Blog Posts by Jesse Trask

Sunday Rewind | 4.3.16

Sunday Rewind
MUSIC & SCRIPTURE

Open Up the Heavens (Psalm 108:4-5) – Worth It All by Meredith Andrews

Cornerstone (Psalm 18:2) – Cornerstone by Hillsong Worship

How Deep The Father’s Love For Us (Galatians 6:14) – Love Displayed by Liberty Campus Band

Your Love Never Fails (Romans 8:28) – Your Love Never Fails by Jesus Culture

 

 

TEACHING: James – Living Out Our Faith, Part 13

The problem with the world is not lack of truth, but lack of proper application. Wisdom is not an intellectual virtue, but a moral one.

CLICK HERE FOR THE SERMON AUDIO & VIDEO

 

 

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS

  1. What was one thing you found particularly interesting, insightful, helpful or difficult to understand from this sermon?
  2. Read and discuss James 3:13-18. What does this tell us about us? What does it tell us about God? What do you observe about wisdom? What warnings, admonishments or encouragements are there for us to heed?
  3. How are two kingdoms portrayed in the verses above? Compare & contrast.
  4. How does Scripture take us into ” the world of the unknown”?
  5. What happens if we do not apply truth? Can you think of any examples?
  6. What’s the difference between reason and revelation? What place does each have in the Christian life?
  7. Is your ambition mainly for yourself, or others? How does the gospel direct our ambition? How can you apply your ambition to kingdom work?
  8. In the wake of your life, would you say there is mostly peace, or conflict? How do you need to grow in this area? Spend some time in prayer together about this.

Sunday Rewind | 3.27.16

Sunday Rewind
MUSIC & SCRIPTURE

Mighty to Save (Zephaniah 3:17) – Yahweh by Hillsong Chapel

This I Believe (the Creed) (Romans 3:22) –  Live Sessions Vol. 1 by For All Seasons

Forever (Matthew 28:26) – Majestic by Kari Jobe

Amazing Grace (My Chains are Gone) (Psalm 107:14) — See the Morning by Chris Tomlin

Glorious (Psalm 111:2-3) – Glorious by Paul Baloche

 

 

TEACHING: He Is Risen – A Dialogue on the Power & Resurrection of Jesus

Everything hangs on the resurrection. If Jesus Christ never rose from the dead, He is no Savior and Christianity is a lie. But if He did rise from the dead, He is our life.

CLICK HERE FOR THE SERMON AUDIO & VIDEO

 

 

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS

  1. What was one thing you found particularly interesting, insightful, helpful or difficult to understand from this sermon?
  2. What Easter traditions do you practice with your family?
  3. Read and discuss 1 Corinthians 15:1-34. What does this tell us about us? What does it tell us about God? What do you observe about the resurrection of Jesus? What warnings, admonishments or encouragements are there for us to heed?
  4. Paul goes so far as to say that without the resurrection, “our faith is in vain” (1 Cor. 15:17). Why would he say this?
  5. What other verses do you know of that speak to the resurrection of Jesus?
  6. Why does all of human history in the Bible seem to center around the resurrection?
  7. Do you have doubts about the resurrection? How can we believe it is true that Jesus rose from the dead?
  8. If His death paid for my sins, why does it matter that Jesus rose from the dead?
  9. Romans 8:11 says, “The same power that raised Jesus from the dead is at work in us…”  What does this mean and what does it look like?
  10. Beyond Easter as a holiday, how does (or should) the resurrection affect us today? How should this affect our daily life? What does it look like to live through the power of Jesus’ resurrection?
  11. Spend some time in prayer, thanking God for the power of resurrection. Confess any doubts you have about the resurrection and ask Him to speak into your doubt.

Sunday Rewind | 3.20.16

Sunday Rewind
MUSIC & SCRIPTURE

Awesome Is The Lord Most High (Psalm 47:1-2) – See The Morning by Chris Tomlin

Hosanna (Mark 11:9-10) – Savior King by Hillsong Worship

Forever Reign (Lamentations 5:19) – A Beautiful Exchange by Hillsong Worship

Before the Throne (Romans 8:34) – Worship Initiative, vol. 3 by Shane and Shane

Majesty (Isaiah 53:5) – Majesty: The Worship EP by Leeland

 

 

TEACHING: Facing Uncertainty

The just shall live by faith.

CLICK HERE FOR THE SERMON AUDIO & VIDEO

 

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS

  1. What was one thing you found particularly interesting, insightful, helpful or difficult to understand from this sermon?
  2. Does uncertainty in life make you afraid or nervous? Why or why not? Do you have any examples?
  3. Read and discuss Hebrews 10:32-39. What does this tell us about God? What does it tell us about us? What do you note about faith in these verses? What encouragements, warnings or commands are here for us to heed?
  4. What other verses or portions of Scripture can you think of that instruct us about faith?
  5. What does it mean to “live by faith”?
  6. What examples from your own life can you give of stepping out and trusting God by faith?
  7. How are love and faith related?
  8. How does the gospel allow and empower us to face uncertainty with confidence?
  9. Is there an area or situation in your life where you need to step out in faith? Share with your group and spend some time in prayer together.

Sunday Rewind | 3.6.2016

Sunday Rewind
MUSIC & SCRIPTURE

Closer (Psalm 89:14-15) – Glorious Ruins by Hillsong Worship

I Will Look Up (Deuteronomy 7:9) –Only King Forever by Elevation Worship

Amazing Grace (My Chains are Gone) (Psalm 107:14) — See the Morning by Chris Tomlin

Lord I Need You (Hebrews 4:16) – All The People Said Amen by Matt Maher

 

TEACHING: James – Living Out Our Faith, Part 11

Your speech is the signature of your soul.

CLICK HERE FOR THE SERMON AUDIO & VIDEO

 

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS

  1. What was one thing you found particularly interesting, insightful, helpful or difficult to understand from this sermon?
  2. How has your life been “landscaped” by the power of the tongue? Who is someone who has spoken life to you? Who is someone who has spoken death to you?
  3. Read and discuss James 3:1-6. What do you note about the power of the tongue? What encouragements, warnings or commands are here for us to heed?
  4. What other verses do you know of that speak to the power of the tongue?
  5. What does it mean that the tongue is set on fire by hell (v.6)?
  6. How are the heart and the tongue related?
  7. How do you think you come across in your speech to others? Do you feel this is an area in which you need to grow? Why or why not?
  8. Who is someone to whom you can speak words of encouragement and life this week? Share with your group, then give a report at your next group meeting.

Sunday Rewind | 2.28.2016

Sunday Rewind
MUSIC & SCRIPTURE

Glorious (Psalm 111:2-3) – Everything Glorious by Chris Tomlin (Passion)

Mighty to Save (Zephaniah 3:17) – Yahweh by Hillsong Chapel

Before the Throne (Romans 8:34) – Worship Initiative, vol. 3 by Shane and Shane

God Is Able (Ephesians 3:20-21) – God is Able by Hillsong Worship

 

TEACHING: 2016 Amazon Pastors’ Conference Report

Pastor Mike gives an update from the annual Jungle Pastors’ Conference on the Amazon.

CLICK HERE FOR THE SERMON AUDIO & VIDEO

 

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS

  1. Do you have any missions experience? Share with your group.
  2. What is one way you have been impacted by someone else’s work for the gospel?
  3. What is one way you have impacted someone else for the gospel?
  4. What does it mean to “think eternally” and live with a “biblical perspective”? Do you find this difficult here in Northern VA? Why or why not?
  5. How would you describe your prayer life? How can you grow in this area?
  6. Do you find it difficult to trust God? Why or why not?
  7. What is something that has deeply tested your faith?
  8. In what ways does the church in North America tend to operate in our own “swim lanes”? Are there ways in which this is beneficial? Are there ways in which this is detrimental?
  9. Spend some time in prayer for the pastors bringing the gospel of Jesus to the thousands of tribes along the Amazon. Pray for opportunities to engage personally in missions through giving, praying and/or going. If your Shepherd Group hasn’t already, consider adopting an RBC missionary.

Sunday Rewind | 2.21.16

Sunday Rewind
MUSIC & SCRIPTURE

Unstoppable God (Matthew 17:20) – Wake Up the Wonder by Elevation Worship

With Us (Psalm 46:10-11a) – God Is Able by Hillsong Worship

Be Thou My Vision (2 Corinthians 3:17-18) – Cathedral by Heartsong

How Deep The Father’s Love For Us (Galatians 6:14) – Love Displayed by Liberty Campus Band

 

TEACHING: From the Field – Love, Passion and Missions

The last days of Jesus point us to His priority for missions.

CLICK HERE FOR THE SERMON AUDIO & VIDEO

 

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS

  1. What was something in this message that was new or surprising to you?
  2. What is something you are passionate about? Why? How are passion and love related?
  3. Read and discuss the account of Jesus’ last days in Luke 24. What do you note about Jesus from this account? How does what He says here point us to missions?
  4. Thinking through Luke 24, what are some priorities of Jesus you can identify? What other scriptures show us Jesus’ priorities?
  5. How can you respond to the priorities of Jesus with passion and love?
  6. “Jesus does not relate to us according to what we deserve, but according to what we need.” How does this statement relate to missions?
  7. How does the gospel compel and propel us to a missionary mindset? How do you need to grow in this area?
  8. Pray for opportunities to engage personally in missions through giving, praying and/or going. If your Shepherd Group hasn’t already, consider adopting an RBC missionary.

Sunday Rewind | 2.7.2016

Sunday Rewind
MUSIC & SCRIPTURE

Open Up the Heavens (Psalm 108:4-5) – Worth It All by Meredith Andrews

Whom Shall I Fear (God of Angel Armies) (Psalm 27:1) – Let The Future Begin by Chris Tomlin (Passion)

Hosanna (Mark 11:9-10) – Savior King by Hillsong Worship

The Solid Rock (Psalm 18:2) – Original Arrangement

The Wonderful Cross (Romans 8:38-39) – The Worship Initiative, Vol. 5 by Shane and Shane

 

TEACHING: James – Living Out Our Faith, Part 10

You believe only what you act on. All the rest is just religious talk.

CLICK HERE FOR THE SERMON AUDIO & VIDEO

 

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS

  1. What was one thing you found particularly interesting, insightful, helpful or difficult to understand from this sermon?
  2. Would you say that you tend toward being a “faith” person or a “works” person?
  3. Read and discuss James 2:14-26. What does this tell us about us? What does it tell us about God? What encouragements, warnings or commands are here for us to heed? What tension do you see in these verses?
  4. How does the whole of Scripture help us interpret these verses? What are some misinterpretations of these verses?
  5. What is the role of faith and works in the life of a follower of Christ?
  6. What is the difference between justification and sanctification?
  7. How does the gospel of Jesus provide context for both faith and works?
  8. Where do you need to grow in living out your faith?
  9. Spend some time in prayer thanking God the salvation He freely offers through Jesus Christ. Pray that He would give you the grace to live a life consistent with the gospel.

Sunday Rewind | 1.17.16

Sunday Rewind

MUSIC & SCRIPTURE

Awesome Is The Lord Most High (Psalm 47:1-2) – See The Morning by Chris Tomlin

Alive in Us (Ephesians 2:4-5) – God is Able by Hillsong Live

Blessed Be Your Name (Job 1:21) – The Songs of Matt Redman (vol. 1) by Matt Redman

Give Me Faith (Psalm 73:25-26) – Nothing Is Wasted byElevation Worship

Lord I Need You (Hebrews 4:16) – All The People Said Amen by Matt Maher

 

TEACHING

Due to the sensitive nature of yesterday’s sermon, we are not posting Sunday’s sermon online.

 

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS

  1. What scriptures can you think of that deal with the topics of sin, confession, forgiveness, repentance and restoration? What warnings and/or admonishments does scripture provide on each of these topics?
  2. What are the distinctions between forgiveness, repentance and restoration?
  3. Read and discuss Hebrews 3:12-13. How is sin deceitful? What are some practical ways can you exhort or encourage each other in your small group?
  4. Share a time when you forgave someone. What happened? Why did you forgive them?
  5. Share a time when you received forgiveness. What happened? Why did they forgiven you?
  6. How does the gospel give us the power to repent of our own sin and forgive others of theirs? How does the gospel give us a lens through which to properly view sin, repentance and restoration?
  7. What dark area of your life needs to be brought out into the light?
  8. Is there someone in your life now to whom you need to extend forgiveness? Is there someone from whom you need to ask for forgiveness? Spend some time in prayer with your small group and ask them to hold you accountable for this.

Sunday Rewind | 01.03.2016

Sunday Rewind

VIDEO ANNOUNCEMENTS
During Sunday worship services, we want to spend less time making announcements and more time worshiping. To help facilitate that, we 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

Rock of Ages (Deuteronomy 32:3-4) – Death of Death by Charlie Hall

Your Great Name (Philippians 2:10-11) – Love Revolution by Natalie Grant

Great Things (Worth It All) (Galatians 6:14) –Wake Up the Wonder by Elevation Worship

Unstoppable God (Luke 1:37) – Wake up the Wonder by Elevation Worship

 

TEACHING: Read Your Bible

The Bible is a book of revelation, showing us what God wants us to know that we could otherwise not know. Read your Bible.

CLICK HERE FOR THE SERMON AUDIO & VIDEO

 

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS

  1. What was one thing you found particularly interesting, insightful, helpful or difficult to understand from this sermon?
  2. Read and discuss Psalm 1 and 1 Corinthians 2:6-16. What do these verses tell us about revelation? What do they tell us about the Word of God? What are the general implications of these verses? What are the personal implications for your life?
  3. What does it mean to meditate on the Word of God? How does that give us life?
  4. What are some things the Bible says about itself?
  5. As we read, study, memorize and mediate on the Scriptures, the following sequence is often played out: Information > Insight > Guidance > Comfort. Have you seen this in your own life? What examples can you give?
  6. What is the significance of Jesus being the living Word of God (John 1)?
  7. What excuses do you have for not being in the Word of God regularly? How can your Shepherd Group help hold you accountable to be faithful in reading, studying, memorizing and mediating upon the Scriptures? Spend some time in prayer for this while thanking God for the wisdom of His Word.

Sunday Rewind | 11.15.2015

Sunday Rewind

VIDEO ANNOUNCEMENTS
During 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 Our Eyes (Ephesians 1:18-19a) – Nothing is Wasted by Elevation Worship

10,000 Reasons (Psalm 103:1) – Unrelenting Love by Nick Thurmond

The Solid Rock (Psalm 18:2) – Original Arrangement by Reston Bible Church

I Stand Amazed (2 Corinthians 8:9) – North Point Live by Candi Shelton (North Point)

You Never Let Go (Psalm 23:4) – Beautiful News by Matt Redman

 

 

TEACHING: Sons & Daughters

Too many of us fall into fear and despair because we see God through the lens of our earthly relationships. Yet, through Jesus, God has adopted us as His very own children.

CLICK HERE FOR THE SERMON AUDIO & VIDEO

 

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS

  1. What was one thing you found particularly interesting, insightful, helpful or difficult to understand from this sermon?
  2. Read and discuss Romans 8:14-17. What do these verses tell us about us? What do they tell us about God?
  3. What is something you feel guilt or shame about?
  4. How does Romans 8:14-17 free us from the burdens of guilt, shame, fear and performance?
  5. Why would the enemy want us to relate to God the same way we relate to our earthly parents (or other earthly relationships)?
  6. What does it mean that we are adopted by God and thus “heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ” (Rom. 8:17)? What are the daily practical implications of this truth as we live out our lives?
  7. In what ways do you tend to identify yourself by your performance? How does the gospel simultaneously free us from the burden of performance, while enabling us to perform rightly?
  8. Spend time in prayer thanking God for adopting you as a son or daughter. Ask Him to help you live out this truth in your daily life.