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

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

Takin' a break from my reading for seminary to offer up a few more considerations. Open up your Bible and join me.

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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

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

We'll continue to look at Jesus' methods of disciple-making through Chapters 9 & 10. Open your Bibles...

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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

This week, we're combining the next two chapters. Jump on board in John 7 & 8.

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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

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

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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

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

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.



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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

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

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

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.

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What are your insights & thoughts?

After a Long Hiatus...

...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

“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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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...

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

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

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.

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

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?