Kids Camp Update
From June 27 through July 1, Reston Bible Church was transformed into an interplanetary gospel children’s training center where more than 350 children and 180 volunteers gathered for our annual Kids Camp. It was a week of adventure, purpose, and learning about the real Force that overcomes sin and death, and gives us the power to overcome all obstacles — that Force is the Master, Jesus.
Thank you to all of our volunteers and staff for a week of great Bible teaching, art, music, and tons of awesome games! Thank you, God, for what You did in the lives of the children and volunteers in attendance. Your love was on display in so many ways and for this we are so thankful!
Save the date: Our next Kids Camp will be held June 26-30, 2017!
Abortion and the Conscience
The word conscience means “to know with.” God has designed the human conscience in such a way as to know right paths from wrong paths. Unfortunately, the wrong path is often the most tempting. “For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it” (Matthew 7:13b).
So what do we do with this conscience of ours when it presents moral restraints that seem to limit our freedom? The first step is that we suppress the truth because of our unrighteous desires (Romans 1:18). This leads to the hardening of our hearts toward moral truth. Our conscience soon becomes defiled and callous.
The next step in this progression is to minimize the seriousness of the moral restraint by changing the terminology identified with the issue at hand. Simply put, we soften the terms from something offensive to something palpable. Here are a few examples:
- Adultery is marital indiscretion
- Pornography is adult entertainment
- Drunkenness is happy hour
- Fornication is living together
The result is that issues once recognized as morally wrong are now accepted and promoted.
While there are many examples, there is no greater modern moral issue where the redefining of terms has led to such a holocaust as abortion. It is not hard to see the searing of the conscience of an individual — or even a nation — on this issue. The social and personal impact of abortion has been diminished over the years by the introduction of less-offensive language. The abortion industry has leveraged vernacular change with such brilliance that what was once seen as horrific and unthinkable is now promoted as normal, even healthy.
Note the clever use of softer terminology by the abortion industry:
It’s a woman’s choice. Sounds good. Who could possibly be opposed to choice? This is our fundamental right and freedom, is it not? However, no one wants to talk about what this choice is about. Is she choosing her clothes for the day? Choosing tea or coffee? Scrambled eggs or fried? Choice seems innocuous enough — until we realize that the stakes are much higher than presented. The word choice is a clever sleight of hand designed to shift our eyes off the real issue — a child’s life. The real choice at hand is whether or not to end the life that God has created in her womb.
I have a right to do what I want with my body. I could not agree with this statement more. To decide whether she wants to exercise or not is certainly her right. But in this case, somehow the body inside of her is left out of the equation. Does she have the right to destroy another body for her convenience? Where do her rights intersect with the rights of that other body, being knit together within her?
We have already seen abortion advocates cleverly shifting the terms once more, asking such questions as, “Well, when does ‘life’ really begin?” And on and on we go. If we found evidence of even one single-celled organism on Mars, headlines would blatantly tout LIFE FOUND ON MARS! Yet the severed conscience of fallen man would still continue to debate about the the complex miracle of life in a mother’s womb. Somehow our thinking has been scrambled.
Let me be clear to say that we are not to hate those who oppose us on this issue. We are to simply bring the truth to the surface, present it lovingly, and allow God to work. Society may try to redefine the terms for us, but for those who follow Christ, let us keep our eyes sharp — and our consciences clear — on the real issues at hand.
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14).
Sunday Rewind | 7.3.16
MUSIC & SCRIPTURE
Keeper of My Heart (Psalm 121:1-2) – Majestic by Kari Jobe
Cornerstone (Psalm 18:2) – Cornerstone by Hillsong Worship
Jesus Is Better (Mark 9:24) – King of Love by Austin Stone Worship
Come Thou Fount (Psalm 16:11) – Public Domain
Only King Forever (1 Timothy 1:17) – Only King Forever by Elevation Worship
TEACHING: James – Living Out Our Faith, Part 21
We don’t drift toward the truth; we only drift away from the truth. So we must cling to Jesus, who is the 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 Sunday?
- Why does Scripture seem to spend so much time talking about spiritual rescue, but not as much about physical rescue? Why do we so often spend time focused on rescuing people who are physically wounded, but not spiritually wounded?
- What are the differences between physical wounds and spiritual ones? What are the differences between physical and spiritual consequences to our actions?
- Read John 8:27-31 and John 14:1-7. What does it mean that Jesus is the truth? How does the truth set us free?
- Why is it so easy to drift toward sin, toward the world, or toward untruth? Have you seen this at work in your own life?
- Have you ever “rescued” a fellow believer who was drifiting from the truth? Has anyone ever rescued you?
- What are some practical ways that we can go after a brother or sister whom we see drifting in his or her walk with the Lord? What passages of Scripture come to mind that can guide us in this?
- Spend some time in prayer, thanking the Lord for being the true Rescuer and offering eternal life and salvation to those who believe in Him.
- As we come to the end of our study in James, what are some things that have encouraged or challenged you throughout the book?
Sunday Rewind | 6.26.16
MUSIC & SCRIPTURE
Only King Forever (1 Timothy 1:17) – Only King Forever by Elevation Worship
Endless Light (Psalm 113:3-4) – Cornerstone by Hillsong Worship
How Deep The Father’s Love For Us (Galatians 6:14) – The Dispatch EP by The Dispatch
This I Believe (the Creed) (Romans 1:16) Fielding, Crocker | Hillsong Music Publishing
Jesus Paid it All (Colossians 2:13-14) – Everything Glorious by Kristian Stanfill
TEACHING: James – Living Out Our Faith, Part 20
To pray demonstrates confidence in God. To not pray demonstrates confidence in man.
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 James 5:12-18. What does this tell us about us? What do these verses tell us about God? What commands, encouragements or warnings are there for us to heed?
- What tension between the text and your personal experience do you note in this text? How do you deal with such tensions?
- How is prayer emphasized in these verses? What does this mean for us?
- What is the importance of considering context when studying the Scriptures?
- What is your view of miraculous healings or spiritual gifts of healing in our day & times?
- In what ways do we tend to cover up our sins? Why is it important to confess our sins to each other? How does this develop community and camaraderie?
- “To pray demonstrates a confidence in God. To not pray demonstrates a confidence in man.” How would you describe your prayer life?
- Is there something burdening your soul that you need to release? Spend some time in prayer together for this.
Sunday Rewind | 6.19.2016
MUSIC & SCRIPTURE
Alive in Us (Ephesians 2:4-5) – God is Able by Hillsong Worship
Good Good Father (2 Thessalonians 2:16) – The EP by Zealand Worship
Forever Reign (Lamentations 5:19) – A Beautiful Exchange by Hillsong Worship
Your Promises (2 Peter 1:3-4a) – Wake Up the Wonder by Elevation Worship
Be Thou My Vision (2 Corinthians 3:17-18) – Take the World by Giving Jesus by Ascend the Hill
TEACHING: James – Living Out Our Faith, Part 19
If life is a vapor, then so is suffering.
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 James 5:7-11. What does this tell us about us? What do these verses tell us about God? What commands, encouragements or warnings are there for us to heed?
- What does this section tell us about suffering and perseverance? How does it play out in the three examples James gives us here (farmers, prophets, and the life of Job)?
- Have you ever had to be patient in suffering? What happened? How did you relate to God through that time?
- Have you ever experienced persecution directly because of your faith in Jesus?
- What is the doctrine of imminence (v. 7) and why does it matter?
- Consider Romans 8:18. Why does Scripture call our sufferings “not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed”? What does this mean for our daily lives?
- How does the gospel of Jesus give us an eternal perspective, particularly when considering pain and suffering?
- Is there an area of suffering where you need to be patient and persevere? What would it look like to view this area through the lens of an eternal perspective? Spend some time praying together about this.
Sunday Rewind | 6.12.16
MUSIC & SCRIPTURE
I Will Look Up (Deuteronomy 7:9) –Only King Forever by Elevation Worship
With Us (Psalm 46:10-11a) – God Is Able by Hillsong Worship
Only King Forever (1 Timothy 1:17) – Only King Forever by Elevation Worship
O Praise The Name (Anástasis) (Romans 5:8) Open Heaven / River Wild by Hillsong Live
Always (Psalm 121:1-2) – Here For You by Kristian Stanfill (Passion)
TEACHING: James – Living Out Our Faith, Part 18
The love of stuff is the seed of greed. Money always abandons us in the time of our greatest need.
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 James 5:1-6. What does this tell us about us? What do these verses tell us about God? What commands, encouragements or warnings are there for us to heed?
- Who are the “rich” whom James is addressing the verses above?
- “Money is not bad in and of itself – but it is dangerous.” What does this mean? What examples can you think of?
- “Treasures, because of time, become stuff.” How have you seen this principle to be true?
- How is hoarding a way of presuming upon the future?
- In what ways can we passively abuse the poor?
- What is a way you can “do for one what you wish you could do for everyone”?
- Consider Pastor Mike’s diagnostic questions: “Are you a hoarder? Do you love money? Has money ever gotten you in trouble? Do you have a giving plan? Do you think more about giving saving or spending?” How would you answer each of these?
- How did Jesus become poor that we might become rich (2 Corinthians 8:9)? How should we respond to this great truth? Spend some time in prayer over the things you’ve discussed.
Sunday Rewind | 6.5.16
MUSIC & SCRIPTURE
Great Things (Worth It All) (Galatians 6:14) –Wake Up the Wonder by Elevation Worship
How Great Thou Art (Psalm 145:3) – Hymns Ancient & Modern by Charlie Hall (Passion)
O Praise The Name (Anástasis) (Romans 5:8) Open Heaven / River Wild by Hillsong Live
Give Me Faith (Psalm 73:25-26) – Nothing Is Wasted by Elevation Worship
TEACHING: James – Living Out Our Faith, Part 17
God is not opposed to making plans. He is opposed to being left out of them.
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?
- Where were you and what were you doing when you heard about 9/11?
- Read and discuss James 4:11-17. What does this tell us about us? What do these verses tell us about God?
- In what ways do people in general “presume upon the future”? How does this tend to manifest itself in your life? In what ways do you tend to “boast about tomorrow”?
- What reminders has God put in your path to remind you of the brevity of life?
- How would you answer the question in verse 14 – What is your life?
- How do you respond to the statement that we are but “a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes” (v. 14)?
- Is there an area or situation in your life where you know the right thing to do but haven’t done it (v. 17)? What would it look like to apply the gospel there?
- Where in your life where you need to insert “…Lord willing…”? What plans have you made that you need to submit to the Lord? Spend some time praying together about this.
Sunday Rewind | 5.29.16
MUSIC & SCRIPTURE
Mighty to Save (Zephaniah 3:17) – Yahweh by Hillsong Chapel
Whom Shall I Fear (God of Angel Armies) (Psalm 27:1) – Let The Future Begin by Chris Tomlin (Passion)
How Deep The Father’s Love For Us (Galatians 6:14) – Love Displayed by Liberty Campus Band
Endless Light (Psalm 113:3-4) – Cornerstone by Hillsong Worship
TEACHING: Turning Point
God’s Word empowered by God’s Spirit is our spiritual guidance system, and it is 100% reliable. In the Spirit and power of Christ, consider your ways and turn your feet today.
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?
- Do you have a good travel story where you got lost?
- Read and discuss Psalm 119:59-60. What does this tell us about us? What do these verses tell us about God?
- Share a time when you were lost relationally, emotionally or spiritually. What happened? How did you relate to God during that time? What did you see Him do?
- Why did God give us His Word? In what way is it our spiritual guidance system?
- “True transformation comes through time with God in the presence of Christ.” What does this mean? What does it have to do with the Word? How have you seen this principle at work in your life?
- Who do you know struggling around you that you can help carry their burden to the cross of Christ?
- What is one area of your life where you need to “consider your ways and turn your feet today”? What would it look like to turn from your ways today and turn back to God’s ways in this particular area? Spend some time in prayer together about this.
Sunday Rewind | 5.22.2016
MUSIC & SCRIPTURE
Unstoppable God (Matthew 17:20) – Wake Up the Wonder by Elevation Worship
This I Believe (the Creed) (Romans 1:16) Fielding, Crocker | Hillsong Music Publishing
O Praise The Name (Anástasis) (Romans 5:8) Hastings, Ussher, Sampson | Hillsong Music Publishing
Your Great Name (Philippians 2:10-11) – Love Revolution by Natalie Grant
In Christ Alone (Galatians 2:20) – Let The Future Begin by Kristian Stanfill (Passion)
TEACHING: James – Living Out Our Faith, Part 16
The motive of the world system is that all people would declare independence from God. Befriend the people of the world, but not the philosophies of the world.
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 would you say is your “life message” – the message that you consistently proclaim to those around you?
- Read and discuss James 4:1-10. What does this tell us about us? What do these verses tell us about the world? About God?
- What is the world system? In what ways is it opposed to the kingdom of God?
- “The motive of the world system is that all people would declare independence from God.” How do you see this play out in society and culture? How do you see it play out in your own life?
- Why would we have no knowledge of the world system apart from divine revelation?
- In what ways does the world system promote pride, self, hoarding, living to die and leading to be served? What other things or values does the world system promote?
- In contrast to the previous question, what does the gospel of Jesus promote?
- “Befriend the people of the world, but not the philosophies of the world.” How are you doing with this? Spend some time together in prayer about it.
Sunday Rewind | 5.15.2016
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 Worship
Be Lifted High (John 3:30) –Nothing is Wasted by Elevation Worship
Forever (Matthew 28:26) – Majestic by Kari Jobe
Good Good Father (2 Thessalonians 2:16) – Housefires II by Housefires
TEACHING: James – Living Out Our Faith, Part 15
The primary root of all our problems is not found in external circumstances or situations. It comes from within.
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?
- When a newspaper posed the question, ‘What’s Wrong with the World?’ G. K. Chesterton reputedly wrote a brief letter in response: ‘Dear Sirs: I am. Sincerely Yours, G. K. Chesterton.’ What do you think he meant by that?
- Read and discuss James 4:1-3. What does this tell us about us? Why do you think the language is so strong here? How would you answer the first question in verse 1?
- Read and discuss 1 Kings 21:1-16. How is this an example of good desires turning bad?
- What other examples of runaway desires can you think of from Scripture, culture or your own life?
- What desires in your life have cost you the most, or caused you the most problems?
- How does the gospel heal, reshape, redirect and redeem our unsanctified desires?
- What unsanctified desire are you currently dealing with that needs to be submitted to the Lord?
- Spend some time in prayer about the last question. Pray that God would give you (heal, reshape, redeem) the desires of your heart and align your heart with His.