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It is Finished

Beholding the Cross in all of Scripture

13. The Supremacy of Christ and His New Covenant (Hebrews 9)

December 5, 2021 • David Schrock • Hebrews 9

As we come to the last message of our series on the cross, before considering the cradle and the cross of Christ (our Advent mini-series) we will return to the theme that we started with—the finished work of Christ. If Christ declared that it was finished on the cross (John 19:30). And his crucifixion completed the work described in Psalm 22 (see v. 31). Then Hebrews 9 gives us another passage where the once and for all work of Christ is extolled and explained. In fact, in describing the ways that Christ is better than all the persons, events, and institutions that preceded him in Israel, Hebrews 9 explains how the cross works—both on earth and in heaven. As you have time, read Hebrews 9 and pray that God would open our eyes to see all the ways that Christ fulfills all the types and shadows of the Old Testament. Indeed, all of the Law, the Prophets, and the Writings point to Christ, and this Sunday, Lord willing, we will see how that works once and for all. For His Glory and your joy, Pastor David ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Discussion & Response Questions for Hebrews 9 1. What are the key components of the Levitical system of sacrifice? (Hint: there are four) 2. What do you know about each—the tabernacle, the priesthood, the sacrifices, and the covenant? 3. Why is it necessary to know these components of the sacrificial system, if you want to know the finished work of Christ? 4. How does Christ’s cross (and resurrection and ascension) fulfill the sacrificial system? 5. In what ways does Hebrews 9 depend upon and quote the Old Testament to explain Christ’s death and resurrection? 6. How is Christ better? Why is this good news for the Jewish followers of Christ? How is this good news for us? 7. What does it mean that Christ is the mediator of a new covenant? 8. What did the blood of Christ accomplish? Remember, the blood applies in two directions in Hebrews 9. 9. How does Christ purify heaven? How do we see that in the text? 10. How does the inauguration of the new covenant and the exaltation of Christ into heaven change the world? And impact your life?

12. The Cross of Christ Demonstrates, Defines, and Diffuses the Love of God (1 John 4:7-12)

November 28, 2021 • David Schrock • 1 John 4:7–12

Where do you look when you don’t feel the love of God? This Sunday we will look to 1 John 4 to answer that question. And what we will find is that the unchanging and objective work of God also has a personal and subjective application to all those who are in Christ. Indeed, the cross not only does something for us, it does something to us. And this Sunday we will see what that is. To prepare for Sunday, take time to read 1 John. While our focus will be on 1 John 4:7–12, the whole book is aimed to give assurance to God’s people, all the while exposing unbelief. So take time to read and pray for our gathering. I look forward to seeing you Sunday, as the Lord allows, and to worshipping Christ with you. For His Glory and your joy, Pastor David --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Discussion & Response Questions for 1 John 4 1. What have you learned so far this fall about the cross? 2. Why is it important to first see the cross as something Christ achieved (“It is finished”) before seeing it as something where God displays his love? 3. What does John say about love in 1 John 4? 4. In what ways is it difficult to know or embrace God’s love? 5. What does the cross teach us about God’s love? And how does it produce love in us? 6. How does the church, who is dedicated to the cross, show the love of God? 7. What else did you learn about the love of God? 8. Who needs to hear from you about the love of God?

11. Reconciliation (Colossians 1:15-2:15)

November 21, 2021 • David Schrock • Colossians 1:15—2:15

Since the start of our series on the cross, one recurring theme we have seen is the way that judgment and salvation are paired. In the Passover, God saved his firstborn and judged Egypt’s firstborns. At the Red Sea, God saved his people and destroyed Pharaoh and his army. Just the same, as I read 2 Kings 3 this week, I found this theme again. The water that God provided to save Israel is the same water that brought the Moabites to their death. In short, God’s judgment is never without salvation. And his salvation is never without judgment. From the flood of Noah to the end of time, we find salvation and judgment. And this week, we will see how Paul joins these two works of God in the cross of Christ. In Colossians 1:20, Paul says that the blood of Christ’s cross is reconciling all of creation. And in what follows (1:21–2:23) he explains how that happens – through salvation and judgment. In these two chapters Paul identifies whom the cross saves and whom the cross judges. And for us, as we keep our eyes fixed on Christ, we will see how the cross has cosmic, as well as personal implications. To prepare for Sunday, take time to read Colossians—it’s not long. On Sunday, we will start with Colossians 1:20 and then follow Paul’s twofold explanation of Christ’s cosmic reconciliation that relates to salvation and judgment. I can’t wait to see you Sunday, as the Lord allows, and to worship the risen Christ with you. For His Glory and your joy, Pastor David --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Discussion & Response Questions for Colossians 1-2 1. How has the pattern of salvation and judgment been seen in the Bible? And how has that pattern helped you better understand the cross? 2. In what ways does Paul speak of the cross in Colossians? And how do the creation themes relate to the cross? 3. Look at Colossians 1:20. What does this verse not mean? (Hint: No universal salvation) And how do make sense of what it does mean? (Hint: keep reading the letter) 4. Paul uses the word “reconciliation” in Colossians 1:20 and 1:22. This is the same word, but is it used in the same way? If not, why not? How do we know? 5. According to Colossians 1–2, how does Christ reconcile the cosmos? Why does this matter? 6. What does the cross do for God’s elect (Col. 3:9)? Where do we see that in the text? (Hint: 1:21–23; 2:11–14) 7. What does the cross do for God’s enemies? Where do we see that in the text? (Hint: 2:15) 8. What does penal substitution mean? What does Christus Victor mean? How do they relate? And how do they resonate with the storyline of salvation and judgment? 9. How do we apply these two aspects of the cross? Look at 1:24–2:8 and 2:16–23. 10. What else do you see in Colossians 1–2?

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?

8. The Heart of the Gospel (Isaiah 53)

October 31, 2021 • David Schrock • Isaiah 53

In the Old Testament, there a handful of passages that are critical for understanding Christ’s cross. Over the last few weeks, we have looked at many of them (Genesis 22, Exodus 12, Leviticus 16, and Psalm 22). And there are others, that this sermon series won’t cover (e.g., Numbers 21, Zechariah 9–14, etc.) But the most important passage in the Old Testament for learning what Christ’s cross achieved is Isaiah 53 (technically, Isaiah 52:13–53:12). In this fifteen verse, five stanza “Servant song,” we are introduced to the One who will die for the sins of his people. In particular, he offers a guilt offering in the place of those who deserve God’s penalty of death. In recent years, the idea of Christ’s penal substitution and God pouring out his wrath on the Son has not set well with many—both those inside the church and those outside the church, as well as those leaving the church. Indeed, with an appeal to God’s universal love, many have misunderstood why Christ’s death, as a penal substitute, is good news and necessary for salvation. Others have questioned how guilt can be transferred from one person, or one group, to another. On Sunday we will tackle these questions head on as we look at Isaiah. By paying attention to the words of Isaiah, how they fit in Isaiah’s book and the whole Bible, we will see the goodness and glory of Christ’s penal substitution. Come join us this Sunday as we look at this crucial chapter in the Old Testament. Please read Isaiah 53 to prepare your heart. And pray that God would be glorified as Christ is lifted up. For Christ’s Glory and your joy, Pastor David ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Discussion & Response Questions for Isaiah 53 1. Who is the Suffering Servant in Isaiah 53? And how do we know? 2. What is the context of Isaiah 53? What comes before it? What comes after? How does context of Isaiah understand the chapter? 3. How is Isaiah 53 laid out? Why is from glory to (greater) glory a good way to organize the 5 stanzas? What stands at the center? 4. What do we learn about God’s purposes for his Servant in Isaiah 53? And what do we learn in vv. 4–6 that we could not learn by simply watching Christ’s death on the cross (or any movie depicting Christ’s death)? 5. What is penal substitution and why does it matter? What questions remain about this important doctrine? 6. Why do people object to penal substitution? How does Isaiah 53 (and other passages) answer those objections? 7. In addition to the great exchange at the center of Isaiah 53 (vv. 4–6), what parts of Isaiah 53 are picked up and applied to Christ in the New Testament? 8. What comfort or confidence in the Lord does Isaiah 53 give to you as you consider the cross of Christ?

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?

6. The Ransom (Mark 10:35-45)

October 17, 2021 • Rod Fillinger • Mark 10:35–45

Dear OBC Family, As we continue our series on the cross, we will look at Mark 10:35-45. In this passage, Jesus states that he has come not to be served, but to serve and give his life as a ransom for many. This statement shows the self-understanding of Jesus that he is the Christ, the Messiah of God, who is the atoning sacrifice for sin. The term “ransom” or redemption means a price paid to free someone, like a slave or a prisoner of war. Jesus interprets his impending death on the cross as a substitutionary payment or sacrifice for his people. This understanding parallels the description of the suffering servant in Isaiah 53:10-12. Jesus Christ saw his role as Isaiah’s Servant of the Lord and his death on the cross as a sacrificial atonement for the sins of his people. To prepare for Sunday, read Mark 10:35-45, as well as Isaiah 53. As you read, reflect on what Christ’s sacrifice as the suffering servant of the Lord on the cross means for the ransom of your soul if you are in Christ, especially considering Psalm 49:7-9. May these passages help us understand what Jesus accomplished on the cross to ransom us from sin and death. I look forward to seeing you Sunday and to marveling with you at God’s grace in ransoming us through the sacrifice of the Servant of the Lord. For His Glory and your joy, Pastor Rod --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Discussion & Response Questions for Mark 10:35-45 1. What idolatry do you see underlying James and John’s request? What positive aspects (if any) do you see in their request? 2. What do you want Jesus to do for you? How does this correspond or not correspond with what he has already done for you? 3. How does Jesus’ response to them serve to instruct us? (vv. 38-40) 4. Compare and contrast the response of Jesus to James and John with that of the other 10 disciples. What do we learn about how to disciple or encourage someone from Jesus’ response? 5. Theologically, what is the nature of the ransom paid by the Son of Man? 6. Why is a ransom necessary? What does the ransom accomplish? To whom is it paid? 7. Discuss the following passages on ransom. What is being ransomed? What are the similarities and differences in when ransom can be made and when it cannot, as well as the differences in the ransom that is to be paid? - Ex 13:12–13; Ex 30:11–16; Ex 34:20; Lev 27:1–33; Num 3:40–51; Num 18:14–17 - Ex 21:28–32 - Lev 25:25–28; Lev 25:47–55; Ruth 4:1–13; Prov 13:8 - Lev 27:9; Nu 35:31–32 - Ps 49:7-8; Ex 30:12-16; Job 33:24 - Isa 51:11, 40:2, 43:3-5; Jer 31:11; Hos 13:14 - Acts 20:28; 1 Tim 2:5–6; Tit 2:14; Heb 9:15; 2 Pet 2:1 - 1 Cor 6:19-20, 7:23; 1 Pet 1:18–19; Rev 5:9 8. Reflect on the Son of Man’s service toward you in giving his life for your ransom. How should we respond to this reality?

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?

4. The Day of Atonement (Leviticus 16)

October 3, 2021 • David Schrock • Leviticus 16, Hebrews 9:23–28

At the center . . . of the center . . . of the center . . . of the law of Moses, we do not find law but gospel. What is the good news in the middle of the law of Moses? It is the promise in Leviticus 16:20–22 that your sins will be taken away. And this Sunday we will be looking at the Day of Atonement which holds forth the promise of this good news. As we continue our series on the cross, we will look at the Leviticus 16. In this chapter, the Day of Atonement, which is the center piece of Israel’s religion, is revealed. And more than that, the center of our hope in Christ's finished work on the cross is also revealed in the Day of Atonement. To prepare for Sunday, read Leviticus 16, as well as Hebrews 9. Together, these two chapters help us understand what Jesus accomplished on the cross and how God’s chief design for the law is the removal of all our sin, so that we can enter his presence through the priestly ministry of Christ. I look forward to seeing you Sunday and to marveling with you at God’s grace in bringing sinners like us into holy presence. For His Glory and your joy, Pastor David ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Discussion and Response Questions for Leviticus 16 1. Before Sunday, how has the Day of Atonement played a role in your understanding of Christ’s cross? 2. What is something you learned from Leviticus 16 that enriched your understanding or increased your thanksgiving? 3. Where is Leviticus 16 located in the Law of Moses and the book of Leviticus? How does seeing the structure of the Pentateuch (Genesis–Deuteronomy) and the structure of Leviticus help you see the good news of the Law? Cf. 1 Timothy 1:8–11. 4. Why does the Lord begin with a reference to Nadab and Abide (see Lev. 10) ? What did they do? And what does this teach us about approaching God? 5. What role does the priest play in the Day of Atonement? How is Aaronic priest similar and different to Jesus? What do we learn about Christ’s death from the priestly actions? 6. What are the two movements in the Day of Atonement? (Hint: They are associated with the two sacrifices) What does this teach us about Christ’s cross? 7. What is the relationship between the Day of Atonement and the rest of the sacrificial system? How does that whole system relate to Christ? 8. How does reading Leviticus with Hebrews help us understand the Day of Atonement? How does the Day of Atonement enlarge our view of Christ’s work on the cross and its cosmic implications? 9. What other reflections or questions remain? How will the Day of Atonement help you read the New Testament going forward?

3. Behold the Passover Lamb (Exodus 11-12)

September 26, 2021 • David Schrock • Exodus 12, Exodus 11, John 1:29–35

I once heard it said that the Passover instructions found in Exodus 12 are like planning a family reunion as your house burns down. Imagine the oddity—the absolute insanity!—of setting your children down at the kitchen table as flames engulf your house and telling them, “Get out your notebooks. I have a few things to say. At this time next year, we are going to gather our family to remember this event. We are going to eat a meal together that symbolizes this special occasion. And here are all the things you will need . . .” Pretty strange stuff. But in the book of Exodus, this is exactly what you find. As the God of Israel prepares to deliver his people out of Egypt, and as the impending death of every firstborn son is bearing down on every family in the land, God not only gives Moses instructions for saving his people from death, but he also institutes a meal for families to remember this pivotal moment of God’s saving power. Such are the ways of God. In Exodus 12, God not only saves his people, but he calls them to remember how they are saved. And this fall, we are looking intently at the cross of Christ for this very reason. God wants us to remember his great works. As Psalm 111:2 says, “Great are the works of the Lord, studied by all who delight in them.” Truly, in the Old Testament, there is no greater work than the Exodus. There is no greater display of God’s mercy and judgment than the Passover. Thus, it is worth our time to study it. And we study it, not simply to see how God worked in history, but to see how this Passover foretold the greater Passover of Jesus Christ. Indeed, 1 Corinthians 5:7 calls Jesus the Passover Lamb and throughout the New Testament Jesus is portrayed as God’s God-given sacrifice (see John 1:29 and Revelation 5:6, 8, 12, 13). Thus, we return to Exodus 12 this week to better understand how the Lamb of God died as a substitute to secure our salvation. As you have time, read Exodus 12 in preparation. You might want to read John 19 again, too. Together these two chapters, plus a host of others, show us how this climactic moment in Israel’s history lead us to see Christ and his greater sacrifice. I look forward to worshiping Christ with you this Sunday and pondering again the finished work of our glorious Lord. May God open our eyes to see the wisdom of the cross and the way it unites all of Scripture. For His Glory and your joy, Pastor David ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Discussion & Response Questions for Exodus 12 1. What are the three sections of Exodus? How does knowing the outline of Exodus inform our salvation? 2. More specifically, what are some of types and shadows, patterns and promises found in Exodus that point us to Christ? 3. With respect to the Passover itself, what do we learn about God? Salvation? Christ? God’s people? 4. Why is “remembering” so important for God’s people? How does the Passover teach us about the importance of remembering? 5. Where does the New Testament teach us to remember? And how does Jesus connect the Passover feast to Christians remembering his cross? 6. In what ways do we find confirmation in the New Testament that Jesus is the Passover Lamb? 7. Why does it matter that we understand Christ’s death in terms of Old Testament promise? (Hint: The gospel is based upon fulfilled promises. See Acts 10:32–33; Romans 1:1–7; 1 Corinthians 15:1–8) 8. How does the focus on sacrifice and substitution strike you? Is this how you have understood Christ’s cross and your salvation? 9. How does rightly understanding the work of Christ on the cross purify and strengthen your faith? How does it impact your daily living and ethical choices? (Hint: 1 Corinthians 5:7 is set in the context of ethics). 10. What else did you learn about Christ and God’s gospel from studying Exodus 12?

2. On the Hill of the Lord . . . God Tests, Provides, and Blesses (Genesis 22:1-19)

September 19, 2021 • David Schrock • Genesis 22:1–19, Hebrews 11:1–19

God said what? He told his servant Abraham to go and sacrifice his son, only son, Isaac, the one whom he loved. And did he? Is that what God requires? Why would God do that? And why would Abraham obey? If the conversation about Genesis 22 is challenging, imagine how difficult the conversation between father and son was between aged Abraham and Isaac, his teenage son. As they walked for three days to the hill of the Lord: Isaac: Father, where is the sacrifice? Abraham: The Lord will provide, son. And indeed, the Lord did provide—for Abraham, Isaac, Israel, and us! In Genesis 22, we enter one of the richest passages in the Bible. Every verse says something to us about God, his demands on humanity, his provision for humanity, and the pathway of death that leads to life. Indeed, if you are feeling tried and tested and on the verge of despair and death, Genesis 22 is for you. In looking at Genesis 22 this Sunday, we not only see an incredible moment in history, we also see a picture of what Christ’s cross accomplished and how we are to carry our cross in obedience to Jesus. To prepare for Sunday, take time to read Genesis 22. Read it slow. Read it a few times. See what is there, and pray that God might speak to us this Sunday as we consider these words together. As God allows we will gather on Sunday at 8:30am and 11:00am to dig into this glorious passage. May the Lord give us faith as we behold the way he provides salvation for those who trust in him. For His Glory and your joy, Pastor David --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Discussion & Response Questions for Genesis 22 1. Before this week, how have thought about this passage? Has it been a source of comfort? Concern? Something else? 2. What does it mean that God tested Abraham? How is this unique to Abraham? And how is typical of all believers? 3. What is the arrangement of the text? How does seeing the structure help you see the drama? Why is important to slow down to see the drama in Scripture? 4. What are some of types and shadows that point to Christ? How do those types help us understand Christ’s cross? 5. How do we know that the connections from Genesis 22 to Christ are legitimate? What if we don’t make those connections? What are some of New Testament texts that help us make those connections? 6. What does Genesis 22 teach us about God and his provision? 7. What does Genesis 22 teach us about the gospel? 8. How does the experience of Abraham and Christ teach us to carry our cross? What does Genesis 22 teach us about discipleship? 9. How are you being tested today? How does Genesis 22 bolster your faith? How can we pray for you?

1. It is Finished (John 19:16-37)

September 12, 2021 • David Schrock • John 19:16–37

This Sunday we begin a new sermon series entitled, “It is Finished: Beholding the Cross of Christ from All of Scripture.” And kicking off that series we will go to climactic chapter in John’s Gospel to see what John—and Jesus—had to say about his death on the cross. Incredibly, Christ’s final declaration—It is finished!—does more than testify that Christ finished his work on earth. As we will see, it also bears witness to the finality of God’s revelation. In other words, Christ’s death on the cross not only secures our salvation; it also secures every promise that God ever made for our salvation. With literary skill and gospel hope, John shows how countless promises from God lead to the cross. And following his lead, we will take time to see the many ways John connects the Old Testament to Jesus and Jesus to the promised work of salvation that begins in the beginning. Indeed, as John’s Gospel begins in Genesis, it ends with Genesis too. Jesus death on the cross—and his burial in a Garden—promise a new creation for all those who receive his life and trust in his sacrificial death. This Sunday, we will explore John 19 and the many ways John proclaims the cross of Christ. In the weeks, to come, we will continue to behold the finished work of Christ by looking at both testaments. You can read about the sermon series here. To prepare for Sunday, take time to read John 19. Marvel at what Christ did and consider all the ways that John draws lines of connection between the cross and the covenant promises of God. Please pray for our time together, that Christ would be lifted up, and that all who behold him will trust in him and become like him. I look forward to seeing you Sunday—both at 8:30am and 11:00am. For His Glory and your joy, Pastor David -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Discussion & Response Questions for John 19:16–37 1. When you think about the cross, what comes to mind? Where do you go to find passages that answer those questions? How do you understand it? 2. Why is it important to consider the cross in connection with the whole Bible? 3. In John’s gospel, what is being debated as Christ goes to the cross? How does John help answer the question of Jesus’s identity? How does Jesus' cross identify him? 4. Jesus was crucified on a Roman cross, but Scripture does not spend much time describing the physical agony. Why is that? What does Scripture describe? 5. How do the various passages of Scripture cited by John help you understand the cross? a. See Psalm 22:18 in John 19:24 b. See Psalm 69:21 in John 19:28 c. See Exodus 12:46 in John 19:36 d. See Zechariah 12:10 in John 19:37 6. How does his application of the Old Testament to the cross give you confidence in God? His promises? Christ’s work on the cross? 7. Speaking of Christ’s work. What has he finished on the cross? What does that say about the promise of salvation? What is left for you to do? (See John 19:35) 8. In a world where life seems uncertain, work is often unfinished, and Satan steals, kills, and destroys (John 10:10), what good news is offered in Jesus death (and resurrection)? 9. What else does looking at the cross do to strengthen your faith, hope, and love? Who can you tell about this good news?