Takin' a break from my reading for seminary to offer up a few more considerations. Open up your Bible and join me.
***
Chapter 11:
11:1-16 - Jesus intentionally disciples his followers by showing them -- again -- that tragedy results in the glory of God. Jesus also disciples his followers in showing them that death is only sleep for the believer. The body will be resurrected. No one will ever follow you if you do not offer hope. Jesus is the only hope, the best hope we can offer our disciples.
11:17-27 - Jesus proclaims to his disciples that he is the resurrection. He constantly points them back to his own person as the solution for all the numerous effects of the fall. Applying redemption to the experience of your people is the ultimate form of discipleship.
11:28 - Jesus weeps in front of his disciples showing them that grief is a proper response to the effects of sin. If we're not grieved, we should worry.
11:38-44 - Jesus shows his disciples that he has power over death. As we disciple people, we must constantly point to the person of Jesus... especially in death.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Monday, October 19, 2009
Important Business
Just wanted to let you know of some changes going on with the LS Staff. As of October 18 (today), the LS office hours will be:
- Monday, 9am-4pm (Some of the staff will choose to work from home or come in later if Sunday was a long day.)
- Tuesday, 9am-4pm (We'll have most of our meetings that day, so if you can't reach us, that's probably why.)
- Wednesday, 9am-4pm
- Thursday, 9am-4pm (We'll finalize a lot of prep for weekend gatherings on Thursdays.)
- Friday, 9am-12pm (A shorter day to start recharging for Sunday and spend time with our families.)
- Sunday, attendance before/at/after all LS gatherings (We want to be here when the people are here - that's the point.)
These changes are in hopes of being able to serve Jesus (and you) better. If you have any questions, please let us know via Twitter, Facebook or by shooting us an email: ls@gracechurchreno.com.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Intentionality of Jesus Making Disciples in John's Gospel... Part VIII
We'll continue to look at Jesus' methods of disciple-making through Chapters 9 & 10. Open your Bibles...
***
Chapter 9
9:1-3 - Jesus corrects the bad theology of His disciples. This practice should never be overlooked. They had a works-based view of sickness, punishment and discipline, in general. Jesus blows up their paradigm by telling them that all things - whether good or bad from a human perspective - happen for the Glory of God. God often allows frowning providence to bring great good. The disciples would remember this after the events of the cross.
9:4-7 - Jesus demonstrates his power over this sickness. Jesus shows the glory of God in a horrible providence. The disciples learn that the God’s glory is primary in the act of suffering.
Chapter 10
10:1 - Disciples of Jesus come to God through Jesus. No other way.
10:11 - Jesus makes disciples by laying down His life for them to save them from danger. What sacrifices have you made for your sheep?
10:14-18 - Jesus knows his sheep. Jesus seeks his sheep. No one can take his sheep. The disciples of Jesus are the sheep of Jesus. Jesus intentionally makes disciples by seeking his sheep, dying for his sheep, and loving his sheep. How can we practically follow suit?
10:27 - Jesus’ disciples hear his voice and follow him. Jesus intentionally makes disciples by speaking to them. When Jesus speaks to his disciples, they hear him and follow him.
10:40-42 - Jesus makes disciples through miraculous signs and wonders. When the people see his signs and wonders they believe his message and become disciples.
***
Chapter 9
9:1-3 - Jesus corrects the bad theology of His disciples. This practice should never be overlooked. They had a works-based view of sickness, punishment and discipline, in general. Jesus blows up their paradigm by telling them that all things - whether good or bad from a human perspective - happen for the Glory of God. God often allows frowning providence to bring great good. The disciples would remember this after the events of the cross.
9:4-7 - Jesus demonstrates his power over this sickness. Jesus shows the glory of God in a horrible providence. The disciples learn that the God’s glory is primary in the act of suffering.
Chapter 10
10:1 - Disciples of Jesus come to God through Jesus. No other way.
10:11 - Jesus makes disciples by laying down His life for them to save them from danger. What sacrifices have you made for your sheep?
10:14-18 - Jesus knows his sheep. Jesus seeks his sheep. No one can take his sheep. The disciples of Jesus are the sheep of Jesus. Jesus intentionally makes disciples by seeking his sheep, dying for his sheep, and loving his sheep. How can we practically follow suit?
10:27 - Jesus’ disciples hear his voice and follow him. Jesus intentionally makes disciples by speaking to them. When Jesus speaks to his disciples, they hear him and follow him.
10:40-42 - Jesus makes disciples through miraculous signs and wonders. When the people see his signs and wonders they believe his message and become disciples.
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
The Intentionality of Jesus Making Disciples in John's Gospel... Part VII
This week, we're combining the next two chapters. Jump on board in John 7 & 8.
***
Chapter 7:
7:1-4 - Jesus’ disciples try to tell him what to do... how well does this work? Not very well.
7:5-9 - Jesus reminds them that he is doing the will of the Father. Is that the beginning and end of all our actions, as well?
7:37-39 - Jesus makes a call for new disciples. He disciples through evangelism. Discipleship doesn't ever end with you... continually examine how you can foster relationships with people for the purpose of making disciples.
Chapter 8:
8:1-11 - Jesus teaches his disciples grace through the compassion and mercy he extended to the woman caught in adultery. We'd probably do well to remember this as we lead and witness to people.
8:12 - Those who follow Jesus (disciples) will not walk in darkness but will have the light of life. Amazing promise!
8:13-30 - Jesus speaks truth to those who are not disciples and, through truth, tells some to become disciples.
8:31-32 - Jesus’ disciples abide in his word and are set free by the truth. Another amazing promise.
***
Chapter 7:
7:1-4 - Jesus’ disciples try to tell him what to do... how well does this work? Not very well.
7:5-9 - Jesus reminds them that he is doing the will of the Father. Is that the beginning and end of all our actions, as well?
7:37-39 - Jesus makes a call for new disciples. He disciples through evangelism. Discipleship doesn't ever end with you... continually examine how you can foster relationships with people for the purpose of making disciples.
Chapter 8:
8:1-11 - Jesus teaches his disciples grace through the compassion and mercy he extended to the woman caught in adultery. We'd probably do well to remember this as we lead and witness to people.
8:12 - Those who follow Jesus (disciples) will not walk in darkness but will have the light of life. Amazing promise!
8:13-30 - Jesus speaks truth to those who are not disciples and, through truth, tells some to become disciples.
8:31-32 - Jesus’ disciples abide in his word and are set free by the truth. Another amazing promise.
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