Shaking Scripture's Leaves

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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.

What is the homelife like of Ahab and Jezebel? What kind of unrighteousness defines the people of Israel at the time of Elijah? In this lesson, John Horning discusses the wickedness of Ahab and Ahab’s nation, God’s judgment, and God’s mercy to the repentant.

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 does God demonstrate His greatness through events? How does God feel about idolatry? What makes a revival, and who fuels that revival? In this lesson, John Horning discusses the showdown between the single prophet of God and the 400 prophets of nothing. The revival that seemed to be, but never was.

How might people respond when a situation contradicts their beliefs? In this lesson, John Horning discusses the second cycle in Job’s conversation with his friends, and we learn about humility as we navigate truth.