Sunday Rewind | 6.14.2015
MUSIC & SCRIPTURE
Oh How I Need You – The Longing by All Sons & Daughters
Closer (Psalm 89:14-15) – Glorious Ruins by Hillsong Worship
Touch the Sky (1 Corinthians 2:9) – Empires by Hillsong United
Your Promises (2 Peter 1:3-4a) – Wake Up The Wonder by Elevation Worship
Cornerstone (Psalm 18:2) – Cornerstone by Hillsong Worship
Hallelujah (Our God Reigns) (Lamentations 5:19) – Forever Reign by Hillsong Chapel
TEACHING: Remember, Part 2: The Blessings of Remembrance
When we remember God, we contemplate His glory and experience His presence. God has given us some amazing ways to enjoy His presence and all His benefits.
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 through 2 Chronicles 34 & 35. What do these chapters indicate to us about remembering and forgetting? What do you observe about the character of the boy-king Josiah?
- Mike shared several means God has given us to help remember Him: The Word, tradition, song, fellowship and prayer. Where do you find examples of these in the account of Josiah? Can you think of other Scriptures that reinforce these means?
- Which of these five means of remembrance particularly resonate with you? Why?
- Which of these means of remembrance would you consider strengths for you and your family?
- Which of these means of remembrance would you consider weak areas for you and your family?
- Which of these areas would you commit to grow in? Share with your small group and ask them to help hold you accountable to remembering the Lord in that way.
- Spend some time in prayer thanking God for His grace and goodness for us in Christ. Pray that our church would be a people who are constantly remembering God’s glory through all we have in Christ.
Sunday Rewind | 6.7.2015
MUSIC & SCRIPTURE
Rock of Ages (Deuteronomy 32:3-4) – Death of Death by Charlie Hall
Open Up the Heavens (Psalm 108:4-5) – Worth It All by Meredith Andrews
Lord of All (Psalm 97:5-6) – Attention by Kristian Stanfill
Touch the Sky (1 Corinthians 2:9) – Empires by Hillsong United
With Us (Psalm 46:10-11a) – God IS Able by Hillsong Worship
TEACHING: Remember, Part 1: The Consequences of Forgetfulness
The blessing of remembrance is the enjoyment of God and all His benefits, but when we choose to forget God, there are relational and generational consequences. Only in Christ do we have the power to remember as we should.
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 one of your favorite memories? Why? How does this memory illustrate the power of remembering for you?
- Read and discuss Deuteronomy 4:9, 8:11-20, Judges 2:10-12 and 2 Peter 1:3-15. What do these verses tell you about you? What do they tell us about God? What do they indicate about remembering and forgetting?
- How does being “heads down” lead to a slow drift away from God, His presence and His benefits?
- “The blessings of the Lord become idols in a forgetful heart.” How have you seen this to be true? What do you tend to trust in other than God?
- How does forgetting God and what He’s done whither our spiritual growth?
- How do the consequences of forgetfulness have ripple effects that go beyond ourselves?
- What things do you tend to forget about God? Where in your life do you need to “lift up your head” to recalibrate your trajectory?
- Spend some time in prayer thanking God for His grace and goodness for us in Christ. Pray that He would help you not forget Him and His great works.
Sunday Rewind | 5.31.2015
MUSIC & SCRIPTURE
Our God Is Love (1 John 4:9-10) – A Beautiful Exchange by Hillsong
In Your Presence (Deuteronomy 31:6) – Nothing Is Wasted by Elevation Worship
Alive In Us (Ephesians 2:8-9) – God Is Able by Hillsong
10,000 Reasons (Psalm 103:1) – Unrelenting Love by Nick Thurmond
Give Me Faith (Psalm 73:25-26) – Nothing Is Wasted byElevation Worship
Always (Psalm 121:1-2) – Here For You by Kristian Stanfill (Passion)
TEACHING: Seeing People As They Are, Part 2
Words create and words destroy. The words we speak shape the lives of the people we come into contact with. The church needs to be a proactive influence in the lives of everyone inside and outside of it with the tone and timing of our words.
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 does it mean that we “came through the line of Adam”? What are the implications of this? Even if we don’t know the details, what does this tell us about everyone’s story?
- Read and discuss Matthew 5:13-16. Who is Jesus talking to? What does He tell us about man? What do these verses tell us about God?
- “The world, by its nature, is rotting.” How and where do you observe this? How does this give context to the verses above?
- What’s the difference between being a moral policeman as opposed to a moral example? Which do you tend toward?
- Read through Proverbs 12 & 15. What do these chapters tell us about the power of words? What types of words are mentioned here? How have you seen the power of words bringing life or death in your life?
- How does the tone and timing of our words affect their impact?
- How does the gospel inform and affect how we speak to others?
- Is there someone you need to “pull the sword out of” (Proverbs 12:18) because of your reckless words? Share with your group and spend some time in prayer for them. Make a plan to ask for forgiveness this week.
- Spend some time thanking God for the eternal word of Christ and the spiritual healing He brings. Ask God to show you someone that you can bring healing words to this week.
Sunday Rewind | 5.24.2015
MUSIC & SCRIPTURE
Endless Light (Psalm 113:3-4) – Cornerstone by Hillsong
Only King Forever (1 Timothy 1:17) – Only King Forever by Elevation Worship
The Lord Our God (2 Peter 1:3) – Let The Future Begin by Kristian Stanfill (Passion)
Your Promises (2 Peter 1:3-4a) – Wake Up The Wonder by Elevation Worship
Your Great Name (Philippians 2:10-11) – Love Revolution by Natalie Grant
Be Lifted High (John 3:30) – Nothing Is Wasted by Elevation Worship
TEACHING: Seeing People As They Are, Part 1
Our tendency is to judge difficult people through our natural understanding of them, but Jesus has a whole new way of seeing people. If we only knew their story, we might respond with compassion instead of judgement.
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 was one thing that was said or done to you in the past that played a pivotal role in shaping your story?
- Read and discuss Matthew 7:1-5. What do you note about the nature of man? What does it indicate about the nature of God? How do you personally respond to this text?
- Read and discuss Luke 7:36-50. Compare and contrast Jesus with the Pharisee in this account. Where do you see yourself in this account? How does this section relate to the verses from Matthew 7 in the previous question?
- Who comes to mind in your life when you think of a difficult person or group? How do you see them? How do you think Jesus sees them?
- Even if you don’t know the specifics, how does knowing that someone has a story guide us toward compassion toward them?
- “The church should be safe place to tell your story.” Have you found this to be true? Why or why not?
- In what areas of your life do you struggle with hypocrisy? How might people on the “outside” who don’t know your story judge you for those? How does the gospel of Jesus address those areas?
- Spend some time in prayer asking God for the grace to see difficult people as Jesus sees them.
Sunday Rewind | 5.3.2015
MUSIC & SCRIPTURE
How Great Thou Art (Psalm 145:3) – Hymns Ancient & Modern by Charlie Hall (Passion)
Whom Shall I Fear (God of Angel Armies) (Psalm 27:1) – Let The Future Begin by Chris Tomlin (Passion)
God You Lifted Me Out (Psalm 30:1-2) – For The Honor by Elevation Worship
The Lord Our God (James 1:17) –Let The Future Begin by Kristian Stanfill (Passion)
Be Thou My Vision (2 Corinthians 3:17-18) – Cathedral by Heartsong
With Us (Psalm 46:10-11a) – God Is Able by Hillsong
TEACHING: Grace Given, Grace Received – Part 2
Grace empowers talent to do what talent could never do alone.
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 is grace “the power to live the Christian life” and “an instructor”?
- Read and discuss 1 Peter 4:7-11 and Romans 12:1-8. What do you see about the nature of man? What do you note about the nature of God? What do these passages tell us about grace? About gifts?
- What is the difference between a talent and a gift?
- What gifts or talents do you have? (Evaluation questions: What tends to frustrate you? What are you passionate about? What do people around you say that you are good at?)
- Why does God give His people gifts? Do you feel you are using your gifts for His purposes? Why or why not?
- What are some specific ways you can use your gifts for the kingdom of God?
- Spend some time in prayer asking thanking God for the gifts He gives His people. Ask Him to empower your talents with His grace and use you to further His kingdom.
Sunday Rewind | 3.29.2015
MUSIC & SCRIPTURE
Glorious (Psalm 111:2-3) – Everything Glorious by Chris Tomlin (Passion)
Open Up Our Eyes (Ephesians 1:18-19a) – Nothing Is Wasted by Elevation Worship
Hosanna (Mark 11:9-10) – Savior King by Hillsong
Beautiful Lord (Ephesians 2:4-5) – Sound of Melodies by Leeland
Always (Psalm 121:1-2) – Here For You by Kristian Stanfill (Passion)
TEACHING: Who Are You? Part 3
What do we do when Jesus’ claims contradict our experiences? What you believe about Jesus will define you.
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?
- Take some time to read through John 6. What stands out to you? What themes do you notice? What do you learn about ourselves in this chapter? What do we learn about Jesus? What does John 6 have to do with Easter?
- Why is it that so much of the gospel accounts seem to be focused on the mistakes and misunderstandings of the disciples?
- In what ways can we seek Jesus with wrong motives?
- What has Jesus asked you to do for those around you? How would you describe your level of obedience?
- What are your go-to excuses for those times when you struggle with faithful obedience? How does what you believe about Jesus affect this? How can you grow in joyful obedience?
- How has Jesus challenged you to participate in ministry? What do you lack that He must provide?
- How do Jesus’ claims sometimes contradict our experiences? What do you do with the claims of Jesus you don’t understand? Can you think of any examples?
- What hard questions about life do you have?
- Spend some time in prayer for the things you’ve discussed.
Sunday Rewind | 3.15.2015
MUSIC & SCRIPTURE
Be Lifted High (John 3:30) – Nothing Is Wasted by Elevation Worship
Rock of Ages (Deuteronomy 32:3-4) – Death of Death by Charlie Hall
Unending Love (Romans 8:38-39) – God is Able by Hillsong
Glorious (Psalm 111:2-3) – Glorious by Paul Baloche
I Will Look Up (Deuteronomy 7:9) – Only King Forever by Elevation Worship
TEACHING: Who Are You? Part 1
Someone’s value influences how we value someone. “Who is Jesus?” is the most profound, life-changing question we could ever ask.
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?
- Discuss the statement, “Someone’s value influences how we value someone.” Have you found this to be true? What examples can you think of?
- Read and discuss Mark 8:27-29. What do you think this tells you about us? What does it tell us about Jesus?
- What is significant about how the disciples answer Jesus’ first question (vv. 27-28)?
- How would you answer Jesus’ first question from a modern-day perspective – “Who do people say that I am?”
- What is significant about how Peter answers Jesus’ second question (v. 29)?
- How would you answer Jesus’ second question – “Who do you say that I am?” Why is this question the most profound, life-changing question we could ever ask?
- How does your answer to Jesus’ questions in Mark 8:27-29 affect your life on a daily, practical level?
- Spend some time in prayer asking God to help you understand and live out the great value Jesus has, that we would value Him above all else.
Sunday Rewind | 2.1.2015
MUSIC & SCRIPTURE
Alive In Us (Ephesians 2:4-5) – God Is Able by Hillsong
Only King Forever (1 Timothy 1:17) – Only King Forever by Elevation Worship
10,000 Reasons (Psalm 103:1) – Unrelenting Love by Nick Thurmond
Endless Light (Psalm 113:3-4) – Cornerstone by Hillsong
TEACHING: Sexuality & the Gospel, Part 3
As we engage the culture with the topics of sexuality & the gospel, it is not our place to hate or judge. The broken world is waiting to see salt & light combined with grace & truth.
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? What have you taken away from this series as a whole?
- Why is it often so easy to judge others who are broken differently than we are?
- In regards to cultural engagement, do you tend to jump right in, or shy away? Why?
- Read Matthew 5:13-16. What do these verses tell us about human nature? What does this section tell us about God? What do they indicate about engaging with the culture around us?
- What is the significance of salt & light in these verses?
- How has God called you specifically to be salt and light in your personal spheres of influence?
- Read and discuss Matthew 7:1-5. What does this indicate about passing judgement? What is the context for proper judgement? Is there an area in your life where you need to apply this principal?
- Read and discuss Luke 18:9-14. What is Jesus telling us about sin and righteousness? How should we apply this as we engage with the culture around us?
- As you consider the topic of sexuality and the gospel, where do you need to grow in being salt & light with grace & truth? Is there someone you need to be salt & light to? Spend some time in prayer for this.
Sunday Rewind | 1.25.2015
MUSIC & SCRIPTURE
Only King Forever (1 Timothy 1:17) – Only King Forever by Elevation Worship
Rock of Ages (Deuteronomy 32:3-4) – Death of Death by Charlie Hall
Unending Love (Romans 8:38-39) – God is Able by Hillsong
Forever Reign (Lamentations 5:19) – A Beautiful Exchange by Hillsong
TEACHING: Sexuality & the Gospel, Part 2
As we address the issues of sexuality and marriage, love does not necessarily mean agreement nor does disagreement necessarily mean hate. But in obedience, God reveals the deeper things of Himself.
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?
- How have you seen or experienced hate speech in regards to the issue of sexuality and marriage?
- Read Matthew 19:1-6. What do these verses tell us about human nature? What does this section tell us about God?
- How does Jesus define marriage in this section? How is marriage a modeling of the gospel?
- How would you answer the following question? “How can you expect a person with strong sexual desires to be denied the privilege and the right to express those desires?”
- How does the theme of obedience play into the topic of sexuality and marriage?
- For the follower of Christ, should obedience trump desire or desire trump obedience? Defend your answer with scripture.
- How does the gospel speak to our struggles with sexuality? How does the gospel call us to view others’ struggles with sexuality, even their struggles are very different from our own?
- Do you feel your views on sexuality are balanced with grace and truth? Where do you need to grow in this balance? Spend some time in prayer for this.
Sunday Rewind | 1.11.2015
MUSIC & SCRIPTURE
Closer (Psalm 89:14-15) – Glorious Ruins by Hillsong
Be Lifted High (John 3:30) – Nothing Is Wasted by Elevation Worship
Only King Forever (1 Timothy 1:17) – Only King Forever by Elevation Worship
Open Up The Heavens (Psalm 108:4-5) – Worth It All by Meredith Andrews
Cornerstone (Psalm 18:2) – Cornerstone by Hillsong
TEACHING: Sexuality & the Gospel, Part 1
Until you see yourself as sexually broken, you will never empathize with the brokenness of others; you will demonize them. God’s indictment is not on a particular community, but on the sinfulness of all people.
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? What is something you hope is covered in this series?
- Why is sexuality a part of our nature? What would you say are the biblical purposes of sex and sexuality?
- Read and discuss Genesis 1:26-31. What do you note about God’s purpose in creating mankind? What does it mean to be made “imago Dei” (in the image of God)? What are the implications of being created in His image?
- Read and discuss Genesis 3. What does this tell you about the nature of God? What does it tell you about the nature of all who are born “in the line of Adam”? What are the implications of this chapter in regards to human sexuality?
- What does it mean to “have no reference point” in regards to our fallen nature?
- Why do we seem to innately tie our identity as people to our sexuality? What are the results of this, and how do you see this reflected in our society?
- “Until you see yourself as sexually broken, you will never empathize with the brokenness of others; you will demonize them.” How do you respond to this statement? Have you found it to be true in your own life?
- Read and discuss Romans 5. How does this chapter compare with Genesis 3?
- How is the gospel the solution for the sexual brokenness of all people?