Sunday Rewind | 4.26.2015
MUSIC & SCRIPTURE
Your Love Never Fails (Romans 8:28) – Your Love Never Fails by Jesus Culture
In Your Presence (Deuteronomy 31:6) – Nothing Is Wasted by Elevation Worship
Come Thou Fount (Psalm 16:11) – Original Arrangement
Unending Love (Romans 8:38-39) – God Is Able by Hillsong
Cornerstone (Psalm 18:2) – Cornerstone by Hillsong
TEACHING: Grace Given, Grace Received – Part 1
Grace is not just for salvation – we need it in every ongoing aspect of our lives. Grace is not opposed to effort; it is opposed to earning.
CLICK HERE FOR THE SERMON AUDIO & VIDEO
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS
- What was one thing you found particularly interesting, insightful, helpful or difficult to understand from this sermon?
- What comes to mind when you think of the word “grace”? How would you define grace?
- Read and discuss Ephesians 2:1-9 and Romans 5:6-20. What do you see about the nature of man? What do you note about the nature of God? What do these passages tell us about grace?
- In what ways do we tend to “shelve” grace? What are the results?
- How does biblical grace address sin, pride and self-pity? Which of these three do you tend toward? Why?
- In what ways have you received grace? In what ways have you given grace?
- How can you “drink more deeply from the well of grace”?
- Is there a specific area or situation in your life where you need to give or receive grace? What would it look like in practical terms for you to do that? Spend some time praying about this.
Sunday Rewind | 4.19.2015
MUSIC & SCRIPTURE
Open Up The Heavens (Psalm 108:4-5) – Worth It All by Meredith Andrews
Alive In Us (Ephesians 2:4-5) – God Is Able by Hillsong
My Deliverer (Psalm 18:1-2) – Hello Love by Chris Tomlin
I Stand Amazed (2 Corinthians 8:9) – North Point Live by Candi Shelton (North Point)
Glorious (Psalm 111:2-3) – Glorious by Paul Baloche
TEACHING: Missions Sunday – From the Field
All followers of Jesus are significant in the work of missions. We must move from information and inspiration to personal involvement in Christ’s great work in missions.
CLICK HERE FOR THE SERMON AUDIO & VIDEO
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS
- How would you describe “missions” to someone who doesn’t know? What comes to mind when you think of “missions” and “missionaries”?
- Do you have any experience with missions?
- Read and discuss Luke 10:1-24. What does this tell us about the topic of missions? What other scriptures can you think of that inform and inspire us to personal involvement in missions?
- Why is every single believer in Jesus significant in the work of missions?
- What are the dangers of missions? What hinders missions?
- Would you say that you have a “burden for the lost”? Why or why not? How can we develop this?
- How can we as the church discern between significant and insignificant issues as we consider the topic of missions?
- “God does not want to use all of us in the same way, but He does want to use all of us in some way.” How do you respond to this statement? What role do you think God is giving you in the important work of missions?
- Are you willing to make yourself available to the Lord for the work of missions? Why or why not? What are you willing to risk? Spend some time praying about this.
Sunday Rewind | 4.12.2015
MUSIC & SCRIPTURE
God Is Able (Ephesians 3:20-21) – God Is Able by Hillsong
Closer (Psalm 89:14-15) – Glorious Ruins by Hillsong
The Wonderful Cross (Galatians 6:14) – The Worship Initiative, Vol. 5 by Shane & Shane
In Christ Alone (Galatians 2:20) – Let The Future Begin by Kristian Stanfill (Passion)
TEACHING: The Conscience
We tend to think of our conscience as a thermometer that registers the moral temperature around us. In reality, the conscience is more like a thermostat, which can be “reprogrammed” by the influences around us.
CLICK HERE FOR THE SERMON AUDIO & VIDEO
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS
- What was one thing you found particularly interesting, insightful, helpful or difficult to understand from this sermon?
- How would you describe the moral/religious environment in which you grew up?
- Read and discuss Acts 24:14-16. What do you observe about the conscience? Why would the author of Acts “take pains to have a clear conscience toward both God and man” (v. 16)?
- Have you ever felt the weight of trying to maintain something that is not found in Scripture? What was the source of that pressure?
- What is the distinction between viewing the conscience as a thermometer as opposed to seeing it as a thermostat? Why is this distinction important?
- Are we born with a built-in moral code? What initially forms and shapes our conscience? What examples come to mind?
- What influences/environments have shaped and reshaped your conscience over the years? Can you think of good and bad examples from your own life?
- Read and discuss Titus 1:15-16, Ephesians 4:17-20, Romans 1:18 and 1 Timothy 4:1-3. What warnings are here regarding the defilement of the conscience?
- How does the gospel redeem, inform, enable and shape our own conscience? What does the gospel require of us in regards to others’ consciences?
- What areas of your life need to be readjusted to “true North”? Spend some time together in prayer for this.
Sunday Rewind | 4.5.2015
MUSIC & SCRIPTURE
Only King Forever (1 Timothy 1:17) – Only King Forever by Elevation Worship
Alive In Us (Ephesians 2:4-5) – God Is Able by Hillsong
Christ The Lord Is Risen Today – Love Divine by Aaron Keyes
Your Great Name (Philippians 2:10-11) – Love Revolution by Natalie Grant
Our God Is Love (1 John 4:9-10) – A Beautiful Exchange by Hillsong
TEACHING: Too Good to Be True
At Easter, we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus as the pivotal turning point in the history of man. But is the Easter account too good to be true?
CLICK HERE FOR THE SERMON AUDIO & VIDEO
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS
- What was one thing you found particularly interesting, insightful, helpful or difficult to understand from this sermon?
- What traditions do you and your family have to celebrate Easter?
- Read and discuss 1 Corinthians 15:12-28. What do these verses tell us about the nature of man? What do they tell us about Jesus?
- Why would Paul say that without the resurrection, our faith in Christ is in vain (v. 14)? Why is Jesus’ resurrection from the dead the pivotal turning point in the history of mankind? Why does the resurrection matter?
- Is it difficult to believe in the resurrection? Have you ever felt the gospel is “too good to be true”?
- Chris said, “The path to belief looks different for different people.” Where are you on your own path to belief? What has your path looked like up to this point in your life?
- Where do you see death & resurrection metaphors reflected in our culture?
- Spend some time in prayer for the things you’ve discussed. Give thanks to God for all that we have in Jesus Christ.
Take 5: Examples from Jonah, Part 20
You don’t have to vindicate yourself from teaching the full weight of God’s Word. After all, it’s His Word – not yours.
Take 5 is a series of videos for pastors & teachers of God’s Word. Mike Minter, teaching pastor and founder of Reston Bible Church, shares practical wisdom from over 40 years of ministry experience.
For more Take 5 videos, visit vimeo.com/channels/minter or subscribe via RSS here: blog.restonbible.org/category/resources/take-5/feed/
To suggest a topic for Pastor Mike to cover, send an email to questions@restonbible.org.
Sunday Rewind | 3.29.2015
MUSIC & SCRIPTURE
Glorious (Psalm 111:2-3) – Everything Glorious by Chris Tomlin (Passion)
Open Up Our Eyes (Ephesians 1:18-19a) – Nothing Is Wasted by Elevation Worship
Hosanna (Mark 11:9-10) – Savior King by Hillsong
Beautiful Lord (Ephesians 2:4-5) – Sound of Melodies by Leeland
Always (Psalm 121:1-2) – Here For You by Kristian Stanfill (Passion)
TEACHING: Who Are You? Part 3
What do we do when Jesus’ claims contradict our experiences? What you believe about Jesus will define you.
CLICK HERE FOR THE SERMON AUDIO & VIDEO
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS
- What was one thing you found particularly interesting, insightful, helpful or difficult to understand from this sermon?
- Take some time to read through John 6. What stands out to you? What themes do you notice? What do you learn about ourselves in this chapter? What do we learn about Jesus? What does John 6 have to do with Easter?
- Why is it that so much of the gospel accounts seem to be focused on the mistakes and misunderstandings of the disciples?
- In what ways can we seek Jesus with wrong motives?
- What has Jesus asked you to do for those around you? How would you describe your level of obedience?
- What are your go-to excuses for those times when you struggle with faithful obedience? How does what you believe about Jesus affect this? How can you grow in joyful obedience?
- How has Jesus challenged you to participate in ministry? What do you lack that He must provide?
- How do Jesus’ claims sometimes contradict our experiences? What do you do with the claims of Jesus you don’t understand? Can you think of any examples?
- What hard questions about life do you have?
- Spend some time in prayer for the things you’ve discussed.
Sunday Rewind | 3.22.2015
MUSIC & SCRIPTURE
Endless Light (Psalm 113:3-4) – Cornerstone by Hillsong
Open Up The Heavens (Psalm 108:4-5) – Worth It All by Meredith Andrews
10,000 Reasons (Psalm 103:1) – Unrelenting Love by Nick Thurmond
Give Me Faith (Psalm 73:25-26) – Nothing Is Wasted by Elevation Worship
Christ Is Enough (2 Corinthians 12:9) – Glorious Ruins by Hillsong
TEACHING: Who Are You? Part 2
What we consider to be true of Christ will determine how we go about following Him.
CLICK HERE FOR THE SERMON AUDIO & VIDEO
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS
- What was one thing you found particularly interesting, insightful, helpful or difficult to understand from this sermon?
- What things do we tend to tie our identity to? Why?
- Read and discuss Mark 8:31-38. What do you think this tells you about us? What does it tell us about Jesus?
- What comes to mind for you when you hear the word Christian? How has this changed over the course and seasons of your life?
- Why does Peter rebuke Jesus (v.32)? What is significant about Jesus’ response?
- What is Jesus saying it means to be a Christian in these verses? Does what He says differ from what you believe it is to be Christian?
- What is significant about each of the three steps Jesus outlines in verse 34? Is Jesus asking us to do something He has not done? Why does this matter?
- Patrick Morley wrote: “There is a God we want, and there is a God who is. They are not the same God. And the turning point of our lives is when we stop seeking the God we want and start seeking the God who is.” Have you reached that turning point? Share where you are in that process.
- Spend some time in prayer for the things you’ve discussed.
Sunday Rewind | 3.15.2015
MUSIC & SCRIPTURE
Be Lifted High (John 3:30) – Nothing Is Wasted by Elevation Worship
Rock of Ages (Deuteronomy 32:3-4) – Death of Death by Charlie Hall
Unending Love (Romans 8:38-39) – God is Able by Hillsong
Glorious (Psalm 111:2-3) – Glorious by Paul Baloche
I Will Look Up (Deuteronomy 7:9) – Only King Forever by Elevation Worship
TEACHING: Who Are You? Part 1
Someone’s value influences how we value someone. “Who is Jesus?” is the most profound, life-changing question we could ever ask.
CLICK HERE FOR THE SERMON AUDIO & VIDEO
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS
- What was one thing you found particularly interesting, insightful, helpful or difficult to understand from this sermon?
- Discuss the statement, “Someone’s value influences how we value someone.” Have you found this to be true? What examples can you think of?
- Read and discuss Mark 8:27-29. What do you think this tells you about us? What does it tell us about Jesus?
- What is significant about how the disciples answer Jesus’ first question (vv. 27-28)?
- How would you answer Jesus’ first question from a modern-day perspective – “Who do people say that I am?”
- What is significant about how Peter answers Jesus’ second question (v. 29)?
- How would you answer Jesus’ second question – “Who do you say that I am?” Why is this question the most profound, life-changing question we could ever ask?
- How does your answer to Jesus’ questions in Mark 8:27-29 affect your life on a daily, practical level?
- Spend some time in prayer asking God to help you understand and live out the great value Jesus has, that we would value Him above all else.
Sunday Rewind | 3.8.2015
MUSIC & SCRIPTURE
Only King Forever (1 Timothy 1:17) – Only King Forever by Elevation Worship
Alive In Us (Ephesians 2:4-5) – God Is Able by Hillsong
Your Great Name (Philippians 2:10-11) – Love Revolution by Natalie Grant
Cornerstone (Psalm 18:2) – Cornerstone by Hillsong
TEACHING: Wisdom Vs. Intelligence
Wisdom does not guarantee you won’t have problems in life, but is does guarantee you won’t be the cause. In the moral realm, intellect is driven by passion; wisdom is driven by truth.
CLICK HERE FOR THE SERMON AUDIO & VIDEO
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS
- What was one thing you found particularly interesting, insightful, helpful or difficult to understand from this sermon?
- Read and discuss Proverbs 9. What does this tell you about the nature of man? Of God? What does it tell us about wisdom?
- How would you summarize the difference between wisdom and intellect? What are some examples of each?
- Why do you think fear of the LORD is the “beginning of wisdom” (Prov. 9:10)? How is wisdom paired with intellect in this verse?
- “In the moral realm, intellect is driven by passion; wisdom is driven by truth.” How do you see this play out in David’s life in 2 Samuel 11? Where else in scripture do you see this principal play out? Where have you seen this play out in modern culture?
- What area or situation in your life do you need to combine wisdom with intellect? Spend some time praying for this.
RESOURCES
Click here for more thoughts on wisdom verses intelligence from Pastor Mike.
Bill Plowden Memorial Service
VISITATION & SERVICE | On Tuesday, March 3rd visitation and a memorial service for Bill Plowden will be held at Reston Bible Church. The visitation is from 2:30-3:30pm and the service will begin at 4:00pm. A reception will follow at the church.
MEMORIAL CONTRIBUTIONS | Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Bill Plowden to the Plowden Family Fund at Fundrazr.com (http://fnd.us/c/3iF3b) to support the children’s college fund. Letters for the girls about Bill can be sent to theplowdengirls@gmail.com.
FROM THE FAMILY | We would like to express our sincere appreciation to all of the many friends and family who have walked with us throughout this journey. The Lord has used your prayers and support to sustain us in every possible way. We would also like to thank all of the wonderful staff of Massachusetts General Hospital who have cared for Bill over the past 18 months. A special thank you to our RBC family for your loving support and for helping us to plan Bill’s Celebration of Life.