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 | 9.27.15
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
Alive in Us (Ephesians 2:4-5) – God is Able by Hillsong Worship
Rock of Ages (Deuteronomy 32:3-4) – Death of Death by Charlie Hall
Whom Shall I Fear (God of Angel Armies) (Psalm 27:1) – Let The Future Begin by Chris Tomlin (Passion)
I Will Look Up (Deuteronomy 7:9) – Only King Forever by Elevation Worship
TEACHING: Love One Another
God not only highlights but elevates His command for us to love one another.
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 comes to mind when you think of the love of God?
- Do you think God loves you? Why or why not?
- Read and discuss 1 Peter 4:7-11, Colossians 3:12-14, Matthew 22:34-40, Galatians 5:13-14, Romans 13:8-10, John 13:34-35, and 1 Corinthians 13:1-3. What do these verses tell us about us? What do they tell us about God? What do we learn about love?
- What impact does the inclusion of the phrase “above all” have on these verses (particularly the verses from 1 Peter and Colossians)? How should we respond to what these verses are telling us?
- How have you been the recipient of others’ love? What examples of others’ love toward you stand out most in your life?
- How do you respond to this statement? “We love others best by loving Christ most.”
- What does the gospel of Jesus show us about love? How does the gospel change or affect how we love one another?
- How can you reach out and show love to someone else this week? Spend some time praying and asking the Lord how He would want you to love this person in a tangible, practical way this week.
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.
Sunday Rewind | 8.23.2015
MUSIC & SCRIPTURE
Your Love Never Fails (Romans 8:28) – Your Love Never Fails by Jesus Culture
Blessed Be Your Name (Job 1:21) – Blessed Be Your Name: The Songs of Matt Redman, Vol. 1
Lord of All (Psalm 97:5-6) – Attention by Kristian Stanfill
It is Well (Isaiah 66:12) – Public Domain (additional chorus by Hillsong Chapel)
I Stand Amazed (2 Corinthians 8:9) – North Point Live by Candi Shelton (North Point)
TEACHING: The Patriarchs, Part 6: Jacob’s Personality
Present decisions determine future consequences. Living for the present will destroy your future.
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?
- How would you describe your personality? Have you ever taken a personality test? Was it accurate? Do you find your personality changed through the years? How so?
- Read and discuss Genesis 25:19-34. Who are the main characters in this account? What do you observe about them in this text? What are their main personality traits based on this account?
- How did Esau despise his birthright? What modern parallels of this do we see? What personal parallels do you see?
- How did Jacob “force the hand of God”? Have you ever done this? What happened?
- How do present passions blur the future? What decisions currently lie before you where you need to trust the goodness and sovereignty of God?
- How does the gospel enable God’s morality to flow through our personality? How does the gospel direct our morality?
- Are you involved in anything right now that you know could destroy your future? Spend some time praying with your small group and discussing an accountability plan for those situations.
Sunday Rewind | 8.2.2015
MUSIC & SCRIPTURE
Unstoppable God (Luke 1:37) – Wake up the Wonder by Elevation Worship
Open Up the Heavens (Psalm 108:4-5) – Worth It All by Meredith Andrews
Touch the Sky (1 Corinthians 2:9) – Empires by Hillsong United
I Lift My Hands (Psalm 46:10) – Hello Love by Chris Tomlin
Cornerstone (Psalm 18:2) – Cornerstone by Hillsong Worship
Lord I Need You (Hebrews 4:16) – All The People Said Amen by Matt Maher
Bumper Music: You’re Beautiful by Phil Wickham
TEACHING: Picture Imperfect
Marriage is an imperfect earthly picture of a perfect heavenly truth, a living parable of the gospel. What story is your marriage telling those around 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?
- Whatever your view of marriage or your marital status happens to be, what has been the single biggest influence on how you view marriage?
- Read and discuss Ephesians 2:1-10 and 5:15-33. How does faith in Christ point us to marriage? How does marriage point us to faith in Christ? How is marriage an imperfect picture of a perfect heavenly truth?
- What authorities in your life do you have to submit to? What does it mean to biblically submit in the context of marriage?
- “Work steals the degree to which we can love our wives.” Discuss this statement. Have you found that to be true?
- How does the gospel of Jesus Christ give context to God’s gift of marriage? How does the gospel inform, support, guide and empower marriage?
- If you are married, how would you describe the state of your marriage and what is one thing you can do to apply the gospel within your marriage? If you are unmarried, what is one thing you can do to give gospel support to the marriages around you?
- Give thanks in prayer to God that He has given us the gift of marriage as a living parable of the Gospel. Pray for the state of marriage in our country in general. Pray for your own marriage and the marriages around you, that God would strengthen them and that they would be a light for the Lord.
Sunday Rewind | 7.26.2015
MUSIC & SCRIPTURE
Closer (Psalm 89:14-15) – Glorious Ruins by Hillsong Worship
Our God Is Love (1 John 4:9-10) – A Beautiful Exchange by Hillsong
10,000 Reasons (Psalm 103:1) – Unrelenting Love by Nick Thurmond
Your Great Name (Philippians 2:10-11) – Love Revolution by Natalie Grant
I Will Look Up (Deuteronomy 7:9) –Only King Forever by Elevation Worship
Endless Light (Psalm 113:3-4) – Cornerstone by Hillsong
TEACHING: Seeing is Believing
We take for granted that we see the world around us accurately, but that is not always true. What we see – or don’t see – can make all the difference in the world. Is seeing really believing?
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?
- How do we see themes of light and dark reflected in the stories of our culture?
- Read and discuss John 1:1-18, Genesis 1:1-5, John 3:16-21, Genesis 3:1-7 and John 8:12. What do these verses tell us about man? What do you see about Christ? What do these verses tell us about darkness & light, seeing & not seeing?
- How do these verses speak to the theme of redemption?
- How does the exodus and the Festival of Tabernacles provide context to Jesus’ claim about being the light of the world (John 8:12)?
- Discuss the following statement: “The essence of sin is not doing bad things. The essence of sin is believing a lie about God, that He can’t be trusted, that He isn’t good…” How does believing lies about God keep us from seeing the world as it really is? What are the practical implications of this as we live out our lives?
- How does the gospel of Jesus Christ show us God’s gift of light in the midst of darkness? What lies about God does the gospel dispel?
- Give thanks in prayer to God that Jesus was cast into darkness on our behalf, to demonstrate His great love for us. Pray for those people you know who are still hidden in darkness, that they would come to know the marvelous light of Jesus.
Now & Always – New Live Worship Album
The process of recording this new live project was a great testimony of the Lord continuing to lead us in the leading of His people. God has done great things in our midst over this past year. He has used these eleven songs, in particular, to remind us of the unfailing grace and love He extends to us daily and the glory He is due with every word that escapes our lips.
In compiling the songs that ultimately were recorded for Now & Always, God was clearly weaving them together to unveil some amazing themes that would allow us to go into production with great confidence and joy. These songs have been such a blessing to sing together as a church – with most of them being introduced over the past twelve months. It’s such a privilege to look back and see how God has used His powerful Word paired with these powerful melodies and beautiful lyrics to provide a voice for our church to sing with such passionate faith.
The title, Now & Always, comes directly from one of my favorite lines from the fifth track, the hymn Be Thou My Vision – “Riches I heed not nor man’s empty praise / Thou mine inheritance, now and always.” It’s such a great reminder of the nature of our relationship with our Creator – that nothing we gain in this life can even begin to compare to the glorious inheritance of a life spent knowing Him and an eternity spent in His presence.
So many lyrics from this collection of songs point to the truth of this perfectly sustaining existence alongside Christ – both here on this earth (Now) and the promise of Heaven (Always):
Nothing shall be impossible / Your kingdom reigns unstoppable / We’ll shout your praise forevermore / Jesus, our God, unstoppable (I know that you can do all things; no purpose of yours can be thwarted. Job 42:2)
O my God, He will not delay / My refuge and strength always / I will not fear, His promise is true / My God will come through always, always (The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. Psalm 18:2)
There’s no end to Your love, there’s no end to Your love / You’re with us, You’re with us / There’s nothing in this world that could take You away / You’re with us, You’re with us (He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” The Lord Almighty is with us. Psalm 46:10-11)
Our hope through the process of recording this album has always been to simply extend the time we have together on Sundays into the other 167 hours of your week. We hope that these familiar songs with these familiar voices and arrangements will be a blessing to you and provide more opportunities to praise God – either on your own or together with your families.
We are truly thankful for the opportunity to use God’s incredible gift of music to reach the hearts of His people. May our worship be full of passion. May it flow freely. And by all means, may it be louder than anything else in our lives. We hope you enjoy it.
– – –
AUDIO CDS: CDs of NOw & always are now available in the rbc bookstore! IF YOU preordered a cd, you can pick them up there.
DIGITAL album: the digital version of Now & Always is now available on iTunes or Amazon Mp3 (click the icons below) as well as a variety of other digital music & streaming services including spotify, Google play, Rhapsody, and iheartradio.
