podcasts buttonnews buttoncalendar buttonmore button

Author Archives: bbrown

Sermon Notes + 8.27.2023

DOWNLOAD PDF

9.17.2023

SERMON NOTES

The World Has Gone After Him
John 12:12-19
Dr. Tony Chute, Lead Pastor

Overview: Jesus’s entry into Jerusalem marks a turning point in His ministry where He takes on a more public role than ever before. The crowd that welcomes Him is large, and their presence is felt as they wave palm branches and announce Jesus as the King of Israel. Jesus does not rebuke the crowd but chooses to enter Jerusalem riding on a donkey, signifying His humility while also fulfilling messianic prophecy. John notes that the disciples are initially confused about the events taking place, but later understand that all of Scripture points to Jesus. Though the crowds will soon dissipate when they realize Jesus’s mission is not to conquer but to lay down His life, the Pharisees presciently recognize that Jesus has a following that defies human explanation and encompasses more people than could be expected. John thus provides for us a model of the characteristics of Christ’s kingdom on earth and His kingdom yet to come.

01. Jesus’s entry into Jerusalem is a fulfillment of prophecy, placing Jesus at the center of history.

02. Jesus’s entry into Jerusalem is a depiction of His kingdom, advancing without weaponry.

03. Jesus’s entry into Jerusalem is a foreshadowing of His return, assuring us of His victory.

QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION & DISCOVERY

1. In what ways did the crowds make the arrival of Jesus into Jerusalem public? How does this public arrival differ from Jesus’s previous habit of withdrawing from public notice? (See John 11:54 for example). Why does Jesus allow this publicity to continue during this point in His ministry?

2. Given the reference to raising Lazarus from the dead (verse 17), what might be the motive behind the crowds presenting Jesus as the King of Israel? Put another way, what kind of king were they expecting? How does Jesus’s choice of riding on a donkey rather than a war horse, contradict their idea of a conquering king?

3. How does Jesus’s entry challenge our understanding of the use of power, force, or authority as we present Him as King? Is the Christian faith best spread by the use of power, force, or authority, or is it best spread by sharing the gospel and trusting in the work of the Spirit to transform the hearts of people? See Paul’s testimony before Agrippa in Acts 26 for further insight.

4. Why were the disciples slow to understand what Jesus was doing (verse 16)? How often in the gospels do they misunderstand the mission of Jesus? How did they later come to understand the meaning of this event (verse 16; see also John 16:12-15)? How does their slowness to comprehend the teachings of Jesus encourage us to study the Bible, believe its contents, and remain humble in our understanding?

5. When the Pharisees concluded that “the whole world” had gone after Jesus, it strengthened their resolve to have Him put to death. Why was the death of Jesus not the end of Christianity but the beginning? How does the spread of the gospel in the face of persecution encourage you to share your faith with others today? Are you confident that Jesus will one day return as the King of Kings?

For Further Reading: Christopher Catherwood, Church History: A Crash Course for the Curious (Crossway, 2007)

Sermon Notes + 8.27.2023

DOWNLOAD PDF 8.27.2023 SERMON NOTES One Man Should Die for the People John 11:45-56 Dr. Tony Chute, Lead Pastor Overview: The aftermath of Lazarus being raised from the dead should have resulted in widespread belief in Jesus, but John notes that a mix of reactions occurred, leading to a more concerted attempt to prevent people… Continue Reading

Get Connected 2023!

Get Connected 2023!

Our Connected & Serve Ministry Fair is here! Northpoint offers a wide variety of opportunities for you to CONNECT with, and SERVE, your church family. Be sure to visit the various ministry tables on the Heritage Courtyard Sunday mornings, from August 20-September 3, to learn more, and to sign up to CONNECT & SERVE. Click HERE for a special… Continue Reading

Sermon Notes + 8.13.2023

DOWNLOAD PDF 8.13.2023 SERMON NOTES If You Love Those Who Love You Matthew 5:46 Dr. Tony Chute, Lead Pastor Overview: The love of God surpasses all human love but forms the basis of who and how Christians are to love. Jesus tells His followers that loving those we are predisposed to love is a worldly… Continue Reading

Summer Missions Night

Summer Missions Night

You’re invited to a special Summer Missions Night NEXT Friday, August 11, at 7:00 p.m., to hear updates from those in our church family who have participated in summer mission trips. Refreshments will be served. It will be a wonderful time to hear testimonies and share updates. Continue Reading

Sermon Notes + 8.6.2023

DOWNLOAD PDF 8.6.2023 SERMON NOTES He Whom You Love Is Ill John 11:1-16 Dr. Tony Chute, Lead Pastor Overview: During a brief interlude where Jesus has left Jerusalem, He is informed that Lazarus has become ill. John tells us that Jesus is especially close to Lazarus and his family, namely Mary and Martha. Jesus instantly… Continue Reading

Men’s Breakfast – August 19

Men’s Breakfast – August 19

Attention, All Men!  SIGN UP HERE The writer of Hebrews presents the “Hall of Faith” in chapter 11. The list of these “Hall of Famers” includes Abraham, Moses, Enoch, and others. But it also includes some men whom one cannot help but wonder, “How did he make it?” In actuality, of course, it is only flawed people (such… Continue Reading

NP Forum: From Head to Heart

NP Forum: From Head to Heart

We are excited to invite you to a special event, From Head to Heart, on August 25, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Join us for a Northpoint Forum where we’ll explore the beauty of applying God’s truth to our hearts. Let’s move beyond merely studying God’s word for information and discover how it can ignite… Continue Reading

Congregational Meeting – July 30

Congregational Meeting – July 30

THIS SUNDAY! On Sunday, July 30, we’re having a Congregational Meeting. Among other things, we’ll review the NP budget and the financial report, and vote to affirm new member candidates Steve and Penny Ellis, Mark and Renee Michel, Marsha Tiffany, Clara Martiniuc, Elijah Kang, and Brooklyn Perez. Continue Reading

All-church Picnic!

All-church Picnic!

We hope that you have had a restful summer so far! As the ministry year comes to a close, we would like to invite you to our Annual All-church Picnic following the 4:00 p.m. Congregational Meeting on Sunday, July 30 (see below). This is an excellent way for us to come together to celebrate what God has been doing… Continue Reading