Worship While We're Apart

Due to the current situation, we will not be able to meet as a gathered church family for the next few weeks. While our hearts still long to be with God's people, and to worship the Lord together, we can't do that for a time.  So what can we do instead?  While we cannot replicate what happens when we're assembled together as the body of Christ, we can each worship the Lord and reflect on His Word individually (if you live alone) or with those in your household.  Here's our recommendation.  We encourage you on Sunday morning, to gather yourself or your little flock with Bibles in hand to a comfy spot in your home for a time of worship.  Here's a suggested order of worship for this week...
For the Lord's Day, Sunday, May 31st
  • Read Genesis 22:1-18
  • Sing – "Speak, O Lord"
  • Listen to the children's message from Pastor Brad.
  • Hear the Word - listen to Pastor Brad's homily on James 2:14:26.
  • Pray - Share prayer requests.  Pray that we would demonstrate the reality of our faith in Christ by our works of love.  Pray for the Parkers as they transition to ministry at Redeeming Grace.  Pray for our congregational meeting today, as the members vote as to whether to call Aaron Sellars as our next associate pastor.
  • Sing –  "Take My Life"
  • Read Ephesians 2:8-10 to close


Discussion Questions:  
  1. What kind of faith saves a person?
  2. Why isn't it possible for a person to have valid faith in Christ without works?  Why isn't it possible for a person to have truly good works without faith in Christ?
  3. If you are a believer, do you remember any ways that obedience began to characterize your life when you came to Christ?  What started to change?
  4. If you are not a believer, do you know what it is that is keeping you from coming to Jesus for salvation and a transformed life?​
For the Lord's Day, Sunday, May 24th
  • Read Leviticus 19:1-18
  • Sing – "Jesus Paid It All"
  • Listen to the children's message from Mrs. Kristin Sellars (video available Saturday evening)
  • Hear the Word - listen to Mr. Aaron Sellars' homily on James 2:1-13 (video available Saturday evening).  Aaron is candidating for the position of associate pastor at our church.
  • Pray - Share prayer requests.  Pray for yourself and our church, that we would be a welcoming congregation, and bear witness to all people about who Jesus is and what He has done.  Continue to pray for the Sellars family and for our elders & congregation, as we seek to discern if it's God's will for Aaron to serve as our associate pastor.
  • Sing –  "Be Thou My Vision"
  • Read Matthew 5:1-11 to close

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Discussion Questions:  
  1. How does James want us to treat others in the gathering of the church? How does he NOT want us to treat others when we gather?
  2. Why does James call us to treat others this way?
  3. Based on those answers, is there someone you may you need to change your frame of mind toward, in order to welcome them into your life and community?
  4. How could you pray for that person, and begin to welcome them into your life and community?  Please finish by praying for that person.
For the Lord's Day, Sunday, May 17th
  • Read Psalm 1
  • Sing – "Lord, I Need You" 
  • Listen to the children's message from Mrs. Parker (video available Saturday evening)
  • Hear the Word - listen to Pastor Brad's homily on James 1:19-27 (video available Saturday evening)
  • Pray - Share prayer requests.  Pray for yourself and our congregation, that we would be doers of the gospel word, and not hearers only.  Continue to pray for the Sellars family and for our elders & congregation, as we seek to discern if it's God's will for Aaron to serve as our associate pastor.
  • Sing –  "Refiner's Fire"
  • Read Matthew 7:24-27 to close

Discussion Questions:  
  1. What are three markers of true Christianity that James gives in this passage (see especially v26-27)?
  2. Why is it so dangerous to be a hearer of the word but not a doer?
  3. Based on this passage, is obedience to God optional or is it necessary for the Christian life?
  4. What are some ways you might seek to grow in receiving "the implanted word which is able to save your soul"?
For the Lord's Day, Sunday, May 10th
  • Read Psalm 95:1-7a
  • Sing – "Praise to the Lord, the Almighty"
  • Listen to the children's message from Mrs. Alicia Fullerton (video available Saturday evening)
  • Hear the Word - listen to Dr. Cal Blessing's homily on the book of James (video available Saturday evening)
  • Pray - Share prayer requests. Pray that God would help us to respond to the trials of this life with joy and faith knowing that God is using them to help us mature more into the image of Christ. Continue to pray for the Sellars family and for our elders & congregation, as we seek to discern if it's God's will for Aaron to serve as our associate pastor.
  • Sing – "It Is Well With My Soul"
  • Read Matthew 6:25-34 to close

​Discussion questions:
  1. What does James say trials accomplish in the life of the believer?
  2. How does James say believers should respond to trials?
  3. If it is not a sin to be tempted, when does a temptation become sinful?
  4. What trials are in your path right now? How can you take the truths of this lesson and glorify God in the midst of your difficulties?
For the Lord's Day, Sunday, May 3, 2020

 
Discussion Questions:
As we go through the book of James together, we want to guard against the belief that we can earn salvation through good works alone.  We don't want to strive to simply be morally good people.  We want to strive to live by faith and be people who are clothed in Christ's righteousness, empowered by His Spirit, and motivated by what He has done for us.  Any obedience that flows out of something other than our love for God and what He has done for us in Christ will ultimately lead to self-righteousness.
  1. The book of James is full of commands for us to obey as God's people.  How or where do we see the gospel in these commands?
  2. James talks about being a doer of the Word.  God's Word teaches us that Christ fulfilled the law; He was a perfect doer of the Word.  With this in mind, what does gospel centered obedience look like?
  3. Read the entire book as a family or by yourself and note the areas of our lives that James provides vital wisdom for the Christian Life.
For the Lord's Day, Sunday, April 26, 2020

Discussion Questions:
  1. What comes to mind about God when you think about Him in the midst of your circumstances?
  2. How may God want you to be a conduit of His grace to others in this season?
  3. Who may God be putting on your heart to go and share about this grace and protection and salvation we have in Christ as the ultimate deliverance from our greatest trouble?
  4. What are some of the ways that you may need to allow God to be God and trust Him in your circumstances?
For the Lord's Day, Sunday, April 19, 2020
Discussion Questions:
1. Look at Titus 3:1-2 again.  This is a time of unusual stress.  Are there some ways that you might need to confess that you've been quarrelsome, haven't been gentle or haven't shown courtesy toward others during this time?

2. Based on your answer to Q1, how can the truths in Titus 3:4-7 help and encourage you, as you seek to turn from those sins and to Christ, changing your mind and behavior?

3. What are some reasons for praise and rejoicing based upon the gospel truths of verses 4-7? 

4. How this week could you talk about this great salvation to someone who needs to hear it?

5. What might it look like for you to grow you in being "devoted to good works" (verses 8, 14), in response to God's mercy in saving you (verse 5)?
For the Lord's Day, Easter Sunday, April 12, 2020

Discussion Questions:
  1. What are some reasons why it was absolutely necessary for Jesus to rise from the dead?
  2. What will the resurrection of believers be like when Jesus returns?
  3. How can you be sure that you will one day be part of that glorious resurrection?
Good Friday Reflection, Friday April 10, 2020
Here are some songs to listen to as well.
"Gethsemane" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mKfzrNs4-UU  
"What Wondrous Love Is This" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n-UmemwpAvA
"Now Why This Fear and Unbelief"  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qIiFIjZGnkM
For the Lord's Day, Sunday April 5, 2020
  • Read Psalm 118
  • Sing -  "Days of Elijah"
  • Hear the Word - listen to Pastor Brad's homily from Titus 2:11-15, and work through the discussion questions (see below).  
  • Pray - For those working on the front lines of the fight against Covid-19.  That we would be people ready for Jesus' appearing and eagerly waiting for it.  For us to be zealous for faith-fueled good works in these days.
  • Sing - "Glorious Day"
  • Read Revelation 22:20-21 to close

Discussion Questions:
  1. What aspects of salvation did Jesus accomplish at His first appearing?  What aspects of salvation will He accomplish at His second appearing?
  2. According to verses 11-12, what is the relationship between God's grace and our practical holiness as believers?
  3. If you're not yet a believer, how does this passage warn you and encourage you to come to Christ in faith and repentance?
  4. If you're in Christ, how might Jesus be using this time of Covid-19 to purify your character?
  5. Would you say you are eager for Jesus' return?  Why or why not?  What might help you grow in your longing for His appearing?
For the Lord's Day, Sunday March 29, 2020

Read Romans 8:31-39
Sing - "It Is Well With My Soul"   
Hear the Word - listen to Pastor Brad's homily from Psalm 46, and work through the discussion questions (see below).  
Pray - Share prayer requests.  Pray for the gospel to go forth powerfully during this time of hardship,  pray for the church of Jesus (and our church in particular) to thrive, pray for many unbelievers to be drawn to faith in Christ.
Sing - "He Will Hold Me Fast"
Read Philippians 4:19-20 to close

Discussion Questions:
  1. Share about a time when you have found God to be a "very present help in trouble"
  2. What are some reasons this psalm give to not be afraid during difficult times?
  3. What are some ways Jesus could choose to build His Church during this time of coronavirus?  How might He advance His saving work in your own life?
  4. How do you need this week to "Be still, and know that He is God"?  What could help you move in this direction?
For the Lord's Day, Sunday March 22, 2020
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  1. Read Psalm 34
  2. Sing - "Cornerstone"   
  3. Hear the Word - listen to Pastor Marty's homily from Ruth, and work through the discussion questions (see below).  I've also attached a coloring page for kids.
  4. Pray - Share prayer requests.  Pray for wisdom for our leaders in government and in the church, pray for God to meet our needs, pray for us to have our trust fully in Jesus
  5. Sing - "Amazing Grace"
  6. Read Philippians 4:4-7 to close

Discussion Questions:
  1. In the book of Ruth, what are some ways you see God providing for His people during difficult times?
  2. Boaz is called a "redeemer." To "redeem" means to purchase back something that had been lost, by the payment of a ransom price. How does Boaz "redeem" Ruth? How is that like how believers have been redeemed by Jesus Christ?
  3. How does Ruth demonstrate trust in the God of Israel? Look at Ruth 2:11 -- What does it look like for us to find refuge in the Lord? When you have sought refuge in the Lord, what was the result?
  4. What are some ways Boaz and Ruth each demonstrate strong and faithful love in action toward others? How do you think God wants you to show faithful love to your family, the family of God, and your neighbor in this challenging time?
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