Life Groups
Director: Mike Fisk
Life Groups
Director: Mike Fisk
The journey of becoming more like Christ is one we embark on together as a community of believers. At RRC, our Life Groups are a crucial part of this journey. They embody our mission of being disciples who make disciples, reflecting our commitment to grow in Christlikeness and come alongside others to help them do the same.
Life Groups are small gatherings of individuals and families from our congregation who meet regularly in homes to share a meal, fellowship, study God's word, share struggles, and pray with and for each other. Each of these elements is essential to our spiritual growth and is intrinsically connected to the gospel and our vision of discipleship.
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Recommended Resources
Where possible, we have linked to the publisher's website. Less expensive options may be available at other websites such as Amazon or Christianbook.com.
Other recommended publishers and stores: Crossway, Ligonier, New Growth Press, The Gospel Coalition.
Book Studies
The Cost of Discipleship
by Dietrich Bonhoeffer – Renowned 20th-century theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer delves into the connection between our lives and Jesus' teachings in "The Cost of Discipleship." Addressing various professions and social statuses, he examines the essence of following Jesus today. Drawing from the Sermon on the Mount, he contrasts "cheap grace" - self-bestowed and devoid of true commitment - with "costly grace," which requires continuous seeking and genuine sacrifice. Bonhoeffer's insights offer a powerful call for consistent ethics, rooted in Gospel-driven leadership and Christian humanism.
Follow Me
by David Platt – In "Follow Me," David Platt, bestselling author of "Radical," argues that many believe they're Christians due to cultural norms rather than true biblical understanding. Many assume faith is just about believing certain truths, leading to churches filled with self-identified Christians who may not truly follow Christ. Platt paints a genuine picture of Christianity, emphasizing the sacrifices and the profound joy of truly following Jesus. The book underscores that embracing Jesus is more than a simple prayer—it's a call to transformative living.
The Gospel and Personal Evangelism
by Mark Dever – Many Christians, while eager to share the gospel, feel unequipped due to misunderstandings about evangelism. In "The Gospel and Personal Evangelism," Dr. Mark Dever addresses this by answering four key questions on evangelism. Drawing from New Testament principles, he provides practical guidance, aiming to cultivate a deeper evangelistic culture among individuals and their churches.
The Hole in Our Holiness
by Kevin DeYoung – What does true holiness entail, and why does it often seem elusive? Many of us don't grasp or prioritize holiness. This book is for those eager to emulate Jesus, highlighting the transformative power of grace that fosters godliness and the joy in that journey.
Holiness by Grace
by Bryan Chapell – "Be holy, for I am holy." This command might seem daunting without Christ's righteousness on our side. In this updated edition, Bryan Chapell explores the interplay between holiness and grace. He delves into the principles of grace, practices of faith, and motives of love, guiding readers to find the joy and strength essential for their journey towards holiness.
How Does Sanctification Work?
by David Powlison – Weaving together personal stories, biblical exposition, and theological reflection, David Powlison highlights the personal and particular means God uses to make us more like Jesus.
Life Together
by Dietrich Bonhoeffer – After his 1945 martyrdom by the Gestapo, Dietrich Bonhoeffer's influence persisted. His "Letters and Papers from Prison" inspired many with its testament to faith and bravery. "Life Together" recounts Bonhoeffer's Christian community experiences during the Nazi era, resembling Paul's letters. It offers guidance on sustaining Christian fellowship in groups and families, emphasizing prayer, shared worship, work, and service. The book is a guide for those seeking authentic Christian community. As Malcom Muggeridge said, "Bonhoeffer reminds me of Gorky's sentiment about Tolstoy: 'Look what a wonderful man is living on the earth.'"
Unlimited Grace
by Bryan Chapell – What if following God wasn't just a duty, but a joy rooted in profound grace? Such an understanding of grace doesn't encourage sin; it empowers obedience. Unlimited Grace, by experienced pastor Bryan Chapell, highlights the importance of grace throughout Scripture. Through it, we see how grace fuels our love for Christ and ignites our passion for His purpose.
Video Studies
The Basics of the Christian Life
Presenter Sinclair Ferguson – What is a Christian? What does it mean to belong to a church? How can we grow in grace? Dr. Sinclair Ferguson answers these questions and more in his new video teaching series, The Basics of the Christian Life. Over twelve messages, he traces every stage of the Christian life and teaches us how to live to the glory of God.
Chosen by God
Presenter R.C. Sproul – Many misinterpret Reformed theology as suggesting God forces people into the church against their will. However, this misunderstands the biblical doctrine of election, rooted in God's love. In this series, Dr. Sproul clarifies God’s sovereignty in redemption and its relation to human will.
The Great Commission
Presenter Burk Parsons – Our Lord Jesus Christ gave His people the Great Commission to make disciples of all nations. This is a significant task, yet it is one that the Holy Spirit enables us to accomplish as we rest in the authority of Christ over all things. In this series, Dr. Burk Parsons walks us through every phrase of the Great Commission, carefully examining how Christ calls us to fulfill the Great Commission in our homes, our churches, our communities, and to the ends of the earth.
The New Birth
Presenter Steven Lawson – Christians often describe themselves as "born again." While this phrase is familiar to many, people rarely explain what they mean when they use it. Unfortunately, talk of being "born again" often accompanies a man-centered understanding of salvation. In this teaching series, Dr. Steven J. Lawson will examine what Jesus said about the new birth in John 3 in order to recover a biblical understanding of what happens when a person is born again.
Union with Christ
Presenter Sinclair Ferguson – What does it mean to be a Christian? Common answers to this question can be contradictory and confusing. Is Christianity simply an ethical system or a set of doctrinal beliefs? In Union with Christ, Dr. Sinclair Ferguson surveys one of the Apostle Paul’s favorite phrases to describe the essence of the Christian life: being “in Christ.” This twelve-part teaching series explores what it means to be “in Christ” and how these two simple words can reshape our entire existence.
What Is Reformed Theology?
Presenter R.C. Sproul – Few evangelical Christians today understand Reformed theology. They know it has something to do with predestination, and they may have heard of "the five points." But they can't name these points, and they think no one believes most of them anymore. Dr. R.C. Sproul says there's more to Reformed theology than these five points. Reformed theology reveals just how awesome the grace of God is. In this series, Dr. Sproul offers an introduction to Reformed theology, the heart of historical evangelicalism.
Who Is the Holy Spirit?
Presenter Sinclair Ferguson – Although the Holy Spirit is sometimes the forgotten Person of the Trinity, His presence and work is found throughout redemptive history. In this twelve-message series, Dr. Sinclair Ferguson traces the work of the third person of the Trinity through Scripture - from creation to the work of Christ to His dwelling in our hearts today. Along the way, he sheds light on the vital role the Holy Spirit serves. Dr. Ferguson's goal is to help us know the Holy Spirit as a person, in addition to knowing of His power and work within us.
Why We Trust the Bible
Presenter Stephen Nichols – God's revelation: where would we be without it? In this series, Dr. Stephen Nichols explains that we would be lost if not for God's Word, trapped in the darkness of sin forever. Rather than forsake us, God sent His Son, Jesus, revealing and recording His redemptive purposes in an inspired, inerrant, and authoritative source: the Bible. Sufficient for all of life, a crucial question arises: will we accept its authority?
Combo Studies
Above All
by J.D. Greear – Jesus promised to build his church—and the gates of hell would not prevail against it! J.D. Greear believes those who've written off Christianity are mistaken; it's not going away. It doesn't need a new strategy or an updated message. What's required is a return to keeping the gospel. He invites you to re-examine the core of your faith.
Evangelism in a Skeptical World
by Sam Chan – Traditional evangelism techniques are outdated in today's secular world. Dr. Chan merges classic teachings with modern insights from global outreach, providing practical methods that resonate with diverse audiences. This book equips readers to effectively share Jesus' message in our contemporary context.
Gentle and Lowly
by Dane Ortlund – Christians know what Jesus Christ has done—but who is he? What is his deepest heart for his people, weary and faltering on their journey toward heaven? Jesus said he is “gentle and lowly in heart.” In Gentle and Lowly, Dane Ortlund reflects on these words, opening up a neglected yet central truth about who Jesus is for sinners and sufferers today.
Gospel Fluency
by Jeff Vanderstelt – At the core of Christianity is belief in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. But how should the Gospel affect our lives after we believe? And how can we speak Gospel truths into everyday issues of life? In this book, experienced pastor and speaker Jeff Vanderstelt shows how all people - Christians and non-Christians alike - need to hear the Gospel on a regular basis. Teaching believers what it looks like to become truly "fluent" in the Gospel so that it becomes a natural part of our everyday conversations, Vanderstelt shows how the good news of Jesus is our only hope for every aspect of our lives.
Instruments in the Redeemer's Hands
by Paul David Tripp – Instruments in the Redeemer's Hands emphasizes the continuous need for change in everyone, even within believers. Today's church often has more attendees than active participants. The author promotes a model of constant engagement, stressing that even after a long journey with God, the support of the Christian community remains essential until our ultimate sanctification.
Letters to the Church
by Francis Chan – In Letters to the Church, Pastor Francis Chan urges a return to biblical church practices. Reflecting on scripture, personal experiences, and stories of transformative faith, Chan highlights the modern church's deviations from its scriptural roots. He challenges leaders and congregations to prioritize the true essence of the Church over distractions. The book is a call to embrace the original, powerful vision of the Church in preparation for Jesus' return.
Organic Outreach
by Kevin Harney – Every Jesus follower wants to share God's love authentically without making it awkward. Organic Outreach for Ordinary People guides you in sharing the gospel in natural, fitting ways based on your unique personality and circumstances. Kevin Harney presents not a system, but adaptable biblical practices. This book shows that discussing Jesus can be as easy as chatting about a favorite hobby. Start where you are, and seamlessly weave God's message into everyday conversations. Share His love and story effortlessly.
Something Needs to Change
by David Platt – On a Himalayan trek, author and pastor David Platt was deeply moved by the stark human needs he witnessed. This journey challenged his faith assumptions and reshaped his life's direction. In Something Needs to Change, Platt shares these experiences, posing profound questions about God's presence in suffering and the essence of true faith. He urges readers not just to talk about faith, but to genuinely live it.
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The Gospel Comes with a House Key
by Rosaria Butterfield – What did God use to draw a radical, committed unbeliever to himself? Did God take her to an evangelistic rally? Or, since she had her doctorate in literature, did he use something in print? No, God used an invitation to dinner in a modest home, from a humble couple who lived out the gospel daily, simply, and authentically. With this story of her conversion as a backdrop, Rosaria Butterfield invites us into her home to show us how God can use this same "radical, ordinary hospitality" to bring the gospel to our lost friends and neighbors. Such hospitality sees our homes as not our own, but as God's tools for the furtherance of his kingdom as we welcome those who look, think, believe, and act differently from us into our everyday, sometimes messy lives- helping them see what true Christian faith really looks like.
Gospel in Life
by Tim Keller – Join author and pastor Timothy Keller in this eight-week small group Bible study (guide sold separately), to explore how the gospel can change your heart, community, and how you live the Gospel out in everyday life. In week one you and your group will study the city, your home now, the world. Week eight closes with the theme of the eternal city, your heavenly home, the world that is to come. In between you’ll learn how the gospel can change your heart, your community, and how you live in this world.
Jesus’s Farewell Message
by Francis Chan – Do you know Jesus? It’s one thing to know facts about him, but to experience his love, wisdom, and guidance in your life is what it means to follow him. On the night before he was crucified, Jesus invited his disciples into a deep relationship with the triune God—and his invitation stands for us too. In this 6-part series, Francis Chan dives into John 13–17, a passage rich in promises, commands, and eternal truths. He’ll remind us we aren’t called to a part-time faith—we were made to know, walk with, and commune with God.
Bible Study Resources
Authors