Sunday Rewind | 6.16.2013
MUSIC & SCRIPTURE
God Is Able (Ephesians 3:20-21) – God Is Able by Hillsong
Be Lifted High (John 3:30) – Nothing Is Wasted by Elevation Worship
Nothing But The Blood (Ephesians 1:7-8) – Facedown by Matt Redman
Our King Has Come (Romans 5:1-2) – For The Honor by Elevation Worship
In Your Presence (Deuteronomy 31:6) – Nothing Is Wasted by Elevation Worship
TEACHING: The Prodigal Son, Part 4
The prodigal son’s older sibling seems to carry an attitude of contempt toward his younger brother – and toward his father, from whom he felt entitled to be rewarded for his righteous deeds. The older brother hoped for justice and favor but received a rebuke.
CLICK HERE FOR THE SERMON AUDIO/VIDEO
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS
- Take a few minutes to reflect on the Rembrandt painting “The Return of the Prodigal Son.” (See the image here.) Which parts of the painting and its symbolism are especially meaningful to you? Did you observe any additional symbolism in it?
- Read and discuss Luke 15:25-32. In what ways does the older brother go to his own “far country”?
- How do you avoid the self-righteous mentality that says to God, “You owe me”? Can you think of some scriptural truths that counter such a mindset?
- Is it easier to preach the Gospel to people rooted in vile behavior, or to those rooted in self-righteousness? How can we talk about God’s grace to either group (including one we might be in)?
- Where do you fit in this story? Are you the prodigal son? The older brother? Or do you find elements of both in your own heart?
- How has your view of the prodigal son story changed during this series? How has your view of yourself changed?
The Unity of Worship
“The sound of our House will always reflect the soul of our House.”
-Brian Houston, Senior Pastor // Hillsong Church
I hold firm to a belief that nothing can bond and unify a church community like corporate worship. What an amazing opportunity for us as a body of believers to look around, celebrate, and exalt our Lord and King – TOGETHER! It’s designed to clarify who God is, who we are, what we need, and how that need is fully supplied in the grace of Jesus. God uses it to bring glory to Himself and to lift up our eyes to see the glory of what He has done, what He is doing, and what He will do in our lives. As a church body, we are more connected in our times together on Sunday morning than any other time. It is our prayer that we will continue to grow to fully embrace worship as a critical component of the Christian life. God is always revealing Himself to us. In return, he desires an outpouring of affection and worth from us – just as calls us to give Him our highest love and greatest service.
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment.”
-Matthew 22:37-38
That’s our worship. And it brings us together like nothing else can.
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Join us this Friday night at 7:00pm in the auditorium for an extended time of corporate worship. We will praise God together with one voice—unified for His glory.
Sunday Rewind | 6.9.2013
MUSIC & SCRIPTURE
Your Love Never Fails (Romans 8:28) – Your Love Never Fails by Jesus Culture
O Worship The King (Psalm 145:9-10) – Hymns Ancient & Modern by Chris Tomlin (Passion)
Our God Is Love (1 John 4:9-10) – A Beautiful Exchange by Hillsong
Take My Life (2 Corinthians 5:14-15) – Hymns Ancient & Modern by Chris Tomlin (Passion)
Come Thou Fount (Psalm 16:11) – Original Arrangement
TEACHING: The Prodigal Son, Part 3
The younger son returned in repentance, hoping to be made a hired hand in his father’s home – but the father’s lavish forgiveness gave him far more. The prodigal hoped to be a servant but received a celebration.
CLICK HERE FOR THE SERMON AUDIO/VIDEO
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS
- What is something from this teaching that you found particularly insightful, helpful or difficult to grasp?
- Share a time when you either extended or accepted forgiveness. What makes forgiveness so difficult?
- Read and discuss Jesus’ parable of the prodigal son in Luke 15, with an emphasis on verses 17-24. What do you observe about forgiveness from these verses? What offenses is the father forgiving?
- How does the parable address people outside of God’s kingdom? How does it address those already in the kingdom?
- Why does the human heart automatically assume that something must be done before forgiveness can be extended or accepted?
- How does the gospel compel us to both accept and extend forgiveness?
- Is there currently an area of your life where you need to either extend or accept forgiveness? What would it look like to apply the parable of the prodigal to that situation or relationship? Spend some time in prayer about this.
Sunday Rewind | 6.2.2013
MUSIC & SCRIPTURE
With Us (Psalm 46:10-11a) – God Is Able by Hillsong
Hosanna (Mark 11:9-10) – All of the Above by Hillsong United
Mighty To Save (Zephaniah 3:17) – Yahweh by Hillsong Chapel
How Deep The Father’s Love For Us (Galatians 6:14) – Original Arrangement
Always (Psalm 121:1-2) – Here For You by Kristian Stanfill (Passion)
TEACHING: The Prodigal Son, Part 2
Like the younger son in Jesus’ parable of the prodigal, we tend to run from our Father and escape to “far countries.” But like the prodigal’s father, our Father relentlessly pursues us with His great love.
CLICK HERE FOR THE SERMON AUDIO/VIDEO
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS
- What is something from this teaching that you found particularly insightful, helpful or difficult to grasp?
- Read and discuss Jesus’ parable of the prodigal son in Luke 15. Do you feel God has given you additional insights or application since discussing it last week?
- What is the significance of the younger son’s demand for his inheritance? What would be a modern parallel?
- What is the significance of the “far” or “distant” country in verse 13?
- How does the gospel appeal to us to return to the Father from our “far countries”?
- Was there ever a time in your life where you “came to your senses” (v.17) and returned to the Father?
- Is there currently an area of your life where you are running to a “far country” from God? What would it look like to apply the parable of the prodigal to that situation or relationship? Spend some time in prayer about this.
Sunday Rewind | 5.26.2013
MUSIC & SCRIPTURE
Alive In Us (Ephesians 2:4-5) – God Is Able by Hillsong
As It Is In Heaven (Psalm 96:1-3) – Overflow by Matt Maher
Forever Reign (Lamentations 5:19) – Forever Reign by Hillsong Chapel
Majesty (Isaiah 53:5) – Majesty: The Worship EP by Leeland
I Lift My Hands (Psalm 46:10) – And If Our God Is For Us… by Chris Tomlin
TEACHING: The Prodigal Son, Part 1
The prodigal son is a well-known parable that tells us the story of our lives – but not in the way you might think. Pastor Mike begins a series that will look at the grace-filled intricacies of this amazing parable.
CLICK HERE FOR THE SERMON AUDIO/VIDEO
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS
- What is one thing from this teaching that you hope to discuss as a group?
- Read and discuss Jesus’ parable of the prodigal son in Luke 15. Does anything bother you about this parable?
- What is Jesus commanding, teaching or implying in this parable regarding how to live the Christian life?
- Who is Jesus’ audience as He tells this parable, and why is that important for us to consider?
- Identify the main characters in this parable. In what way(s) can you relate to each of them? Where do you see yourself in this story?
- How does the gospel apply to “younger brothers”? How does the gospel apply to “elder brothers”?
- Is there a situation or relationship in your life where you need to reach out in grace, as the father in this parable did? What would it look like to apply the parable of the prodigal to that situation or relationship? Spend some time in prayer about this.
Sunday Rewind | 5.19.2013
MUSIC & SCRIPTURE
Sing, Sing, Sing (Psalm 47:6-7) – Hello Love by Chris Tomlin
In Your Presence (Deuteronomy 31:6) – Nothing Is Wasted by Elevation Worship
In Christ Alone (Galatians 2:20) – Let The Future Begin by Kristian Stanfill (Passion)
Agnus Dei (Revelation 5:12) – Original Arrangement
TEACHING: Impact, Part 2
God has sovereignly given every believer spiritual gifts to use for the good of His people and the advancement of His kingdom. What would it look like for you to “fan the flame” of your gifts for the glory of God?
CLICK HERE FOR THE SERMON AUDIO/VIDEO
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS
- What is one thing from this teaching that you hope to discuss as a group?
- Read and discuss Romans 12:1-8. What do you observe about the nature of God? What do you observe about man?
- What do these verses command, teach or imply regarding how to live the Christian life?
- What spiritual gifts does Paul list in these verses? What other spiritual gifts can you think of from Scripture?
- In what way(s) do you feel God has spiritual gifted you? What area(s) of your life do see an intersection of passion and ability?
- Do you feel that you are using or neglecting your gifts?
- In what ways does the gospel empower our gifts and abilities for kingdom purposes?
- What would it look like for you to “fan the flame” of your gifts for the glory of God? Spend some time in prayer about this.
Sunday Rewind | 5.12.2013
MUSIC & SCRIPTURE
Open Up Our Eyes (Ephesians 1:18-19a) – Nothing Is Wasted by Elevation Worship
Let Your Kingdom Come (Psalm 59:16-17) – Valley of Vision by Sovereign Grace Music
Give Me Faith (Psalm 73:25-26) – Nothing Is Wasted by Elevation Worship
Beautiful, Scandalous Night (Romans 5:8) – Give Yourself Away by Robbie Seay Band
Unending Love (Romans 8:38-39) – God is Able by Hillsong
Endless Light (Psalm 113:3-4) – Cornerstone by Hillsong
TEACHING: Impact, Part 1
Does our life influence and impact those around us for the sake of the Kingdom? Living a life of intentional, faithful obedience to God will impact others for His glory.
CLICK HERE FOR THE SERMON AUDIO/VIDEO
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS
- If you were to give a one-sentence summary of this message, what would it be?
- Do you believe God has given you a specific purpose, calling or burden for your life? Explain.
- Read and discuss Nehemiah 2. What do you observe about the nature of God? What stands out to you about Nehemiah’s character?
- What is the significance of Nehemiah “setting a time” (v. 6)?
- Do you feel like you are living your life on purpose? Why or why not?
- “Living life on purpose always meets with resistance.”What opposes us from living our lives on purpose?
- How does the gospel provide context and power for living life on purpose?
- Is there something in your life that God is prompting you to “set a time” for? What practical steps could you take toward obedience in this area? Spend some time in prayer about this with your small group.
Sunday Rewind | 5.5.2013
MUSIC & SCRIPTURE
God Is Able (Ephesians 3:20-21) – God Is Able by Hillsong
How Great Thou Art (Psalm 145:3) – Original Arrangement
In Your Presence (Deuteronomy 31:6) – Nothing Is Wasted by Elevation Worship
Beautiful Lord (Ephesians 2:4-5) – Sound of Melodies by Leeland
TEACHING: The Silence of Adam
The silence of Adam in the garden is the beginning of every man’s inclination to remain silent when he should speak. Pastor & author Gary Thomas teaches on the need for men to be passionately engaged & empowered by God to influence the world.
CLICK HERE FOR THE SERMON AUDIO/VIDEO
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS
- What is one thing from this sermon that resonated with you or that you found particularly insightful, helpful, or difficult to grasp?
- Read and discuss Genesis 3:1-7. What do these verses tell us about the nature of man? What do you observe about the nature of our enemy, Satan?
- What do these verses command, teach or imply regarding how to live the Christian life?
- Do you feel that you struggle with passivity? Are you affected by others’ struggle in this area? In what ways?
- “You can trace virtually every major social issue back to the silence of Adam.” Have you seen this to be true? How?
- How does the Gospel of Jesus address the issue of passivity and give hope to those affected by this struggle? How is Jesus our example of what a man should be?
- What is an area of your life where you feel God is calling you to be passionately engaged and empowered by Him? What practical steps could you take toward obedience in this area? Spend some time in prayer about this.
DIAGNOSTIC QUESTIONS FOR MEN FROM GARY THOMAS
SINGLE MEN
- Are you growing in faith, courage & selflessness?
- Are your relationships with females edifying or destructive?
- Are you protecting and developing your influence?
HUSBANDS
- Are you pursuing your wife?
- Are you loving her in such a way that it is costing you something?
- Is your wife first in your affection, even over your own ambition and comfort?
- Are you praying for & with her?
FATHERS
- Do you know your children and their friends?
- What is the spiritual temperature of their hearts?
- What are their greatest temptations?
- Are you watching over your children in their romantic relationships?
- What strengths are you encouraging and building?
Sunday Rewind | 4.28.2013
MUSIC & SCRIPTURE
Famous One (Psalm 19:1-2) – Not To Us by Chris Tomlin
In Your Presence (Deuteronomy 31:6) – Nothing Is Wasted by Elevation Worship
The Solid Rock (Psalm 18:2) – Original Arrangement
You Never Let Go (Psalm 23:4) – Beautiful News by Matt Redman
Lord Of All (Psalm 97:5-6) – Attention by Kristian Stanfill
TEACHING: The Key to Victory
God has given those who are in Christ “every spiritual blessing” (Ephesian 1:3) – but why do some Christians seem to be living a life of victory, while others struggle greatly? Pastor Tony Pedroni teaches from the book of Ephesians on the key to living victoriously.
CLICK HERE FOR THE SERMON AUDIO/VIDEO
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS
1.) What is one thing from today’s sermon you hope we talk about as a group?
2.) Pastor Tony referenced Psalm 121 as a great comfort in times of trial. What books or verses from Scripture have been a great comfort or encouragement to you personally during times of trial?
3.) Read and discuss Ephesians 1:15-23 and 3:14-19. What do Paul’s prayers tell us about human nature? What do they tell us about the nature of Christ?
4.) What do these verses command, teach or imply regarding how to live the Christian life?
5.) Pastor Tony highlighted several blessings from God in Ephesians 1 & 2. Which ones particularly resonated with you? What other blessings can you think of that God promises in Scripture?
6.) Do you find it difficult to experience the blessings & promises of God in your daily life? Why or why not?
7.) If knowing God is the key to victoriously living in and for Christ, what steps could you take to know Him better? Spend some time in prayer about these.
New Elders Ordained
In February, we announced three new candidates for our elder council and asked for feedback from the congregation about these men. We are thankful to God for the privilege of ordaining Pete Ferrara, Jeff Lawler, and Brian Stegeman as elders. You can find pictures and a brief bio of all our elders here. Thanks to all who us gave feedback on these men, and please pray for them as they serve God as elders here at our church.