Blog Posts by Jason VanDorsten

Sunday Rewind | 1.26.2014

Sunday Rewind

MUSIC & SCRIPTURE

Be Lifted High (John 3:30) – Nothing Is Wasted by Elevation Worship

In Your Presence (Deuteronomy 31:6) – Nothing Is Wasted by Elevation Worship

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

Christ Is Enough (2 Corinthians 12:9) – Glorious Ruins by Hillsong

Always (Psalm 121:1-2) – Here For You by Kristian Stanfill (Passion)

 

TEACHING: Philippians: A Journey Toward Humble Joy, Part 11

Conflict is a given as we go through life – even amongst those who labor for the gospel.

CLICK HERE FOR THE SERMON AUDIO

 

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS

  1. If you had to give this sermon in one sentence, what would you say?
  2. How often do you feel the strain of conflict in your life? How do you tend to deal with conflict?
  3. Read and discuss Philippians 4:1-9. What do you observe about the person of Christ from these verses? What do you see about the nature of man? Are there any commands or precepts to be followed in these verses? What do you observe about the conduct Christ-followers should have?
  4. What does it mean to “agree in the Lord” (v. 2)?
  5. What does Paul do in these verses to address a conflict between two people who have labored in the Gospel? Based on how Paul deals with this conflict,, what practical steps can you put into practice to deal with conflicts?
  6. How does the presence or absence humility play into peacemaking or conflict resolution?
  7. How does the gospel of Jesus Christ give context to any given conflict? How does the gospel encourage and enable us to seek resolution and peace?
  8. Is there a situation or circumstance you are currently dealing with where you need to “agree in the Lord” with someone, or encourage others to “agree in the Lord”? Spend some time in prayer for this and give a report to your small group the next time you meet.

Sunday Rewind | 1.19.2014

Sunday Rewind

MUSIC & SCRIPTURE

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

Christ Is Enough (2 Corinthians 12:9) – Glorious Ruins by Hillsong

Endless Light (Psalm 113:3-4) – Cornerstone by Hillsong

Alive In Us (Psalm 27:1) – God Is Able by Hillsong

 

TEACHING: The Ultimate Contradiction

After thousands of years of human innovation, knowledge and advancement, the human heart in its natural state remains unchanged. No matter how much we advance in our knowledge, the abuse of knowledge will always negate its benefits.

CLICK HERE FOR THE SERMON AUDIO

 

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS

  1. What do you hope to discuss as a group from this sermon?
  2. Read and discuss 1 Peter 3:13-17. What do you observe about the person of Christ from these verses? What do you see about the nature of man?
  3. What does it mean to be prepared “to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you” (v. 15, ESV). What specific instruction is found in 1 Peter 3 as to how to do this?
  4. Since knowledge is designed to solve problems, and knowledge is increasing at an exponential rate, problems should be decreasing. Yet, problems are not decreasing – but increasing. In what ways is this “the ultimate contradiction”? Is this observable and repeatable?
  5. “The abuse of knowledge will always negate its benefits.” Have you observed this to be true? Does scripture support this claim?
  6. Where do the arguments made in this message stand?
  7. How does the gospel of Jesus Christ give and sustain hope, despite the abuse of knowledge in any given arena of life?

**Thanks to everyone who submitted feedback on this message! We’ve closed the feedback form, but if you’ve got something to share, drop us a line at info@restonbible.org.

The Green Room Sessions: Christ Is Enough

This month, we’re introducing the song Christ Is Enough to our worship lineup. In this edition of the Green Room Sessions, Erik Palmer, Jesse Trask and Paul Goodnight discuss worship dynamics with youth, worshiping while leading, missional worship and the infinite help of Christ.

Just the Music: 07:24

The Green Room Sessions are a sneak peak into the heart of the worship ministry at Reston Bible Church. We have a huge desire to communicate God’s Word through song and respond to the Spirit, freely worshiping when we’re together. Our hope is that these short videos will provide an extension of the community at RBC and supply your home, car, and office with great songs about the greatness and love of our incredibly able God. See more Green Room Sessions here: rstbl.ch/PrUkYS

Sunday Rewind | 1.12.2014

Sunday Rewind

MUSIC & SCRIPTURE

Revelation Song – Let The Future Begin by Kari Jobe (Passion)

Open Up Our Eyes (Ephesians 1:18-19a) – Nothing Is Wasted by Elevation Worship

The Lord Our God (James 1:17) – Let The Future Begin by Kristian Stanfill (Passion)

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

Sometimes By Step (Psalm 34:1-2) – Original Arrangement

All Creatures (Praise His Name) (Psalm 148:13) – No Other Name by Reston Bible Church

 

TEACHING: Philippians: A Journey Toward Humble Joy, Part 10

The eager expectation of eternity is one of the great neglected truths of our day.

CLICK HERE FOR THE SERMON AUDIO

 

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS

  1. What do you hope to discuss as a group from this sermon?
  2. Read and discuss Philippians 3:17-21. What do you observe about the person of Christ from these verses? What do you see about the leanings of man?
  3. Who can you think of that has been an example to you in your walk with Christ? What about them makes you want to imitate them?
  4. What does it mean to have citizenship in heaven (v. 20)? How does the gospel both enable and uphold your heavenly citizenship?
  5. Why do you think the expectation of eternity is a neglected truth of our day?
  6. Do feel you “eagerly await” the return of Christ? What daily, practical implications would/should this perspective have in the life of a Christ-follower?
  7. What role does suffering play as we look forward to eternity? How might this alter how we view pain & suffering?
  8. What is one area where you need to “connect eternity to the problems of life”? Spend some time in prayer together about this.

Annual Report 2013

If you missed last month’s announcement, we’ve released our 2013 Annual Report. The Annual Report is designed to provide you with a broad overview of what God has done in and through Reston Bible Church over the last year. Our prayer is that this year-in-review is an encouragement to you as we reflect on what God has done in and through His people for His glory. This report is not a compilation of our accomplishments, but those of our great and glorious God. It is a joy to look back on what He has accomplished and look ahead with joyful anticipation at what we trust He will do this upcoming year. We hope this report is an occasion to give thanks together as we continue seeking to know Christ and to make Him known here in Northern Virginia and beyond.

To read through the 2013 RBC Annual Report online, visit www.restonbible.org/annualreport. Printed copies are available at the welcome desk in the lobby. If you are out of the area and would like a copy mailed to you, please make a request to info@restonbible.org.

Sunday Rewind | 1.5.2014

Sunday Rewind

MUSIC & SCRIPTURE

Exalted One (Psalm 121:1-2) – For The Honor by Elevation Worship

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

Beautiful Lord (Ephesians 2:4-5) – Sound of Melodies by Leeland

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

Give Me Faith (Psalm 73:25-26) – For The Honor by Elevation Worship

 

TEACHING: Philippians: A Journey Toward Humble Joy, Part 9

The apostle Paul encourages us to press on toward maturity in Christ, not as a means of earning our salvation, but as a means of experiencing the riches we have in Jesus.

CLICK HERE FOR THE SERMON AUDIO

 

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS

  1. What is something that stood out as particularly helpful, insightful, or difficult to grasp from this message?
  2. What is the difference between knowing someone and knowing about someone? What are the implications of this for the Christ-follower?
  3. Read and discuss Philippians 3:7-16. What do you observe about the person of Christ from these verses? What is Paul saying about the topic of pressing on to maturity in Christ?
  4. Are there any tensions to you observe in this text? Are they resolvable?
  5. What are some things in your life that tend to distract or deter you from pressing on toward deeper maturity?
  6. How can assets become liabilities in the life of a believer? How does the Gospel call us and empower us to keep first things first?
  7. What is “one thing” you need to do today to press forward to deeper maturity in Christ? Spend some time in prayer about this with your small group.

Sunday Rewind | 12.15.2013

Sunday Rewind

MUSIC & SCRIPTURE

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

O Come All Ye Faithful (Luke 2:15-16) – Christ Is Come by Big Daddy Weave

Lord of All (Psalm 97:5-6) – North Point Live by Kristian Stanfill (North Point)

Our King Has Come (Romans 5:1-2) – For The Honor by Elevation Worship

Joy To The World (Luke 2:10) – Original Arrangement

 

TEACHING: Philippians: A Journey Toward Humble Joy, Part 7

Good relationships are built on who you are, not what you can do. Integrity is the glue that holds relationships together.

CLICK HERE FOR THE SERMON AUDIO

 

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS

  1. What is one thing that stood out from this sermon that you found particularly insightful, helpful, or difficult to grasp?
  2. Who is someone you have a “level 5” relationship with? What is the glue that holds that relationship together?
  3. Read and discuss Philippians 2:19-29. What does this tell you about the person and nature of God? What do you see about the nature of man? What do you observe about the integrity and character of the men Paul mentions?
  4. What is the difference between integrity and honesty? What role does character play in the life of a Christ-follower?
  5. “Much of life is measured by relationships…” Have you found this to be true? What is the purpose and value of good relationships?
  6. How does the gospel affect or direct your relationships?
  7. Can you think of someone who desires your success above their own? Are you that person for someone else?
  8. Can you think of someone you can push toward success in kingdom living? Spend some time in prayer for them and ask God how He might have you reach out to them this week.

Sunday Rewind | 12.8.2013

Sunday Rewind

MUSIC & SCRIPTURE

Our God Is Love (1 John 4:9-10) – A Beautiful Exchange by Hillsong

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

Always (Psalm 121:1-2) – Here For You by Kristian Stanfill (Passion)

In Christ Alone (Galatians 2:20) – Let The Future Begin by Kristian Stanfill (Passion)

 

TEACHING: The Handiwork of God

General revelation prepares the heart for the specific revelation of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

CLICK HERE FOR THE SERMON AUDIO

 

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS

  1. What is one thing that stood out from this sermon that you found particularly insightful, helpful, or difficult to grasp?
  2. Read and discuss Psalm 19. What does this tell you about the person and nature of God? What do you see about the nature of man?
  3. What is the difference between general revelation and specific revelation of God? Where do you see general & specific revelation in Psalm 19?
  4. In what ways does general revelation prepare the heart for the specific revelation of the gospel?
  5. How have you seen or experienced the handiwork of God in a general sense? How have you seen or experienced the handiwork of God in a specific, personal sense?
  6. What role does the fear of the Lord have in the Christian’s life?
  7. Does God regularly reveal Himself to you? What might be blocking the voice of God in your life? Spend some time in prayer thanking Him for His revelation, and praying that He would reveal anything that may be blocking His voice in your life.

Deacon Commissioning

Today’s culture presents its own unique problems and challenges in fulfilling all the responsibilities and duties articulated by scripture for the church body to carry out.  As a partial response, the elders of Reston Bible Church this year established the position of deacons and delegated to them the task of addressing the material needs of those that would call RBC their church home.  Following a year-long review, selected individuals from the church body presented to the elders a proposed manual for a deacon ministry at RBC.  The elders approved the manual and solicited deacon nominations from the congregation.

On November 24, nine deacons were publicly commissioned before the congregation and have begun serving as an extension of the church body’s love and care for widows and widowers, and a channel to direct the generosity of the body of believers at RBC to those with financial or material needs within the congregation.  Please be in prayer for our deacons and this ministry.

Learn more about deacons at RBC at www.restonbible.org/deacons.

Sunday Rewind | 12.1.2013

Sunday Rewind

MUSIC & SCRIPTURE

Alive In Us (Ephesians 2:4-5) – God Is Able by Hillsong

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

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

Unending Love (Romans 8:38-39) – God Is Able by Hillsong

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

 

TEACHING: Philippians: A Journey Toward Humble Joy, Part 6

Evil is far more than outward behavior – it comes from within. The only remedy is the truth of gospel of Jesus Christ.

CLICK HERE FOR THE SERMON AUDIO

 

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS

  1. If you were to give a one-sentence synopsis of this message, what would it be?
  2. What comes to mind when you think of the words “evil” and “depravity”?
  3. Read and discuss Philippians 2:12-18. What does this tell you about the person and nature of God? What do you see about the nature of man?
  4. Read and discuss Mark 7:14-23 and consider the statement, “The basic makeup of the human heart is capable of committing any sin at any time given the right circumstance.”  How do you react to this?
  5. How does the gospel remedy the “evils [that] come from inside” (Mark 7:23)?
  6. What does it mean to “work out your salvation with fear and trembling” (Phil. 2:12)?
  7. Is there an area of your life you feel God is calling you to “be poured out like a drink offering” (Phil. 2:17)?
  8. Pastor Mike uses the analogy of a “humanist wall” and a “gospel wall” – which wall is your ladder leaning against?