Sunday Rewind | 6.19.2016
MUSIC & SCRIPTURE
Alive in Us (Ephesians 2:4-5) – God is Able by Hillsong Worship
Good Good Father (2 Thessalonians 2:16) – The EP by Zealand Worship
Forever Reign (Lamentations 5:19) – A Beautiful Exchange by Hillsong Worship
Your Promises (2 Peter 1:3-4a) – Wake Up the Wonder by Elevation Worship
Be Thou My Vision (2 Corinthians 3:17-18) – Take the World by Giving Jesus by Ascend the Hill
TEACHING: James – Living Out Our Faith, Part 19
If life is a vapor, then so is suffering.
CLICK HERE FOR THE SERMON AUDIO & VIDEO
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS
- What was one thing you found particularly interesting, insightful, helpful or difficult to understand from this Sunday?
- Read and discuss James 5:7-11. What does this tell us about us? What do these verses tell us about God? What commands, encouragements or warnings are there for us to heed?
- What does this section tell us about suffering and perseverance? How does it play out in the three examples James gives us here (farmers, prophets, and the life of Job)?
- Have you ever had to be patient in suffering? What happened? How did you relate to God through that time?
- Have you ever experienced persecution directly because of your faith in Jesus?
- What is the doctrine of imminence (v. 7) and why does it matter?
- Consider Romans 8:18. Why does Scripture call our sufferings “not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed”? What does this mean for our daily lives?
- How does the gospel of Jesus give us an eternal perspective, particularly when considering pain and suffering?
- Is there an area of suffering where you need to be patient and persevere? What would it look like to view this area through the lens of an eternal perspective? Spend some time praying together about this.
Sunday Rewind | 5.15.2016
MUSIC & SCRIPTURE
Open Up the Heavens (Psalm 108:4-5) – Worth It All by Meredith Andrews
Alive in Us (Ephesians 2:4-5) – God is Able by Hillsong Worship
Be Lifted High (John 3:30) –Nothing is Wasted by Elevation Worship
Forever (Matthew 28:26) – Majestic by Kari Jobe
Good Good Father (2 Thessalonians 2:16) – Housefires II by Housefires
TEACHING: James – Living Out Our Faith, Part 15
The primary root of all our problems is not found in external circumstances or situations. It comes from within.
CLICK HERE FOR THE SERMON AUDIO & VIDEO
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS
- What was one thing you found particularly interesting, insightful, helpful or difficult to understand from this Sunday?
- When a newspaper posed the question, ‘What’s Wrong with the World?’ G. K. Chesterton reputedly wrote a brief letter in response: ‘Dear Sirs: I am. Sincerely Yours, G. K. Chesterton.’ What do you think he meant by that?
- Read and discuss James 4:1-3. What does this tell us about us? Why do you think the language is so strong here? How would you answer the first question in verse 1?
- Read and discuss 1 Kings 21:1-16. How is this an example of good desires turning bad?
- What other examples of runaway desires can you think of from Scripture, culture or your own life?
- What desires in your life have cost you the most, or caused you the most problems?
- How does the gospel heal, reshape, redirect and redeem our unsanctified desires?
- What unsanctified desire are you currently dealing with that needs to be submitted to the Lord?
- Spend some time in prayer about the last question. Pray that God would give you (heal, reshape, redeem) the desires of your heart and align your heart with His.
Sunday Rewind | 5.1.2016
MUSIC & SCRIPTURE
Endless Light (Psalm 113:3-4) – Cornerstone by Hillsong Worship
How Great Thou Art (Psalm 145:3) – Hymns Ancient & Modern by Charlie Hall (Passion)
In Your Presence (Deuteronomy 31:6) –Nothing is Wasted by Elevation Worship
Alive in Us (Ephesians 2:4-5) – God is Able by Hillsong Worship
TEACHING: By the Grace of God
Everything we have, everything we do, everything we will have is by the grace of God.
CLICK HERE FOR THE SERMON AUDIO & VIDEO
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS
- What was one thing you found particularly interesting, insightful, helpful or difficult to understand from this Sunday?
- Read and discuss 1 Corinthians 15:1-19. What do you note about Jesus? What do you learn about us? What commands, encouragements or warnings are there for us to heed?
- How do you define grace? How have you experienced grace?
- In what ways do we hide our pain and suffering? Why do we do this?
- What struggles are you currently facing? How do you see the grace of God at work there?
- What examples of God’s personal faithfulness have you seen in your life?
- “Hell is what I deserve. Anything beyond that is the grace of God.” How do you respond to that statement?
- How is the grace of God demonstrated in the gospel? How does this gospel grace enable us to live free?
Sunday Rewind | 3.13.2016
MUSIC & SCRIPTURE
Exalted One (Psalm 121:1-2) – For The Honor by Elevation Worship
Great Things (Worth It All) (Galatians 6:14) –Wake Up the Wonder by Elevation Worship
This I Believe (the Creed) (Romans 3:22) – Live Sessions Vol. 1 by For All Seasons
Lord of All (Psalm 97:5-6) – Attention by Kristian Stanfill
Be Thou My Vision (2 Corinthians 3:17-18) – Cathedral by Heartsong
TEACHING: James – Living Out Our Faith, Part 12
It’s not what you say, it’s why you say it.
CLICK HERE FOR THE SERMON AUDIO & VIDEO
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS
- What was one thing you found particularly interesting, insightful, helpful or difficult to understand from this sermon?
- From last week’s questions – were you able to speak words of encouragement and life to someone in particular this week? Give a report to your group.
- Read and discuss James 3:7-12. What descriptions, illustrations and metaphors are used to describe the tongue here? What do you think the significance of each one is?
- Go through each metaphor and illustration of the tongue in these verses – how have have you seen these at work in your own life?
- “A thousand encouraging words are wiped out by one harsh word.” Why? Do you have an example of this from your own life?
- Reflect on James 3:9. What is the significance of this verse? Why is it important to see others as made in the image of God? Why does this seem particularly important as we consider the power of the tongue?
- “It’s not what you say, it’s why you say it.” Why does the motivation of heart carry more weight than what we say or how we say it?
- How do we try to control the tongue? Can it actually be controlled? How?
- What does the gospel of Jesus have to do with how and why we use our words?
An Update on Conversations
If you’ve been around RBC for much time at all, you know that this time of year, we are usually in full swing putting together an Easter week production we call Conversations. Conversations is a winsome combination of live music, real life stories, humor and drama that is ultimately meant to lead to conversations about the beautiful good news of Jesus. Originally developed as an outreach-focused alternative to our traditional Easter Cantata, it has been a staple event in the life of our church for over a decade. Hundreds of volunteers, cast and crew have given significant amounts of time, treasure and talent to this production – and we are grateful to the Lord for every single person who has been involved in some way over the history of Conversations.
We want to let you know that the leadership of RBC has decided to not do Conversations this year, but instead provide a smaller series of teaching and worship events called A King & A Kingdom. During these evenings of worship, teaching, testimonies and prayer, Jamie Winship will encourage and challenge the RBC body to seek the King of Kings in all aspects of life.
We understand that not having Conversations is a big change in the rhythm of life at RBC. With that in mind, we wanted to provide you with some answers to some of the questions you may have regarding this change.
1. Why aren’t we having Conversations this year?
The Conversations team prays, evaluates and discusses Conversations every year to see if it is accomplishing what we want to accomplish and if it is the best thing for our congregation and community. We don’t ever desire to do events just because we have done them in the past. This year, we believe that Conversations does not best meet the needs of our congregation, as we see that there are many among us who are hurting deeply and have significant needs. We believe this year, rather than focusing outward, that it would be more effective for us to build up the body of Christ at RBC and to ask God to encourage, direct and heal His people here.
2. What is “A King & A Kingdom”?
A King and A Kingdom is an opportunity for us to come together as a body for a concentrated time of teaching, prayer, and worship, that we might grow in unity and in our individual walks with Christ.
The main sessions of A King & A Kingdom will take place 7:00-9:00pm the evenings of Wednesday, March 23 and Friday, March 25. These evenings will include worship, teaching, prayer, testimonies, and special music. Jamie Winship will be our speaker and will explore forgiveness, repentance, redemption through the lens of kingdom living. Our hope is that we will be greatly encouraged and challenged to follow the King and build into His Kingdom.
In addition to the two main evenings open to everyone, the ladies are also invited for an evening of teaching and encouragement with Donna Winship on Thursday night.
3. Will Wednesday and Friday night be the same?
The structure of Wednesday and Friday will be similar, but the content is different and will build on itself. We would encourage you to attend both evenings (but the events will stand alone if families are only able to attend one.)
4. Will the content be available after the events?
We plan to record the content and have it available for those who are interested, but unable to attend.
5. Will childcare be available?
Childcare will be available for all events, but only to those who register online in advance.
6. Is this an outreach?
The evenings of A King & A Kingdom are designed for followers of Christ to enrich their spiritual walks. We believe that those who do not know Christ would certainly receive value from their time here and might enjoy the events, but A King and A Kingdom is not specifically intended to be outreach opportunities.
Lastly, we want to clarify that these events are not to fill the calendar or replace Conversations, but rather as we sought the Lord regarding the needs of our congregation, we believe that He is directing us to provide opportunities to build into our church body. We encourage you to take advantage of these gatherings, and see what the Lord may have for you in them. We appreciate your support and look forward to seeing you at A King & A Kingdom.
Ordination of Mike Meyers
On Sunday, February 28, our church leadership was pleased to formally ordain Mike Meyers, our Children’s Ministry Director, to the pastorate. We thank the Lord for Mike’s faithful work here at our church and beyond, and we pray for Jesus’ blessing on Mike’s continued ministry. We are grateful to now have two Pastor Mikes on staff!
A LITTLE ABOUT MIKE: Michael John Meyers is a man who loves Jesus, loves his family and has a passion for helping young people find the Way that leads to life. In pursuit of that calling, Mike left the business world over a decade ago, where he was an operations manager of a Fortune 500 company. He eventually took on the role of Director of Children’s Ministries at Reston Bible Church in Reston, Virginia. In 2005, Mike and his wife Patricia founded Open Arms Brazil and in 2006 moved to Brazil where they ministered to at-risk children. Mike and his family moved back from Brazil, and in 2013, Mike resumed his full-time position as Children’s Ministry Director at RBC. He is also the acting president of Open Arms Worldwide (OAW), an RBC-supported missions organization with the goal of mobilizing, preparing, equipping, and aiding Christians to implement transformational, faith-based outreach projects for children and youth among the world’s poor.
Mike speaks to adults, youth, and children in the United States and throughout Brazil on the church’s role in raising a generation that knows the Lord and has a Biblical worldview. Mike brings a passionate and entrepreneurial approach to children’s ministry, missions, the church and the urgent need for God’s people to stand in the gap for the next generation.
Mike frequently blogs here on the RBC site and at Last Man Standing Church. He has also written a book called Last Man Standing: Jesus & the Fight for a Generation.
Baptisms | 2.21.2016
Last Sunday, we were privileged to witness the baptisms of four individuals within our congregation. Here at RBC, we believe that baptism is a public declaration of faith and allegiance to Jesus Christ. Though baptism is not required for salvation, it is an outward expression of an inward spiritual reality – it’s a visible picture of what Jesus has done for those who place their faith in Him as Lord and Savior. Baptism illustrates for us His death & resurrection, the washing away of our sin, and the new life we have in Christ.
What an honor to rejoice with Bella, Corey, Jack and Karen as they proclaimed their allegiance to Jesus through baptism last Sunday! If you are interested in learning more about baptism or being baptized at RBC, click here.
Sunday Rewind | 1.31.2016
MUSIC & SCRIPTURE
Be Lifted High (John 3:30) –Nothing is Wasted by Elevation Worship
How Great Thou Art (Psalm 145:3) – Hymns Ancient & Modern by Charlie Hall (Passion)
Great Things (Worth It All) (Galatians 6:14) –Wake Up the Wonder by Elevation Worship
Cornerstone (Psalm 18:2) – Cornerstone by Hillsong Worship
God Is Able (Ephesians 3:20-21) – God is Able by Hillsong Worship
TEACHING: Redemption
Even in the most difficult of times, God is doing wondrous works of redemption. “Our bad things turn out for good. Our good things can never be lost. And the best things are yet to come.”
CLICK HERE FOR THE SERMON AUDIO & VIDEO
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS
- What was one thing you found particularly interesting, insightful, helpful or difficult to understand from this sermon?
- What does it mean to “redeem” something? What does it mean that God is “a God of redemption”?
- Read and discuss Psalm 107. What does this tell us about redemption? How is redemption tied to the love of God?
- What examples of God’s redeeming hand do you see in Scripture?
- Tell your story – how did God redeem you to salvation? What are some difficult situations in your life He has redeemed after you put your faith in Christ?
- Discuss this quote by Jonathan Edwards: “Our bad things turn out for good. Our good things can never be lost. And the best things are yet to come.” How does this eternal perspective challenge or encourage you in this season of life?
- How does the gospel of Jesus show us the redemptive hand of God? What hope does the gospel give you when you walk through trials, suffering and difficulty?
- Spend some time in prayer thanking God for redeeming you in Jesus Christ. Pray for our church in a season of difficulty, that we would trust God’s redeeming hand in the process. Pray for situations in your life that you long to see redeemed by the Lord.
Sunday Rewind | 12.13.2015
VIDEO ANNOUNCEMENTS
During Sunday worship services, we want to spend less time making announcements and more time worshiping. To help facilitate that, we’ll show a brief video announcement segment 4-5 minutes before each service begins. Grab an early seat just before your service begins so you can take advantage of these pre-service announcements. We’ll also post them here on the Sunday Rewind each week.
MUSIC & SCRIPTURE
All Creation Sing (Joy To The World) (Psalm 96:12-13a) – North Point Christmas by Seth Condrey (North Point)
O Come All Ye Faithful (John 1:14) – Christ Is Come by Big Daddy Weave
Alive in Us (Ephesians 2:4-5) – God is Able by Hillsong Worship
I Will Look Up (Deuteronomy 7:9) –Only King Forever by Elevation Worship
With Us (Psalm 46:10-11a) – God Is Able by Hillsong Worship
TEACHING: James – Living Out Our Faith, Part 9
The moral law is a judge. The royal law is a guide.
CLICK HERE FOR THE SERMON AUDIO & VIDEO
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 2:8-13. What do these verses tell us about us? What do they tell us about God? What encouragements, warnings or commands are here for us to heed?
- What is the moral law of scripture? Why does Paul call it “the law of righteousness” (Romans 3:21)?
- “To violate any part of the moral law is to violate all of it.” Why? What are the implications of this?
- What is the “royal law” (v. 8)?
- It what ways is the royal law “easy to understand, but hard to believe”? How should we live this law out in speech & action?
- What is mercy? What does the gospel of Jesus demonstrate for us about mercy? How does mercy triumph over judgement?
- Share a time when you received mercy. Is there someone to whom you need to show mercy?
- How is Christ the both the end to the moral law and the fulfillment of the royal law?
- Spend some time in prayer thanking God for the mercy we have in Jesus Christ. Ask Him to reveal to you if there is someone to whom you need to show mercy instead of judgement. Pray for the faith to step out in obedience in showing mercy.
Sunday Rewind | 12.6.2015
VIDEO ANNOUNCEMENTS
During Sunday worship services, we want to spend less time making announcements and more time worshiping. To help facilitate that, we’ll show a brief video announcement segment 4-5 minutes before each service begins. Grab an early seat just before your service begins so you can take advantage of these pre-service announcements. We’ll also post them here on the Sunday Rewind each week.
MUSIC & SCRIPTURE
Be Lifted High (John 3:30) –Nothing is Wasted by Elevation Worship
Our King Has Come (Romans 5:1-2) – For The Honor by Elevation Worship
Hark! The Herald Angels Sing (Luke 2:9-10) – North Point Christmas by Eddie Kirkland (North Point)
Be Thou My Vision (2 Corinthians 3:17-18) – Cathedral by Heartsong
TEACHING: Reconciliation – Crossing Thresholds
Racial reconciliation happens in the seats, not in the pulpit. You must walk with people who are different in order to love them.
CLICK HERE FOR THE SERMON AUDIO & VIDEO
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 Acts 10. What do these verses tell us about us? What do they tell us about God? What encouragements, warnings or commands are here for us to heed?
- What examples of ethnic discrimination do you see in these verses? How is it resolved?
- How does our own hypocrisy keep us from crossing ethnic thresholds?
- What is the role of prayer in racial reconciliation?
- “You must walk with people who are different than you in order to understand and love them.” Have you found this to be true? What examples have you seen of this?
- How can you reach out to those who don’t like you, or whom you don’t like? What is one way you can you be intentional to cross racial/ethnic thresholds in your life?
- How does the gospel of Jesus Christ empower us to cross ethnic thresholds? How did Jesus walk with people who were different than Him? What must our response be to His example?
- Spend some time in prayer, thanking God that He walks with us in Christ. Ask Him to enable you with gospel-powered grace and wisdom to intentionally cross ethnic/racial thresholds in your spheres of influence.