John 4:1-42 | Small Group Questions

The Gospel of John is a unique and powerful account of the life, teachings, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Written by John, one of Jesus' closest disciples, this gospel presents a deep and thoughtful perspective on the person and work of Jesus. Unlike the other three gospels, which are known as the Synoptic Gospels and focus on Jesus' actions and teachings, John's gospel emphasizes the spiritual and theological significance of Jesus' life and ministry. For this series I will write some of the small group questions that go along with each sermon. It seemed like a waste to leave them in a file on my computer and not share them with everyone.

Small Group Questions | Talking to the Wrong People | John 4:1-42

Through powerful imagery and profound theological insights, John reveals the nature of Jesus as the Son of God, the light of the world, the bread of life, and the hope of Israel. The Gospel of John has been called an intimate gospel for the way that Jesus personally interacts with others. Jesus had a personal conversation with Nicodemus in chapter 3 and today we’ll see another personal conversation with a woman here in chapter 4. As we read our passage it’s important to know that there was a history of animosity between the Jews and Samaritans. Most Jews would have never traveled this path to Galilee even though it was shorter, they would have traveled by the Jordan River to avoid the Samaritans.

1) There are times in the Christian life that we should avoid people, but in many occasions we need to be the light of the world. Where do you need to have a greater engagement with those around who you are far from Jesus? 

2) Read John 4:1-6. We learned about the strained relationship between the Jews and the Samaritans. Jesus chose to walk into a territory where there was a hostile relationship. Share about Jesus walking into your life to meet you in a situation. 

3) Read John 4:7-12. Jesus’ pattern was to engage people who are far from God and this woman fell on that list. Throughout His life Jesus associated with sinners and tax collectors (Matthew 9:10-13, Luke 15:1-2). How does this make you feel? 

4) While asking this woman for a drink, Jesus is able to turn the conversation from physical to spiritual (read John 4:13-20). Thinking about Jesus’ interaction with this woman, what can we learn about engaging people in spiritual conversations? 

5) It seems like Jesus touches a sore spot in this woman’s life, she has been divorced several times. Jesus knows the areas of our life that are broken and in disarray. How can we lovingly exposes sin in someone’s life while showing grace upon grace? 

6) Read John 4:21-26. Jesus teaches this woman that our worship can take place any where and needs to done in spirit and truth. Do you have anything from your past that hinders you from grasping this truth Jesus spoke? 

7) As the story comes to a conclusion we read that Jesus teaches the disciples how to talk to all the wrong people (read John 4:31-42). Thinking about the harvest, where do you see God opening doors in your life to share the love of Jesus? 

Close your time in prayer. Pray for strength to invite a friend to meet Jesus. 

John 3:22-36 | Small Group Questions

The Gospel of John is a unique and powerful account of the life, teachings, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Written by John, one of Jesus' closest disciples, this gospel presents a deep and thoughtful perspective on the person and work of Jesus. Unlike the other three gospels, which are known as the Synoptic Gospels and focus on Jesus' actions and teachings, John's gospel emphasizes the spiritual and theological significance of Jesus' life and ministry. For this series I will write some of the small group questions that go along with each sermon. It seemed like a waste to leave them in a file on my computer and not share them with everyone.

Small Group Questions | Complete Joy | John 3:22-36

Through powerful imagery and profound theological insights, John reveals the nature of Jesus as the Son of God, the light of the world, the bread of life, and the hope of Israel. So far in the Gospel of John we’ve seen Jesus defined as the Son of God. We’ve seen Jesus preform powerful signs to prove His deity. In Chapter we see Jesus focus His ministry on spiritual matters while those around Him focus on physical matters. In John 3 we see our last interaction with John the Baptist. The Apostle John makes it clear that John the Baptist had a powerful ministry in Israel but remained a humble servant. John the Baptist was able to have great influence while keeping God’s Kingdom in mind.  

1) Neal started the sermon by sharing about Joy from the Disney movie Inside Out. Joy has a bubbly personality, is convincing, and longs for everyone to feel her primary emotion. Share about a time when you only sought joy in your life.  

2) Read John 3:22-24. John doesn’t write about how popular John the Baptist was in Israel (read Matthew 3:5, Luke 3:16, and Mark 6:20). Talk about the high level of influence that John the Baptist had and how people would have heard about him. 

3) In the midst of this great movement of God, a disagreement arises in the church (read John 3:25-26). It is in our human flesh to get possessive of things we’ve created. How can churches do better at seeing the world through spiritual eyes? 

4) For the John the Baptist, it was never about his empire but about God’s Kingdom (read John 3:27-30). John understood the sovereignty of God in all situations. What has God given you, from Heaven, to invest in His Kingdom? 

5) John chose to put Christ above all things (John 3:30). John had a humble attitude. Read Colossians 3:12, Ephesians 4:2, James 4:10 and 1 Peter 5:5-7. What do these passages teach us about living a life of humility? 

6) The Apostle John teaches us that Jesus was the perfect witness for God (read John 3:31-36). Jesus was this perfect witness because He had seen God and He testified on God’s behalf. How can you grow your witness for Jesus? 

7) The Bible is full of people who sought Jesus and not joy. Look at these passages: Matthew 8:5-13, Mark 5, Mark 10:46-52, and Luke 7:36-50. Where in your life are seeking Joy over Jesus? How can you change that trajectory in your life? 

Close your time in prayer. Pray for strength to invite a friend to meet Jesus. 

The Gospel of John: In the Beginning, the Word, the Light, and the Glory

In the Gospel of John, the author introduces the readers to the life-changing message of Jesus Christ. The opening verses of John 1:1-18, known as the Prologue, serve as a beautiful drive that captivates our attention and reveals the nature of Jesus and His mission. This blog post will explore the three sections of the Prologue: Jesus as "The Word," "The Light," and "The Glory."

In the Beginning was The Word

John's primary goal in writing this gospel is for readers to believe in the Son of God, Jesus Christ. He starts by echoing the familiar words, "In the beginning," triggering thoughts of the opening verses of Genesis. Through profound and complex theological statements, John establishes the preeminent nature of Jesus, emphasizing that Jesus was with God and was God Himself. Jesus, referred to as "The Word," is the expression of God and the communication of His truth. John, who personally experienced the transformative power of Jesus, asserts that nothing in all creation was made without Him.

The Light Came to The World

Building upon the concept of Jesus as the Word, John now presents Jesus as "The Light." In a world engulfed in darkness, Jesus brings illumination, truth, and righteousness. Just as light sustains physical life, Jesus offers spiritual life to all who embrace Him. John highlights the role of John the Baptist, who pointed others to Jesus as the true Light. Although darkness opposes the light, it can never overcome it. The light of Christ continues to shine even in the darkest places, driving out sin and offering hope to those who embrace Him.

The Word Became Flesh

John concludes the Prologue by describing Jesus as "The Glory." Jesus left the glory of heaven to dwell among humanity and rescue us from ourselves. John draws a parallel between Jesus' dwelling among us and the glory of God descending on the tabernacle in Moses' time. The Law given through Moses brought freedom to Israel, but now Jesus brings "grace upon grace." Grace, defined as receiving what we don't deserve, is a core value of the church. Through Jesus' grace, lives are transformed, and people experience the powerful work of God.

Conclusion

The Prologue of the Gospel of John takes readers on a profound journey, revealing the person of Jesus Christ. Jesus is not merely a historical figure or a wise teacher; He is the eternal Word, the Light that overcomes darkness, and the embodiment of God's glory. Understanding the greatness of Jesus and His role in the world transforms lives, expands our perception of Him, and invites us into a deeper prayer life. Jesus offers us a life that is eternal and filled with His unfailing love and grace. If you're longing for light in the darkness or seeking a transformative encounter with the Word of God, Jesus Christ, He is ready to meet you and change your life forever.

Biblical Profile | Nicodemus

The Bible is full of amazing stories with amazing people. One of the problems we have with reading the Bible is we don't understand the culture it was written in, the original language, or the subtle hints that the original audience would have understood. 

Last week I preached on John 3. It's a chapter that many people in the world will be able to think of because of John 3:16. In chapter 3 we’re introduced to a highly regarded Jewish man named Nicodemus 

Now there was a Pharisee, a man named Nicodemus who was a member of the Jewish ruling council. He came to Jesus at night and said, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the signs you are doing if God were not with him.” John 3:1-2

It will help us to learn about this man’s life so we know his intention in coming to Jesus. Nicodemus was a Pharisee, they were the spiritual heroes of the day. We don’t see them in that light, we see them in the light that Jesus spoke of them. Most people now days think of Pharisee as synonymous with hypocrite. 

Nicodemus is a Jew but he has a Greek name. He was probably from a wealthy Jewish family who gave him a Greek name. That meant he most likely had a Greek education and read the Old Testament in the Greek. We know he was a highly educated man and in good standing in Jewish circles. 

John teaches us that he was a member of the Jewish ruling council—he is a politician. He was also a member of the Sanhedrin, they are the highest legislative body in Judaism. John is telling us that he was an influential man. Nicodemus is more important that Rockefeller, Einstein, Bezos, or Musk. In fact, he is all of them! 

He is the kind of man you want to represent you in any manner and he’s going to Jesus under the cover of darkness to talk religion. 

Something is off here. The example of night is probably a literary example to reflect his spiritual condition and the not the hour of the day. But it proves to us that Nicodemus wanted to know God. All his study, all his education, and prestige left him void of God. Listen to this: “As a Pharisee, Nicodemus represented those of his day and ours who seek the meaning of life in religion but do not find it. He belonged to the church, but he knew nothing of that personal, life-transforming relationship to Jesus Christ upon whom the true church is founded.” —James Montgomery Boice. 

There are millions of people who are educated in financial matters, the housing market, education, specific industries, and more! They have a great knowledge but their life is void of God. That might you right now. You could be an expert in your field but you need to come to listen to Jesus. 

If you focus on verse 2 you will see that Nicodemus knew three things about Jesus: 

1) He’s a teacher

2) He came from God

3) And there are signs to prove it

The whole point of this story is that despite Nicodemus’ knowledge, he is wrong. He doesn’t know Jesus! He’s heard about Jesus but doesn’t know Him. 

Nicodemus wants to know God! Some of us have been attending church for years, maybe even decades. Some of us have been reading the Bible for years, maybe even decades. This short character study on Nicodemus reveals much more than we'd gather by simply reading the passage on our own. 

So let me leave you this questions: 

1) What do you know about Jesus?

2) Do you personally know Jesus?

3) What do you need to learn about Jesus? 

John 3:1-21 | Small Group Questions

The Gospel of John is a unique and powerful account of the life, teachings, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Written by John, one of Jesus' closest disciples, this gospel presents a deep and thoughtful perspective on the person and work of Jesus. Unlike the other three gospels, which are known as the Synoptic Gospels and focus on Jesus' actions and teachings, John's gospel emphasizes the spiritual and theological significance of Jesus' life and ministry. For this series I will write some of the small group questions that go along with each sermon. It seemed like a waste to leave them in a file on my computer and not share them with everyone.

Small Group Questions | Becoming a new person | John 3:1-21

Through powerful imagery and profound theological insights, John reveals the nature of Jesus as the Son of God, the light of the world, the bread of life, and the hope of Israel. Throughout the Gospel of John, we see Jesus engage with a wide range of people, from the wealthy and powerful to the marginalized and oppressed. He performs miraculous signs, teaches profound truths, and ultimately offers Himself as a sacrifice for the sins of the world. Through it all, John presents Jesus as the embodiment of God's love and grace, and the only way to eternal life. As we move into John 3 we read about this interesting encounter with Jesus and Nicodemus. 

1) Think about a time in your life you had a question for God or about God. Who did you bring that question to? What time of day was it? Where did you meet with that person? What kind of answer did you receive about your question? 

2) Read John 3:1-2. We learned that Nicodemus was an educated man who was part of the highest level of Jewish leadership. He comes to Jesus at night with a question. Why would he come to Jesus at night and not during the day? 

3) Nicodemus asserts three truths he knows about Jesus. What are things that you know to be true about Jesus? Share your understanding and back them up with Scripture not just your personal thoughts 

4) Read John 3:3-10. Jesus and Nicodemus have a conversation about rebirth. If  you were asked what it means to be born again, how would you explain that? Make sure to use Scripture in your answers so you can point them to God’s truth. 

5) Within in our text we see that Jesus cares primarily about our spiritual condition. He could have stayed up late talking with Nicodemus about spiritual matters. Who do you want to see experience a spiritual change in their life? 

6) Read John 3:16-18. John gives us the statement of God’s love, Jesus purpose for coming to earth, and the outcome of believing in Him. How has your life been changed by placing your hope in Jesus as your Lord and Savior? 

7) Neal shared a story about a fight that happened across the street from our church. Read John 3:19-21. Talk about the desperate need for light in our dark world. Where is God asking you to reach out to your friends, neighbors, or our community? 

Close your time in prayer. Pray for strength to invite a friend to meet Jesus. 

John 2:1-12 | Small Group Questions

The Gospel of John is a unique and powerful account of the life, teachings, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Written by John, one of Jesus' closest disciples, this gospel presents a deep and thoughtful perspective on the person and work of Jesus. Unlike the other three gospels, which are known as the Synoptic Gospels and focus on Jesus' actions and teachings, John's gospel emphasizes the spiritual and theological significance of Jesus' life and ministry. For this series I will write some of the small group questions that go along with each sermon. It seemed like a waste to leave them in a file on my computer and not share them with everyone.

Small Group Questions | The Unforgettable Wedding | John 2:1-12

The Gospel of John is a unique and powerful account of the life, teachings, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Written by John, one of Jesus' closest disciples, this gospel presents a deep and thoughtful perspective on the person and work of Jesus. Unlike the other three gospels, which are known as the Synoptic Gospels and focus on Jesus' actions and teachings, John's gospel emphasizes the spiritual and theological significance of Jesus' life and ministry. This Sunday Pastor Neal taught a first-person narrative from the viewpoint of the father of the bride at the wedding of Cana. Use these questions to discuss how we can apply this passage to our lives. 

1) John teaches us that it was the third day when Jesus preformed this miracle at the wedding of Cana. We’ve talked about John’s literary skill, do you think he wrote this passage in this way to remind us of Jesus’ burial and resurrection on the third day? 

2) When the wine was gone, Jesus’ mother came to share this truth with Him. The reason Mary involves Jesus is to avoid family shame. Share about a time when Jesus took away your shame and saved your name in the community. 

3) Read John 2:5-8. We see the servants readily obey all that Jesus asked them to do. Read Luke 17:10. Jesus teaches us that we should live with the attitude of serving others. Do you struggle with obeying God or does that come easily to you? 

4) The master of the banquet remarks that the best wine was saved for last. What does this say about the nature of Jesus' miracles and his ministry as a whole? What do you think Jesus still has planned for your life that is better than right now? 

5) In the Old Testament there is a connection that makes wine and joy synonymous (see Psalm 4:7, Isaiah 16:10, and Ecclesiastes 9:7). We’re not suggesting to drink wine for joy. Where have you seen Jesus fill your emptiness with joy? 

6) In John 2:11 we read that this was a sign and not a miracle. Most people think of this as a miracle and not a sign. Take some time, as a group, to discuss the difference in the two words. What makes this a sign and not a miracle? 

7) In this sermon Neal preached a first-person narrative. Do you think/feel like you were able to connect better to this style of preaching? What was helpful to you in your walk with Jesus to learn this way? 

Close your time in prayer. Pray for strength to invite a friend to meet Jesus. 

A healthy marriage focuses on comforting each other

Last month Charity and I had the privilege of sharing on marriage at Coastline. It was a super fun morning to teach with Charity. This year we hit 18 years of marriage. We're the first to share that we're not perfect but we're also not quitters. We intentionally invest in our marriage. One of those ways is to comfort each other.

Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm.

    But how can one keep warm alone?

Ecclesiastes 4:11

When Solomon wrote this he was specifically thinking about the cold desert nights in Israel. He was thinking that if two people lie down together they can share their body heat and survive the cold desert nights. There is an aspect in this verse of the comfort that a marriage provides to people. 

Now, most guys read this verse and think that Solomon is talking about sex. I can assure you he is not talking about sex. Guys, almost anything can be sexual for you. Last night your wife said: “Can you help me load the dishwasher?” In your mind you thought: “You bet! I’ll help you load the dishwasher.” Your mind immediately went to sex and she just needed help in the kitchen. 

This passage is about comfort. I’ve found marriage provides an amazing comfort in a confusing world. Earlier I shared that marriage was God’s idea. God knew that we would face daily challenges and need someone to share the load of those challenges with. 

Some of you stay home with the kids all day long. When your spouse comes home you simply want to talk with someone about something else than Paw Patrol and dirty diapers. You want adult conversation. Marriage provides that comfort. Some of you work outside the home all day. You want to come home and ask your spouse for ideas on how to manage your team. You’re having an issue with your boss. He wants you to work on a project and it's all you’ve ever dreamed up but you want to discuss this with your spouse. We converse with our spouse because it provides us comfort in a confusing world. 

I appreciate what the Apostle Paul wrote to the early church in Ephesus (read Ephesians 5:33). I don’t think it’s my role to tell anyone’s wife that she must respect her husband. The Bible has clearly told you. But I do feel it’s my passion to help men to love their wife. I long to see more healthy marriages in our church and in our community. I’ve used this illustration for years in pre-marital counseling. When a husband attempts to move closer to his wife, he doesn’t get closer to God. But when he applies this passage and focuses on loving God and loving his wife, he gets closer to God. Hopefully she is focused on loving God and respecting her husband. The end result is a closer relationship to God and your spouse. I love this quote: "A successful marriage requires falling in love many times, always with the same person." —Mignon McLaughlin

Can we have some real talk here? Some of you are feeling beat up by the world right now. You’re struggling with rising food costs, kids tearing through shoes, your gas bill, your boss, and much more. You are exhausted with all the responsibilities you have. Some of you single parents are really struggling in this season of life. You might even want to quit. 

Instead of running away from your spouse, getting your head, or being silent, will you please let your spouse comfort you? She can’t fix your problems, you need to get on your knees and beg God for that, but she can comfort you in this time. This is for everyone. Here is a simple question that Charity and I ask in our home: “Do you want me to fix that or just listen?” There are times that guys go into solve mode when we simply need to listen. We show comfort in our relationships when we listen to each other. 

A healthy marriage focuses on teamwork

Earlier this month Charity and I taught on marriage. It was super fun because we've been married for eighteen years now! We have three children and have lived in a couple different cities together. We've traveled from California to Arizona, from Las Vegas to Africa, from Washington to Italy (and more). And in all that we still love each other! 

For our talk we looked at the words of Salomon in Ecclesiastes: 

9 Two are better than one,

    because they have a good return for their labor:

10 If either of them falls down,

    one can help the other up.

But pity anyone who falls

    and has no one to help them up.

11 Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm.

    But how can one keep warm alone?

12 Though one may be overpowered,

    two can defend themselves.

A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 NIV

When I think about married, the first thing that a healthy marriage focuses on is teamwork. The author starts out with a basic truth in life: two are better than one. If I asked you if you would rather have one dollar or two, you would take two. If I asked you if you would rather have one scoop of ice cream or two, you would most likely take two. The author is referring to people. The only thing that we don’t want two of is rattlesnakes on a hike. When two people are working together they have a better return. Two people can bring in more income, they can dream together, they can work better in their gifting and have a better return for the company they are working for. We all know that two are better than one, but we need to be reminded or this truth for a healthy marriage. 

For those who are married, you know that for your marriage to be healthy you have to work together. When a couple walks down the aisle they are madly in love. They stare into each others eyes. They see their future flash in front of them. This is the person they want to have babies with, buy a home with, travel with, and grow old with. 

When each person walks down the aisle they have an invisible team jersey on. That team jersey has their own name on the back. For twenty minutes they will stand in front of their family, friends, a pastor and God, and commit their lives to each other. When they walk away that day they have changed their team allegiance to work with the other for the rest of their lives. 

Most of us know what it’s like to work with others on a team. We played soccer when we were five years old. We worked with a group on a high school math project. Or in our office we’ve worked on a team project to develop a new initiative. Sometimes there is a person on the team that doesn’t pull their weight and does less than the rest of the team. This leaves the others on the team doing more work and carrying the other person’s slack. Most often this ends in bitterness. 

On a team, everyone needs to play their role plus some. When everyone on the team gives 100%, that is what makes the team function. 

When I think of teamwork, I’m drawn to what God spoke in creation (read Genesis 2:18). It is not good for man to be alone. Guys, can I get an: “Amen!” on that one! If you’re married but haven’t been focused on teamwork with your spouse, will you make a change today? 

I want to present the: Be something different principle to you. I find that when I’m home I can easily drift to being on my phone and neglect my kids. Charity saw this too but she didn’t shame me for it. Instead, Charity has modeled to our family that she is present. She doesn’t bring her phone to the dinner table and she isn’t constantly glued to a screen. Instead, she is engaged and focused on our family. She has modeled to me that there is a different way. What I want you to do is think about how you can be different in your marriage. Not how your spouse can be different but how you can be different. What you can do in your marriage that will focus on teamwork and involvement. 

Live No Lies | Book Review

Title- Live No Lies: Recognize and Resist the Three Enemies That Sabotage Your Peace

Author- John Mark Comer

Publisher- WaterBrook

Pages- 336

Quotable- “My point is this: lies distort our souls and drive us into ruin.”

When I initially began reading Live no lies by John Mark Comer I quickly realized that he is a scholarly leader. In the beginning of this book he provides a brief summary of where he will go in this book (page xx). He presents his working theory that we are at war with the world, the flesh, and the devil. This war begins with lies that distort the actions of humanity and ultimately lead us to living in a sinful world. Because of the sin that we encounter on a daily basis we need to be aware of the schemes of the devil so we can fight against the flesh and live for Jesus in the world. 

Throughout the book Comer works through his theory by beginning with the truth about lies. The devil is actively working in this world to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10) and therefore the believer must be aware of his lies. I appreciated how Comer addressed the way the devil twisted the truth of God, in the garden of Eden (Genesis 3), and lured Eve and Adam into sin. From that moment until now the devil has been inviting people to sinful destruction through his lies. The results is that we live in a world that is against God and therefore we must be more prepared in our spiritual formation. 

I think Comer did a great job, in the first section of the book, to present how badly lies have hurt the world and the people in the world. His statement on page 36, and work prior to that, have been extremely helpful to me: “My point is this: lies distort our souls and drive us into ruin.” My understanding was that the basis for our stunted growth in Christ is that we believe lies and therefore don’t follow the truth of God. It’s hard not to believe lies. We live in a world full of lies and therefore are surrounded by lies that the devil has been spewing for centuries. 

When we move into the second section of the book I think Comer does a great job at making progress on the Spirit’s transforming work. Comer brings in modern examples of how the flesh is sinful (page 105) and our need to submit to the Lord (page 107). I appreciate how Comer brings in Paul’s exhortation to the church in Ephesus from Ephesians 6. Comer does excels at explaining how a person who submits to the flesh lives versus someone who is living for the Spirit. When we look at pages 134 and 135 we see that Comer is giving us a side-by-side comparison of what it looks like to live for the flesh and to live in the Spirit. 

I appreciate his modern examples of ways that believers are falling into serving the flesh. On the following page Comer teaches us, from Galatians 5, on how to live for the Spirit. I appreciate how the publisher lined this out in the layout of the print. Living for the Spirit is so far from what we experience on a daily life. We are bombarded with all the acts of the flesh in our daily life and it’s hurting our spiritual growth. 

 

I found it most helpful how Comer pushed me to think outside of what I’ve currently been thinking about. So often, I think we try to avoid the ‘big sins’ and Comer started with how lying is where evil begins. His writing in chapter one got me thinking all the way to the conclusion of the book. What I found most helpful, for my personal spiritual formation, was his writing on fasting. I have always viewed fasting as a denying of the self. I have fasted from: soda, sugar, social media, candy, and occasionally food. But Comer says that to fast from anything by food is just abstinence (page 178). 

I was convicted by this. I want to fast and beat my flesh into submission. But I also have three kids, lead a church, lead a small group, coach baseball, workout and get REALLY hungry. I am not the most pleasant person to be around when I don’t eat. In fact, I have made my life so structured that I have times of the day that I eat. It was fairly convicting to read this section on what I thought was fasting isn’t really fasting. It’s causing me to rethink how I can deny my flesh to connect more deeply with the Lord. I will keep you posted on how this progresses. 

I throughly enjoyed the entirety of this book. If I had to choose something that I would like to hear more on it would be his work on keeping in step with the Spirit (page 173). I would like to hear what he is currently doing on walking daily with the Spirit. I appreciate his work on fasting and confession. Maybe I think it’s more complex than it really it, but I’d love to hear him add a couple more spiritual disciples to this list.  

Pastor Chris Lyons

On Friday morning I woke up to a text that my friend Pastor Chris has went to be with Jesus in heaven. Over the weekend I’ve had so many important memories stroll through my mind and I wanted to share them with you. 

In 2004 I applied for a Junior High Pastor role at a church in Henderson, NV (Las Vegas). When I was looking at the church website I read about one of the pastors on staff, his name was Chris Lyons. He was about 70 years old at the time and had been married for almost 50 years. I can still see the picture of Chris and Connie in my mind. I kept thinking to myself: “I would love to work with that guy.” 

A couple months later I was hired and working with Chris Lyons. My cubicle was right next to his and I was so nervous. He was a pillar of faith, a man of God, loved his wife, and knew how to care for people. I would end up working closely with Chris for eight years. Chris was like a father/grandfather to me. He was a pastor to me. Chris was a mentor and a friend all wrapped into one.

Chris taught me how to tie a tie. Every time I tie my tie I think about Chris. He would make sure my collar looked good in the back on Christmas Eve and that my tie was the correct length. He was so encouraging. 

Chris taught me how to preach, though he never gave me a “preaching class.” Chris helped me work on sermons, sermon series, and my delivery. He would always say: “If you can’t say it in 30 mins then get off stage.” I still think that in my mind. 

When we moved into the Freeway Campus at South Hills I still officed very close to Chris. Instead of having cubicles next door we were office neighbors. Every morning I would spend from 8:30-9:00am in his office. It wasn’t an appointment but an invitation. I would talk to him about: preaching, leading, marriage, parenting, writing sermons, sermon series, reaching students, seminary, conflict management, working with elders, pastor transition, and more. Those conversations with Chris are still one of the highlights in ministry. 

Chris showed up; all the time! He would come to church every time we were leaving for a camp. I remember one morning he showed up as we were getting ready to head to Hume Lake. So many of our students and parents loved seeing Chris. He would walk from group of students to group of students taking their picture and talking to them. The whole time he was spreading pastoral pixie dust (the love of Christ) on everyone. 

There was a young lady in Charity’s small group who told us the reason that she landed at our church. Since I was the high school pastor I was ready to hear about how it was because of me, but it wasn’t. It was because of Pastor Chris’ Sunday preaching. She loved hearing him preach and wanted a grandfather figure in her life. The dude was well into his 70’s and was the best, still is the best, preacher I’ve ever sat under. 

Chris would invite anyone and everyone to his home. I can’t tell you how many meals I ate with him and Connie. He was also so welcoming and loving. He would host our Young Adults ministry at his home and just be there to serve. Chris taught me about serving others. 

I could continue to write more memories, and most likely will. But for now I will remember all the great times with Chris.