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?
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 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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?
5. The Shepherd-Lamb (John 10:1-30)
October 10, 2021 • Ben Purves • John 10:1–30, Ezekiel 34, Revelation 7:17, Numbers 27:16–17
Dear OBC Family, Over the past few weeks, we have turned our eyes to the cross as we look through the Scriptures to see how they point us to Jesus and his finished work. The ram substituted for Isaac in Genesis 22, the Passover lamb of Exodus 12-13, and the Day of Atonement of Leviticus 16 all point us forward to Christ’s cross. Jesus is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, the once-and-for all sacrifice, and the substitutionary atonement for our sins. This Sunday we will consider a variation on this theme, as we consider Christ our Shepherd. We know what it is to go astray, to be where we should not be, and be entangled or ensnared in sin. Some of us are hungry, for we have chosen poor pastures, which sicken instead of nourishing our souls with truth. You may feel lost, threatened, harassed, or helpless. Yet we have great hope, for God is our shepherd. This Sunday we will consider different moments in redemptive history throughout the Scriptures, and turn our eyes to Christ our Good Shepherd who laid down his life for his flock. He is our Shepherd-King, and he is the Shepherd-Lamb. I invite you to read John 10:1-30 in advance of this Sunday, and join us as we gather for worship at 8:30 and 11:00am. Blessings in Christ, Pastor Ben ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1. How do you see God shepherding his covenant people throughout the Scriptures? 2. What are the responsibilities of a shepherd? 3. How do the shepherds of the Old Testament point forward to Christ (positively, and negatively)? 4. What does it mean that Jesus is the Good Shepherd? How is Jesus better than the shepherds who came before him? How is Jesus the true answer to Moses’ prayer in Numbers 27:17? 5. How does Jesus shepherd the church today? 6. What promises are true for Christ’s sheep? 7. How does Scripture instruct us in how to identify threats to the flock today? (False teachers, wolves, etc). What do they look like? 8. What are the means by which God shepherds his people today, and how have you seen the Lord shepherd you? 9. What is the significance of the change in language in Revelation (from shepherd to Lamb?) 10. As a sheep in Christ’s flock, how should we respond to Christ’s shepherding?