Sunday Rewind | 11.29.2015
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
Endless Light (Psalm 113:3-4) – Cornerstone by Hillsong Worship
Open Up the Heavens (Psalm 108:4-5) – Worth It All by Meredith Andrews
Rock of Ages (Deuteronomy 32:3-4) – Death of Death by Charlie Hall
Your Promises (2 Peter 1:3-4a) – Wake Up the Wonder by Elevation Worship
TEACHING: James – Living Out Our Faith, Part 8
God’s moral law tells us how to live, but condemns our every attempt to live it. Yet obedience to His holy standard sets us free from being slaves to sin. We obey out of God’s love, not to earn God’s love.
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 2:8-11 and Romans 6:12-19. 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?
- How is the term “law” used in these verses? How does the law condemn us? At the same time, how is this also a “law of liberty” (James 1:25)? What is the relationship between law and grace?
- Since we are no longer under God’s moral law, but under grace (Romans 6), should we still obey the law? Why or why not?
- What’s the difference between obeying the law and being under the law?
- How do we tend to compartmentalize our sin? What are the effects of this?
- How does the gospel of Jesus absorb the curse of the law for us? How then should we live?
- Spend time in prayer thanking for His perfect law, which points us to Jesus. Ask Him to help you grow in grace-fueled obedience.
Sunday Rewind | 11.22.2015
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
In Your Presence (Deuteronomy 31:6) –Nothing is Wasted by Elevation Worship
Your Great Name (Philippians 2:10-11) – Love Revolution by Natalie Grant
Come Thou Fount (Psalm 16:11) – Original Arrangement
Keeper of My Heart (Psalm 121:1-2) – Majestic by Kari Jobe
Lord I Need You (Hebrews 4:16) – All The People Said Amen by Matt Maher
TEACHING: James – Living Out Our Faith, Part 7
Where love reigns, sin is unemployed.
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 2:1-9. 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?
- Why is “love your neighbor as yourself” referred to as “the royal law” in verse 8? Who does this royal law apply to? Who is your neighbor? In what way is this an impossible command? In what way is it possible?
- Why do we tend to trust in our wealth or possessions? How is this a false security?
- Can you identify an area of life where you struggle with favoritism, bias or prejudice? What would it look like to apply the gospel to this area?
- Discuss the implications of this statement: “Where love reigns, sin is unemployed.” Have you found this to be true? What are some examples? What are some examples of the opposite of this statement (where love does not reign, sin is employed)?
- How does the gospel compel us to “be neighbor to” those in need? Who do you need to see as your neighbor?
- Spend time in prayer thanking for His great love toward us. Ask Him to help you identify those in need whom you can “be neighbor to” and give you the grace to love them in practical ways.
LOVE AS VIEWED BY THE RECIPIENT
LOVE IS PATIENT: Thank you for being patient with my shortcomings, it makes me feel accepted by you.
LOVE IS KIND: Your kindness is more than I could ever wish as it makes each day something to look forward to.
LOVE IS NOT ENVIOUS: I have never felt your envy toward me which makes our relationship one of encouragement and not competition.
LOVE IS NOT BOASTFUL: You never speak highly of yourself which becomes an example for me to emulate.
LOVE IS NOT PROUD: Your humility landscapes the lives of those around you, and my life has been shaped by it.
LOVE IS NOT RUDE: There are no sharp edges in your speech or manners. I can express my thoughts without fear of attack.
LOVE IS NOT SELF-SEEKING: The fact that you are not self-seeking makes me feel important and not just tolerated.
LOVE IS NOT ANGRY: You never seem angry which makes me feel protected and safe when I don’t measure up.
LOVE DOES NOT KEEP SCORE: I have the freedom to fail without being reminded of past failures.
LOVE DELIGHTS NOT IN EVIL: Your avoidance of evil is a moral safeguard in our friendship.
LOVE REJOICES IN TRUTH: Your pursuit of truth gives me confidence that you are making wise decisions.
LOVE PROTECTS: I feel secure that you desire to protect my reputation, emotions and the hidden fears of my heart.
LOVE TRUSTS: Your consistent trust in me removes any suspicion and replaces it with trust in you.
LOVE GIVES HOPE: When you give hope to my life I feel valued.
LOVE PERSEVERES: Your persevering love has been a faithful guide for my earthly pilgrimage.
YOUR LOVE HAS SET ME FREE.
Sunday Rewind | 11.1.2015
VIDEO ANNOUNCEMENTS
As we adjust to three 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
Closer (Psalm 89:14-15) – Glorious Ruins by Hillsong Worship
Your Promises (2 Peter 1:3-4a) – Wake Up the Wonder by Elevation Worship
Glorious (Psalm 111:2-3) – Glorious by Paul Baloche
Great Things (Worth It All) (Galatians 6:14) –Wake Up the Wonder by Elevation Worship
Christ is Enough (2 Cor. 12:9) – Glorious Ruins by Hillsong Live
TEACHING: James – Living Out Our Faith, Part 6
No sin so blinds the human soul as favoritism. We are often not so much partial against others as we are for ourselves.
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 is one way in which you tend to struggle with partiality, favoritism or bias toward others? From others?
- Read and discuss James 2:1-4. What do these verses tell us about us? What do they tell us about God? What context does James 1 give to these statements? What warnings or commands are there for us to heed?
- “No sin so blinds the human soul as favoritism.”Have you observed this statement to be true? How?
- Why is it “second nature” for us to be partial in ways that strain, inhibit or damage relationships?
- How does the gospel help us see others as “imago Dei” – in the image of God? Why is this important?
- Spend some time confessing areas where you show partiality and ask God to reveal any hidden areas of favoritism in your life. Give Him thanks for His impartial mercy in the gospel of Jesus.
Sunday Rewind | 10.18.2015
VIDEO ANNOUNCEMENTS
As we adjust to three 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
Only King Forever (1 Timothy 1:17) – Only King Forever by Elevation Worship
With Us (Psalm 46:10-11a) – God Is Able by Hillsong Worship
Hosanna (Mark 11:9-10) – Savior King by Hillsong Worship
In Your Presence (Deuteronomy 31:6) –Nothing is Wasted by Elevation Worship
Your Great Name (Philippians 2:10-11) – Love Revolution by Natalie Grant
TEACHING: James – Living Out Our Faith, Part 5
Every time we believe a lie, it becomes easier to believe the next one. Lies pave the way to more lies.
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?
- Last week’s “homework” was to read one chapter of Proverbs each day until your group meets again. What did you learn? What insights did you gain?
- Read and discuss James 1:19-27 and John 8:42-44. What do these verses tell us about us? What do they tell us about God? What warnings or commands are here?
- What is the “world” in the context of these verses? How do we experience the world? How can we be tainted by the world?
- Pastor Mike shared 3 areas where lies from the world invade: Intellectually, morally & materialistically. What examples of each can you think of?
- In Pastor Mike’s example, what is the difference between “science” and “scientist”? What happens if you fail to make the distinction? What other examples like this can you think of?
- “Intellectual lies lead to moral lies lead to material lies” Have you found this sequence to be true? How to lies pave the way for more lies? Give examples.
- How does the gospel of Jesus deal with the stain of the world? How does the gospel keep us from being permanently stained?
- Are there particular areas of your life that have been stained or polluted by the world? Spend some time in prayer surrendering these to the Lord, and thanking Him for the cleansing power of the gospel.
Sunday Rewind | 10.11.2015
VIDEO ANNOUNCEMENTS
As we adjust to three 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
Our God Is Love (1 John 4:9-10) – A Beautiful Exchange by Hillsong Worship
The Wonderful Cross (Romans 8:38-39) – The Worship Initiative, Vol. 5 by Shane and Shane
Give Me Faith (Psalm 73:25-26) – Nothing Is Wasted by Elevation Worship
Keeper of My Heart (Psalm 121:1-2) – Majestic by Kari Jobe
Glorious (Psalm 111:2-3) – Everything Glorious by Chris Tomlin (Passion
TEACHING: James – Living Out Our Faith, Part 4
The desire to obey instruction is prompted by the anticipated outcome. To be humble is to be teachable, to be teachable is to be reachable. To look intently into the Word of God is to have the Word of God look intently into you.
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 1:21-25. What do these verses tell us about us? What do they tell us about God? What do you note about the Word of God in these verses? What warnings or commands are here?
- What does it mean to “humbly accept the word” (v. 21)? Why is humility important in the context of the Word of God?
- In what ways is our desire to obey prompted by what we think the outcome will be?
- How do you respond to this statement? “To look intently into the Word of God is to have the Word of God look intently into you.”
- How is it liberating to obey the word of God? How does the gospel of Jesus show us that the Word of God is liberating, not oppressive? How does the gospel show us the wisdom of the Scriptures.
- How can you cultivate the grace of obedience to the Word? Is there a specific area where you struggle with disobedience? Spend some time in prayer about this.
- Read one chapter of Proverbs each day until your group meets again. Keep a journal of insights as you read and meditate on these scriptures. Share what you learned with your group the next time you meet.
Sunday Rewind | 10.4.2015
VIDEO ANNOUNCEMENTS
As we adjust to three 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
Open Up the Heavens (Psalm 108:4-5) – Worth It All by Meredith Andrews
The Lord Our God (James 1:17) – Passion: Let the Future Begin by Kristian Stanfill (Passion)
Lord I Need You (Hebrews 4:16) – All The People Said Amen by Matt Maher
Cornerstone (Psalm 18:2) – Cornerstone by Hillsong Worship
TEACHING: James – Living Out Our Faith, Part 3
When the church doesn’t listen to the world, the world doesn’t listen to the church. Listening is a platform for evangelism, and often listening speaks more than speaking does.
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 are some good things you have from the Lord? Are there some things in your life from the Lord that you would categorize as “good but difficult”?
- Read and discuss James 1:16-21. What do these verses tell us about us? What do they tell us about God? What do you note about the Word of God in these verses?
- What does being swift to hear and slow to speak have to do with wrath or anger?
- What is the correlation between anger and immorality?
- Why to we have the tendency to “talk above” others? How have you seen this in culture & society? How have you seen it in your own life?
- Referring to the previous question, what implications does this have for the church?
- Read and discuss 1 Peter 2:21-25. How does Jesus provide an example about how we are to conduct ourselves in speaking and listening? How does the gospel empower us to this end?
- How can you cultivate the grace of listening? Is there a specific person or situation where you need to do this? Spend some time in prayer about this.
Sunday Rewind | 9.20.15
VIDEO ANNOUNCEMENTS
As we adjust to three 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
Only King Forever (1 Timothy 1:17) – Only King Forever by Elevation Worship
God You Lifted Me Out (Psalm 30:1-2) – For The Honor by Elevation Worship
Keeper of My Heart (Psalm 121:1-2) – Majestic by Kari Jobe
Touch the Sky (1 Corinthians 2:9) – Empires by Hillsong United
Beautiful Jesus (Romans 1:20) –Attention by Kristian Stanfill
Your Promises (2 Peter 1:3-4a) – Wake Up the Wonder by Elevation Worship
TEACHING: James – Living Out Our Faith, Part 2
When driven by our natural desires, we fill our insecurities with things that only wind up creating more insecurities. The ultimate desire that must replace all others is to love God with all your heart, mind, soul and strength.
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 is the nature of human desire? How is desire related to idolatry?
- Read and discuss James 1:9-15. What do these verses tell us about man? What do they tell us about God? What do we learn about temptation and desire?
- Why would it be evil for God to tempt us? What is the distinctions between temptation and testing?
- “Habit will eat willpower for lunch any day of the week.” Can you think of examples of this in your own life?
- Discuss the following statement: “We try to fill our insecurities with things that only wind up creating more insecurities.” Have you found this to be true in your life? What examples can you share? What specific insecurities can you identify in your own life?
- How does the gospel of Jesus impact, form or re-form our natural desires? How does the gospel direct us toward humility, sacrifice and love?
- Spend some time praying together for the things you’ve discussed. Ask God to weed out fleshly desires in your life and replace them with love for Him.
Sunday Rewind | 9.13.2015
MUSIC & SCRIPTURE
Endless Light (Psalm 113:3-4) – Cornerstone by Hillsong
Keeper of My Heart (Psalm 121:1-2) – Majestic by Kari Jobe
Be Thou My Vision (2 Corinthians 3:17-18) – Cathedral by Heartsong
Great Things (Worth It All) (Galatians 6:14) –Wake Up the Wonder by Elevation Worship
Be Lifted High (John 3:30) –Nothing is Wasted by Elevation Worship
TEACHING: James – Living Out Our Faith, Part 1
The world’s currency is pleasure. God’s currency is pain. In His grace, God leverages pain for our good and His glory.
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?
- Why do you think God allows pain and suffering?
- Read and discuss James 1:1-8. What do these verses tell us about man? About God? What do we learn about the nature of trials, pain and wisdom?
- What are your thoughts on this quote from C.S. Lewis? “Pain insists upon being attended to. God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our consciences, but shouts in our pains. It is his megaphone to rouse a deaf world.”
- In what ways does God leverage pain to…
- …remove impurities in our lives?
- …drive us to His Word?
- …make us long for glory?
- …help us see the brevity of life?
- …drive us to grace?
- …build eternal relationships?
- Read and discuss 2 Corinthians 4:8-18. Why does the author call our troubles “light” and “momentary” (v.17)? Why is it difficult to live in light of this truth? How does affliction prepare us for an “eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison” (v.17)?
- What are you going through now that you need to “count as joy” (James 1:2), even though the situation itself is not joyful?
- Spend some time praying together for the things you’ve discussed.
Sunday Rewind | 9.6.2015
MUSIC & SCRIPTURE
Closer (Psalm 89:14-15) – Glorious Ruins by Hillsong Worship
Glorious (Psalm 111:2-3) – Glorious by Paul Baloche
Unending Love (Romans 8:38-39) – God is Able by Hillsong Worship
In Christ Alone (Galatians 2:20) – Let The Future Begin by Kristian Stanfill (Passion)
Always (Psalm 121:1-2) – Here For You by Kristian Stanfill (Passion)
TEACHING: The Patriarchs, Part 8: Jacob’s Blessing
As Jacob discovered, even seemingly small sins can lead us far away from the Lord. Yet in His mercy, He will “wrestle” with us to break our self-reliance and point us back to His glory.
CLICK HERE FOR THE SERMON AUDIO & VIDEO
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS
- If you could create your own tagline or summary of this message, what would it be?
- How do “small” sins send our walk with the Lord so far off course? Why will the consequences of sin always be greater than the momentary pleasure?
- Read Genesis 32:22-32. Who is the “man” that Jacob is wrestling with all night? If the man was powerful enough to be able to wound Jacob’s hip simply by touching it, why was Jacob allowed to overcome him?
- What does it mean for us to “wrestle” with God?
- Are there areas in your life where you are trying to scheme your way to your own will, rather than pray for God to bring about His will? What skill or gift or talent do you find yourself relying on instead of God’s strength? Where are you seeking your own glory instead of His?
- Can you think of a time in your life where it seemed as though God was placing an obstacle in your path to break you of your self-confidence?
- How has your view of the Patriarchs changed as a result of this series? What are some of the main lessons you’ve taken from the lives of Adam, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob?
Sunday Rewind | 8.30.2015
MUSIC & SCRIPTURE
Unstoppable God (Luke 1:37) – Wake up the Wonder by Elevation Worship
How Great Thou Art (Psalm 145:3) – Hymns Ancient & Modern by Charlie Hall (Passion)
Forever Reign (Lamentations 5:19) – A Beautiful Exchange by Hillsong
Jesus Paid It All (Colossians 2:13-14) – North Point Live by Kristian Stanfill
How Deep the Father’s Love for Us (Galatians 6:14) – Original Arrangement
TEACHING: The Patriarchs, Part 7: Jacob’s Wives
Deception creates obstruction. And we are ourselves deceived when we seek after what we think will fulfill our hearts’ longings, rather than Christ alone.
CLICK HERE FOR THE SERMON AUDIO & VIDEO
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS
- What was one piece of this message that especially challenged or encouraged you?
- What does it mean that deception creates obstacles? How does deception create physical or circumstantial obstructions? How does it obstruct our walk with the Lord?
- How did Jacob’s deception create obstacles? How did Laban’s?
- Where do you see yourself in this story?
- Read Genesis 29:16-35. How does Leah represent the longings of our hearts? How does Rachel represent the ways we try to fill those longings?
- Is there a hole in your heart that you are trying to fill with something other than Jesus Christ? What are you striving after right now that you believe would fulfill you, if you achieved it?
- How is Jesus the “true Rachel”? Spend some time praying that He would help you desire Him more than anything else, and praising Him as the One worthy of our desire.