John
The Gospel of John: Seeing is Believing
O Love That Will Not Let Me Go: How Jesus Restores Souls and Prepares Living Sacrifices
April 30, 2023 • David Schrock • John 21:15–25
After 4 years, 55 sermons, and 1 pandemic, we come to the final message of John. Or least, the final message in this sermon series. Every time we finish a sermon series, I stand amazed at the kindness of God. He has spoken to us, he has sustained us, and he has fed us with this Word. And actually, on that point, it is fitting that we spend our final Sunday in this series chewing on the ways that God feeds us with his Word. For this is what he told Peter to go and do! As you prepare for Sunday, take time to read John 21 and also, give thanks to God for the way his Word feeds us. In my Bible reading, Psalm 119 is on my calendar tomorrow. The 29th day of the fourth month = Psalm 119; it’s not gematria, but I guess its close. And for those looking to prepare their hearts to feed on God’s Word, Psalm 119 (some or all of it) would be a fitting way to pray for our time on Sunday. May God be praised that he has led us through this glorious book. And may we gather on Sunday with anticipation that he will feed us again. As the Lord allows, I look forward to seeing you on Sunday. As a reminder, the River Ridge Community Group is in the overflow this Sunday. For His Glory and your joy in Christ, Pastor David ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Discussion & Response Questions for John 21:15 – 25 In this account we see three questions, three responses, and three exhortations. While there is repetition, there are distinct nuances between each of them. In the first question, what is Jesus’ specific question about Peter’s love? How does Jesus’ question change? (vv. 15, 16, 17) What should we observe about Peter’s answers? What tasks are being entrusted to Peter? What responsibilities are entrusted to him? As a sheep, what might we learn from this? What do we need? How do Jesus’ words provoke grief and give comfort to Peter? When we see that our love for the Lord is deficient, how should Scripture direct our hearts and minds? What truths should we turn to? What does Peter’s question about John reveal? How does Jesus conclude his words to Peter? How does this compare to the beginning? As we consider how the church has been built upon the foundation of the apostles, what applications should we draw from this text? How ought we to respond to this text?
A Tale of Two Fishermen: Jesus, Peter, and the Mission of God
April 23, 2023 • David Schrock • John 21:1–14, Ezekiel 47:1–12
A whole sermon about fishing, really? In a word, yes. This Sunday we are going to go fishing with Jesus and on the shores of Galilee we are going to see how Jesus turns a handful of fishermen into fishers of men. And remarkably, what we will see is not just a clever turn of phrase, but a glorious fulfillment of prophetic witness. Indeed, the Old Testament is filled with places that speak about fishing and in two places in particular (Jer. 16:16–21; Ezek. 47:1–12) we find promises that Jesus fulfills in John 21. As you prepare for Sunday, take time to read John 21, as well as these Old Testament passages. On Sunday, we will see how John shows the arrival of God’s kingdom through the fish, the fishing, and the fisherman in John 21. As the Lord allows, I look forward to seeing you on Sunday. For His Glory and your joy in Christ, Pastor David ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Discussion & Response Questions for John 21:1 – 14 Fill in the gap between John 20 to John 21. How does the scene change from the disciples being in the Upper Room in Jerusalem? What does John continue to highlight in these verses? What repeats? How does that reveal his focus? As we read this narrative, elements of this story echo earlier events in the Gospels. Compare John 21 with Matthew 4:18-22. What is similar? What is different? How do they relate to OT prophecies (Jeremiah 16 and Ezekiel 47)? If Matthew 4:18–22 connects most explicitly to Jeremiah 16:16–21, how does John 21 apply Ezekiel 47:1–12? If John is applying Ezekiel 47 to Jesus’s catch of fish, how does that relate to the building of the temple and the outpouring of the Spirit? What is Jesus teaching his disciples? What about Jesus is being revealed to us? How should we respond to this text? What is the mission for us? Is it the same or different from the apostles? What encouragement does this passage give you?
Three Good Gifts: The Spirit of Peace, the Word of Faith, and the Book of Life
April 16, 2023 • David Schrock • John 20:19–31
If you joined us on Good Friday, you heard the good news that "https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3a%2f%2fobc.us14.list-manage.com%2ftrack%2fclick%3fu%3ddd23918991ea6f542a8065bed%26id%3d382873981c%26e%3df5b57025e0&data=05%7c01%7c%7c4649836d05e544cafed408db3d29170d%7c84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7c1%7c0%7c638171018919855739%7cunknown%7ctwfpbgzsb3d8eyjwijoimc4wljawmdailcjqijoiv2lumziilcjbtii6ik1hawwilcjxvci6mn0%3d%7c3000%7c%7c%7c&sdata=f2pe1m53j%2f0llc7nyrb5w%2brgdxwfapn1hcrnwixrzqi%3d&reserved=0" is a reference to the temple. On the cross, Jesus finished his temple building. Like God in Genesis 2, Moses in Exodus 40, and Hezekiah in 2 Chronicles 31, Jesus‘s words harken back to the completion of a temple. But if the cross finished the temple, what does that mean for us now? Where do we see the temple? And how does the finished work of Christ relate to the resurrection, the outpouring of the Spirit, and the formation of Spirit-filled temples (i.e., local churches)? To those questions, we will find answers this Sunday. In John 20:19–31, we will see the way that Jesus brings peace to his disciples, pours out his Spirit upon them, and begins to grant life to them. John even says that this is the purpose of his book. And so, as we draw to another meditation on Christ’s resurrection, we will see how the word of Christ, and the Spirit of God, and the word of Scripture bring life to all those who are made a part of Christ’s living and growing temple. As you have time, read over John 20, as well as, Acts 2. Sunday we will see the way that the Spirit of Truth begins to assemble the finished work of Christ. As you come, please pray for our church. Last Sunday, we had the joy of hosting more than 350 people at OBC. We continue to rejoice in those who are coming, even as we feel the stewardship of caring for all who join us. As a reminder, the Community Group scheduled for our overflow seating is the Montclair Community Group. If our parking lot is filled to maximum capacity, we encourage you to take advantage of the overflow parking along the shoulder of Springwoods Drive, and also at Old Bridge Veterinary Hospital. As the Lord allows, I look forward to seeing you on Sunday and worshiping our resurrected Christ. As we said last week and should say every Lord’s Day: He is risen. He is risen indeed. For His Glory and your joy in Christ, Pastor David -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Discussion & Response Questions for John 20:19 – 31 How does Jesus greet his disciples (vv. 19, 21, 26). Why do you think he greets them in this way? (Cf. John 14:27; 16:33) How does the breathing of the Spirit relate to John’s Gospel? What is the significance to the number 10 — ten disciples receive the Spirit. So what? Consider the connection between the commissioning of the disciples and Jesus breathing on them. How do we understand this text about the Spirit in relationship to Pentecost? How would you explain what Jesus is teaching about forgiveness? How does the context shape our understanding of this? How does the church pronounce forgiveness today? By what authority does the church make this proclamation? Is it an authority given to individuals or churches? Why did John write his gospel? How does the Gospel give life today? Think about what just happened in vv. 19–29. Considering the thesis for John’s gospel, how does the drama of this book reach its height with Thomas? What have you believed about Jesus? Why have you believed? What is the encouragement for those who have not seen Jesus? What is the promise for all who believe? How should we respond to the Gospel of John?
Seeing is Believing: How the Risen Christ Turns Graves into Gardens (John 20:1-18)
April 9, 2023 • David Schrock • John 20:1–18
If you have never heard S.M. Lockridge’s famous exclamation of “https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3a%2f%2fobc.us14.list-manage.com%2ftrack%2fclick%3fu%3ddd23918991ea6f542a8065bed%26id%3d45090e20e3%26e%3df5b57025e0&data=05%7c01%7c%7cdfa918d4d6334e2b9dc208db37a4b95f%7c84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7c1%7c0%7c638164952869229541%7cunknown%7ctwfpbgzsb3d8eyjwijoimc4wljawmdailcjqijoiv2lumziilcjbtii6ik1hawwilcjxvci6mn0%3d%7c3000%7c%7c%7c&sdata=klwqfkefg6gbljwslytxbjr%2bibz4vtcihedjsffc%2fnc%3d&reserved=0,” today is the day. It’s the best way to spend four minutes today. And hearing Shadrach Meshach Lockridge proclaim Christ is a perfect way to prepare for our service tonight at 7:00pm where we will gather to consider Jesus’s sixth word: It is Finished! Truly, our hope rests in the finished work of Christ and the resurrection of Christ from the dead. In the cross, Jesus paid the penalty for our sins and in his resurrection he was raised for our justification—a justification granted to us by grace through faith. Then on Sunday, John 20:1-18 will be our Easter passage, where we will see Peter and John running to the empty tomb and Mary Magdalene meeting Jesus, the firstborn of a new creation. In preparation for tonight and Sunday, I would encourage you to read John 19–20. Additionally, pray for the Word to go forward to grant life and invite friends and family to join us for these two celebrations of life. I look forward to seeing you tonight and Sunday, as the Lord allows. May Christ be magnified this weekend. And may we rejoice in the grace of his cross and resurrection. For Christ’s Glory and your joy in him, Pastor David ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Discussion & Response Questions for John 20:1 – 18 In looking at the narrative of John, when does it pivot from Jesus’ body being missing to bearing witness about the resurrection? What is believed in v. 8? How does John’s commentary help (v. 9)? Who is the first witness to our risen Lord? Would this testimony be valued or devalued in the first century? Consider the repeated question of verses 13 and 15. How does the resurrection change everything? Contrast this garden scene with Genesis 3. What similarities or differences do you notice? (i.e. angels in the garden, God present with his people, Adam being sought, sorrow being introduced and removed, etc.). Why does John include Aramaic phrases at different points in his Gospel? What is Jesus teaching about his ascension? (v. 17). How should we understand this? How does Jesus speak of the disciples and the Father? What is unique here? How should we respond to the resurrection of Jesus?
On the Cross: Seven Snapshots of Salvation (John 19:16-42)
April 2, 2023 • David Schrock • John 19:16–42
On Sunday, we enter Holy Week. Beginning with Palm Sunday, we are called to remember all that Christ did, said, and suffered on the way to his cross. If you want to reflect on these pivotal days, you can use this https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3a%2f%2fobc.us14.list-manage.com%2ftrack%2fclick%3fu%3ddd23918991ea6f542a8065bed%26id%3d408f2f5bbb%26e%3df5b57025e0&data=05%7c01%7c%7cd27ec30eb8884fe772ab08db3228bbe3%7c84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7c1%7c0%7c638158922755131175%7cunknown%7ctwfpbgzsb3d8eyjwijoimc4wljawmdailcjqijoiv2lumziilcjbtii6ik1hawwilcjxvci6mn0%3d%7c3000%7c%7c%7c&sdata=l82vmjtwvpfjasd8hwnukyzs2crqrjvbt7448rx5zrg%3d&reserved=0 to see the key events in each Gospel. It is a 40-Day reading plan that is keyed to Andreas Köstenberger and Justin Taylor’s The Final Days of Jesus. Even if you can’t cram 40-days into a week ;-), you can use the OT selections to see the backdrop of the events, especially those reference in John 19. John 19:16-42 is the place where we will spend our Sunday. Over the course of these 27 verses, we will see seven snapshots from the cross of Christ. In each, they will help us to know Christ and the meaning of his cross. As you have time, read these verses and pray for the cross of Christ to be a word of hope for all of us, but especially for those who do not yet know Christ as their Savior. As the Lord allows, I look forward to seeing you Sunday. I missed being at OBC last week and it is my greatest joy to return home to worship Christ with our family of faith. We have so many things to celebrate every Sunday, but especially during Holy Week. May the Lord be praised in our gathering, and as we approach Easter, may we prayerfully consider who to invite to hear the good news of Christ’s death and resurrection. As a reminder, the Community Group scheduled for our overflow seating is the Manassas Community Group. If our parking lot is filled to maximum capacity, we encourage you to take advantage of the overflow parking along the shoulder of Springwoods Drive, and also at Old Bridge Veterinary Hospital. For His Glory and your joy in Jesus, Pastor David ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Discussion & Response Questions for John 19:17 – 27 How is John presenting Jesus to us in John 19? How does the location of the crucifixion inform our understanding? What might we observe about Jesus’ kingship? His priesthood? His sacrifice? Consider the “behold” statements of verses 26-27. What reason does John give for this testimony about Jesus’ crucifixion? (See verse 35) Notice the repetition about fulfilling the Scriptures (vv. 24, 28, 36, 37). What does this passage reveal about Jesus? What Scriptures have been fulfilled? Consider the following texts: Ps 22:18 Ps 69:21 Ex 12:46; Num 9:12 Zech 12:10 In what ways is Jesus our Passover Lamb? (See also 1 Cor 5:7) How should John 10:17-18 shape how we understand John 19:30? What do you think is significant about the water and the blood in verse 34? How might the temple theme in John’s Gospel, as well as Genesis 2:21–23 inform our reading? How should we respond to this text?
Behold Your King (John 19:1-16)
March 26, 2023 • Ben Purves • John 19:1–16
Dear OBC Family, This Sunday we will continue in our series in the Gospel of John, and I invite you to read John 19:1-16 in preparation for worship. This is a difficult text as we behold the world’s greatest injustice in the mistreatment and sufferings of our Lord, and the unjust sentence of execution by crucifixion. As we gather this Sunday and in the weeks ahead, may we fix our eyes on Jesus and behold the sufferings of our Savior. May we rejoice in the salvation we have been given in his finished work! Blessings in Christ, Pastor Ben ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Discussion & Response Questions for John 19:1 – 16 What might we learn from the ironies of the farcical worship (vv. 1-3) and the charge brought by the Jews (v. 7)? Consider the thorns, the cross, the innocence of Jesus, and Pilate’s pronouncement “Behold the man!” Theologically, how do these observations add up? (Consider the following texts: Gen 3:17-19; Deut 21:18-21; Rom 5:15-21; Gal 3:10-14). Notice how Pilate and the chief priests both act contrary to their beliefs. Pilate, against his knowledge of the innocence of Jesus, and the chief priests in claiming loyalty to Caesar (Deut 17:14-15). How would you explain this? What conclusions should we draw from this? What does Jesus teach Pilate about his authority? Consider also John 10:18. How should this frame our understanding of the events that are unfolding in our text? Consider Pilate’s pronouncement “Behold your King!” and the crowd’s rejection of Jesus (vv. 6, 12, 15) in light of John 1:9-13. How should we respond to Christ’s kingship? (See Psalm 2; Rev 19:11-16). Consider the lyrics to Isaac Watt’s hymn “Joy to the World.” What does he present as implications of Christ’s kingship? As we consider Jesus in John 19:1-16, how ought we to respond to this text?
What is the Truth? That God Saves Sinners...If You Are Willing to Believe
March 19, 2023 • David Schrock • John 18:28–40
From priesthood to kingship, the trial of Jesus unveils many facets of who Christ is. And this week, as the two high priests (Annas and Caiaphas) bring Jesus to Pilate, we will see a debate about who is truly on the throne. Indeed, in John 18:28–40, we will take the next step in the account of Jesus’s trial. Yet, as with all of John, we are not simply looking to consider historical details. Those are given. What John is showing us in this account is the way that Jesus Christ is the king who lays down his life for his kingdom. That’s what we will see on Sunday. As you have time, please read John 18:28–40 and Deuteronomy 16:18–17:13. This passage in Deuteronomy will help us understand what is going on, and what is going wrong, in the trial of Jesus. As the Lord allows, I look forward to seeing you on Sunday and to worshiping our great king who gave his life to pay for our sins, so that we could be forgiven and brought into his kingdom. As a reminder the County Center Community Group is in the overflow this Sunday. And all of us will gather for worship at 10:00am. For His Glory and your joy in the Christ, Pastor David --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Discussion & Response Questions for John 18:28 – 40 What does the movement of John 18–19 tell us about the events? How does Deuteronomy 16:18–17:13 provide interpretive light for the trials of Jesus? What is ironic about the priests’ pursuit of holiness in v. 28? How does Jesus describe his kingdom and his kingship? What can be learned about Pilate from his questions? What does Pilate conclude about Jesus? What does that say about the priests? What is the contrast between Jesus and Barabbas? What does this illustrate for us? What do we learn about Jesus’s kingdom? Is that kingdom present, future, or both? What attributes of Christ does this passage highlight? How should we respond to this text?
Freely Confessing Christ: How Self-Protection, Isolation, & Fear of Man Invite Spiritual Collapse
March 12, 2023 • David Schrock • John 18:15–27
Peter, do you love me? You know I do. Peter, do you love me? You know I do. Peter, do you love me? You know I do. In John 21, Simon Peter is asked three times to confess his love for Jesus. Why three times? Because in John 18—the passage before us this Sunday—Peter denied Jesus three times, just like Jesus said he would in John 13. Wonderfully, Jesus forgave and restored Peter as they ate fish on the side of the lake. But until then, the three denials of Christ devastated Peter and brought everything into question. Today, we are given chances to stand for Christ too. And the question we must ask ourselves is this: How will we fare differently than Peter? What caused this disciple to deny Christ? And what will keep us from doing the same? Even more, who is the Christ we are confessing? And how does that knowledge empower us to declare our allegiance when the world around us threatens those who confess Christ. These questions and more will be addressed this Sunday as we look at John 18:12–27. To prepare for Sunday, read John 18–19. Pray that God would open our eyes to see who Christ is and that the Spirit might open our eyes to see ways we are trusting in ourselves and are compromised in our allegiance to Christ. As the Lord allows, I look forward to seeing you on Sunday. As a reminder the Springwood's Community Group is in the overflow this Sunday. And all of us will gather for worship at 10:00am. For His Glory and your joy, Pastor David ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Discussion & Response Questions for John 18:15 – 27 How did Jesus prepare his disciples for this event? Read John 13:36-38, and consider in light of John 18:15-27. Notice how Peter fights (John 18:10-11) and follows (John 18:15-16), and the discontinuity with his denials. How should we understand this? In what way does Scripture speak about denying Christ? (Matt 10:32-33) What does this scene reveal about Jesus? (Luke 22:31-32; 2 Tim 2:11-13) In what ways are we tempted to disassociate ourselves with Christ today? What are the motives (idols) with this kind of temptation? What does the scene in the high priest’s home reveal about Jesus? (vv. 19-24) What does this scene reveal about the legal process that is unfolding? As we look at Peter’s three denials, is there hope for those who deny Christ? Why or why not? How ought we to respond to this text? Spend time praying that the Lord would give us boldness to confess faith in Christ in the midst of a hostile world.
A Snake in the Garden: Discovering Who You Are in the Garden of God
March 5, 2023 • David Schrock • John 18:1–14
A number of years ago, I heard a sermon entitled “I Am Not, But I Know I Am.” That’s a good way to think about life. God is at the center and we are not. We do not live for ourselves, but for God alone. And this Sunday, we are going to see a passage of Scripture that maintains that same perspective. Or better, by God’s grace, it is a place in John 18 that may grant us that perspective. Indeed, to deny ourselves and put Christ at the center of our lives, is not something we can do for ourselves. It takes God, his Word, and his Spirit to give us life from above. And this life from above is what gives us a longing to see Christ first and most. Indeed, when the question is asked: Who are you? Or, in our day, What are your pronouns? We would do well to respond, I am NOT, but I know I AM. On Sunday, we will see Jesus identifying himself as the I AM. And by listening carefully to his words, and watching the scene unfold in his arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane, we will learn much about who he is and who we are too. To prepare for Sunday, take time to read John 18:1–14. And if you have time, read all of John 18–19. Take note of the way this whole scene begins and ends in a garden. Indeed, Jesus's death on the cross is the beginning of a new creation. And starting tomorrow and going until Easter Sunday, we will see how new creation dawns. As the Lord allows, I look forward to seeing you on the Lord’s Day. For His Glory and your joy, Pastor David ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Discussion & Response Questions for John 18:1-14Read John 18:1-14. How would you describe Jesus from this text? What repetition do you see? What does this reveal is central to this text? How does the chiastic structure of the text help that central point stand out? Consider the “I am” statements in John. How does this text speak of Jesus? How do they respond when Jesus speaks in verse 6? How should this shape our understanding of this event and what follows? Consider the initiative and authority of Jesus’ words in this passage. When you think of Jesus’ arrest, do you usually think of his majesty and authority, or do you think of him more as a victim? How does John present him? Who is in charge? What is the cup that Jesus will drink? How does Scripture speak of this cup? (Cp. Matt 20:22; 26:39-42; Isa 51:22) In Genesis 3, God seeks Adam and Eve in the garden. Here in John 18, Jesus is sought in the garden. How would you compare/contrast these events? Did you see any temple or sacrifice imagery in John 18? What might we notice? From this passage, what do we learn about Judas and Peter? And how do their responses inform our own response to Christ? As we behold Christ in this passage, how ought we to respond to this text?
To See His Glory (John 17)
February 26, 2023 • Jared Bridges • John 17
Paul instructs us that "we have the mind of Christ" (1 Cor 2:16), but too often our minds are too far from his. John 17 affords us one of the rare opportunities to eavesdrop on the mind of Christ as he prays to the Father for himself, for his disciples, and for those of us who would follow. In this intimate portrait of Jesus -- before he goes willingly to die -- we begin to see the glory of God in a way that Moses never imagined when he asked God for that same privilege generations before. Read John 17, and let the prayer of Jesus move you toward him as we gather together this Lord's Day. Pastor Jared --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Discussion & Response Questions for John 17 Looking at Jesus’ prayer in John 17, how is it organized? What are the main themes of this prayer? How is the Father described in this prayer? How does Jesus speak of himself? What does Jesus pray for himself? What does Jesus pray for his disciples? What does Jesus pray for those who do not yet believe? Look through this chapter and identify the verses where Jesus talks about glory and glorification. What does this prayer teach us about the glory of God? Consider what it looks like for Jesus’ prayer to be answered. As the Father answers the prayer of the Son, what will be true for the church? Jesus prays for the unity of the church. What does this look like, and how is it achieved? How ought we to live in response to these truths?
Glory, Grace, and Gospel: Seeing the Glory of the Triune God (John 17)
February 19, 2023 • David Schrock • John 17
Few places in the Bible are more glorious than the prayer of Jesus in John 17. Not only does it show us how Jesus prays for his disciples and us!! But it also reveals the relationship between the Father and the Son. On Sunday, we will take the first pass through this chapter as we consider the the glory, grace, and gospel of our Triune God. As you have time, read John 17 and then read it again. It’s that good! Also, as we prepare for Sunday please pray for the youth who are “retreating” in the mountains and for all of us as we gather to worship the Lord. As the Lord allows, I look forward to seeing you on Sunday as we see the glories of the gospel in John 17. For His Glory and your joy, Pastor David --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Discussion & Response Questions for John 17 1. What is the context of John 17? And how does it fit with what Jesus said in John 13-16? 2. In Jesus’s prayer, what do we learn about the Father, Son, and Spirit? 3. What do we learn about Jesus’s mission on earth? How does this relate to eternity past? 4. What is the glory of God revealed in this passage, and how does the work of Christ glorify the Father? And reciprocally, how does the Father glorify the Son? 5. What are somethings that we learn about grace in this passage? Think: Who? When? What? Why? How? 6. What is the relationship between this prayer and the ongoing ministry of the Spirit and the church? 7. How does this prayer fuel the gospel? And how does the gospel glorify the grace of God? 8. What else did you learn about God in this passage? And how does that knowledge build faith and motivate your own prayer?
It's Time: Jesus' Final Word in His Farewell Discourse (John 16:16-33)
February 12, 2023 • David Schrock • John 16:16–33
Whether it is the time for the test, time for the wedding, or time for the big game, there is something exhilarating and terrifying about these two words: It’s time! When the time comes, all pretense, all preparation, all patience is over, and now the event—however important or trivial—is here. This is true in life, in death, and everywhere in between. God made his world to run on time. And that means, when he spun the planets around the sun and turned the earth on it axis, he created time and a world filled with hours and days. Time is not something that confines God, nor defines God, for he is outside of the time he created. Still, in his world, there is a beginning, a middle, and an end. And in these moments of time, God has worked a plan of redemption. Not surprisingly, in making everything in his world to glorify his name, God centered his son in the middle of time. In a sense, all time turns around the cross of Christ and this climactic moment in history. And in John’s Gospel, the “hour” for which Christ came is now here. On Sunday, we come to the moment when Jesus says, “It’s time.” In John 16:16–33, the references to time are intense. In fact, when you look at the verses, it looks like looking at the wall of a clock store—imagining that a such store still exists. it seems, the time for clock stores seem to have passed. But imagining what a clock store might look like, John 16 gives us the literary equivalent. And on Sunday it will be time to look at how Jesus prepares for his time on the cross. To prepare for Sunday, please read John 16. We will finish this chapter on Sunday as contemplate the sacrifice of Christ, which gave birth to his church. Please pray for our time and for our hearts to not take our time for granted. As the Lord allows, I will look forward to seeing you on Sunday. For His Glory and your joy in Christ, Pastor David ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Discussion & Response Questions for John 16:16 – 33 How does Jesus interact with the disciples questions, and how does their understanding grow in this text? What examples does Jesus give to illustrate the “little while” of sorrow, which will be replaced by joy? What do these figures of speech reveal? Consider the movement of the disciples from sorrow to joy, in contrast to the world’s joy (vv. 20-24). How does Jesus characterize the joy that is coming? How would you explain what Jesus is about prayer? What is “that day” that Jesus speaks of? What characterizes it? What are the hours that Jesus describes? Are they identical or different? Do they apply to the apostles only, or also to the saints today? How does Jesus bring the disciples from bad news (v. 32) to peace (v. 33)? How does Jesus intend for his disciples to “take heart”? What does it look like for us to “take heart” today? How ought we to respond to these truths?
Consider Jesus: Why "He Gives the Spirit" is Better than "He Gets Us" (John 16:1-15)
February 5, 2023 • David Schrock • John 16:1–15
Who can stand before his cold? This is a question that the Psalmist asks in Psalm 147:17. And it is a meditation that Job offers as well. A couple years ago, https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3a%2f%2fobc.us14.list-manage.com%2ftrack%2fclick%3fu%3ddd23918991ea6f542a8065bed%26id%3df0a0693900%26e%3df5b57025e0&data=05%7c01%7c%7c51cb489d36724ee3eceb08db063407a2%7c84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7c1%7c0%7c638110592778449882%7cunknown%7ctwfpbgzsb3d8eyjwijoimc4wljawmdailcjqijoiv2lumziilcjbtii6ik1hawwilcjxvci6mn0%3d%7c3000%7c%7c%7c&sdata=ppdjulx%2fuc3ri%2frq8iewlgj5pztsi5gtdisk7vggkh8%3d&reserved=0, when snow kept us from gathering. This Sunday, we will gather (DV), as no snow is forecasted. But we will feel the cold a bit more. As we have mentioned, the central heating in our church is being repaired and the parts needed are coming from some supply chain, somewhere. The Lord knows, but we do not. They tell us it will be a couple more weeks. And we should pray for that to be the case—or shorter. Until then, with colder temperatures coming this weekend, our sanctuary might feel a little cooler than normal. That said, let such mild discomfort remind us of why we worship—to bring a sacrifice of praise. At the same time, may we give thanks for the increasing number of warm bodies filling our sanctuary. God has been remarkably kind to us. And this Sunday, we will remember that kindness and sing praises to his greatness, as we gather for worship. To prepare, put on an extra layer and pray that the warmth of God’s love would kindle our hearts. As we look at John 16 on Sunday, may we marvel with the Psalmist at God’s creation and more the new creation which comes by the Spirit. As the Lord allows, I look forward to seeing you Sunday—blankets and stocking caps accepted :-) For His Glory and your joy, Pastor David --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Discussion & Response Questions for John 16:1 – 15 What are “these things” from 16:1? Review Jesus’ prior teaching before this passage. How is Jesus protecting his disciples by his teaching? What is he protecting them from? Consider how being treated as apostate by the synagogues would challenge the disciples. Why is it so important for the disciples to keep these things in mind (vv. 3-4)? Notice Jesus’ timing for his words (vv. 4, 12). What does this reveal to us about Him? How should one understand 16:5? Do you believe that it is to your advantage that Jesus has gone away? (v. 7) If one has difficulty trusting Jesus’ words in verse 7, how might their understanding of the Spirit need to grow? How is the work of the Spirit described by Jesus? (vv. 7-15) How is the Spirit’s work related to the Father and Son? How ought we to respond to this text? How should we then live in light of these truths?
Knowing God's Love in a World that Hates Us (John 15:18-16:4)
January 29, 2023 • David Schrock • John 15:18–27, John 16:1–4
Last Sunday we considered the vital union between Christ and his people. As the Vine gives life to his branches, so we his branches must abide in the Vine to glorify God and love one another. With such attention to God’s love, it might seem that the more a church or a Christian loves God and loves others, the more the world will love him. After all, love begets love. Right? Well, as we will see this week, the world does not love those who love God. Just the opposite. The more we abide in the vine and commit ourselves to God and his love, the more the world hates us. And lest we be shocked and dismayed by this response, Jesus tells us in John 15:18–16:4 to expect such hatred, opposition, and persecution. On Sunday, we will consider his words and how they apply to our lives today. As you have time, read John 15 to prepare for Sunday’s worship. Additionally, bake your cakes or pick up your cookies, because on Sunday night at 6:00pm, we will have our new years members meeting with desserts (!!) which kicks off the new year. You won’t want to miss the elders report and the announcements of what we are doing in 2023. For both gatherings, please pray. As John 15 tells us, we can do nothing apart from Christ. And so let us pray that Christ would bless us with the Spirit as we assemble on Sunday. As the Lord allows, I look forward to seeing you on Sunday. For His Glory and your joy, Pastor David ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Discussion & Response Questions for John 15:18–16:4 As you read John 15:18–16:4, how is the world compared and contrasted with Jesus’ disciples? What do you observe about Father, Son, and Spirit in this text? What defines the world’s relationship to Christ and his disciples? What explanation does Jesus provide for why this is the case? What is the relationship between Jesus’ coming, his speaking to the world, and his works, and the guilt of the world? What wrong conclusions should we guard against? When you think of “culture wars,” how does this text inform the Christian’s engagement in society? How is the Spirit described? What is the Spirit’s work? What is *not* the Spirit’s work? How is the disciples’ work connected to the Spirit’s work? How might persecuted and suffering Christians be encouraged by this passage? How ought we to respond to this text?
Jesus' Continuing Intimacy and Comfort (John 15:1-17)
January 22, 2023 • Ron Comoglio • John 15:1–17
"By this my father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples." If you have spent a fair amount of time in a church that worships Jesus, you may have heard a lot of references to being fruitful and "bearing fruit". My memories of this actually are somewhat negative as the way I learned about what fruit was focused solely on the salvation of souls, and how we were responsible for this to happen. The takeaway therefore was along the lines of "you better get busy, follower of Christ, or you won't have any fruit to show"! The effect of that emphasis produced in me stressors and undue pressure to get people saved. Then, if someone I witnessed to didn't respond, I felt I was failing the King of Heaven! Having a desire for people's salvation is of course a desired outcome of all our ministry efforts, but those misplaced pressures on us to effect such a salvation is incorrect. We are powerless to give life to anything when we think about it, why would we ever assume we can give eternal life? As his name implies ("YWHW saves"), Jesus alone has the power to save us from our sins. It is his work (2 Tim 1:9) and he is faithful to complete it (Phil 1:6). Join us on Sunday as we study John 15:1-17, the familiar account of Jesus identifying himself as the vine, and us as the branches. The Father addresses our fruitfulness as he tends the vine, as only he can. Let us together discover that fruit has a variety of applications but the key to growing it and sustaining it is abiding in Christ. Then we really just need to trust Christ to grow this in us all. Lord willing, I look forward to seeing you this Sunday! To the praise of his glory, in gratitude for our joy, Pastor Ron --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Discussion & Response Questions for John 15:1–17How does Jesus' declaration of being the "true vine" tie him back to historical Israel? Who is the audience for this section of the discourse? How does this help us understand verses like verse 6? What are the scriptural references to fruit? What can we learn from these examples? Notice the recurring themes in these verses: what does "remaining in me" imply? How are the spiritual disciplines of prayer, immersion in scripture, and fellowship illustrated in this text? What does Jesus promise if we keep his commands? Compare with earlier promises from 13:15-16, & 23. What is significant about how Jesus moves from calling his disciples branches to his friends?