John 14:15-31
January 15, 2023 • David Schrock • John 14:15–31
"I will never leave you, nor forsake you." These are some of the most comforting words in the Bible. They were first spoken to Joshua and later applied to all those who trust in Jesus Christ, the greater Joshua (Heb. 13:6). And they are very similar to words we find in John 14:18, "I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you." Together, these verses are ones we should commit to memory or meditate on with regularity. Still, a question should be asked: How do we know that these words are true? Have not all of us faced relationships where the promiser broke his word? Have we not experienced times with God when it felt like his promise was uncertain? Or that his plans led to greater harm than good? Indeed, experience is wonderful teacher, but a terrible master. And yet, we are prone to trust our experiences more than God’s promise. And when that happens, we lose all manner of peace and the knowledge of God’s love. This Sunday we will address this very thing and as we look at Jon 14:15–31. In the second half of this chapter, we will see how the Son’s unbreakable union with the Father is the foundation of the promise of God’s unbreakable grace to us—that is, to those who trust him and believe his Word. To prepare for Sunday, take time to read John 14. It is filled with God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. From our triune Creator, we find a message of sustaining grace and love. And on Sunday, we will dive into this glorious chapter. Pray for our time in the Word and for those who join us. **Last Sunday, we had the added joy of an 70 people — at least by comparison to the previous week. This reminds us all to look for ways to keep open seats “open,” and hospitality as a gracious priority.** In all, let us look with anticipation to gathering for worship on Sunday and remembering why we can trust God and his unbreakable promise of love and peace. As the Lord allows, I hope to see you on Sunday. For God’s glory and your joy in Christ, Pastor David -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Discussion & Response Questions for John 14:15-31 Jesus continues to teach about his departure. What does he emphasize in this section of teaching? What are the three sections of John 14:15–31? How does seeing this arrangement help make sense of these verses? Across these three sections, love is a key theme. What do we learn about loving Jesus? (See v. 15, 21, 23-24, 28). How does Jesus comfort their troubled hearts again? (See v. 27, and look back to v. 1). What does Jesus reveal about the Holy Spirit? How do they know him? As Jesus speaks about his departure, what does he promise to the disciples? What distinctions does Jesus draw between the world and his disciples? What role does the Word play in this distinction? What important differences should we note between the Father and Son’s unity, and the union that is shared between Jesus’ disciples and himself? How can we avoid error when speaking about God? (Hint: All language about God is analogical). Who will send the Spirit? Why will the Spirit be sent? What will the Spirit do? What is Jesus seeking to accomplish in his disciples by this instruction? How ought we to respond to these truths?
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?