New Blog Series: Christocentric - Christ in Colossians

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

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.