Sunday Rewind | 2.17.2013
MUSIC & SCRIPTURE
Your Grace Is Enough (Ephesians 2:8-9) – Arriving by Chris Tomlin
Everlasting God (Isaiah 40:28-29) – See The Morning by Chris Tomlin
Mighty To Save (Zephaniah 3:17) – Mighty To Save by Hillsong
How Deep The Father’s Love For Us (Galatians 6:14) – See What A Morning by Stuart Townend
TEACHING: The Forgotten War, Part 6
PART 6: THE ARMOR OF GOD – Perhaps the greatest strategy the enemy has against the church is to sideline Christians by making us comfortable to the point that we have no impact on the world around us. But God provides all we need for the battle, and He provides the victory.
CLICK HERE FOR THE SERMON AUDIO/VIDEO
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS
- What is one thing from this message you hope to discuss as a group?
- Read and discuss Ephesians 6:10-20. What do these verses tell you the nature of man? What do they tell us about our enemy? What do they tell us about God?
- How does our culture tend to present Satan as a fairytale character? How are we prone to fall into that trap?
- How does Satan sideline Christians, making us ineffective for the Kingdom of Light?
- Has there ever been a season in your Christian pilgrimage where you have felt sidelined? What happened?
- How does the Gospel empower us to get off the sidelines and engage in “the forgotten war”?
- In his sermon “Getting Used to the Dark,” Vance Havner points out how easy it is for Christ-followers to become desensitized to darkness in our lives. Is there an area in your own life where you’ve gotten used to the darkness? What would it look like to move from darkness to light in that area? How might the Gospel enable that move?
- As you have gone through this teaching series, what have been some big take-aways for you? Spend some time in prayer with your small group about how God might have you practically apply what you have learned.
VIDEO: Whom Shall I Fear
As we prepare to close out our series on The Forgotten War, it’s plain to see that our takeaway centers around the pure truth of the Word of God and our obedience to Christ. We are in a constant struggle between the war of two kingdoms – the Kingdom of Darkness and the Kingdom of Light. We must see this conflict through the eyes of Scripture in order to engage as children of the Kingdom of Light. Satan’s tactics follow the same pattern nearly every time; a combination of doubt, direct contradictions of the Word of God, and half-truths. He works diligently to set up strongholds of shame, keeping us captive in hopelessness.
But there is hope. And He is God. He crushes the enemy under our feet. He is our sword and shield in times of trouble. Who is left to fear? We know who goes before us. We know who stands behind us. He is the God of Angel Armies And He is by our side, reigning forever.
You are my morning song
Though darkness fills the night
It cannot hide the light
Whom shall I fear
Underneath my feet
You are my Sword and Shield
Though trouble lingers still
Whom shall I fearI know Who goes before me
I know Who stands behind
The God of angel armies
Is always on my side
The One who reigns forever
He is a Friend of mine
The God of angel armies
Is always by my side
My strength is in Your name
For You alone can save
You will deliver me
Yours is the victory
I know Who goes before me
I know Who stands behind
The God of angel armies
Is always on my side
The One who reigns forever
He is a Friend of mine
The God of angel armies
Is always by my side
Whom shall I fear
Whom shall I fear
And nothing formed against me shall stand
You hold the whole world in Your hands
I’m holding onto Your promises
You are faithful
You are faithful
You are faithful
The God of angel armies is always by my side
Sunday Rewind | 2.3.2013
MUSIC & SCRIPTURE
Our God Is Love (1 John 4:9-10) – A Beautiful Exchange by Hillsong
Faithful (Lamentations 3:22-23) – Attention by Kristian Stanfill
Forever Reign (Lamentations 5:19) – A Beautiful Exchange by Hillsong
All Creatures of Our God and King (Psalm 148:13) – Original Arrangement
Unending Love (Romans 8:38-39) – God Is Able by Hillsong
TEACHING: The Forgotten War, Part 4
PART 4: KINGDOMS IN CONFLICT – We are in constant struggle between the war of two kingdoms – the Kingdom of Darkness, or the world system, and the Kingdom of Light. We must see this conflict through the eyes of Scripture in order to engage as children of the Kingdom of Light.
CLICK HERE FOR THE SERMON AUDIO/VIDEO
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS
- If you were to give a one-sentence version of this message, what would it be?
- Read and discuss 1 John 5:18-21. What do these verses tell you the nature of man? What do they tell us about God?
- What is “spiritual sight”? Why is it important? How do we get it?
- What is the Kingdom of Darkness? What is the Kingdom of Light?
- What strategies, devices & tactics does the Kingdom of Darkness use to blind our minds and neutralize us? How does Scripture answer these?
- What strategies, devices and tactics does the Kingdom of Light employ? What role does the church play in this?
- “Wherever a child of the kingdom goes, they bring the kingdom with them.” Where might God be calling you to bring the kingdom? Spend some time in prayer with your small group about this.
The Green Room Sessions: Forever Reign
Here’s the latest installment of The Green Room Sessions, introducing the song Forever Reign, from Hillsong. We’ll be introducing this during worship services on Sunday, January 27. Enjoy!
VIDEO: Oh How I Need You
Since so many of you requested a copy of the special song performed in our January 6 worship services, we put this little video together for you. Here is Erik, Jesse and Melody performing Oh How I Need You by All Sons & Daughters. Enjoy!
When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” – John 8:12
Sunday Rewind | 1.13.2013
MUSIC & SCRIPTURE
Alive In Us (Ephesians 2:8-9) – God Is Able by Hillsong
With Us (Psalm 46:10-11a) – God Is Able by Hillsong
Nothing But The Blood (Ephesians 1:7-9) – Facedown by Matt Redman
My Deliverer (Psalm 18:2) – Hello Love by Chris Tomlin
Always (Psalm 121:1-2) – Here For You by Kristian Stanfill (Passion)
TEACHING: The Forgotten War, Part 1
Spiritual warfare is constantly raging around us, and ignoring it will keep us in bondage to it. We need not fear our enemy, but we must be aware of what he is doing so we do not fall captive to his schemes.
CLICK HERE FOR THE SERMON AUDIO/VIDEO
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS
- As you reflect on this sermon, what is one thing you hope we discuss as a group?
- What comes to mind when you think of spiritual warfare? How would rate your personal awareness of spiritual warfare?
- Read and discuss Ephesians 6:10-20. What do these verses tell you the nature of man? What do they reveal to us about God?
- How do you think our everyday irritations, arguments, conflicts, etc. are related to “the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms”?
- Satan mixes truth with error in order to deceive us. What other tactics does he use? How have you seen these at work in culture/society? How have you fallen prey to some of these tactics?
- Is there an area of current spiritual warfare you can identify in your life? How does the Gospel address this struggle? How can your small group pray for you in this area?
Sunday Rewind | 1.7.13
MUSIC & SCRIPTURE
Your Love Never Fails (Romans 8:28) – Your Love Never Fails by Jesus Culture
Let Your Kingdom Come (Psalm 59:16-17) – Valley of Vision by Sovereign Grace Praise
How Great Is Your Faithfulness (Lamentations 3:22-23) – We Shall Not Be Shaken by Matt Redman
Give Me Faith (Psalm 73:25-26) – Kingdom Come by Elevation Worship
Oh How I Need You – The Longing by All Sons & Daughters
TEACHING: More Prejudiced Than You Think
Being prejudiced goes well beyond racial bias. We all have the tendency to pull away from certain people or groups – “those people.” Yet, the Gospel dictates that those are the very people we should lean into. To be prejudiced is to go violate the great commandments of loving God and loving our neighbor. Odds are, we are more prejudiced than we think.
CLICK HERE FOR THE SERMON AUDIO/VIDEO
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS
- Was there any one thing you most agreed or disagreed with from this message? What was it and why?
- When you hear the word “prejudice,” what comes to mind?
- Read and discuss James 2:1-4. What do these verses tell you the nature of man? What do they reveal about Jesus?
- What are some hot-button issues for you personally? How might these expose your own prejudices?
- Have you ever exercised prejudice against another person or group? Have you ever been the recipient of someone else’s prejudice? What happened?
- Read and consider Jesus’ words in Matthew 5:43-48. How does the gospel of Christ call us to “lean in” to other people or groups we might naturally pull away from?
- Is there something God has revealed to you as far as a prejudice you may have? What would it look like for you to be neighbor to that person or group? Spend some time in prayer with your small group about this.
Sunday Rewind | 12.30.12
MUSIC & SCRIPTURE
Exalted One (Psalm 121:1-2) – For the Honor by Elevation Worship
Lord of All (Psalm 97:5-6) – Attention by Kristian Stanfill
Agnus Dei (Revelation 5:12) – Original Arrangement
Glorious (Psalm 111:2-3) – Glorious by Paul Baloche
Great In All the Earth (Psalm 47:1-2) – I Will Go by Starfield
TEACHING: Be At Rest
Our culture prizes busyness while avoiding suffering at all costs. Yet, Scripture tells us we will suffer and calls us to work from rest, not just rest from work. As we enter this new year, seek Him for physical, spiritual and geographical rest. Live a life of saying “yes” to God from a place of rest, despite whatever our circumstances may be.
WHERE’S THE SERMON AUDIO/VIDEO? Due to the ministry location of our speaker this weekend, we are not able to post the sermon media online. You can, however, request an audio CD at the RBC Bookstore (located in the lobby by the stairs) between Sunday services.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS
- If you heard last weekend’s sermon, what is one principle or insight that stands out as being particularly helpful, insightful, or memorable?
- Read and discuss Hebrews 1:1-4. What do these verses tell you about Jesus? What are the implications for your personal faith in Him?
- Read and discuss Hebrews 4. What do you observe about suffering and rest in this chapter?
- Do you find it difficult to rest? Why or why not?
- How does the gospel encourage us to rest in Jesus?
- What would it look like for you to rest physically, spiritually and geographically as you enter this new year?
- Is there something God is currently asking you to say “yes” to? What would it look like to say “yes” to His calling from a place of rest? Spend some time in prayer with your small group about this.
Sunday Rewind | 12.16.2012
MUSIC & SCRIPTURE
Angels We Have Heard on High (Luke 2:13-14) – Christmas Offerings by Third Day
Hark The Herald Angels Sing (Luke 2:9-10) – Original Arrangement
I Lift My Hands (Psalm 46:10) – And If Our God Is For Us… by Chris Tomlin
Mighty To Save (Zephaniah 3:17) – Yahweh by Hillsong Chapel
God, You Lifted Me Out (Psalm 30:1-2) – For The Honor by Elevation Worship
Always (Psalm 121:1-2) – Here For You by Kristian Stanfill (Passion)
TEACHING: Follow Me
Pastor Wayne Johnson takes a look at the life of Peter, whose world was rocked by Jesus’ call to follow Him. What was it about Jesus that so captivated Peter’s heart? The way Jesus captured Peter’s heart is the same way He captures ours, and we will live for and from whatever captures our hearts.
CLICK HERE FOR AUDIO & VIDEO OF THIS MESSAGE
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS
- If Pastor Wayne were to give an abbreviated version of last Sunday’s messages, what one or two points would you tell him to make sure he leaves in, no matter what?
- Read and discuss 1 Peter 1:3-9. What do these verses tell you about Jesus? What are the implications for your personal faith in Him?
- Our culture values privacy, busyness, and comfort. What else does our culture value?
- How does does the Gospel go against the grain of our culture?
- In what ways can culture distort the Gospel? How can culture be used as a vessel for the Gospel?
- What do you find captivating about the person of Jesus Christ?
- Was there ever an area in your life as a Christian where you sensed Jesus’ call to follow Him? What happened? Is there an area in your life now where He is asking you to follow Him? Pray about this area with your small group.
Sunday Rewind | 12.9.2012
MUSIC & SCRIPTURE
O Come All Ye Faithful (Luke 2:14-15) – Original Arrangement
Awesome is the Lord Most High (Psalm 47:1-2) – See the Morning by Chris Tomlin
In Christ Alone (Philippians 3:7-8) – Original Arrangement
Hosanna (Mark 11:9-10) – All of the Above by Hillsong
Your Love O Lord (Psalm 36:7) – Original Arrangement
TEACHING: Taking God Seriously – Part 4
How often do we allow our personal prejudices and biases dictate how we view – and treat – other people? As Pastor Mike teaches through the final chapter of Jonah, we see that to take God seriously, we must take people seriously – even when they are different than we are.
CLICK HERE FOR AUDIO & VIDEO OF THIS MESSAGE
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS
- As you reflect on this sermon, what is one principle or insight that stands out as as being particularly helpful, insightful or difficult to grasp?
- Read and discuss Jonah 4. What do you learn about the nature of God? What do you observe about the nature of man?
- What is the significance of the plant in these verses?
- Where is Jonah’s prejudice or bias evident in these verses?
- “Christians have become really good at being good.” Do you agree or disagree? Why? What are the implications of this statement?
- Why is the human heart pulled to bigotry? How do you see this played out in the world? How do you see it played out in the church?
- How does the Gospel of Christ deal with our bent toward bias, prejudice and bigotry?