Sunday Rewind | 11.30.2014
MUSIC & SCRIPTURE
In Your Presence (Deuteronomy 31:6) – Nothing Is Wasted by Elevation Worship
Hosanna (Mark 11:9-10) – Savior King by Hillsong Worship
I Stand Amazed (2 Corinthians 8:9) – North Point Live by Candi Shelton (North Point)
Cornerstone (Psalm 18:2) – Cornerstone by Hillsong Worship
Give Me Faith (Psalm 73:25-26) – Nothing Is Wasted by Elevation Worship
TEACHING: A Study of Deeper Faith in Colossians, Part 17
To the degree that you don’t know Christ, you will trust in other things.
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?
- Throughout the course of this teaching series, what has particularly impacted you from the book of Colossians?
- What verse(s) would you consider the key verse(s) from each chapter of Colossians?
- Read and discuss Colossians 1:27. Why is Christ the “hope of glory”? What is biblical hope?
- How is hope dulled by unbelief? Where in your walk with Christ do you struggle with unbelief?
- Read and discuss Colossians 2:13-14. What does this section tell us about forgiveness and the gospel? What are the practical implications for your life?
- In what ways do you allow the gospel to become dulled by familiarity? How can we keep that from happening?
- Read and discuss Colossians 3:1-4. What do these verses tell us about an eternal focus? How does temporal experience dull our focus on eternity?
- Read and discuss Colossians 4:1-5. What do these verses have to do with missions? If our passion for missions is dulled by distance, what are some things you and your Shepherd Group can do to “close the gap”?
- “To the degree that you don’t know Christ, you will trust in other things.” How have you found this to be true? How does the gospel give us grace to deal with this?
Sunday Rewind | 11.23.2014
MUSIC & SCRIPTURE
Sing, Sing, Sing (Psalm 47:6-7) – Hello Love by Chris Tomlin
With Us (Psalm 46:10-11a) – God Is Able by Hillsong Worship
Forever Reign (Lamentations 5:19) – A Beautiful Exchange by Hillsong Worship
The Wonderful Cross (Galatians 6:14) – The Worship Initiative, Vol. 5 by Shane & Shane
Unending Love (Romans 8:38-39) – God Is Able by Hillsong Worship
Son of God (Psalm 145:3-4) – Beauty in the Broken by Starfield
TEACHING: A Study of Deeper Faith in Colossians, Part 16
Friendships expand the capacity of the soul to experience life.
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 4:7-14 . What do these verses show us about the nature of ministry and the church?
- If you were writing a letter to tell others about how thankful you are for the people in your life, how many people would you include? Who are they? Who might include you in their letter?
- “Friendships expand the capacity of the soul to experience life.” How have you seen or experienced this? What qualities make for a deep friendship?
- When you find people in pain, do you tend to avoid or engage?
- “Any time you forgive or are forgiven, your soul expands.” How have you experienced forgiveness? Is there someone in your life you need to seek forgiveness from? Is there someone you need to extend forgiveness to?
- What specific seasons or moments in your life have expanded the capacity of your soul to love and care for others?
- What does the gospel direct and demand regarding friendships, forgiveness , encouragement and ministering to others?
- Spend some time in prayer about the things you’ve discussed. Ask the Lord to show you one person you can “go after” in encouragement.
Sunday Rewind | 11.16.2014
MUSIC & SCRIPTURE
Open Up Our Eyes (Ephesians 1:18-19a) – Nothing Is Wasted by Elevation Worship
Endless Light (Psalm 113:3-4) – Cornerstone by Hillsong Worship
Christ Is Enough (2 Corinthians 12:9) – Glorious Ruins by Hillsong 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
In Christ Alone (Galatians 2:20) – Let The Future Begin by Kristian Stanfill (Passion)
TEACHING: A Study of Deeper Faith in Colossians, Part 15
Everyone has a platform to proclaim the “mystery of Christ.” What gospel inroads has God given you?
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 4:2-6 . What do these verses tell you about you? What do they tell you about Jesus?
- Would you consider prayer a strength or a weakness in your walk with the Lord? Why? How do these verses instruct us in the area of prayer?
- Have you had any recent opportunities to “proclaim the mystery of Christ” (v. 3)? What happened?
- What does it mean to “walk in wisdom toward outsiders” (v. 5)? Do you make the best use of your time with those who do not know Jesus? How can you grow in this area?
- What does it mean to be gracious in speech (v. 6)? Do you consider your words generally to be “seasoned with salt”? How do you need to grow in this area?
- “God did not come to heal all your pain, but to give you the grace to get through the pain.” Have you experienced this? How do you respond to that statement? How can pain become a platform for the gospel?
- What “gospel inroads” has God given you? What do you need to do in faith & obedience to make the most of those opportunities?
- Spend some time in prayer about the things you’ve discussed. Ask God to give you opportunities to proclaim Christ in clear and wise ways to those around us.
Sunday Rewind | 11.2.2014
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
Nothing But The Blood (Ephesians 1:7-8) – Facedown by Matt Redman
Lord of All (Psalm 97:5-6) – Louder Than Creation by Kristian Stanfill (North Point)
Lord I Need You (Hebrews 4:16) – All The People Said Amen by Matt Maher
TEACHING: A Study of Deeper Faith in Colossians, Part 14
As the church, we should be known more for the good we do than the evil that we hate.
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 3:22-25 and Matthew 5:11-16, 1 Peter 2:11-17. What do these verses tell you about you? What do they tell you about Jesus? What topics or themes do you note in these verses?
- In what ways do we tend to make government or education a savior? Can you think of other societal values we try to make saviors?
- Are you in a position of authority, servitude or both in your vocation? Do you find your position a difficult one? Why or why not? What would you change about those around you? What needs to change in you?
- How have you seen authority abused? How have you seen it used in godly ways?
- “Good deeds are the platform from which the world watches to see what Christians are like.” Have you seen this to be true?
- Do you think our church is known more for what we are for, or for what we are against? What about the church in general? Why? What change(s) need to occur in this area for the advancement of the kingdom?
- How does the gospel empower and instruct us in fulfilling the vocational roles in which God has placed us?
- How is kingdom living the ultimate apologetic for the Christian faith?
- Spend some time in prayer about the things you’ve discussed.
Sunday Rewind | 10.26.14
MUSIC & SCRIPTURE
Closer (Psalm 89:14-15) – Glorious Ruins by Hillsong
God Is Able (Ephesians 3:20-21) – God Is Able by Hillsong
Open Up The Heavens (Psalm 108:4-5) – Worth It All by Meredith Andrews
Your Great Name (Philippians 2:10-11) – Love Revolution by Natalie Grant
I Will Look Up (Deuteronomy 7:9) – Only King Forever by Elevation Worship
Cornerstone (Psalm 18:2) – Cornerstone by Hillsong
TEACHING: A Study of Deeper Faith in Colossians, Part 13
The gospel leads us to an ultimate hope in Jesus, not in a spouse or any other human relationship.
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 words come to mind when you think of marriage? What have been your biggest influences on how you view marriage?
- Read and discuss Colossians 3:18-21. What do these verses tell you about you? What do they tell you about Jesus?
- What relationships are covered in these verses? What specific commands are given here in regard to these relationships?
- In the relationships that are applicable to you, how are you doing in regards to these commands? Where are you following in faithful obedience? Where do you need to grow in obedience?
- When you hear the word “submission,” what is your initial reaction?
- “Submission is an inner quality of willing obedience that is a gift to the husband based on Christ’s example of willingly submitting to His Father that affirms the leadership of the husband within the limits of obedience to Christ.” How does Pastor Mike’s definition of submission strike you? Is there anything you would add, qualify or omit?
- What do you think of when you hear the phrase “spiritual leadership”?
- “Spiritual leadership is servant leadership which is a husband’s gift to his wife based on Christ’s coming not to be served, but to serve and give His life as a ransom for many.”How does Pastor Mike’s definition of submission strike you? Is there anything you would add, qualify or omit?
- Pastor Mike shared some “little foxes” that “spoil the vine” of marriage. Which can you relate to? What others can you think of?
- How does the gospel empower us to fulfill the relational roles God has placed us in?
Sunday Rewind | 10.19.2014
MUSIC & SCRIPTURE
Your Love Never Fails (Romans 8:38-39) – Your Love Never Fails by Jesus Culture
Alive In Us (Ephesians 2:4-5) – God Is Able by Hillsong
Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing (Psalm 16:11) – Original Arrangement
Your Great Name (Philippians 2:10-11) – Love Revolution by Natalie Grant
Give Me Faith (Psalm 73:25-26) – Nothing Is Wasted by Elevation Worship
Endless Light (Psalm 113:3-4) – Cornerstone by Hillsong
TEACHING: A Study of Deeper Faith in Colossians, Part 12
Our vertical relationship with God deeply impacts our horizontal relationships with others, and peace with God gives us the peace of God. The world defines peace through the lens of security; the Christian’s peace comes from confidence in the 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?
- How do you define “peace”? What brings you peace?
- Read and discuss Colossians 3:12-17. What do these verses tell you about you? What do they tell you about Jesus?
- What “vertical” and “horizontal” elements do you see in these verses?
- What does it mean to “let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts” (v. 15)?
- What is the difference between peace with God and the peace of God?
- How does the world tend to define peace? Is this different from the peace of God? Why or why not?
- How does the gospel bring us peace? How have you experienced this peace during a painful trial?
- What is one way you can intentionally impact someone else’s life this week with the peace you have in God?
- Spend some time praying for the things you’ve discussed. Thank God for the peace we have with and from Him through the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Sunday Rewind | 9.21.2014
MUSIC & SCRIPTURE
Alive In Us (Ephesians 2:4-5) – God Is Able by Hillsong
Open Up Our Eyes (Ephesians 1:18-19a) – Nothing Is Wasted by Elevation Worship
Rock of Ages (Deuteronomy 32:3-4) – Death of Death by Charlie Hall
Whom Shall I Fear (God of Angel Armies) (Psalm 27:1) – Let The Future Begin by Chris Tomlin (Passion)
Be Thou My Vision (2 Corinthians 3:17-18) – Cathedral by Heartsong
Christ Is Enough (2 Corinthians 12:9) – Glorious Ruins by Hillsong
TEACHING: Rooted: A Study of Deeper Faith in Colossians, Part 11
Character counts. For better or worse, human character always impacts history. But divine character, led & influenced by the Holy Spirit, always impacts eternity.
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 3:12-14. What do you see about God? What does this tell us about man?
- What is the significance of “chosen” and “holy & beloved” (v. 12)? What are we to “put on” as a result? Why does this matter?
- What does it mean to be a person of character? Who comes to mind for you when you think of a person of good character? How has their character impacted your story?
- How do the accounts of Abraham, Joseph and Mordecai illustrate the principle that divinely-inspired character impacts eternity? What other examples from scripture can you think of that illustrates this principle?
- Do you ever feel like your life is stuck in a rut or doesn’t count? How does the gospel address that?
- How does the gospel inform, impact and shape our character?
- Spend some time in prayer about the things you’ve discussed. Thank God that we matter to Him and ask Him to be glorified in our character as we become more like Jesus.
Sunday Rewind | 9.14.2014
MUSIC & SCRIPTURE
Closer (Psalm 89:14-15) – Glorious Ruins by Hillsong
Beautiful Lord (Ephesians 2:4-5) – Sound of Melodies by Leeland
Our God Is Love (1 John 4:9-10) – Yahweh by Hillsong Chapel
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 10
If you are toying with sin, where will the trajectory of your life lead you? Sin is not a toy.
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 3:1-11. What do you see about the person of Christ? What do you note about the nature of man?
- What “tension issues” do you see in these verses? What other “tension issues” do find in Scripture?
- What is “sin”? What is the difference between sin and a mistake? How would you describe sin to someone who does not have a ‘church vocabulary’?
- What does society teach about sin? How does our culture treat sin like a toy?
- Where as the church in general “gotten used to the dark”? In what areas of your life have you gotten used to the dark?
- Is there an area of your life where you are toying with sin?
- How does the gospel deal with sin? How does it change our perspective on sin? How does the gospel motivate and empower us to “Put to death whatever is earthly in you…” (v. 5)?
- Spend some time in prayer about the things you’ve discussed. Thank Him for the “new self” we have in Christ (v. 10) and pray that we will live from the life we have in Christ.
Sunday Rewind | 9.7.2014
MUSIC & SCRIPTURE
With Us (Psalm 46:10-11a) – God Is Able by Hillsong
10,000 Reasons (Psalm 103:1) – Unrelenting Love by Nick Thurmond
Mighty To Save (Zephaniah 3:17) – Yahweh by Hillsong Chapel
I Lift My Hands (Psalm 46:10) – And If Our God Is For Us… by Chris Tomlin
TEACHING: Rooted: A Study of Deeper Faith in Colossians, Part 9
The things you love determine the path and trajectory of your life. Affection determines direction.
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 3:1-4. What do you see about the person of Christ? What do you note about the nature of man?
- What is the distinction between being “in Adam” and “in Christ?” What does it mean to be “raised with Christ” (v. 1)?
- What earthly things do you personally tend to “set your mind to” (v. 2)? What draws your affections to them?
- What does it mean to set our minds on things above (v.)? What are those things?
- If you continue your life in the present trajectory of your affections, where do you think you will end up? Where do you need to adjust your affections in order to change your trajectory?
- How does the gospel help us prioritize and shape our affections?
- Spend some time in prayer about the things you’ve discussed. Spend some time thanking God for the life we have in Christ. Ask Him to increase your affections for Jesus.
Sunday Rewind | 8.31.2015
MUSIC & SCRIPTURE
Endless Light (Psalm 113:3-4) – Cornerstone by Hillsong
Always (Psalm 121:1-2) – Here For You by Kristian Stanfill (Passion)
Open Up The Heavens (Psalm 108:4-5) – Worth It All by Meredith Andrews
The Lord Our God (James 1:17) – Let The Future Begin by Kristian Stanfill (Passion)
Cornerstone (Psalm 18:2) – Cornerstone by Hillsong
I Will Look Up (Deuteronomy 7:9) – Only King Forever by Elevation Worship
TEACHING: Do Something, Part 3
Salvation is not earned by the good things you do, but there are good things that have been prepared for you to enjoy if you are in Christ. Knowledge without action robs you of true joy in your walk with Him.
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 would you describe joy? What is something you find joy in?
- Read and discuss Matthew 4:18-20 and Matthew 19:21-22. Compare and contrast these verses. What themes do you see? How are these accounts similar? How are they different? What do you note about the person of Christ? What might these sections show us about the nature of man?
- “Knowledge without action robs you of true joy.” Have you found this to be true in your walk with Christ? Why or why not?
- Why do we have the tendency to want to live vicariously through others’ experiences? How can this hinder our obedience to God’s word?
- Have you ever had a “wipeout” in your Christian walk or ministry? What happened?
- In the terms of Mike’s surf culture analogy, where are you? Evaluating the beach? On the beach and content to stay there? On the beach or in the shallows suffering from a past wipeout? Catching waves?
- How does fear keep us from obedience?
- How does the gospel propel and enable us to both know and obey – to both hear and do – the word of God?
- Pray through Ephesians 3:17-19, thanking God for His great love. Ask Him to help you be not only a hearer of His word, but a doer of His word.