Sunday Rewind | 7.3.16
MUSIC & SCRIPTURE
Keeper of My Heart (Psalm 121:1-2) – Majestic by Kari Jobe
Cornerstone (Psalm 18:2) – Cornerstone by Hillsong Worship
Jesus Is Better (Mark 9:24) – King of Love by Austin Stone Worship
Come Thou Fount (Psalm 16:11) – Public Domain
Only King Forever (1 Timothy 1:17) – Only King Forever by Elevation Worship
TEACHING: James – Living Out Our Faith, Part 21
We don’t drift toward the truth; we only drift away from the truth. So we must cling to Jesus, who is the truth.
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?
- Why does Scripture seem to spend so much time talking about spiritual rescue, but not as much about physical rescue? Why do we so often spend time focused on rescuing people who are physically wounded, but not spiritually wounded?
- What are the differences between physical wounds and spiritual ones? What are the differences between physical and spiritual consequences to our actions?
- Read John 8:27-31 and John 14:1-7. What does it mean that Jesus is the truth? How does the truth set us free?
- Why is it so easy to drift toward sin, toward the world, or toward untruth? Have you seen this at work in your own life?
- Have you ever “rescued” a fellow believer who was drifiting from the truth? Has anyone ever rescued you?
- What are some practical ways that we can go after a brother or sister whom we see drifting in his or her walk with the Lord? What passages of Scripture come to mind that can guide us in this?
- Spend some time in prayer, thanking the Lord for being the true Rescuer and offering eternal life and salvation to those who believe in Him.
- As we come to the end of our study in James, what are some things that have encouraged or challenged you throughout the book?
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 | 6.19.2016
MUSIC & SCRIPTURE
Alive in Us (Ephesians 2:4-5) – God is Able by Hillsong Worship
Good Good Father (2 Thessalonians 2:16) – The EP by Zealand Worship
Forever Reign (Lamentations 5:19) – A Beautiful Exchange by Hillsong Worship
Your Promises (2 Peter 1:3-4a) – Wake Up the Wonder by Elevation Worship
Be Thou My Vision (2 Corinthians 3:17-18) – Take the World by Giving Jesus by Ascend the Hill
TEACHING: James – Living Out Our Faith, Part 19
If life is a vapor, then so is suffering.
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 5:7-11. 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 does this section tell us about suffering and perseverance? How does it play out in the three examples James gives us here (farmers, prophets, and the life of Job)?
- Have you ever had to be patient in suffering? What happened? How did you relate to God through that time?
- Have you ever experienced persecution directly because of your faith in Jesus?
- What is the doctrine of imminence (v. 7) and why does it matter?
- Consider Romans 8:18. Why does Scripture call our sufferings “not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed”? What does this mean for our daily lives?
- How does the gospel of Jesus give us an eternal perspective, particularly when considering pain and suffering?
- Is there an area of suffering where you need to be patient and persevere? What would it look like to view this area through the lens of an eternal perspective? Spend some time praying together about 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 | 5.15.2016
MUSIC & SCRIPTURE
Open Up the Heavens (Psalm 108:4-5) – Worth It All by Meredith Andrews
Alive in Us (Ephesians 2:4-5) – God is Able by Hillsong Worship
Be Lifted High (John 3:30) –Nothing is Wasted by Elevation Worship
Forever (Matthew 28:26) – Majestic by Kari Jobe
Good Good Father (2 Thessalonians 2:16) – Housefires II by Housefires
TEACHING: James – Living Out Our Faith, Part 15
The primary root of all our problems is not found in external circumstances or situations. It comes from within.
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?
- When a newspaper posed the question, ‘What’s Wrong with the World?’ G. K. Chesterton reputedly wrote a brief letter in response: ‘Dear Sirs: I am. Sincerely Yours, G. K. Chesterton.’ What do you think he meant by that?
- Read and discuss James 4:1-3. What does this tell us about us? Why do you think the language is so strong here? How would you answer the first question in verse 1?
- Read and discuss 1 Kings 21:1-16. How is this an example of good desires turning bad?
- What other examples of runaway desires can you think of from Scripture, culture or your own life?
- What desires in your life have cost you the most, or caused you the most problems?
- How does the gospel heal, reshape, redirect and redeem our unsanctified desires?
- What unsanctified desire are you currently dealing with that needs to be submitted to the Lord?
- Spend some time in prayer about the last question. Pray that God would give you (heal, reshape, redeem) the desires of your heart and align your heart with His.
From the Field: Letters from Haiti
We recently received a couple letters from the ministry we support in Pignon, Haiti, and wanted to share them with you. National pastor Francois Romelus runs a church of approximately 250 people in addition to the local elementary school and an orphanage where he cares for around 55 children. Over the past several years we have sent multiple teams to work with the ministry there and develop many deep relationships. On Sunday May 1st, Pastor Francois’ son Aldinn, who runs much of the ministry, shared briefly in our Sunday services. He also brought several letters that we wanted to share with you.
Please continue to pray for the ministry in Haiti as they face many challenges but rejoice in the hope of the Gospel.
LETTER FROM PASTOR FRANCOIS
LETTER FROM THE 3 ELDEST BOYS AT THE ORPHANAGE
Son, Romane and Jerry are the 3 eldest boys at Pastor Francois’ orphanage. The letter below is from them to you.
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.