Shaking Scripture's Leaves: Recent Episodes
John Horning
Learn the Word of God taught to Junior High and High School students. Listen as John Horning teaches through the Bible with the aim of producing a generation that pursues relationship with God in truth and love.
What in the world is “self-existence”? What could that possibly have to do with the sovereignty of God? In this episode, John Horning demonstrates that if God is self-existent, and if only God is self-existent, then it is logically necessary that God is completely sovereign over absolutely everything — even human sin.
If the pleasures that exist in life are not sufficient to find ultimate meaning, then what about the strategy of leaving a legacy? What if your name is remembered and your accomplishments stand after you? In this lesson, John Horning continues through Solomon’s explanation that even a legacy doesn’t help when you can’t enjoy it […]
How does a Christian think about the consumption of alcohol? What standards exist surrounding alcohol, and how might a Christian make decisions about drinking? In this episode, join John Horning as he discusses his own wrestling with alcohol, the black, the white, the grey, and the choices.
After all Paul's setup to answer the question of God's promises to Israel, he is finally giving the knock-out punch. This week, join John Horning as we answer the question of why Israel seems to not be receiving God's promises to her: She will, following her national conversion in the future.
Paul has been discussing the issue of the Reliability of God's Promises in light of the fact that He seems to have abandoned Israel. This week is part 2 of Paul's response to this objection, so join John Horning as he discusses the importance of faith in the truth and the Remnant of the people of Israel.
Paul says God's promises are secure. Paul says that gentiles can come to God and trust His word. But a gentile might look at Israel and say, "Israel doesn't seem to be receiving God's promises to them, so why should I trust Him myself?" In this lesson, John Horning starts Paul's 3-chapter discussion of God's faithfulness to Israel and how that reassures a gentile Christian.
Once you're a Christian, what do you need the Gospel for? Is the only need a Christian has for the Gospel the ability to share it with a non-Christian? In this lesson, John Horning discusses Paul's demonstration that the Gospel only becomes more relevant when someone becomes a Christian.
If God's grace covers all the sins of the believer, and if a Christian can sin and fail indefinitely without losing his salvation, then why would a Christian not live like a heathen? In this lesson, John Horning discusses the Apostle Paul's answer to that question: because God changes the ones He saves.
Ecclesiastes can be heavy and confusing. In addition to the weighty subject matter, there are passages that can create confusion. In this sermon, John Horning attempts to lighten and clarify a notoriously difficult passage of Ecclesiastes. Today, we learn what it means to be abundantly righteous.
What is the first part of the Gospel of which Paul is so unashamed? What do both believers and non-believers have in common before God, and what makes them different? In this lesson, John Horning discusses the problem of sin in every person's life, and the increased severity of that sin in the life of a believer.
Welcome to the Epistle to the Romans, the Apostle Paul's magnum opus which deals with the doctrines of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. In this lesson, John Horning discusses Paul's writings on those we preach the Gospel to and why understanding these recipients is critical to our preaching.
What was Solomon's story? How did he go about maximizing life? In this lesson, John Horning relates Solomon's first of two life lessons: Prosperity isn't all it's cracked up to be. Especially after it's all dried up.
What will you say at the end of your life? What advice might you give to the people who still have time when your time is running out? In this episode, John Horning enters into Solomon's sermon about living a life that isn't wasted -- a life lived in light of death.
Time for the big answer. If God is good and all-powerful, then why does God allow for evil, suffering, and brokenness in His world? In this episode, John Horning explains God's explicit reason for allowing evil with a conclusion that grates against our very nature: God is God, and we are not.
Why is this world broken? Why is there suffering if the God Who created everything is good? In this episode, John Horning discusses the historical account of how exactly the world fell to this broken state.
If God is good and if God is sovereign, then why does God allow all the suffering, sin, and brokenness in the world? In this episode, John Horning starts a three part series with the answer in 2 Peter 3: God is patient with evil people.
There is sometimes a perception that Song of Solomon shouldn't be read by young Christians or shouldn't be read at all. In this episode, John Horning discusses the essential role of Song of Solomon in the life of Christians in general and in the life of young Christians specifically.
What does salvation look like in the life of a Christian? If a person becomes a Christian, what does that do to him? In this lesson, John Horning finishes talking about the Gospel by discussing the result of the Gospel in a believer's life.
How does Elijah's ministry end? What does it look like to transfer a ministry from one person to another? In this lesson, John Horning discusses what it means to pass the mantle and pass it well from the story of Elijah's ascent to Heaven.
What is Hell? What is Hell like, and what is Hell for? Why is the Gospel "Good News?" In this lesson, John Horning discusses the judgment waiting for all who reject God and His offer of Salvation.
After 37 chapters of suffering and conversation, what does God finally say to the suffering Job? In this lesson, John Horning discusses God's declaration of His own glorious sovereignty and creativity.
Only one man in Job doesn't have to repent for his words: the young Elihu. What does he have to say for 6 chapters? In this lesson, John Horning discusses the lessons for young Christians based on the words of God's hype man.
How are you supposed to pray when you are in the midst of deep struggles? When you are in pain, confusion, and anger; how is the Christian supposed to talk to God? In this discussion, John Horning walks his students through how to walk the line between honesty and disrespect before God.
How are you supposed to pray when you are in the midst of deep struggles? When you are in pain, confusion, and anger; how is the Christian supposed to talk to God? In this discussion, John Horning walks his students through how to walk the line between honesty and disrespect before God.
How do you pray for forgiveness? What do you do when you don't know how to pray for forgiveness? In this discussion, John Horning walks through Psalm 51 and teaches the students how to pray for repentance.
How do you pray for forgiveness? What do you do when you don't know how to pray for forgiveness? In this discussion, John Horning walks through Psalm 51 and teaches the students how to pray for repentance.
Welcome to some of the most sobering and terrifying verses in the entire Bible. Do most people go to Heaven or Hell? How is a person saved? What is the choice God offers every person? In this lesson, John Horning discusses Jesus' declaration that there are two ways -- and His invitation to make a choice.
Welcome to some of the most sobering and terrifying verses in the entire Bible. Do most people go to Heaven or Hell? How is a person saved? What is the choice God offers every person? In this lesson, John Horning discusses Jesus' declaration that there are two ways -- and His invitation to make a choice.
How should a Christian respond to knowing Christ's Law? What do we do when we see others or ourselves not following Christ's Law? In this lesson, John Horning discusses the need for a Christian to respond properly to sin in their lives and the lives of others.
How should a Christian respond to knowing Christ's Law? What do we do when we see others or ourselves not following Christ's Law? In this lesson, John Horning discusses the need for a Christian to respond properly to sin in their lives and the lives of others.
How should a Christian think about anxiety? Why would a Christian have anxiety? How should a Christian deal with anxiety? In this lesson, John Horning discusses what Jesus says about the sin of anxiety.
How should a Christian think about anxiety? Why would a Christian have anxiety? How should a Christian deal with anxiety? In this lesson, John Horning discusses what Jesus says about the sin of anxiety.
What should a Christian's relationship with money be? How should a Christian view the world? In this lesson, Myles Cooper teaches about the difference between desiring earthly wealth and desiring heavenly wealth.
What should a Christian's relationship with money be? How should a Christian view the world? In this lesson, Myles Cooper teaches about the difference between desiring earthly wealth and desiring heavenly wealth.
What is fasting? How do you fast? What is fasting for? In this lesson, John Horning goes through the entire Bible to discuss what fasting is, how you fast, and why fasting matters.
What is fasting? How do you fast? What is fasting for? In this lesson, John Horning goes through the entire Bible to discuss what fasting is, how you fast, and why fasting matters.
How does a Christian pray when they don't know how to pray? How do you start learning to pray if you don't know what to say? In this discussion, John Horning walks through the Lord's Prayer and how Jesus intends it to be used.
How does a Christian pray when they don't know how to pray? How do you start learning to pray if you don't know what to say? In this discussion, John Horning walks through the Lord's Prayer and how Jesus intends it to be used.
Why does a Christian do the things they do? What does it mean if our righteousness is motivated by the wrong thing? In this lesson, John Horning discusses the motivation for prayer and alms in the Christian's life.
Why does a Christian do the things they do? What does it mean if our righteousness is motivated by the wrong thing? In this lesson, John Horning discusses the motivation for prayer and alms in the Christian's life.
How do you learn to pray? If a Christian wants to learn, but just doesn't know where to start, is there a resource that one can use to grow in this crucial area? In this prayer session, John Horning teaches his students how to pray from the Psalms -- starting with praying for righteousness.
How do you learn to pray? If a Christian wants to learn, but just doesn't know where to start, is there a resource that one can use to grow in this crucial area? In this prayer session, John Horning teaches his students how to pray from the Psalms -- starting with praying for righteousness.
How is a Christian expected to behave when a person wrongs that person? How is a Christian supposed to deal with personal hatred toward a person? In this lesson, John Horning discusses Jesus' teaching on turning the other cheek and loving your enemies.
How is a Christian expected to behave when a person wrongs that person? How is a Christian supposed to deal with personal hatred toward a person? In this lesson, John Horning discusses Jesus' teaching on turning the other cheek and loving your enemies.
Is it lying to break a vow? Are there acceptable situations to lie? How do God and Christians feel about dishonesty? In this lesson, John Horning discusses God’s standard for our speech, and why it matters when we break that standard.
What happens when a Christian falls into sin? Can a Christian fall into ongoing sin? In this lesson, John Horning discusses how a Christian relates to sin in his life, and what that means for evaluating one’s salvation and the salvation of others.
What does it mean to sin? Why does lust matter? What does God intend for marriage? In this lesson, John Horning discusses the teaching of Jesus as it relates to the exclusivity and duration of the marriage covenant.
How is a Christian supposed to understand the Old Testament? Is it regulation to be followed? Is it unimportant? In this precursor to a discussion, John Horning introduces how a Christian relates to the Old Testament.
How can you know if you’re a Christian? What are the marks of salvation that can be used in our lives and the lives of others to discern belief? In this lesson, John Horning discusses the changed life that follows faith in Christ.
What does Jesus call us to be and to do? What does it mean that a Christian is salt, and what does it mean to let your light shine? In this lesson, Kyu Lee discusses one of the most famous descriptions of a Christian.
What kind of person enters the Kingdom of Jesus? What is the core characteristic that lies at the heart of a Christian’s behavior? In this lesson, John Horning discusses what it means to be poor in spirit.
What is the Nazarite Vow? What does it represent? In this brief lesson, John Horning discusses the Nazarite Vow before starting one himself.
How do you know if you or someone else is a Christian? What are the marks of faith in a person’s life? In part 1 of Discerning Salvation, John Horning discusses the beliefs that characterize a Christian.
What does the ideal husband look like? How can men grow into this, and how can women grow into someone he would be interested in? How can these characteristics be identified in dating? In part 4 of a dating series, John Horning discusses how to go about dating with the loving husband in mind.
What are the characteristics exemplified in a great wife? How can a woman grow into this, and how can a man grow into someone that she would be interested in? How do you identify these characteristics before getting married? In part 3 of a dating series, John Horning discusses how to navigate dating with the […]
How does the story of Naomi and Ruth end? What do we learn about God’s ability to care for individuals, and even God’s method of caring for the world? In this lesson, John Horning teaches through the conclusion of the Biblical Rom-Com
How do you resist sexual temptation? What are the practical decisions and larger mindsets that a person should have? In part 2 of a dating series, John Horning discusses God’s intention for sexuality and how to overcome temptations to depart from it.
How does a Christian approach dating in our modern culture? What guidance does the Bible provide about how a Christian dates? In this lesson, John Horning unpacks all the things that we can say for sure about what the Bible says about dating.
How does Ruth go about proposing to Boaz? In this lesson, John Horning continues to follow the Bible’s RomCom as God continues to provide for two widows in ancient Israel.
What is wrong with the world? Where did all of our problems come from? In this lesson, John Horning discusses everything wrong with the world and the only solution to our problems.
What’s the Bible’s version of a RomCom? How might a person evaluate a potential partner? In this lesson, John Horning continues to follow the story of God’s provision for two widows in ancient Israel.
What is God’s intention for marriage? Where did marriage come from? What is marriage for? In this lesson, John Horning discusses God’s plan for marriage based on its origin in Genesis 2.
How did we get here? What are the rules, characters, and conflicts of the world’s story? In this lesson, John Horning starts a 3-part series on the pilot of our world and story.
Is God active in the lives of individuals? Are there faithful people in wicked groups? In this lesson, John Horning follows the destruction of Naomi’s life and God’s care for her in the midst of a wicked nation.
How do you reason from the Bible? How can a person pull truth from the Bible at large or evaluate ideas biblically? In this episode, John Horning explains the fundamental assumptions of Biblical reasoning by using the doctrine of the Trinity as a case study.
What are you supposed to do after you have accepted the Gospel? Does the Christian life end at conversion? What is a Christian supposed to do after conversion? In this lesson, John Horning discusses the “battlefield” of the Christian life.
In light of the wasted life, what should a person do? What is a person’s response to seeing life and God accurately? What is the Gospel? In this lesson, Justin Ko presents the Gospel in light of a proper view of life and God.
Welcome to the first message of a three-lesson winter camp led by John Horning and Justin Ko. In this lesson in a series about the “Well-Lived Life,” John Horning discusses what the wasted life is in order to orient the students.
Not everything we do is a lesson. In this discussion, John and the Youth Group just read 1 Peter 5:1-11 and talk through it. What does the Bible say about the Church? Why should young people learn what a faithful elder looks like? Listen to the group discuss these questions and more.
What were the circumstances that surrounded the birth of Jesus? How did Jesus debut into his ministry? In this discussion, John Horning and the youth go through the story of Jesus entrance onto the world scene.
Is sharing the Gospel only passive? In this discussion introduction, John encourages his students to be active in their pursuit of the Gospel.
What can we learn about evangelism from John the Baptist? In this lesson, John Horning discusses the birth and first message of John the Baptist to compare it to the birth and first message of Jesus.
How do you actually share the Gospel? Do you only share the Gospel my doing street evangelism? In this lesson, John Horning discusses how to have and pursue Gospel conversations in your regular life.
How did David give thanks? Who does David give thanks to? In today’s lesson, John Horning discusses what it means to give thanks to God and how Christians should respond to God’s good gifts and God’s good character.
What parts of your life do you need to give to God? Additionally, what is the deal with race in the Old Testament? In this lesson, John Horning discusses the fact that we need to give our whole life to God. Additionally, he addresses some questions regarding Israel’s relationship with foreigners in the Old Testament.
How does a Christian honor God and witness to the world through their relationship with their spouse? What role does each spouse fulfill in a marriage? In this lesson, John Horning discusses the role of men and women in marriage and how that relates to our Gospel witness.
How do you study a passage? In this group discussion, John Horning leads the youth group through the process of reading and understanding a passage, using Nehemiah’s revival as the example passage.
How does a Christian relate to authority? Why does a Christian relate to authority the way he does? In this lesson, John Horning discusses this crucial part of a Christian’s testimony: submission to authority.
As Christians, we need to be on guard against falsehood. Where does that falsehood come from? How do we go about defending ourselves from it? In this lesson, John Horning discusses the example of Nehemiah and his response when surrounded by deception and lies.
How are Christians supposed to see the world? What categories do people fall into? In this lesson, John Horning discusses the way that Christians should see people and how they should live based on that categorization.
How are Christians supposed to see the world? What categories do people fall into? In this lesson, John Horning discusses the way that Christians should see people and how they should live based on that categorization.
How is a Christian supposed to live in response to salvation? What do modern Christians have that we might not appreciate? In this lesson, John Horning discusses the work of a Christian in response to salvation.
How can you know if you’ll go to Heaven? Is it possible to know before you actually stand before God? In this lesson, John Horning discusses God’s work in salvation, it’s security, and how you can know you’re saved before meeting God.
What does influence and power reveal about the person that holds it? Does power corrupt, or does it just reveal what already existed? In this lesson, John Horning compares the righteous leadership of Nehemiah and the exploitative practices of the rich Jews of his day.
What does it mean to walk the Christian walk? How can a person live out their salvation? In this lesson, John Horning discusses the final step of preparing to live the Christian life: going out and living the Christian life.
How can a Christian have a powerful testimony, ministry, and life? In this lesson, John Horning discusses that the key to a powerful testimony is personal faithfulness.
Why does church matter? What does the meeting together of Christians accomplish? In this lesson, John Horning addresses the importance of meeting together in the “team sport” of Christianity.
What should you pray for? How should you pray? In this lesson, John Horning addresses one of the most important patterns of a Christian’s life from the pattern of prayer given by Jesus in Matthew 6:9-13.
How does a Christian get stronger? What are the things God wants you to do to grow in your faith? In this lesson, John Horning teaches out of Psalm 119 to discuss why reading the Bible is so important for a Christian’s life.
What should our prayers be like? What behaviors surround prayer? In this lesson, John Horning starts a series following the life of Nehemiah with his knowledgeable, trustful, and ready prayers.
What does it mean to accept the Gospel? What are the marks of a Christian? Out of Psalm 1, John Horning discusses the way of salvation and what it looks like in the life of an individual.
What is the core of the Gospel? What do you need to make sure you share with a non-believer? Moreover, what are the things that a Christian must believe? Those things that if one does not believe them, there is certainty that they are unsaved? In this message, John Horning discusses the center of the […]
What is the result of Sin? Why does it matter that we are saved from Sin? What did Jesus save us from, and where do non-Christians go when they die? In this lesson from Luke 16:19-31, John Horning discusses what Hell is, and why it matters to our lives, worship, and evangelism to understand it.
What is the problem with all of humanity? What is it that makes the Gospel necessary? In this lesson, John Horning discusses Romans 5:12-15 and the importance of understanding sin if you are going to share the Gospel.
Have you ever wished you could like at a particular time in history? Perhaps during the reign of Julius Caesar? Maybe during the life of Plato? In this lesson on Acts 1:1-11 and Revelation 22:12-17, John Horning discusses what makes our time in history truly remarkable.
What does a Christian have to hope for? Why does the Gospel matter? In this lesson, John Horning discusses the promise of new life that comes from accepting God’s Gospel.
In the third and final lesson of the summer camp series Examples of Obedience, John Horning shows that faithfulness is possible in the most difficult situations. Join us as we study David — a sinner that repented even though the stakes were impossibly high.
In the second lesson of the summer camp series Examples of Obedience, John Horning shows that obedience is possible in the most difficult situations. Join us as we study Hosea — a loving husband with an adulterous wife.
In the first lesson of the summer camp series Examples of Obedience, John Horning shows that faithfulness is possible in the most difficult situations. Join us for the study of Abigail — a faithful wife with a terrible husband.
Love is the highest of virtues, but what does it look like? In this lesson, John Horning discusses God’s definition of love contrasted with the world’s
Adolescence is hard. The challenges a teenager faces are unique and strenuous. Is it possible to function well as an adolescent? What should a teenager focus on and pursue? In this lesson, John Horning considers the example of Jesus Christ for teenagers.
How should I function in my church? Does God have a job for me? In this lesson, John Horning discusses how Christians should view their place in the body of Christ.
What is my gender? How do I know what my gender is? How do I interact with someone that struggles with their gender identity? In this lesson, John Horning discusses how to engage with gender with love for God and people.
We need to flee from sin, but how do we identify and run from sin? In this lesson, John Horning discusses how to learn what sin is and how to deal with it in your life.
What does God want us to be when we grow up? What are we here to do as Christians? In this lesson, John Horning discusses what God wants every Christian to be: a missionary.
Does starting well mean finishing well? What caused Solomon to fail at the end of his life when he started with so many advantages? In this lesson, John Horning discusses how to finish well in the Christian life.
What does the Bible say about being single? Is it worse than being married, or is it better? Is it something to pursue or avoid? In this lesson, John Horning discusses why singleness is actually better than marriage.
What is sexual purity? Why does it matter? In this lesson, John Horning addresses the issue of sexual morality from Paul’s teaching to the Corinthian church.
Does everyone have the opportunity to please God? What does God look at or value? In this lesson, John Horning discusses the differences between how God judges and how people judge in the example of David.
What does it mean to confront someone in truth and love? Why is it important to confront sin, and how should you do it? Today, John Horning discusses Paul’s call for the Corinthian church to address sin and how it applies in relationships.
Are we ashamed of God? Are we ashamed of who He is or what He says? In this lesson, John Horning discusses how to grow in boldness in your relationship with God.
Responding correctly in response to sin in our lives can be difficult. Today, John Horning discusses an example of what not to do in the person of Saul.
Maybe you want to grow in spiritual maturity, but you don’t know what to aim for. In this lesson, John Horning discusses the marks of spiritual maturity in Paul’s letter to the Corinthian church.