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Sunday Rewind | 12.16.2012
MUSIC & SCRIPTURE
Angels We Have Heard on High (Luke 2:13-14) – Christmas Offerings by Third Day
Hark The Herald Angels Sing (Luke 2:9-10) – Original Arrangement
I Lift My Hands (Psalm 46:10) – And If Our God Is For Us… by Chris Tomlin
Mighty To Save (Zephaniah 3:17) – Yahweh by Hillsong Chapel
God, You Lifted Me Out (Psalm 30:1-2) – For The Honor by Elevation Worship
Always (Psalm 121:1-2) – Here For You by Kristian Stanfill (Passion)
TEACHING: Follow Me
Pastor Wayne Johnson takes a look at the life of Peter, whose world was rocked by Jesus’ call to follow Him. What was it about Jesus that so captivated Peter’s heart? The way Jesus captured Peter’s heart is the same way He captures ours, and we will live for and from whatever captures our hearts.
CLICK HERE FOR AUDIO & VIDEO OF THIS MESSAGE
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS
- If Pastor Wayne were to give an abbreviated version of last Sunday’s messages, what one or two points would you tell him to make sure he leaves in, no matter what?
- Read and discuss 1 Peter 1:3-9. What do these verses tell you about Jesus? What are the implications for your personal faith in Him?
- Our culture values privacy, busyness, and comfort. What else does our culture value?
- How does does the Gospel go against the grain of our culture?
- In what ways can culture distort the Gospel? How can culture be used as a vessel for the Gospel?
- What do you find captivating about the person of Jesus Christ?
- Was there ever an area in your life as a Christian where you sensed Jesus’ call to follow Him? What happened? Is there an area in your life now where He is asking you to follow Him? Pray about this area with your small group.
Questions in Tragedy
The nation again has had its soul pierced with yet another massacre. This did not take place in on the battlefield of Afghanistan nor was it the result of a back-alley drug deal gone bad. It took place in an obscure town in Connecticut, where a gunman opened fire in an elementary school. Two questions always surface in the aftermath of such blatant evil.
“Why does this keep happening in the most sophisticated nation on earth?”
“Why does God allow such things to happen?”
The answer to the first question is easy. The answer to the second is not easy.
Why does this keep happening in the most sophisticated nation on earth? People do such evil deeds because the Scriptures tell us the “The heart is incurably wicked…..” (Jer.17:9). Simply put, it is impossible for man to police his own behavior. God has established human government to be a deterrent to evil, but it will never be perfectly effective in this task. When human beings in any society vote to have total moral freedom, that society will see an increase in violent behavior. There is a subtle irony in that unrestricted freedom eventually leads to bondage. True freedom is only found when we stay within the bounds of God’s moral will.
When a nation heads down this path of unrestricted freedom, it tends to turn a blind eye to the real issue. It will point to having more security or better-educated people or more legislation regarding gun control to the table. But if anyone brings up abortion, pornography, violence in movies, lyrics, and video games, or the absence of absolute truth (all of which contribute to devaluing human life) then prepare yourself for battle. These will be seen as a threat to one’s moral freedom.
To be sure, the church is in no position to point its self-righteous moral finger at the world. Perhaps the finger needs to be pointed more at the church than at society since we are called to be the salt and light of the world (Matthew 5:13-16). There is enough blame for everyone to have a sizable piece of the pie. Are we living a life that is void of hypocrisy?
So why does God allow such things to happen? This is a much bigger question and far more difficult to answer. In fact, the writers of Scripture often asked the same question. We know God is all-powerful and hates evil. Yet it is clear He allows it to have a foothold in every nation. God gives hints to an answer, but never fully reveals His feelings on this matter of lingering evil. Here are a few Scriptures to meditate on:
“The secret things belong to the Lord our God: but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children forever….” (Deut. 29:29)
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord.” (Isa. 55:8)
“For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then, face to face…” (1Cor. 13:12)
I think perhaps the most revealing response is found in John’s gospel, where Jesus and Pilot are in dialogue. Jesus answers Pilot with these words “My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight that I would not be delivered to the Jews…”
His point seems to be that as long as His Kingdom has not fully come, then by default, Satan’s kingdom reigns to the degree that God allows it. This does not answer all the questions surrounding the subject of evil, but in the end, we must trust Him to have reasons far beyond our present comprehension. And to be sure, our lack of understanding does not negate our duty or privilege to pray for those dear people who lost their children in this most recent tragedy.
~ Pastor Mike
Sunday Rewind | 12.9.2012
MUSIC & SCRIPTURE
O Come All Ye Faithful (Luke 2:14-15) – Original Arrangement
Awesome is the Lord Most High (Psalm 47:1-2) – See the Morning by Chris Tomlin
In Christ Alone (Philippians 3:7-8) – Original Arrangement
Hosanna (Mark 11:9-10) – All of the Above by Hillsong
Your Love O Lord (Psalm 36:7) – Original Arrangement
TEACHING: Taking God Seriously – Part 4
How often do we allow our personal prejudices and biases dictate how we view – and treat – other people? As Pastor Mike teaches through the final chapter of Jonah, we see that to take God seriously, we must take people seriously – even when they are different than we are.
CLICK HERE FOR AUDIO & VIDEO OF THIS MESSAGE
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS
- As you reflect on this sermon, what is one principle or insight that stands out as as being particularly helpful, insightful or difficult to grasp?
- Read and discuss Jonah 4. What do you learn about the nature of God? What do you observe about the nature of man?
- What is the significance of the plant in these verses?
- Where is Jonah’s prejudice or bias evident in these verses?
- “Christians have become really good at being good.” Do you agree or disagree? Why? What are the implications of this statement?
- Why is the human heart pulled to bigotry? How do you see this played out in the world? How do you see it played out in the church?
- How does the Gospel of Christ deal with our bent toward bias, prejudice and bigotry?
Sunday Rewind | 12.2.2012
MUSIC & SCRIPTURE
Glorious (Psalm 111:2-3) – Everything Glorious by Chris Tomlin (Passion)
God Is With Us (Psalm 46:10-11a) – Louder Than Creation by Michael Olson (North Point)
With Us (Psalm 46:10-11a) – God Is Able by Hillsong
Sing, Sing, Sing (Psalms 47:6-7) – Hello Love by Chris Tomlin
All Creatures Of Our God And King (Psalm 148:13) – Original Arrangement
How Great Is Our God (Psalms 145:3-4) – Arriving by Chris Tomlin
TEACHING: Taking God Seriously – Part 3
Obedience is a key part of the Christian life, and God enables us in whatever He has called us to. It is not our purpose as Christ-followers to pass moral judgement on the world and society at-large. Rather, we are to uphold the testimony of the Gospel by holding fellow Christians accountable to obedience to the Word of God.
CLICK HERE FOR AUDIO & VIDEO OF THIS MESSAGE
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS
- What’s one thing from this sermon that you hope we talk about as a group?
- Read and discuss Jonah 3. What do you learn about the nature of God? What do you observe about the nature of man?
- In Jonah 3:1, what is the significance of God coming to Jonah a “second time”?
- Can a person take God seriously without obeying Him? What role does obedience play in the Christian life?
- Do you think Christians are known most for what we are against, rather than what we are for? Why?
- Discuss this statement. Do you agree or disagree and why? “As followers of Christ, we do not have the right to impose our moral views on society.”
- Has God ever given you a specific calling to do or be something or to go somewhere?
- Have you been obedient to that calling? If yes, how did you experience God’s enabling? If no, how can your small group encourage you toward obedience?
Sunday Rewind | 11.25.2012
MUSIC & SCRIPTURE
Alive In Us (Ephesians 2:4-5) – God Is Able by Hillsong
Give Me Faith (Psalm 73:25-26) – For The Honor by Elevation Worship
Always (Psalm 121:1-2) – Here For You by Kristian Stanfill (Passion)
God Is Able (Ephesians 3:20-21) – God Is Able by Hillsong
Jesus Paid It All (Colossians 2:13-14) – North Point Live by Kristian Stanfill (North Point)
TEACHING: Taking God Seriously – Part 2
Jonah needed some dramatic encounters with God’s all-knowing, all-powerful presence to take Him seriously – including being swallowed alive by a great fish. Such divine discipline is painful, but God can use it to bring us closer to Him and to prepare us for greater ministry.
CLICK HERE FOR AUDIO & VIDEO OF THIS MESSAGE
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
- Can you remember a time where you felt like you were receiving chastening or discipline from the Lord? How did that time affect your life afterward?
- Read Jonah’s prayer in Chapter 2. What truths about God does Jonah cling to?
- How are “the big three” attributes of God revealed in this chapter – omniscience (God knows all things), omnipotence (God has all power over all things), omnipresence (God is everywhere)?
- How have you experienced the “bait and switch” nature of sin? Is there an area right now where you’re believing that “life will be better when…”?
A Quick First Fruits Update
The Youth Ministry would like to extend a huge thank you to the body for its prayers and support in all aspects of First Fruits. God answered your prayers in many different ways last Saturday. There were more than 600 workers, spread over 30 teams that did close to 150 jobs, and raised almost $40,000 to immediately impact more than 70 families in the local community with groceries and gift cards. It was a long, but good day, one in which God provided near perfect weather. It was also a blessing to have Park View High School stepping out with volunteers (students and staff) and providing a place for us to meet for our morning and evening programs.
Check back in the near future for pictures from that wonderful day. For this and countless other reasons, we are truly grateful to God for richly blessing our body. Have a very special Thanksgiving.
Sunday Rewind | 11.19.2012
MUSIC & SCRIPTURE
Our King Has Come (Romans 5:1-2) – For The Honor by Elevation Worship
How Great Thou Art (Psalm 145:3) – Original Arrangement
Always (Psalm 121:1-2) – Here For You by Kristian Stanfill (Passion)
Unending Love (Romans 8:38-39) – God Is Able by Hillsong
I Stand Amazed (2 Corinthians 8:9) – North Point Live by Candi Shelton (North Point)
TEACHING: Taking God Seriously – Part 1
The story of Jonah is about a man who knows God and has sound theology, but does not take Him seriously. In this way, the story of Jonah is really the story of our lives. We are more fearful of those who might find out about the hidden aspects of our lives rather than the One who already knows. All sin can be traced back to not taking God seriously.
CLICK HERE FOR AUDIO & VIDEO OF THIS MESSAGE
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
- As you reflect on this sermon, what insight, idea or statement really stuck with you? Why?
- Has there ever been a time in your life when you felt like you were running from God? What happened?
- Read and discuss Jonah 1. What does this chapter tell you about the nature of man? What does it tell you about God?
- How are “the big three” attributes of God revealed in this chapter – omniscience (God knows all things), omnipotence (God has all power over all things), omnipresence (God is everywhere)?
- What are some ways you see yourself reflected in Jonah?
- Is there currently an area of your life where you are not taking God seriously? Spend some time in prayer with your small group for these areas.
Sunday Rewind | 11.11.12
MUSIC & SCRIPTURE
The Church – For the Honor by Elevation Worship
Let Our Kingdom Come (Psalm 59:16-17) – Valley of Vision by Sovereign Grace Music
Great in All the Earth (Psalm 47:1-2) – I Will Go by Starfield
Glorious (Psalm 72:18-19) – Glorious by Paul Baloche
TEACHING: The World Is Waiting – 2012 Missions Conference
As part of RBC’s annual Missions Conference, nine missionaries from every corner of the globe joined us last week to share how God has been working in their respective ministries.
Listen to Bill Hurley’s November 4 message, “On Mission”
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
- Share anything new you learned this week about missions work, or about any of the countries and regions represented by RBC missionaries.
- Read Romans 1. How does this passage change the way you think about sharing the Gospel? How does it affect your view of missions?
- Is it more important to be a missionary “goer” or a “sender”?
- Are you willing to follow God wherever may lead you? If you are comfortable, talk about the calling God has placed on your life and whether you feel like you’re pursuing it.
- Spend some time praying for the missionaries we heard from this week, or any of the other RBC missionaries. Learn more here about ways you can pray.
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?