Glory and Grace in Disruption
The Gospel of John Continued
October 18, 2020
October 18, 2020 • Pastor Phil Burggraff
Passage: John 21:1–25 Theme: Glory and Grace Followed What following means for the church: 1. We have a mission to continue Jesus’ work. 2. Our catching of people depends solely on the person and work of Jesus. 3. Church life reflects participation in and fellowship with Jesus. What following means for the leader: 1. Our love for one another stems from Christ’s love for us. 2. Love for Christ leads to the action of caring for Christ’s sheep. 3. Our lives are at Christ’s disposal. Main Idea: Those focused on the glory and grace of Jesus Christ will follow their Lord wherever he leads to accomplish his mission and care for his sheep.
October 11, 2020
October 11, 2020 • Pastor Phil Burggraff
Theme: Glory and Grace Commissioned Passage: John 20:19–31 As the new creation of Jesus Christ, we possess: 1. Peace grounded in Jesus’ work (19–20) 2. a Mission started by the Father (21) 3. Participation in God through the Spirit (22) 4. the Authority of God on earth today (23) 5. a Faith based on witness to Jesus Christ (24–29) Main Idea: God culminates his work on earth in the body of his Son, the church. He has commissioned us to • Declare Jesus is the Christ. • Display Jesus is our life. Application Questions: • When you think of peace, what comes to mind? From what you recall from the sermon and what is spoken of elsewhere in scripture, how does the Bible describe peace? • How does v. 21, “as the Father has sent me, I am sending you,” impact your view of missions? What does it indicate about you personally? • How do we as believers forgive sins today (v. 23)? • What do vv. 24–29 teach us about belief? Do you truly “believe” Jesus’ words that you are blessed because you haven’t seen but believed? Why do you think we still look for signs/indicators from Jesus in order for us to believe? • How do we live out the purpose of the gospel in vv. 30¬–31 today?
October 4, 2020
October 4, 2020 • Pastor Phil Burggraff
October 4th 2020 - The Reality of the Empty Tomb John 20: 1-18 The reality of the empty tomb: • The report of Mary and the women (1–2) • The discovery of the two disciples (3–9) • The elicited response of the disciples (10) Truths that we can make from the empty tomb: 1) The empty tomb produces belief in those who are truly the children of God. 2) The empty tomb indicates a new creation has dawned. 3) The empty tomb demonstrates Jesus possesses the power and authority of God. Mary’s experience indicates the following concerning our sorrowful condition: 1. The resurrected Jesus made atonement to overcome grief with grace. 2. The resurrected Jesus made a relationship with God possible again for fallen sinners. 3. The resurrected Jesus made his followers into the true family of God. Main Idea: By his resurrection, Jesus overcomes grief by enabling a relationship that will never end.
September 27, 2020
September 27, 2020 • Pastor Phil Burggraff
Passage: John 19:17–42 Theme: Glory and Grace in Death Notice what this depiction of Jesus’ death teaches us about him: 1. Jesus, the King, possesses authority over the entire world (17–22). 2. Jesus, the Priest, offers the perfect sacrifice for sin (23–24). 3. Jesus, the Son, initiates a new family of God (25–27). 4. Jesus, the Lamb, gave his life to make true life possible (31–37). Main Idea: Jesus completes all scripture, even down to the smallest details (19:28).
September 20, 2020
September 20, 2020 • Pastor Phil Burggraff
The trial of Jesus demonstrates the following: 1. The world’s power systems aren’t in control. (28–32) 2. Truth answers a who question not a what question (33–38a) 3. Most look at the Father’s Son and reject him (38b–40) 4. Those who reject Jesus want him humiliated (1–7) 5. True power uses its authority for the benefit of others (8–11) 6. Jesus as king would serve as the final Passover lamb (12–16) Main Idea: We must embrace the humiliating sacrifice of Jesus to experience true power.
September 13, 2020
September 13, 2020 • Pastor Phil Burggraff
Theme: Glory and Grace Betrayed Passage: John 18:1–27 Two Scenes: 1. Jesus Arrested (18:1–12) a. Despite the bleak circumstances, Jesus remains completely in control. b. Yet, Jesus willingly surrenders his life to the Father’s mission. 2. Jesus Tried by the Jewish Authorities (18:13–27) a. The true high priest serves by sacrificing himself for the sheep. b. The disciple must ... i. recognize their own inadequacy and failures ii. respond by looking to and pointing others to Jesus. Main Idea: We identify with Jesus so that others know that He is life.
September 6, 2020
September 6, 2020 • Pastor Josh Kee
Jesus’ prayer is a prayer of consecration (setting apart for a specific purpose): • Consecration of Jesus to his Father’s work • Consecration of Jesus’ followers to his Father’s mission in the world o His prayer informs the church’s identity and priorities 17:1a - "After he said these things…" • Farewell Discourse (chs. 13-16) ○ Serve one another; love one another (13) ○ Believe in God, believe on Christ - He is the way, truth, life (14:1-14) ○ The Helper (paraclete) will come (14:15-31) ○ I am the true Vine - remain in my love; obey my commands (15:1-17) ○ I have been hated; you will be hated (15:18-27) ○ I will empower you by my Spirit (16:1-15) ○ I will turn your sorrow into joy (16:16-24) o I give you peace in trouble because I overcome the world (16:25-33) 1. 17:1b-8 :: Jesus prays for his and his Father’s glory a. (v. 1) Jesus and his Father are so united that to give glory to the one is to give glory to the other b. (v. 2) God’s plan was always to glorify himself by giving life to the world through the person and work of Jesus c. (vv. 2-3) To exist for God’s glory (our first conviction) is to continuously reorient ourselves to the person and work of Jesus = discipleship d. (vv. 4-8) Jesus completes his work by giving his disciples his Father’s words, atoning for sin, and ascending back to the Father – from glory to glory 2. 17:9-19 :: Jesus prays for his disciples a. (vv. 9-10) Jesus is glorified by bringing i. The church is the dwelling place of God, and therefore God’s glory (Ephesians 1:20-22) ii. The church is the arena in which the glory of God is displayed in the world (Ephesians 3:9-13) b. (vv. 11-12) Jesus asks the Father to protect his disciples c. (vv. 13-19) Jesus asks for his disciples to have his very own joy as they carry on his mission in a world that hates God, and therefore will hate them (Genesis 3:15) 3. 17:20-26 :: Jesus prays for his future disciples a. (vv. 20-23) Jesus prays for unity among his disciples . The church’s unity with God enables its unity with one another i. We exemplify the beauty of God’s glory to the world by our shared unity ii. WARNING: Disunity not only complicates church life, it opposes the mission of God b. (vv. 24-25) Jesus desires his disciples to be with him and to share in his glory c. (v. 26) Jesus will continue to make the Father known to his disciples through the Holy Spirit, and to the world through his church Main Point: The church glorifies God by participating in his life, unity, and mission in the world, with the very joy of Christ.
August 30, 2020
August 30, 2020 • Pastor Phil Burggraff
August 30th 2020 - Glory and Grace Continued Full Passage: John 16:15–33 The continuing work of Jesus through the internal ministry of the Holy Spirit ... 1. Turns temporary sorrow into eternal joy. How? a. By clarifying our spiritual confusion b. by allowing us to see Jesus c. by permitting us to come directly to the Father 2. Enables us to completely experience the Father’s love. How? a. Through the mission of Jesus b. By our response of faith 3. Provides peace despite our failure. Why? a. We are in Jesus b. He has overcome the world Main Idea: We experience the continuing glory and grace of Jesus to overcome our current predicaments. Application Questions: • How have you experienced through the indwelling of the Spirit temporary sorrow turned into joy? • Answer from your perspective Klink’s question: “Why does our flesh make prayer a burden and not a privilege?” • What does Jesus teach us about the Father’s love in vv. 25–28? How are Jesus’ mission and our faith involved in this? • According to vv. 31–33, why is it that despite our failures we can still have true peace? • How does this passage give you hope in the predicament(s) that you are currently experiencing?
August 23, 2020
August 23, 2020 • Pastor Phil Burggraff
Passage: John 16:1–15 Theme: Glory and Grace displayed by the power of the Spirit Jesus’s challenge calls us to 1. Pay attention to the time (1–4a). a. This time is characterized by i. Mounting pressure ii. Misguided view of service to God iii. No relationship with God through Jesus b. Application: i. Don’t give up ii. Remember to look to Christ 2. Recognize the failure of doing life focused on self (4b–6). a. We easily miss God’s mission b. We display fear rather than hope 3. Live by taking advantage of the Holy Spirit (7–15). a. He convicts the whole world of their ... i. Sin, because they don’t believe Jesus ii. Mistaken Righteousness, because they miss the work Jesus is doing iii. Judgment, because they follow a defeated leader b. He guides believers in a hostile world. How? i. He directs us in Truth ii. He reveals Christ iii. He glorifies Christ by indwelling us Main Idea: We must live and serve by the Spirit if we are to maintain hope in the midst of a hostile world. Application Questions: • Given the mounting pressure that we will face from this world, how do we discipline ourselves to look to Jesus (vv. 1–4a). • In what ways do find that you get focused on self and easily miss God’s mission within this world? • Why would Jesus point to the disciples’ grief and fear as a negative response since he is departing from them? Should we not grieve and or be sorrowful at times? When does grief become unhealthy according to this passage? • How might the Holy Spirit convict the world today of their sin, righteousness, and judgment? • From this passage, how do we discern the leading of the Holy Spirit in our own lives?
August 16, 2020
August 16, 2020 • Pastor Phil Burggraff
Theme: Glory and grace rejected by the world Passage: John 15:18–27 Main Point: Understand, Christian, the world hates you! Why? Three reasons according to this passage: 1. You follow Jesus (18–21). a. You are no longer a part of the world’s system. b. You have been chosen by Jesus c. You will face rejection and persecution because you claim Jesus’s name. 2. You renounce sin by choosing to obey God’s Word (22–25). a. Jesus exposed sin. b. Jesus revealed the Father. c. The world hates all of this. 3. You stand for the Truth (26–27). a. The Spirit of truth has come to testify to Jesus. b. The Spirit possesses you to testify through you. Summary: We need to see and accept the reality that the world hates us because we follow Christ. Application Points: o Be hated for the right reasons. o Take your children by the hand. o There is no bandwagon jumping.
August 9, 2020
August 9, 2020 • Pastor Phil Burggraff
Theme: Glory and grace through union with Christ Passage: John 15:1–17 Jesus provides us with three commands to describe our union with him: 1. Remain in Jesus (1–8). a. He is the true vine from which we experience life (1–3). b. He nourishes us to bear fruit (4–6). c. In him, we experience answered prayer (7). d. In him, God receives glory by the fruit we bear (8). 2. Remain in Jesus’ love (9–11). a. We remain in Jesus’ love by keeping his commands (10). b. We remain in Jesus’ love to experience his complete joy (11). 3. Love one another (12–17). a. We love one another by laying down our lives for our “friends” (13). b. We love one another because we are friends with Jesus (14–15). c. We love one another because we are called by Jesus (16). Main Idea: We are united to Jesus so that God can display his love, mission, and glory in us.
August 2, 2020
August 2, 2020 • Pastor Phil Burggraff
Theme: Glory and grace seen in relationship through submission Passage: John 14:15–31 Notice three truths concerning love and obedience in this text: 1. We express our love for Jesus through obedience to his commands (15–21). Results that come from love through obedience: a. Intercessory work of Jesus b. Indwelling Spirit c. Resurrected life of Jesus d. Participatory fellowship with the triune God 2. We face one of two outcomes in love through obedience (22–24): a. The love and presence of the Father and Son b. Rejection by him due to rejection of his word 3. We possess catalysts that help us love through obedience (25–31): a. The Holy Spirit b. Peace that casts out fear c. Jesus our perfect example Main Idea: Love through obedience demonstrates our relationship with and in God. Application Questions: • What commands are we to obey if we truly love Jesus? Why is it that love is expressed through obedience? • Of the four results that Jesus states come from love through obedience in vv. 15–21, which has particular application to your life right now? How so? • In vv. 22–24, Jesus speaks of God’s love as conditioned upon obedience. How can this be? Can we fall out of God’s love? • How does the Holy Spirit teach and remind us (v. 26)? What does that look like in your life today?
July 26th 2020
July 26, 2020 • Pastor Josh Kee
John 14:1-14 Sermon Info // July 26, 2020 Title: Glory and Grace Outline: 1. 14: 1-4 :: Replace fear with faith a. (v. 1) "Let not your hearts be troubled; believe in God; believe also in me." i. Exhortation: "Let not your hearts be troubled" - "be in control of yourself"; remove fear from your heart ii. Command 1: "believe in God" iii. Command 2: "believe also in me" 1. Jesus will take their trouble upon himself (12:27) 2. To trust the Son is to trust the Father 3. The remedy to our fear is belief in the trinitarian God b. (v. 2) Foundation of belief i. Jesus encourages his disciples by pointing them to their ultimate possession, which is to dwell in God's house as God's children ii. (v. 2a) "In my Father's house there are many rooms" 1. "Jesus begins the discourse proper by telling the disciples of their inheritance, and invites them, heirs of the eternal house of God (8:35), to visualize and embrace even now the bountiful blessings offered to the children of God." (Klink, 615) 2. The faithfulness of God to keep his promises is the bedrock of our confidence and courage . (v. 2b) "If it were not so, would I tell you that I am going to prepare a place for you?" 1. The going itself is the preparation 2. "The cross, resurrection, and ascension to the Father is the preparation, the provision of permanent dwelling with God." (Klink, 615) iv. (v. 3) "And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and take you with me, in order that where I am you also may be." 1. Promise: If I leave, I will return, guaranteed 0. Goal: "that where I am you may be also" 1. Being present with Christ is the goal of the cross, the resurrection, and the ascension 2. 14:5-7 :: Jesus is the I Am a. (v. 5) Thomas's confusion . (v. 6) "Jesus said to him, 'I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.'" i. Sixth of seven formal "I Am" statements (the Light of the world, the Gate, the Bread of life, the Good Shepherd, the resurrection and the life, the true vine) . Jesus is the way, because he is the truth and the life i. Summary: "Jesus destroys the wall that divides humanity from God (the way), denies the falsehood that distorts humanity in relation to God (the truth), and defeats the last and greatest enemy of humanity, death (the life)." (Klink, quoting Calvin, p. 618) a. (v. 7) "If you have known me, you will know my Father also. From now on you know him and have seen him." 0. 14:8-14 :: The Christian’s Work a. (v. 8) Philip's ignorance - "Philip said to him, 'Lord, show us the Father, and it is enough for us.'" i. They were looking for more - something else - but Jesus is enough! ii. Jesus's glorification (death, resurrection, and ascension) will finish the work, usher in the Holy Spirit and illuminate the eyes of his followers so they apprehend the way, the truth, and the life b. (vv. 9-11) Jesus's rebuke . (v. 12) - The Christian's involvement in God's work i. Christians are brought into God's redemptive work in Christ iii. It is better to have Christ in us than Christ with us a. (vv. 13-14) Prayer is the work i. "Prayer is the lifeblood of Christian existence…and the most properly basic Christian activity." (Klink, p. 626) 1. We cannot accomplish the work on our own 2. We join Jesus in his mission primarily through prayer 3. Our prayers must be prayed in accord with all that Jesus's name stands for - as we pray accordingly, we can be confident that Jesus will give us 4. Jesus will accomplish it as we prayerfully submit to him in faith 5. The goal of Jesus's ongoing work through believers is the glory of his Father ii. People are the mission. Prayer is the work. Christ is the hope. The Spirit is the power. To God be the glory. Benediction: Romans 15:13 - "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope." Discussion Questions: 1. What causes your heart to be troubled? Where are you prone to fear? What does it mean for you to “believe in God, and also in [Jesus]” right now? 2. Faith in Jesus stabilizes in a consistently unstable world. What anchors you in the midst of life’s storms? What false anchors are you prone to grasp for when life is hard? What false anchors is the church prone to grasp for in troubling times? 3. What shapes your understanding of truth? How can Jesus stabilize us in a day when truth and facts are constantly being blurred? 4. Meditate on this statement: Jesus shows us the Father, makes us pleasing to the Father, reconciles us to the Father, and gives us access to ask anything according to the Father’s character. We are brought into the heart of the Father and invited to join Jesus in his work, empowered by his Spirit. a. Which parts of that statement catch your attention? Which parts do you struggle to believe? Which excite you? 5. “Prayer is the lifeblood of Christian existence…and the most properly basic Christian activity” (Ed Klink). a. What does Jesus teach us about the importance of prayer in God’s continual redemptive work in the world? b. How is your prayer life? What motivates you to pray, or to not pray? c. What kinds of things do you typically pray for? Are they after God’s character, desiring to submit to him, or after what God might give you to make life better? d. How can you join Christ’s work in prayer this week? Who can you pray for?
July 19, 2020
July 19, 2020 • Pastor Phil Burggraff
Theme: Glory and Grace through Love Passage: John 13:31–38 Notice three truths from this passage: 1. Glory and Grace are works accomplished by God alone (31–33). a. For all of time, the glory and grace of God centers around the work of Jesus on the cross. b. While God accomplishes glory and grace, he prepares us for what lies ahead. 2. We reflect God’s glory and grace by loving one another (34–35). a. Jesus’ love enables us to love one another. b. Witness and Discipleship take place in our love for one another. 3. Attempting to display God’s glory and grace by other means than loving one another actually opposes the Gospel (36–38). a. It opposes it by relying on our own strength. b. It opposes it by denying the Truth. Main Idea: Our love for our fellow believers displays that we have received and are coming to understand the glory and grace of our loving God. Application Questions: • How do verses 31–33 relate to the command to love one another? Why does Jesus introduce the command with this emphasis on glory and grace (hint: cf. 1 John 4:7–11)? • When you think of the concept of love, do you think of it more as an emotion or an action? How does this affect your understanding and application of Jesus’ command here? • In following Jesus’ own example of love for us (v. 35), how can we apply this command to our lives? • How can Peter’s failure to grasp what Jesus commanded (vv. 36–38) serve as a warning to us?
July 12, 2020
July 12, 2020 • Pastor Phil Burggraff
Theme: Glory and Grace through Service Passage: John 13:1–30 Four Truths that we learn concerning discipleship and service: 1. Discipleship begins with the service of the Ultimate Servant (1–5). 2. Disciples receive the cleansing service Jesus provides (6–11). 3. Disciples willingly and actively serve one another (12–20). 4. Even those closest to Christ can reject his service and walk into darkness (21–30). Main Idea: The glory and grace of Jesus demonstrates itself through service.