Sunday Rewind | 8.17.2014
MUSIC & SCRIPTURE
In Your Presence (Deuteronomy 31:6) – Nothing Is Wasted by Elevation Worship
Rock of Ages (Deuteronomy 32:3-4) – The Death of Death by Charlie Hall
Christ Is Enough (2 Corinthians 12:9) – Glorious Ruins by Hillsong
TEACHING: Do Something, Part 1
In a relationship with God, as in any good relationship, both knowledge and application are vital. We must hear and do. In the context of the local church, this will result in gospel-motivated service to the body.
CLICK HERE FOR THE SERMON AUDIO
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 1:19-25, 1 John 2:4-6 and Matthew 7:24-29. What do these verses tell us about the nature of man? What do these verses tell us about God and His Word?
- Do you find it easier to be a hearer of the Word, or a doer of the Word? How do the Scriptures push us toward both?
- What is the result of knowledge without application (hearing without doing)? What is the result of application without knowledge (doing without hearing)?
- Compare and contrast the two builders in Matthew 7. What are similarities? What are the differences? Which foundation would you say you are building on in this season of your life?
- Why is knowledge “half the battle” when it comes to relationships?
- What is the difference between hearing and listening?
- How does gospel-motivated service in the context of the church help us “walk in the same way in which He walked” (1 John 2:6)?
- Do you currently serve in some way at RBC? Why or why not?
- Spend some time in prayer thanking God for His Word and asking Him for the grace to become more than mere hearers. Thank Him for the provision we have in Christ, who is both our example and motivation for serving His bride, the church.
Sunday Rewind | 8.10.2014
MUSIC & SCRIPTURE
Whom Shall I Fear (God of Angel Armies) (Psalm 27:1) – Let The Future Begin by Chris Tomlin (Passion)
Open Up Our Eyes (Ephesians 1:18-19a) – Nothing Is Wasted by Elevation Worship
Your Great Name (Philippians 2:10-11) – Love Revolution by Natalie Grant
Cornerstone (Psalm 18:2) – Cornerstone by Hillsong
Lord I Need You (Hebrews 4:16) – All The People Said Amen by Matt Maher
TEACHING: Rooted: A Study of Deeper Faith in Colossians, Part 8
How were people in the Old Testament saved if Jesus had not yet come? If we can’t keep the law, why were we given the law? If we are under grace, can we live any way we want? The answer to these questions lies in the pure, undiluted organic gospel.
CLICK HERE FOR THE SERMON AUDIO
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 Colossians 2:16-23. What do these verses tell us about the nature of man? What do these verses tell us about Jesus?
- Where in these verses do you find warnings against legalism, mysticism and asceticism? How do each of these add to or take away from the gospel?
- What is the purpose of the law? How does the law “stir up the flesh”? How does the law also point us to Christ?
- How were people in Old Testament times saved if Jesus had not yet come?
- Read and discuss Romans 5:12-6:14. How would you describe the relationship between law and grace?
- If we are under grace, and not under the law, can we live any way we want? How would you justify, explain or defend your answer?
- What is “the organic gospel”? What do we tend to add to or take away from the gospel?
- Where in your life do you need spiritual “recalculating”?
- Spend some time in prayer thanking God for the goodness of both His law and His grace. Thank Him for the provision we have in Christ, who fulfills the law and covers us in His grace.
Sunday Rewind | 8.3.2014
MUSIC & SCRIPTURE
Open Up The Heavens (Psalm 108:4-5) – Worth It All by Meredith Andrews
Exalted One (Psalm 121:1-2) – For The Honor by Elevation Worship
Your Love Never Fails (Romans 8:28) – Your Love Never Fails by Jesus Culture
Our King Has Come (Romans 5:1-2) – For The Honor by Elevation Worship
Your Great Name (Philippians 2:10-11) – Love Revolution by Natalie Grant
Give Me Faith (Psalm 73:25-26) – For The Honor by Elevation Worship
TEACHING: Rooted: A Study of Deeper Faith in Colossians, Part 7
Performance will always lead to self-righteousness, which always leads to judging others. The thing you tend to judge others for is likely the area of self-righteousness that you struggle with.
CLICK HERE FOR THE SERMON AUDIO
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS
- What was one thing you found particularly interesting, insightful, helpful or difficult to understand from this sermon?
- Do you ever sense a disconnect between what you feel and what the Bible says?
- Read and discuss Colossians 2:11-15. What do they tell us about the nature of man? What do these verses tell us about Jesus?
- What does it mean to be “dead in your sins” (v. 13)?
- What is the “record of debt” that the law demands of us (v. 14)? How is the law an instructor?
- Consider your answers to questions 4 & 5. How is Christ the remedy?
- What is grace? How is grace an instructor?
- What drives us to perform, rather than rest in grace?
- “Performance will always lead to self-righteousness, which always leads to judging other people.” Have you found this to be true?
- In what area(s) of your life do you tend to struggle with self-righteousness? How does the gospel address this?
- Spend some time in prayer asking God to graciously keep us from self-righteous performance. Pray that His grace would continue to take root deep within our hearts.
From the Field: Croatia
Here is a recent correspondence from G., an RBC-supported missionary serving with Pioneers in Croatia. Here is a recap of G.’s work with youth and church building/planing efforts over the summer:
Another summer is almost over in Slavonski Brod. Six short-term teams with over 80 guests have helped us share the good news of Christ with many young people. The church building is taking shape before our eyes. We look forward to the day when the building is completed and pray that God continues to grow His church that will be meeting in it.
Below I have written more about both the building and our summer activities. I also want to ask you to pray specifically for a man who I have known for over 12 years. He and his wife have shown a degree of openness over the years, but it has never moved beyond an intellectual understanding of what Christians believe. But some things have happened in their lives recently that seem to have caused the husband particularly to consider spiritual things more seriously. He recently expressed a desire to study the Bible with me, and we hope to start in the next week or so. Pray for God to reveal himself to this friend and that he and his wife would one day soon place their trust in Christ! Thanks so much for your prayers and your partnership with me in Croatia!
CHURCH BUILDING: The last time I wrote, I told you of a matching fund that had been set up to help complete construction of the exterior of the Slavonski Brod church building this year. We were hoping to raise $70,000 by the end of June for that to happen. The Lord has seen fit to provide, through many churches and individuals both in the U.S. and in Croatia, $108,000! The building is under construction and we expect it to be under roof in a just a few more weeks. This does not mean an end to the construction process, nor to the need for finances. Now that the building is under roof, it is safe from the elements and we can complete the inside as funds become available. We would love the help of short-term teams to, for example, take a room and fix it up. Please pray for the ultimate completion of the building in God’s timing, and for Him to continue to build His church spiritually, and not just physically, in Slavonski Brod.
SUMMER OUTREACHES: This summer we have had 81 individuals come to work with us for at least one week, including a team of 11 which arrived today! With their help, we have held baseball camps, children’s Bible clubs, and open air concerts, and we have had lots of less formal opportunities to meet and get to know Croatian youth. The gospel has been shared countless times and in many ways. Two Croatian teens have even met with a small group of us to study the Bible. Summer is definitely a time of broad sowing for us as we take advantage of the many short-term workers who come to help us to share as frequently and as broadly as we can. Pray that we will see the fruit of this broad sowing one day soon. I was particularly encouraged this year by one of the teens living in Nova Gradiška who trusted in Christ last summer. One Sunday at church when several unbelieving youth came (because they wanted to say goodbye to the short-term team that was leaving that day), he prayed publicly and boldly, “Lord, I pray that these other teens here today would trust in You and that You would change their lives like You did for me. Amen.” That was a first for him. Pray for him to continue to grow, and that his prayer for the other teens in his city would be answered also!
Would you take a minute now to pray for G., the many Croatian youth who heard the gospel this summer, and for the church in Slavonski Brod?
Sunday Rewind | 7.27.2014
MUSIC & SCRIPTURE
Closer (Psalm 89:14-15) – Glorious Ruins by Hillsong
With Us (Psalm 46:10-11a) – God Is Able by Hillsong
Unending Love (Romans 8:38-39) – God Is Able by Hillsong
Nothing But The Blood (Ephesians 1:7-8) – Facedown by Matt Redman
Whom Shall I Fear (God of Angel Armies) (Psalm 27:1) – Let The Future Begin by Chris Tomlin (Passion)
Lord I Need You (Hebrews 4:7-8) – All The People Said Amen by Matt Maher
TEACHING: Rooted: A Study of Deeper Faith in Colossians, Part 6
What does it mean to be complete in Christ?
CLICK HERE FOR THE SERMON AUDIO
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 Colossians 2:6-10. What do these verses tell us about Jesus? What do they indicate about the nature of man?
- What does it mean to “walk in” Jesus (v. 6)?
- What warning does Paul give us in these verses?
- What modern-day arguments, philosophies or traditions might take us captive? How should we respond to these in light of the gospel?
- What does it mean to be “complete in Christ”? Do you feel complete in Him? Why or why not?
- What ways to you tend to try to complete yourself outside of Christ?
- How does the gospel make us complete in Jesus?
- Spend some time in prayer thanking God for the glorious hope we have in Christ. Pray that He would show us any areas of our lives where we are seeking completeness outside of Him.
Sunday Rewind | 7.20.2014
MUSIC & SCRIPTURE
Alive In Us (Ephesians 2:4-5) – God Is Able by Hillsong
Endless Light (Psalm 113:3-4) – Cornerstone by Hillsong
Open Up The Heavens (Psalm 108:4-5) – Worth It All by Meredith Andrews
10,000 Reasons (Psalm 103:1) – Unrelenting Love by Nick Thurmond
Forever Reign (Lamentations 5:19) – A Beautiful Exchange by Hillsong
TEACHING: Rooted: A Study of Deeper Faith in Colossians, Part 5
Love is the prerequisite to a fuller understanding of Christ.
CLICK HERE FOR THE SERMON AUDIO
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 Colossians 2:1-5. What do these verses tell us about Jesus? What do they indicate about the nature of man?
- What do you tend to “contend for” or “agonize over” (v. 1)? Do these things draw you toward Christ and His church, or push you away?
- What is the significance, importance and the result of being “united in love” (v. 2)?
- What is the relationship between wisdom & knowledge (v. 3)?
- What “fine-sounding arguments” (v. 4) might we deal with today? How do these pull us away from being rooted in Christ?
- Is there anything holding you back from seeking out the deep riches of Jesus? Is there anything keeping you from being “united in love” with fellow believers? How does the gospel address or apply to these obstacles?
- Spend some time in prayer thanking God for revealing Himself to us in Christ. Pray that He would encourage our hearts toward being united in love, that we might know Christ and make Him known all the more.
From the Field: Colombia
Spanish World Ministries reaches thousands of people all across Latin America areas through radio broadcasts of solid Bible-based teachings with a gospel emphasis.
RBC supported missionary, L., ministers with Spanish World Ministries (SWM) in Colombia. When he began his ministry with SWM in 2007, 63 stations were broadcasting these programs. At the end of 2013, L. reported 259 radio stations in his database. Through the years, L. has shown great determination to fulfill his ministry expanding the number of outlets airing the gospel, and the Lord has blessed his efforts. Although L. and his wife are serving SWM part-time, they reflect a sincere desire to take the gospel to every region of their country.
Recently, L. was contacted by a radio listener. During their conversation, she shared her story:
“I live with my daughter and my son-in-law. A few weeks ago she lost her job and her employers denied paying her pension. My son-in-law is also looking for a job, but unfortunately the unemployment rate is very high in this city. My granddaughter is in college and I am the only one that can help her to pay for her studies. I am 70 years old and, as you see, I am going through a very tough time trying to help my daughter and her family. Your programs on the radio help me to seek wisdom in God’s Word, and at the same time they give me insight on how to keep on living. Every time I listen to your programs God reminds me that He is with me and that He understands my condition. Please pray that the Lord would continue giving me wisdom in the midst of the trials that I am going through.”
After the conversation that L. had with this lady, he was reminded of the importance to keep increasing the number of stations broadcasting the SWM programs. Through the 259 radio stations carrying SWM’s programs, the Gospel is reaching people all over Colombia, but L.’s desire is to seek more outlets willing to air the programs.
His prayer is that, just as this listener, many others in Colombia and throughout Latin America will find comfort and wisdom as they listen, and that those who do not know Him, might understand what God offers through Jesus on the cross.
Currently Spanish World Ministries is broadcasting their programs 15,500 times per week all over Spanish speaking countries. Pray for gospel fruit throughout Latin America as these teachings go out!
Sunday Rewind | 7.13.2014
MUSIC & SCRIPTURE
Open Up Our Eyes (Ephesians 1:18-19a) – Nothing Is Wasted by Elevation Worship
Open Up The Heavens (Psalm 108:4-5) – Worth It All by Meredith Andrews
In Your Presence (Deuteronomy 31:6) – Nothing Is Wasted by Elevation Worship
In Christ Alone (Galatians 2:20) – Let The Future Begin by Kristian Stanfill (Passion)
I Will Look Up (Deuteronomy 7:9) – Only King Forever by Elevation Worship
TEACHING: Seek and You Shall Be Satisfied
Any journey worth taking, or any task worth doing, will be difficult. We will be tempted to cut corners or settle for something less. This is especially true in our relationship with God. Psalm 63 gives us permission to struggle in our relationship with God, but not to give up or settle for something less.
CLICK HERE FOR THE SERMON AUDIO
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS
- What was one thing you found particularly interesting, insightful, helpful or difficult to understand from this sermon?
- “Our hearts are too stubborn to obey more than one thing at a time.” Do you find this to be true in your life?
- Read and discuss Psalm 63. What do these verses indicate about man? What do they tell us about God? What do you note about seeking God from these verses?
- Why is it significant that David was in the wilderness when he wrote this psalm? Have you ever experienced spiritual wilderness?
- Why are we tempted to cut corners in life? How do we tend to cut corners in seeking God?
- “Many Christians have never been given permission to struggle in their relationships with God.” What does this mean? Can you identify with this? Why or why not?
- What “snares” can you identify in your life that choke life out of your relationship with God?
- How does the gospel of Jesus both enable and encourage us as we seek God and struggle in our relationship with Him?
- Spend some time in prayer, thanking God for His faithfulness to us in Christ and for the promise of satisfaction we have in Him.
From the Field: From Russia to Germany
RBC-supported missionaries M. & C. moved from Russia to Germany last week. Here’s an update from them, along with some prayer requests. Please take some time to pray for them and their family as they transition to a new area of life & ministry.
This is the last time (at least for a while) that we will be writing you from St. Petersburg. We leave for Germany on Wednesday, July 2nd. Six and a half years ago, God brought us to this special city in this special country to serve Him. It hasn’t always been easy, but we have been incredibly blessed ministering here… supporting Bible Translation, providing education for missionary families, doing orphanage ministry, leading a Bible study, and serving in our Russian church. For two of our children, Russia has been their home for more than half of their lives. We are very sad to be leaving this place that we love so much, but we know that God will continue to use us in Germany, just as He has used us here.
As is often the case, when we don’t write a monthly prayer update in a timely manner, it usually means that we are very, very busy — ironically, when we need prayer the most. Today is our last day to pack before the container truck arrives on Monday (C.’s birthday is tomorrow and we are trying to set time aside to celebrate) and yet as much as I want to be packing, I know that we need to send out this update, because we need your prayers and we want to share our praises with you.
We are not providing a calendar this month, but we ask you to lift up the following requests throughout the month…
– Praise God that our children have been accepted at Black Forest Academy! We waited two months to hear back from the school about their acceptance and so were understandably very excited to hear this news. Also, C. has been offered a full-time teaching position in the high school Math department! She is extremely excited to continue serving missionary kids in this way.
– Praise God for giving me (M.) recent opportunities to provide online training in Bible translation software for translation and Scripture Engagement consultants from all over the world. This is one of my first chances to provide support for a wider area than just the former Soviet Union.
– Praise God for all that He has done during our time here in St. Petersburg, for His divine providence for our needs, and for blessing us by allowing us to serve Him.
– Please pray about our car. Until two months ago our car was working great and we had a buyer lined up. After one seemingly minor incident, we suddenly had major problems. While the car is now drivable, it is still experiencing a lack of power that we just can’t seem to find the cause of. We have spent days taking it to various mechanics without any good results. If this problem is not fixed, it is unlikely that we will be able to sell the car. Due to Russian regulations, we can’t take the car with us to Germany without incurring significant costs. Please pray that the car will be fixed and that we will be able to sell it. Please pray that someone will be able to help us with the car if we leave without having sold it.
– Please pray for our finances . Moving and having to furnish our apartment in Germany is expensive, and without having sold the car, our finances are very tight. Also, the cost of living is a little bit higher in Germany. We know that God will provide for our needs, but we know that He works through the prayers of the faithful.
– Pray for us to be able to receive our belongings quickly once we arrive. We need certain documents to receive the shipment and the process can take a few weeks. Please pray that we will be able to get our documents processed quickly and get settled in our new home.
– Pray for new relationships. So much of what makes a home a home is the people that you share life with. Please pray especially that our children will quickly make new friends who will be an encouragement to them spiritually.
Thank you so much for your prayers, encouragement, and support!
Quest for the King Videos
Each day at Kids Camp, our kids engaged in a quest to seek out The King and His Eternal Kingdom. The misadventures of four friends shared their quest each day of camp!