The Light that Brings Eternal Life (John 3:1-21)

February 13, 2022 • David Schrock • John 3:1–21, Ezekiel 37:1–14

Sermon Introduction
Flex and obey,
for there’s no other way,
to be happy in Jesus,
but to flex and obey.

Years ago, when I worked as a church janitor, this was a song I learned from my supervisor. And it’s happy revision of the faithful song, “Trust and Obey,” comes to mind as I think about this last week.

As Christians, we always submit ourselves to the sovereign plans of God (Prov. 16:1, 9), and when we do we give grace to the Lord when he confirms the work of our hands (Ps. 90:17). Last Sunday, the Lord was kind to OBC in numerous ways. Not only did he permit our church to gather, in person, with singing, and Scripture, but he permitted us to hear the entire book of Hebrews. Even more, as I have heard from so many, it really was a unique, encouraging, and Christ-exalting sermon. Hallelujah!

At the same time that OBC was gathering, I was being treated for the throat condition that prevented me from gathering with you and preaching. Should you want to hear how all that played out and how God answered your prayers, you can read the blog here. It also reflects on the goodness of having multiple pastors, reading Scripture in service, and trusting in the sufficiency of God’s Word.

Additionally, last week’s single gathering previewed what we will begin in earnest this week. If you haven’t read the email (sent on Wednesday night), please check out the details for Sunday’s service. For the foreseeable future, we plan to have one service on Sunday mornings. This week, we will gather for Sunday School at 9:00AM, followed by service at 10:00AM. Again, all the details are in the previous email, including a few logistical keys—like helping new families and others to find places to sit.

Finally, as we prepare for Sunday, please pray for the youth who leave for their retreat today. And pray that we get to start John 3. I am planning to preach and I am excited to do so. Still, am reminded afresh at how our plans are always in the Lord’s hands. So let us prayer with earnestness to hear his Word Sunday, and that he would grant us the chance to hear John 3.

Until then, thank you for all of your prayers for me and for your grace in being flexible and following your elders as we seek to follow Christ.

With gratefulness to God for the body of Christ at OBC,
Pastor David
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Discussion & Response Questions
What does it mean for one to be born again (or born from above)? See also John 1:13, and 1 Peter 1:3-5.
What truths from the Old Testament should Nicodemus understand, which should shape his understanding of what it means to be born again?
How should we understand the water in John 3:5? How should we not understand it? See John 4:14; 7:38; Ezek 36:25-27.
What spiritual realities are communicated in v. 8 as the Holy Spirit’s work is compared to the wind?
Review Numbers 21 and the story of the bronze serpent. How should this inform Nicodemus and our understanding of being born again?
How does the story of the bronze serpent shape our understanding of John 3:16-21?
How should we understand John 3:19-21? See also John 1:13.
How should we respond to this text? For those who believe, how might we respond? For those who do not believe, how would you encourage them to respond?

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?