Sunday Rewind | 11.9.2014
MUSIC & SCRIPTURE
Glorious (Psalm 111:2-3) – Everything Glorious by Chris Tomlin (Passion)
Rock of Ages (Deuteronomy 32:3-4) – Death of Death by Charlie Hall
Exalted One (Psalm 121:1-2) – For The Honor by Elevation Worship
Your Great Name (Philippians 2:10-11) – Love Revolution by Natalie Grant
TEACHING: Missions Conference 2014 – His Great Name
During our annual Missions Conference, a variety of our global staff speak and share about how the gospel is going forth throughout the nations. Due to the sensitive areas of some of the places they work, we do not publish the audio or video to the web.
The Missions Conference opening night address by Steve Sanford of New Tribes Mission is available here.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS
- Which service did you attend, and who did you hear speak? What stood out to you as they spoke?
- Do you have any personal experience with missions or missionary work? What was that experience like? What did God teach you about yourself and about Himself?
- As he was considering a call to overseas missions, one speaker noted a distinction between asking the question “What is God’s will for my life?” and “What is God’s will?” What is the difference between those two questions?
- What do you think God’s will or purpose is in missions? Where do you find this in Scripture?
- What do you feel your role is in missions? How do you feel you are doing in fulfilling that role?
- Spend some time in prayer, thanking God for His missional provision for us through Jesus. Pray that His great name would continue to be glorified throughout the nations. Pray for those who are laboring faithfully in missions.
- How does the gospel necessitate missions?
- Discuss with your group and consider adopting a missionary to correspond with and pray for on a regular basis.
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 | 10.19.2014
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 | 10.12.2014
MUSIC & SCRIPTURE
How Great Thou Art (Psalm 145:3) – Hymns Ancient $ Modern by Charlie Hall (Passion)
Hosanna (Mark 11:9-10) – Savior King by Hillsong
Awesome Is The Lord Most High (Psalm 47:1-2) – See The Morning by Chris Tomlin
Unending Love (Romans 8:38-39) – God Is Able by Hillsong
I Lift My Hands (Psalm 46:10) – And If Our God Is For Us… by Chris Tomlin
TEACHING: Take Refuge
Chris Anderson teaches from Psalm 1 & 2 on life as it ought to be, the vain rebellion of man, the coming judgement, and God as the ultimate place of refuge. We cannot take refuge from God, but we can take refuge in God.
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 things/places/events tend to regularly remind you that the world in which we live is not safe? How do you tend to react when you are reminded of the dangers around us?
- Read through and discuss Psalm 1 & 2. What do you note about the nature of man? What do you see about the nature of God?
- “We cannot take refuge from God, but we can take refuge in God.” How do Psalm 1 & 2 support this statement? What other scriptures can you think of that teach us this?
- What does it mean to take refuge in God? Why is this easier said than done?
- Are there areas of your life where you try to take refuge from God?
- In the sermon, Chris gives this breakdown of the first two Psalms: Life as it ought to be – The vain rebellion – The coming judgement – The place of refuge. Where do you find these in Psalm 1 & 2? What are the implications of each?
- What is “the good life”? How does Psalm 1 define the good life for us? How does the gospel provide this good life?
- Can you think of someone in your life who is hurting or afraid? How can you reach out to them this week to serve them or encourage them to take refuge in the Lord?
- Spend some time praying for the things you have discussed. Give thanks to God that He is our great refuge using Psalm 1 & 2 as a guide.
Sunday Rewind | 10.5.2014
MUSIC & SCRIPTURE
God Is With Us (Psalm 46:10-11a) – Louder Than Creation by Michael Olson (North Point)
Blessed Be Your Name (Job 1:21) – Where Angels Fear To Tread by Matt Redman
Glorious (Psalm 72:18-19) – Glorious by Paul Baloche
Mighty To Save (Zephaniah 3:17) – Yahweh by Hillsong Chapel
10,000 Reasons (Psalm 103:1) – Unrelenting Love by Nick Thurmond
TEACHING: Black Water
In the dark times of life, we are never alone – God teaches us things in the darkness that we would never have learned in the light. God is present and purposeful in our pain.
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?
- Have you ever had a “black water” experience, where you felt isolated, alone, and in the dark in your Christian life? What happened? Did you struggle to sense God’s presence and purpose in your trial? Did that situation resolve?
- Do you struggle with diving into the living and active Word of God with purpose? How does the Word of God prepare our hearts for trials?
- Consider some of the passages from Mike’s message: Psalm 22:1-2, Psalm 23. Psalm 139:7-12, John 16:33, Job 1:1, Psalm 145:18, James 1:2-4, 2 Samuel 22:5-7, 17, Hebrews 12:7-11, 2 Corinthians 4:17. What do these tell us about out “black water” experiences?
- How would you describe your prayer life? How does this change in times of darkness?
- If God’s Holy Spirit suddenly left you, would you notice? Why or why not?
- If you are in a trial right now how, are you coping with the reality that you don’t know when or if it will end? What perspective does prayer, scripture and the gospel bring to your situation?
- How has God ministered to you during trial in prayer, in the Word, or through connection and guidance?
- In looking back at your own “black water” experiences, what are some things you can see you learned during those times? How do you think God used that time in your life to shape you spiritually into the image of Jesus?
- Spend some time in prayer about the things you’ve discussed.
Sunday Rewind | 9.28.2014
MUSIC & SCRIPTURE
Be Lifted High (John 3:30) – Nothing Is Wasted by Elevation Worship
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)
God You Lifted Me Out (Psalm 30:1-2) – For The Honor by Elevation Worship
Cornerstone (Psalm 18:2) – Cornerstone by Hillsong
In Your Presence (2 Corinthians 8:9) – Nothing Is Wasted by Elevation Worship
TEACHING: There’s No Time Like the…
Everyone tends to default to living in either the past, the present or the future. Where does God desire us to be?
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?
- Everyone tends to default to focusing on the past, present or future. What are the strengths of each? What are the weaknesses?
- Which do you tend to think more about – the past, the present or the future? Why do you think that is?
- Read and discuss John 14:1-17. What do you see about the person and works of Jesus Christ? What might these verses also tell us about man? What jumps out at you personally as you read through these verses?
- What does it mean that God’s Spirit “dwells with you and is in you” (v. 15)?
- What does it mean to be in the presence of God? Can you describe a time when you knew you were in His presence?
- How does the gospel of Jesus Christ frame your past? How does the gospel impact your present? What does the gospel promise for our future?
- Spend some time in prayer about the things you’ve discussed. Thank God for His presence and the new life we have in Him. Pray for His grace over any specific struggles you have focusing too much on the past, present and/or future. Ask for a continual awareness of His presence in your daily life.
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.
Sunday Rewind | 8.17.2014
MUSIC & SCRIPTURE
In Your Presence (Deuteronomy 31:6) – Nothing Is Wasted by Elevation Worship
Rock of Ages (Deuteronomy 32:3-4) – The Death of Death by Charlie Hall
Christ Is Enough (2 Corinthians 12:9) – Glorious Ruins by Hillsong
TEACHING: Do Something, Part 1
In a relationship with God, as in any good relationship, both knowledge and application are vital. We must hear and do. In the context of the local church, this will result in gospel-motivated service to the body.
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 James 1:19-25, 1 John 2:4-6 and Matthew 7:24-29. What do these verses tell us about the nature of man? What do these verses tell us about God and His Word?
- Do you find it easier to be a hearer of the Word, or a doer of the Word? How do the Scriptures push us toward both?
- What is the result of knowledge without application (hearing without doing)? What is the result of application without knowledge (doing without hearing)?
- Compare and contrast the two builders in Matthew 7. What are similarities? What are the differences? Which foundation would you say you are building on in this season of your life?
- Why is knowledge “half the battle” when it comes to relationships?
- What is the difference between hearing and listening?
- How does gospel-motivated service in the context of the church help us “walk in the same way in which He walked” (1 John 2:6)?
- Do you currently serve in some way at RBC? Why or why not?
- Spend some time in prayer thanking God for His Word and asking Him for the grace to become more than mere hearers. Thank Him for the provision we have in Christ, who is both our example and motivation for serving His bride, the church.