The Restoration Project Podcast

Well, TRP, with things being as they are, we don’t get to have our standard Easter celebration this year. We don’t even get to leave our homes! That means no dancing, no singing, no eating and drinking, and my favorite … no toast (sort of). But hopefully, we can be reminded of why we celebrate in the first place—Jesus took on the very worst that humanity had to offer and he carried it. Three days later, his life proclaimed that nothing can separate us from him, not even death.

the restoration project. Joshua James. 12 April 2020

Ok. Ok. We tried. We tried to just keep our head down and keep talking about John (continuing in our sermon series, “The Spiritual Gospel”). But many of us, I think, are *feeling* a bit displaced, a bit disappointed, a bit scared. So here are some thoughts on the Psalms.

the restoration project. Joshua James. 5 April 2020

We are nearing the end of our study of Jesus’ Farewell Discourse. (Only one more teaching to go!)

This week, we tackle all sorts of stuff, from the disciples’ failure to understand, to John’s focus on right NOW, to Jesus’ beautiful (and applicable) words of comfort and victory.

Along with the disciples, may we also remember to take heart, even in the midst of our uncertain moment ... for a Jesus has overcome the world.

the restoration project. Joshua James. 29 March 2020

This week, we are continuing our (super long) series on the Gospel of John, but because of the recommendation from the CDC to limit the size of public gatherings to less than 10 (due to the spread of the coronavirus), we are producing this video from our home studio. In this teaching, Josh explores Jesus’ warning to his disciples of upcoming opposition and persecution. But … after considering the context of the Gospel of John’s original audience, we have to ask … should *we* expect to be “hated” and “persecuted” too? By whom? How? Why? To what extent?

*You might be surprised by his proposal.*

the restoration project. Joshua James. 22 March 2020

the restoration project. 21 October 2019.

the restoration project. Joshua James. 1 March 2020

the restoration project. Suzi Peterson. 23 February 2020

Again Jesus with the tough sayings: "I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If in my name you ask me for anything, I will do it." What's this about? I assume we've asked for something before and it wasn't answered quite as positively. In this teaching, we look into it, focusing most of our energy on the phrase "in my name."

the restoration project. Joshua James. 16 February 2020

In John 14, Jesus tells his disciples, "Very truly, I tell you, the one who believes in me will also do the works that I do and, in fact, will do greater works than these, because I am going to the Father." What's he talking about? What works? How will they be greater? What's going on?

That's what we are talking about in this week's teaching.

the restoration project. Joshua James. 9 February 2020

This week (no big deal), we are discussing (it's fine) one of the most controversial (that's fair) text in John. Jesus responds to Thomas, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." It's that last bit that has caused a bunch of confusion for a contemporary Western audience. It feels exclusive ... and arrogant ... and maybe a bit naive. So we talk about it.

the restoration project. Joshua James. 2 February 2020