Let Us Worship Together
The heart of life of any Christian community is worship. It strengthens, it deepens, and it unifies. As Christians, our hearts are in a constant war over our worship – a war between the totality of God’s inhabitance in our hearts and everything else in our lives. Boiled down, our worship is all about value. It is our response to what we value most. Christ is the only one worthy of our praise. He is the only one worthy of our worship. He is our value. We are called to respond to God’s incredible revelations in our lives through worship and prayer and community. That calling is an awesome privilege and it’s our prayer that we would all be stirred to have an intense desire to obey that calling – if for no other reason but because it matters to our God, our Creator.
With this in mind, we constantly pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of His calling, and that by His power He may bring to fruition your every desire for goodness and your every deed prompted by faith. We pray this so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Thessalonians 1:11-12
Through Christ you can breathe again; inhaling the wonder of God that always surrounds you, exhaling words and deeds of praise that reflect all of who He is. Join us this Friday at 6:30 in the auditorium for an extended time of worship… praising God together with one voice.
Sunday Rewind | 7.6.14
MUSIC & SCRIPTURE
God Is Able (Ephesians 3:20-21) – God Is Able by Hillsong
God Is With Us (Psalm 46:10-11a) – Louder Than Creation by Michael Olson (North Point)
Majesty (Isaiah 53:5) – Majesty: The Worship EP by Leeland
The Lord Our God (James 1:17) – Let The Future Begin by Kristian Stanfill (Passion)
Glorious (Psalm 72:18-19) – Glorious by Paul Baloche
You Never Let Go (Psalm 23:4) – Beautiful News by Matt Redman
TEACHING: The Armor of God
The lie the enemy whispers in our ear is almost always some form of “God could never love you.” If you try to defend yourself with the armor of your own attributes, you’ll believe the lie every time – but God offers a better armor, and in Christ, the sin you cannot forget, God cannot remember.
CLICK HERE FOR THE SERMON AUDIO
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS
- What was one thing particularly interesting, insightful, helpful or difficult to understand from this sermon?
- Read and discuss Ephesians 6:10-20. What do these verses tell you about man? About Satan? About God?
- How would you describe the battle mankind is engaged in, based on these verses?
- What does this spiritual battle tend to look like for you personally? What specific “flaming darts” are you currently dealing with (v. 16)?
- Do you ever feel the pressure to “hide behind a version of yourself”? Where does this pressure come from? Does the source of this pressure align with the truth of the scriptures?
- “Our greatest fear is to be known and to be rejected.” Do you find this to be true in your life? Do you find it difficult to let others know “the real you”? Why or why not?
- Do you ever find yourself defending yourself with the armor of your own attributes?
- “God could never love you.” How does the gospel address this lie?
- How does the armor of God in Ephesians 6 point us to Jesus?
- Send some time in prayer thanking God that He knows us and loves us. Pray for His redemptive perspective on any “flaming darts” you may be dealing with.
Sunday Rewind | 6.29.2014
MUSIC & SCRIPTURE
Glorious (Psalm 111:2-3) – Everything Glorious by Chris Tomlin (Passion)
Rock of Ages (Deuteronomy 32:3-4) – The Death of Death by Charlie Hall
Lord I Need You (Hebrews 4:16) – All The People Said Amen by Matt Maher
Christ Is Enough (2 Corinthians 12:9) – Glorious Ruins by Hillsong
Mighty To Save (Zephaniah 3:17) – Yahweh by Hillsong
Lord of All (Psalm 97:5-6) – Attention by Kristian Stanfill
TEACHING: Free to Worship
God has set us free to worship Him, but freedom requires sacrifice and a generous heart.
CLICK HERE FOR THE SERMON AUDIO
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS
- How did this message change or enhance your understanding of worship?
- What does it mean to be “free to worship”? What Scripture comes to mind that displays this freedom?
- Do you keep a few idols in the “closet” of your heart? What are they? How do these idols or “impostors” hinder your worship of the true God?
- Read Isaiah 45:14-25. Do these verses inspire you to worship? How do they speak to God’s worth, and the worthlessness of idols?
- In 2 Samuel 24:24, David says, “I will not offer burnt offerings to the Lord my God that cost me nothing.” Why does our freedom to worship require sacrifice?
- How can you keep your possessions from possessing you, and thus drawing you away from worship? How can you encourage others to serve God rather than mammon?
- What are some practical ways you can stretch yourself in being generous to God?
Sunday Rewind | 6.22.2014
MUSIC & SCRIPTURE
Sing, Sing, Sing (Psalm 47:6-7) – Hello Love by Chris Tomlin
With Us (Psalm 46:10-11a) – God Is Able by Hillsong
Unending Love (Romans 8:38-39) – God Is Able by Hillsong
Be Thou My Vision (2 Corinthians 3:17-18) – Cathedral by HEARTSONG
I Will Look Up (Deuteronomy7:9) – Only King Forever by Elevation Worship
Be Lifted High (John 3:30) – Nothing Is Wasted by Elevation Worship
TEACHING: Rooted, Part 4
As Paul closes the first chapter of Colossians, the apostle addresses the topics of suffering, maturity, power, assignment and the mystery of Christ in us.
CLICK HERE FOR THE SERMON AUDIO
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS
- What was one thing from this message that was particularly helpful or insightful? What was one thing that was difficult to understand or put into practice?
- “All scripture is equally inspired, but not all scripture is equally inspiring.” What does this mean? Do you find it to be true?
- Read and discuss Colossians 1:24-29. What themes do you note in these verses? What do these verses show us about Jesus?
- What does it mean to “rejoice in … sufferings” (v. 24)? What is Paul saying by this statement, and what does it mean for us today?
- How does suffering and affliction advance the gospel?
- What is the mystery Paul writes of in verse 26? How has this mystery become “tame” to us?
- What does Paul mean by presenting everyone as “mature in Christ” (v. 28)? On a scale from 1-10 (1 being very immature, 10 being very mature), how would you rate your own maturity in Christ? What are some criteria for Christian maturity?
- “Power comes with assignment.” Have you found this to be true in your life? What examples from scripture can you think of that demonstrate this principle?
- Do you feel that you have a specific assignment from God? What is it?
- Spend some time praying through the verses in Colossians 1:24-29, thanking God for revealing the mystery of Christ, the hope of glory.
Sunday Rewind | 6.8.2014
MUSIC & SCRIPTURE
Our God Is Love (1 John 4:9-10) – A Beautiful Exchange by Hillsong
Open Up Our Eyes (Ephesians 1:18-19a) – Nothing Is Wasted by Elevation Worship
10,000 Reasons (Psalm 103:1) – Unrelenting Love by Nick Thurmond
Son of God (Psalm 145:3-4) – Beauty in the Broken by Starfield
Take My Life (2 Corinthians 5:14-15) – Hymns Ancient & Modern by Chris Tomlin (Passion)
TEACHING: Rooted, Part 2
Jesus is not just the Son of God, but He is also God. This truth is a marvelous keystone of the Christian faith, one that will cause either worship or rejection of Christ.
CLICK HERE FOR THE SERMON AUDIO
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS
- What was one thing from this message that was particularly helpful or insightful? What was one thing that was difficult to understand or put into practice?
- What comes to mind when you think of the person of Jesus?
- Read and discuss Colossians 1:15-20. What do you note about the person of Christ and the characteristics of God?
- What are the implications for us as we regard the person of Christ in these verses?
- How would you explain that Jesus is God to someone who did not understand?
- Read and discuss Romans 8:1-4. What do you note about the person of Christ and the characteristics of God in these verses? What do they imply about the nature of man? What are the implications for us as we regard the person of Christ in these verses?
- What is the significance of Christ coming “in the likeness of sinful flesh” (v. 3)? Why is it important that Jesus came in flesh at all?
- What do these verses in Romans tell us about forgiveness? Do you have a hard time accepting forgiveness from others? Do you find it easier or more difficult to extend forgiveness?
- Spend some time praying through the verses in Colossians 1:15-20 and Romans 8:1-4, thanking God for sending Jesus.
No Other Name – On Sale for a Limited Time
After the great response from our first live worship album, No Other Name, we’re excited to announce that we’d like to do another one this Fall. To make room and help fund the next album, No Other Name is on sale at the RBC Bookstore and on iTunes at the reduced price of $8 for a limited time.
No Other Name is available from the digital music vendors below. A limited number of CDs are avilable in the RBC Bookstore. You can also find No Other Name on Spotify, eMusic, Rhapsody, Rdio, and iHeartRadio. 
Sunday Rewind | 6.1.2014
MUSIC & SCRIPTURE
Exalted One (Psalm 121:1-2) – For The Honor by Elevation Worship
Alive In Us (Ephesians 2:4-5) – God Is Able by Hillsong
Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing (Psalm 16:11) – Original Arrangement
Lord I Need You (Hebrews 4:16) – All The People Said Amen by Matt Maher
Christ Is Enough (2 Corinthians 12:9) – Glorious Ruins by Hillsong
I Stand Amazed (2 Corinthians 8:9) – North Point Live by Candi Pearson (North Point)
TEACHING: Rooted, Part 1
As we begin a series of deep faith in the book of Colossians, we must be careful to not simply view Scripture through a 21st century mindset. The truths of the Word are meant to be lived out: Do not tame the Word of God. Let it loose, like a lion out of its cage.
CLICK HERE FOR THE SERMON AUDIO
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS
- What was one thing from this message that was particularly helpful or insightful? What was one thing that was difficult to understand or put into practice?
- Read and discuss Colossians 1:1-14 . What might you observe about the nature of man from these verses? What do you note about the person of Christ and the characteristics of God? What themes do you note in Paul’s introductory comments to the church in Colossae?
- How might a “21st century mindset” dilute the depth of truth God desires to communicate through His word? Is it difficult for you to see life as Paul describes it in these verse? Why or why not?
- Epaphrus is noted as a “fellow servant” and a “faithful minister of Christ” (vv. 7-8). Who can you point to in your life that has been an Epaphrus? To whom can you be such an example?
- What is the distinction between being “better than” someone as opposed to “better off than” someone? How do these two mindsets represent the two kingdoms mentioned in Colossians 1:13?
- How does the gospel make us “better off than” but not “better than” those who do not yet know Christ?
- “Sometimes in the West, we want to argue the truth rather than live the truth.” What does this mean? Do you find it to be true?
- In what ways are we tempted to tame the Word of God?
- Spend some time thanking God for His Word and praying through these verses in Colossians 1:1-14.
Sunday Rewind | 5.25.14
MUSIC & SCRIPTURE
Closer (Psalm 89:14-15) – Glorious Ruins by Hillsong
Rock of Ages (Deuteronomy 32:3-4) – Death of Death by Charlie Hall
The Lord Our God (James 1:17) – Let The Future Begin by Kristian Stanfill (Passion)
I Will Look Up (Deuteronomy 7:9) – Only King Forever by Elevation Worship
Give Me Faith (Psalm 73:25-26) – Nothing Is Wasted by Elevation Worship
TEACHING: Guess Who’s Coming For Dinner?
When we open up our homes to others, we shouldn’t be surprised when Jesus shows up. Chris Anderson teaches from Luke 24 on how hospitality is a window to the gospel.
CLICK HERE FOR THE SERMON AUDIO
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS
- What was one thing from this message that was particularly helpful or insightful? What was one thing that was difficult to understand or put into practice?
- “…I stood there staring up at the ceiling and wondering, was there really anyone one the other side, or were all our songs and prayers just bouncing back down at us?” Have you ever been able to relate to this?
- How would you define hospitality? Can you think of a time when you have been impacted by someone else’s hospitality toward you or your family?
- Read and discuss Luke 24:13-35. What might you observe about the nature of man from these verses? What do you note about the person of Christ?
- What do you observe about hospitality from these verses? What other biblical passages or stories can you think of that teach us about hospitality?
- What is the importance of hospitality from a biblical perspective?
- Do you consider hospitality a strength or a weakness for you personally?
- How is the gospel the ultimate portrayal of hospitality? How does the gospel challenge and empower us to exercise hospitality toward others?
- What is one specific way in this upcoming week that you can show hospitality toward someone else? Spend some time asking God to bless this, and thanking Him for His eternal hospitality toward us through Jesus.
Sunday Rewind | 5.11.14
MUSIC & SCRIPTURE
God Is With Us (Philippians 4:9) – Louder Than Creation by Michael Olson (North Point)
Open Up Our Eyes (Ephesians 1:18-19a) – Nothing Is Wasted by Elevation Worship
Majesty (Isaiah 53:5) – Majesty: The Worship EP by Leeland
Lord I Need You (Hebrews 4:16) – All The People Said Amen by Matt Maher
Whom Shall I Fear (God of Angel Armies) (Deuteronomy 31:6) – Let The Future Begin by Chris Tomlin (Passion)
TEACHING: Revolutionary Love, Part 4
Love is always on mission, but prejudice interrupts that mission. You cannot love anyone fully if there is any prejudice in your heart toward them for any reason.
CLICK HERE FOR THE SERMON AUDIO
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS
- What was one thing from this message that was particularly helpful or insightful? What was one thing that was difficult to understand or put into practice?
- “Love is always on a mission.” Do you find this to be true? Why or why not? What is the mission of love?
- Read and discuss Jonah 4. What do you observe about the nature of God? What might Jonah tell us about the nature of man? What is the point of this chapter?
- Have you ever been angry with God? What happened? How has it been resolved?
- What comes to mind when you think of the word “prejudice”? How would you define it? What forms of prejudice do you observe in our culture? What forms do you observe in our church?
- Have you ever been on the receiving end of someone else’s prejudice? How did you deal with it?
- Is there a particular people, group or affiliation that you feel a level of prejudice toward?
- How does the gospel of Jesus Christ address prejudice? How does the gospel lead and empower us away from prejudice and toward love?
- What have you learned about love through this series? What practical take-aways have you been able to implement in your walk with Jesus? Spend some time in prayer thanking God for His great love and asking Him to help us put into practice what we know and what we have learned.
Sunday Rewind | 5.4.14
MUSIC & SCRIPTURE
Be Lifted High (John 3:30) – Nothing Is Wasted by Elevation Worship
Endless Light (Psalm 113:3-4) – Cornerstone by Hillsong
10,000 Reasons (Psalm 103:1) – Unrelenting Love by Nick Thurmond
Jesus Paid It All (Colossians 2:13-14) – North Point Live by Kristian Stanfill
In Your Presence (Deuteronomy 31:6) – Nothing Is Wasted by Elevation Worship
TEACHING: Revolutionary Love, Part 3
Love heals us horizontally and vertically.
CLICK HERE FOR THE SERMON AUDIO
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS
- From last week’s “homework assignment,” were you able to show practical love to a difficult person last week? What happened?
- What was one thing from this message that was particularly helpful or insightful? What was one thing that was difficult to understand or put into practice?
- Read and discuss 1 Corinthians 12:14-13:13. What do you observe about the nature of God? What do you see about the nature of man? What do you observe about the people of God in the context of the church? How does 1 Corinthians 12 set the context for 1 Corinthians 13?
- What do you observe about love from 1 Corinthians 13? Which of these are strong points for you? Which are weak points?
- Do you think 1 Corinthians 13 is an achievable standard for loving others? Why or why not?
- Why do you think Paul highlights faith, hope & love (1 Cor. 13:13)? Why is the greatest of them love?
- What does it mean to “empty yourself of yourself”? How does this show love to others? Is there a relational situation you can think of in which you need to empty yourself of yourself? Spend some time in prayer about this.