Sunday Rewind | 6.2.2013
MUSIC & SCRIPTURE
With Us (Psalm 46:10-11a) – God Is Able by Hillsong
Hosanna (Mark 11:9-10) – All of the Above by Hillsong United
Mighty To Save (Zephaniah 3:17) – Yahweh by Hillsong Chapel
How Deep The Father’s Love For Us (Galatians 6:14) – Original Arrangement
Always (Psalm 121:1-2) – Here For You by Kristian Stanfill (Passion)
TEACHING: The Prodigal Son, Part 2
Like the younger son in Jesus’ parable of the prodigal, we tend to run from our Father and escape to “far countries.” But like the prodigal’s father, our Father relentlessly pursues us with His great love.
CLICK HERE FOR THE SERMON AUDIO/VIDEO
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS
- What is something from this teaching that you found particularly insightful, helpful or difficult to grasp?
- Read and discuss Jesus’ parable of the prodigal son in Luke 15. Do you feel God has given you additional insights or application since discussing it last week?
- What is the significance of the younger son’s demand for his inheritance? What would be a modern parallel?
- What is the significance of the “far” or “distant” country in verse 13?
- How does the gospel appeal to us to return to the Father from our “far countries”?
- Was there ever a time in your life where you “came to your senses” (v.17) and returned to the Father?
- Is there currently an area of your life where you are running to a “far country” from God? What would it look like to apply the parable of the prodigal to that situation or relationship? Spend some time in prayer about this.
Summer Schedule Starts June 2
For the summer months, we will be going to two service times instead of our usual three. Starting June 2, there will be two Sunday worship services at Reston Bible Church, held at 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.
9:00 Service |
11:00 Service |
| Starting Point (Rooms 220, 234, 236) | QUEST (Children’s Ministry Area) |
| QUEST (Children’s Ministry Area) | Iglesia Hispana (Room 250) |
| QUEST Treehouse (Room 238) | The Art of Marriage (Room 240) |
| Estudio Biblico (Room 240) | Focal Point (Room 238) |
| Bereans (Room 250) | Starting Point (Room 236) |
| — | Junior High – BreakThru |
| — | Senior High – GAP |
Starting Point Orientations will continue to be held on the fourth Sunday of each month at 11:00 a.m. in Room 234, as usual.
Brazil Mission 2013
Every year since 2007, teams from Northern Virginia have been visiting the community of Benevides, Brazil, working with a ministry called Creative Hands. Creative Hands works with families living near a landfill.
Mission
Our mission is to support the ministry of Creative Hands through community service projects and the gathering of material they can use throughout the year.
Description
This year, the team will be working to build two houses for two families in the community.
In addition, the team will host a week of day camp for families to attend. During the week of camp, we’ll offer soccer clinics, sports activities, arts and crafts, workshops, and vocational courses. Our hope is to provide a safe and warm environment for families to grow both as individuals and as a unit. We desire to encourage them in the love of Christ.
General Information
One group of team members will be in Brazil from June 28 to July 7, where they will be hosting family camp and constructing a house. From the 7th to the 16th, a second group will be constructing a second home.
Help with supplies
If you’d like to financially contribute to camp and building supplies for this trip, you can give online. Be sure to designate “Brazil Building/Camp Supplies.” You can also drop a check in an offering box at church, with “Brazil Supplies” in the memo line.
Sunday Rewind | 5.26.2013
MUSIC & SCRIPTURE
Alive In Us (Ephesians 2:4-5) – God Is Able by Hillsong
As It Is In Heaven (Psalm 96:1-3) – Overflow by Matt Maher
Forever Reign (Lamentations 5:19) – Forever Reign by Hillsong Chapel
Majesty (Isaiah 53:5) – Majesty: The Worship EP by Leeland
I Lift My Hands (Psalm 46:10) – And If Our God Is For Us… by Chris Tomlin
TEACHING: The Prodigal Son, Part 1
The prodigal son is a well-known parable that tells us the story of our lives – but not in the way you might think. Pastor Mike begins a series that will look at the grace-filled intricacies of this amazing parable.
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 Jesus’ parable of the prodigal son in Luke 15. Does anything bother you about this parable?
- What is Jesus commanding, teaching or implying in this parable regarding how to live the Christian life?
- Who is Jesus’ audience as He tells this parable, and why is that important for us to consider?
- Identify the main characters in this parable. In what way(s) can you relate to each of them? Where do you see yourself in this story?
- How does the gospel apply to “younger brothers”? How does the gospel apply to “elder brothers”?
- Is there a situation or relationship in your life where you need to reach out in grace, as the father in this parable did? What would it look like to apply the parable of the prodigal to that situation or relationship? Spend some time in prayer about this.
Sunday Rewind | 5.19.2013
MUSIC & SCRIPTURE
Sing, Sing, Sing (Psalm 47:6-7) – Hello Love by Chris Tomlin
In Your Presence (Deuteronomy 31:6) – Nothing Is Wasted by Elevation Worship
In Christ Alone (Galatians 2:20) – Let The Future Begin by Kristian Stanfill (Passion)
Agnus Dei (Revelation 5:12) – Original Arrangement
TEACHING: Impact, Part 2
God has sovereignly given every believer spiritual gifts to use for the good of His people and the advancement of His kingdom. What would it look like for you to “fan the flame” of your gifts for the glory of God?
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 Romans 12:1-8. What do you observe about the nature of God? What do you observe about man?
- What do these verses command, teach or imply regarding how to live the Christian life?
- What spiritual gifts does Paul list in these verses? What other spiritual gifts can you think of from Scripture?
- In what way(s) do you feel God has spiritual gifted you? What area(s) of your life do see an intersection of passion and ability?
- Do you feel that you are using or neglecting your gifts?
- In what ways does the gospel empower our gifts and abilities for kingdom purposes?
- What would it look like for you to “fan the flame” of your gifts for the glory of God? Spend some time in prayer about this.
From the Field: Indonesia Follow Up
Last week, we shared a report from the Pioneers mission agency about Don Richardson and his family, whose years of faithful service saw the Lord bring the gospel to cannibal tribes in Indonesia. This incredible video documents the legacy of God’s grace to the Sawi tribes when Don and his three sons, Steve, Shannon and Paul, went back to visit the Sawi to see how they were doing.
Sunday Rewind | 5.12.2013
MUSIC & SCRIPTURE
Open Up Our Eyes (Ephesians 1:18-19a) – Nothing Is Wasted by Elevation Worship
Let Your Kingdom Come (Psalm 59:16-17) – Valley of Vision by Sovereign Grace Music
Give Me Faith (Psalm 73:25-26) – Nothing Is Wasted by Elevation Worship
Beautiful, Scandalous Night (Romans 5:8) – Give Yourself Away by Robbie Seay Band
Unending Love (Romans 8:38-39) – God is Able by Hillsong
Endless Light (Psalm 113:3-4) – Cornerstone by Hillsong
TEACHING: Impact, Part 1
Does our life influence and impact those around us for the sake of the Kingdom? Living a life of intentional, faithful obedience to God will impact others for His glory.
CLICK HERE FOR THE SERMON AUDIO/VIDEO
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS
- If you were to give a one-sentence summary of this message, what would it be?
- Do you believe God has given you a specific purpose, calling or burden for your life? Explain.
- Read and discuss Nehemiah 2. What do you observe about the nature of God? What stands out to you about Nehemiah’s character?
- What is the significance of Nehemiah “setting a time” (v. 6)?
- Do you feel like you are living your life on purpose? Why or why not?
- “Living life on purpose always meets with resistance.”What opposes us from living our lives on purpose?
- How does the gospel provide context and power for living life on purpose?
- Is there something in your life that God is prompting you to “set a time” for? What practical steps could you take toward obedience in this area? Spend some time in prayer about this with your small group.
A Call for Deacons
God’s mercy requires us to relieve suffering and makes us sensitive to others’ trials in order to be His love to them during a time of need.
“Bear one another’s burdens and so fulfill the law of Christ,” Scripture tells us (Galatians 6:2). Thus, RBC is appointing a specific group of men and women in our church to help bear the burdens of those in need – particularly, widows and widowers – within our congregation.
If you missed the announcement in services last weekend, you can watch it in the video above. For more information on the Deacon Ministry, including FAQs and the online nomination form, please visit www.restonbible.org/deacons.
Sunday Rewind | 5.5.2013
MUSIC & SCRIPTURE
God Is Able (Ephesians 3:20-21) – God Is Able by Hillsong
How Great Thou Art (Psalm 145:3) – Original Arrangement
In Your Presence (Deuteronomy 31:6) – Nothing Is Wasted by Elevation Worship
Beautiful Lord (Ephesians 2:4-5) – Sound of Melodies by Leeland
TEACHING: The Silence of Adam
The silence of Adam in the garden is the beginning of every man’s inclination to remain silent when he should speak. Pastor & author Gary Thomas teaches on the need for men to be passionately engaged & empowered by God to influence the world.
CLICK HERE FOR THE SERMON AUDIO/VIDEO
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS
- What is one thing from this sermon that resonated with you or that you found particularly insightful, helpful, or difficult to grasp?
- Read and discuss Genesis 3:1-7. What do these verses tell us about the nature of man? What do you observe about the nature of our enemy, Satan?
- What do these verses command, teach or imply regarding how to live the Christian life?
- Do you feel that you struggle with passivity? Are you affected by others’ struggle in this area? In what ways?
- “You can trace virtually every major social issue back to the silence of Adam.” Have you seen this to be true? How?
- How does the Gospel of Jesus address the issue of passivity and give hope to those affected by this struggle? How is Jesus our example of what a man should be?
- What is an area of your life where you feel God is calling you to be passionately engaged and empowered by Him? What practical steps could you take toward obedience in this area? Spend some time in prayer about this.
DIAGNOSTIC QUESTIONS FOR MEN FROM GARY THOMAS
SINGLE MEN
- Are you growing in faith, courage & selflessness?
- Are your relationships with females edifying or destructive?
- Are you protecting and developing your influence?
HUSBANDS
- Are you pursuing your wife?
- Are you loving her in such a way that it is costing you something?
- Is your wife first in your affection, even over your own ambition and comfort?
- Are you praying for & with her?
FATHERS
- Do you know your children and their friends?
- What is the spiritual temperature of their hearts?
- What are their greatest temptations?
- Are you watching over your children in their romantic relationships?
- What strengths are you encouraging and building?
Sunday Rewind | 4.28.2013
MUSIC & SCRIPTURE
Famous One (Psalm 19:1-2) – Not To Us by Chris Tomlin
In Your Presence (Deuteronomy 31:6) – Nothing Is Wasted by Elevation Worship
The Solid Rock (Psalm 18:2) – Original Arrangement
You Never Let Go (Psalm 23:4) – Beautiful News by Matt Redman
Lord Of All (Psalm 97:5-6) – Attention by Kristian Stanfill
TEACHING: The Key to Victory
God has given those who are in Christ “every spiritual blessing” (Ephesian 1:3) – but why do some Christians seem to be living a life of victory, while others struggle greatly? Pastor Tony Pedroni teaches from the book of Ephesians on the key to living victoriously.
CLICK HERE FOR THE SERMON AUDIO/VIDEO
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS
1.) What is one thing from today’s sermon you hope we talk about as a group?
2.) Pastor Tony referenced Psalm 121 as a great comfort in times of trial. What books or verses from Scripture have been a great comfort or encouragement to you personally during times of trial?
3.) Read and discuss Ephesians 1:15-23 and 3:14-19. What do Paul’s prayers tell us about human nature? What do they tell us about the nature of Christ?
4.) What do these verses command, teach or imply regarding how to live the Christian life?
5.) Pastor Tony highlighted several blessings from God in Ephesians 1 & 2. Which ones particularly resonated with you? What other blessings can you think of that God promises in Scripture?
6.) Do you find it difficult to experience the blessings & promises of God in your daily life? Why or why not?
7.) If knowing God is the key to victoriously living in and for Christ, what steps could you take to know Him better? Spend some time in prayer about these.