Archives

MUSIC & SCRIPTURE

Endless Light (Psalm 113:3-4) – Cornerstone by Hillsong Worship

In Your Presence (Deuteronomy 31:6) –Nothing is Wasted by Elevation Worship

Majesty (Mark 11:9-10) – Savior King by Hillsong Worship

Your Great Name (Philippians 2:10-11) – Love Revolution by Natalie Grant

TEACHING: What Is Love?

Life is love. And love is laying down your life.

CLICK HERE FOR THE SERMON AUDIO & VIDEO

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS

1. What was something in this message that was new or surprising to you?
2. How would you define love? Did this sermon change your idea of what love is?
3. Do you ever struggle to believe that love is what gives you life? What are some things that you find yourself believing will give you life instead?
4. What does it mean to “lay down your life” for those you love? What are some ways you can lay down your life in your friendships, your marriage, your family, your workplace, or your church?
5. How does the truth that God is three Persons (the Trinity) demonstrate the importance and depth of love? How do God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit each glorify the other?
6. Read 1 John 4:7-21 and discuss the passage in light of John 15 and what you have learned from this message.
7. If love may mean giving beyond what you think you are able to give, how can you know that you will be ok? What are some Scriptures that can give you reassurance when you offer such sacrificial love?
8. Pray for opportunities to obey Christ’s commandment to “love one another as I have loved you.”

MUSIC & SCRIPTURE

Your Grace Is Enough (2 Corinthian 12:9) – Arriving by Chris Tomlin

10,000 Reasons (Psalm 103:1) – Unrelenting Love by Nick Thurmond

Always (Psalm 121:1-2) – Here For You by Kristian Stanfill (Passion)

How Deep The Father’s Love For Us (Galatians 6:14) – Love Displayed by Liberty Campus Band

TEACHING: Why Us, Why Here, Why Now

The power of influence is greater than the power of position. RBC can influence the world with the Gospel by pursuing racial diversity, outreach, generosity, and being a safe place for sinners who are weary and burdened.

CLICK HERE FOR THE SERMON AUDIO & VIDEO

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS

1. What was one part of this message that particularly encouraged or challenged you?
2. Why is the power of influence ultimately greater than the power of position or authority?
3. What are some ways that RBC can become known more for what we’re for than what we’re against? How can we do that as a small group? As families? As individuals?
4. Read Revelation 5:13-14 and Proverbs 27:17. Why is racial diversity something we want to strive for as a church? How do we pursue that objective?
5. Read Galatians 2:10. How does meeting the physical and emotional needs of people in our community help us to “make Christ known”?
6. Read 2 Corinthians 9:6-15. What should generosity look like? Why does the Lord ask us to give our money back to Him?
7. What does it mean for our church to be a “safe” place? Is your shepherd group safe? How can we demonstrate that Christ’s yoke is easy and His burden is light (Matthew 11:28-30)?
8. What would it look like to the world if we had all of these dynamics representing our church? Spend some time praying that RBC, and your shepherd group, would become more influential in this region and the world, for the glory of God and the building up of His kingdom.

VIDEO ANNOUNCEMENTS
During Sunday worship services, we want to spend less time making announcements and more time worshiping. To help facilitate that, we’ll show a brief video announcement segment 4-5 minutes before each service begins. Grab an early seat just before your service begins so you can take advantage of these pre-service announcements. We’ll also post them here on the Sunday Rewind each week.

MUSIC & SCRIPTURE

Closer (Psalm 89:14-15) – Glorious Ruins by Hillsong Worship

Endless Light (Psalm 113:3-4) – Cornerstone by Hillsong Worship

Keeper of My Heart (Psalm 121:1-2) – Majestic by Kari Jobe

Your Promises (2 Peter 1:3-4a) – Wake Up the Wonder by Elevation Worship

Whom Shall I Fear (God of Angel Armies) (Psalm 27:1) – Let The Future Begin by Chris Tomlin (Passion)

TEACHING: Do Not Fear, I Am with You

Our fear can paralyze us so that we do not worship God as we ought. But He has provided a foundation of hope so that we might not fear.

CLICK HERE FOR THE SERMON AUDIO & VIDEO

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS

1. What is one part of this message that particularly ministered to you or encouraged you?
2. Read Isaiah 41:10. What are the five promises given in this passage that should relieve our fears? Talk about each of those promises and how they can give you courage in your faith and your daily lives.
3. Read Psalm 70. Why are we “poor and needy” before Almighty God? How does this passage relate to God’s command to “fear not”?
4. How does the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ address those things that might make us fearful?
5. What is going on in your life right now where you need to hear God say, “fear not, for I am with you”?
6. Are there any other passages of Scripture that particularly minister to you in moments of fear? Spend some time in prayer for the members of your group, using the words of those passages.

VIDEO ANNOUNCEMENTS
During Sunday worship services, we want to spend less time making announcements and more time worshiping. To help facilitate that, we’ll show a brief video announcement segment 4-5 minutes before each service begins. Grab an early seat just before your service begins so you can take advantage of these pre-service announcements. We’ll also post them here on the Sunday Rewind each week.

MUSIC & SCRIPTURE

Angels We Have Heard On High (Luke 2:13-14) – When Christmas Comes by Kim Walker Smith

The First Noel (Luke 2:9-10) – Original Arrangement

We Have a Saviour (Isaiah 9:6) –We Have a Saviour by HIillsong Worship

Hark! The Herald Angels Sing (Luke 2:9-10) – North Point Christmas by Eddie Kirkland (North Point)

TEACHING: Why Jesus Came

We celebrate Christmas because Jesus came into the world to testify of the truth, and to seek and save those who are lost.

CLICK HERE FOR THE SERMON AUDIO & VIDEO

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS

1. According to Scripture, why did Jesus come? Do any of these reasons especially resonate with you?
2. What was one thing in this message that encouraged your faith?
3. Read Genesis 3:15. How does this passage point to Christmas?
4. Read John 10:7-15. Does the first half of verse 10 surprise you? What does it mean that Jesus has come that we might “have life” and “have it abundantly”?
5. If you will be visiting with family members this Christmas who don’t know the Lord, how could you help them understand why Jesus came? Spend some time praying that God would reveal the truth to them.

MUSIC & SCRIPTURE

God Is Able (Ephesians 3:20-21) – God Is Able by Hillsong

Mighty to Save (Zephaniah 3:17) – Yahweh by Hillsong Chapel

Christ Is Enough (2 Corinthians 12:9) – Glorious Ruins by Hillsong

The Solid Rock (Psalm 18:2) – Original Arrangement

Lord I Need You (Hebrews 4:6) –All the People Said Amen by Matt Maher

TEACHING: Hope in the Midst of Suffering

Even in the throes of the deepest suffering, Christians can stand on the unshakable hope of the Gospel.

CLICK HERE FOR THE SERMON AUDIO

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS

1. What truths of Scripture and the Gospel do you find yourself clinging to during moments of great trial?
2. What does it mean that we are “shaken, but not shaken to the core”?
3. Read Psalm 23. How does this psalm speak to the faithfulness and help of the triune God?
4. Read Romans 8:18-30. What hope do you find in this passage? What truths about God do you see?
5. Read Revelation 21:1-7. How do the promises of heaven give us strength and encouragement while in living in a fallen world?
6. Spend some time praying over the members of our church body, and the members of your shepherd group, who are suffering. Pray that God would walk with them through their trials, and that He would advance His kingdom through their witness.

MUSIC & SCRIPTURE

Endless Light (Psalm 113:3-4) – Cornerstone by Hillsong Worship

How Great Thou Art (Psalm 145:3) – Hymns Ancient & Modern by Charlie Hall (Passion)

Alive in Us (Ephesians 2:4-5) – God Is Able by Hillsong

Your Great Name (Philippians 2:10-11) – Love Revolution by Natalie Grant

The Lord Our God (James 1:17) – Let The Future Begin by Kristian Stanfill (Passion)

TEACHING: The Heavens Declare, The Word Reveals

Creation reveals God’s existence and glory, and the Scripture reveals His plan of redemption and salvation.

CLICK HERE FOR THE SERMON AUDIO

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS

1. What is one thing in this message that particularly encouraged or challenged you?
2. What sights have you seen, or places have you visited, that have “declared the glory of God”?
3. What does nature reveal about God and who He is?
4. How does the general revelation of God in nature prepare a heart for understanding the truth and depth of the Gospel?
5. How does the Word of God bring joy to your heart and revive your soul?
6. Read and discuss John 1:1-18. What does this passage reveal about God’s glory in nature and in salvation through Christ?
7. Using Psalm 19:14 as your foundation, spend some time praying that God would use His Word to reveal more of Himself to you in the upcoming year.

MUSIC & SCRIPTURE

All Creation Sing (Joy To The World) (Psalm 96:12-13a) – North Point Christmas by Seth Condrey

Our God Is Love (1 John 4:9-10) – A Beautiful Exchange by Hillsong Worship

The First Noel (Luke 2:9-10) – Original Arrangement

Silent Night (Luke 2:13-14) – The Dawn of Grace by Sixpence None The Richer

Hark! The Herald Angels Sing (Luke 2:9-10) – Original Arrangement

TEACHING: An Old Man’s First Christmas

Familiarity dilutes the significance of past events. And the birth of Jesus Christ has eternal significance.

CLICK HERE FOR THE SERMON AUDIO

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS

1. How did this message encourage or challenge you?
2. What are some of the Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah that Simeon might have been thinking about as he held the child Jesus?
3. Read Micah 5:1-5; Malachi 4:1-2; Romans 5:6-11. Compare these passages to the words of the hymn “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing.” How do they speak to the significance of the events of Christmas?
4. Do you feel like familiarity has diluted the significance of Christmas to you? What about to those around you? How can you guard against this?
5. Spend some time praising God for sending Christ and providing salvation in Him. Pray for any unsaved people in your life, that this might be their “first Christmas.”

MUSIC & SCRIPTURE

Closer (Psalm 89:14-15) – Glorious Ruins by Hillsong

Endless Light (Psalm 113:3-4) – Cornerstone by Hillsong

In Your Presence (Deuteronomy 31:6) – Nothing Is Wasted by Elevation Worship

Beautiful Lord (Ephesians 2:4-5) – Sound of Melodies by Leeland

Forever Reign (Lamentations 5:19) – A Beautiful Exchange by Hillsong

Your Love Never Fails (Romans 8:28) – Your Love Never Fails by Jesus Culture

TEACHING: Rooted, Part 3

We were once enemies with God, but through Christ we have been reconciled.

CLICK HERE FOR THE SERMON AUDIO

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS

1. Before you believed in Christ, did you think of yourself as an enemy of God?
2. If you are now a believer, do you see yourself as a friend of God? What does that mean? How does it affect the way you live your life?
3. How does the law “written in the heart” point to the presence of a moral Lawgiver?
4. Pastor Mike used the analogy of a puzzle with “blue pieces” that represent who we are in Christ – we are reconciled, forgiven, redeemed, rescued, justified, sanctified, complete. What other blue pieces can you come up with? Are there any “yellow pieces” of your own efforts that you are tempted to add to Christ’s work?
5. Read and discuss Romans 5:1-11. How is that we are “reconciled to God”? How do we gain “peace with God”?
6. Spend some time in prayer thanking the Lord for providing reconciliation with Him.

MUSIC & SCRIPTURE

God Is With Us (Psalm 46:10-11a) – Louder Than Creation by Michael Olson (North Point)

Hark The Herald Angels Sing (Luke 2:13-14) – Original Arrangement

Angels We Have Heard On High (Luke 2:13-14) – Christmas Offerings by Third Day

God Is Able (Ephesians 3:20-21) – Forever Reign by Hillsong Chapel

In Your Presence (Deuteronomy 31:6) – Nothing Is Wasted by Elevation Worship

TEACHING: Saving Christmas

The story of Christmas started centuries before a virgin gave birth in a stable in Bethlehem.

CLICK HERE FOR THE SERMON AUDIO

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS

1. Had you ever considered the lives of Esther, Ruth, Moses, Joseph, and others to be a part of the Christmas story? What are some other Old Testament events that God used to prepare the way for Christ’s coming?
2. Read the genealogy of Jesus and the story of His birth in Matthew 1. Discuss some of the unlikely ways and unlikely people (from a human perspective) that God used to save Christmas.
3. How might this message renew your excitement about the miracle of Christmas?
4. Read (or sing) the lyrics of the hymn “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” (shown below). How do the words of this song speak to Israel’s longing for God to bring His Messiah?
5. How can you share the truths of this message with unsaved friends and family this week? Spend some time praying for their salvation this Christmas.

   O come, O come, Emmanuel
   And ransom captive Israel
   That mourns in lonely exile here
   Until the Son of God appear
   Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
   Shall come to thee, O Israel.

   O come, Thou Rod of Jesse, free
   Thine own from Satan’s tyranny
   From depths of Hell Thy people save
   And give them victory o’er the grave
   Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
   Shall come to thee, O Israel.

   O come, Thou Day-Spring, come and cheer
   Our spirits by Thine advent here
   Disperse the gloomy clouds of night
   And death’s dark shadows put to flight.
   Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
   Shall come to thee, O Israel.

MUSIC & SCRIPTURE

Hosanna (2 Corinthians 4:18) – All of the Above by Hillsong

Our God Is Love (1 John 4:9-10) – A Beautiful Exchange by Hillsong

With Us (Psalm 46:10-11a) – God Is Able by Hillsong

Unending Love (Romans 8:38-39) – God Is Able by Hillsong

The Wonderful Cross (Galatians 6:14) – The Noise We Make by Chris Tomlin

TEACHING: The Next Generation Church – Makes Christ Known

Pastor Mike draws lessons from the apostle Paul’s debate with the philosphers at Mars Hill to demonstrate how the next generation church can make Christ known. To help others know Christ requires us to know the culture and to recognize that “church” goes beyond just a Sunday meeting.

CLICK HERE FOR THE AUDIO AND VIDEO

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. What do you think the Church will look like in 10 years? How might RBC be different?
2. Do you tend to think of church more as someplace that we go, or as something that we are?
3. Read Acts 17 again. How could Paul’s approach to the philosophers be applied to modern day “Mars Hills”?
4. Think about where you live or where you work. How can you make Christ known within the culture of your job or community? How can you be as shrewd as the steward in Luke 16 (or as Wegman’s)?
5. How might we help each other make Christ known in greater ways?