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Category Archives: Sermon Notes and Slides

Sermon Notes + 3.24.2024

SERMON NOTES
Standing by the Cross
John 19:17-27
Dr. Tony Chute, Lead PastorOverview: John’s account of the crucifixion of Jesus is remarkably brief yet impressively detailed at the same time. John notes that Jesus is forced to carry His cross to Golgotha, the Place of a Skull, and he notes where Jesus is placed, between two others. Pilate’s inscription describes Jesus as the “King of the Jews,” and is written in multiple languages for all to read. Despite the protests of the Jewish leaders who want the sign to read “This man said, I am King of the Jews,” Pilate remains undeterred, and the inscription stands. John is also careful to relate the soldiers’ actions with regard to Jesus’ clothing. While seemingly a minor detail, John notes that even the smallest actions of that moment fulfill prophecy. Finally, John observes that Jesus is not entirely alone as His mother and others, along with one remaining disciple, witness the barbarity of the cross while receiving assuring words from Jesus. This brief but detailed account of Jesus’ crucifixion proclaims Jesus as King and provides hope to all who stand with Him.

01. The death of Jesus, having been planned before the foundation of the world, is carried out in minute detail for the purpose of assuring us that Jesus’ death is not an accident but went according to plan.

02. The death of Jesus, being a traumatic event in the life of His followers, is recorded in loving detail for the purpose of reminding us that Jesus’ death brings us to God and in relationship with one another.

QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION & DISCOVERY

1. John notes that Jesus carried His own cross to the Place of a Skull, whereas Matthew indicates that Simon of Cyrene was compelled to carry the cross for Jesus (Matthew 27:32). In what way does Jesus carrying the cross foreshadow Him carrying our sins away? In what way does Simon carrying the cross illustrate the need for us to bear the cross as disciples of Jesus? See Luke 14:27 for further insight.

2. What is the symbolic significance of Jesus being crucified at “The Place of a Skull” (verse 17)? Note how John focuses on the brutality of Jesus’ suffering and death in this chapter. How do these descriptions of evil and terror associated with the cross point to the horror and ugliness of our sins which He had to bear? See 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 and Revelation 21:8 for further insight.

3. What is the significance of the sign posted by Pilate (verses 19-23)? What was the effect of having the statement translated into three languages? Why did the Jewish leaders demand a change in wording? How did the sign serve as both an accusation and an announcement? Do you think this text has a bearing on the importance of Bible translation, such that all people can consider the claims of Jesus?

4. Why does John report what happened to Jesus’ clothing? In what way did the soldiers unwittingly fulfill prophecy? Can you think of other biblical examples where people, for good or ill, fulfill prophecy without intending to do so? What do such fulfillments indicate about God’s sovereignty over history?

5. Trace the life of Mary, the mother of Jesus, throughout the Gospels. What is the nature of her faith? Does she ever abandon her Son? Why is it wrong to suggest that Mary is a co-redeemer, along with Jesus? In what way can we appreciate Mary’s love for Jesus without elevating her beyond what the Bible teaches?

For Further Reading: D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones, The Cross (Crossway, 1986).

Sermon Notes + 3.17.2024

DOWNLOAD PDF  SERMON NOTES Behold the Man John 19:1-16 Dr. Tony Chute, Lead PastorOverview: The decision to crucify Jesus rests with Pilate, yet he is reluctant to carry out the punishment due to his inability to verify the charges against Jesus. He attempts to appease the Jewish leaders by using half-measures, having Jesus flogged and… Continue Reading

Sermon Notes + 3.10.2024

DOWNLOAD PDF  SERMON NOTES My Kingdom Is Not of This World John 18:28-40 Dr. Tony Chute, Lead PastorOverview: Having been arrested and interrogated by Jewish officials, Jesus is brought before Pilate, the Roman governor of Judea. John notes with irony how the Jewish officials are careful not to defile themselves ceremonially by entering Pilate’s headquarters,… Continue Reading

Sermon Notes + 3.3.2024

DOWNLOAD PDF  SERMON NOTES Whom Do You Seek? John 18:1-27 Dr. Tony Chute, Lead Pastor Overview: John reports the arrest and initial examination of Jesus as an act of betrayal under the cover of darkness with false pretenses. Judas leads the soldiers and officers to Jesus and identifies with the enemies of Jesus as he stands… Continue Reading

Sermon Notes + 2.11.2024

DOWNLOAD PDF  SERMON NOTES The Full Number of the Disciples Acts 6:1-7 Dr. Tony Chute, Lead PastorOverview: The early church is often portrayed as a model of what the modern church should be like—bold preaching, powerful praying, meaningful gatherings, everyone sharing, and exponential growth. Luke points out, however, that the early church was far from… Continue Reading

Sermon Notes + 2.18.2024

DOWNLOAD PDF Sermon Notes The Helper John 16:5-24 Dr. Tony Chute, Lead Pastor Overview: Jesus prepares the disciples for His departure by acknowledging their sorrow and anticipating their joy. The disciples do not fully understand why Jesus is leaving or where He is going, so Jesus reassures them that His departure is temporary and ultimately… Continue Reading

Sermon Notes + 2.25.2024

DOWNLOAD PDF Sermon Notes I Have Overcome the World John 16:25-33 Dr. Tony Chute, Lead Pastor Overview: Jesus continues to prepare the disciples for His departure by speaking more plainly about His return to the Father and their immediate future without Him. He assures the disciples that their faith in Him has brought them into… Continue Reading

Sermon Notes + 1.28.2024

DOWNLOAD PDF Sermon Notes Biblical Qualifications for Elders in God’s Church Hebrews 5: 1-14 and Revelation 2:1-7 Craig Hawkins, Northpoint Elder Overview: There are more characteristics or qualifications for being an elder in God’s church than we have time to discuss, even in this three-part series. See for example, 1 Timothy 1:5-7; 4:1-6, 16; 6:3-5,… Continue Reading

Sermon Notes + 1.14.2024

DOWNLOAD PDF SERMON NOTES Appoint Elders in Every Town Titus Dr. Tony Chute, Lead Pastor Overview: Paul writes the letter to Titus, prompting him to complete the task of appointing elders for the benefit of the church. The letter is full of exhortations deriving from Paul’s status as a servant of God and apostle of… Continue Reading

Sermon Notes + 12.17.2023

DOWNLOAD PDF A Priest Forever Hebrews 5:1-10 Dr. Tony Chute, Lead Pastor Overview: In light of the Advent season, we are celebrating Jesus as our hope fulfilled, namely our Prophet, Priest, and King. The institution of the priesthood in the Old Testament was based on the need for a mediator between a holy God and… Continue Reading