Rainier Valley Church - Seattle

"How is Your Christmas Spirit?" (John 1:1-4 and Philippians 2:1-11) Among Us: A Christmas Story Sunday, December 17th Discussion and Study Questions  The Call to Humility (Philippians 2:1-4) - How does Paul's call for unity in verses 1-4 impact the way we connect and assess new churches in 2024?  Why is it so important to have Theological, Relational, Philosophical, Missional unity with your church family?    The Example of Humility (Philippians 2:5-8) - How is the story of Christmas the greatest example of humility possible? How can we cultivate this mindset/attitude that Jesus shows of ultimate humility?  The Rewards of Humility (Philippians 2:9-11) - What are the implications of Jesus' glorification and the universal recognition of his Lordship in verses 9-11 for our worship and daily lives? How should this knowledge change our perspective on suffering, service, and the future? Resources for "Know Your Rights This Christmas" Audio - https://rainiervalleychurch.com/latest-sermons Video - https://www.youtube

"Know Your Rights this Christmas" (John 1:9-12 and 1 John 2:28-3:3) Among Us: A Christmas Story Sunday, December 10th Discussion Questions: Who is the "true light" mentioned in verse 9 and why is light a fitting description of this figure? (Hint: consider John 8:12) What are some ways we can share the "true light" of Jesus with others in our community? How is Jesus a light into the darkness of our lives and the lives of those we know and love? Why do you think the world did not recognize the true light, even though it was made through him? (v. 10) Share a time when you felt "rejected" or "not recognized" by those around you. How did you find your own light in that situation?What does it mean that Jesus "came to his own, and his own people did not receive him"? (v. 11) What is the "right to become children of God" that Jesus gives in verse 12? How does one receive this right? How can we better receive the "right to become children of God" and live out our inheritance as his children?How does this passage cha

"What Gifts are You Getting for Christmas?" (John 1:14-18) Among Us: A Christmas Story Sunday, December 3rd Discussion Questions:  Presence and Glory John 1:14-15 - What does it mean that the Word became flesh and dwelt among us? How does this challenge our understanding of God?What does John mean by "we have seen his glory"? What kind of glory are we talking about here? Grace and Truth  John 1:16-17 - How is the glory of Jesus described? What does it mean that he is "full of grace and truth"? How does common grace and saving grace function like grace upon grace in our life? What was can we act like Jesus by being both gracious and truthful? What are some ways that you have seen grace and truth embodied in the life of Jesus? Revelation and Clarity John 1:18 - John says that "no one has ever seen God." What does this mean? How can Jesus then make God known? What does the phrase "the only God, who is at the Father's side" tell us about the relationship between Jesus and God the Father? Share your own experience

"Who is Coming Over for Christmas?" (John 1:1-5) Among Us: A Christmas Story Sunday, November 26th Discussion Questions: Who is someone you are looking forward to seeing this Christmas season? Why is preparing our hearts so important for our deep enjoyment of the Christmas season. Jesus is the Eternal God - John 1:1 (What does it mean that Jesus is the Word?) Jesus is the Creator God - John 1:2-3 (Why is it important to understand that Jesus is the Creator? Jesus is the Living God - John 1:4-5 (How is Jesus the life and the light?) How would you explain the incarnation to someone who has never heard of it? How does the incarnation affect your daily faith? Why does it even matter if Jesus is divine? How can we pray for one another as we start this year's Christmas season.

"Always Rejoicing and Giving Thanks" (Philippians 4:10-13) Everyday Disciple Sunday, November 19th

"Walking with God through Suffering" (John 11:17-45) Everyday Disciple Sunday, November 5th Discussion Questions What does Jesus' weeping at the tomb of Lazarus reveal about his character? Why did Martha and Mary doubt Jesus even though He had previously performed many miracles? What is the significance of Jesus' statement that He is "the resurrection and the life"? How does Jesus' raising of Lazarus challenge our understanding of death and dying? What does the reaction of the Jewish leaders to Lazarus' resurrection tell us about their motivations? How has your understanding of death and dying changed in light of Jesus' raising of Lazarus? How can you be more like Jesus in your compassion for those who are grieving? How can you be more open to sharing your faith with others, even when it is difficult? How can you live your life in a way that brings glory to God? How can we pray for one another this week? How can we practically support one another this coming week? Resources for "Everyday Disciple: Walking w

"Resisting Temptation" (1 Corinthians 10:13) Everyday Disciple Sunday, October 29th Discussion Questions Share a time when you were tempted and how you overcame it. What are some of the things that you do to resist temptation in your everyday life? What are some of the ways that the Holy Spirit has helped you to overcome temptation? What are some of the things that we can do as a small group to support each other in our struggles with temptation? What does it mean to say that God will "provide a way out of temptation"? How can we recognize the temptations that are common to all humanity? What are some of the specific temptations that we face in our own lives today? How can we resist temptation and stand firm in our faith? What role does the Holy Spirit play in helping us to overcome temptation? What are some of the things that we can do to prepare ourselves for temptation? How can we support each other in our struggles with temptation? What are some examples of people in the Bible who overcame temptation? Wha

"Singing Praises" (Ephesians 5:18-21) Everyday Disciple Sunday, October 22nd Discussion Questions What are some of your favorite songs and why? How has music been meaningful at different season of your life?  What are some silly songs or commercial jingles that have got stuck in your head over the years? What was the first song you remember hearing as a child? What songs deeply impacted you as a teenager?  Read through Ephesians 5:18-21 and consider what sin is to be avoided, what command is to be obeyed, and what promise is to be claimed?  Why is Drunkenness a sin? Why does Paul contrast the sin of drunkenness with the command to be filled with the Spirit?  What does it mean to be filled with the Spirit? What are some practical ways to be filled with the Spirit?  What are some of the things that can hinder us from being filled with the Spirit?  Singing Convicts us of Sin - How does singing reveal what's truth, good and beautiful? How have you been convicted by singing what is true in your life? How is singin

"Praying Passionately" (Matthew 6:9-12) Everyday Disciple Sunday, October 15th Adoration - Spend Time with the Father (6:9)   Intercession - Seek the Kingdom in Seattle (6:10)  Petition - Trust God with My Needs (6:11)  Confession - Be An Example of Forgiveness (6:12)  Warfare - Fight Against the Evil One (6:13) Worship - Praising His Glory (6:13b)  6:9 “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, 10 your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Pray that God’s kingdom would come and his will would be done in your heart, your life and your family.  Pray that God’s kingdom would come and will would be done in our community, schools, businesses, local and national government 6:11 Give us today our daily bread. 12 And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.  Prayer that God would provide for you, your family and your church Prayer that God would forgive any sins you’re aware of this week and thank him for his forgiveness Pray that God would make you an increasingly forgi

"Believing Truth" (Psalm 1:1-6, 2 Timothy 3:16-17, Romans 12:1-2) Everyday Disciple Fall Sermon Series  Sunday, October 8th Truth Matters - The Blessing of Walking in Truth (Psalm 1:1-6) What is the main difference between the righteous person and the wicked person in this psalm? What does it mean to "walk in the counsel of the ungodly, stand in the path of sinners, and sit in the seat of the scornful"? What does it mean to "delight in the law of the Lord" and to "meditate in his law day and night"? What are some of the benefits of being a righteous person, according to this psalm? How can we apply the lessons of this psalm to our own lives? Truth Trains - The Profitability of Being Equipped in Truth (2 Timothy 3:16-17) What does it mean to say that the Bible is "God-breathed"? How is the Bible profitable for teaching, reproof, correction, and training in righteousness? How can the Bible help us to be complete and equipped for every good work? What are some specific examples of how the Bible has helped you in

New Sermon Series "Everyday Disciple" What does it mean to be a disciple of Jesus, and why does it matter? How are we live out being followers of Jesus in the everyday stuff of daily life? This Sunday, October 1st, we begin an 8-week series looking at the importance of practical discipleship such as following Jesus, believing truth, praying passionately, singing praises, walking through suffering, resisting temptation, knowing and using our gifts, and always rejoicing and giving thanks. Join us as we explore what it means to follow Jesus together as his disciples in South Seattle from Sunday, October 1st to Sunday, November 26th in our new sermon series "Everyday Disciple" Discussion Questions for Personal Study and Community Groups Formation - In what ways are we formed by the stories we believe, the relationships we have, the habits we practice and the environment we live in? What is the difference between intentional and unintentional formation and how can we be more intentional in our formation? Be With J

"Trusting God" (Psalm 91) Standalone Message - RVC Member's Meeting Sunday, September 24th Community Group Discussion Questions What are some of the names of God that are used in Psalm 91? What do these names tell us about God's character? What does it mean to dwell in the shelter of the Most High? How can we make God our refuge and dwelling place? What does it mean to "call on the name of the Lord"? How can we do this more effectively? What are some of the ways that God protects us, both physically and spiritually? What are some of the challenges that we may face, even as Christians, and how can we trust God in the midst of those challenges? How can we share the message of Psalm 91 with others who are struggling?

"Formation in Obedience" (Matthew 7:13-29) Sermon on the Mount: A Kingdom Upside Down Sunday, September 17th BIG IDEA: We Make Our Decisions and our Decisions Make __ Two Paths and _________ (7:13-14) Two Prophets and ___________ (7:15-19) Two Pleas and ___________ (7:20-23) Two Homes and ___________ (7:24-29) Community Group Questions What are some big decisions that your grandparents or parents made that deeply impact your life? What are some of the biggest decisions you’ve made in your life and how have they shaped you? What does it mean to enter through the narrow gate? Why is the road wide and easy that leads to destruction? Why are so many people on the wide road if it leads to destruction? What are examples of modern “prophets” that people listen to and learn from? What are the characteristics of a false prophet? How can we distinguish between true and false prophets? What does good and bad fruit look like? What’s the connection between someone’s lifestyle and their worldview? What does it mean to b

"Formation in Relationships" (Matthew 7:1-12) Sermon on the Mount: A Kingdom Upside Down Sunday, September 10th Logs and Specks (Matt 7:1-5) What do we have to do first to help others? Dogs and Hogs (Matt 7:6) How can we practice discernment in our relationships with non-believers? Bread and Stones (Matt 7:7-12) What is the Golden Rule “Do Unto Others What You Would Have Them Do To You” Community Group Questions In what areas of your life are you most likely to be judgmental of someone (e.g. finances, work, health, parenting, marriage, emotions, etc.)? What is the difference between church discipline (Matt 18:15-20; 1 Cor 5) and sinfully judging a brother or sister? Why would you not want to be judged with the same same standard you judge others (7:2)? What aspect of the way God has treated you in the gospel should compel you to be humble and patient instead of judgmental? How can you discern when you are throwing your pearls before pigs and wasting your time sharing the Gospel with someone who is attacking

"Formation in Peace" (Matthew 6:25-34) Sermon on the Mount: A Kingdom Upside Down Sunday, September 3rd Sermon Outline What are some things you worry about?  - Take a moment to write down some of your biggest worries Jesus’ teaching on what to do with our worries and fears. Reorder Your __________ Remember Your _____ Recognize Your _________ Consider God’s _______ Focus On What Really _______ Don’t Borrow _______ Community Group Questions What in your life creates the most worry? What do the things you worry about reveal about your heart and your priorities? What are some of the results when you obsessively worry? Which of the 6 insights that Jesus gives us do you need to actively apply to your worries this week? How does your culture and your economic status shape what you consider to be the appropriate standard for God’s feeding, clothing, and taking care of you. How might your perspective change if you live in a different context? Were first-century Christians less susceptible to the desire for clothing

"Formation in Kingdom Riches" Matthew 6:5-24 Sermon on the Mount: A Kingdom Upside Down Sunday, August 27th Kingdom Riches Outline from Dan Nordblad · Introduction: Who I am, what I do, my connection w/Pastor Kyle · Sermon on the Mount nuances, ethics, takeaways as it pertains to spiritual formation/character development. (Ro. 5.3-5, Ro. 5.29) · Sermon on the Mount as it is predicated off the first beatitude (Mt. 5.3) · The imputation of kingdom righteousness both legal and incarnational. · Matthew 6.5-8 – contrast two types of prayer (hypocrisy/sincerity) · Matthew 6.9-13 – The Lord’s Prayer – Who we address in prayer and why, contrast our will w/His will. The value of being dependent on God – an extract from Exodus narrative. Sin in the context of debt. Praying according to God’s will, our desire to not succumb to sin. · Matthew 6.14-15 – An addendum w/emphasis on forgiveness in context with our Christianity. Luke 7.47 · Fasting – our approach to spiritual disciplines, why we fast (Scriptural background to

Guest Speaker: Joe Culumber  What does it mean to pray in secret and why is Jesus highlighting the importance of a private prayer life? (Matthew 6:6) Why should we not pray like the hypocrites? What are the hypocrites trying to "get" out of their prayer time? (Matthew 6:5) What is the difference between praying in public and praying in secret?  What practical lessons can we learn from Jesus' teaching and example of prayer? What are the main stumbling blocks in our life around prayer? How can we be praying for each other this week?   

"Formation in Pleasing Piety In A Posturing World" Matthew 6:1-18 Sermon on the Mount: A Kingdom Upside Down Sunday, August 13th Community Group Questions: Can you think of some examples of public posturing not shared by Jon? Of the three acts of piety Jesus uses as examples which do you have the most experience with? Which do you have the least experience with? What are some examples of religious hypocrisy in our day? What are some ways you have found yourself having the wrong motive when it comes to living out your faith? Have you ever experienced doing spiritual things for the wrong reasons? What are some questions you could ask yourself to determine if you are doing spiritual things for the wrong reason? What’s one thing you will do in response to this message? Resources for "Formation in Pleasing Piety In Posturing World" Audio - https://rainiervalleychurch.com/latest-sermons Video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yk2Ql8477f4

Formation in Enemy-Love (Matthew 5:38-48) Sermon on the Mount: A Kingdom Upside Down Sunday, August 6th with Guest Speaker James Rayment Community Group Questions: James explained that to "turn the other cheek" (verse 39) means to not return an insult for an insult. What ways can we deescalate tensions and turn the the volume down on conflicts that we are involved in? On the opposite end, what responses might we have that turn the volume up? How can we be tempted to be personally vengeful?    What is the difference between loving your enemies and forgiving your enemies? How can we grow in trusting God to do what is right in situations where we have been deeply wronged? Formation is the process of becoming more like Jesus in our knee-jerk responses to situations in life. What challenges do we face in following these commands to love our enemies and how can we overcome these challenges? If Jesus didn't come to destroy the law but to fulfill it, what is the significance of Jesus' commands in Matthew 5:38-48 to