understanding with obedience, character formation, relationships, and everyday Christian living.

The Limiting Factor

Explore how strengths in one area of spiritual life may coexist with areas needing greater attention, support, and development.

Assessing Spiritual Growth

Introduce reflective tools that help individuals and congregations recognize strengths, examine patterns, and identify meaningful growth opportunities.

Developing a Discipleship Pathway

Consider how worship, teaching, fellowship, service, and evangelism can contribute to a more intentional process of spiritual formation.

Workshops can be designed for entire congregations, ministry leadership teams, small groups, or special gatherings.

We begin by listening to your goals and understanding the people you serve. Together, we identify which parts of the framework would be most useful and develop an appropriate learning experience.

The goal is not simply to add another church program. It is to strengthen the spiritual development of the people already entrusted to your care.

We welcome opportunities to introduce Thy Kingdom Come, facilitate focused workshops, and collaborate with pastors and ministry leaders.

Contact I'm Third Ministries

info@imthird.org
(734) 972-0902

Let's begin with a conversation.

Spiritual growth does not end when a worship service, Bible study, or workshop concludes.

We need continuing opportunities to engage Scripture, strengthen relationships, examine our lives, and practice what we are learning.

I'm Third Ministries is developing a membership community where believers can access discipleship resources and continue their spiritual journey together.

Our password-protected Members Page will provide a central location for ministry resources, including:

• RightNow Media: Access information for our members' Christian video-study library, including resources organized around the five pillars.
• Thy Kingdom Come Resources: Framework materials, study guides, and additional discipleship tools as they become available.
• Word in Rhythm: Ministry resources, study materials, and links supporting the weekly Scripture journeys.
• Member Communications: Ministry announcements, opportunities to participate, and information about upcoming learning experiences.

Rather than depending entirely on email attachments or individual messages, members will have a familiar place to return to for resources and information.

Email will continue helping us communicate, but the Members Page will serve as a central resource hub.

We invite individuals who wish to participate in the ongoing work of I'm Third Ministries to join our ministry community.

Those who are able may support the ministry through a suggested contribution of $5 per month, helping sustain the development and sharing of discipleship resources.

Financial support is appreciated, but it is not a condition of participating in our ministry community.

Eligible members will receive instructions for accessing the Members Page and the RightNow Media library.

Membership is not simply about gaining access to resources. It is an invitation to continue growing in Christ and supporting the spiritual growth of others.

Interested in Ministry Membership?

Contact info@imthird.org to learn more.

Members Page → (Coming Soon)