Pastor Harvey's Blog

You Are Not Jesus

2012-01-24T09:41:00.000-08:00

The gospel is news. News has to be announced, communicated, written, and delivered with words. Think of any major news story or event: the reporter doesn’t seek to act it out, but he just delivers the news.

This is why I find it so confusing when I hear people say: “We’re just trying to live the gospel” or “We’re trying to be the gospel.” There is of course the well-known quote attributed to St. Francis of Assisi, “Preach the gospel at all times, and if necessary, use words.” I’d argue that it’s always necessary to use words, because the gospel is news.

The gospel is the good news that God sent his perfect Son Jesus Christ to live, die, and resurrect on behalf of sinners, to save their souls and reconcile them to God.

As important as it is to do good works, care for the poor, nobody becomes a Christian and enters into eternal life because we gave somebody a sandwich; They get saved because they hear the preaching of the news of Jesus. Good works that adorn good news do not only earthly good but also eternal good.

Paul told Titus that good works have their proper place when they adorn the gospel: “… but showing all good faith, so that in everything they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior” (Titus 2:10). But to be clear, neither Paul, Jesus, nor any of the apostles never tells us that good works are the gospel. The gospel is a message that must be preached, proclaimed, and told using words.

I talk to so many people who go to the church where I pastor, and they tell me, “I’m just being really friendly and helpful. They know I am a Christian and when the want to know they will ask me.”

I ask two questions “Did you get saved because someone was nice?” and “Did you conclude from their kindness that Jesus is God, you are a sinner, Jesus died for your sin and rose from the dead as King?” The answer of course is no. They will just think you are nice. And then continue to walk in darkness.

You are not the gospel; Jesus Christ is the gospel. You are not Jesus; Jesus is God. Therefore you cannot live or show the gospel: you must proclaim it.

Real Marriage - New Marriage, Same Spouse

2012-01-24T09:36:00.001-08:00

Real Marriage - New Marriage Same Spouse from Living Stones on Vimeo.

Don't Be Weird

2011-12-22T13:02:00.001-08:00

Weʼve all been there, the conversation is going ﬁne – and somehow, someway the conversation turns to Jesus. While the conversation was on the last topic, you were ﬁne, you were laughing, you were yourself, you were having fun… but suddenly when it turns to Jesus, you get weird. You get tongue-tied, cottonmouth, you start breathing heavy, you get very serious – almost cold. Any hint of joy is gone from your demeanor, and you begin to talk to them about the Greatest News Ever.

Do you see the contradiction? When talking about anything else youʼre ﬁne. But when you talk about the Gospel, your demeanor betrays your message. The Apostle Peter instructs the early Christians in their conversations with those outside the faith, by saying, “But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you (1 Peter 3:15). Do you see what he said there? In your hearts, regard the Christ the Lord as holy; always be prepared to make a defense… always. We always need to be ready to talk about the hope that is in the gospel. You never know when the Holy Spirit is going to give you that moment. You need to be prepared. Usually that is the issue why you get weird; youʼre not prepared. Start by preaching the Gospel to yourself. Read passages about the Gospel. Listen to how your Pastor talks about the Gospel, and be ready. Even if you donʼt have all the answers to their questions, you can say something like “Iʼm not sure, Iʼll have to look into that.”

Donʼt get weird, donʼt get defensive, and donʼt get frustrated. If the Gospel is true, and of course we believe it is, then we should have no insecurities talking about it, just like we would talk about anything else that is true. This passage tells us Christ is Lord. The one with the power to draw people is the Lord of your conversations and interactions with those who donʼt believe the gospel. Relax.

Some of this purely comes down to reps. The more you talk about Jesus, the more comfortable you are going to be with these types of conversations. The Apostle Peter begins this instruction by saying, “In your hearts regard Christ the Lord as Holy”. In your hearts, always lift up Christ, always submit the conversation to Him, and trust Him! Ask the Holy Spirit to ﬁll you up. When you do it, “do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience (1 Peter 3:15-16). After the conversation is over, trust Jesus for the effects of the conversation. Ultimately you are the messenger of the Gospel, not the Message. God is the one who ultimately evangelizes them.

Five Points of Grace - Atonement

2011-12-22T12:59:00.001-08:00

Five Points of Grace - Atonement from Living Stones on Vimeo.

Five Points of Grace - Election

2011-12-07T15:49:00.001-08:00

Five Points of Grace - Election from Living Stones on Vimeo.

Psalm 46 - God is Our Refuge

2011-12-07T15:48:00.001-08:00

Psalm 46 - God is Our Refuge from Living Stones on Vimeo.

People are More than Projects

2011-12-07T15:46:00.000-08:00

The reason why we sometimes fail in evangelism is because people can detect that we see them more as a project than a person. This is true in the context of preaching and one-on-one. People perceive we have an agenda that doesn't have anything to do with them; it's just something to get out of them or something to get them to do. Our job is to communicate the gospel, the good news of a perfect Savior who died in the place of sinners, resurrected from the dead, and will one day return. We get to tell people this glorious news, and as we do it, the Apostle Paul gives us insight as to how this is to be communicated.

Colossians 4:6 tell us, "Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person." This gives us three concepts to work with: be gracious, be interesting, and be interested.

1. Be Gracious
Communicate the gospel of grace with the grace that you have received from God and the grace that will be required for them to receive your words. Be kind, be friendly. Don't get frustrated if they argue, don't get angry if they don't believe. "Always be prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect" (1 Peter 3:15). If they have real questions about Christianity, see it as an opportunity to instruct and not an argument to deconstruct. God can use their contentions with Christianity and the gospel to be the very things that bring them back to Jesus. So, be gracious.

2. Be Interesting
Paul also instructs us that our speech should be "seasoned with salt." There should some flavor in your conversation. We use salt on food to bring out the flavor of the food, and likewise, we use salt within our gospel conversations to bring out the flavor of the gospel. Be yourself, let your personality come out. If you're smart, use your intellect (humbly). If you're winsome, use that to advance the gospel. If you're funny, use humor. If you're not funny, don't use humor.

3. Be Interested
Thirdly, Paul instructs us to "answer each person." Everybody is different. Each person has different questions, different issues, and different struggles. If we go to them with a canned gospel presentation they're going to be able to see right through it. Be interested in them and let the Holy Spirit fill you and open the doors as to how you'll talk about the gospel. Also, be sure that it's the gospel that you are talking about. Get them to Jesus. Answer their questions, talk about their issues, but keep bringing them back to Jesus. Simply, talk to people about the gospel in a way that respects the person and honors their personhood (they are not a project).

Five Points of Grace - God Saves Sinners

2011-11-23T09:46:00.001-08:00

Five Points of Grace - God Saves Sinners from Living Stones on Vimeo.

Chronicles of Zion - The Story of His Glory

2011-11-10T14:14:00.001-08:00

Chronicles of Zion - A Story of His Glory from Living Stones on Vimeo.

Chronicles of Zion - Cosmic Battle

2011-11-01T10:55:00.000-07:00

Chronicles of Zion- Cosmic Battle from Living Stones on Vimeo.

Chronicles of Zion- Epic Mission

2011-10-25T15:00:00.001-07:00

Chronicles of Zion- Epic Mission from Living Stones on Vimeo.

The Chronicles of Zion - A Narrative of Faith

2011-10-18T10:56:00.001-07:00

Chronicles of Zion - A Narrative of Faith from Living Stones on Vimeo.

The Chronicles of Zion - A Tale of Grace

2011-10-11T12:19:00.000-07:00

Chronicles Of Zion - A Tale Of Grace from Living Stones on Vimeo.

The Chronicles of Zion - The Story of a King

2011-10-05T10:52:00.001-07:00

Chronicles of Zion - The Story of a King from Living Stones on Vimeo.

The Chronicles of Zion - Divine Story Line

2011-09-26T10:30:00.001-07:00

Chronicles of Zion - Divine Storyline from Living Stones on Vimeo.

The Chronicles of Zion - Three Trees

2011-09-20T12:20:00.001-07:00

Chronicles of Zion - Three Trees from Living Stones on Vimeo.

Numbers Matter

2011-09-06T12:01:00.001-07:00

There seems to be a common misconception that numbers in the Church world don’t matter to God. I know in general what people mean by this… they mean that our focus should not be on how big our churches are, but rather that we should focus on caring for people, making disciples, teaching sound doctrine, and proclaiming the Gospel. In general, I would agree, but I’ve also seen many people use this statement as an excuse for not doing evangelism. The statement “numbers don’t matter” sounds very spiritual. The only problem with it is, the New Testament.As you read through the ministry of Jesus, numbers are specifically mentioned on multiple occasions; massive numbers. The reason numbers matter is because numbers represent people. When you look at it that way, numbers matter to God because people matter to God.

As you open the book of Acts you see that Acts 1:15 specifically mentions that there were 120 people in the church at the time of Pentecost. And then, after the coming of the Holy Spirit, Acts 2:41 “So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls.” Acts 2:47 tells us that, “The Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.” Acts 4:4, “Many of those who had heard the word believed, and the number of the men came to about five thousand.” Acts 5:14, “And more than ever believers were added to the Lord, multitudes of both men and women”. Acts 6:7, “The word of God continued to increase, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem”. Acts 9:31, “So the church throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria had peace and was being built up. And walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, it multiplied.” Acts 11:21/24, “And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number who believed turned to the Lord… And a great many people were added to the Lord.” I think you get the picture. I could probably add another dozen passages in the book of Acts that tell us explicitly that numbers matter. Having said that I don’t think we should equate spiritual health with numbers and I don’t think we should get our identity from the sizes of our churches. However, as I read the book of Acts, I see the constant pattern of Gospel proclamation and then Gospel advancement.

I am aware there are men in the Bible, like Isaiah and Jeremiah, who were called to what we might call “fruitless ministry”. Then, there are men who at the last day, who will be applauded for leading 10 people to Jesus in a difficult place, over those who led 10,000. For instance, Isaiah and Jeremiah remained “fruitless” as they preached the message to the unbelieving, in Israel, often doing so with tears. These men, show how the missionary whom is unfruitful can still labor in hope for the lost, even in the hardest of places. There are multitudes of lost people all around us, and because of that, numbers matter. Let’s not keep making the Biblical understatement that “numbers don’t matter.” We see in the book of Revelation, there is a multitude of saints from every tribe and tongue who will worship the Lamb in Heaven, and on that day I guarantee you that those numbers will matter.

What is Living Stones: Gospel Vison

2011-09-06T12:00:00.000-07:00

What Is Living Stones? Gospel Vision from Living Stones on Vimeo.

What Is Living Stones: Gospel Rhythms

2011-08-30T10:08:00.001-07:00

What Is Living Stones? Gospel Rhythms from Living Stones on Vimeo.

The Church Exists by Mission

2011-08-26T08:40:00.000-07:00

"The Church exists by mission as fire exists by burning." - Emil Brunner

Every verse in the New Testament is in the context of mission. The proclamation of the Gospel is the purpose of the Church. From time to time, I talk to pastors and church leaders, especially those in the camp of reformed theology, that say to me things like, “We are a church that is all about discipleship,” or, “We are just a church that is trying to go deep.” What I have found over the years is that, much of the time, this is an excuse for them not doing any type of evangelism. Also, I have found that it is misleading. I would contend that you are not as deep of a church or a church which excels at discipleship unless people are getting saved and baptized as a church. People geek out on a 72 week series on Ephesians 1:3-14, while there are 17 people in the church who are all from other churches frustrated and discontent. I don’t understand how you can teach the New Testament with such passion and go so deep and not come to the conclusion that you’re supposed to reach lost people.

Think about this: Every verse in the New Testament is in the context of the Gospel Mission. The gospels themselves present the mission of God in Christ as Jesus accomplishes his part of the mission. The Gospel of Matthew presents him as the King of the Mission. The Gospel of Mark presents him as the Servant on Mission. The Gospel of Luke presents him as the Perfect Man on Mission. The Gospel of John presents him as God on mission. At the end of the Gospel of John; Jesus says “as the father has sent me [on mission], so I send you [on mission]." (John 20:21) And of course there are the Great Commission passages in Matthew 28 and Luke 24. These Great Commission passages are the catapults for the rest of the New Testament, which is a handbook for mission. Think about it; the book of Acts - The mission begins and spreads. It would be hard to read the book of Acts or teach the book of Acts without being overwhelmed by the evangelistic emphasis. The book of Romans is the message of the mission. 1st & 2nd Corinthians deal with conflict and church discipline on mission. The book of Galatians defends the gospel mission from religion. The Book of Ephesians is the church on mission. The Pastoral Epistles describes the leaders of the mission. And the book of Revelation describes to us the completion and goal of the mission. If Jesus sent his people into the world to be disciples who make disciples by baptizing (leading them the Christ), teaching (teaching them about Christ), and then sending them to go teach others, and we then are not doing that… isn’t that disobedience? Is the church even a church, biblically speaking, if people are not meeting Jesus? Look at 2 Corinthians 5:20, this text tells us that we are ambassadors for Christ, that God is using us to make an appeal…. My contention is that the church is not the church unless it’s on Christ's evangelistic mission.

Jesus told his disciples “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.”(Mark 1:17) If you make disciples, that don’t do the same thing as Jesus’ disciples - you’re not making disciples at all. Jesus also said: “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.” (Mark 2:17)

What is Living Stones: Gospel Relationships

2011-08-23T09:46:00.001-07:00

What is Living Stones? Gospel Relationships from Living Stones on Vimeo.

What is Living Stones: Gospel Identity

2011-08-17T09:48:00.003-07:00

What Is Living Stones? Gospel Identity from Living Stones on Vimeo.

Friend of Sinners

2011-08-10T16:29:00.001-07:00

Could Anyone Ever Accuse You of Being a Friend of Sinners?

Do you like sinners? Jesus did, and still does. I hear a lot of Christians talking about being like Jesus, being conformed into the likeness of Jesus, walking like Jesus, following Jesus… but most Christians I know don’t love sinners. They don’t like them; in fact, they hate them. Jesus, however, in the Gospels was accused by the religious crowd of being “a friend of sinners." (Matthew 11:19)

It doesn’t say he tolerated sinners, or that he made an allowance for them to be in his gathering. Nor does it say, he track-bombed them and then ran or held big concerts and then, at the end, preached the Gospel with the old bait & switch trick. Instead, the Gospel tells us that he was a friend of sinners. He knew sinners, went to their houses, talked with them over wine (yes, Jesus drank alcohol with sinful people). He knew their names, probably knew their kids' names, knew their aspirations and dreams and knew what they are interested in. You know… like a friend.

Now, in all this talk about being like Jesus why don’t we ever talk about being a friend to sinners? Why do we think it is okay to only hang out with Christians and never hang out with anybody who does not believe? Since when is that acceptable? We are supposed to follow in his footsteps, aren't we? I’ve heard many Christians say, “Oh we are trying to remain holy.” Jesus was holy! His holiness caused him to reach out to people whom the culture deemed as sinners, criminals, adulterers, fornicators, offenders, outlaws and those who were materialistic. Jesus was the type of guy that would bring wine to a wedding… and it wasn't that cheap box wine, he brought the good stuff. Jesus was known to hang out with these types of crowds, so much so, that they accused him to be a drunkard and a glutton (Matthew 11:19). Not that we would want to sin and get drunk, but could anyone accuse of you of being a drunkard?

The religious crowd hated him; He didn’t keep their rules. He hung out with those who were sick and blind, and all those who, in their mind, God was punishing. One of their greatest complaints was that Jesus didn’t focus his attention on them (the Pharisees and the Sadducees). But he kept hanging out with and preaching to non-Christians. If you were to look at your life, look at your church, maybe even look at the movement within evangelical Christianity that you are a part of, could there ever be an accusation from a legalistic religious crowd towards you? Those people or that person is a friend of sinners.

Living Stones Q&A - #6

2011-06-22T10:16:00.000-07:00

Picking up where we left off - a few months back Living Stones hosted a Question & Answers night and received over a hundred questions. Many of them were addressed during our gatherings and can be found on our podcast here. For the next few weeks I will be posting up answers to some of the remaining questions that were not answered. Answers for the questions have been provided by various Living Stones Elders.

Does being in the military go against living a life fully for God's purpose?
No... as long as it is done for the glory of God (1 Cor. 10:31). In fact, a deacon from our church just recently returned after serving in the military in Afghanistan. We received updates from him stating that God is using him in significant ways over there.

Would you consider the "plan b" pill as an abortion and against the bible?
The Bible is clear that sex outside of marriage is a sin. For the sake of the question we will assume the person asking the question is married. This is an interesting question from a married couple. My understanding is the "plan b" pill was made for rape victims or those who weren't planning on having sex, to prevent the life of an unborn child. The Bible is pro-children.

Isn’t prayer, simply prayer? Are the prays of a Mormon or a JW heard by God? What about prayers from a Christian with confessed sin?
God is sovereign and therefore hears all prayers. The question is what does God think about prayers prayed to another God? Mormon's and JW's don't believe in the Triune God of the Bible. The prayers of a Christian confessing brings God joy.

Is anal sex a sin?
Again, for the sake of the question we will assume we are talking about sex within marriage between and man and a woman. The Bible does not speak specifically about anal sex. In general the Bible states that the purpose of sex is for procreation, intimacy, and enjoyment. While anal sex directly is not a sin, it would be beneficial within the marriage to discuss where the desire is coming from. Pornography or past sexual sin could be the root of the desire and therefore those desires could be sinful.

Is it okay to drink if you are under the age of 21? And if not why?
No. The Bible says to be under the authority of the land. (Romans 13:1-7) God helps institute government and law and therefore we should not only respect the secular law, but abide by it as well.

What is a good scripture that would help in the healing process to not feel shame of ones past while in church?
2 Corinthians 5:21

Living Stones Story

2011-06-14T11:07:00.001-07:00

A friend of mine recently asked me to write up a quick story as to how Living Stones became what it is today - the following is what I shared:

I didn’t start out planning to plant a church, but I’m pretty sure that the reason we planted one is the reason churches are supposed to be planted. We wanted lost people to meet Jesus. Isn’t that the reason for churches?

I had just become a Christian after living in rebellion to God through selling drugs, sex, substance abuse and generally hopeless living. Before being saved by Jesus, I was a fairly talented rapper, but was always too stoned to do anything about it. After I was saved, I began devouring the Word and studying theology. And I started telling my drug-dealing, drug-consuming, and drunken friends about Jesus. A group of these friends were interested in talking about God, but not interested in going to church; my friend Matt had the idea that we should bring the church to them.

It started as a men’s Bible study. There were two Christians (Matt and I) and a handful of non-Christians. We taught the Bible, and some of them started following Christ and repenting of sin. (Two of those men are now pastors/elders on staff at Living Stones!) More people came, and for a couple years, this group existed as a Bible study that non-churched and non-Christian people floated in and out of, but our overall pattern was one of growth as week after week more people joined us.

Then, we moved the Bible study to a bigger house, and women came as well as men. By this time, one of the guys had learned the guitar and another had learned the bass. They knew about five songs. We did those songs over and over, week after week, until they learned more. I taught the Bible in a discussion format. I was consumed with God exalting, Jesus centered, reformed theology; I would teach non-Christians the 5 points of Calvinism, the sovereignty of God, providence, total depravity, and whatever Calvin and Luther said about the passage. And people just kept getting saved.

So, I decided to teach through the book of John. Each week, I opened up John, and I told the people there what Jesus said, what Jesus did, and who Jesus was. I remember people getting saved on the spot, following Christ, and starting to bring other friends who didn’t know Jesus. Soon we were starting to get too large; we were packing around 60 people into the house, and what had started out as a Bible study unintentionally became kind of like a house church.

During this period of time, I had also been a member of, and at some point a deacon of, my local church in Reno; when we had no more room to meet, I went to my pastor to ask what we should do. He said that we could meet in the church building on Friday night and so that’s what we did. Within two months, the group had doubled in size, and was still filled with non-churched, non-Christian people who were coming to know Jesus. I no longer led a simple discussion of the Bible, but had begun preaching. (Although really, it was more like a running commentary/rant on whatever section of John we happened to be in.) This is the way we—Living Stones—started.

Living Stones now averages about 1,500 people total per weekend, spread out into five worship gatherings at two campuses, but the mission to reach lost, broken, and non-churched people while preaching good old reformed theology remains the ethos of Living Stones. And people continue to meet Jesus. Over the years, literally hundreds of people have been baptized at Living Stones and begun following Christ. Our elder board is comprised of ex-drug dealers, ex-strip club managers, lawyers, and life-long church boys (including ex-Catholic altar boys.) I think Jesus likes this.

I guess it was a pretty good way to plant a church.

Future Campus Plans

2011-06-08T11:59:00.001-07:00

This quick message is to help answer some questions that have recently come up regarding the future campus plans of Living Stones. The following response is to help to paint a picture in understanding how Living Stones structures our Worship gatherings theologically, philosophically, and practically.

There are three reasons why we are not doing three morning gatherings at the Downtown campus. First, theologically we have a conviction that in public worship there ought to be plenty of time for all of God’s people to engage in extended times of singing. We believe that sermons should be long enough and deep enough to allow the people attending to grow spiritually and we believe in encouraging community…which leads to the next more philosophical reason for only having two morning gatherings. If we were to run three gatherings back-to-back-to-back, we would need to shorten our gathering times. This would not allow for extended for worship, preaching, or community because we'd have to funnel people in and out of the gathering. Philosophically this goes against our convictions. Finally, we also believe that threes gatherings would create practical difficulties. Although we have considered having 8a.m., 10 a.m. and 12 p.m. gatherings, we believe that this would be a pragmatic mistake since almost no one would go to the 8 a.m. gathering; history and demographic studies have proven that there is very little draw for attending 8 a.m. gatherings, and people in general don't generally want to go to church at noon on Sundays. Therefore, having three gatherings would leave Living Stones with only one optimum gathering time – the 10 a.m. which would inevitably become packed while the others remained empty. This would go against the very purpose of adding an extra gathering. Hope these explanations help.

Act Like Men - 5/29/11

2011-05-31T06:52:00.000-07:00

Act Like Men from Living Stones on Vimeo.

Living Stones Q&A - #5

2011-05-26T11:06:00.000-07:00

Living Stones Q&A - #4

2011-05-25T11:55:00.000-07:00

Living Stones Q&A - #3

2011-05-24T10:04:00.000-07:00

A few months back Living Stones hosted a Question & Answers night and received over a hundred questions. Many of them were addressed during our gatherings and can be found on our podcast here. For the next few weeks I will be posting up answers to some of the remaining questions that were not answered. Answers for the questions have been provided by various Living Stones Elders.

Do you believe that other religions demonstrate how to live valid and good lives?
Other religions espouse principles consistent with the common understanding of living a good and valid life; e.g. forbidding rape, stealing, lying, etc. Those religions typically teach that adherence to those principles, among others, leads to salvation. The Bible is plain, however, that salvations is by faith in Jesus Christ alone, not by our work in adhering to rules. See Galatians 2:16. What distinguishes Christianity is that obedience (i.e., living a good and valid life) flows from loving God for what he has already done for us in Jesus Christ’s life, death, and resurrection. See John 14:15; 1 John 5:3. Moreover, the principles for living a good and valid life that other religions promote are often based on personal experience and observation, but Scripture teaches that wisdom begins with fearing (i.e., demonstrating reverence and humility before) God. See Psalm 111:10. Thus, while other religions may teach useful principles, they do not go far enough. Living righteously begins with God, not our experience and observation. Additionally, our obedience is only possible through the Holy Spirit’s empowerment, not through exerted personal effort or any other external assistance, such as a better circumstance, meditation, reading a self-help book, etc. See Philippians 2:12-13.

If going through a hard time in life where in the Bible do I turn to?
Although myriad passages of Scripture are helpful when suffering, the Psalms are a good place to start, as many of them were written by a man named David, who experienced severe hardship in his life. During those times, he wrote down his prayers to God, seeking help, expressing frustration and confusion, and ultimately praising God. Check out Psalm 46, Psalm 22, and Psalm 55.

In 1 Tim 4:10, we read that "...because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe (ESV)." I thought that Jesus is the savior ONLY of those who believed...? How then is He the Savior of "all people"?
As the question suggests, 1 Timothy 4:10 appears to teach universalism—that everyone will be saved and that no one will suffer eternal punishment in hell. But such an interpretation contradicts much of Scripture; e.g., Psalm 53:3; Romans 3:23; Daniel 12:2; and Matthew 5:29-30; 10:28; and 18:9. Instead, it appears that the term “Savior of all people” in 1 Timothy 4:10 likely refers to God’s temporal blessing enjoyed by all mankind, referred to as his common grace; e.g., the enjoyment of God’s creation, rain that produces crops, and the breath that sustains us. See Matthew 5:45; Acts 14:15-17. The phrase “especially of those who believe,” then, is a reference to the more specific way in which God saves those who live by faith in Jesus Christ.

Should Christian teens date or wait till they’re older?
The Bible does not say much about dating specifically because the modern understanding of dating is a relatively recent invention, developing in the last 100 years. In my view, a person should not pursue a serious romantic relationship until he or she is mature enough and ready to marry. Meanwhile, the individual should focus on maturing by, for example, taking on adult responsibilities, studying Scripture, living on mission, and pursuing godly mentorship.

God still speaks through people today. I have my personal testimonies where I feel God spoke to me. Can I write my own "book of the Bible?"
No. The Bible unequivocally prohibits us from adding anything to it or considering any other writing as equal in value to it. See, e.g., Deuteronomy 12:32; Proverbs 30:5-6; and Revelation 22:18-19.

Resurrection: Part 4 - 5/22/11

2011-05-23T10:28:00.000-07:00

Resurrection : Part 4 from Living Stones on Vimeo.

Living Stones Q&A - #2

2011-05-19T11:17:00.000-07:00

A few months back Living Stones hosted a Question & Answers night and received over a hundred questions. Many of them were addressed during our gatherings and can be found on our podcast here. For the next few weeks I will be posting up answers to some of the remaining questions that were not answered. Answers for the questions have been provided by various Living Stones Elders.

What does it look like to completely die to self?
Dying to self means laying aside our will, desires, motives, etc. and aligning them with Christ. Paul says in Galatians that we have been crucified with Christ and that it is no longer we who live, but Christ who lives in us. This is the picture of baptism (Rom. 6). As we are lowered into the water we are aligning ourselves with Christ’s death and as we come out of the water we are aligning our self with Christ’s resurrection. Dying to our self would include reminding ourselves of our Gospel identity (reliance on Christ’s work, not ours) and repentance (crucifying the flesh Gal. 5:24). To die to self is to cast aside the idol of self-reliance and fully trust in God.

As a leader, when do you step-down from moral failure?
If by moral failure you’re referring to adultery, then immediately due to the gravity and public nature of such a sin.

Why was proving a point to the devil, worth more than Job's well being?
The Bible doesn’t say that the only reason God allowed this to happen was to prove a point to Satan. I’m sure God, in His infinite wisdom, had a number of reasons why He gave permission to Satan to test Job and we can only speculate from there and need to be careful in doing so (Deut. 29:29). From the story of Job we learn that at times bad things happen to good people and that it isn’t always a result of sin and good things can happen to bad people. The world doesn’t revolve around Karma. We’re also reminded in Job that in the midst of affliction or suffering we shouldn’t curse God, which is so often our default and shows our self-centeredness. When Jesus suffered, He looked to God and submitted to His will. It also shows us that God is sovereign throughout the whole situation and in the end doubles everything that was taken away.

Does the story about the sheep and goats in Matthew 25 teach salvation by works?
Whenever we seek to interpret scripture, we always look at it not only in light of its immediate context, but also with the rest of scripture. We can’t pull out verses on their own and develop a theology, without comparing it to the rest of the Bible. There is a lot of bad doctrine and heresy developed by ignoring the basic hermeneutic principle that Scripture interprets Scripture. So if we come across a passage that seem ambiguous, we don’t develop a theology from it without taking into consideration other passages that are more clear. We then use the clear passage to help us understand the less clear passage, not the other way around!

In this case, the Bible is very clear that we are saved by grace and not by our works and that we are then saved to good works (Eph. 2:8-10). The sheep aren’t saved by their righteousness, but rather that these good works are evidence of their transformed heart. It also shows them being judged for keeping all of the law or none of it. There’s no middle ground. So the sheep are being judged as having done perfect and the goats being judged as having kept none of it. At judgment, those people (sheep) who profess Christ, will be judged not according to our obedience, but to Christ’s perfect fulfillment of the law.

Why did God make the devil if he knew that he would be evil?
Ultimately, we are not given a straightforward explanation to this question in Scripture and we can’t full know the mind of God (Deut. 29:29); however, we do know that God didn’t originally create demons, but that at some point there was an angelic rebellion, with many angels turning against God and becoming evil (2 Peter 2:4, Jude 6).

It’s also important to remember that God and the Satan are not equally “weighted” forces waging the war on good and evil while we hold our breath in suspense to see who will win. The Bible always shows God as sovereign and in control, even over Satan and his influences (Job 1:7-2:7).

It’s also important to remember that God will do whatever will bring him the most glory, which he has the right to do because he’s God. God’s glory is most clearly pictured in the cross! The most evil act in history is the act through which God showed his Glory in bringing about reconciliation and the forgiveness of sins displaying His love and mercy. It was on the cross where God’s power and justice was displayed in defeating Satan (Col. 2:15, Rev. 12:11) and Satan’s ultimate end will at be at Final Judgment where he will be thrown into the lake of fire to be tormented day and night forever and ever (Rev. 20:10).

Living Stones Q&A - #1

2011-05-18T12:28:00.000-07:00

This is why approximately 2/3 of the volunteers at Stones are women.

The primary discipleship tool to build up men in the community is Community Groups. We have over 90 different community groups for men, women, and co-ed all over the Reno-Sparks area every day of the week at various times for people to join. For men that are already plugged into the strategy (worship gatherings, community group, mission) and are faithful, there are a number of more “organic” groups for men to join or be invited into such as the pastor’s school, academy groups, deacon process, etc. I could be completely off and most likely am, but part of me wonders if the guy who asked this question (assuming it was a guy), has even taken the initiative to faithfully plug into the opportunities currently in place.

What does your relationship with your wife look like based on Ephesians 5:22-25?
Marriage is given to us as a picture of Jesus’ relationship with us (Eph. 5) and heaven is often pictured as a wedding banquet (Rev. 19). Jesus refers to Himself as the Bridegroom (Matt 9:15) and the church is referred to as His bride (2 Cor. 11:2).

So the exhortation here is that a man is to lead and love his wife the way that Christ loves the Church. How did Jesus love the Church? He chose her, pursued her, served her, sanctified her, and laid down His life for her. As a man submits to the Lord, a wife submits to her husband’s leading in the same way the Church submits to Christ’s leading. Too often we hear the word submission and we get squeamish, especially in American culture, and no doubt, there has been abuse; however, if a man is truly following Christ’s example of what it looks like to love his bride, then it should be a joy for his wife submit to him as we in the church joyfully submit our lives to Christ.

How do you become a Christian?
There are not certain “steps” one takes to become a Christian in a religious sense i.e. say this specific prayer, or do this then that, etc. To become a Christian rather means to recognize and understand that our sin has separated us from God and apart from Christ there is no hope for reconciliation. It means that we have come to a place when we realize we are unable, no matter how hard we try, to meet God’s standard of perfection and are in need of a savior. This is repentance: that we turn from sin, and turn to Jesus in faith. It moves beyond a pure cognitive understanding of the Gospel and acceptance of it to placing full trust and faith in Jesus’ death on the cross for the forgiveness of our sins. Once we have placed our faith in Jesus and His work on the cross, we now live a life of faith and worship in response to His amazing grace (Gal. 2:20).

Can you be a Christian and not go to church?
I think that you could technically be a Christian and not go to church because we’re saved by God’s grace and not by our own works of righteousness (Titus 3:5); however, you would be walking in sin (Heb. 10:25) and are most likely deeply deceived by your own self-righteousness. What a place for Satan to get someone. If one refuses to repent and submit to Hebrews 10:25, then they’d truly need to personally assess whether they’re Christian or not. Paul gives the analogy of the church in First Corinthians as being a body, comprised of all different parts to make a whole. If a part of a body is cut off, and isn’t quickly “sown” back on, it will die.

What does it mean to have my identity in Christ or "gospel identity"? How does this look in my daily life?
To have our identity rooted in the Gospel means that we see ourselves the way God sees us through Christ (redeemed & forgiven Col. 1:13-14, righteous 2 Cor. 5:21, chosen Eph. 1:3-8, justified Rom. 5:1, child of God Rom. 8:15, free from condemnation Rom 8:1, sealed 2 Cor. 1:21-22, new creation 2 Cor. 5:17, temple of the Holy Spirit 1 Cor. 6:19.

It’s out of this identity that we have the freedom to follow after God. It is no longer I who live, but Christ in me both to will and to work for His good pleasure (Phil. 2:13). Having a Gospel Identity sets us free and gives us peace before God because we remember our right standing before God is not based on our works, but by Jesus work on the cross.

Resurrection: Part 3 - 5/15/11

2011-05-18T10:53:00.000-07:00

Resurrection: Part 3 from Living Stones on Vimeo.

Hell vs. Annihilationism

2011-04-26T11:00:00.000-07:00

Recently with all the discussing about eternal life, hell, etc. The topic of annihilationism has come up. Annihilationists believe that hell is not eternal torment, but there’s just a period of time where someone suffers in hell – then they cease to exist. Although this sounds great to the carnal dictates of the human mind it is not consistent with God’s revelation or God’s justice. We know this from scripture. For more information on the doctrine of hell, see my sermon here or listen here. In the process of all of this discussion I had some conversations with some leaders and deacons-in-training at our church regarding the doctrine of hell and annihilationism. One young lady, who is a deacon-in-training, read a couple books on the subject and talked to several pastors, missionaries, and theologians. Below is the correspondence between her and a man who runs a mission organization in China, which she used to work for. She shared his answers with me, and thought they were brilliant, so I wanted to share his answers with you. Her words are in italics – his responses are in bold.

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Her Introduction to the situation: My pursuit on the study of hell has been an intense one for me. What began as a simple desire to learn more took me to a whole new place in my understanding of God's infinite power. God truly is glorified by all of His creation and by everything that happens in it. When I first studied Anniahalism I was driven by both emotional struggles and intellectual questions. I was very close to being considered a professing annihilationist when God began a series of events to open up my mind to His ways. The turning point for me was the evenings of March 11th when Japan got hit with an earthquake and then the tsunami. God gave me a very restless night of sleep that night and woke me up early on the 12th to continue watching the news on this. The Lord spoke to my heart that morning saying that this was not a "natural disaster" but rather His Supernatural Power. I was immediately humbled by His power and found myself glorifying Him in a situation that the world would view as a reason to question God's sovereignty. This isn't something I say to many people and don't get me wrong, my heart goes out to those suffering from the tsunami. But my soul brings glory to God because I know that nothing happens without his allowing it to. It was through this change in my heart as I looked at the crisis in Japan differently that God allowed me to understand that He too is glorified in his creation of Hell. I don't know how to fully explain it, but I have an absolute peace that its true. A couple weeks ago Jason Diaz preached about sanctification and the wonderful wooden duck. He talked about how the person carving the duck would have to chip away anything that doesn't look like a duck. God gave me this understanding of a kind of parallel to how He uses Hell. He must sanctify his creation and in doing so, He takes away everything that no longer looks like Him (hence the duck). So by meditating on sanctification and how God truly glorified in all situations regardless of how our mortal human eyes view them, I began to open up to how God is also glorified in His creation of Hell. I understand that Hell is a very difficult topic for many of us to really think about. But I challenge us all to do just that. I challenge us all to think about it the way God thinks about Hell not the way the World does. I pray that we all can have eyes to see Hell the way God see's it.

Here's a snippet of their exchange

Her words: I'm calvinist which is kinda my hangup on eternal conscious torment. If I was Armenian then I could swallow it much easier, but being a Calvinist then I'm stuck saying that some people were actually created for Hell and never had a shot at any other option. However I'm also fully aware that I don't understand God's ways, and my claim isn't backed by Scripture. I too don't at all feel like this is a hill to die on. Its more of an open hand issue for me but I am pretty intrigued by it. Edward Fudge also talks about the Matthew 25:46 verse ("Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life"). He says that no longer existing or even being in the presence of God in even a common grace environment is in fact eternal punishment, but that it doesn't have to be a conscious punishment. But to no longer exist is an eternal sentence (punishment).

His response: Yeah, he has to dance around this verse because it’s problematic for his position. But if you let it just say what it says, it’s kind of hard to come out the other end with annihilation. At least in my thinking. I don’t like reading a bunch of ideas into a verse to make a theological point. That’s not good scholarship.

Her Words: He talks a lot about the fire being eternal, smoke being eternal, punishment being eternal (permanent) but that none of those have to do with a conscious torment.. There were a couple examples that the NT uses to describe Hell as being like those that were destroyed from the flood. He mentioned that no one questions what the word "destroyed" means when talking about objects, but we change that meaning when talking about people to it becoming a eternal torment instead of just destroyed (ceasing to exist).

His Response: Right, but he’s arguing for annihilation from a bunch of peripheral ideas. He’s not arguing for annihilation straight from a text that says the damned are annihilated. If that concept (annihilation) wasn’t in the minds of the early readers, and I can’t think of any ancient philosophical position that would have held that view, then don’t you think there would be something more clear on the issue? Could the early reader’s have cleverly sorted through all the little nuances of this metaphor and that one and figure out, “Hey, the damned are annihilated!”? And where could you find a metaphor on earth with a concept of eternal conscious suffering? All the metaphors Jesus used were earthbound so naturally temporal in nature. They are metaphors, and so by nature not exact. To insist on annihilation is to push the metaphors a little harder than Jesus intended.

Her Words: So the Scriptures don't use the word annihilated but they do seem to express destruction which to me may be the same.

His Response: But again, Jesus is trying to put “the fear of God” into people through examples that show how terribly awful hell will be. He used the most awful metaphors he could find, but again, they are earth bound and so they speak a lot to the issue of total and complete loss and destruction. Basically, the metaphors can work in favor of either view. One has to ask, what was the prevailing understanding of the nature of eternal damnation in that day? If the metaphors don’t directly challenge the prevailing notion, then that notion is supported by the metaphor. The theologians that are arguing for annihilation are doing so mostly because of the modern mind’s logical problem with it, not from sound Biblical exegesis.

Her Words: Oh, and he mentions that it wasn't until Plato/Socrates that the idea of the soul being eternal even came about and it wasn't a scriptural thing. Do you know much about when we started having this philosophy?

His Response: Basically the Old Testament is where the idea of an eternal existence of the soul after death comes from. The OT has the concept of Sheol, which was a place where all the dead went, both good and bad. But it wasn’t paradise exactly. It was thought of as a kind of no-man’s land. Remember Saul (I think it was), who called up the spirit of Samuel (I think) from the dead. Samuel was thought to be in Sheol. “Eternal life” for the OT Jew, was found in the continued existence of the family’s land and the continued existence of the family name. That’s why it’s such a disaster for Naomi when she loses her husband and sons. She was cursed by God because her “eternal life” (land and family name) ended.

The ideas of heaven and eternal life are more fleshed out in the New Testament because Jesus spoke often about them. But yes, the Greeks also had a concept of a place where the souls of the dead went after death. There were various places with various aspects of enjoyment or suffering, depending on the person’s life. You had to get past a three headed dog named Cerberus and then buy passage on a ferry across the River Styx. But there was a place over there for the souls of the dead. But Jesus didn’t buy into any of that. Also, probably the concept of the devils living in hell and torturing souls forever with pitchforks, along with the idea of various torture chambers and levels of hell are a mixture of some of those classical Greek and Roman notions, along with a lot of imagination from the Middle Ages. Dante’s Inferno did a lot to contribute to the modern and erroneous ideas about what hell will be like.

But all that said, there wasn’t really a concept of the damned being annihilated and the saved living on in paradise forever. If that is in fact the truth, then one would think that the Scriptures would have clearly corrected the erroneous ideas of the time. In fact, they don’t. So I let the idea stand that the damned exist eternally. I just jettison all the baggage. To me, hell is a place where God is not. And where God is not, how can there be anything good? That’s why people there gnash their teeth and weep. That’s why Jesus likened it to an eternal fire. But beyond that, we don’t know much about it. Thank God!

Her Words: My other thought/confusion is on using the word "eternal" to describe life especially since we consider God to be eternal (no beginning and no end). So unless the english language just doesn't have the proper vocabulary which is very possible, i'm confused how our souls are eternal when clearly we are created beings and did in fact have a beginning. Any thoughts on that? If you're open to it, i'd really appreciate dialoguing about this with you!

His Response: Well, here’s some dictionary definitions:

1. without beginning or end; lasting forever; always existing (opposed to temporal): eternal life. 2. perpetual; ceaseless; endless: eternal quarreling; eternalchatter.

3. enduring; immutable: eternal principles.

4. Metaphysics . existing outside all relations of time; notsubject to change.

The second and the third ones would lend themselves to the notion of having a finite beginning but not an end. I think that’s probably how Jesus was using it.

2011-04-23T13:44:00.000-07:00

Dear Living Stones Family,

As you know, tomorrow we have our big Easter gathering at Lawlor Events Center at 10 a.m. I am really looking forward to worshipping the risen Christ with all of you in one place at one time. Just wanted to drop you all a note to remind you of a few essentials for tomorrow.

Pray. Over 2,000 invites have gone out in the past couple weeks, along with a billboard on the freeway. Friends inviting friends, family co-workers, neighbors and schoolmates. It is essential that we pray, not only for our own souls to encounter the risen Christ, but pray for the hundreds of people who don't know salvation in Jesus who will be there tomorrow. Pray against the attacks of the evil one as he schemes to keep these people away from church and from hearing the gospel message. Pray for the band and the technical crew, the artists, and volunteers and pray for me as I preach that I may be able to make the message of the gospel clear and compelling.
Be hospitable. Often times people's ears are not open to hearing the message of the gospel until the gospel people show the care of Christ to them. Go out of your way to help people find seats, show people around, introduce yourself, invite people to your community groups.
If you are a parent of a child who is 5 years or younger, you do have the option of taking your kids into childcare, but if you do, remember that those who are volunteering, also volunteer not to go to church on Easter so that they could serve you. Thank them. And if possible, bring your children into the service instead so that we can keep the number of volunteers in LS Kids to a minimum. If you're worried about your kids paying attention and being quiet enough, consider a few things: there will be music, there will be a dance, and the sermon is only 20-25 minutes. Also, at the Welcome, I'm going to mention the fact that kids are joining us for Easter celebration and that we should rejoice even if they make noise because these kids are being raised under the influence of the gospel. So, you don't have to worry about it if your kid makes noises or talks too loud or is somewhat distracting. It might be a good idea, though, to sit somewhere towards the back with your kids, just in case you need to make a quick exit. Another good idea would be to bring your kids a bag with crayons, coloring books, books to read or give them a quiet game on your phone to play, that doesn't make noise.
In preparation for tomorrow, read for yourself one of the crucifixion and resurrection accounts from one of the gospels. We will be covering John's gospel tomorrow, so you might choose Matthew, Mark or Luke.
Pray.

Love you and look forward to celebrating the resurrection of our Lord with you.
Pastor Harvey

p.s. - pray.

Good Friday

2011-04-22T11:22:00.001-07:00

It's Friday but Sunday's Comin' http://t.co/1ylpOKy #fb

Hell? Yes.

2011-04-01T12:00:00.000-07:00

Come to Living Stones this weekend to hear what the Bible has to say about hell. Gathering times at 9am, 11am, 5pm, 7pm at the Downtown Campus or 5pm at the Sparks Campus. In preparation for this coming Sunday - here are many verses about hell.

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Ezekiel 33:11 - Say to them, As I live, declares the Lord GOD, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live; turn back, turn back from your evil ways, for why will you die, O house of Israel?

Daniel 12:1-2 - [1] “At that time shall arise Michael, the great prince who has charge of your people. And there shall be a time of trouble, such as never has been since there was a nation till that time. But at that time your people shall be delivered, everyone whose name shall be found written in the book. [2] And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.

Isaiah 66:24 - “And they shall go out and look on the dead bodies of the men who have rebelled against me. For their worm shall not die, their fire shall not be quenched, and they shall be an abhorrence to all flesh.”

Matthew 25:30 - And cast the worthless servant into the outer darkness. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.'

Matthew 25:41 - "Then he will say to those on his left, 'Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.

Matthew 25:46 - And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life."

Mark 9:42-49 - [42] “Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him if a great millstone were hung around his neck and he were thrown into the sea. [43] And if your hand causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life crippled than with two hands to go to hell, to the unquenchable fire. [45] And if your foot causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life lame than with two feet to be thrown into hell. [47] And if your eye causes you to sin, tear it out. It is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than with two eyes to be thrown into hell, [48] ‘where their worm does not die and the fire is not quenched.’ [49] For everyone will be salted with fire.

Matthew 10:28 - And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.

2 Thessalonians 1:5-9 - [5] This is evidence of the righteous judgment of God, that you may be considered worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you are also suffering— [6] since indeed God considers it just to repay with affliction those who afflict you, [7] and to grant relief to you who are afflicted as well as to us, when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with his mighty angels [8] in flaming fire, inflicting vengeance on those who do not know God and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. [9] They will suffer the punishment of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might

Jude 13-15 - [13] wild waves of the sea, casting up the foam of their own shame; wandering stars, for whom the gloom of utter darkness has been reserved forever. [14] It was also about these that Enoch, the seventh from Adam, prophesied, saying, “Behold, the Lord comes with ten thousands of his holy ones, [15] to execute judgment on all and to convict all the ungodly of all their deeds of ungodliness that they have committed in such an ungodly way, and of all the harsh things that ungodly sinners have spoken against him.”

Revelation 14:9-12 - [9] And another angel, a third, followed them, saying with a loud voice, “If anyone worships the beast and its image and receives a mark on his forehead or on his hand, [10] he also will drink the wine of God's wrath, poured full strength into the cup of his anger, and he will be tormented with fire and sulfur in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb. [11] And the smoke of their torment goes up forever and ever, and they have no rest, day or night, these worshipers of the beast and its image, and whoever receives the mark of its name.” [12] Here is a call for the endurance of the saints, those who keep the commandments of God and their faith in Jesus.

Revelation 20:10-15 - [10] and the devil who had deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and sulfur where the beast and the false prophet were, and they will be tormented day and night forever and ever. [11] Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. From his presence earth and sky fled away, and no place was found for them. [12] And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Then another book was opened, which is the book of life. And the dead were judged by what was written in the books, according to what they had done. [13] And the sea gave up the dead who were in it, Death and Hades gave up the dead who were in them, and they were judged, each one of them, according to what they had done. [14] Then Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire. [15] And if anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.

Luke 16:22-24 - [22]The poor man died and was carried by the angels to Abraham’s side. The rich man also died and was buried, [23] and in Hades, being in torment, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham far off and Lazarus at his side. [24] And he called out, 'Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus to dip the end of his finger in water and cool my tongue, for I am in anguish in this flame.'

Luke 16:28 - for I have five brothers—so that he may warn them, lest they also come into this place of torment.'

Revelation 19:3 - Once more they cried out, "Hallelujah! The smoke from her goes up forever and ever."

1 Thessalonians 5:3 - While people are saying, "There is peace and security," then sudden destruction will come upon them as labor pains come upon a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.

2 Peter 3:7 - But by the same word the heavens and earth that now exist are stored up for fire, being kept until the day of judgment and destruction of the ungodly.

Revelation 6:10 - They cried out with a loud voice, "O Sovereign Lord, holy and true, how long before you will judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?"

Revelation 19:1-3 - [1]After this I heard what seemed to be the loud voice of a great multitude in heaven, crying out,"Hallelujah! Salvation and glory and power belong to our God, [2]for his judgments are true and just; for he has judged the great prostitute who corrupted the earth with her immorality, and has avenged on her the blood of his servants." [3] Once more they cried out, "Hallelujah! The smoke from her goes up forever and ever."

John 5:28-29 - [28] Do not marvel at this, for an hour is coming when all who are in the tombs will hear his voice [29] and come out, those who have done good to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil to the resurrection of judgment.

2 Peter 2:4 - For if God did not spare angels when they sinned, but cast them into hell and committed them to chains of gloomy darkness to be kept until the judgment;

Jude 1:6 - And the angels who did not stay within their own position of authority, but left their proper dwelling, he has kept in eternal chains under gloomy darkness until the judgment of the great day

John 3:36 - Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him.

Matthew 22:11-14 - [11]"But when the king came in to look at the guests, he saw there a man who had no wedding garment. [12] And he said to him, 'Friend, how did you get in here without a wedding garment?' And he was speechless. [13] Then the king said to the attendants, 'Bind him hand and foot and cast him into the outer darkness. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.' [14] For many are called, but few are chosen."

Revelation 9:2 - He opened the shaft of the bottomless pit, and from the shaft rose smoke like the smoke of a great furnace, and the sun and the air were darkened with the smoke from the shaft.

Matthew 13:40-42 - [40]Just as the weeds are gathered and burned with fire, so will it be at the close of the age. [41] The Son of Man will send his angels, and they will gather out of his kingdom all causes of sin and all law-breakers, [42] and throw them into the fiery furnace. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

Christocentric: Christ in Colossians | Mission

2010-09-08T12:58:00.000-07:00

The final area where the work of Christ in Colossians was proven preeminent was in his work of sending his people for Mission. After the work of the cross and subsequent resurrection, Jesus immediately sent the Church on its mission: the work of preaching the Gospel. Jesus’ mission purchases and empowers the mission of the church. Here are some examples:

- Colossians 1:1—Jesus sent Paul as an apostle or “sent one” of Christ. Epaphras is the faithful of Minister of Jesus Christ (1:7).

- Colossians 1:9—Paul prays that the Colossians would be filled with the knowledge of the will of Christ for the sending of mission.

- Colossians 4:7 and 4:12—Tychicus and Epaphras are referred to as “servant[s] of the Lord” and “servant[s] of Jesus Christ“ (respectively) because they are active members of the mission of Jesus Christ.

- Colossians 4:17—Paul tells Archippus to “See that [he] fulfill[s] [his] ministry in the Lord.” the Ministry of the saints is a ministry in Jesus Christ because they are sent by Jesus Christ, to proclaim Jesus Christ, in the power of the Spirit of Christ.

Jesus is the preeminent missionary and equips us to be sent, also. Christian, do you believe that you are a "sent one?" Do you believe that the knowledge you have received from him is for that purpose? Are you actively participating in what Jesus has going on? It's all too easy to forget that the preeminent one blesses us with salvation in order that we may proclaim him, "warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ." (Colossians 1:28)

It's my hope that—if Colossians has taught us anything—we will embody the gospel of the preeminent Christ, who is working powerfully within us and through us. May he be first—until the last.

Christocentric: Christ in Colossians | Firstborn

2010-08-25T16:01:00.000-07:00

Jesus also proves his preeminence by being resurrected on our behalf (Colossians 1:18). Jesus is the first fruits of God's resurrection and physical redemption of humanity. It is through Jesus Christ’s resurrection that everything will have resurrection in the future. “The New Age initiated by Christ’s death and resurrection constitutes nothing less than the new order of human life in Christ, the essential ingredient of which is victory over death in its various expressions.”[1] Jesus is the first fruits of the resurrection for humanity providing humanity with the ability to resurrect through Him. Christians are united to Christ in his resurrection “in which you were also raised with him” (Colossians 1:12).

To the skeptic, this sounds ludicrous. How is the resurrection even possible? If it was possible, how does the resurrection of a man who lived and died (and lived) 2,000 years ago have any impact on the world today? The reality is that—without the resurrection—there is no basis for the Christian faith. (See 1 Corinthians 15) The resurrection is our only hope that Jesus has conquered death and sin and all its forms. The fact that Jesus died and rose again guarantees that all he says is true. The fact that Jesus died and rose again ensures death will never hold us. The death and resurrection of Jesus paves the way for the Holy Spirit to dwell in us, which empowers us for daily victory in the war against sin. Did you know that the same Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in those who believe in Jesus? (Romans 8:11) That's more power and strength and provision than you could ever imagine. Yet, how often do we, as believers, ignore the reality of the power of the resurrection in our lives? We turn the greatest something into the greatest nothing—through unbelief. No wonder the gospel seems powerless to so many.

The resurrection does mean something—today, tomorrow and forever—and without it, we're deader than dead. I hope we're not living like its nothing.

[1] Wall, Colossians and Philemon p.70

Christocentric: Christ in Colossians | Reconciliation

2010-08-19T13:03:00.000-07:00

Jesus Christ also proves his preeminence by being a reconciler. Because of the previous effects of the work of Christ on the cross, Christians have reconciliation with God. Paul tells us in Colossians 1:20 that anything that is reconciled to God is reconciled through Jesus Christ and his cross. All things that are on earth or in heaven are reconciled by the death of Jesus Christ to God from the effects of the fall—rocks, trees, stars, solar systems—all are reconciled to God through the death of Jesus Christ on the cross. But most profoundly, Colossians 1:21 tells us that Jesus Christ reconciles unholy humanity to the holy God ”in his body of flesh by his death” making them holy and reconciled to God.

Christian, one of the most unfathomable parts about this is the fact that we, too, are reconcilers. Our Savior reconciled us that we may return the favor. Paul even goes as far as to call us "ministers of reconciliation" in the book of 2 Corinthians. I have to ask you: are you even aware of your calling? Are you breathing it? Are you pleading with the lost to be reconciled to God?

If you have yet to put your faith in Christ, I ask you this: are you aware of your need? Do you feel and experience the effects of the fall—death, disease, pain, injustice—and long for a solution? I ask that you consider Jesus. Consider the fact that he desires to reconcile you to God the Father. Consider how that could change everything. Think about it.

1 Corinthians: Dear Reno | A Primer on Church Discipline

2010-08-12T14:48:00.000-07:00

If there’s one thing that the church has misconceptions of, it’s church discipline. This weekend, I’m preaching a sermon on 1 Corinthians 5:1-8, which deals heavily with the issue. As your pastor, I want you to know the truth and be set free by it. I’m posting a Primer on Church Discipline for you to use as a resource when you talk about church discipline in your Community Groups and for your own study and reflection. Be informed on this issue. Take some time to dwell on what scripture says. Think of questions to ask your Community Group leader. Wrestle with your perception on church discipline, see what Jesus says and repent of wrong thinking.

A Primer on Church Discipline

There are several guidelines to follow when it come to church discipline. It should be done in humility and love, with the goal of restoration and in accordance with the Scriptures. Different situations call for different responses, as well as godly wisdom. Each church discipline situation should be handled according to the appropriate Scripture on a case-by-case basis. Each Scriptural passage in the New Testament on church discipline is listed below.

With each Scripture reference are some comments for application to Living Stones Church. The procedure for carrying out any situation of church discipline is to first look at the text (one of the references below) and then apply the text to the specific context and situation.

M a t t h e w 1 8 : 1 5 - 1 7

“If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother. But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every charge may be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses. If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector.”

This passage from Matthew 18 deals specifically with personal one-to-one instances of sin, but may be applied in other situations. Matthew 18: 15 to 17 contains a three step process for dealing with person-to-person conflict. Step one is to confront the person who has sinned against you and ask him to repent. If he does not repent after step one, move on to step two. Step two, take one or two other people, along with you to confront the individual about the sin against you and ask him to repent. If he does not repent after step two, move on to step three. Step three is to take the situation to the church. At Living Stones, this may be applied in one of two ways: either take it to your community group for confrontation (assuming you are in the same community group) or bring the sin and the situation to an elder who will bring it back to the elder board for a decision of how church discipline should be applied.

Why is church discipline not brought before the church as a whole?

R o m a n s 1 6 : 1 7

"1 appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them."

Romans 16 is dealing with individuals in the congregation who engage in two specific types of sin. The first sin is the sin of division within the church. The second sin is the sin of false doctrine in the church. These individuals are to be avoided and reported to the elders of the church for follow-up and reconciliation.

1 C o r i n t h i a n s 5 : 1 - 1 3

First Corinthians 5:1 to 13 (too long to quote here) details a situation in the church involving gross, unrepentant sexual immorality. The specific situation had to do with an individual having sex with his father's wife. The apostolic exhortation is immediate removal from the congregation until such a time that the individual comes to repentance. This situation is an instance of immediate removal from the church and may be applied in extreme cases.

2 T h e s s a l o n i a n s 3 : 6 - 7 , 1 4 - 1 5

“Now we command you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you keep away from any brother who is walking in idleness and not in accord with the tradition that you received from us. For you yourselves know how you ought to imitate us, because we were not idle when we were with you ... .If anyone does not obey what we say in this letter, take note of that person, and have nothing to do with him, that he may be ashamed. Do not regard him as an enemy, but warn him as a brother.

2 Thessalonians 3:6 to 7, and 14 to 15 give us a specific situation of church discipline and a timeless principle of church discipline. The situation involved disobedience to the apostolic (and now scriptural) command to work and provide for one's family. The timeless principle to apply to modem church discipline at Living Stones is that if an individual blatantly disobeyed a scriptural command and persists in that disobedience after being urged to repent, the individual is to be disengaged that he may be ashamed. In the process, he is not to be regarded as an enemy, but continually warned as a brother. Persistence in a particular sin may require removal from the church for the purpose of repentance and restoration.

T i t u s 3 : 1 0 - 1 1

“As for a person who stirs up division, after warning him once and then twice, have nothing more to do with him, knowing that such a person is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned.”

Titus gives us a pattern of dealing with individuals in the church who stir up divisions. The individual is to be warned once and then twice and if there is no repentance the individual is to be removed from the congregation because of his potential to harm the church through division.

H e b r e w s 1 3 : 1 7

“Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you.”

Hebrews gives us the charge of leadership to carry out leading responsibilities which include church discipline and the congregational duty to obey and follow leadership. This exhortation is for the purpose of the leadership carrying out its duties with joy.

G a l a t i a n s 6 : 1

“Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted.”

This scripture is instructive in church discipline in terms of the heart attitude and spiritual awareness that church discipline requires. An individual should be walking in the power of the Holy Spirit and carry out the church discipline with a spirit of gentleness. As a church discipline is carried out, the individual should be in a state of constant self-evaluation in regard to the many temptations that could accompany such work.

J a m e s 5 : 1 9 - 2 0

“My brothers, if anyone among you wanders from the truth and someone brings him back, let him know that whoever brings back a sinner from his wandering will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins.”

James instructs us on the motivation behind church discipline. Church discipline should never be motivated out of anger, or pride, or woundedness, or self-righteousness, but rather to restore the individual to Christ and his people. The motive is love, the means is love, and the result is love that springs from the gospel.

Christocentric: Christ in Colossians | Expiation

2010-08-11T15:02:00.000-07:00

Jesus Christ is the preeminent one who not only forgives, but also provides—through his death and resurrection—a basis for the forgiveness of sin. The apostle Paul points out Christ's work of expiation in Colossians 1:14. The concept of expiation is that we are cleansed from the guilt of our sins. Not only are we freed from the penalty of our sin, but we are freed from the guilt associated with it, as well. The work of Christ provides for us “forgiveness of sins” (1:14). Later in the Colossians, Paul writes, “And you, who were dead in trespasses and circumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses” (2:13). Union with Christ provides expiation of sin leading to forgiveness of sin. Sinners are made clean before a holy God and free to live a life of worship and mission. He did this “by canceling the record that stood against us with its legal demands. He set it aside, nailing it to the cross.” (2:14). Expiation is accomplished by Christ on the cross as he dies for sin; the sin of the believer is literally and completely nailed to the cross with Jesus. Jesus Christ takes his place of supremacy over sin and death and hell on our behalf, thus cleansing us from impurity.

If you're a believer in Jesus: when was the last time you thought about the fact that you are completely cleansed of you sin? When was the last time you experienced the freedom of knowing that you are guilt-free because of Christ? Why aren't you experiencing that daily?

If you're not following Jesus: Can you imagine a guilt-free life? Do you think it's even possible?

It is possible. And it is yours in Christ.

Christocentric: Christ in Colossians | Propitiation

2010-08-04T10:20:00.000-07:00

Colossians 1:20 speaks of the propitiatory work of Christ. Although Paul does not overtly describe Jesus’ death on the cross as a “propitiation” in this passage, the idea is implied when Paul says he was “making peace through the blood of his cross.” The death of Jesus Christ propitiated the wrath of God aimed at a fallen world. But what does propitiation mean? It's the idea that Jesus absorbed all of the wrath that God the Father had toward the sin of humans by dying on the cross. Jesus stood in between us and the Father and bore the punishment that was rightfully ours. You can see how this principle paves the way for our redemption. Speaking about the propitiation of Christ, Robert L. Reymond writes something absolutely crucial. Don't miss this, or you'll miss the point:

“…major revision is essential in the thinking of the Christian mind, which is accustomed to viewing the cross work of Christ as having been directed primarily, if not solely, toward men. In light of the fact that Paul and John (and probably the author of Hebrews as well) expressly represented it as a propitiating work, it is important to recognize that Christ's cross work had a God-ward reference. Indeed, if one reflects even for a moment on the sinful condition of the race vis-a-vis the holy character of God, it will become clear that God-ward reference was the cross' primary reference.”[2]

The Father's wrath needed to be appeased and Jesus was the only one who could do it, being fully man and fully God (and thus able to satisfy God's need for a blood-price to be paid and his need for that sacrifice to be perfect as he is perfect). As Reymond points out, the work of the cross was primarily directed toward the Father, since he was the rightful, offended party with a rightful wrath in need of satisfaction. The primary orientation of the cross was not us. Yes, we were the ones in need of rescuing, but we were not the offended party who needed our grievances addressed. After all, there is no wrath that any man can have toward God that is in any way justified. Just try to think of something, I dare you.

Also, the glory of Christ's propitiation is more about magnifying the love of God than anything else. Although we enjoy the benefits of propitiation, it's not about us! John Stott elaborates on this in ways I couldn't have said better myself:

“It cannot be emphasized too strongly that God's love is the source, not the consequence, of the atonement…. God does not love us because Christ died for us; Christ died for us because God loved us. It is God's wrath which needed to be propitiated, and God's love which did the propitiating. If it may be said that the propitiation ‘changed’ God, whereby he changed himself, let us be clear he did not change from wrath to love, or from emnity to grace, since his character is unchanged. But the propitiation changed with his dealings with us.” [3]

The Father wasn't "only wrath" before the cross occurred and he's not "only love" now that the work is finished. There was love expressed and grace given to humans pre-Christ and there will be more wrath to come at the Final Judgement when the presence of sin and Satan will be demolished. Glory in the fact that—in Christ—this wrath is no longer directed toward you. Glory in the fact that God's immeasurable love motivated sending Jesus to propitiate you.

_____________________

[2] Robert L. Reymond. A New Systematic Theology of the Christian Faith (Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1998) p.639

[3] John Stott. The Cross of Christ (Intervarsity Press) p. 174

Christocentric: Christ in Colossians | Redemption

2010-07-21T12:47:00.000-07:00

Redemption

Colossians 1:14 tells us that Christ is the one “in whom we have redemption.” In Colossians 1:22, we see the result of the redemption of Christians is to be saved from sin to make them “holy and blameless and above reproach” before God. A believer is able to be holy and blameless and above reproach before God because he is connected to the person and work of the preeminent Christ. The redemption that Christ provides is like no other. Wayne Grudem explains the redemption Christ provided this way:

“Because we as sinners are in bondage to sin and Satan, we need someone to provide redemption and thereby ‘redeem’ us out of that bondage. When we speak of redemption, the idea of ‘ransom’ comes into view. A ransom is the price paid to redeem someone from bondage or captivity. If we ask to whom the ransom was paid, we realize that the human analogy of a ransom payment does not fit the atonement of Christ in every detail…. It is sufficient to note that price was paid (the death of Christ) and the result was that we were ‘redeemed’ from bondage. ” [1]

In other words, our ransom was not paid to Satan for our redemption. Although, as sinners, we are held captive by sin and Satan because of our rebellion toward God, our ransom was paid to the Father in order to clear us of our grievous offenses toward him and free us from our imprisonment to sin and Satan.

The fact that we were bought with a price ought to change the way we live life, don't you think? We are not our own anymore. And why would we want to be? Without Christ's redemption, we are building our personal silos in the kingdom of darkness, already prepared for destruction. It's sheer futility. Christ's rescue frees us to live in submission to him. We go to our jobs day in and day out working for his fame; we go to school to know him, know his truth in all things and make his truth known; we raise our kids that they may know and love him; we give generously because it all belongs to him, anyway. A redeemed life is a re-purposed life—all for him.

[1] Wayne Grudem. Bible Doctrine (Zondervan Publishers, 1999) p. 255

Christocentric: Christ in Colossians | Christus Victor

2010-07-14T11:09:00.000-07:00

Christus Victor is one of the most important aspects of our faith. The concept of Christus Victor is the idea that Jesus Christ—in his death on the cross—had victory over sin, death and the demonic realm. How did he accomplish this? Jesus Christ defeated the demonic realm through his death by crushing the power of sin and thereby taking away demonic ability to rule in the hearts of humans. In his resurrection, he proves his death to be effective and triumphs over the demonic realm publicly.

In Colossians 1:13, Paul writes, “He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son.” In a fallen-sinful-world, the fallen-sinful-human lives under the dominion of dark forces because of sin and death; but in Jesus Christ’s victory, humans are transferred into the kingdom of the beloved Son, the kingdom of light. This triumph—Christ's victory on the cross—allows the believer to share with Christ in his conquest over evil. Jesus Christ is preeminent as Savior because of his destruction of evil through his work on the cross. In his success, “He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him” (2:15).

The doctrine of Christus Victor not only teaches us that Jesus Christ accomplished the conquest of evil through the cross... it allows us to live in the freedom of it. Have you thanked him for this lately?

Christocentric: Christ in Colossians | Penal Substitutionary Atonement

2010-07-08T10:10:00.000-07:00

The work of Christ is preeminent and central in the church because Jesus Christ himself is preeminent. I recently heard a pastor say that “the cross is central because Jesus got on it.”[1]

Penal Substitutionary Atonement

The work of Christ on the cross and in the resurrection is summed up in his work of penal substitutionary atonement. Penal substitutionary atonement is the idea that Jesus Christ became the substitute penalty taker on behalf of sinners to make them free from guilt and to make them one with God in his righteous life. Consider how B.B. Warfield defined penal substitutionary atonement:

The Biblical doctrine of the sacrifice of Christ find’s its full recognition in no other construction than that of the established church doctrine of satisfaction. According to it, our Lord's redeeming work is at its core a true and perfect sacrifice offered to God, of intrinsic value ample for the expiation of our guilt; and at the same time is a true and perfect righteousness offered to God in fulfillment of the demands of his law; both the one and the other being offered in behalf of his people, and, on being accepted by God, accruing to their benefit; so that by this satisfaction they are relieved at once from the curse of their guilt as breakers of the law, and from the burden of the law as a condition of life; and this by work at such kind and performed in such a manner, as to carry home to the hearts of men a profound sense of the end indefectible righteousness of God and to make them a perfect revelation of his love; so that, by this one and indivisible work, God is reconciled to us, and we, under the quickening influence of the Spirit out for us by, a reconciled to God so making peace-- external peace between an angry God and sinful men, and internal peace in the response to human conscience to the restored smile of God.[2]

Paul writes in Colossians 1:24 that the cross consisted of “Christ's afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church…” The afflictions that Christ suffered for the sake of his church were afflictions that led to atonement of sin and reconciliation to God. He died in their place for them. Jesus Christ is preeminent not only in his person but also in his work on behalf of his people. He is preeminent to his people because his work for them destroys all that was standing against them and results in reconciliation to God. The afflictions of Christ should be seen in the light of the love and pleasure of God.

Paul writes about this in Colossians 1:19-20: “For in him all the fullness of God pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things… making peace by the blood of his cross.” God was motivated by his good pleasure to reconcile all things to himself in the cross of Jesus. Louis Berkof comments on the good pleasure of God and the cross:

“According to Scripture the moving cause of the atonement is found in the good pleasure of God to save sinners by substitutionary atonement. Christ himself is the fruit of this good pleasure of God. It was predicted that he would come to the will to carry out the good pleasure of God….”[3]

Colossians 2:11-12 also speaks of the penal substitutionary nature of the atonement: ”In him also you were circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of flesh, by the circumcision of Christ, having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the powerful working of God, who raised him from the dead.” Paul refers to Jesus' death on the cross as a circumcision. This circumcision of Christ on the cross is also referred to as the circumcision of Christian. When Christ died, the Christian died. In the same way, when Christ was raised, the Christian was raised from the dead. In this way, Jesus Christ is the penal substitutionary atonement for the Christian in his death and resurrection, circumcising in himself the penalty of sin, death, and hell for the believer in granting to them his resurrected life. All other effects of the work of Jesus Christ on the cross and in his resurrection spring from the foundation stone of substitutionary atonement.

There will never be a victory you have that did not originate in the cross. There will never be failure you have that cannot be healed by the cross. Our preeminent Savior's work is first, final and forever.

[1] Eric Mason at Epiphany Fellowship in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, sermon title “Christocentricity” 10/4/09

[2] B.B. Warfield the person and work of Christ (Presbyterian and reformed publishing, 1950) p.368

[3] L. Berkhof systematic theology (Eerdmans Publishing, 1939) p. 367

Christocentric: Christ in Colossians | Life & Faith

2010-06-23T13:24:00.000-07:00

The spiritual life of the Christian is Christ himself. Christ is not only preeminent in the cosmos, but he is also preeminent in the life of the Christian. Those who have been striving together with him are “mature in Christ,” not in and of themselves (1:28). The apostle Paul was supplied with the “energy” of Christ working within him in his ministry (1:29). Since the spiritual life of the Christian is tied to the life of Jesus Christ, Paul instructs the Colossians to walk in him and to be built up in him (2:6-7). Christians have been filled in Christ (2:10), and Christ in them: “Christ is all, and in all” (3:11). Jesus is the very life of the Christian: “Christ who is your life” (3:4). The Christian does not possess his or her own eternal life but rather shares in the eternal life of Jesus Christ. Christians are instructed to let Jesus regulate their hearts in Colossians 3:15: “And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts”… because the very life of Christ is in the Christian.

Because Jesus Christ is preeminent in the universe, he is also preeminent as the object of faith and proclamation. In Colossians 1:4 and 2:5, Jesus Christ is the object of belief for the Colossian Church. In Colossians 1:28, he is the object of proclamation: “Him we proclaim.” Christ is the object of faith, the preeminent one, the reason for all things; it is always Him we proclaim. Colossians 2:2-3 says that Jesus is the knowledge of God's mystery and recognizes that his job is to ”declare the mystery of Christ.” (4:3). Faith in any other system or object is an unacceptable faith; casting the weight of one’s soul upon any human tradition apart from Christ is sternly warned against. Any philosophy that does not flow directly from Christ is to be opposed (2:8). In Colossians 3:22-24, Paul tells us that work should be done by fearing Christ; “fear the Lord,” knowing that the Lord Jesus Christ is the one that you are serving. Work itself is seen as an act of faith in Christ. Jesus Christ should be central in the faith of the church and the proclamation of the church because Jesus Christ is central—period.

Christocentric: Christ in Colossians | Shadows of Religion

2010-06-16T15:27:00.000-07:00

In Colossians 2:16-17, the apostle Paul tried to explain that—because of Jesus’ preeminent reality—the types and shadows of the old covenant are no longer necessary for Christian practice and exhortation. “Therefore, let no one pass judgment on you in questions of food and drink, or with regard to a festival or a new moon or Sabbath. These are the shadow of the things to come, but the substance belongs to Christ.” Jesus is the substance of all the Old Testament types and shadows. The types and shadows are now fulfilled in Jesus Christ, leaving no need for their implementation in practice in the new covenant era.

In Colossians 2:18-19, the apostle Paul warns against human religion having any place in Christianity. “Let no one disqualify you, insisting on asceticism and worship of angels, going on in detail about visions, puffed up without reason by his sensuous mind, and not holding fast to the Head, from whom the whole body, nourished and knit together through its joints and ligaments, grows with the growth that is from God.” The preeminent Christ is mandatory in spiritual life. Jesus is unswervingly the substance of the faith. In Colossians 2:20-23, Paul points out that being in union with the person who is the substance of the faith, Jesus Christ, there is no need to submit to man-made religious regulation. “Growth in the Christian life comes by walking him, not by following some ascetic regiment where certain foods are forbidden and special festival days are observed. These things are ‘shadows’ and the substance is Christ.”[1] Paul encourages a Colossian Church not to be distracted from its Christocentric focus. False teachers were leading them to other foci aside from Christ. Keeping Christ central is the only way to maintain health in the church.

When Paul addressed the church of Galatia, he had a similar admonition. The Galatians, like the Colossians, were swayed and enticed by religious practice. To them, he says: "...if I rebuild what I tore down, I prove myself to be a transgressor. For through the law I died to the law, so that I might live to God. I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me." (Galatians 2:18-20) The reality of religion is that it kills. Only Jesus can give us life. The law was meant to be a tutor lead us to Christ (Galatians 2:24), but was never designed to be his replacement. If the value of any practice or discipline begins to exceed the value of Christ himself, we are being deceived. Are you judging your Christian life based on your ability to perform? That is sin. Are you getting your worth from your ability to obey? Guess what: even our ability to obey is a gift, and you didn't earn it. We must fight to remember what we are so prone to forget: Christ in us is our hope of glory (Colossians 1:27), not our law-keeping or law-breaking. Have you been crucified with Christ? Stop clinging to the shadows of religion and walk in the light.

[1] Schreiner, Paul apostle of God's glory in Christ p. 27

Christocentric: Christ in Colossians | Humanity

2010-06-09T12:12:00.000-07:00

Colossians 2:9 tells us that the fullness of God dwells in an actual human body and, in other words, Jesus Christ was and is truly human. Jesus was not just the shell of a human with God inside or, perhaps worse, a ghost of some kind; Jesus was actually human. “The Christian doctrine of the incarnation claims that the eternal Son of God, the second person of the Trinity, became fully man, Jesus of Nazareth; they been doing so he did not for a moment ceased to be fully God; and that he did this ‘for us and for our salvation.’”[1]

Jesus' humanity enabled him to be our atoning sacrifice; without the shedding of blood, there would be no forgiveness of sins (Hebrews 9:22). Obviously, he needed to have a human body in order to shed his blood. His deity ensured that his blood, in its perfection, would be able to satisfy the wrath of God (1 Peter 1:18-19). We cannot rely on any righteousness other than the perfect record of Christ. Jesus' humanity assures us that he is able to sympathize with our weaknesses as our Great High Priest (Hebrews 4:14-16). And his deity reminds us that his compassions for us never fail (Lamentations 3:22-23). In his humanity, Jesus showed us dependent obedience to the Father by doing nothing on his own initiative (John 8:28, 42). In his deity, no mere man could forcefully take Jesus' life; he laid down his life on his own initiative (John 10:18). Jesus' humanity tells us that we must die (Matthew 10:38, John 12:24). His deity tells us that we will live (John 6:54).

It is incredibly important to keep Jesus' humanity and deity in view. To ignore either is a grave error.

[1] Garrett J. Deweese edited by Fred Sanders and Klaus Issler One person, Two natures in Jesus and Trinitarian Perspective (B&H publishing, Nashville Tennessee, 2007) p. 115

Christocentric: Christ in Colossians | Trinity

2010-06-02T09:44:00.000-07:00

In the process of greeting the Colossians, Paul writes, “we always thank God, the father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you” (1:3). Jesus is referred to as the Son of God the Father, thus putting his person and the context of the Trinity. With the high Christology that we find in the book of Colossians, we must keep in perspective that Jesus Christ, God the Son, is one of the members of the triune God. This explains several of the other references to Christ such as Colossians 1:19: “In [Jesus] the fullness of God was pleased to dwell.” In Jesus Christ, the Triune God is seen. Jesus not only shows us who he is as God the Son, but also who the Father and Holy Spirit are. Colossians 2:9 also shows Jesus in Trinitarian perspective when Paul tells us that “in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily.” All of the fullness of God is found in Christ. All the Father's nature is in him (what Paul calls the pleroma of Godhead, Col. 2:9). Consequently, he is equal with God; which is why, in turn, he is a unique revelation of God, unlike any other. We, as humans, may bear the image of God, but our portrayal is nothing in comparison to the complete picture that Jesus' person and work paint for us. [1]

[1] Donald MacLeod the person of Christ (Intervarsity Press, 1998) p.74

Christocentric: Christ in Colossians | Eternal

2010-05-27T09:22:00.000-07:00

The book of Colossians also makes it clear that Jesus Christ is eternal. He has no beginning or end. Jesus Christ is before all things, therefore, he is eternal, “And he is before all things” (Colossians 1:17). There is nothing that is here or that was here before Jesus Christ. He was here among the other two members of the Trinity from all eternity. Peter T. O'Brien comments,

“The first affirmation, ‘he is before all things’ declares his temporal priority to the universe. Therefore one could not rightly say as Arius that: ‘there was once when he was not.’ At the same time this statement implies his primacy over the cosmos.”[1]

Paul goes on to say in the next verse that Jesus is “the beginning” (1:18). In other words, he is the origin and source of all things because he is the eternal God. In order to be the origin of something, one must exist outside of that something—in this passage, he is the beginning of “all things,” therefore he is eternal.

The fact that he is eternal has a lot of implications. First, because he is eternal, the entirety of his person and work is also eternal. His righteousness is eternal. His atonement is eternal. His love, his justice, his mercy are eternal. And although we don't deserve it, all of this is given to us. Second, the fact that he is eternal doesn't just mean that his quantity of life is unending... it means that his quality of life is unending. His eternal life isn't just about boundless, endless time or even being outside of time. It's about the fact that he is the only life, the best life, and everything about who he is and what he does is completely satisfying. The fact that these things are true not only leads us to worship him, but it leads us to the responsibility to live in light of this truth right now, where we are and where we stand. How often do we remember that Jesus is the eternal fullness of deity (Col. 1:19) and he lives in us by the Holy Spirit? Remembering this can change everything. How will it change your life today?

[1] O'Brien p. 47

Christocentric: Christ in Colossians | Creator

2010-05-19T15:15:00.000-07:00

Colossians is very clear that Jesus Christ is Creator God. You can understand why Paul would be so insistent on letting the Colossians know this fact since they were being drawn toward believing that Jesus wasn't sovereign over all things. Knowing that Jesus is the Creator puts him on a different plane than mere man. Knowing that Jesus is our Creator-God not only affirms his deity, but also insists that he is worthy of our submission.

In Colossians 1:15 we read that Jesus is the “firstborn of all creation.” At first glance, this verse seems to undermine everything we just talked about. We might as well pack up and go home, if that were the case. But the idea of firstborn here cannot possibly be that Christ is the first created thing because, as verse 17 says, he is ‘before all things.” Paul is not constructing faulty logic. He is listing Jesus' credentials and this, too, is one of them. John Piper states:

“the reason Paul called Christ the firstborn ‘of all creation’ is ‘because in him all things were created.’ The reason is not that he was the first and greatest created thing. The reason is that every created thing was created by him. This does not incline us to think then that ‘firstborn of all creation’ means ‘firstborn among all created things,’ but rather “firstborn over all created things.’”[1]

In relation to the Father, Jesus is as a firstborn son, privy to all the rights, powers and attributes of the King. So Jesus is not firstborn in the sense of creative order, but firstborn in the sense of authority. If the Father says, "let there be light," you'd better believe that Jesus can make it happen (and -- spoiler alert -- he did).

Colossians 1:16 goes on to assert the Doctrine of Christ as Creator: “For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities -- all things were created through him and for him.” This passage tells us that Jesus Christ is the Creator God of Genesis 1. The things that are in heaven and the things that are in earth, the things that are visible and the things that are invisible, all things are created by Jesus. Peter T. O'Brien, commenting on this passage, says: “’Heaven’ and ‘invisible’ correspond as do ‘curse’ and ‘visible.’ The expression in parallel lines embrace everything, for they are no exceptions… all things have been brought into existence by the creative act of God in Christ.”[2]

Jesus Christ is not only the Creator God, he is the God who sustains all things. Colossians 1:17 puts it this way: “And in him all things hold together.” Millard Erickson writes about this passage, “After a statement about the role of Christ in creation, Paul links him to the continuation of the creation as well.”[3] In Jesus Christ, all things continue to exist. At every moment, Jesus Christ is holding all creation and sustains it by the word of his power (Hebrews 1:3). Jesus Christ not only brings things into existence as Creator, but he also keeps things existing as sustainer. Can you believe that? Every particle of your body is being held together by Jesus. You are reading this (and not falling asleep while reading it) because Jesus made your eyes, nerves and brain, made the light by which you see, made your mind capable of cognition and critical thought... and he lets you continue to enjoy those privileges.

Take a minute to think about all the ways that Jesus is your creator and sustainer. You'll be thinking for a while, I assure you. May your heart be moved to worship as you consider these things.

[1] John Piper The Pleasures of God (Multnomah, 1991) p. 39

[2] Peter T. Obrien Colossians, Philemon; Word Biblical Commentary (Thomas Nelson Publishers,1982) p.46

[3] Millard J. Erickson Christian Theology (Baker Books) p. 414

Christocentric: Christ in Colossians | Purpose (Part 2)

2010-05-12T14:34:00.000-07:00

The book of Colossians was written to make clear that Jesus Christ is the preeminent God-man over heaven and earth in both his person and work. “The preeminence of Christ breathes through all of Colossians.”[1] The apostle Paul relentlessly and consistently communicates throughout the book of Colossians the preeminence of Jesus Christ over all things. His purpose was to set the preeminence of Christ over and against the “Colossian heresy,” but—in God's providence—he has allowed the Colossian friction to become our theological traction in discovering the preeminence of Jesus.

In Colossians 1:16, we see that all things exist for Jesus. “All things were created through him and for him.” He is not only the Creator, but the ultimate point of creation. All things that exist do so for the pure pleasure and glory of Christ. Jesus Christ is not only preeminent in the means of creation, but also in the goal of creation. Not only are these things created by Jesus Christ, but they are created for the Creator himself—Jesus Christ. All things exist for His pleasure and preeminence. This should greatly impact how we view the world around us. Although we derive great enjoyment from creation, no one gets more satisfaction than Jesus. Although creation can be satisfying to us, nothing will gratify us more than knowing Jesus, the author of all creation. How dare we put anything above Him! May we put everything in subjection under His feet (including ourselves)... where it rightfully belongs.

We also see the doctrine of the preeminence of Christ in a more practical sections of Paul's letter to the Colossians. Paul argues that “Christ is all” (3:11) and that racial distinctions do not hinder the gospel because of the preeminence of Christ. The preeminence of Christ extends over and above all human barriers. In Colossians 3:17-24 the apostle Paul lists the preeminence of Christ as a motivation to work hard, “And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the father through him.” Because Christ is preeminent, all things should be done in his name including work, word, and deed, thanking the Father through Christ.

The preeminence of Jesus supersedes any line we could ever draw or throne we could ever build. He's going to reign whether we like it or not... so let's embrace that fact and live before him.

[1] Thomas R. Schreiner Paul: Apostle of God's Glory in Christ (Intervarsity Press, 2001) p.27

Christocentric: Christ in Colossians | Purpose (Part 1)

2010-05-05T10:39:00.000-07:00

The purpose of the book of Colossians is the refutation of the so-called “Colossian Heresy.”

It’s difficult to pinpoint exactly what this heresy entails since the only record we have is Paul’s refutation of it. So, we’re going to deduce what “Colossian Heresy” was all about by looking at how Paul combats it.

This heresy seems targeted on downplaying the preeminence of Christ; therefore, Paul writes an entire section dealing with the deity of Christ and that He is first in all things. We are told He is the “image of the invisible God” (1:15), “the Creator” (1:16), “the Sustainer” (1:17), “the Head of the church and First Born of the dead” (1:18), “the Fullness of God” (1:19), and “the One who reconciled all things to Himself through the Cross” (1:20-23). Judging by Paul’s response, these false teachers must have taught Christ was not preeminent, nor the Creator or Sustainer of all things. Paul attacks their empty deceit and philosophy, which he says is according to human tradition and according to the elemental spirits of the world (2:8). Paul tells them not to be deceived because they, as a church, have been filled with Christ who is the Head of all rule and authority (2:10). The false teachers seem to have taught that the Gentile believers in Colossae needed to be circumcised because Paul assures them by telling them that they were circumcised in Christ, a circumcision made without hands (2:11), they have been buried with Christ in baptism and raised from the dead in Christ (2:12), and Christ has cancelled out the record of debt that stood against them by nailing it to the cross (2:14).

These false teachers must have been proponents of the fear of demons and angels, as well, because Paul tells them that Christ has disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to shame by triumphing over them (2:15). In Chapter 2 verse 18, Paul tells the Colossians not to let anyone disqualify them by insisting on the worship of angels. These false teachers also taught obedience to the parts of the Jewish Law, such as festivals and Sabbaths (2:18). The false teachers must have taught the Colossians to submit to regulations having to do with handling certain things and eating certain things (2:21). Paul tells them all these things will perish as they are used and these are only human teachings and precepts. He tells them these, indeed, have an appearance of wisdom, but they are really just promoting self-made religion and asceticism. They have no value in stopping the indulgence of the flesh (2:23). In Chapter 3, Paul does an entire exposition on true Christian spirituality and true Christian living. Paul explains to the Church in Colossae that Jesus Christ is absolutely preeminent over man-made teaching and man-made practice. Jesus Christ is—in his person and work—supremely enough for us and for our salvation.

Next week, we’ll take Paul’s purpose in writing to the Colossians and translate it to our context.

Christocentric: Christ in Colossians | Theme

2010-04-28T10:30:00.000-07:00

The theme of the book of Colossians is the centrality and supremacy of Jesus Christ in all things. Jesus Christ is the preeminent God-man over heaven and earth in both his person and work.

“The Epistle contains a high Christology. Christ is preeminent over all other creatures and over creation itself.”[1] Let's quickly examine a few verses which exemplify this:

He is supreme in all of creation and in Him the fullness of deity dwells in bodily form (1:15-21).
His work on the cross cancelled out all sin that stands against us and reconciled all things to Himself (1:20 & 2:13-14).
His resurrection is the basis of the new identity of the Christian (2:12 & 3:1-4).
From His life flows true Christian piety (3:1-4, 6).

The theme of the book of Colossians, with reference to its purpose, is that the religious teachings of men are not sufficient for salvation, nor are they helpful because the person and work of Christ is supreme. Therefore, there is no need for religious teachings of men because all true reality flows from Christ alone.

The theme of the book of Colossians is one that should weave itself in and out of our lives, as well. Christ did not come as a mere historical figure, although he is the Author of it. He did not come as a political leader, although he is the Ultimate Sovereign over every earthly sovereign. The King of Kings came as the Servant of servants and our response should be to follow in his footsteps. This service we render him should not be based on earning his favor -- the gospel is opposed to earning -- but it should be striven for with great effort.

Take some time to grapple with these things today. Recognize his preeminence over all things, all circumstances... even you. Accept the fact that he is preeminent over you and thank him for it. Realize that his preeminence makes it possible for you to be truly freed from the sin that ensnares you. Respond to his preeminence with adoration and obedience. Strive, yearn, thirst for your risen King.

[1] Donald Guthrie, New Testament Introduction: Revised Edition (Intervarsity Press, 1990) p. 571

Christocentric: Christ in Colossians | Readership

2010-04-21T11:43:00.000-07:00

We're going to continue examining the background of the book of Colossians. Let's take a look at the readership.

The readers of the book of Colossians are from the church in Colossae. They are referred to as the saints and faithful brothers in Christ at Colossae (1:2). These saints have heard the Word of Truth—the Gospel (1:5)—which was bearing fruit among them since the day they understood it and they were being taught by Epaphras who lived among them as a faithful minister of Christ (1:6-8). Throughout the letter, the apostle Paul exhorts the Colossians in the doctrine of the preeminence of Christ and the type of living that flows from that doctrine. It is possible that this may have been an exhortation for encouragement to continue doing what they are already doing, but more likely the Colossians were abandoning the doctrine of Christ for a false teaching that had come in among them. This false teaching taught them false doctrine about Christ and about worship of angels and Jewish traditions, which flow from visions received by the false teachers. In turn, their lifestyle was not in accordance with the doctrine of Christ, but based on legalism and earthly philosophies (2:16-23). Paul exhorts them in true Christian living flowing from the life one has in Christ (3:1-4,6).

Take some time today and examine your life. What is it that you're turning to? What are you attempting to replace with Christ? Empty legalism or philosophies? Name them, put them on paper. Repent and turn to Christ, your only life=giver and healer of religion.

Christocentric: Christ in Colossians | Authorship

2010-04-14T13:48:00.000-07:00

To begin our study of Colossians, we're going to look at some of the context. First up, the author: Paul.

The Apostle Paul wrote the book of Colossians either along with Timothy or in the company of Timothy. Many scholars—without the presence of reasonable doubt—claim that the epistle was not written by Paul.

“The authorship of this letter has been the subject of considerable discussion. Until the last century, no serious question about Pauline authorship seems to have been raised. Even then, questions were raised only by a minority of scholars.”[1]

There were no compelling arguments for any authorship other than Paul in regard to external evidences.

In regard to internal evidence, there are many similarities to other epistles written by Paul. The apostle Paul made repeated reference to himself in the book because the theological content of the book came to us in the form of an apostolic letter. Paul wrote that he always thanked God the Father for the Colossians when he prayed for them because he heard of the faith they had in Christ and the love they had for all the saints (1:3). Paul had probably never visited this church because he states he had “heard” of their faith and love (1:4). Paul tells the Colossians from the day he heard of their faith, he had not ceased to pray for them, asking that they may attain spiritual wisdom and understanding, to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord.

Paul expands for the Colossians the doctrine of the deity of Jesus Christ. Of this doctrine he tells them that, “[he], Paul, became a minister” (1:22). Paul tells the Colossians that he rejoices in his sufferings because they build up the church and bring to light the mystery of God (1:24-27). He tells them that Christ is the One proclaimed by Timothy and him and that he toils and struggles with all the energy of Christ and for the sake of Christ in order to bring to light the wisdom of Christ (1:28-29). Paul wants them to know how great a struggle he had for them in order that their hearts may be encouraged. Although he is absent in body, he is with them in spirit (2:1-5). At the close of the letter, Paul tells the Colossians that Tychicus will tell them about all his activities and will encourage them (4:7-9). Paul sends greetings to the Colossians from all the brothers who are either fellow prisoners or are with him during his imprisonment. He ends the letter by saying he has wrote this greeting with his own hand and grace will be with them (4:18).

Not only is Paul's authorship written all over this letter, but his heart is contained in its pages, as well. Paul's heart for his brothers and sisters in Christ is convicting, to say the least. How often are we fervently thankful for the people we spread the gospel with? We're often more inclined to complain about our co-heirs rather than thank God for them. May Paul's heart for the Colossians serve to refine our own.

[1] Carson, Moo Morris An Introduction to the New Testament (Zondervan Publishing House, 1992) p. 331

New Blog Series: Christocentric - Christ in Colossians

2010-03-25T12:47:00.000-07:00

The book of Colossians is rich in the doctrine of Christ. In its pages, you will find that Jesus Christ of Nazareth is the God-man who has centrality and supremacy in all things. Here are some facts: the name “Christ” is used 25 times, the name “Jesus” is used 7 times, the words “him” and “his” are used 23 times in reference to Jesus, and the word “Son” is used 2 times in reference to Jesus. Jesus is the focal point of the book of Colossians and—in both his person and work as described in Colossians—he forms the foundation and reason for all things. The book of Colossians was written to make things plain: Jesus Christ is the preeminent God-man over heaven and earth. There's no getting around it (whether we want to or not).

Over the next few weeks, were going to explore these themes in the context of the author, audience and occasion of the writing, as well as Paul's theme and purpose in writing the letter. I don't want to stop there, though. This will be a springboard from which we examine what this means for each of us today. It's not enough to reason these things to be true; we must brush off our hypocrisy, close the gap between who we are and who we appear to be and choose to live in light of what we believe to be true.

What I hope for you is this: that you will encounter Christ for who he is (not what you want him to be or think he should be) and be changed. The fact that he is preeminent and holds all things together should have an affect on every part of our being. It is because of his great mercy and for the sake of his good name that he chooses to sustain us. As we walk through Colossians, I hope that we'll submit more of ourselves to him in response to the truth about him.

The Intentionality of Jesus Making Disciples in John's Gospel... Part X

2009-12-10T12:01:00.000-08:00

Chapter 12

12:1-8 - Jesus allows for Mary to anoint his feet. He uses this as an opportunity to communicate grace not only to Mary, but also to the onlookers which include His disciples, potential disciples, and even the one who only gave the appearance of being a disciple... Judas.

12:20-26 - While the disciples are interested in doing a little P.R. with the Greeks, Jesus keeps them focused on the cross and what he came to do. He explains to them that discipleship is about losing your life, that you might find true life.

12:27-30 - Jesus talks to the Father out loud in front of the disciples about the cross he is about to bear. Jesus’ prayer is that God might be glorified in the cross. The Father responds out loud to Jesus, “I have glorified it and I will glorify it again.” The conversation between the two members of the God-head is out loud in front of the disciples. Jesus says that “this voice has come for your sake, not mine.” The Father and Jesus taught the disciples through a conversation about the cross and the glory of God in the cross. This was to show them that the primary concern of God and therefore the primary concern of the disciples of God is the glory of God in the cross.

12:32 - Jesus gives the disciples their mission to “lift up” the lifting up of Jesus. Jesus was lifted up on the cross to save sinners. The mission of disciples is to preach or “lift up” Jesus lifted up on the cross.

The Intentionality of Jesus Making Disciples in John's Gospel... Part IX

2009-10-21T12:11:00.000-07:00

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.

Important Business

2009-10-19T11:44:00.001-07:00

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.

Intentionality of Jesus Making Disciples in John's Gospel... Part VIII

2009-10-15T09:37:00.000-07:00

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.

The Intentionality of Jesus Making Disciples in John's Gospel... Part VII

2009-10-07T12:47:00.000-07:00

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.

The Intentionality of Jesus Making Disciples in John's Gospel... Part VI

2009-09-30T10:55:00.001-07:00

Here are some more insights from John to chew on. Open your Bible to John 6.

***

6:1-15 - In the feeding of the 5,000, Jesus teaches his disciples that they must trust God to provide for the needs of their ministry. This example has the power to continually spur us on to deeper levels of trust... ask yourself to what extent you trust Jesus to provide. He also teaches them that he is the new Moses providing bread in the wilderness. This means he is the Mediator of the New Covenant. Think through what it means for Jesus to be a mediator... how does that directly effect your disciple-making?

6:16-21 - Jesus teaches his disciples not to fear. Really -- don't fear. In the words of King David, "Be courageous and do it." (1 Chron. 28)

6:22-40 - Jesus tells his disciples that he is the true bread that comes from heaven. He is the very sustenance for their walk and their lives as the disciples. Anyone who cannot accept this message cannot be His disciple (41-59). If you're seeking fuel for your life and your ministry from other places, you're in for it. Be warned.

The Intentionality of Jesus Making Disciples in John's Gospel... Part V

2009-09-23T08:53:00.000-07:00

Alright, open up your Bibles to John 5 -- it's going to be short and sweet today.

* * *

5:19-24 - Jesus explains his submission to the authority of God. If Jesus, who is God the Son, is under authority; then how much more should we as disciples be under authority? A “disciple” who is not under authority is no disciple at all. Although it is unpopular amongst our self-seeking, self-sufficient, self-motivated culture, this is the way Jesus does business.

5:25-29 - Jesus gives the hope of the future resurrection to his disciples. Sometimes we need to paint the picture of future glory to those we disciple that they may see their future identity and hope and not lose heart. Are you painting a picture of hope to those whom you influence?

5:30-38 - Jesus’ disciples are present as Jesus rebukes the religious establishment. Jesus is clear that he is sent to proclaim the message of the Father... not irrelevant religious discourse that has no root in the gospel.

5:39-47 - A disciple must understand the Scripture. Jesus explains to those who are not His disciples (as His disciples overhear) that He is the center of the Scripture. Right now, we are in the middle of a Small Group Push. What better way to get to know the Jesus of the Scriptures than to get into a Small Group? Go to our website for more info.

Intentionality of Jesus Making Disciples in John's Gospel... Part IV

2009-09-16T08:34:00.000-07:00

As we continue in John, Jesus' ministry heats up. It's providential that this is the scripture we're looking at now, given that the fall is typically the season of the most church growth. Yet, is the church growing the way Jesus would intend? Let's take a look at what he says and align ourselves with Him and His mission... on His terms. Open up to John chapter 4.

***

4:1 - Jesus made a lot of Disciples. If there is no conversion growth, then you are not making disciples the way Jesus did. He was actively seeking and saving the lost, always concerned with the lost sheep, lost coin and lost pearl (see Luke 15) rather than pleasing and appeasing the unsatisfied religious.

4:6 - Jesus went to gathering places of the community in which he was seeking to make disciples. In this case, it was the local well. Evangelism is part of discipleship. Where are you going to accomplish this? Maybe it's time to get creative. Your cowardice might be more dire than you think.

4:7 - Jesus starts the conversation with the potential disciple talking about “non-spiritual” things. It goes to show you... kingdom investment is more about obedience (in this case, opening your mouth) than eloquence.

4:10 - Jesus moves the conversation to the spiritual realm, moving her to his person and work after establishing understanding and trust. After you begin a relationship with a seeker, make sure you know where it is you want to end up (hint: it should be Jesus).

4:14-18 - Jesus talks to her about her personal need of spiritual life and forgiveness of sin. Some people think that talking about ' felt needs' is a form of evangelical coersion. Jesus calls it conversion. Can't avoid the truth that we are people who are in great need of an all-sufficient Savior.

4:21-26 - Jesus disciples this woman in the ways of true worship and identifies himself as Savior. A good shepherd makes himself known, whether it be subtly or overtly. In this case, overtly.

4:31-38 - Jesus teaches his disciples that discipleship is about doing the will of God. The disciples are caught up in their own business and are not aware of the lost people coming their way. Jesus is concerned for the lost—not the food. The disciples are concerned about the food—not the lost. He tells them, “I sent you to reap…” Where are you in the spectrum?

4:41-42 - The one whom Jesus disciples, disciples others. It will never end with you... so don't let it.

Intentionality of Jesus Making Disciples in John's Gospel...III

2009-09-08T13:44:00.000-07:00

After a refreshing vacation, I'm ready to get back into the scriptures with you. Open your Bibles to John chapter 3.

* * *

3:2 - He received potential disciples and opportunities to disciple... even at unexpected or "inconvenient" times.

3:3 - Jesus explains the necessity of the new birth to become a disciple.

3:4-7 - Jesus teaches Nicodemus that dependence upon God’s regeneration is essential for discipleship.

3:8 - Discipleship is about letting the sovereign Spirit determine the effects of conversion.

3:9-15 - Discipleship pivots upon Jesus and his heavenly wisdom.

3:16-21 - The message of a disciple concerning the love of God and the redeeming work of Jesus.
3:22-29 - John the Baptist is a great example of what it looks like to be a disciple who deflects from self and points to Jesus.

3:30 - A disciple decreases while Jesus increases.

3:34 - A disciple is sent by God uttering the words of God. The message is a message that includes threats and promises.

Intentionality of Jesus Making Disciples in John’s Gospel...II

2009-08-21T09:25:00.000-07:00

John Chapter 2

Open your Bible!

2:2 - Jesus takes his disciples with him wherever he goes -- he allows them to see/be part of every aspect of His life. Although Jesus often went away in solitude to be with the Father, his disciples were connected enough to His life to observe all of these instances and take them as an example.

2:8 - Jesus models leadership in and through our problems... not our perfection.

2:9 - Let's be honest -- Jesus does cool things, like turning water to wine, to show his disciples the joy of the Kingdom (Zech. 9:17).

2:12 - Jesus simply “did life” with His disciples by traveling with them to Capernaum.

2:13-17 - He modeled zeal and righteous anger to his disciples, showing them that you don’t need to be a passive, feminine pansy to be a disciple of Jesus. Quite the opposite, in fact. The disciples apparently got the message (verse 17).

2:18-22 - Through the illustration of the temple, Jesus kept before his disciples the centrality of the cross and resurrection, which was forthcoming. After the events of the cross the disciples remembered this (verse 22).

Keep reading, keep thinking, keep following, keep commenting. Peace.

Intentionality of Jesus Making Disciples

2009-08-19T13:15:00.000-07:00

John Chapter 1:
**Remember to keep your Bibles open. A journal is recommened, too.**

1:3 - Jesus is the Light of Men. Jesus makes disciples of fallen men by gracing them with the light of the glory of His presence (2 Cor. 4:6). A Disciple of Jesus is a person who reflects the light of Jesus (verse 8).

1:12, 13 - Jesus -- and only Jesus -- gives men the right and ability to become disciples.

1:14 - Jesus is the missionary who leaves heaven to make disciples on earth. He becomes human to disciple humans. Those who make disciples have to be missionaries like Jesus.

1:18 - Jesus makes disciples by making the Father known. Making disciples is changing people into the likeness of God (Eph. 5:1).

1:23, 29 - Once someone is a disciple, they point people to Jesus and His saving work (like John the Baptist did). John is a good example of a disciple.

1:37 - A disciple is someone who follows Jesus proactively, at all cost.

1:38 - Jesus makes disciples by asking good questions: “What do you seek?” What kinds of questions do we ask?

1:39 - He invites them to journey with Him, not just observe from an outside perspective or study without participation: “Come and you will see.” Making Disciples begins with meeting seekers, being with seekers and sharing life with them. Discipleship is more about living life than gaining knowledge.

1:41 - Those who become disciples of Jesus attract other people to Jesus. This is Jesus’ strategy to advance His kingdom of disciples.

1:42 - Jesus gives his disciples a new identity (Other examples are seen in re-naming Abraham, Sarah, and Jacob).

1:43 - He finds the lost Phillip and calls him to follow Him. Evangelism is the seedbed of discipleship. You cannot disciple without evangelizing.

1:45 - Phillip then finds Nathaniel. Jesus reproduces disciples through His disciples.

1:48 - Jesus complements good character and is verbally generous. He is winsome in his approach.

1:50 - Jesus casts a vision of the greatness of the kingdom of God... often.

1:51 - Jesus explains His centrality in discipleship. He alone is the stairway to heaven and we would be remiss to discount him.

****

What are your insights & thoughts?

After a Long Hiatus...

2009-08-19T09:14:00.000-07:00

...I'm back to blogging.

As I've been tearing through the word for some of my seminary classes, God has been revealing a lot of truth about discipleship. What is discipleship? Who/what is a disciple of Jesus? How did Jesus Himself disciple others? What does that mean today?

Over the next few weeks, this blog is going to be dedicated to addressing these questions. We're going to go straight through the book of John and look at some key principles along the way -- so I ask that you read this blog with an open Bible in front of you in order to follow along. Please comment back with your insights, too.

The first entry will be posted today, so be ready with Bible in hand.

Walking Before Him

2009-05-15T16:23:00.000-07:00

“When Abram was ninety-nine years old the LORD appeared to Abram and said to him, "I am God Almighty; walk before me, and be blameless...” —Genesis 17:1

John Sailhamer—an OT/Hebrew Scholar—says that a literal translation of the Hebrew in this verse would be “I am God Almighty [El Shaddai] walk before me and you will be blameless.”

Walking before God Almighty is the pathway to blamelessness. But what does that actually entail?

It entails a great many blessings. As we walk before Him, he justifies us in Jesus Christ. Abram was justified by faith in his greater son, Jesus (Gen. 15:6) and we are justified by faith in his greater son as we “walk before Him.” It is interesting that God emphasizes the relational aspect of our Justification before Him. He wants us to “walk before Him.” How freeing is that? He doesn’t say “work for me,” he says “walk before me.” So today I’m just walkin’ before him and trusting that he is making me blameless.

It also means knowing Who we're walking with and confessing when we sometimes stray. When I sin I say, “Father I’ve been walkin’ before you and you just saw that. I confess that I need Jesus—please forgive me.” To this confession He replies, “I know. I saw it, my Son is still your forgiveness, He is still your righteousness and he is pleading your case.”

Walking before Him also affords us the knowledge that He sees everything in our path, even when we can't. When I’m in a particular situation that requires guidance I say, “Father, I’m walkin’ before you and I need your wisdom.”

Walking before Him means including Him in our lives, maintaining constant communication, being present with Him in every moment. In some ways, it looks a lot like a play-by-play. Sometimes I just say “I love you” or “You’re awesome” or “Your creation is breathtaking” or “Jesus, I like this Steak… thanks.” And as I walk before Him—even in the most simple or “insignificant” of ways—I’m blameless in the sight of God Almighty.

Let's walk before Him. Right now.

Holy Week Saturday

2009-04-11T12:22:00.000-07:00

Read Matthew 27:57-66

He is dead. Hope is lost. Darkness wins. Or does it?
Saturday is dark but “Sunday’s comin”.

Read Psalm 16
Is He your hope when it is dark?

Focus on verse 10. The New Testament puts these words in the mouth of Christ as a prediction of the events coming on Sunday.

Read Acts 2:25-36

Go to bed early and rise early Sunday Morning to read Matthew 28.

Holy Week – GOOD FRIDAY

2009-04-10T09:35:00.000-07:00

Today is the day in which we remember our Savior’s death. We no only celebrate our Savior’s death as a memorial as if He was only a martyr from some great cause but, rather, His death is “for our sins.”

Read Matthew 26:36-68
Meditate on your Savior’s love in His betrayal and arrest and as He stands before the Jewish council. Jesus had the power the whole time to stop this gross injustice, but He did not. If you think about it, even His dying for you is an injustice. A just man dies for guilty, condemned sinners. That’s not justice, but it is love. Now there is a sense where Jesus’ death satisfies the justice of God for our sin. Think of his love in these events in every footstep and accusation.

Read Matthew 26:69-75
How have you denied Him? What do you need to confess to Him? Now watch His love pay for your betrayal in these next verses.

Read Matthew 27:11-56

Stricken, smitten and afflicted
See Him dying on the tree
Tis the Son of God rejected
Yes my soul
Tis He, Tis He

In your minds eye, see Him crucified. See His slumped over, beaten, bloody body. See your guilt in the violence. See your freedom in His love.

Come tonight at 6pm or 7:30pm to Good Friday Services to remember your King and partake in Communion.

Holy Week Thursday

2009-04-08T20:50:00.001-07:00

Today is the day where Christians remember the “Last Supper” of Jesus and His disciples. The following passages describe the conversation at the table and after the meal. Listen to His voice in the scripture.

Read John 13

See the Service of your Master. How has he served you according to this passage? How has he served you in other parts of your life? Who can you serve today?

Read John 14

Where can you find Hope in this passage? Have you been quiet enough to hear the voice of the Holy Spirit in your soul lately? How about now?

Read John 15

The most important thing in your life is abiding in the vine Jesus Christ. Are you getting your strength from him? Let His life flow in you, don’t suppress it.

Read John 17

Hear the conversation of the Trinity. Hear Jesus Pray for you as your priest.

Read Matthew 26:17-30

Prepare for tomorrow night’s communion service.

Holy Week Wednesday

2009-04-08T08:16:00.000-07:00

On Wednesday, in the Passion Week of Jesus, the scriptures are silent. Because nothing is recorded, today’s devotion will not come from passion texts like the other days. It is often called “Dark Wednesday.” It seems that Jesus did nothing significant this day. It was a day after the day of controversy with the religious leaders and is possibly the day that Judas made the deal with the religious leaders to betray Jesus. Imagine Jesus for a moment in his humanity on this day. He knows the fate that awaits Him. He knows one of his best friends had betrayed him. This is a day of sorrow for him.

Read Isaiah 52:13-53:12.

This is an ancient prophecy of Christ’s life, character, and work. He was a man of sorrows (53:3).

He knows. He has suffered. Just like you….more than you.

Think about your Savior’s grief today. In your grief will you follow him to the cross?

Prepare to meet Him there today, everyday, and profoundly at Living Stones Good Friday services.

Friday April 10- 6:00p & 7:30p (Robb Campus)

Holy Week Day 2- Tuesday

2009-04-07T09:23:00.000-07:00

Day of Controversy and Parables

Read Matthew 21:23-24:51

On Tuesday of that first Holy Week Jesus was challenged and opposed by many who were threatened by His ministry. For today’s devotional there is a lot of Bible reading. Meditate on Christ and His responses to these religious leaders.

Read Matt. 21:23-46

How do these parables apply to you? Who are you in these stories?

Read Mathew 22:1-33

Just meditate on the wisdom of Christ and how he handles opposition.

Read Matthew 22:34-46

Today is a day to evaluate your obedience to Christ’s command to love. Who do you say Christ is? What are the areas where your life is not submitted to His Lordship?

Read Matthew 23-24

Meditate on Jesus’ disgust with Religion.

Prepare your heat for His return.

Holy Week Monday

2009-04-05T22:18:00.000-07:00

This is the first in the series of blogs/devotionals for Holy Week. Throughout Holy Week in the Living Stones community we are going to spend each day with Jesus looking at what he did nearly 2,000 years ago on this same day of the week.

Read Mark 11:12-19

Mark 11:12-14
The fig tree is a metaphor for the nation of Israel. Jesus has come to his people, the nation of Israel, and looked for fruit, but has found none. Jesus came to the tree looking and was disappointed. It looked as though it were a good tree because it had leaves, but it had no fruit. If this tree represented your life would Jesus find fruit? Take a moment to examine yourself. Repent where appropriate and thank God for his forgiveness in Jesus.

Mark 11:15-19
As was customary, each Passover, the nation of Israel would make the trek to Jerusalem for the celebration in which they would bring a sacrifice for their sins. Upon arriving at the temple, the religious leaders would examine their sacrifice and deem it unworthy. They would then sell you a “worthy” sacrifice. And if you didn’t have a sacrifice, the religious crooks would jack the prices up and charge you an exorbitant amount to buy an animal. Imagine God’s thoughts about these practices as people are trying to worship God according to the Law and other people are taking advantage and hustling them for cash in their worship. We see in this passage, Jesus’ reaction to the blatant sin in God’s temple.

Read 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 Now you are the temple. If Jesus were to enter the temple courts of your life, what would he find? What would he drive out? What would infuriate him? Would he find in your life that your temple is a house of prayer or a robbers’ den?

Read Isaiah 56:1-7 Jesus quotes this Old Testament passage about the true salvation to come. This salvation has it’s fulfillment in Christ and leads to true worship of all nations.

Today is about integrity. Is your life integrated? Or are there areas that Jesus needs to flip over tables and whip things out of you?

ACTION STEP: Focus on your integrity today. Everywhere you go seek to tell the truth. Everywhere you drive, drive WITHIN the speed limit. Meditate on the salvation you need in Jesus for your lack of integrity. Meditate on the integrity you receive from Jesus in his salvation.

Holy Week

2009-04-05T16:15:00.000-07:00

Today is Palm Sunday and marks the beginning of Holy Week -- the observance of the week (and all its events) leading up to the crucifixion and resurrection of the Lord Jesus. It is a celebration that has been observed for the bulk of church history and is typically marked by a lot of special attention and reflection. I know what a lot of you may be thinking: "Don't we celebrate those things all year round? Shouldn't we be doing that already?" Well, if you tell me that you take copious amounts of time to reflect on the death and resurrection of Jesus all of the other 51 weeks of the year, then let me be blunt -- you're probably lying. I love you, but it's the truth. We all need a kick in the pants now and then (or all the time) and participating in Holy Week -- by consistently and intentionally focusing on Jesus -- is a good way to accomplish that task.

So... I'm going to post a blog EVERY DAY of Holy Week in order to help us reflect on Christ together. Each blog will include some insights and some personal action steps for you to take on your own. Please come back EVERY DAY this week and consider Jesus with me.

Surprised By Him

2009-03-30T15:21:00.000-07:00

Do you ever find yourself surprised by God? Does he ever come to you when you least expect it? This morning -- like most mornings -- I got up, grabbed some coffee, my Bible and my prayer book and engaged in my devotional time. It was sweet. The Lord spoke to me and I went about my day. Much of the rest of the morning was frustrating and hurried. Then, I got to the office. For some reason (I’ll call it God’s leading) I felt strongly impressed to read Psalm 16 and then Psalm 22. Then He came. His presence came with such joy I almost wanted Him to stop lest I be reduced to tears. In Psalm 22, I saw such glory in the Son’s death on the cross and the Father's perspective of His Son’s death that I was transferred to another place. Even now, a half hour later, I am stunned by Him. Oh, that this could happen more. It seems so many of my times with the Lord are normally encouraging, other times are deeply refreshing but this -- this was glory. All I can conclude is that this is what Jesus meant when he said “the wind blows where it wishes, and you hear it’s sound but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit” (John 3:8). So I will wait patiently with expectation 'til he comes like this again; and even if he never does, I will seek him as for treasure. Join me.

Q&A from Genesis... Part III

2009-01-30T10:34:00.000-08:00

Alright... we're nearing the end. These questions are great, everyone. Keep them coming.

- HT

* * *

Q: If God created everything, how was He created? Why does He get to choose how life is?

A: God was never created. He has always existed as the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. One God in three persons. This is hard for us to wrap our minds around because everything we know had a beginning point, but that is why He is God and we are not. He gets to choose how life is because he created life; he sustains life and will continue to exist because he says so. It is humbling for us as humanity to know that our lives do not exist for us, but for Him. But if you think about it, it makes sense. It would be sort of silly if God created all life and then made it all about us – small, finite creatures who have nothing to do with either the creation of this world or the sustaining of it.

Q: If religion is destructive, why does James 1:27 say that “pure and undefiled religion before God the Father is [to care for orphans and widows]?” Even the Greek shows us that it is the same.

A: The Greek word that you are referring to, which is translated “religion” in most English Bibles carries with it more the idea of worship than a religious structure. When I speak of religion from the front, I am usually speaking of religious systems that exist to try and justify ourselves before God. I’m not referring to the true worship of God. James is pulling his imagery from the book of Isaiah and the book of Amos where God communicates to his people that He does not want their religious worship if they are not taking care of the poor and oppressed. So you might say, true worship in the sight of God is to care for the poor and downtrodden alongside offering our hearts and devotion to God; not to become justified before God, but because we are justified before God based on what Jesus has done. James is not using this word in the sense of saying that if you want to make yourself justified in the sight of God care for orphans and widows. He is saying that if you are truly justified before God you will do these things. It’s a sort of fruit or proof of your justification and not religion in the modern sense of the word.

Q: Why do you think God gave us this earth to rule over when He knew that He would destroy it little by little?

A: As far as I know, God does not destroy the earth little by little. Sin destroys the earth and humanity, in its fallen and sinful state, destroys the earth, but God does not. God’s ultimate plan is to renew the earth by recreating it as the new heavens and the new earth (see Romans 8). In the same way that Jesus is going to resurrect our bodies and give us a perfect one, Jesus is going to “resurrect” the earth and make it a perfect one.

Q: I see that it makes a laugh to talk about sex being the first commandment, but doesn’t it say “be fruitful” first? And isn’t it talking about the fruits of the spirit?

A: I do not mention sex being God’s first command as a matter of comedy, although it is ironic, but as a matter of theology. When Genesis 1 talks about being fruitful, it is talking about sex and reproduction. You can see this when you look at the command to the animals and to the sea life that they, too, must be fruitful. And the result of being fruitful for animals and humans is to fill the earth. I’m glad that you’re thinking about the scriptures and comparing scripture with scripture, but this is a case where “fruit” in Genesis 1 means something completely different than “fruit” in Galatians 5 (fruit of the Spirit) and different than “fruit” in Genesis 2. Context determines the meaning of the word.

Q: If the Garden of Eden is an actual place, somewhere in the Middle East, why haven’t we found it?

A: I think the answer is in ABC’s show Lost. Just kidding. Either God destroyed it, took it away or has hidden it so that we cannot find it.

Q: How can people be showing God, both Christians and non-Christians when they do horrible things?

A: All humans are created in the image of God and because of the fall all humans are afflicted and infected with sin. Christians are redeemed from the power of sin, but not yet the presence of sin. Christians are fallen and redeemed at the same time. Christians are forgiven and being transformed by the Spirit of God they are still capable of doing evil when they walk in disobedience to God. Non-Christians still bear the image of God, but sin by nature and choice and are not forgiven of sin. God offers to forgive and restore anyone who will turn to Jesus, but until Jesus comes back, all humans will struggle with sin. Humans show God through bearing the image of God, without even trying. All humans have within them traces of His goodness.

Q: According to the book of Genesis, how old is the earth?

A: Come back on March 1st and we’re going to spend the whole service discussing creation, evolution and the age of the earth.

Q: I think environmentalism can go too far by worshipping the earth instead of God, the created instead of the Creator.

A: Not really a question, but good point.

Q: How can I show God and know God when I want to work with animals? How can I make and/or be a disciple when I want to work with animals?

A: Sounds like my job. I would just say that I am sure that either through the church or through your job or through your interactions with people in other spheres of life you will have opportunity to make disciples.

Q: Why does God love us when no when else does?

A: God loves you because He created you; He put His image in you and is offering to redeem you. God’s love is not conditional, but is based on his perfect will and affection. His love is not like the love of people.

Q: Could you clarify why God hated Esau? If God loves each of us, why does Psalm 5:4-5 state, “you hate all workers of iniquity”?

A: There is a sense in which God loves all that He has created including humanity. Jesus says that God shows his love to the unrighteous by giving them rain and food and seasons (Matt. 5:43-48). Right before that Jesus tells us to love our enemies. There is even a sense that before you were saved by God that God hated you in your sin because God hates sins and so his hatred would extend to sinners. The paradox in the Bible is that God loves his enemies and redeems those whom he formally hated. Esau never came to God’s redemption and therefore remained in God’s hatred of sin and sinners. I do not know how the love of God and God’s hate for sin connects, but I know they exist side by side and in God’s infinite mind they co-exist just fine. We have to be okay with the mysteries in scripture.

Another Thing...

2009-01-29T10:28:00.000-08:00

Don't forget that LS is only meeting at the Keystone Campus this Sunday. Come to Reno High School at either 10am or 12pm. It'll be packed out, so be on time. Also... remember that the whole point of canceling the Robb gatherings is so that we can all -- even me -- be missional this Super Bowl Sunday. So, go be missional.

- HT

Q&A from Genesis... Part II

2009-01-29T10:19:00.000-08:00

Okay -- my wife Rachael and I are working overtime on these text questions. Feel free to offer us a nice dinner for our hard work (kidding). Just so you know, we'll get them all on the blog by Friday. Also, if your question wasn't answered, it's not because we didn't like it... it's because we didn't understand it. If that's the case, please feel free to ask your question in person on Sunday. Alright, here we go with Part II.

- HT

* * *
Q: Is it okay to use fertility drugs and treatments to help married couples have children?

A: Absolutely! This is one of the benefits humanity derives as we explore science and subdue the earth (Genesis 1:28). We learn the things in the earth that God has made possible for us to do. Sometimes, in exploring God’s world in science we find solutions that help us battle the effects of the fall.

Q: If we are commanded to fill the earth, will Christ not come back until we do so?

A: Nowhere in the Bible does it say that humanity has to reach a quota of persons before Jesus comes back. The one thing we do know is that Jesus said this Gospel must be proclaimed to all nations and then the end will come (Matthew 24:14). It’s not the filling of the earth that brings the end, but rather the full preaching of the gospel throughout the world to all of God’s elect.

Q: Does anyone today know where the Garden of Eden was?

A: Through what the text says, people come to the conclusion that it was either in modern day Iraq or in modern day Turkey, west of Lake Van.

Q: Doesn’t Genesis 2:5-8 contradict the creation account? In Chapter 1, God created land and the plants first, then man. In Chapter 2, He stops to create man, and then plants a garden. Explain.

A: What we have in chapter 2 is God zooming in on day 6. None of this contradicts the creation account in chapter 1. In Chapter 1, you still have plants on the earth and then He created man. Chapter 2 is referring to the garden, which was a special area of plants that God created after he created man. It is not referring to Him creating foliage in the entire earth. We are focused in on the garden part of the creation.

Q: If God knew that Adam and Eve would sin and eat of the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil, then why create the tree? Why did God allow the serpent to tempt them? (God knew Adam would fail, is this what He wanted?)

A: First thing I would say is that God has all wisdom and we do not. The second thing I would say is that this question assumes that the scope of history would have been better off if humanity had not fallen. What this assumption leaves out is the most important part of the story of the Bible. Because humanity fell, God sent Jesus. This is the greatest thing that could possibly happen to humanity. It is even greater than the glory of Him creating the garden and man before the fall. Jesus’ coming is the most important event in all human history and greatest thing for our souls to understand and experience God. So we must just trust God, that what God allowed is what is best for His glory and our good. If man is made in the image of God, but has the knowledge of good and evil, is man born inherently good or evil?

Man is born both inherently good and inherently evil. He has goodness in him because he is created in the image of God. He has evil in him because of the infection of sin which corrupts the totality of his being. Therefore the goodness that is in him is not complete or whole. Romans 3:10 says, “No one is righteous, no not one.” Is there goodness in man? Yes. Is there evil in man? Yes. Is man righteous? No. This is why we had to have what Martin Luther called the Great Exchange. Christ’s righteousness was given to us in exchange for our sin. That’s what we call the Gospel. After a human believes in Christ, he is, as Martin Luther says, “both fallen and redeemed.” That’s why we wait for the return of Jesus when our redemption will be brought to completion when Jesus heals our body from sin the way he has healed our soul from sin. (Romans 8:18-25)

Q: According to Colossians 1:15, is Jesus a created being? (“Firstborn of all creation”)?

A: No. Verse 16 says, “For by Him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities. All things were created through Him and for Him.” Everything that was part of creation was created by Jesus; that would mean He is not created. When the Bible speaks of firstborn, it is referring to the prominent relationship that a firstborn son would have in the family. The firstborn son would take over leadership of the family. What Colossians 1:15 is saying is that Jesus, the second person of the Trinity, is the ruler of all the creation of God. Firstborn is referring to Jesus’ authority over creation.

Q: If I have done so many sins, how come I’m still in this life?

A: Because God is merciful and not wishing that you should perish, but He is hoping that you will come to repentance. (2 Peter 3:9)

Q: I’m taking a Core Humanities class this semester. One of my discussion questions involves the meaning of the “fall.” What’s your take on that?

A: I’m preaching on this on February 8th. Come back and you’ll get the full low down on what I think.

Q&A from Genesis

2009-01-28T10:14:00.000-08:00

For the next few posts, I'm going to focus on some of the unanswered questions from last week's Q&A on Genesis. For context, listen to last week's sermon, Origin of Humanity, on iTunes. Comment back if you have more questions.

- HT

* * *

Q: Biblically, how do you view the choice of how many kids to have by married couples? Keep multiplying until bodies are unable? Or limit the number?

A: The Bible doesn’t give us any direction on this. I think you just need to go with your gut. Children are a blessing from the Lord and the Scripture says, “Blessed is the man who has a quiver full of children.” (Psalm 127:3-4) In our family, we’re about to have our third child and who knows, we might have four or five. Or we may just stop at three. Pray with your spouse and God will give you direction. The Bible tells us to be fruitful and multiply, but God doesn’t give us a quota. If you have one kid, that’s fruitful. If you have ten kids that’s hella fruitful.

Q: If we are to be fruitful, than why does God allow miscarriage?

A: First of all, if this has happened to you, as I know it has happened to many women in our community, I grieve with you. I can’t imagine the pain you’re experiencing and have experienced. What is interesting is that many holy women of the Bible were unable to have children. The Bible is filled with couples calling out to God to give them children. And sometimes God did and other times He did not. I’m not sure why God allows miscarriage. But, I am sure that things like miscarriage are a result of the fall and the effects of sin on humanity. You must remember that there is no passage of scripture indicating that your miscarriage was a direct result of your personal sin. Just as the starving child in Africa is not suffering for his own personal sin, he’s suffering because of the sins of humanity and as a result of the fall. We should turn our anger to sin and not to God. God is good and always does what is right. Even when it doesn’t seem like the best choice to us, we can never put ourselves in the position where we—as creatures—think that we are wiser and more righteous than the Creator. Often when people are angry with God, it is because they assume that God has done them wrong, which is a form of self-righteousness because we are saying we are more righteous than God. So, when it comes to horrible things like miscarriage, we must know that God grieves with us in our pain. Scripture says that God keeps every one of our tears in His bottle (Psalm 56:8). This means that God is collecting our tears because they are precious to Him. If miscarriage is a result of the fall and sin in the world, then we must remember that our Savior came to take away sin by entering into our pain and suffering as we do. God, in the midst of our pain, brought redemption. It’s possible that redemption for you would be to try for another child. It’s possible that redemption for you would be to adopt a child, saving the child from living without parents just as Jesus saved you from living without a heavenly Father.

2009-01-16T12:37:00.000-08:00

This week, we will begin our new series through the book of Genesis. This is an exciting new chapter (or 50 chapters) for the LS Community. The book is not only the first to appear in the Bible, but it brings weight to the old adage that you can’t know where you’re going unless you know where you’ve been. Genesis is a look at what was, what is, and what is to come because it examines the person and work of God, who Himself was and is and is to come.

For the first couple of months we are going to camp out on the first few chapters of the book in both Large and Small Group Gatherings. Here’s a highlight to be aware of—on Sunday, March 1st, we’ll host a forum in which we will bring in some experts to talk about creation, evolution, science and the age of the earth in response to some of the issues that Genesis provokes. Next, we’ll look at some of the pre-historic narratives like the Noah and the Flood and the Tower of Babel. These stories have been hijacked by a lot of cheesy Christian media, but we’ll try to cut through the junk and get to the meat. After that, we’ll move to The Patriarchs of our Faith—Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and Joseph. The lives of these men and their interactions with God truly inform our own… probably more than we’d like to admit at times. This whole process will take us until September.

You may not see the name of ‘Jesus’ recorded in the Book of Genesis, but He’s written all over its pages. This will be a great series to invite unchurched people to as it will talk about the beginnings of many things which will naturally unfold questions about the Gospel.

So come. Learn. Do Mission. Join us as we press forward by going back to the start.

Keystone Campus

2009-01-04T18:12:00.000-08:00

A new chapter in the History of the Living Stones Community began this weekend.

This Sunday morning at 10am, Living Stones launched its first Sunday morning gathering at the Keystone Campus with around 150 people in attendance. It was absolutely amazing. What does this mean for the Living Stones community? A lot of things.

This gathering is not only another way for Living Stones to continue growing and proclaim Christ, but it provides whole new campus/church in the center of the City—a vastly unchurched region. Will there be anything different about the Keystone Campus from the Robb Campus other than the location? Essentially, Keystone will continue to echo what you’ve come to expect from LS. I (or whoever is teaching that week) will preach the same sermon in the morning at the Keystone Campus as in the evening at the Robb Campus. Bands, however, will vary between campuses on any given Sunday. One of the 4 LS Bands will lead us in worship at Keystone and then another of the 4 will lead in the evening at Robb. What do we need to do? We desperately need to open around 100 seats at the 7pm Robb Campus gathering and around 50 at the 5pm gathering to continue to make room for people to come hear the good news about Jesus.

So—if you are not already moving to the Keystone Campus, would you consider it?

Rest and Reflection

2008-12-03T15:13:00.000-08:00

I have heard it said that if you don’t Sabbath yourself, then God will Sabbath you. So, I got sick this week. I sat around the house reading, watching movies, thinking, praying. It was awesome. Now it’s not that I like being sick. It usually drives me nuts that I can’t get anything done, but on the other hand God will allow me to get sick when I haven’t taken time to really reflect and pray and read to hear his voice. When I don’t take time to just sit and be – not do – be. So the past few days I have been able to get my arms around my thought life, my emotional life, and my spiritual life. It’s so easy to just forget that Christianity is not a faith of “do,” but it’s a faith of done. So for the past few days, I have sabbathed (not in the Old Testament sense, but in the rest sense) and remembered that I am a child of the King. Do you ever notice how the Bible is always telling us to “remember?” So, I remembered.

Jesus, Jobs & Egoists

2008-10-01T15:14:00.000-07:00

Question: How do you serve Jesus when you hate your job?

Answer: It depends on why you hate your job. Do you hate your job because you are lazy and would rather play your Wii in your mom’s basement? Do you hate your job because you have a greater vision for what God is calling you to do? Are you working toward it? Maybe your job sucks because you are not doing anything to work toward that goal.

When I was working for UPS and was a janitor at the church, I didn’t like either job, but I did it while we planted Living Stones and while I went to Bible College. I was working toward my dream—so cleaning crap off toilets didn’t look so bad in the short term (after all, it was great training for cleaning up crap within the church!). This went on for 5 long years. But I wouldn’t trade anything for the character that was built in those years. It was all God’s prep for my current position.

Regardless of your occupation, the Scriptures command that “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men” (Col. 3:23). If you are hating your job and whining about it… stop! God has given you a way to make income, which is something to be thankful for—especially these days.

* * *

Question: If God is so loving and compassionate, why is it that most of the Christians I meet are the most self-centered people I know?

Answer: Why are some Christians some of the most self-centered people you know? Because they are not obeying Jesus… Are you?

Remember—God saves sinners! This means that those in the church are both fallen and redeemed at the same time. Be patient with them the same way God is patient with you. Spend more time praying for them rather than criticizing them. Ask God to show you how self-centered you are so that you will be more prone to forgive. The only way to survive in a world of ‘hypocrisy’ is to cast out the hypocrisy in yourself and ask God to do through you what you don’t see being done through others. Although self-centeredness if not okay, there is no room for self-righteousness on this issue. It’s only by His work on the cross that we can love others in the first place.

Let the Q&A Blogs Begin...

2008-09-22T13:59:00.000-07:00

Here are some long-awaited answers to your questions. The following questions were all received via text during the Living Stones 5pm gathering on Sunday, August 31st, 2008. Be sure to check out the podcast on iTunes for more Q&A, too. Alright -- here we go.

* * *

Question: What do you do if you have a Christian family that judges you for not fitting into the ‘church mold’?

Answer: It depends what you mean by “the church mold”. If ‘not fitting into the church mold’ means that you are disobeying the things commanded by Jesus in Scripture, then you are in the wrong and need to repent. If by ‘not fitting the mold’ you mean that you are being disobedient to church culture for pride’s sake, then you need to consider the matter prayerfully—it could have varied results. If you are just being yourself and trying to be a missionary to your culture—and thereby breaking the ‘consumeristic, self-centered church mold’, then I say “AMEN! Welcome to New Testament Christianity.”

When it comes to handling judgment from others—including family—ask them to show you where in Scripture they are deriving their opinions. Remember to be respectful.

* * *

Question: Is there are moral inventory in the Bible that one can take to see if they are on the right path?

Answer: You might want to read 2 Peter 1:3-12. There you will find a series of things you might use to evaluate your spiritual vitality. I would advise that you keep in mind that it is not your works that make you acceptable before God, but rather the works of Jesus in His life, Death, resurrection, and return form the foundation of your hope in Him.

Dear Guatemala Missions Team...

2008-08-12T10:50:00.000-07:00

I am so encouraged by each of you and your willingness to hear the call of Jesus to spread a passion for the Glory of God in places that are under-funded and under-loved. When I see a team like this go out, I feel that what we are doing as the Living Stones Community is really making an impact on lives. The measure of our ministry will never be how many butts are in the seats but rather how many obey the call of Jesus to “Come and Die”. I pray that your being there now will fuel your being here later. May your mission in Guatemala strengthen your mission in Reno; wherever we go it is the same mission. May the Lamb of God receive the reward of His suffering!

Here is my prayer for you…

Mighty God, who creates and commands trillions of stars to shine:
You have command that billions hear your Gospel preached and see your gospel lived out to the poor. I ask that by your sovereign goodness, you would reveal the urgency of the mission worldwide to this team. Reveal the glorious love of Jesus that heals even the deepest wounds. I ask that your Spirit would pinpoint areas of bitterness and sin and encourage each Living Stones Missionary with the abundant ways you are working all around them. Make their work swift and accurate, and make their hearts humble and teachable. I pray that you would guard your children from the evil one and his works and effects. Let them know that they stand on the edge of eternity, pushing back the works of the evil one and that one day they will be in your glorious company.
Amen.

A Prayer For Our Tongue

2008-08-06T11:17:00.000-07:00

O Lord we repent! Make our tongues yours! With them we bless you and sing to you and teach your word. And with them we curse those made in your image. With them we lie, complain, gossip and damage others. O God, if it were not for your grace—given through Jesus’ Cross—our sins of the tongue (done in this week alone) would be enough to condemn us to the deep parts of hell.

O, but on the cross we see your Son in our place for our tongues! Even if that were the only load he carried, he would still cry out “forsaken” under its darkness and despair. But, O my God, he bears the load of a billion tongue defilers! Unless it had been divine blood, there could be no atonement for such a load of tongue sins as ours. But because of His infinite worth, our defiled tongue was no match for His unlimited grace.

Hallelujah! He has rescued us! There is hope for the broken!

O God, we pray this in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

The Good and the Danger of Dating Relationships

2008-07-09T11:48:00.000-07:00

There have been a lot of relationships starting in our community lately. This is a good thing… but this can also be a bad thing. Over the years, I have seen a few relationships that have fueled and deepened the couple’s passion for God—but sadly—many relationships where the end result is idolatry. Idolatry is worshiping anything but God.

Here is how you can know the difference: if the relationship is leading you closer to Christ and your passion for his mission grows, then the relationship is a good thing. If your relationship with God suffers and your passion for His mission dies, it is a bad thing.

In the latter case, the person you are dating becomes your “functional savior”, someone who saves you from your own personal hell; the hell of loneliness or insignificance. The person you date becomes the place where you derive your identity and fulfillment—this is of utmost danger.

“Savior” is a role reserved for Jesus alone. If Jesus is not your savior—and someone else is—your relationship is idolatry and your mission ceases to be the mission of God but becomes the mission of relationship.

In a healthy relationship, the person of choice is not your savior but rather your partner in the Gospel. Your love for each other only stokes the flames of your live for God. Your mission is not each other but God’s mission.

If you are in a relationship that is leading you away from God—GET OUT!

2008-06-24T14:53:00.000-07:00

Question: What is the difference between jealousy and envy? Why does God call himself jealous?

Response:
Jealousy - feeling resentment against someone because of that person's rivalry, success, or advantages.
Envy - a feeling of discontentment or covetousness with regard to another's advantages, success, possessions, etc.

Jealousy and envy are a bit different (look to the above definitions). If one of us humans were to be jealous for our own sake it would always lead to sin. But when God is jealous in the Scripture, it is for the sake of His glory and for the hearts of His people.

Exodus 34:14
Do not worship any other god, for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God.
God is jealous that we worship Him alone.

For 4 reasons:
1. Because He alone is worthy of praise.
2. God as our loving Father knows what is best for us.
3. God knows that other things as supreme to us will only destroy us.
4. God demands us to have Him as uppermost in our affections and devotion.

When God is jealous, it is right—to allow that anything else be God in our lives is flat out idolatry... and will only bring about death.

Community & the Christian

2008-06-18T15:01:00.000-07:00

Question: What Scriptures should we study about community and the place of the church in the Christians life?

Answer: If I were you I would look at the book of Acts specifically 2:42-47. In this book we se the earliest believers assembling in large gatherings, small gatherings, serving the city in which they lived, and sending missionaries all over the world. You should also study Ephesians which talks a lot about the theology of the church in the Christian life. To love Jesus is to love His bride the Church. Every believer has the responsibility to go to a local church regularly (Heb. 10:25), serve a local church with spiritual gifts (1 Cor. 12), and give to the local church (1 Cor. 8-9, 16:1).

Struggling with Sin and the Assurance of Salvation

2008-06-10T14:37:00.000-07:00

Question:
I usually feel secure in my salvation because of my reaction to sin and to Jesus. But, there are times when I don't feel guilty, bad, or mourn my sin and that scares me because biblically, I know I sin. I'm not sure what to do because I don't want to feel guilty about it. Sorry for the vagueness, this mostly deals with drinking and swearing, but what should I do?

Response:
Let's deal with the sins you listed fist.

First of all, drinking is not a sin. Drunkenness is. Under-aged drinking is. Don't beat yourself up for things that God doesn't call sin. However, if you are getting drunk or drinking under age, repent (mourn for your sin and stop it) and trust Jesus for grace to cover your sins.

Swearing is a tricky subject because everyone has a different list of words which they consider sinful and God has not given us a list of words not to use—aside from taking his name in vain. The Scriptures do tell us to let no unwholesome words proceed from our mouths (Eph. 4:29), but again, defining what is ‘unwholesome’ largely depends on your audience and what might be unwholesome in their eyes. I can say "crap" or "frickin" around a lot of people—but not around my wife's grandma. In her sight, those words are unwholesome and offensive. In that case, it’s important to gauge the convictions of those around you and seek to be as loving to them as possible… and if that means restraining your mouth, so be it. However, if you are constantly talking about raunchy things and dropping the f-bomb like a drunken redneck at a Bud Light Kegger, you are, in fact, sinning. Repent and ask Jesus to clean your mouth and your heart out— for out of the heart the mouth speaks.

If you are struggling with your sin, that's a good sign. Read the previous posting on this blog about dealing with guilt. But if you are getting drunk and swearing like the aforementioned redneck and you are not struggling and battling with these sins, there is a problem with your heart. In Christ, we are freed from the sins that entangle us, so never be comfortable with the presence of sin. If you are not struggling and fighting the sin, than you are probably not saved. Someone who has God's Holy Spirit indwelling them cannot continue living in sin because the sin offends the Spirit which indwells you [Read 1 John].

Please let me know if you have any other questions.

Predestination

2008-05-27T15:50:00.000-07:00

Question (from Q&A card): If God predestined people to go to heaven, that means—in a sense—that God predestines people to go to hell. If so, is he sad about it? Think about it, don't just "whatever", damn it! How does God’s choosing us affect evangelism?

Response: Wow, that's a passionate question. Ironically enough, the whole idea of "damning it" does come from the idea that God damns people to hell...

Ok, now for predestination: the Bible does clearly say that God has predestined people to salvation. For example, Ephesians 1:5 says, "God predestined us for adoption through Jesus Christ according to the purpose of his will." God predestines people to salvation in Jesus. Here's the deal: all of humanity is born in sin and on their way to hell. God, in eternity past, sees this as a just consequence of human rebellion, but in mercy decides to predestine—choose, elect, and set aside—some people for salvation. The question always arises, "well, then why didn't He save everyone?" The answer is not given to us, but we can say it is just for God to allow people who choose hell to go to hell. Also, it is within God's prerogative to be merciful to whomever he pleases [See Romans 9].

The word "predestination" only refers to those whom God has saved. It never refers to those whom God has not saved. You might say that it is by default that He is predestining them to hell, which in one sense might be true, but it is more biblically accurate to say that God allows people to go to hell, which they themselves have chosen. Hell is a place created for the devil and his angels—not for men. But, when men decide to link up to the rebellion of Satan, they go to the place of Satan. He technically doesn't send them to hell because, due to the fall of humanity, all are headed for hell on their own accord. It never makes God happy to condemn the wicked: "Have I any pleasure in the death of the wicked, declares the Lord God, and not rather that he should turn from his way and live?" (Ezekiel 18:23).

Consequently, this does not affect our zeal in evangelism, because the New Testament clearly tells us that human will is indeed involved in the process to a degree. Take the apostle Paul as an example. He not only wrote most of the stuff in the NT about predestination, but he also spent his whole life doing zealous evangelism. This is not an oversight on his part, but rather a righteous response to the Gospel message … and to predestination.

- Harvey

Is Jesus first in life?

2008-05-08T14:42:00.000-07:00

To what point should Jesus be a priority in my life? Sometimes I feel pressured by other Christians to eliminate parts of my life that I don’t feel are wrong.

“Any one of you who does not renounce all that he has cannot be my disciple” (Luke 14:33). –Jesus

My answer to your first question is that if Jesus is not the primary priority in your life then you are probably not yet a Christian but someone interested in Christ and on a journey towards Him. My answer to your second question is that if Jesus tells you to eliminate something (in the scriptures) then you must. If someone else wants you to eliminate something (without backing it up w/ scripture) then you have no obligation to their pressure.

Does the Bible have Error?

2008-03-27T15:56:00.000-07:00

[In regard to] the Bible, can you define the difference between ‘inerrancy’ and ‘infallibility’? Where do you stand on the issue?

My stance on this issue to basically summed up in a quote from Robert Reymond (a Reformed Presbyterian theologian):

“By ‘inerrancy’ we intend essentially the same thing as ‘infallibility,’ namely that the Bible does not err in any of it’s affirmations, whether those affirmations be in the spheres of spiritual realities or morals, history of science, and is therefore incapable of teaching error. Because the Bible is God’s Word, its assertions are as true as if God spoke to man today directly from heaven.”

According to some theologians, there are some subtle differences between these two characteristics, but essentially, I agree with the quote above.

Jesus the only way?

2008-03-27T15:46:00.000-07:00

How do I respond to a friend who is a devout Muslim, Mormon or Jehovah’s Witness ([who] prays to God and has experienced God in their life) when they ask me if I believe that Christianity is the only way?

We believe that Jesus, as he is revealed in the Scriptures, is the only way because he is the only one God has sent to do two crucial things: to reveal God, and to save sinners through the cross and resurrection. These other religions have a ‘Jesus figure’, but it is not the Jesus of the Scriptures. None of the three religions you mentioned believe that Jesus is the one true God, and none believe that the cross of Jesus is the only hope for humanity. All three of these religions are about trying to reach God through religious works and Christianity is about God reaching humans through Jesus’ works. All three of these religions can be summed up in one word: “Do”—not very hopeful. The Christian gospel can be summed up in one word: “Done”—this is the hope of the world.

Addition to last blog

2008-03-22T09:23:00.000-07:00

I forgot to mention
Sojourn Community Church, Daniel Montgomery
Awsome Jesus centered preaching.