OBF Weekly Sermons

Epistles of John : 1 John - Walking in the Light (Wk 3)| 1 John 2:1-10 | Emanuel Istrate | June 7

Mon, 08 Jun 2026 01:50:55 GMT

Join us this Sunday as Pastor Emanuel leads us through 1 John 2:1–11. This passage is a rich and comforting text for every believer! We encourage you to read ahead in preparation for the Lord’s Table and the sermon this Sunday.

As you read, ask yourself: Which truth from this passage encourages me most this week?

- Christ is my Advocate.

- Christ is my Atonement.

- Obedience strengthens assurance.

- Love for fellow believers reveals our spiritual health.

Epistles of John : 1 John - Walking in the Light (Wk 2)| 1 John 1:5-10 | Emanuel Istrate | May 31

Mon, 01 Jun 2026 00:50:34 GMT

In this message from 1 John 1:5-10, we consider the powerful truth that “God is light, and in Him there is no darkness at all.” In a culture that softens sin and blurs the lines of truth, this sermon calls us back to the unchanging gospel: we are sinners in need of a Savior, and Jesus Christ alone is our Advocate and atoning sacrifice. We explore the seriousness of sin, the gift of honest confession, and the promise of full forgiveness and cleansing for all who come to God through Christ.

Part of our “Walking in the Light” series in the Epistles of John, this sermon from Emanuel Istrate at Oxford Bible Fellowship in Oxford, Ohio, is for anyone longing to live openly before God and walk in the light of Christ. Listen, subscribe, and learn more about OBF at oxfordbiblefellowship.org.

Epistles of John : 1 John - Walking in the Light (Wk 1)| 1 John 1:1-4 | Emanuel Istrate | May 24

Sun, 24 May 2026 20:37:51 GMT

This week we begin a summer series through the Epistles of John, starting with 1 John 1:1-4. The apostle John, an eyewitness who walked with Jesus, invites us to behold the certainty and beauty of Christ, the "Word of Life". John opens his letter by testifying to both the humanity and divinity of Jesus—reminding weary believers that our faith is rooted in something real and unshakable. In a world filled with uncertainty and empty promises, John calls us back to the simple, life-giving truth of the gospel and into deeper fellowship with God and one another. This fellowship through Christ is what brings complete joy to our lives.

Join Emanuel Istrate and Oxford Bible Fellowship in Oxford, Ohio as we explore these rich letters. Subscribe to hear biblical teaching that points you to Christ, and visit obf.org to connect with our church community.

Daniel Sermon: Conviction in a Culture of Compromise (Wk 14)| Daniel 11-12 | Emanuel Istrate |May 17

Sun, 17 May 2026 19:01:00 GMT

This Sunday we conclude our journey through the book of Daniel. This book has been a treasure chest full of spiritual riches, and it ends the same way it began: assuring us of God’s sovereign rule and faithful care over His people. Daniel 11 and 12 confront us with visions of kings rising and falling, nations clashing, and history unfolding in breathtaking — and at times unsettling — detail. Yet perhaps the most striking moment is also the simplest: when the Lord speaks to Daniel and says, “But go your way till the end. And you shall rest and shall stand in your allotted place at the end of the days” (Daniel 12:13, ESV).

Daniel Sermon: Conviction in a Culture of Compromise (Wk 13) | Daniel 10 | Emanuel Istrate | May 10

Sun, 10 May 2026 17:40:00 GMT

This Sunday Pastor Emanuel continues our Daniel sermon series with Daniel 10. In this chapter, Daniel spends weeks praying and fasting as he is deeply concerned for God’s people. God answers with an incredible vision that shows His power, glory, and care. Daniel is overwhelmed, but strengthened, and we are reminded that God is always at work, our prayers matter, and we are never alone—even when circumstances feel uncertain.

Daniel Sermon: Conviction in a Culture of Compromise (Wk 12) | Daniel 10 | Emanuel Istrate | May 3

Sun, 03 May 2026 19:18:00 GMT

This Sunday Pastor Emanuel continues our Daniel sermon series with Daniel 10. As Daniel spends weeks praying and fasting for God’s people, the Lord meets him with a powerful vision that reveals His glory, His care, and His sovereign power. This passage also gives us a glimpse into unseen spiritual battles and reminds us that God is always at work, our prayers matter, and we are never alone in times of uncertainty.

Daniel Sermon: Conviction in a Culture of Compromise (Wk 11) | Daniel 9 | Justin Kailer | April 26

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 18:11:00 GMT

In this message from Daniel 9, Pastor Justin Kailer explores how Daniel reads God’s Word and responds with humble, faith-filled prayer in the midst of exile. As we continue our Daniel Sermon: Conviction in a Culture of Compromise series, we see a powerful model of confession, dependence, and hope that speaks into our own confusing and uncertain times.

Daniel 9 not only teaches us how to pray, it also pulls back the curtain on God’s redemptive plan for Israel and for all mankind, reminding us that He is sovereign, faithful, and at work through all of history for the good of His people and the glory of His name. This sermon is for listeners who want to grow in prayer, trust God’s purposes, and live with conviction in a compromising culture.

This message is part of the OBF Weekly Sermons podcast from Oxford Bible Fellowship in Oxford, Ohio. Listen, subscribe, and learn more about our church and ministries at https://obf.org

Guest Speaker Dr. Jerry Pattengale | Oxford Bible Fellowship | April 19, 2026

Sun, 19 Apr 2026 18:26:00 GMT

This Sunday we were honored to hear Dr. Jerry Pattengale deliver a special message at Oxford Bible Fellowship, following his keynote at the 20th Annual Edwin M. Yamauchi Lecture on Saturday.

Dr. Pattengale is a distinguished professor and administrator at Indiana Wesleyan University, a founding scholar at the Museum of the Bible in Washington, D.C., and a leading voice in biblical history and Christian scholarship. The Edwin M. Yamauchi Lecture—named after his former professor and a key figure in our church's founding—is sponsored by the History Department and cosponsored by local churches and campus ministries.

Having served as IWU's first University Professor and recipient of Indiana's Sagamore of the Wabash award, Dr. Pattengale brings decades of wisdom on Scripture, history, and faith to our congregation.

Don't miss this powerful Sunday sermon from a world-class Christian scholar. Subscribe for more OBF messages! #DrJerryPattengale #OBF #BibleHistory #ChristianLecture

Daniel Sermon: Conviction in a Culture of Compromise (Wk 10) | Daniel 8 | Emanuel Istrate | April 12

Sun, 12 Apr 2026 18:17:56 GMT

This Sunday we continue our Daniel sermon series with Daniel 8. In this powerful sermon, Pastor Emanuel Istrate walks us through a passage that reminds us that earthly kingdoms rise and fall, but God rules over history with perfect wisdom and authority. Daniel 8 points us to the certainty of God’s sovereignty, the reality of spiritual opposition, and the hope God gives His people in times of hardship and uncertainty.

Easter Morning | Emanuel Istrate | April 5

Sun, 05 Apr 2026 18:17:00 GMT

Praise God that Sunday is here! Praise God that “...the last enemy to be destroyed is death. For God has put all things in subjection under his feet...then shall come to pass the saying that is written 'Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?' The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Cor. 15: 26-27, 54-57 ESV)! Jesus has been raised from the dead! Jesus is alive! The resurrection of Jesus guarantees us life!

Good Friday | Emanuel Istrate | April 3

Sat, 04 Apr 2026 02:12:00 GMT

Join us as we hear scripture and remember what happend on Good Friday, many years ago. But we remember as the tile of a poem titled "“It’s Friday, but Sunday’s Comin’" written by S.M. Lockridge.

Daniel Sermon: Conviction in a Culture of Compromise (Wk 9) | Dan 7 | Justin Kailer | Mar 29

Sun, 29 Mar 2026 17:59:05 GMT

Join us for worship this Sunday as we continue our Daniel sermon series with Daniel 7. In this powerful chapter, we are reminded that even when the world seems chaotic and overwhelming, God is still ruling and reigning over all things. Though His people may face trials and opposition, He will ultimately deliver His saints and establish His kingdom forever.

Daniel Sermon: Conviction in a Culture of Compromise (Wk 8) | Dan 6 | Emanuel Istrate | Mar 22

Sun, 22 Mar 2026 18:58:08 GMT

This Sunday we continue our Daniel sermon series with Daniel 6, the well-known account of Daniel in the lions’ den and his unwavering faithfulness to God. This chapter reminds us that spiritual courage in moments of crisis is forged long before through quiet, daily habits of prayer and devotion. Daniel’s example shows that wholehearted commitment to God will often set us apart from the culture around us and may even invite real opposition. Yet Daniel 6 also reassures us that God is sovereign over every circumstance—whether He rescues us from trials or sustains us in the midst of them, He remains perfectly faithful.

Daniel Sermon: Conviction in a Culture of Compromise (Wk 7) | Dan 5 | Emanuel Istrate | Mar 15

Wed, 18 Mar 2026 14:31:35 GMT

This Sunday Pastor Emanuel Istrate continues our Daniel sermon series in Daniel 5, exploring Belshazzar’s feast and the famous “writing on the wall.” In this sobering passage we see how pride, idolatry, and disregard for God lead to judgment, reminding us that sin rarely stands alone—one sin gives birth to many others. Yet even in the midst of warning, we also see God’s mercy and patience on display. Daniel 5 calls us to humble ourselves, turn from sin, and trust the God who lovingly warns His people for their good.

Daniel Sermon: Conviction in a Culture of Compromise (Wk 6) | Dan 4:28-37 | Emanuel Istrate | Mar 8

Sun, 08 Mar 2026 18:46:00 GMT

This Sunday we return to Daniel 4, where proud King Nebuchadnezzar learns a humbling truth: God alone has ultimate authority and glory, and He takes both very seriously. When our hearts drift into pride and self-reliance, the Lord graciously steps in to remind us who truly rules over every kingdom and every life. In this remarkable chapter we see that God both removes and restores—always for His glory and our good. Daniel 4 calls us away from trusting in our own strength and back to humble worship, reminding us that every gift, position, and success comes from the gracious hand of God.

Daniel - Conviction in a Culture of Compromise (Wk 5) | Dan 4:1- 27 | Emanuel Istrate | Mar 1

Sun, 01 Mar 2026 22:16:00 GMT

This Sunday Pastor Emanuel will lead us through the first part of Daniel 4. In this powerful chapter, we witness both the humbling and the restoration of King Nebuchadnezzar. At the height of his power and prosperity, God confronts the king’s pride to reveal a timeless and unshakable truth: “The Most High rules in the kingdom of men.” Daniel 4 reminds us that pride is often subtle yet serious, and that in His mercy, God humbles those who trust in themselves in order to draw them back to Him. Ultimately, this passage points us to Christ—the greater and better King—who humbled Himself for our salvation. Join us as we reflect on God’s sovereignty, our call to repentance, and the hope found in lifting our eyes to heaven.

Daniel - Conviction in a Culture of Compromise (Wk 4) | Daniel 3 | Emanuel Istrate | Feb 22

Sun, 22 Feb 2026 22:16:00 GMT

The sermon passage this week is Daniel 3. So far in our series we have seen that each chapter reveals to us more of God’s eternal character. In Daniel 1 we saw that God is the God who gives. In Daniel 2 we saw that God is the God who reveals, and this Sunday we will see that God is the God who delivers.

Daniel - Conviction in a Culture of Compromise (Wk 3) | Daniel 2:1-45 | Justin Kailer | Feb 15

Sun, 15 Feb 2026 22:16:00 GMT

Join us as we continue our study in the book of Daniel by examining chapter 2. In it we are invited to contrast the kingdoms of men and the kingdom of God and to see God's sovereignty in all aspects of human affairs.

Daniel - Conviction in a Culture of Compromise (Wk 2) | Daniel 1:8-21 | Emanuel Istrate | Feb 8

Sun, 08 Feb 2026 22:16:00 GMT

Daniel 1 answers a question every generation of believers must face: How do we live faithfully for God when the culture around us presses us to conform? Daniel 1 teaches us that faithfulness is not forged primarily in dramatic public moments, but in quiet, daily decisions made before God. It reminds us that behind the faithfulness of God’s people stands the far greater faithfulness of God Himself.

Daniel - Conviction in a Culture of Compromise (Wk 1) | Daniel 1: 1-7 | Emanuel Istrate | Feb 1

Sun, 01 Feb 2026 22:17:00 GMT

While there are dozens of themes throughout this captivating narrative of exile, prophecy, and faithful obedience, one stands out among the rest–the call to stand firm in the Lord's truth amid a fallen world's relentless pressures to conform. As we journey through this book, I pray that we would cultivate deep convictions rooted in Christ and resist the enemy's subtle deceptions of compromise.

O Church Arise (Wk 3) | Ephesians 6:13–20 | Emanuel Istrate | Jan 18

Sun, 18 Jan 2026 22:17:00 GMT

This Sunday, we will conclude our three-week miniseries on the mission and vision of Oxford Bible Fellowship. As a church, we are called by Jesus to make, equip, and release disciples who live on mission for Him. This calling remains the same for every local church and every believer. Pastor Emanuel will walk us through Ephesians 6:13–20 as we consider what it means to make Christ known in our world.

Daniel - Conviction in a Culture of Compromise | Daniel 1: 1-7 | Emanuel Istrate

O Church Arise (Wk 2) | Ephesians 2:12-22 | Emanuel Istrate | Jan 11

Sun, 11 Jan 2026 22:18:00 GMT

This Sunday, we will turn our attention to Ephesians 4:1–16 and consider God’s call for every believer to participate in the building up of Christ’s body. In this passage, we will be challenged to reflect on how the Lord uses His Word, His Spirit, and His people to grow us into maturity together.

O Church Arise (Wk 1 ) | Ephesians 2:12-22 | Emanuel Istrate | Jan 4

Sun, 04 Jan 2026 22:18:00 GMT

Pastor Emanuel will begin a three-week mini-series titled “O Church Arise” as we explore God's mission for the church and the practical implications for Oxford Bible Fellowship. The writer of Hebrews encourages believers, "And we are [God's] house, if indeed we hold firmly to our confidence and the hope in which we glory" (ESV, Heb. 3:6). We are praying that God build His house–the church–by enabling us to know Him, live for Him, and make Him known