Sunday Rewind | 7.14.2013
MUSIC & SCRIPTURE
Be Lifted High (John 3:30) – Nothing is Wasted by Elevation Worship
Majesty (Isaiah 53:5) – Majesty: The Worship EP by Leeland
Lord of All (Psalm 97:5-6) – Louder Than Creation by Kristian Stanfill (North Point)
With Us (Psalm 46:10-11a) – God Is Able by Hillsong
Unending Love (Romans 8:38-39) – God Is Able by Hillsong
TEACHING: Ruth: A Story of God’s Redemptive Love, Part 3
How does God accomplish His great purposes without negating our choices as free moral agents? As we continue our series, Pastor Mike looks at how the providential goodness of God is seen in the life of Ruth and in the arrival of Christ.
CLICK HERE FOR THE SERMON AUDIO/VIDEO
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS
- If you were to give a one-sentence synopsis of this message, what would it be?
- What is “providence”? What theological or practical tensions are there when considering the providence & sovereignty of God?
- Do you have any stories, situations or scenarios from your own life that can only be explained by the providence of God?
- Read and discuss Ruth 2:1-13. Where do you see the providence of God at work? What does this tell us about the nature of man? What do we see about the nature of God?
- How does personal character & integrity play out in to the story of Ruth & Boaz in the verses above?
- How are we “resident aliens” like Ruth? What impact should this have on our daily life?
- How does the Gospel give purpose to even the most mundane aspects of our lives? Can you think of someone with whom you could pray to “find favor” with for the sake of the Gospel?
- Is there an area or situation in your life where you are “playing chess with God”? What would it look like for you to surrender, trust and obey Him instead? Spend some time in prayer about this with your group.
Sunday Rewind | 7.7.2013
MUSIC & SCRIPTURE
Sing to the King – The Best of Passion by Candi Pearson (Passion)
King of Glory – Hello Love by Chris Tomlin
In Your Presence (Deuteronomy 31:6) – Nothing is Wasted by Elevation Worship
Blessed Be the Name (Job 1:21) – Sacred Revolution by Matt Redman (Passion)
Amazing Grace (My Chains are Gone) – See The Morning by Chris Tomlin
TEACHING: Ruth: A Story of God’s Redemptive Love, Part 2
Both Ruth & Naomi experienced seasons of famine, departure, harvest and return – but one returned full of faith, the other full of bitterness. The mystery of pain & suffering in the hands of a sovereign & loving God should lead us not to bitterness, but to greater faith in Him.
CLICK HERE FOR THE SERMON AUDIO/VIDEO
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS
- What is one thing from this message that you hope to discuss as a group?
- If God is good and sovereign, why does He allow suffering? Have you ever had a season in life where you struggled to reconcile the sovereignty/goodness of God with the suffering of a painful circumstance? What happened?
- Read and discuss Ruth, chapter 1. With whom do you relate to more – Ruth or Naomi? How would you describe Naomi’s spiritual state? How would you describe Ruth’s?
- What role does suffering and pain play in the life of a Christ-follower?
- Read and discuss 1 Corinthians 13:12. How might this verse encourage Naomi? What other verses can you think of that would encourage her away from bitterness and toward deeper faith?
- How does the Gospel of Jesus Christ provide context for our pain and redeem our suffering?
- Is there an area of pain in your life that has lead you to bitterness toward God or others? What would it look like for you to rest in God’s grace in that area? Spend some time in prayer with your group about that.
Sunday Rewind | 6.30.2013
MUSIC & SCRIPTURE
Sing, Sing, Sing (Psalm 47:6-7) – Hello Love by Chris Tomlin
Alive In Us (Ephesians 2:4-5) – God Is Able by Hillsong
Give Me Faith (Psalm 73:25-26) – Nothing Is Wasted by Elevation Worship
The Solid Rock (Psalm 18:2) – Original Arrangement
I Stand Amazed (2 Corinthians 8:9) – North Point Live by Candi Pearson Shelton (North Point)
TEACHING: Ruth: A Story of God’s Redemptive Love, Part 1
In Ruth Chapter 1, Naomi and her daughter-in-law Ruth suffer the tragedy of losing their husbands. But Naomi’s honest faith and Ruth’s unyielding loyalty pave the way for royal line of the Messiah.
CLICK HERE FOR THE SERMON AUDIO/VIDEO
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS
- How can we become people whom others want to “follow” through life with such eager commitment as Ruth’s? Do you know any people like that?
- Read Ruth 1:11-13 and 20-21 and discuss Naomi’s reaction to her circumstances. What do her words reveal about her walk with Lord? Can you think of other examples in Scripture where people responded similarly? Do you ever express yourself to God like that?
- Have you ever had a season in life where you felt called to abandon all that you know to follow God’s plan? Did you go?
- Read Ruth 1:15-17. What does this section reveal about Ruth’s persistent faithfulness to Naomi?
- What are some ways you can already see in this section that God is using the lives of these two women to prepare the way for Christ’s arrival on earth?
Sunday Rewind | 6.23.2013
MUSIC & SCRIPTURE
Endless Light (Psalm 113:3-4) – Cornerstone by Hillsong
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
God, You Lifted Me Out (Psalm 30:1-2) – For The Honor by Elevation Worship
Glorious (Psalm 72:18-19) – Glorious by Paul Baloche
In Christ Alone (Galatians 2:20) – Let The Future Begin by Kristian Stanfill (Passion)
TEACHING: Is That a Fact?
With all of the modern advances in economics, technology, and medicine, life should always be getting better and better. But instead, things seem to be going downhill, almost as if the world is cursed.
CLICK HERE FOR THE SERMON AUDIO/VIDEO
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS
- What was your initial reaction to his message? Do you still feel that way?
- Why do logic, knowledge, and science fail so miserably in fixing the problems of the world?
- What are some examples of economic, technological, or medical advances showing evidence of the curse?
- Read Romans 8:18-25. How does this passage affect your view of life on earth – or your anticipation of the life to come?
- Do you agree that the world has lost its ability to produce genius (the likes of Beethoven, Rembrandt, or Newton)? Why or why not?
- How can you use what you learned in this message to share the Gospel with your friends, family, or neighbors?
Evening of Worship SET LIST
Many of you have requested a list of songs from last Friday’s Evening of Worship… and here it is. Thanks to everyone who came out! We had an incredible time together!
Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord;
let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation.
Let us come before him with thanksgiving
and extol him with music and song.
For the Lord is the great God,
the great King above all gods.
Psalm 95:1-3
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GOD IS ABLE – Hillsong
GOD, YOU LIFTED ME OUT – Elevation Worship
+ Psalm 113:1-3
ENDLESS LIGHT – Hillsong
HOW GREAT THOU ART – Charlie Hall / Passion
FOREVER REIGN – Hillsong
ALWAYS – Kristian Stanfill / Passion
+ Psalm 16:5-11
COME THOU FOUNT OF EVERY BLESSING – Original Arrangement
OUR KING HAS COME – Elevation Worship
IN YOUR PRESENCE – Elevation Worship
GIVE ME FAITH – Elevation Worship
OPEN UP OUR EYES – Elevation Worship
UNENDING LOVE – Hillsong
+ Philippians 4:4-7 / Proverbs 3:3-6
‘TIS SO SWEET TO TRUST IN JESUS – Original Arrangement
O FOR A THOUSAND TONGUES TO SING – Original Arrangement
+ Isaiah 53:4-6 / Galatians 6:14
HOW DEEP THE FATHER’S LOVE FOR US – Original Arrangement
IN CHRIST ALONE – Kristian Stanfill / Passion
OUR GOD IS LOVE – Hillsong
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.