Sunday Rewind | 2.10.13
MUSIC & SCRIPTURE
Awesome is the Lord Most High (Psalm 47:1-2) – See The Morning by Chris Tomlin
In Christ Alone (Galatians 2:20) – Original Arrangement
Give Me Faith (Psalm 73:25-26) – For the Honor by Elevation Worship
Glorious (Psalm 111:2-3) – Glorious by Paul Baloche
Whom Shall I Fear (God of Angel Armies) – Burning Lights by Chris Tomlin
TEACHING: The Forgotten War, Part 5
PART 5: WISDOM AT WAR – In James chapter 3, we find there are two types of wisdom – worldly and heavenly. Worldly wisdom works on the false premise that man can solve his own problems independent from God. But when the problem tries to solve the problem – that’s a problem.
CLICK HERE FOR THE SERMON AUDIO/VIDEO
QUESTIONS FOR PERSONAL EVALUATION FROM PASTOR MIKE
- Does the wake of your life tend to leave a trail of conflict? Are you the common denominator?
- If you are married, is there a pattern of unnecessary conflict between you and your spouse? Why?
- What would it look like for you to repent of those areas of conflict and move toward humility?
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS
- What is one thing from this message you hope to discuss as a group?
- How would you define wisdom? Who is someone you consider to be wise, and why?
- Read and discuss James 3:13 – 4:10. What do these verses tell you the nature of man? What do they tell us about God?
- What are the two types of wisdom in the verses above? What are the characteristics of each? Why is it important that we be able to distinguish between the two?
- Why do we tend to believe we can solve our own problems apart from God? How do you see this play out in culture and society? How do you see it play out in your own life?
- What is the relationship between true wisdom and humility? How does true wisdom lead to humility?
- How does the gospel allow us to consider others as better than ourselves (Philippians 2:3)?
- How can we grow in humility? How can we grow in heavenly wisdom?
- Can you discern an area of your life where God is leading you humble yourself before Him (James 4:10)? Spend some time in prayer with your small group about this.
Sunday Rewind | 1.27.13
MUSIC & SCRIPTURE
God Is With Us (Psalm 46:10-11a) – Louder Than Creation by Michael Olson (North Point)
Glorious (Psalm 111:2-3) – See The Morning by Chris Tomlin
Forever Reign (Lamentations 5:19) – A Beautiful Exchange by Hillsong
Jesus Paid It All (Colossians 2:13-14) – North Point Live by Kristian Stanfill (North Point)
Take My Life (2 Corinthians 5:14-15) – Hymns Ancient & Modern by Chris Tomlin (Passion)
TEACHING: The Forgotten War, Part 3
PART 3: ATTACKING THE MIND – Shame is one of the most subversive and powerful forces in our lives. Our enemy works diligently to set up strongholds of shame, keeping us captive in hopelessness. The key to breaking the chains of shame is to bring every thought and imagination under obedience to Christ.
CLICK HERE FOR THE SERMON AUDIO/VIDEO
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS
- Was there one thing you most agreed or disagreed with from this message? What was it and why?
- Read and discuss 2 Corinthians 10:1-6. What do these verses tell you the nature of man? What do they reveal to us about the nature of Christ and His gospel?
- What is a stronghold? Why is it difficult to recognize strongholds in our own life?
- Read and discuss Genesis 3:6-10. What are the implications of shame entering human history at the fall?
- Why is shame such a powerful force in our lives? How does shame create strongholds?
- In what ways does our culture capitalize on shame?
- How does the Gospel address shame?
- Are you able to identify and share an area of shame in your life? What would it look like for you to “despise the shame” in that area (Hebrews 12:2)? How can your small group pray for you in this area?
The Green Room Sessions: Forever Reign
Here’s the latest installment of The Green Room Sessions, introducing the song Forever Reign, from Hillsong. We’ll be introducing this during worship services on Sunday, January 27. Enjoy!
Sunday Rewind | 1.7.13
MUSIC & SCRIPTURE
Your Love Never Fails (Romans 8:28) – Your Love Never Fails by Jesus Culture
Let Your Kingdom Come (Psalm 59:16-17) – Valley of Vision by Sovereign Grace Praise
How Great Is Your Faithfulness (Lamentations 3:22-23) – We Shall Not Be Shaken by Matt Redman
Give Me Faith (Psalm 73:25-26) – Kingdom Come by Elevation Worship
Oh How I Need You – The Longing by All Sons & Daughters
TEACHING: More Prejudiced Than You Think
Being prejudiced goes well beyond racial bias. We all have the tendency to pull away from certain people or groups – “those people.” Yet, the Gospel dictates that those are the very people we should lean into. To be prejudiced is to go violate the great commandments of loving God and loving our neighbor. Odds are, we are more prejudiced than we think.
CLICK HERE FOR THE SERMON AUDIO/VIDEO
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS
- Was there any one thing you most agreed or disagreed with from this message? What was it and why?
- When you hear the word “prejudice,” what comes to mind?
- Read and discuss James 2:1-4. What do these verses tell you the nature of man? What do they reveal about Jesus?
- What are some hot-button issues for you personally? How might these expose your own prejudices?
- Have you ever exercised prejudice against another person or group? Have you ever been the recipient of someone else’s prejudice? What happened?
- Read and consider Jesus’ words in Matthew 5:43-48. How does the gospel of Christ call us to “lean in” to other people or groups we might naturally pull away from?
- Is there something God has revealed to you as far as a prejudice you may have? What would it look like for you to be neighbor to that person or group? Spend some time in prayer with your small group about this.
Sunday Rewind | 12.30.12
MUSIC & SCRIPTURE
Exalted One (Psalm 121:1-2) – For the Honor by Elevation Worship
Lord of All (Psalm 97:5-6) – Attention by Kristian Stanfill
Agnus Dei (Revelation 5:12) – Original Arrangement
Glorious (Psalm 111:2-3) – Glorious by Paul Baloche
Great In All the Earth (Psalm 47:1-2) – I Will Go by Starfield
TEACHING: Be At Rest
Our culture prizes busyness while avoiding suffering at all costs. Yet, Scripture tells us we will suffer and calls us to work from rest, not just rest from work. As we enter this new year, seek Him for physical, spiritual and geographical rest. Live a life of saying “yes” to God from a place of rest, despite whatever our circumstances may be.
WHERE’S THE SERMON AUDIO/VIDEO? Due to the ministry location of our speaker this weekend, we are not able to post the sermon media online. You can, however, request an audio CD at the RBC Bookstore (located in the lobby by the stairs) between Sunday services.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS
- If you heard last weekend’s sermon, what is one principle or insight that stands out as being particularly helpful, insightful, or memorable?
- Read and discuss Hebrews 1:1-4. What do these verses tell you about Jesus? What are the implications for your personal faith in Him?
- Read and discuss Hebrews 4. What do you observe about suffering and rest in this chapter?
- Do you find it difficult to rest? Why or why not?
- How does the gospel encourage us to rest in Jesus?
- What would it look like for you to rest physically, spiritually and geographically as you enter this new year?
- Is there something God is currently asking you to say “yes” to? What would it look like to say “yes” to His calling from a place of rest? Spend some time in prayer with your small group about this.
Sunday Rewind | 11.4.12
MUSIC & SCRIPTURE
O Worship The King (Psalm 145:9-10) – Hymns Ancient & Modern by Chris Tomlin (Passion)
With Us (Psalm 46:10-11a) – God Is Able by Hillsong
Majesty (Isaiah 53:5) – Majesty: The Worship EP by Leeland
Lord Of All (Psalm 97:5-6) – Attention by Kristian Stanfill
Beautiful Jesus (Romans 1:20) – Attention by Kristian Stanfill
TEACHING: On Mission
God is always working. He is a life-changing God that cares deeply about what goes on in our lives on this side of Paradise. He is constantly prompting us to share our faith with those around us and calling us to bring the Gospel to those living in the far reaches of His creation.
CLICK HERE FOR THE AUDIO AND VIDEO
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
- If Bill Hurley were to give an abbreviated version of last weekend’s message, what one point would you have him include, no matter what?
- What causes us to hold back from sharing the Gospel with others?
- Does your heart “burn” when God reveals something to you through His Word? In other ways?
- What are some specific examples in scripture in which God shows us His care for this life?
- How has God truly changed your life?
Sunday Rewind | 9.9.2012
MUSIC
Exalted One (Psalm 121:1-2) – For The Honor by Elevation Worship
Beautiful Jesus (Romans 1:20) – Attention by Kristian Stanfill
With Us (Psalm 46:10-11a) – God Is Able by Hillsong
I Have Decided To Follow Jesus (Matthew 8:18-19) – Original Arrangement
Jesus Paid It All (Colossians 2:13-14) – North Point Live by Kristian Stanfill (North Point)
TEACHING: Son Burn
In Luke 24, the risen Jesus walked with two disciples and “explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.” Their response – “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?” May we, too, know what it is to have burning hearts for the Son of God from the Word of God.
CLICK HERE FOR THE AUDIO AND VIDEO
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
- Read Luke 24:13-35. What might this tell you about the nature of man? What does it tell you about Jesus Christ?
- Can you think of examples of people in the Bible who had “Son burn”?
- In what ways do we tend to apply “Son block” and shy away from the Word of God? How can we keep ourselves from falling into such excuses?
- The Scriptures refer to itself under a variety of analogies (lamp, hammer, water, sword, light, milk, meat, etc.) What others can you think of? What particular analogy do you resonate with in regards to Scripture?
- What is your particular area of “Son burn”? What topics in Scripture do you find yourself particularly passionate about?
- Would you categorize this season of your life as “on fire” for Kingdom of God? Why or why not? Spend some time in prayer for yourself and for those around you, that your hearts would “burn within” for Jesus.
Sunday Rewind | 8.12.12
As a way of bringing weekend worship services into your week, we’re introducing Sunday Rewind. These short blog posts will include the worship selections with scripture references and artist/album information from the past Sunday. In addition, we’ll include links to the teaching audio/video as well some questions from the sermon geared toward small group discussion or personal reflection.
MUSIC
Exalted One (Psalm 121:1-2) – For The Honor by Elevation Worship
Alive In Us (Ephesians 2:4-5) – God Is Able by Hillsong
Our God Is Love (1 John 4:9-10) – A Beautiful Exchange by Hillsong
Unending Love (Romans 8:38-39) – God Is Able by Hillsong
Give Me Faith (Psalm 73:25-26) – For The Honor by Elevation Worship
Take My Life (2 Corinthians 5:14-15) – Hymns Ancient & Modern by Chris Tomlin (Passion)
TEACHING
From man’s perspective, religion is designed to answer the great questions of life – but can it, really? In part four of our World System series, Pastor Mike explores the relationship between religion, reason and revelation in the world system – where they intersect, and where they part ways.
CLICK HERE FOR THE AUDIO AND VIDEO
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
- How would you define “religion”? By that definition, is Christianity a religion? What distinguishes the Christian faith from other religions and philosophies?
- Read Genesis 4:1-1-16. What does this tell you about the nature of man? What does it tell us about God?
- Where are there indications of religion in these verses?
- Is spirituality “reasonable”? Why or why not?
- Is religion “reasonable”? Why or why not?
- Is Christianity “reasonable”? Why or why not? Where do faith and reason intersect? Where do they part ways?
- What are the distinctions between divine inspiration and revelation?
Unending Love
Right now, I’m in the process of transcribing the entire book of Psalms. It’s amazing how things jump out of God’s Word when you’re writing them – actually writing them – and reading over His words in your own handwriting. As a worship leader and songwriter, I find so much treasure – pound for pound – in the Psalms. They are so rich in reverence, so full of revelation, and still, somehow, so human. Every feeling of sorrow, loneliness, every triumph and delight I’ve ever felt is echoed tenfold in the Psalms. It’s such an encouragement to know that David, a man after God’s own heart, was desperate for God’s love and seeking His favor just as much as we are.
Several weeks ago, I was in Psalm 3 where David is complaining to God about his enemies and thus confiding in God and seeking His deliverance (“O Lord, how many are my foes?…”). Ultimately, he sees the hand of God at work and gives glory to Him for the victory he finds over his fears (“He answers me from His holy hill…”). Victory that comes only from a loving God that “sustains” (verse 6). His care and comfort are constant. We worship and serve a God that loves with an unending, never failing love. It’s no coincidence that we sing about that steadfast love together each and every week. Without a doubt, His love is UNENDING. May we find all we truly need in that simple truth.
We’re introducing a new song called Unending Love. God has used this song to encourage me so much in recent months. My hope is that He works in our hearts together as a church to respond to the powerful revelation that is HIS LOVE. I pray that God will prepare our hearts to worship and that His Spirit will empower us to offer all we are at His feet.
Here are a couple verses to meditate on this week in preparation for our time together:
Matthew 6:19-21
Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
Romans 8:38-39
For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Have a great week and we’ll see you on Sunday!
-EP
UNENDING LOVE by Hillsong
There’s no silver or gold and no treasure untold
That could draw me away from Your heart
Neither love of myself or of anyone else will do
Jesus, nothing compares to this grace that rescues me
Savior, now and forever, Your face is all I seek
Now, all I am I lay at Your feet
I’m humbled by the wonder of Your majesty
One thing I know, I find all I need
In Your unending love, in Your unending love
Letting go of my pride I lay down my desires
Just to worship in Spirit and truth
More than all of my dreams, more than fame I will seek You, Lord
Worship | 8.5.12
Not To Us (Psalm 115:1) – Not To Us by Chris Tomlin
Raise Up The Crown (Psalm 148:13) – Hymns Ancient & Modern by Chris Tomlin (Passion)
Great In All The Earth (Psalm 47:1-2) – I Will Go by Starfield
Beautiful, Scandalous Night (Romans 5:8) – Give Yourself Away by Robbie Seay Band
I Lift My Hands (Psalm 46:10) – And If Our God Is For Us… by Chris Tomlin