Sunday Rewind | 12.15.2013
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
- What is one thing that stood out from this sermon that you found particularly insightful, helpful, or difficult to grasp?
- Who is someone you have a “level 5” relationship with? What is the glue that holds that relationship together?
- 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?
- What is the difference between integrity and honesty? What role does character play in the life of a Christ-follower?
- “Much of life is measured by relationships…” Have you found this to be true? What is the purpose and value of good relationships?
- How does the gospel affect or direct your relationships?
- Can you think of someone who desires your success above their own? Are you that person for someone else?
- 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
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
- What is one thing that stood out from this sermon that you found particularly insightful, helpful, or difficult to grasp?
- 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?
- What is the difference between general revelation and specific revelation of God? Where do you see general & specific revelation in Psalm 19?
- In what ways does general revelation prepare the heart for the specific revelation of the gospel?
- 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?
- What role does the fear of the Lord have in the Christian’s life?
- 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
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
- If you were to give a one-sentence synopsis of this message, what would it be?
- What comes to mind when you think of the words “evil” and “depravity”?
- 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?
- 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?
- How does the gospel remedy the “evils [that] come from inside” (Mark 7:23)?
- What does it mean to “work out your salvation with fear and trembling” (Phil. 2:12)?
- Is there an area of your life you feel God is calling you to “be poured out like a drink offering” (Phil. 2:17)?
- Pastor Mike uses the analogy of a “humanist wall” and a “gospel wall” – which wall is your ladder leaning against?
Sunday Rewind | 11.24.2013
MUSIC & SCRIPTURE
Be Lifted High (John 3:30) – Nothing Is Wasted by Elevation Worship
Open Up Our Eyes (Ephesians 1:18-19a) – Nothing Is Wasted by Elevation Worship
Closer (Psalm 89:14-15) – Glorious Ruins by Hillsong
God, You Lifted Me Out (Psalm 30:1-2) – For The Honor by Elevation Worship
The Lord Our God (James 1:17) – Let The Future Begin by Kristian Stanfill (Passion)
Endless Light (Psalm 113:3-4) – Cornerstone by Hillsong
TEACHING: Philippians: A Journey Toward Humble Joy, Part 5
Vanity is the enemy of unity, and unity is the fruit of humility.
CLICK HERE FOR THE SERMON AUDIO
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS
- What is one thing from this teaching that you hope to talk about as a group?
- What is the difference between unity and uniformity in Christian community? Which do you tend toward?
- Read and discuss Philippians 2:1-11. What does this tell you about the person and nature of Jesus? What do you see about the nature of man?
- What do you note in these verses about humility? What role should humility play in the individual life of a Christ-follower? How should this affect the community of the church?
- Consider Pastor Mike’s diagnostic self-evaluation questions: Do you like to argue? Are you defensive when someone corrects you? Do you immediately form a defense while someone is speaking into your life? Do you find it hard to admit that you are wrong? Is is difficult for you to ask for forgiveness? Does your life leave a wake of conflict? Do you enjoy gossiping about others? Do you tend to draw attention to your body more than your countenance? Which do you tend to struggle with the least? The most?
- How does the gospel address and remedy our struggle with pride? How does the gospel set the context for and empower true humility?
- Is there an area of your life you feel God is calling you to stop acting out of selfish ambition or vain conceit? Is there an area of your life where you feel God is calling to to begin valuing others above yourself in humility? Spend some time in prayer asking God to reveal these areas to you and for the grace to be obedient in them.
The Green Room Sessions: Closer
We’re introducing the song Closer in our worship services this weekend. In the latest edition of the Green Room Sessions, Erik Palmer, Jesse Trask and Paul Goodnight discuss why Jesse was banned from GRS, their recent trip to Brazil with Open Arms, and how this song ties directly into our church’s mission statement, knowing Christ and making Him known.
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 | 11.17.2013
MUSIC & SCRIPTURE
As It Is In Heaven (Psalm 96:1-3) – Overflow by Matt Maher
Blessed Be Your Name (Job 1:21) – Blessed Be Your Name by Matt Redman
In Your Presence (Deuteronomy 31:6) – Nothing Is Wasted by Elevation Worship
How Deep The Father’s Love For Us (Galatians 6:14) – Original Arrangement
In Christ Alone (Galatians 2:20) – Let The Future Begin by Kristian Stanfill (Passion)
TEACHING: Entitlement
Ever feel like God is holding back from you something you deserve? Fact is, God is not fair – but He is generous. We cannot enjoy what we feel entitled to.
CLICK HERE FOR THE SERMON AUDIO
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS
- What is one thing from this teaching that you found particularly interesting, helpful, insightful, or difficult to grasp?
- Where or how do you see a sense of entitlement in our culture and society? What is something you feel entitled to?
- Read and discuss Matthew 19:16 – 20:16. What does this tell you about the person and nature of God? What do you see about the nature of man?
- “God is not fair.” What is your response to that statement? Are there areas in your life where you feel God is not being fair? Are there ways you are glad God is not fair?
- Where in your life is your eye tempted to be envious because God has been generous to someone else?
- How does the gospel address and remedy our sense of entitlement?
- Where can you identify the generosity of God in your life? Spend some time in prayer thanking God for His is gracious generosity toward us.
Sunday Rewind | 11.10.2013
MUSIC & SCRIPTURE
Hope of the World (Ephesians 2:4-5) – Hillsong
Let Your Kingdom Come (Psalm 59:16) – Sovereign Grace Praise
God is Able (Ephesians 3:20-21) – Hillsong
Forever Reign (Lamentations 5:19) – Hillsong
Hosanna (Mark 11:9-10) – Hillsong
TEACHING: 2013 Missions Conference – Hope of the World
Our keynote speaker for the 2013 Missions Conference, Dr. Chris Gnanakan, shares on how the gospel is the hope of the world as it goes forth across the nations.
CLICK HERE FOR THE SERMON AUDIO
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS
- Did you attend any part of the 2013 Missions Conference? If so, what did God teach you or what impacted you?
- What is your understanding of missions? What scriptures can you think of that pertain to missions?
- Do you have any personal experience with missions? Please share.
- Read and discuss Colossians 1:21-29. What does this tell you about the person of God? What do you see about the nature of man? What do these verses tell you about missions?
- What is the relationship between missions and the gospel?
- Is missions a specific call to a select few, or a general call to all Christians? What is your current role in missions? What would it look like to grow in this area?
- Would your small group be willing to adopt an RBC missionary? You can get information here.
- Spend some time praying for our missionaries. Here are some helpful guidelines on how to pray for them.
VIDEO: Our God is Love
On the heels of our 2013 Missions Conference, we’ve sent some of the RBC worship team to Brazil this week in partnership with Open Arms. They will be headlining a concert there and will have many opportunities to share – and show – the gospel of Jesus Christ.
The team will use a version of the video above (featuring Hillsong’s Our God is Love) to promote the concert, which takes place this Thursday (November 14) in Assis. We thought you would enjoy it, too. Please pray for our team and their time in Brazil. You can learn more about their project and specific ways to pray here.
“This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.” – 1 John 4:9-10
– – –
Recorded live at The Cocoon.
SONG: Our God is Love by Hillsong
CAMERAS: HVX-200, Canon 7D, GoPro Hero 3
Sunday Rewind | 11.3.2013
MUSIC & SCRIPTURE
Alive In Us (Ephesians 2:4-5) – God Is Able by Hillsong
Your Love Never Fails (Romans 8:28) – Your Love Never Fails by Jesus Culture
Nothing But The Blood (Ephesians 1:7-8) – Facedown by Matt Redman
Mighty To Save (Zephaniah 3:17) – The I Heart Revolution by Hillsong
TEACHING: Philippians: A Journey Toward Humble Joy, Part 4
At the end of the first chapter of Philippians, Paul introduces a glorious tension that all Christ-followers should feel to some degree.
CLICK HERE FOR THE SERMON AUDIO/VIDEO
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS
- What is one thing from this teaching that you hope to discuss as a group?
- Read and discuss Philippians 1:22-30. What themes do you see in these verses? What “glorious tension” is Paul wrestling with here?
- Why does Paul rejoice, even though he is “in chains”? What application can we glean from this for our own lives?
- Paul seems assured that when he departs this life, he will be with Christ. How can he be so sure? Are you sure? Why or why not?
- Can you think of anyone who has departed to be with Christ, but who had planted gospel “seeds” in your life?
- What gospel “seeds” do you think you will leave behind when you depart this world?
- What does it mean to conduct ourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel (v. 27)?
- “All real forgiveness costs you.” What does forgiveness cost those who extend it?
- Is there someone you need to reach out in humility, love and forgiveness? How can you carry those supernatural qualities into that relationship or situation and let Jesus be your advocate? Spend some time in prayer for this with your small group.