Sunday Rewind | 8.21.16
MUSIC & SCRIPTURE
Keeper of My Heart (Psalm 121:1-2) – Majestic by Kari Jobe
How Deep The Father’s Love For Us (Galatians 6:14) – Mars Hill Music by Dispatch
Your Promises (2 Peter 1:3-4a) – Wake Up the Wonder by Elevation Worship
Be Lifted High (John 3:30) –Nothing is Wasted by Elevation Worship
TEACHING: Be Anxious for Nothing
We live in a world that is morally decaying. Pastor Mike and David Shedd dialogue about viewing the world in which we live through a biblical lens.
CLICK HERE FOR THE SERMON AUDIO & VIDEO
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS
- What was one thing you found particularly interesting, insightful, helpful or difficult to understand from this Sunday?
- What makes you anxious as you observe the state of the world today?
- Read and discuss Philippians 4:4-9. What does this reveal about us? What do these verses tell us about God? What commands, encouragements or warnings are there for us to heed?
- We live in a world that is morally decaying. What opportunities do you have (or can you make) to be salt and light in the environments in which you have influence?
- How do we balance the tension between security and compassion in an uncertain world?
- What is the root of anxiety, beyond circumstances and situations? How does anxiety relate to trust?
- How does the gospel anchor us in the midst of uncertainty?
- Read and discuss 1 Peter 5:6-7. What anxieties do you need to cast upon the Lord? Spend some time in prayer about this.
Sunday Rewind | 6.26.16
MUSIC & SCRIPTURE
Only King Forever (1 Timothy 1:17) – Only King Forever by Elevation Worship
Endless Light (Psalm 113:3-4) – Cornerstone by Hillsong Worship
How Deep The Father’s Love For Us (Galatians 6:14) – The Dispatch EP by The Dispatch
This I Believe (the Creed) (Romans 1:16) Fielding, Crocker | Hillsong Music Publishing
Jesus Paid it All (Colossians 2:13-14) – Everything Glorious by Kristian Stanfill
TEACHING: James – Living Out Our Faith, Part 20
To pray demonstrates confidence in God. To not pray demonstrates confidence in man.
CLICK HERE FOR THE SERMON AUDIO & VIDEO
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS
- What was one thing you found particularly interesting, insightful, helpful or difficult to understand from this Sunday?
- Read and discuss James 5:12-18. What does this tell us about us? What do these verses tell us about God? What commands, encouragements or warnings are there for us to heed?
- What tension between the text and your personal experience do you note in this text? How do you deal with such tensions?
- How is prayer emphasized in these verses? What does this mean for us?
- What is the importance of considering context when studying the Scriptures?
- What is your view of miraculous healings or spiritual gifts of healing in our day & times?
- In what ways do we tend to cover up our sins? Why is it important to confess our sins to each other? How does this develop community and camaraderie?
- “To pray demonstrates a confidence in God. To not pray demonstrates a confidence in man.” How would you describe your prayer life?
- Is there something burdening your soul that you need to release? Spend some time in prayer together for this.
Sunday Rewind | 6.12.16
MUSIC & SCRIPTURE
I Will Look Up (Deuteronomy 7:9) –Only King Forever by Elevation Worship
With Us (Psalm 46:10-11a) – God Is Able by Hillsong Worship
Only King Forever (1 Timothy 1:17) – Only King Forever by Elevation Worship
O Praise The Name (Anástasis) (Romans 5:8) Open Heaven / River Wild by Hillsong Live
Always (Psalm 121:1-2) – Here For You by Kristian Stanfill (Passion)
TEACHING: James – Living Out Our Faith, Part 18
The love of stuff is the seed of greed. Money always abandons us in the time of our greatest need.
CLICK HERE FOR THE SERMON AUDIO & VIDEO
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS
- What was one thing you found particularly interesting, insightful, helpful or difficult to understand from this Sunday?
- Read and discuss James 5:1-6. What does this tell us about us? What do these verses tell us about God? What commands, encouragements or warnings are there for us to heed?
- Who are the “rich” whom James is addressing the verses above?
- “Money is not bad in and of itself – but it is dangerous.” What does this mean? What examples can you think of?
- “Treasures, because of time, become stuff.” How have you seen this principle to be true?
- How is hoarding a way of presuming upon the future?
- In what ways can we passively abuse the poor?
- What is a way you can “do for one what you wish you could do for everyone”?
- Consider Pastor Mike’s diagnostic questions: “Are you a hoarder? Do you love money? Has money ever gotten you in trouble? Do you have a giving plan? Do you think more about giving saving or spending?” How would you answer each of these?
- How did Jesus become poor that we might become rich (2 Corinthians 8:9)? How should we respond to this great truth? Spend some time in prayer over the things you’ve discussed.
Sunday Rewind | 6.5.16
MUSIC & SCRIPTURE
Great Things (Worth It All) (Galatians 6:14) –Wake Up the Wonder by Elevation Worship
How Great Thou Art (Psalm 145:3) – Hymns Ancient & Modern by Charlie Hall (Passion)
O Praise The Name (Anástasis) (Romans 5:8) Open Heaven / River Wild by Hillsong Live
Give Me Faith (Psalm 73:25-26) – Nothing Is Wasted by Elevation Worship
TEACHING: James – Living Out Our Faith, Part 17
God is not opposed to making plans. He is opposed to being left out of them.
CLICK HERE FOR THE SERMON AUDIO & VIDEO
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS
- What was one thing you found particularly interesting, insightful, helpful or difficult to understand from this Sunday?
- Where were you and what were you doing when you heard about 9/11?
- Read and discuss James 4:11-17. What does this tell us about us? What do these verses tell us about God?
- In what ways do people in general “presume upon the future”? How does this tend to manifest itself in your life? In what ways do you tend to “boast about tomorrow”?
- What reminders has God put in your path to remind you of the brevity of life?
- How would you answer the question in verse 14 – What is your life?
- How do you respond to the statement that we are but “a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes” (v. 14)?
- Is there an area or situation in your life where you know the right thing to do but haven’t done it (v. 17)? What would it look like to apply the gospel there?
- Where in your life where you need to insert “…Lord willing…”? What plans have you made that you need to submit to the Lord? Spend some time praying together about this.
Sunday Rewind | 5.29.16
MUSIC & SCRIPTURE
Mighty to Save (Zephaniah 3:17) – Yahweh by Hillsong Chapel
Whom Shall I Fear (God of Angel Armies) (Psalm 27:1) – Let The Future Begin by Chris Tomlin (Passion)
How Deep The Father’s Love For Us (Galatians 6:14) – Love Displayed by Liberty Campus Band
Endless Light (Psalm 113:3-4) – Cornerstone by Hillsong Worship
TEACHING: Turning Point
God’s Word empowered by God’s Spirit is our spiritual guidance system, and it is 100% reliable. In the Spirit and power of Christ, consider your ways and turn your feet today.
CLICK HERE FOR THE SERMON AUDIO & VIDEO
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS
- What was one thing you found particularly interesting, insightful, helpful or difficult to understand from this Sunday?
- Do you have a good travel story where you got lost?
- Read and discuss Psalm 119:59-60. What does this tell us about us? What do these verses tell us about God?
- Share a time when you were lost relationally, emotionally or spiritually. What happened? How did you relate to God during that time? What did you see Him do?
- Why did God give us His Word? In what way is it our spiritual guidance system?
- “True transformation comes through time with God in the presence of Christ.” What does this mean? What does it have to do with the Word? How have you seen this principle at work in your life?
- Who do you know struggling around you that you can help carry their burden to the cross of Christ?
- What is one area of your life where you need to “consider your ways and turn your feet today”? What would it look like to turn from your ways today and turn back to God’s ways in this particular area? Spend some time in prayer together about this.
Sunday Rewind | 5.22.2016
MUSIC & SCRIPTURE
Unstoppable God (Matthew 17:20) – Wake Up the Wonder by Elevation Worship
This I Believe (the Creed) (Romans 1:16) Fielding, Crocker | Hillsong Music Publishing
O Praise The Name (Anástasis) (Romans 5:8) Hastings, Ussher, Sampson | Hillsong Music Publishing
Your Great Name (Philippians 2:10-11) – Love Revolution by Natalie Grant
In Christ Alone (Galatians 2:20) – Let The Future Begin by Kristian Stanfill (Passion)
TEACHING: James – Living Out Our Faith, Part 16
The motive of the world system is that all people would declare independence from God. Befriend the people of the world, but not the philosophies of the world.
CLICK HERE FOR THE SERMON AUDIO & VIDEO
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS
- What was one thing you found particularly interesting, insightful, helpful or difficult to understand from this Sunday?
- What would you say is your “life message” – the message that you consistently proclaim to those around you?
- Read and discuss James 4:1-10. What does this tell us about us? What do these verses tell us about the world? About God?
- What is the world system? In what ways is it opposed to the kingdom of God?
- “The motive of the world system is that all people would declare independence from God.” How do you see this play out in society and culture? How do you see it play out in your own life?
- Why would we have no knowledge of the world system apart from divine revelation?
- In what ways does the world system promote pride, self, hoarding, living to die and leading to be served? What other things or values does the world system promote?
- In contrast to the previous question, what does the gospel of Jesus promote?
- “Befriend the people of the world, but not the philosophies of the world.” How are you doing with this? Spend some time together in prayer about it.
Sunday Rewind | 5.8.2016
MUSIC & SCRIPTURE
Your Promises (2 Peter 1:3-4a) – Wake Up the Wonder by Elevation Worship
Cornerstone (Psalm 18:2) – Cornerstone by Hillsong Worship
Good Good Father (2 Thessalonians 2:16) – Housefires II by Housefires
Come Thou Fount (Psalm 16:11) – Original Arrangement
Jesus Paid it All (Colossians 2:13-14) – Everything Glorious by Kristian Stanfill
TEACHING: That We May Be One
“Holy Father, keep them in Your name, which You have given Me, that they may be one, even as We are one.” -John 17:11
CLICK HERE FOR THE SERMON AUDIO & VIDEO
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS
- What was one thing you found particularly interesting, insightful, helpful or difficult to understand from this Sunday?
- What does it mean to be weary in work, but not of the work? Have you ever experienced this?
- Read and discuss John 17. What does Jesus’ prayer tell you about Him? What does His prayer tell you about us?
- What do you think Jesus is asking when He prays “that [we] may be one”?
- What is a way you need to visibly love the body of Christ at RBC?
- What are your two greatest weaknesses? What are your two greatest strengths? How can you put those to work in or for the church?
- Spend some time praying for our church.
Sunday Rewind | 4.24.16
MUSIC & SCRIPTURE
Forever Reign (Lamentations 5:19) – A Beautiful Exchange by Hillsong Worship
Cornerstone (Psalm 18:2) – Cornerstone by Hillsong Worship
You’re Beautiful (Revelation 21:4) – Cannons by Phil Wickham
Revelation Song (Revelation 5:12) – Passion 2013 by Kari Jobe
TEACHING: From the Field – Missions Emphasis Sunday
In most cases, we do not post the messages from Missions Emphasis weekends. This is to protect those currently working in sensitive areas, or who may at some point move into countries that are closed to the gospel. If you are interested in learning more about how you can be involved in missions at RBC, fill out this online interest form.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS
- What was one thing you found particularly interesting, insightful, helpful or difficult to understand from this Sunday?
- Read and discuss the Great Commission text from Matthew 28. What do you note about Jesus? What commands, encouragements or warnings are there for us to heed?
- How is missions related to worship? What Scriptures can you find that demonstrate this?
- What does it mean that God is a “sending God”? What Scriptures can you find that demonstrate this?
- How is a missionary mindset inherent in the gospel of Jesus?
- What are different ways one can be involved in the work of gospel missions? How would you rate your involvement in missions?
- How might you grow in your involvement in missions? Spend some time in prayer for this.
Sunday Rewind | 4.17.16
MUSIC & SCRIPTURE
Open Up Our Eyes (Ephesians 1:18-19a) – Nothing is Wasted by Elevation Worship
10,000 Reasons (Psalm 103:1) – Unrelenting Love by Nick Thurmond
Your Great Name (Philippians 2:10-11) – Love Revolution by Natalie Grant
Lord I Need You (Hebrews 4:16) – All The People Said Amen by Matt Maher
TEACHING: A Deep Dive
Shame gives birth to isolation. Memory gives birth to legacy. Testimonies are not formulas.
CLICK HERE FOR THE SERMON AUDIO & VIDEO
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS
- What was one thing you found particularly interesting, insightful, helpful or difficult to understand from this sermon?
- What is the difference between guilt and shame? What are some Scriptures you can think of that deal with guilt and shame?
- Why is shame so powerful? Would you be willing to share something you are ashamed of with your group?
- What is the role of our conscience? What Scriptures can you find that deal with the conscience?
- “Shame gives birth to isolation.” How have you observed or experienced this?
- How does our society promote the eradication of memory? What Scriptures can you think of that deal with memory and legacy?
- “Memory gives birth to legacy.” What legacy was left for you? What legacy are you leaving? Is there an area where you need to intentionally instill good memories in someone’s life?
- “Testimonies are not formulas.” How does comparison hold us in bondage? Where have you observed or experienced this?
Sunday Rewind | 4.10.16
MUSIC & SCRIPTURE
Blessed Be Your Name (Job 1:21) – Where Angels Fear to Tread by Matt Redman
Rock of Ages (Deuteronomy 32:3-4) – Death of Death by Charlie Hall
The Lord Our God (James 1:17) – Passion: Let the Future Begin by Kristian Stanfill (Passion)
I Will Look Up (Deuteronomy 7:9) –Only King Forever by Elevation Worship
Jesus Paid it All (Colossians 2:13-14) –Everything Glorious by Kristian Stanfill
TEACHING: James – Living Out Our Faith, Part 14
Conflict occurs when our desire to be right overshadows our desire for peace.
CLICK HERE FOR THE SERMON AUDIO & VIDEO
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS
- What was one thing you found particularly interesting, insightful, helpful or difficult to understand from this sermon?
- Read and discuss James 3:13-18. How would you define each of the attributes of heavenly wisdom in v. 17? What examples of each can you think of?
- What does it mean to “sow in peace”? What does this look like? What happens when we do this?
- What is the Law of the Harvest? Where have you seen this principle at work in your life?
- Share a time your desire to be right overshadowed your desire for peace. What happened?
- Where does conflict tend to get occur in your life? What is typically the common denominator cause? What do you bring that contributes to the conflict?
- How has God sown in peace toward us through the gospel of Jesus? How does the gospel call and empower us to sow in peace?
- Is there a current situation in your life where you need to sow peace? Spend some time in prayer with your group about this.
Sunday Rewind | 4.3.16
MUSIC & SCRIPTURE
Open Up the Heavens (Psalm 108:4-5) – Worth It All by Meredith Andrews
Cornerstone (Psalm 18:2) – Cornerstone by Hillsong Worship
How Deep The Father’s Love For Us (Galatians 6:14) – Love Displayed by Liberty Campus Band
Your Love Never Fails (Romans 8:28) – Your Love Never Fails by Jesus Culture
TEACHING: James – Living Out Our Faith, Part 13
The problem with the world is not lack of truth, but lack of proper application. Wisdom is not an intellectual virtue, but a moral one.
CLICK HERE FOR THE SERMON AUDIO & VIDEO
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS
- What was one thing you found particularly interesting, insightful, helpful or difficult to understand from this sermon?
- Read and discuss James 3:13-18. What does this tell us about us? What does it tell us about God? What do you observe about wisdom? What warnings, admonishments or encouragements are there for us to heed?
- How are two kingdoms portrayed in the verses above? Compare & contrast.
- How does Scripture take us into ” the world of the unknown”?
- What happens if we do not apply truth? Can you think of any examples?
- What’s the difference between reason and revelation? What place does each have in the Christian life?
- Is your ambition mainly for yourself, or others? How does the gospel direct our ambition? How can you apply your ambition to kingdom work?
- In the wake of your life, would you say there is mostly peace, or conflict? How do you need to grow in this area? Spend some time in prayer together about this.
Sunday Rewind | 3.27.16
MUSIC & SCRIPTURE
Mighty to Save (Zephaniah 3:17) – Yahweh by Hillsong Chapel
This I Believe (the Creed) (Romans 3:22) – Live Sessions Vol. 1 by For All Seasons
Forever (Matthew 28:26) – Majestic by Kari Jobe
Amazing Grace (My Chains are Gone) (Psalm 107:14) — See the Morning by Chris Tomlin
Glorious (Psalm 111:2-3) – Glorious by Paul Baloche
TEACHING: He Is Risen – A Dialogue on the Power & Resurrection of Jesus
Everything hangs on the resurrection. If Jesus Christ never rose from the dead, He is no Savior and Christianity is a lie. But if He did rise from the dead, He is our life.
CLICK HERE FOR THE SERMON AUDIO & VIDEO
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS
- What was one thing you found particularly interesting, insightful, helpful or difficult to understand from this sermon?
- What Easter traditions do you practice with your family?
- Read and discuss 1 Corinthians 15:1-34. What does this tell us about us? What does it tell us about God? What do you observe about the resurrection of Jesus? What warnings, admonishments or encouragements are there for us to heed?
- Paul goes so far as to say that without the resurrection, “our faith is in vain” (1 Cor. 15:17). Why would he say this?
- What other verses do you know of that speak to the resurrection of Jesus?
- Why does all of human history in the Bible seem to center around the resurrection?
- Do you have doubts about the resurrection? How can we believe it is true that Jesus rose from the dead?
- If His death paid for my sins, why does it matter that Jesus rose from the dead?
- Romans 8:11 says, “The same power that raised Jesus from the dead is at work in us…” What does this mean and what does it look like?
- Beyond Easter as a holiday, how does (or should) the resurrection affect us today? How should this affect our daily life? What does it look like to live through the power of Jesus’ resurrection?
- Spend some time in prayer, thanking God for the power of resurrection. Confess any doubts you have about the resurrection and ask Him to speak into your doubt.
Sunday Rewind | 3.20.16
MUSIC & SCRIPTURE
Awesome Is The Lord Most High (Psalm 47:1-2) – See The Morning by Chris Tomlin
Hosanna (Mark 11:9-10) – Savior King by Hillsong Worship
Forever Reign (Lamentations 5:19) – A Beautiful Exchange by Hillsong Worship
Before the Throne (Romans 8:34) – Worship Initiative, vol. 3 by Shane and Shane
Majesty (Isaiah 53:5) – Majesty: The Worship EP by Leeland
TEACHING: Facing Uncertainty
The just shall live by faith.
CLICK HERE FOR THE SERMON AUDIO & VIDEO
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS
- What was one thing you found particularly interesting, insightful, helpful or difficult to understand from this sermon?
- Does uncertainty in life make you afraid or nervous? Why or why not? Do you have any examples?
- Read and discuss Hebrews 10:32-39. What does this tell us about God? What does it tell us about us? What do you note about faith in these verses? What encouragements, warnings or commands are here for us to heed?
- What other verses or portions of Scripture can you think of that instruct us about faith?
- What does it mean to “live by faith”?
- What examples from your own life can you give of stepping out and trusting God by faith?
- How are love and faith related?
- How does the gospel allow and empower us to face uncertainty with confidence?
- Is there an area or situation in your life where you need to step out in faith? Share with your group and spend some time in prayer together.
Sunday Rewind | 3.6.2016
MUSIC & SCRIPTURE
Closer (Psalm 89:14-15) – Glorious Ruins by Hillsong Worship
I Will Look Up (Deuteronomy 7:9) –Only King Forever by Elevation Worship
Amazing Grace (My Chains are Gone) (Psalm 107:14) — See the Morning by Chris Tomlin
Lord I Need You (Hebrews 4:16) – All The People Said Amen by Matt Maher
TEACHING: James – Living Out Our Faith, Part 11
Your speech is the signature of your soul.
CLICK HERE FOR THE SERMON AUDIO & VIDEO
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS
- What was one thing you found particularly interesting, insightful, helpful or difficult to understand from this sermon?
- How has your life been “landscaped” by the power of the tongue? Who is someone who has spoken life to you? Who is someone who has spoken death to you?
- Read and discuss James 3:1-6. What do you note about the power of the tongue? What encouragements, warnings or commands are here for us to heed?
- What other verses do you know of that speak to the power of the tongue?
- What does it mean that the tongue is set on fire by hell (v.6)?
- How are the heart and the tongue related?
- How do you think you come across in your speech to others? Do you feel this is an area in which you need to grow? Why or why not?
- Who is someone to whom you can speak words of encouragement and life this week? Share with your group, then give a report at your next group meeting.
Sunday Rewind | 2.28.2016
MUSIC & SCRIPTURE
Glorious (Psalm 111:2-3) – Everything Glorious by Chris Tomlin (Passion)
Mighty to Save (Zephaniah 3:17) – Yahweh by Hillsong Chapel
Before the Throne (Romans 8:34) – Worship Initiative, vol. 3 by Shane and Shane
God Is Able (Ephesians 3:20-21) – God is Able by Hillsong Worship
TEACHING: 2016 Amazon Pastors’ Conference Report
Pastor Mike gives an update from the annual Jungle Pastors’ Conference on the Amazon.
CLICK HERE FOR THE SERMON AUDIO & VIDEO
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS
- Do you have any missions experience? Share with your group.
- What is one way you have been impacted by someone else’s work for the gospel?
- What is one way you have impacted someone else for the gospel?
- What does it mean to “think eternally” and live with a “biblical perspective”? Do you find this difficult here in Northern VA? Why or why not?
- How would you describe your prayer life? How can you grow in this area?
- Do you find it difficult to trust God? Why or why not?
- What is something that has deeply tested your faith?
- In what ways does the church in North America tend to operate in our own “swim lanes”? Are there ways in which this is beneficial? Are there ways in which this is detrimental?
- Spend some time in prayer for the pastors bringing the gospel of Jesus to the thousands of tribes along the Amazon. Pray for opportunities to engage personally in missions through giving, praying and/or going. If your Shepherd Group hasn’t already, consider adopting an RBC missionary.