Family Quest: The Rock – Peak 1 (Lesson 2)
What is the purpose of testimony?
Testimony is the solemn declaration usually made orally or in writing by a witness either in a courtroom under oath or elsewhere. Its purpose is to provide information on which to base a decision. Our memory verse begins with these words, “And this is the testimony.” Whose testimony? God Almighty’s testimony. His testimony, or solemn declaration, is that eternal life can only be found in his Son and be had only through his Son. We have already established that God is trustworthy so we know that the testimony is true. What decision then must be made based upon this information? Why did God give us this testimony?
ABOUT FAMILY QUEST: At Reston Bible Church, we firmly believe that parents are a child’s first and most important spiritual leader. In order to support you that mission, we have created a parent devotional and some discussion starters to go along with each lesson your grade school age children are learning at Quest on Sundays. Our hope and prayer is that this material will help you to engage with your children around the topics they are learning on Sunday mornings, answer their questions, go deeper with them, and find real, day-to-day applications. We are honored to be able to partner with you in the critical task of sharing Christ with the next generation.
Family Quest: The Rock – Peak 1 (Lesson 1)
To live a truly eternal life, eternal both in quality (in God’s eternal presence and with His eternal purpose) and in duration (we will never perish), we must understand and place our confidence in God’s assurances to us.
An assurance is God’s pledge, His guarantee for His children born of the Spirit through Christ. While there are experiential or subjective ways for us to get a clue as to our salvation and place in God’s family, our love for the church and the things of God (1 John 2:15, 3:14), and the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22) among them, it is only God’s “testimony,” His solemn declaration through His Word, that stands as our objective proof of the assurance we have that, when we have believed and received His gift of eternal life through Christ Jesus, we are secure in his hands.
ABOUT FAMILY QUEST: At Reston Bible Church, we firmly believe that parents are a child’s first and most important spiritual leader. In order to support you that mission, we have created a parent devotional and some discussion starters to go along with each lesson your grade school age children are learning at Quest on Sundays. Our hope and prayer is that this material will help you to engage with your children around the topics they are learning on Sunday mornings, answer their questions, go deeper with them, and find real, day-to-day applications. We are honored to be able to partner with you in the critical task of sharing Christ with the next generation.
Family Quest: Extreme Makeover, Spiritual Edition – Teach, Lesson 2
LESSON 2: IT TAKES ONE, TO MAKE ONE
Before Jesus called us to make disciples He called us to become His disciples. He says in Matthew 11:28-29, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” If I think back on my best teachers I find a few commonalities. For one, they didn’t live in the theoretical world. They either had or were living what they taught. Practical, real world experience is critical. Otherwise we wouldn’t have the expression, “well at least that’s how it works in theory.”
The other thing that set apart these exceptional teachers was their passion for the subject they taught. It was a passion born of their own commitment to pursuing knowledge and understanding of their area of expertise. And it didn’t end. For them it was a life-long quest.
Download Teach, Lesson 2Family Quest: Extreme Makeover, Spiritual Edition – Section 2, Lesson 2
LESSON 2: FORGIVENESS AND PRAYER – A LIFE-GIVING COMBINATION
The church is made up of people, and as people being transformed into the image of Christ we are by definition not finished products. This leaves us open to mistakes or offenses committed against one another. The question is not whether we offend one another but rather when it happens how do we respond in a way that is not of this world? Forgiveness and prayer.
This is the model we have in Christ.
Download Church, Lesson 2Family Quest: Extreme Makeover, Spiritual Edition, Introduction
INTRODUCTION: THE GREAT COMMANDMENT
Introducing a Really Big Idea – The Great Commandment
Thanks for joining us in this quest to educate and challenge the children of our church. We want to give you a preview for the upcoming lesson. Any hiker worth his Gatorade looks over the map before he heads out. Our ‘Trail Guide Devotional’ gives you an opportunity during the week to think about the Big Idea and to look for ways that God is using these lessons in your own life.
Download the ConclusionDad and Kids Campout Recap
Despite our inability to gather in large groups, more than 40 families participated in the first ever RBC Backyard Campout back on June 13 and 14.
Spread out over more than 20 backyards, there were games, there were s’mores, there was insect repellent and sunscreen. There was kayaking, swimming, movies, and crafts.
There was time in God’s word, worship, and prayer. There were dads connecting with their kids and with each other in deeper ways. We are so thankful for the perfect weather that God provided and for all the dads who chose to invest in the lives of their children for the glory of God.
Check out the video slideshow above for a small taste of what it was like!
VIDEO: How Are You Loving Those Around You?
How are you loving those around you? Here’s a devotional from 1 John 5:1-5 from our Family Life Pastor, Mike Meyers.
Prayer & Activities at Home
Our Family Life Pastor, Mike Meyers, has some fun activity ideas and helpful prayer points for those who find themselves with unexpected time on their hands.
Continue readingThe Heart of Neighboring Resources
If we truly know Jesus, we will not allow time, fear of awkwardness, a judgmental spirit, or other obstacles to hinder us from loving our neighbors as ourselves. To follow up on The Heart of Neighboring message, here are some resources and starting points for you to consider as you apply Jesus’ call to “be neighbor” to those around us (Luke 10:36-37).
EQUIPPING THE SAINTS COURSE: The Art of Neighboring
This course looks at “His Kingdom come” in your neighborhood – practical ways to be salt and light close to home. This 4-session class will include a biblical basis for neighborhood ministry and will cover the means, methods, and resources available. We’ll discuss topics like meeting felt needs in Jesus’ name, the impact of everyday kindness, youth coaching and other community involvement, and the power of hospitality, among others. You’ll hear from other RBC brothers and sisters and learn from their victories as well as their failures. Our next session will be held March 8-29, 2020 on Sundays at 10:45 a.m. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER.
BOOKS & ONLINE RESOURCES
- The Gospel Comes with a House Key: Practicing Radically Ordinary Hospitality in Our Post-Christian World (Amazon)
- The Simplest Way to Change the World: Biblical Hospitality as a Way of Life (Amazon)
- The Art of Neighboring: Building Genuine Relationships Right Outside Your Door (Amazon)
- TheNeighboringLife.com Resources (Website)
VIDEO TESTIMONIES
FIRST FRUITS – NOVEMBER 23
First Fruits is a service project that has rallied the RBC church body for over 30 years. It is a unique serving opportunity for families, shepherd groups, and individuals to come together and make a difference in the lives and families in our area who are in need of help and encouragement. It’s coming up soon! Get info at www.restonbible.org/firstfruits.
Celebrating Generosity: Limão Verde Mission Trip
Introducing Equipping the Saints
In response to Christ’s command to be disciples and make disciples, fulfilling the mission of RBC, “to know Christ and make Him known,” we have created a ministry called Equipping the Saints (EtS).
EtS was created to provide systematic teaching for the entire church body on the essentials of being and making disciples. The core courses below are set in an environment of mutual edification, exhortation, and spiritual growth that will benefit every follower of Jesus, and draw the body at RBC together in unity.
Courses are mostly done in 4 sessions, and are held on Sunday mornings, so that everyone in the body can participate. Registration for the Fall semester is open. The desire of the Pastors and Elders is that everyone who calls RBC home, would work their way through all six of the core courses.
One Body, Many Parts: Where Do I Fit?
Sundays, 10:45 AM – September 9 – 30
Lead Teacher: Pastor Mike Meyers
This broad orientation to the “church” and to RBC’s history, beliefs, and ministries will cover what it means to be a part of the body of Christ at RBC and help you answer questions like, “Who am I?” “How has God fitted me for His service?” “Where do I go from here?” We will explore things like personality, spiritual gifts, and passions to help you understand how God has uniquely created you for growth and fruitfulness in His kingdom.
Firm Foundation: Essential Christian Beliefs
Sundays, 10:45 AM – October 14 – November 18
Lead Teachers: Pastors Jason VanDorsten and Evan Snyder
This course will help you understand our core Christian beliefs regarding the nature of God, the nature of sin and the gospel, Christ’s work in making us holy (spiritually whole and set apart for God), the eternal security of the believer, the inerrancy of Scripture, and the Church, and more. In the course, you will develop your ability to explain these to others.
Engaging the Living Word
Sunday, 9:00 AM – September 9 – 30
Lead Teacher: Pastor Jim Supp
Covering the importance and power of the Word of God in the life of the believer, this course provides an overview of the Bible (structure, literary styles, history, big picture storyline), basic tools and techniques for Bible reading, interpretation, and Scripture engagement, and plans for Bible reading.
World Mission Survey
Sundays, 9:00 AM – October 28 and November 4
Lead Teacher: Pastor Tony Pedroni
This two-session class is held annually in the fall, and covers the biblical basis for world missions, a survey of the history of missions, RBC’s place in that history, and how individuals in the body can engage. Students will have an opportunity to learn more about RBC’s missions committee, missions internship program, short-term missions opportunities, and ways to “adopt” a national or international missionary as a family or Shepherd Group. This class is recommended for everyone at RBC that has a heart for reaching the world with the good news of Jesus.
You can read more about EtS and see the full list of courses at the EtS web page.
Daddy-Daughter Dance Update
On the evening of March 3, our facility was transformed into a medieval castle for the “Fair Maiden’s Ball,” our annual Daddy-Daughter dance.
The event was sold out! The princesses, accompanied by dads, grand-dads, uncles, and family friends, were welcomed at the door by their hosts, the king, and princess Bela, and treated to an evening of royal crafts, desserts, and a whirl in the royal ballroom. A good time was had by all. Kings and princesses alike were encouraged in their relationship with one another as well as with Jesus, the King of kings.
If you missed the Ball, do not worry. You can get a dad and daughter date passport from the Quest desk (in the RBC Children’s Ministry area) and begin to prepare for next year’s event. A special thank you to the Lady Hannah Huthwaite and her team of royal volunteers for a spectacular event!
Family Quest: A Heart of Wisdom, Lesson 11
LESSON 11: WISDOM IS AS WISDOM DOES
Character and a good name are built, not with increasing knowledge, but rather one choice at a time, one action at a time, one day at time. If you’ve ever learned to type you remember the hunt and peck phase. Struggling to not look down at your fingers, wearing out the backspace key, and breaking the auto-correct on your computer. If your work has forced you to keep at it, day in and day out, over any length of time, your fingers are now likely flying over the keys as you bang out emails, reports, and social media posts. You may even be able to carry on a conversation with someone while looking at them and still be typing. How did you get there? You learned to type by typing. Think also of a child learning to walk and then consider the ease and agility of an athlete. Good teaching and a pursuit of knowledge are important, but remember Jesus’ words, “the one who hears these words of mine, AND puts them into action, he is like a man who built his house upon the rock.”
Similarly, you can gain knowledge about prayer, but you will only learn to pray by praying, to share your faith by sharing your faith, to spend time in the Word by spending time in the Word, to serve by serving. Our weak efforts to put his Word into action are taken by God, empowered by his Spirit, and turned into something more. Are we encouraging the young people of the church to actively exercise their knowledge, whether a little or a lot, in a way that honors God? It is through this exercise that they will grow in wisdom and stature, and favor with God and man (Luke 2:52).
I want to leave us with a hard question. Are we leading the children by example? Can it be said of us, “Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith” (Hebrews 13:7). Can we tell the children, “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:1). By God’s grace I pray that we will not be found wanting, that we will be able to look at our spiritual children and say with the apostle John, “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.”
BIG IDEA: Wisdom is shown in our actions.
MEDITATING ON THE WORD:
Proverbs 20:11-20
1 Timothy 4:12
Hebrews 13:7
1 Corinthians 11:1
Philippians 4:9
SECTION VERSE:
Then you will understand what is right and just and fair—every good path. For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul. – Proverbs 2:9-10
LESSON VERSE:
Even small children are known by their actions, so is their conduct really pure and upright? – Proverbs 20:11
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
- Read and discuss Prov. 20:11 and 1 Timothy 4:12.
- What is character? How is it formed?
- Why is important to form good habits while you are young?
- Who helps you to live wisely? Who gives you that power? (2 Peter 1:1-8)
- How can you be an example to older Christians?
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ABOUT FAMILY QUEST: At Reston Bible Church, we firmly believe that parents are a child’s first and most important spiritual leader. In order to support you that mission, we have created a parent devotional and some discussion starters to go along with each lesson your grade school age children are learning at Quest on Sundays. Our hope and prayer is that this material will help you to engage with your children around the topics they are learning on Sunday mornings, answer their questions, go deeper with them, and find real, day-to-day applications. We are honored to be able to partner with you in the critical task of sharing Christ with the next generation.
Family Quest: A Heart of Wisdom, Lesson 10
LESSON 10: A WISE FRIEND
There are two lessons that we’d like to teach the children in this Quest. The first is how to be a friend worth choosing. The second is to choose their friends wisely. One of my favorite examples of
friendship from scripture is that of David and Jonathan. Jonathan proved to be a friend worth choosing. His loyalty, bravery, integrity, and love for David even unto death are characteristics we can all admire and seek to emulate. David chose his friend wisely and did not forget him after he was gone. “Now David said, “Is there still anyone who is left of the house of Saul, that I may show him kindness for Jonathan’s sake?” – 2 Samuel 9:1. David then took Mephibosheth, Jonathan’s disabled son, and brought him into his house and treated him as family. It doesn’t stretch credulity to think that perhaps David himself shared these words of wisdom with his own son Solomon, “A friend loves at all times,” and “As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another,” as he reflected back on his friendship with Jonathan.
We want our kids to have a godly desire to be, and seek God’s grace to be, that kind of friend. A friend who leads others on good paths, spurs others on to faith and good works, speaks words that edify, is loyal and reliable, looks out for their friends, brings out the best in others, and loves at all times with the sacrificial love of Christ.
Equally important is that our children wisely choose this kind of friend for themselves. How many of us have used this phrase of a young person gone astray: “He/she fell in with the wrong crowd”? Don’t misunderstand, Jesus was a friend to sinners and so should we be. However, there is a qualitative difference between the unbelieving friend, to whom you can be a witness for Christ, and a close friend with whom you have fellowship in Christ, share your deepest struggles, and depend upon to correct you when you need it. The latter must be chosen very carefully. The warnings are plenty.
“One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin” (Prov. 18:24), “Do not make friends with a hot-tempered person…or you may learn their ways” (Prov. 22:24-25). “Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character” (1 Cor. 15:33). When it comes to choosing close friends we need to help the children develop a godly vision for choosing wisely.
BIG IDEA: Wisdom chooses friends carefully.
MEDITATING ON THE WORD:
Proverbs 18:24, 27:5-6, 22:24-25
1 Corinthians 15:33
SECTION VERSE:
Then you will understand what is right and just and fair—every good path. For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul. – Proverbs 2:9-10
LESSON VERSE:
A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity. – Proverbs 17:17
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
- Read and discuss Prov. 17:9-22.
- What is a friend?
- Who is your closest friend? Why?
- What does God say makes for a good friend? Not good friend?
- How can you become a good friend? (Spend time with the best friend, Jesus, in His Word and in prayer).
– – –
ABOUT FAMILY QUEST: At Reston Bible Church, we firmly believe that parents are a child’s first and most important spiritual leader. In order to support you that mission, we have created a parent devotional and some discussion starters to go along with each lesson your grade school age children are learning at Quest on Sundays. Our hope and prayer is that this material will help you to engage with your children around the topics they are learning on Sunday mornings, answer their questions, go deeper with them, and find real, day-to-day applications. We are honored to be able to partner with you in the critical task of sharing Christ with the next generation.
Family Quest: A Heart of Wisdom, Lesson 9
LESSON 9: WISDOM BRINGS BLESSING
“What difference can I make? I’m only one person.” I’m not sure if God laughs out loud at this statement or shakes his head in frustration. It could not be a more absurd thing to say. In the hands of a sovereign God, who works all things together according to His will, every life wisely lived in faith is a powerful tool. Let me give one astonishing example of how your life, lived with the wisdom that comes from God, can have staggering impact.
Now I could rattle off a list great people in history who made significant impacts, but that is too easy to argue against because such people are few and far between. I’d rather we look at a person like Edward Kimball. Mr. Kimball was a volunteer Sunday school teacher who in 1855 humbly and obediently exercised his God given wisdom to speak with a wayward teen about Jesus Christ and then vanish into history. That teen gave his life to Christ that day. His name was Dwight L. Moody. Young Mr. Moody then dedicated his life to leading others to Christ. His example so blessed one pastor named F.B. Meyer that he went on an evangelistic tour of America. His challenge at a conference moved another young pastor named Wilbur Chapman to begin conducting evangelistic campaigns of his own. He recruited former baseball player Billy Sunday to join him and Sunday became one of America’s most successful evangelists. A group that came to Christ at one of Billy Sunday’s campaigns, put together their own event and invited evangelist Mordecai Ham to speak. At that event another young man gave his life to Christ. His name is Billy Graham. For me the story doesn’t end there. In 1952 Billy Graham held an event at Forbes field in Pittsburgh. A father and son who were present at that event came forward in response to the gospel and gave their lives to Jesus Christ in faith. Their names are Frank and Richard Meyers. My grandfather and father. So, you see, one ordinary man like us, a Sunday school teacher, simply lived in godly wisdom, and more than 100 years later is still leaving a legacy of blessing.
Never underestimate the power of the witness of your life. God told Abraham, “through you all nations of the earth will be blessed.” Solomon reminds us that doing what is wise will lift up those around us, while the unwise bring only grief and ruin to their family, their community, and themselves. God told
the returning Israelites in Zechariah 8:13 that they had been saved in order to be a blessing among the nations. We were saved for the same reason; to be a blessing. Wisdom recognizes our purpose and lives in it joyfully. Thank you Mr. Kimball!
BIG IDEA: When we do what is right, we bless those around us.
MEDITATING ON THE WORD:
Proverbs 14:34
Jeremiah 29:7
Psalm 67Proverbs 14:34
Jeremiah 29:7
Psalm 67
SECTION VERSE:
Then you will understand what is right and just and fair—every good path. For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul. – Proverbs 2:9-10
LESSON VERSE:
Doing what is right lifts people up. But sin brings judgment to any nation. – Proverbs 14:34
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
- Read and discuss Prov. 14:26-35.
- Can you think of a time when you or someone else got everyone in trouble by doing the wrong thing?
- How can your right actions bless those around you? In your family, school, country?
- Mom or Dad, can you trace your history of faith to faithful servants of God? Why not share that story?
– – –
ABOUT FAMILY QUEST: At Reston Bible Church, we firmly believe that parents are a child’s first and most important spiritual leader. In order to support you that mission, we have created a parent devotional and some discussion starters to go along with each lesson your grade school age children are learning at Quest on Sundays. Our hope and prayer is that this material will help you to engage with your children around the topics they are learning on Sunday mornings, answer their questions, go deeper with them, and find real, day-to-day applications. We are honored to be able to partner with you in the critical task of sharing Christ with the next generation.