Sunday Rewind | 7.26.2015
MUSIC & SCRIPTURE
Closer (Psalm 89:14-15) – Glorious Ruins by Hillsong Worship
Our God Is Love (1 John 4:9-10) – A Beautiful Exchange by Hillsong
10,000 Reasons (Psalm 103:1) – Unrelenting Love by Nick Thurmond
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
Endless Light (Psalm 113:3-4) – Cornerstone by Hillsong
TEACHING: Seeing is Believing
We take for granted that we see the world around us accurately, but that is not always true. What we see – or don’t see – can make all the difference in the world. Is seeing really believing?
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 do we see themes of light and dark reflected in the stories of our culture?
- Read and discuss John 1:1-18, Genesis 1:1-5, John 3:16-21, Genesis 3:1-7 and John 8:12. What do these verses tell us about man? What do you see about Christ? What do these verses tell us about darkness & light, seeing & not seeing?
- How do these verses speak to the theme of redemption?
- How does the exodus and the Festival of Tabernacles provide context to Jesus’ claim about being the light of the world (John 8:12)?
- Discuss the following statement: “The essence of sin is not doing bad things. The essence of sin is believing a lie about God, that He can’t be trusted, that He isn’t good…” How does believing lies about God keep us from seeing the world as it really is? What are the practical implications of this as we live out our lives?
- How does the gospel of Jesus Christ show us God’s gift of light in the midst of darkness? What lies about God does the gospel dispel?
- Give thanks in prayer to God that Jesus was cast into darkness on our behalf, to demonstrate His great love for us. Pray for those people you know who are still hidden in darkness, that they would come to know the marvelous light of Jesus.
Now & Always – New Live Worship Album
The process of recording this new live project was a great testimony of the Lord continuing to lead us in the leading of His people. God has done great things in our midst over this past year. He has used these eleven songs, in particular, to remind us of the unfailing grace and love He extends to us daily and the glory He is due with every word that escapes our lips.
In compiling the songs that ultimately were recorded for Now & Always, God was clearly weaving them together to unveil some amazing themes that would allow us to go into production with great confidence and joy. These songs have been such a blessing to sing together as a church – with most of them being introduced over the past twelve months. It’s such a privilege to look back and see how God has used His powerful Word paired with these powerful melodies and beautiful lyrics to provide a voice for our church to sing with such passionate faith.
The title, Now & Always, comes directly from one of my favorite lines from the fifth track, the hymn Be Thou My Vision – “Riches I heed not nor man’s empty praise / Thou mine inheritance, now and always.” It’s such a great reminder of the nature of our relationship with our Creator – that nothing we gain in this life can even begin to compare to the glorious inheritance of a life spent knowing Him and an eternity spent in His presence.
So many lyrics from this collection of songs point to the truth of this perfectly sustaining existence alongside Christ – both here on this earth (Now) and the promise of Heaven (Always):
Nothing shall be impossible / Your kingdom reigns unstoppable / We’ll shout your praise forevermore / Jesus, our God, unstoppable (I know that you can do all things; no purpose of yours can be thwarted. Job 42:2)
O my God, He will not delay / My refuge and strength always / I will not fear, His promise is true / My God will come through always, always (The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. Psalm 18:2)
There’s no end to Your love, there’s no end to Your love / You’re with us, You’re with us / There’s nothing in this world that could take You away / You’re with us, You’re with us (He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” The Lord Almighty is with us. Psalm 46:10-11)
Our hope through the process of recording this album has always been to simply extend the time we have together on Sundays into the other 167 hours of your week. We hope that these familiar songs with these familiar voices and arrangements will be a blessing to you and provide more opportunities to praise God – either on your own or together with your families.
We are truly thankful for the opportunity to use God’s incredible gift of music to reach the hearts of His people. May our worship be full of passion. May it flow freely. And by all means, may it be louder than anything else in our lives. We hope you enjoy it.
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AUDIO CDS: CDs of NOw & always are now available in the rbc bookstore! IF YOU preordered a cd, you can pick them up there.
DIGITAL album: the digital version of Now & Always is now available on iTunes or Amazon Mp3 (click the icons below) as well as a variety of other digital music & streaming services including spotify, Google play, Rhapsody, and iheartradio.
Sunday Rewind | 7.19.2015
MUSIC & SCRIPTURE
Hosanna (Mark 11:9-10) – Savior King by Hillsong
Always (Psalm 121:1-2) – Here For You by Kristian Stanfill (Passion)
Unstoppable God (Matthew 17:20) – Wake up the Wonder by Elevation Worship
With Us (Psalm 46:10-11a) – God Is Able by Hillsong Worship
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: The Patriarchs, Part 4 – Abraham’s Faith
Our view of eternity guides our life of uncertainty. Faith in Christ requires us to live counter-culturally. If you do not feel the pull of the cultural current against you, then you’re simply drifting along with 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 sermon?
- Read and discuss Hebrews 11:8-16. What do you note about Abraham and his faith? In what ways should our lives parallel Abraham’s?
- What does it mean to walk by faith? What is one significant step of faith you’ve taken?
- “We don’t know where we are going, but God does.” Do you find this mainly comforting or frightening?
- Why is it so difficult to be “in but not of” this world?
- Do you feel like a pilgrim and a stranger in this world? Why or why not? How does faith play into this?
- How does our view of eternity guide us through the uncertain times in life?
- How does the gospel instruct us in balancing life in this world with yearning for the next?
- Spend some time in prayer for the things you’ve discussed.
Sunday Rewind | 7.12.2015
MUSIC & SCRIPTURE
Alive in Us (Ephesians 2:4-5) – God is Able by Hillsong Live
In Your Presence (Deuteronomy 31:6) –Nothing is Wasted by Elevation Worship
The Wonderful Cross (Romans 8:38-39) – The Worship Initiative, Vol. 5 by Shane and Shane
Great Things (Worth It All) (Galatians 6:14) –Wake Up the Wonder by Elevation Worship
The Lord Our God (James 1:17) – Passion: Let the Future Begin by Passion, Kristian Stanfill
TEACHING: Missions Sunday – From the Field
The decisions we make really do have consequences. If the decision lies before you, would you choose to suffer for Christ?
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 the hardest decisions you’ve ever had to make in your life?
- “The decisions we make really do have consequences.” How have you seen this to be true?
- Read and discuss Acts 16:22-34. What do you see here about the nature of man? What do you see about the nature of Christ and the gospel?
- Have you ever suffered for your faith in Jesus? What happened?
- How does God use suffering for our good and His glory?
- What difficult choices lie before you that you need to trust God with? What next steps do you think the Lord is asking you to take?
- Spend some time in prayer for our missionaries. If you’d like some guidance on how to pray for missionaries, check out this article.
Sunday Rewind | 7.5.2015
MUSIC & SCRIPTURE
Open Up Our Eyes (Ephesians 1:18-19a) – Nothing is Wasted by Elevation Worship
Be Lifted High (John 3:30) –Nothing is Wasted by Elevation Worship
Great Things (Worth It All) (Isaiah 12:5) –Wake Up the Wonder by Elevation Worship
Unending Love (Romans 8:38-39) – God is Able by Hillsong Worship
Your Promises (2 Peter 1:3-4a) – Wake Up the Wonder by Elevation Worship
TEACHING: The Patriarchs, Part 3: Abraham
God always keeps His promises, and our obedience will give light to our next commission.
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 and discuss Genesis 12, 13, and 15. What do you learn about God? What do you note about Abraham? What kind of man is he?
- In what ways do the ups & downs of Abraham’s life mirror our own lives as Christians?
- Where do we see Jesus foreshadowed in Abraham’s life?
- “Obedience always gives light to the next commission.” Have you found this to be true? Do you have an example where obedience yielded further revelation?
- Is there an area is situation in your life where you are struggling with obedience? What would it look like to step out in faithful obedience in this area?
- Have you ever doubted your salvation? Why or why not? How does the idea of biblical covenant address our doubts? How does the gospel of Jesus bring light to this?
- Spend some time in prayer giving thanks to God that He always keeps His promises. Ask Him to help you with any areas of unbelief you are struggling with, and ask Him for the grace to walk in glad obedience in those areas.
Sunday Rewind | 6.28.2015
MUSIC & SCRIPTURE
Only King Forever (1 Timothy 1:17) – Only King Forever by Elevation Worship
Touch the Sky (1 Corinthians 2:9) – Empires by Hillsong United
I Will Look Up (Deuteronomy 7:9) –Only King Forever by Elevation Worship
Your Great Name (Philippians 2:10-11) – Love Revolution by Natalie Grant
I Lift My Hands (Psalm 46:10) – Hello Love by Chris Tomlin
TEACHING: The Patriarchs, Part 2: Noah
As in the times of Noah, turbulent waters are all around us. Navigate deep waters with deep 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 sermon?
- Read and discuss Genesis 6:5-22, Hebrews 11:7 and Matthew 24:36-44. What do these verses tell you about God? What do they tell us about man? What do they tell us about Noah and his character?
- How is the account of Noah a foreshadowing of the coming of Christ?
- What does “reverent fear” mean (Heb. 11:7, ESV)? What happens if we do not have a fear of God? How can you cultivate a “reverent fear” in your own walk?
- What are some of the “deep and turbulent waters” of our day? What deep truths help you navigate these waters?
- How does the gospel of Jesus comfort and instruct us in the face of the turbulent waters of our day?
- Spend some time in prayer giving thanks to God for his love and justice. Ask Him to help you live as salt and light in a lost and dying world.
Sunday Rewind | 6.21.2015
MUSIC & SCRIPTURE
1. ENDLESS LIGHT (Psalm 113:3-4)
Ussher, Cashwell | Hillsong Music Publishing
2. 10,000 REASONS (Psalm 103:1)
Myrin, Redman | Thankyou Music
3. COME THOU FOUNT (Psalm 16:11)
Wyeth, Robinson | Public Domain
4. GOD IS ABLE (Ephesians 3:20-21)
Fielding, Morgan | Hillsong Music Publishing
5. WHOM SHALL I FEAR (Psalm 27:1)
Tomlin, Cash, Cash | Sixstetps Music
TEACHING: The Patriarchs, Part 1: Adam
The world mocks what the Bible says about sin and daily fulfills what it mocks.
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?
- Why is it so hard to “be good”? Why do we keep trying?
- Read and discuss Genesis 3 and Romans 5:12-21. What do these verses tell you about the nature of God and Christ? What do they tell you about man? What do they tell us about the gospel?
- What does it mean that we are “in Adam”? What is the significance of this? What comes through the line of Adam?
- What does it mean to be “in Christ”? What is the significance of this? What comes through the line of Jesus?
- “The world mocks what the Bible says about sin and daily fulfills what it mocks.” Have you seen this to be true? What are some examples?
- How does the gospel of Jesus address our propensity toward “being good”? What are the practical implications of this for you?
- Spend some time in prayer thanking God for all that we have in Christ. Ask Him to help you depend more fully on Jesus as you go about your daily life.
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.
Touch The Sky
As we gather to worship this coming Sunday, we’ll sing a new song together called Touch The Sky by Hillsong United. It is a beautiful song. It carries a beautiful message. And I’m so excited that we can celebrate the Lord’s goodness as we sing it together. It’s a song centered around the understanding that, as Christians, we find God from a position of personal surrender. The world will tell us that, in fact, surrender is a sign of weakness and defeat. But it isn’t. In our case, it’s the exact opposite. We surrender not because we’ve lost, but because He’s already won everything for us. He is completely and perfectly in control. Our surrender to His sovereign hand and His matchless grace are vital to our growth as Christ followers. I pray that we truly touch the sky when our knees hit the ground.
May we sing loudly and with great passion this Sunday. I can’t wait to see you all there!
What fortune lies beyond the stars
Those dazzling heights too vast to climb
I got so high to fall so far
But I found heaven as love swept low
My heart beating, my soul breathing
I found my life when I laid it down
Upward falling, spirit soaring
I touch the sky when my knees hit the ground
What treasure waits within Your scars
This gift of freedom gold can’t buy
I bought the world and sold my heart
You traded heaven to have me again
Find me here at Your feet again
Everything I am, reaching out I surrender
Come sweep me up in Your love again
And my soul will dance on the wings of forever