Holding Fast in the Midst of a (Midlife) Crisis (Psalm 102)
December 31, 2023 • David Schrock • Psalm 102
December 31 is a day unlike any other. As the final day of our calendar hits, it makes us look back on our last year and consider what God did, what we did, and what we might do going forward. Looking into the rear view gives us a chance to give thanks to God for his faithfulness, to lament over various sins and sorrows, to learn from mistakes, and to seek fresh grace to walk more faithfully in 2024. Indeed, looking back at 2023 is only good if we learn more how to walk more faithfully in 2024. And that is how we plan to spend our time together this Sunday. As we gather for worship one more time in 2023, we come as a church family with a host of mixed emotions. But most importantly, we come to December 31 trusting that the God who saved us from our sins as individuals can sanctify us together as brothers and sisters in Christ. To that end, we are going to look at Psalm 102 on Sunday. If you read the title, it is a song for the afflicted. And if you read the whole the thing, the affliction is something like a Mid-Life Crisis. In the life of our church, we are also facing something similar, as questions of past, present, and future arise. Who are we? Where are we going? How are we going to get there? While we wait on the Lord to answer some of those questions, we are going to look to the Lord from where our help comes from. And as we do, we need to learn a few things from Psalm 102. With that in mind, let us pray for our gathering together and ask God to teach us how to look to him when we feel afflicted by the grinding days of life. I am grateful to God for the family of faith at OBC. And I am hopeful for what the Lord will teach us in the last days of 2023 and all the days of 2024. God does not let anything happen by accident and there are many reasons to trust him as we move from this year to next. Let us gather then with hope on Sunday, for he who has brought us safe thus far will surely bring us safely home. As the Lord allows, I look forward to seeing you Sunday. For His Glory and your joy in Christ, Pastor David -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Discussion & Response Questions (Psalm 102) How would you summarize Psalms 102? What are main themes? What is the progression of the psalm from beginning to end? What is the psalmist’s condition, and the psalmist’s future hope? What does this psalm reveal about God’s character and attributes? To what end does God create and save? How does the psalmist contrast himself with God in regards to time? What might we learn from this? What are the implications of the immutability of God? How does this psalm speak about how God relates to His people and their prayers? What truths in this psalm might you use to counsel someone who is discouraged? How ought we to respond to this text?
3. What is Humanity?
May 21, 2023 • David Schrock • Psalm 8
When I watched the reruns of Star Trek as a kid, Captain James T. Kirk would talk to the computer like it was a real person and get all kind of information about the mission he was on. At that time, when Star Trek began in 1966, smartphones, artificial intelligence, not to mention personal computers were science fiction. Today, however, they are all scientific fact! The fact of the matter is that our world is increasingly automated, computerized, and embodied by artificial intelligence. But if you are paying attention, an embodied computer is but a facsimile of a human. And if today, Siri, or ChatGPT, or Google Bard, or whatever—or is it whoever?—are your conversation partners at work, or home, or on the go, what will it be like in 6, 16 or 60 years? If it has not been apparent that the sexual revolution and transgenderism movement have endangered the nature and nurture of humanity, then the rise of Artificial Intelligence should make it absolutely clear. In a day when children are given AI, it won’t be long before those children prefer AI to real friends. Likewise, if finding a spouse is difficult today, and the prospect of a good match is running low on the latest dating app, what would keep a man, tutored by AI, to seek a mate who was manufactured at Brides R Us? As odd as that sounds, considering where our world is going, what was science fiction yesterday, is fact today. And what is science fiction today, may not be fiction tomorrow. Truly, with the increasing likelihood of a world populated by "non-human persons," we need to secure our understanding of humanity. Years ago, I wrote an article calling for a Sixth Sola (https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3a%2f%2fobc.us14.list-manage.com%2ftrack%2fclick%3fu%3ddd23918991ea6f542a8065bed%26id%3d5f88d361e0%26e%3df5b57025e0&data=05%7c01%7c%7c86d8159aad8b41deb76808db58a9e00a%7c84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7c1%7c0%7c638201258865149775%7cunknown%7ctwfpbgzsb3d8eyjwijoimc4wljawmdailcjqijoiv2lumziilcjbtii6ik1hawwilcjxvci6mn0%3d%7c3000%7c%7c%7c&sdata=lxmgpxeded7ho2vjhjxkxk4zethk0rc%2bgo%2bddqryo9m%3d&reserved=0). I would encourage you to read that article this weekend as we prepare for Sunday. Read and think about what God is doing in the world. Then pray over Psalm 8, which will be our passage this Sunday. As we ask the question, What is Humanity?, we will see what Scripture says as we take another step to better understand the world that God has made. Pray for our time together and rejoice in the chance to gather with the body of Christ. John said that he longed to see the saints face-to-face, and so should we. We are embodied souls and bodily gathering is a gift that God gives us. On Sunday, we will begin to think about what it means to be human. And I pray, as the Lord allows, you will join us. As a reminder, the Mapledale Community Group is in the overflow this Sunday. For His Glory and your joy in Christ, Pastor David ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Discussion & Response Questions for Psalm 8 What does it mean to be human? Before Sunday how would you answer? Where have you gotten most of your views on humanity? What needs reconsideration? What does it mean to be the Image of God? What does Psalm 8 teach us? How does Psalm 8 point to creation? To the new creation? Where are the places that the image of God / humanity is under threat today? What does the incarnation teach us? What errors does the incarnation help us avoid? How should Christians think about technology? Artificial Intelligence? Automation? What is our hope—in this life and in the life to come? What other questions do you have about humanity today?
2. What is a Cosmos?
May 14, 2023 • David Schrock • Psalm 104
Where are we? This is an important question, especially if you have been dropped off in a place you don't know. Or, you are visiting somewhere for the first time. In truth, lostness is a part of life. When God created the world, he made it big, with large stretches of land and sea. Then, when he brought Noah and his family through the flood, he added mountains and valleys, languages and cultures. As a result, all humans have experienced the paralyzing effects of not knowing where we are and not knowing (for a short time or a long time) how to find our bearings. Thinking about this, we realize that “finding ourselves” in this world requires more than a good GPS. While we may know our coordinates on the planet, we may be equally confused about how to think about the planet itself. That is to say, while we may have a map on our phones, if we are interpreting the world around us by the tools given to us by a secular and secularizing world, we may not have any idea that God dwells in heaven and we are on earth, in the place that we are (Acts 17:25), because he put us here and defined our boundaries. Moreover, without the right tools for interpretation, we may try to find ourselves in ways entirely at odds with our Creator. Such is the condition of postmodern humanity. For all the technological know-how that we have acquired, we have lost something valuable in our world—namely, a right understanding of the cosmos. After all, what is the world? Even for those who have grown up in church, the stories of Creation and the Flood must contend with Darwin and his disciples. The miracles of Jesus must overcome our modern commitment to natural causation. And our belief in Jesus's virgin birth and third day resurrection must be treated as facts of history, not not just ethical fictions like Aesop’s Fables or the tales of Harry Potter. And those are a just a few of the ideas that contend for space in our world and elevate the question: Where are we? To help us get our bearings, we began a sermon series last week called “The Business of Is-ness,” which introduces us to something called Ontology (the study of the way things are). If you missed it, you should go listen to the first message. It will pave the way for this week’s message on Cosmology. Cosmology is a study of the universe. And Sunday, we will look at Psalm 104 to see the world God has made. Indeed, to understand our place in the world requires a right understanding of God’s Three-Story Universe. Yes, the world has three stories, and if that doesn’t make sense, then it’s likely you are working with a cosmology taught in public high schools instead of God’s Word. Again, this is why we need to study Ontology. To prepare for worship, take time to read Psalm 104. As best you can, take note of the seven days of creation in that Psalm. On Sunday, we will walk through the seven days of creation to understand the universe and our place in it. Indeed, for all of us living in a secular world, we need to embrace a sacred view of creation. And Sunday, by God’s grace, we can take a first step. Please pray for our time together and for the Lord to continue to shed his light upon us as we seek the light of his glory in the face of Jesus Christ. As a reminder, the County Center Community Group is in the overflow this 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 Psalm 104 In what ways do you think about the world in which you live? What has influenced that understanding? What is a biblical cosmology? How is that similar too or different than a scientific understanding? What does it mean to have a sacred view of the world? How could that go wrong? What does that redeem? What is the relationship between Genesis 1 and Psalm 104? Have you seen that before? Why do we struggle to see those connections? What does it mean that God clothed himself with light? What are the three stories of the universe? How does the concept of a three-tier universe reform your thinking about the world? How does Psalm 104 incorporate the story of salvation? For instance, what do we learn about the flood? About beasts, man, and Satan? What is the goal of creation? How does Psalm 107 communicate that hope? What else did you learn about the world? What questions remain?
A Hard Psalm for Hard Times (Psalm 137)
September 11, 2022 • David Schrock • Psalm 137
In our late summer series on the Psalms, we’ve saved the hardest psalm for last. Or at least, this Sunday we come to two verses (Psalm 137:8–9), when taken by themselves, that are likely to be a stumbling block for those looking to question the Bible. Indeed, how can we say that someone is blessed for dashing children against the rocks? Do we not stand up against those seeking do that very thing in abortion mills all over the country? These are hard questions. And Psalm 137 is a hard psalm. But hard psalms have their purpose. Because we live in a hard world, we need hard words—words that will steel our faith, so that Satan does not steal our hope. On Sunday, we will be gathering on the 21st Anniversary of 9/11—a day indelibly etched in our memory banks. Burning towers, smoking buildings, falling bodies, and courageous firefighters are just some of the images that capture the horror of that day. When Islamic terrorists turned four airplanes into human-guided missiles they incarnated evil in ways that are not suitable television. Yet, such evil is exactly what prompted the words of Psalm 137. And as long as we live in a world where evil can terrorize, then we need to come to passages like Psalm 137 with open hearts willing to listen and learn. Indeed, unless we learn how this Psalm works, we may not be prepared to respond in faith when evil strikes our country, our church, or our children. So, with sober awareness of the pain caused by September 11 and a host of other evils, let us pray that God might use this Psalm in the way his Spirit intends. We need strong words of comfort when evil breaks, and I believe that is why Psalm 137 is in the Bible. Please pray for our time on Sunday, and that God’s Spirit might apply this Psalm to the areas of pain in our life caused by untold evil. For His Glory and your joy, Pastor David ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Discussion & Response Questions: Psalm 137 What was your response to the lament and imprecations of Psalm 137? Is your response consistent with what you believe about Scripture? While we may feel the pressure to immediately engage with verse 9, let’s consider the context of the Psalm first: What is the historical context? What did Edom and Babylon do to Israel? What is the literary shape of the psalm? How is it organized? How does the Psalmist speak of God? What kind of “blessing” is being pronounced upon those who destroy Babylon? What are the different interpretive views of this? Which interpretation do you find most persuasive, and why? Looking at the griefs and joys of the psalmist, do these resonate with you? Why or why not? As New Covenant saints, how should we read this Psalm? How should we consider these things through the lens of the New Covenant and the work of Christ? As New Covenant saints, do you consider yourself to be in exile? Why or why not? What does the Scripture teach about our status? How should we respond to this Psalm today?
The God Who Does What He Says (Psalm 138)
August 21, 2022 • Jared Bridges • Psalm 138
It happens all too often. Someone tells us that they'll do something, and for whatever reason -- good or bad -- they never seem to follow through. And it's not only politicians who pepper their speech with empty words. All too often our loved ones, friends, and community are found lacking in this. But as we'll see in Psalm 138 this Sunday, we serve a God who has done what he said, is doing what he said, and will do what he said. In a time where most of us are half doing things, we can take comfort with our whole heart in a God who fully does what he says. Join us this Lord's Day for worship as we look at Psalm 138. Pastor Jared ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Discussion & Response Questions: Psalm 138 What reasons does David give for praising God? What is the root of David’s thanksgiving? What does this Psalm teach about God’s Word? Notice how David moves back and forth between prayer to God, and proclamation of truths about God. Why do you think he is doing this? How does David describe his confidence in the Lord? What is the basis of his confidence? What is the basis of your confidence in the Lord? Notice how David moves from himself (vv. 1-3), to kings (vv. 4-6), and back to himself (vv. 7-8). What is David doing? Consider David’s petition at the end (v. 8). Why do you think the Psalm ends like this? What attributes of God does David emphasize? How should we respond to this Psalm?
The High Knowledge & Wonderful Works of God (Psalm 139)
August 14, 2022 • Ben Purves • Psalm 139
Dear OBC Family, This Sunday we will continue in our summer in the Psalms, and we will turn to David’s meditation on the omnipresence and omniscience of God in Psalm 139. As David beheld God, he confessed that “Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high; I cannot attain it.” It is right that as we behold God, we are awed by His greatness and sense our smallness. While we are unable to fully comprehend our wonderfully infinite God, it is our joy to behold Him in Scripture. I invite you to read Psalm 139 in advance of Sunday, and pray that the Lord would give us grace to know Him more. I look forward to gathering together with you to worship our great God! Blessings in Christ, Pastor Ben ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Discussion & Response Questions: Psalm 139 Notice how David characterizes his pursuit of knowing God (v. 6). How should we respond to this? How does this Psalm describe the knowledge and presence of God? As we meditate on the absolute knowledge and immensity of God in Psalm 139, how should we understand language like God “searching” or having hands and eyes? How ought we to we understand language of being near to or far from God? Does David want to escape from God’s presence? Why or why not? As we look at how God has formed life in the womb, so also he has formed our days. How ought we to respond to this? After this meditation on God (vv. 1-18), how should one understand David’s response (vv. 19-24)? How should we be zealous for God? When is God’s presence and knowledge a threat, and when is it a comfort? What makes the difference? After the fall of mankind in Genesis 3, how is it possible one to enjoy God’s all-encompassing knowledge and presence? What does it look like to apply the doctrines of God’s omniscience and omnipresence? What does it look like to live life Coram Deo, that is, before the face of God?
The Absoluteness of God (Psalm 135)
August 7, 2022 • Ben Purves • Psalm 135
Dear OBC Family, Why do we worship God? As we turn to the Psalms for the next several weeks, I invite you to read Psalm 135 in advance for Sunday worship, and consider the psalmist’s argument as he calls us to worship. As we look to Psalm 135, we will consider the absolute sovereignty of God who does whatever He pleases, why this is grounds for our comfort and hope, and why this should provoke us all the more to praise Him. I look forward to gathering with you this Lord’s Day to worship our Great God. Blessings in Christ, Pastor Ben ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Discussion & Response Questions: Psalm 135 How is this Psalm organized? What reasons for praising God does the Psalmist provide? What does it mean to say that “God is absolute”? If someone says that “God can do anything,” how would you qualify that statement? How ought God’s people to respond to the absoluteness of God? As we look at this text, what is God pleased to do? How do you see God’s workings recounted in these verses? How does Psalm 135 serve as a warning against idolatry? What repetition do you see in the Psalm? What is the psalmist emphasizing? To what New Covenant realities do these shadows point? How ought we to respond to this text?
A Grace That Endures: Eleven Words of Comfort in Times of Crisis (Ps 119:25-32)
January 2, 2022 • David Schrock • Psalm 119:25–32
"The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away.” (Job 1:21) And the Word of God says: "Blessed be the name of the Lord.” As I write this email on the last day of the year, I am reminded that many families in our church have have lost loved ones in 2021. And just this week, our church body has been tossed and torn as the Lord took Tracy Dugan home to be with him. In moments like this, where the specter of death overshadows us and the pain of loss afflicts us, words are not sufficient. But neither is silence. And thus, we come to the Word of God and find confessions like this: "My soul clings to the dust; give me life according to your word!” and "My soul melts away for sorrow; strengthen me according to your word!” When our words fail us, the Word of God does not. And this Sunday we will gather to hear that Word and to meditate on Psalm 119:25–32. While January will be a month where we focus on spiritual disciplines, personal and public, the first Sunday of the year will be spent considering how the Word of God gives grace when death afflicts. As you have time read Psalm 119---its the long one, so give yourself time to soak it in—and pray for our gathering. Please pray for Collene and her girls (Kelsey, Mabry, and Naomi) and the rest of the family. May the Lord give them grace and strength as they make funeral arrangements for Tracy. As we have more information, we will share them with you. Until then, let us bless the name of the Lord, for he is good and he does good. And ultimately, his work will put death to death, as life swallows the grave. Meditating on that point you may find help here: From Death to Life: How Joshua Teaches us to Find Resurrection Hope in the Midst of Loss. I look forward to seeing you Sunday, as the Lord allows and the Lord gathers us together. Sorrowful, yet rejoicing in the Lord, Pastor David -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Discussion & Response Questions for Psalm 119 Psalm 119:25-32 1. As you reflect on 2021, for what are you thankful? Sorrowful? Prayerful? 2. As you begin 2022, what are you praying for or striving for in the power of the Lord? 3. When you have read Psalm 1:19 in the past, what have you learned or appreciated? 4. In verses 25–32, what are some of the words that stand out to you? How does beginning by looking at repeated words help you to understand these verses? 5. What is the flow of thought in these eight verses? How does that help you apply these verses to you? 6. In verses 25- 32, what do you learn about God? His word? And yourself? 7. how do these verses encourage you? And help you going into this year? How might they minister grace to you or someone else who has been suffering loss? 8. How does Mark 4 illustrate Psalm 119? How does the enfleshed omnipotence of Jesus encourage you? How does it give you confidence to approach this year? 9. What else are you praying for in 2022?
10. The Righteousness of God Revealed (Romans 3:21-30)
November 14, 2021 • David Schrock • Romans 3:21–30, Psalm 32
Know justice, know peace. No justice, no peace. For the last few years, the theme of justice has filled America’s pulpits and public discourse. Yet, for all the attention given to it, there remains an insufficient understanding of this precious virtue. In Scripture, the God of justice, the righteous God of Israel, displays his justice in ways beyond his sending of prophets to decry Israel’s sin. Yes, the Old Testament has numerous prophets condemning Israel for their sins of injustice and idolatry. Just read Isaiah 5 or Amos 5. Yet, the prophets' main message centers on the coming messiah and the justice, make that the justification, that he will bring. Indeed, justice apart from justification is a pronouncement of law without gospel. Not surprisingly, a world that does not know the grace of the gospel will call for justice based upon their fallen understandings of law. However, for Christians, when we speak of justice, we must begin with God and follow his Word until it brings us to Christ’s cross. For on the cross, we see justice and justification. And this Sunday we will learn from Paul in Romans 3:21–31 what justice truly looks like. In preparation for Sunday, take time to read Romans 1–3. These chapters hang together and show us both our guilt before God and his grace in justifying sinners. This is the center of God’s gospel and the way that he brings justice into the world. Therefore, for Christians led by the Spirit and the Word, a call for justice is a call to seek the grace of God. And on Sunday, we will do just that. As the Lord allows, I look forward to seeing you Sunday and to worshiping the God of justice and justification! For His Glory and your joy, Pastor David --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Discussion & Response Questions for Romans 3:21-31 1. How is justice discussed today? In what ways is the rise of “justice-talk” helpful? Or unhelpful? 2. Where do we find the source and substance of justice? 3. What is the relationship between righteousness and justice? What are the ways Scripture talks about righteousness-justice? 4. How does Paul talk about justice in Romans 3:21–31? Why does it matter so much that Christians always connect justice to justification? 5. How did God reveal his righteousness? Was this revelation merely a display, or did this revelation do something? 6. What did the cross achieve, according to Romans 3:24–26? 7. Take time to talk about the three background images of these verses—the temple and altar (propitiation), the exodus/marketplace (redemption), and the law court (justification). How do these background images help us understand the cross? 8. What is the relationship between grace and faith, grace and justice, faith and justification? 9. How does Romans 3:21–31 help you know God? His Son? Your sin? Your salvation?
9. The Rejected and Resurrected Stone (Luke 20:9-18)
November 7, 2021 • David Schrock • Luke 20:9–18, Psalm 118
‘The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone.’ There are few sentences in the Bible more important for understanding the cross of Christ. And this Sunday, we will examine this verse (Psalm 118:22) through the eyes of Jesus, who in Luke 20:9–18 concludes his parable of the wicked tenants by citing the words of Psalm 118. For more than a month we have spent most of our time looking at the cross through the Old Testament. As Jesus said in John 5:39, all Scripture speaks of him. And so we have learned about the cross in the inspired words of Moses, David, and Isaiah. But now, we turn to the New Testament, where we will continue to meditate on the meaning of Christ’s cross. And this Sunday, we will look at one of the last parables Jesus told as he moved toward the cross. This is parable not only preaches the cross and resurrection, but it recalls the fact that all humanity will rise or fall in response to Jesus. So in preparation for Sunday, let us read Luke 20 and pray for God to have mercy on us as we come to seek his mercy. Additionally on Sunday, we will also have a time of prayer in the sanctuary during the Sunday School hour. If you have not joined us for Great Commission Prayer, please do. It is an important time of bringing our labors before the Lord who has sent us into his vineyard. Indeed, as we will discover in Luke 20, how God’s laborers respond to the Lord of the harvest is of the utmost importance. And during Sunday School this week, we have the privilege of asking God to bless the works of our hands. As the Lord allows, I look forward to seeing you Sunday. For His Glory and your joy, Pastor David ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Discussion & Response Questions for Luke 20 1. Why did Jesus speak in parables? How did Jesus use the Old Testament in his parables? 2. Who were the cast of characters in his parable? 3. Why is it important to see who Jesus is talking about? And who he is talking to? 4. Why does his audience have such a hard time believing him? What does the people’s response to Jesus and their support of the reigning priests teach us? Who do we trust in times of cultural upheaval? 5. Why is it misleading to say “the Jews killed Jesus”? Who stood behind the death of Jesus? 6. And who stood behind the human opponents of Jesus? How does seeing the owner as the ultimate sovereign help us understand the cross? 7. How does this parable affirm the fact that Christ’s death brought judgment and salvation? Or even, salvation through judgment? 8. What does the final verse mean? How does this apply to you? In what ways do you need to reconsider the cross of Christ? To whom can you share it’s world-splitting message?
7. The Suffering King (Psalm 22)
October 24, 2021 • Ben Purves • Psalm 22
Dear OBC Family, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” As we hear these familiar words, we cannot help but think of our Lord’s sufferings at the cross. Yet, as Jesus cries out, he is pointing us to the words of David in Psalm 22. As we continue in our series on the cross, this Sunday we will turn our attention to Psalm 22. We will consider David’s sufferings, how this psalm is fulfilled by Christ, and what this teaches us about the sufferings of our Lord. I invite you to read Psalm 22 in advance of this Sunday, and consider how this Psalm speaks about suffering, deliverance, and all that is to come. I look forward to gathering with you for worship this Lord’s day. Blessings in Christ, Pastor Ben ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Discussion and Response Questions for Psalm 22 1. Where do you see the fulfillment of Psalm 22 in the cross of Christ? 2. How do the Gospels teach us to read Psalm 22? (Jn 19:24; Lk 24:44) 3. How does the author of Hebrews use Psalm 22 in speaking of Christ? (See Hebrews 2:12) 4. Notice how the psalmist alternates between suffering and faith (vv. 1-2, 3-5, 6-8, 9-11). What might we learn from this? 5. How does Psalm 22 describe God? 6. What does Christ’s suffering and victory accomplish according to Psalm 22? 7. What might we learn from the concluding section of praise (vv. 22-31)? 8. How does this psalm call us to respond? How ought we to respond to these truths?