Sunday Rewind | 5.8.2016
MUSIC & SCRIPTURE
Your Promises (2 Peter 1:3-4a) – Wake Up the Wonder by Elevation Worship
Cornerstone (Psalm 18:2) – Cornerstone by Hillsong Worship
Good Good Father (2 Thessalonians 2:16) – Housefires II by Housefires
Come Thou Fount (Psalm 16:11) – Original Arrangement
Jesus Paid it All (Colossians 2:13-14) – Everything Glorious by Kristian Stanfill
TEACHING: That We May Be One
“Holy Father, keep them in Your name, which You have given Me, that they may be one, even as We are one.” -John 17:11
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 Sunday?
- What does it mean to be weary in work, but not of the work? Have you ever experienced this?
- Read and discuss John 17. What does Jesus’ prayer tell you about Him? What does His prayer tell you about us?
- What do you think Jesus is asking when He prays “that [we] may be one”?
- What is a way you need to visibly love the body of Christ at RBC?
- What are your two greatest weaknesses? What are your two greatest strengths? How can you put those to work in or for the church?
- Spend some time praying for our church.
Sunday Rewind | 5.1.2016
MUSIC & SCRIPTURE
Endless Light (Psalm 113:3-4) – Cornerstone by Hillsong Worship
How Great Thou Art (Psalm 145:3) – Hymns Ancient & Modern by Charlie Hall (Passion)
In Your Presence (Deuteronomy 31:6) –Nothing is Wasted by Elevation Worship
Alive in Us (Ephesians 2:4-5) – God is Able by Hillsong Worship
TEACHING: By the Grace of God
Everything we have, everything we do, everything we will have is by the grace of God.
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 Sunday?
- Read and discuss 1 Corinthians 15:1-19. What do you note about Jesus? What do you learn about us? What commands, encouragements or warnings are there for us to heed?
- How do you define grace? How have you experienced grace?
- In what ways do we hide our pain and suffering? Why do we do this?
- What struggles are you currently facing? How do you see the grace of God at work there?
- What examples of God’s personal faithfulness have you seen in your life?
- “Hell is what I deserve. Anything beyond that is the grace of God.” How do you respond to that statement?
- How is the grace of God demonstrated in the gospel? How does this gospel grace enable us to live free?
Family Quest: The Hope – Yesterday, Today, Forever
YESTERDAY, TODAY & FOREVER
“Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days.” – Joel 2:29
“I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.” (Luke 22:49)
“And when the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. And suddenly there came from heaven a noise like a violent, rushing wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. And there appeared to them tongues as of fire distributing themselves, and they rested on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit was giving them utterance.” (Acts 2:1-4)
The coming of God’s Holy Spirit to dwell within everyone who believed in and trusted God the Father and His Messiah Jesus, signaled the beginning of the New Covenant age that the prophet Jeremiah had spoken about so many years earlier when he said,
“I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts. And I will be their God, and they shall be my people.” and “For I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.”
God’s promise to Abraham that, “through you all the nations of the earth shall be blessed,” was beginning to be fulfilled as God’s Spirit began to draw people from every nation, tongue, and tribe into His family, his assembly (ekklesia) of the faithful remnant in Christ (Romans 11:11-31). Help the children this week to appreciate the family that they have been adopted into.
BIG IDEA: Jesus sent us the Holy Spirit.
CLICK HERE TO WATCH THIS WEEK’S VIDEO
MEDITATING ON THE WORD:
Joel 2:28-29
John 14,16:7-11
Acts 1:8
1 Corinthians 12:7
SECTION VERSES:
“Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you really know me, you will know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him.’” – John 14:6-7
LESSON VERSE:
“But from now on, the Son of Man will be seated at the right hand of the mighty God.” – Luke 22:69
PRAYER:
Thank Jesus that He did not leave us alone, but sent the Holy Spirit to guide, comfort, teach, and give us power to live for God.
DISCUSSION STARTERS:
- Why did Jesus send the Holy Spirit?
- Review the functions of the Holy Spirit. (Answers below)
- To empower the people to spread the Gospel and establish the Kingdom (Acts 1:8; John 14:12)
- To teach (John 14:26)
- To comfort (Acts 9:31)
- To convict (John 16:8)
- To give gifts (1 Corinthians 12)
- To sanctify (produce change in us) (Galatians 5:22-23)
LIVE IT OUT!
- Celebrate the New Covenant this week as a family by sharing in communion together at home. (Matthew 26:26-29)
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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.
Sunday Rewind | 4.24.16
MUSIC & SCRIPTURE
Forever Reign (Lamentations 5:19) – A Beautiful Exchange by Hillsong Worship
Cornerstone (Psalm 18:2) – Cornerstone by Hillsong Worship
You’re Beautiful (Revelation 21:4) – Cannons by Phil Wickham
Revelation Song (Revelation 5:12) – Passion 2013 by Kari Jobe
TEACHING: From the Field – Missions Emphasis Sunday
In most cases, we do not post the messages from Missions Emphasis weekends. This is to protect those currently working in sensitive areas, or who may at some point move into countries that are closed to the gospel. If you are interested in learning more about how you can be involved in missions at RBC, fill out this online interest form.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS
- What was one thing you found particularly interesting, insightful, helpful or difficult to understand from this Sunday?
- Read and discuss the Great Commission text from Matthew 28. What do you note about Jesus? What commands, encouragements or warnings are there for us to heed?
- How is missions related to worship? What Scriptures can you find that demonstrate this?
- What does it mean that God is a “sending God”? What Scriptures can you find that demonstrate this?
- How is a missionary mindset inherent in the gospel of Jesus?
- What are different ways one can be involved in the work of gospel missions? How would you rate your involvement in missions?
- How might you grow in your involvement in missions? Spend some time in prayer for this.
Spring Clean Update
I’m glad God shows up with His power when it doesn’t seem humanly possible things will work out nice and neatly as I would like. This happened for the student ministry’s “Spring Clean” this past Saturday, April 16.
Each year we host Spring Clean to do jobs for those in the church — things like mulching, cleaning, raking, etc. to raise funds for student summer missions. This year we did 49 jobs, with 14 teams consisting made up of 150 workers (adults, students, and children). We had both fewer jobs and workers this year, but the Lord still showed His power by providing over $19,000 in funds!
We are blessed by a church congregation that supports missions and the student ministry in a big way! I was personally blessed by the adult captains of each team who give of their time and energy to make the day happen. I was also amazed by the students and adults who came out to help that day and had no stake in the mission trip, but wanted to help their friends. It is awesome to see the body of Christ work together for the Kingdom.
Sunday Rewind | 4.17.16
MUSIC & SCRIPTURE
Open Up Our Eyes (Ephesians 1:18-19a) – Nothing is Wasted by Elevation Worship
10,000 Reasons (Psalm 103:1) – Unrelenting Love by Nick Thurmond
Your Great Name (Philippians 2:10-11) – Love Revolution by Natalie Grant
Lord I Need You (Hebrews 4:16) – All The People Said Amen by Matt Maher
TEACHING: A Deep Dive
Shame gives birth to isolation. Memory gives birth to legacy. Testimonies are not formulas.
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 is the difference between guilt and shame? What are some Scriptures you can think of that deal with guilt and shame?
- Why is shame so powerful? Would you be willing to share something you are ashamed of with your group?
- What is the role of our conscience? What Scriptures can you find that deal with the conscience?
- “Shame gives birth to isolation.” How have you observed or experienced this?
- How does our society promote the eradication of memory? What Scriptures can you think of that deal with memory and legacy?
- “Memory gives birth to legacy.” What legacy was left for you? What legacy are you leaving? Is there an area where you need to intentionally instill good memories in someone’s life?
- “Testimonies are not formulas.” How does comparison hold us in bondage? Where have you observed or experienced this?
Sunday Rewind | 4.10.16
MUSIC & SCRIPTURE
Blessed Be Your Name (Job 1:21) – Where Angels Fear to Tread by Matt Redman
Rock of Ages (Deuteronomy 32:3-4) – Death of Death by Charlie Hall
The Lord Our God (James 1:17) – Passion: Let the Future Begin by Kristian Stanfill (Passion)
I Will Look Up (Deuteronomy 7:9) –Only King Forever by Elevation Worship
Jesus Paid it All (Colossians 2:13-14) –Everything Glorious by Kristian Stanfill
TEACHING: James – Living Out Our Faith, Part 14
Conflict occurs when our desire to be right overshadows our desire for peace.
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 James 3:13-18. How would you define each of the attributes of heavenly wisdom in v. 17? What examples of each can you think of?
- What does it mean to “sow in peace”? What does this look like? What happens when we do this?
- What is the Law of the Harvest? Where have you seen this principle at work in your life?
- Share a time your desire to be right overshadowed your desire for peace. What happened?
- Where does conflict tend to get occur in your life? What is typically the common denominator cause? What do you bring that contributes to the conflict?
- How has God sown in peace toward us through the gospel of Jesus? How does the gospel call and empower us to sow in peace?
- Is there a current situation in your life where you need to sow peace? Spend some time in prayer with your group about this.
Sunday Rewind | 4.3.16
MUSIC & SCRIPTURE
Open Up the Heavens (Psalm 108:4-5) – Worth It All by Meredith Andrews
Cornerstone (Psalm 18:2) – Cornerstone by Hillsong Worship
How Deep The Father’s Love For Us (Galatians 6:14) – Love Displayed by Liberty Campus Band
Your Love Never Fails (Romans 8:28) – Your Love Never Fails by Jesus Culture
TEACHING: James – Living Out Our Faith, Part 13
The problem with the world is not lack of truth, but lack of proper application. Wisdom is not an intellectual virtue, but a moral one.
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 James 3:13-18. What does this tell us about us? What does it tell us about God? What do you observe about wisdom? What warnings, admonishments or encouragements are there for us to heed?
- How are two kingdoms portrayed in the verses above? Compare & contrast.
- How does Scripture take us into ” the world of the unknown”?
- What happens if we do not apply truth? Can you think of any examples?
- What’s the difference between reason and revelation? What place does each have in the Christian life?
- Is your ambition mainly for yourself, or others? How does the gospel direct our ambition? How can you apply your ambition to kingdom work?
- In the wake of your life, would you say there is mostly peace, or conflict? How do you need to grow in this area? Spend some time in prayer together about this.
Family Quest: The Hope – He Has Risen, 2
HE HAS RISEN! PART 2
“But from now on, the Son of Man will be seated at the right hand of the mighty God.” – Luke 22:69
“Now He said to them, “These are My words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things which are written about Me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled.” Then He opened their minds to understand the Scriptures, and He said to them, “Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and rise again from the dead the third day; and that repentance for forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in His name to all the nations, beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. And behold, I am sending forth the promise of My Father upon you; but you are to stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high.” – Luke 24:44–49
Jesus was returning to his Father, but for 40 days he explained to his disciples the full significance of his life among them from the scriptures, and shared with them what their mission would now be. After this he was taken up from them into heaven among the clouds. We see this event in Acts 1:9 from the perspective of the disciples, but in the book of Daniel, many hundreds of years earlier, we were given the view from heaven of this same event.
“In my vision at night I looked, and there before me was one like a son of man, coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into his presence.” Daniel 7:13
Jesus has ascended into heaven where he is seated at the right hand of God the Father. He is our King, our mediator and High Priest (1 Timothy 2:5, Hebrews 10:12,14), making intercession for us (Romans 8:34), until all his enemies have been made a footstool (Matt 22:44).
BIG IDEA: Jesus rules from Heaven.
CLICK HERE TO WATCH THIS WEEK’S VIDEO (Watch from 2:25 to the end)
MEDITATING ON THE WORD:
Daniel 7:13-14 Psalm 89:27
Psalm 110:1 Luke 24:50-53
Matthew 28:16-20 Acts 7:56
Acts 1:1-11 Hebrews 1:3
Acts 2:34-35 1 Corinthians 15:25
Revelation 3:21 Revelation 19:16
SECTION VERSES:
“Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you really know me, you will know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him.’” – John 14:6-7
LESSON VERSE:
“But from now on, the Son of Man will be seated at the right hand of the mighty God.” – Luke 22:69
PRAYER:
Give thanks that Jesus the Messiah, the KING, completed God’s story of Hope and rules heaven and earth with the Father.
DISCUSSION STARTERS:
- How long did Jesus remain on the earth?
- What was he doing during that time?
- What kind of body did Jesus have when he rose?
- Where is Jesus now?
LIVE IT OUT!
- When we trust Jesus as KING we become part of His Kingdom and are given his Spirit to live a Kingdom life. How can we do that today?
– – –
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.
Winter Retreat 2016 Update
Each winter, the students and leaders of the RBC Youth Ministry are blessed to have the opportunity to “retreat” from the daily schedule of life and trade it for time with each other, time in God’s Word, time on the slopes, time away from electronics, and more.
In February, we went back for the third time to Doubling Gap Christian Retreat Center in Doubling Gap, PA. The setting is awesome for “retreating” because it is an old hotel in the mountains with very little cell service (and it’s covered in snow!)
The speaker this winter was Shelby Abbott, who is on staff and an emcee for CRU (Campus Crusade for Christ). Shelby spoke on the theme of Living Outside the Box.
That theme is out of John 17:14-18, where Jesus calls His disciples to be in the world, but not of it. The desire was to help students see that God wants them to be engaged with the world around them without being overtaken by it. To do this as Christians we need to take on God’s approach to life. Shelby spoke on taking God’s approach to pop culture, extremes (legalism vs. license), relationships and dating, and suffering. The final message was to be on taking God’s approach to power (living by the Holy Spirit), but due to snow the retreat ended Sunday night. Many students have commented that the message on relationships and suffering were very impactful to them. This is most likely due to the difference in what they heard from the Bible and what the world tells them about relationships and suffering. God’s Word is truth and speaks!
We also had a blast out on the slopes of Round Top, the bowling alley, and the roller rink. New relationships were built and friendships were strengthened. Leaders poured into the lives of the students in their small groups. Students meditated on God’s Word and it spoke to them. We are blessed to have the opportunity to lead these camps and retreats, which are milestones for students because they clearly see and hear God in their lives.
The RBC congregation was generous in providing the funds to give scholarships for over 25 students to be able to attend the retreat. THANK YOU! Your financial gifts and prayers are so important! From the Youth Ministry Staff we all say thank you!