Blog

MUSIC & SCRIPTURE

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

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

The Wonderful Cross (Galatians 6:14) – The Worship Initiative, Vol. 5 by Shane & Shane

In Christ Alone (Galatians 2:20) – Let The Future Begin by Kristian Stanfill (Passion)

TEACHING: The Conscience

We tend to think of our conscience as a thermometer that registers the moral temperature around us. In reality, the conscience is more like a thermostat, which can be “reprogrammed” by the influences around us.

CLICK HERE FOR THE SERMON AUDIO & VIDEO

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS

1. What was one thing you found particularly interesting, insightful, helpful or difficult to understand from this sermon?
2. How would you describe the moral/religious environment in which you grew up?
3. Read and discuss Acts 24:14-16. What do you observe about the conscience? Why would the author of Acts “take pains to have a clear conscience toward both God and man” (v. 16)?
4. Have you ever felt the weight of trying to maintain something that is not found in Scripture? What was the source of that pressure?
5. What is the distinction between viewing the conscience as a thermometer as opposed to seeing it as a thermostat? Why is this distinction important?
6. Are we born with a built-in moral code? What initially forms and shapes our conscience? What examples come to mind?
7. What influences/environments have shaped and reshaped your conscience over the years? Can you think of good and bad examples from your own life?
8. Read and discuss Titus 1:15-16, Ephesians 4:17-20, Romans 1:18 and 1 Timothy 4:1-3. What warnings are here regarding the defilement of the conscience?
9. How does the gospel redeem, inform, enable and shape our own conscience? What does the gospel require of us in regards to others’ consciences?
10. What areas of your life need to be readjusted to “true North”? Spend some time together in prayer for this.

MUSIC & SCRIPTURE

Only King Forever (1 Timothy 1:17) – Only King Forever by Elevation Worship

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

Christ The Lord Is Risen Today – Love Divine by Aaron Keyes

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

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

TEACHING: Too Good to Be True

At Easter, we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus as the pivotal turning point in the history of man. But is the Easter account too good to be true?

CLICK HERE FOR THE SERMON AUDIO & VIDEO

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS

1. What was one thing you found particularly interesting, insightful, helpful or difficult to understand from this sermon?
2. What traditions do you and your family have to celebrate Easter?
3. Read and discuss 1 Corinthians 15:12-28. What do these verses tell us about the nature of man? What do they tell us about Jesus?
4. Why would Paul say that without the resurrection, our faith in Christ is in vain (v. 14)? Why is Jesus’ resurrection from the dead the pivotal turning point in the history of mankind? Why does the resurrection matter?
5. Is it difficult to believe in the resurrection? Have you ever felt the gospel is “too good to be true”?
6. Chris said, “The path to belief looks different for different people.” Where are you on your own path to belief? What has your path looked like up to this point in your life?
7. Where do you see death & resurrection metaphors reflected in our culture?
8. Spend some time in prayer for the things you’ve discussed. Give thanks to God for all that we have in Jesus Christ.

MUSIC & SCRIPTURE

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

Open Up The Heavens (Psalm 108:4-5) – Worth It All by Meredith Andrews

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

Give Me Faith (Psalm 73:25-26) – Nothing Is Wasted by Elevation Worship

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

TEACHING: Who Are You? Part 2

What we consider to be true of Christ will determine how we go about following Him.

CLICK HERE FOR THE SERMON AUDIO & VIDEO

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS

1. What was one thing you found particularly interesting, insightful, helpful or difficult to understand from this sermon?
2. What things do we tend to tie our identity to? Why?
3. Read and discuss Mark 8:31-38. What do you think this tells you about us? What does it tell us about Jesus?
4. What comes to mind for you when you hear the word Christian? How has this changed over the course and seasons of your life?
5. Why does Peter rebuke Jesus (v.32)? What is significant about Jesus’ response?
6. What is Jesus saying it means to be a Christian in these verses? Does what He says differ from what you believe it is to be Christian?
7. What is significant about each of the three steps Jesus outlines in verse 34? Is Jesus asking us to do something He has not done? Why does this matter?
8. Patrick Morley wrote: “There is a God we want, and there is a God who is.  They are not the same God.  And the turning point of our lives is when we stop seeking the God we want and start seeking the God who is.” Have you reached that turning point? Share where you are in that process.
9. Spend some time in prayer for the things you’ve discussed.

MUSIC & SCRIPTURE

Only King Forever (1 Timothy 1:17) – Only King Forever by Elevation Worship

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

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

Cornerstone (Psalm 18:2) – Cornerstone by Hillsong

TEACHING: Wisdom Vs. Intelligence

Wisdom does not guarantee you won’t have problems in life, but is does guarantee you won’t be the cause. In the moral realm, intellect is driven by passion; wisdom is driven by truth.

CLICK HERE FOR THE SERMON AUDIO & VIDEO

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS

1. What was one thing you found particularly interesting, insightful, helpful or difficult to understand from this sermon?
2. Read and discuss Proverbs 9. What does this tell you about the nature of man? Of God? What does it tell us about wisdom?
3. How would you summarize the difference between wisdom and intellect? What are some examples of each?
4. Why do you think fear of the LORD is the “beginning of wisdom” (Prov. 9:10)? How is wisdom paired with intellect in this verse?
5. “In the moral realm, intellect is driven by passion; wisdom is driven by truth.” How do you see this play out in David’s life in 2 Samuel 11? Where else in scripture do you see this principal play out? Where have you seen this play out in modern culture?
6. What area or situation in your life do you need to combine wisdom with intellect? Spend some time praying for this.

RESOURCES

Click here for more thoughts on wisdom verses intelligence from Pastor Mike.

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

Lord I Need You (Hebrews 4:16) – All The People Said Amen by Matt Maher

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

Majesty (Isaiah 53:5) – Majesty: The Worship EP by Leeland

TEACHING: Why the Gospel is Never Given the Same Way Twice

There is a massive difference between knowing the facts of the gospel, and putting your faith in the gospel. The gospel is a Person, not a formula.

CLICK HERE FOR THE SERMON AUDIO & VIDEO

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS

1. What was one thing you found particularly interesting, insightful, helpful or difficult to understand from this sermon?
2.  Read and discuss 1 Corinthians 15:1-4. What do these verses tell you about the gospel? What do they tell you about Jesus? What do they imply about us?
3. Why is the gospel “good news”?
4. When did you first hear the gospel? What happened? How did you respond?
5. What people or events in the Old Testament can you think of that serve as a foreshadowing of Christ?
6. “The gospel is a Person, not a formula.” What does this mean? What the practical implications of this statement as you live your everyday life?
7. What is the difference between knowing the facts about the gospel, and putting your faith in the gospel? Why is this distinction important?
8. What felt needs can you identify in this season of your life? How does the gospel address those needs? How do you need to apply the gospel to those areas?
9. Spend some time in prayer thanking God for the gospel of grace in Jesus Christ. Ask Him to help you know Him more through the wonders of the gospel.

MUSIC & SCRIPTURE

Awesome Is The Lord Most High (Psalm 47:1-2) – See The Morning by Chris Tomlin

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

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

Beautiful Jesus (Romans 1:20) – Attention by Kristian Stanfill

Give Me Faith (Psalm 73:25-26) – Nothing Is Wasted by Elevation Worship

TEACHING: A Better Sight

There is a sight better than sight and a blindness worse than blindness. The greater miracle in John 9 is not the opening of the blind man’s eyes but the opening of his heart to Jesus.

CLICK HERE FOR THE SERMON AUDIO & VIDEO

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS

1. What was one thing you found particularly interesting, insightful, helpful or difficult to understand from this sermon?
2. Have you ever received difficult or devastating news? How did you respond?
3. What is something in your life that would devastate you if you lost it? Or, what is something you desperately long for, but have not received?
4. Read through John 9. What does this chapter reveal to us about Jesus? What do you observe about the disciples, the Pharisees and the blind man? Where do you see yourself in this narrative?
5. Why do you think that when we see or experience loss or pain, our instinctive question is often “Why?”
6. What is the difference between a cause and a purpose? Why does this matter?
7. Why is spiritual blindness a “devastating blindness”? Why is spiritual sight better than physical sight?
8. Instead of giving explanations, in John 9 Jesus provides an opportunity for faith & obedience. Where else in scripture do you see this? Have you seen this happen in your own life?
9. Can you identify an area of your life where Jesus is asking you step out in faith and obedience? What would it look like to take the first step in that area? Spend some time praying about it.

MUSIC & SCRIPTURE

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

Open Up The Heavens (Psalm 108:4-5) – Worth It All by Meredith Andrews

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

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

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

TEACHING: Depression and the Gospel

Until we see ourselves as emotionally & cognitively broken, we cannot empathize with the brokenness and suffering of others.

CLICK HERE FOR THE SERMON AUDIO

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS

1. 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?
2. What do you think of when you hear the word depression? Have you ever struggled with it or known someone who has? To what degree?
3. What scriptures can you think of where Jesus spent time with suffering people?
4. Do you tend to engage with or avoid suffering people? Why? How can you grow in this area?
5. Why is prolonged isolation destructive to the Christian? Have you ever experienced this?
6. “Everyone needs a friend with whom there are no secrets and with whom there is no condemnation.” Do you have such a friendship?
7. “If all we turn to God for is relief from suffering, He may or may not grant that relief, for He offers far more.” How do you respond to that statement?
8. “And so there is a peculiar, rich, and poignant joy that seems to come to us only through and in suffering.” (Tim Keller, Walking with God Through Pain & Suffering). How do you respond to that statement? How have you found it to be true or not in your own life?
9. Spend some time praying over the members of our church body, and the members of your shepherd group, who are suffering. Ask God for strength and courage to minister to those specific people you know are suffering.

RESOURCES
For counseling info and assessment at RBC, contact our Counseling Pastor, Paul Goodnight.

For information on the Lay Counseling Institute, visit www.lciministry.org.