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!
Family Quest: The Hope – He Has Risen, 1
HE HAS RISEN! PART 1
“Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die” – John 11:25
“Therefore we have been buried with Him through baptism into death, in order that as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life. For if we have become united with Him in the likeness of His death, certainly we shall be also in the likeness of His resurrection, knowing this, that our old self was crucified with Him, that our body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin; for he who has died is freed from sin.”
– Romans 6:4-7
“…having been buried with Him in baptism, in which you were also raised up with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead.” – Colossians 2:12
“Therefore if any man is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.” – 2 Corinthians 5:17
“Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might break the power of him who holds the power of death–that is, the devil” (Hebrews 2:14)
Jesus’ resurrection vindicated His divine claims and conquered once for all the power of the second death, separation from the Father, opening a way into the true Holy of Holies, the Throne of Grace for all who are found in Christ. What joyful news! He is risen! He is risen indeed!!
BIG IDEA: Jesus defeated death.
CLICK HERE TO WATCH THIS WEEK’S VIDEO (Watch from the begining through 2:25)
MEDITATING ON THE WORD:
Matthew 28:1-15
Luke 24:1-49
John 20-21
1 Corinthians 15:14
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:
“Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die” – John 11:25
PRAYER:
Thank God that we don’t have to fear physical death because we have been made alive spiritually with Jesus forever!
DISCUSSION STARTERS:
- How would you feel if you were one of Jesus’ friends when He was buried?
- What about when He rose from the dead?
- Why did Jesus rise from the dead?
- Why is it so important that He rose?
LIVE IT OUT!
- Eternal life starts the moment you trust in Jesus. Make a list of the ways this new life has changed you and is changing you.
– – –
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 | 3.27.16
MUSIC & SCRIPTURE
Mighty to Save (Zephaniah 3:17) – Yahweh by Hillsong Chapel
This I Believe (the Creed) (Romans 3:22) – Live Sessions Vol. 1 by For All Seasons
Forever (Matthew 28:26) – Majestic by Kari Jobe
Amazing Grace (My Chains are Gone) (Psalm 107:14) — See the Morning by Chris Tomlin
Glorious (Psalm 111:2-3) – Glorious by Paul Baloche
TEACHING: He Is Risen – A Dialogue on the Power & Resurrection of Jesus
Everything hangs on the resurrection. If Jesus Christ never rose from the dead, He is no Savior and Christianity is a lie. But if He did rise from the dead, He is our life.
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 Easter traditions do you practice with your family?
- Read and discuss 1 Corinthians 15:1-34. What does this tell us about us? What does it tell us about God? What do you observe about the resurrection of Jesus? What warnings, admonishments or encouragements are there for us to heed?
- Paul goes so far as to say that without the resurrection, “our faith is in vain” (1 Cor. 15:17). Why would he say this?
- What other verses do you know of that speak to the resurrection of Jesus?
- Why does all of human history in the Bible seem to center around the resurrection?
- Do you have doubts about the resurrection? How can we believe it is true that Jesus rose from the dead?
- If His death paid for my sins, why does it matter that Jesus rose from the dead?
- Romans 8:11 says, “The same power that raised Jesus from the dead is at work in us…” What does this mean and what does it look like?
- Beyond Easter as a holiday, how does (or should) the resurrection affect us today? How should this affect our daily life? What does it look like to live through the power of Jesus’ resurrection?
- Spend some time in prayer, thanking God for the power of resurrection. Confess any doubts you have about the resurrection and ask Him to speak into your doubt.
Sunday Rewind | 3.20.16
MUSIC & SCRIPTURE
Awesome Is The Lord Most High (Psalm 47:1-2) – See The Morning by Chris Tomlin
Hosanna (Mark 11:9-10) – Savior King by Hillsong Worship
Forever Reign (Lamentations 5:19) – A Beautiful Exchange by Hillsong Worship
Before the Throne (Romans 8:34) – Worship Initiative, vol. 3 by Shane and Shane
Majesty (Isaiah 53:5) – Majesty: The Worship EP by Leeland
TEACHING: Facing Uncertainty
The just shall live by faith.
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?
- Does uncertainty in life make you afraid or nervous? Why or why not? Do you have any examples?
- Read and discuss Hebrews 10:32-39. What does this tell us about God? What does it tell us about us? What do you note about faith in these verses? What encouragements, warnings or commands are here for us to heed?
- What other verses or portions of Scripture can you think of that instruct us about faith?
- What does it mean to “live by faith”?
- What examples from your own life can you give of stepping out and trusting God by faith?
- How are love and faith related?
- How does the gospel allow and empower us to face uncertainty with confidence?
- Is there an area or situation in your life where you need to step out in faith? Share with your group and spend some time in prayer together.
Sunday Rewind | 3.13.2016
MUSIC & SCRIPTURE
Exalted One (Psalm 121:1-2) – For The Honor by Elevation Worship
Great Things (Worth It All) (Galatians 6:14) –Wake Up the Wonder by Elevation Worship
This I Believe (the Creed) (Romans 3:22) – Live Sessions Vol. 1 by For All Seasons
Lord of All (Psalm 97:5-6) – Attention by Kristian Stanfill
Be Thou My Vision (2 Corinthians 3:17-18) – Cathedral by Heartsong
TEACHING: James – Living Out Our Faith, Part 12
It’s not what you say, it’s why you say it.
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?
- From last week’s questions – were you able to speak words of encouragement and life to someone in particular this week? Give a report to your group.
- Read and discuss James 3:7-12. What descriptions, illustrations and metaphors are used to describe the tongue here? What do you think the significance of each one is?
- Go through each metaphor and illustration of the tongue in these verses – how have have you seen these at work in your own life?
- “A thousand encouraging words are wiped out by one harsh word.” Why? Do you have an example of this from your own life?
- Reflect on James 3:9. What is the significance of this verse? Why is it important to see others as made in the image of God? Why does this seem particularly important as we consider the power of the tongue?
- “It’s not what you say, it’s why you say it.” Why does the motivation of heart carry more weight than what we say or how we say it?
- How do we try to control the tongue? Can it actually be controlled? How?
- What does the gospel of Jesus have to do with how and why we use our words?
Sunday Rewind | 3.6.2016
MUSIC & SCRIPTURE
Closer (Psalm 89:14-15) – Glorious Ruins by Hillsong Worship
I Will Look Up (Deuteronomy 7:9) –Only King Forever by Elevation Worship
Amazing Grace (My Chains are Gone) (Psalm 107:14) — See the Morning by Chris Tomlin
Lord I Need You (Hebrews 4:16) – All The People Said Amen by Matt Maher
TEACHING: James – Living Out Our Faith, Part 11
Your speech is the signature of your soul.
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?
- How has your life been “landscaped” by the power of the tongue? Who is someone who has spoken life to you? Who is someone who has spoken death to you?
- Read and discuss James 3:1-6. What do you note about the power of the tongue? What encouragements, warnings or commands are here for us to heed?
- What other verses do you know of that speak to the power of the tongue?
- What does it mean that the tongue is set on fire by hell (v.6)?
- How are the heart and the tongue related?
- How do you think you come across in your speech to others? Do you feel this is an area in which you need to grow? Why or why not?
- Who is someone to whom you can speak words of encouragement and life this week? Share with your group, then give a report at your next group meeting.
Family Quest: The Hope – Love & Justice 2
GOD’S LOVE & JUSTICE INTERSECT, PART 2
“God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement, through the shedding of his blood — to be received by faith.” – Romans 3:25a
And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” that is, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Matt. 27:46).
At the cross Jesus suffered the humiliation, physical death, and most dramatically of all, the separation from the Father, spiritual death, that our sin has earned us. That is the intersection of love and justice.
BIG IDEA: God is love. God is just.
CLICK HERE TO WATCH THIS WEEK’S VIDEO (Begin at 5:36 at watch to the end. Parents: There are some scenes in this portion of The Hope that are not appropriate for younger viewers. You may consider simply reading the account to your child from Luke 23 or skipping some sections of the video as we did in Quest.)
MEDITATING ON THE WORD:
Isaiah 53
John 3:16
Romans 6:23
2 Corinthians 5:21
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:
“God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement, through the shedding of his blood — to be received by faith.” – Romans 3:25a
PRAYER:
Think about the fact that Jesus did nothing wrong, but was willing to suffer and die so we can live with God. Give thanks for God’s love.
DISCUSSION STARTERS:
- What does it mean to be just?
- According to God’s justice, what does sin deserve? (Romans 6:23a)
- If Jesus was innocent, why did Jesus die? (2 Corinthians 5:21)
- Why is Jesus’ sacrifice important to us?
LIVE IT OUT!
- Talk about what Jesus did for you. How should we respond to what we’ve learned about Jesus and what He did on the cross?
– – –
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.
An Update on Conversations
If you’ve been around RBC for much time at all, you know that this time of year, we are usually in full swing putting together an Easter week production we call Conversations. Conversations is a winsome combination of live music, real life stories, humor and drama that is ultimately meant to lead to conversations about the beautiful good news of Jesus. Originally developed as an outreach-focused alternative to our traditional Easter Cantata, it has been a staple event in the life of our church for over a decade. Hundreds of volunteers, cast and crew have given significant amounts of time, treasure and talent to this production – and we are grateful to the Lord for every single person who has been involved in some way over the history of Conversations.
We want to let you know that the leadership of RBC has decided to not do Conversations this year, but instead provide a smaller series of teaching and worship events called A King & A Kingdom. During these evenings of worship, teaching, testimonies and prayer, Jamie Winship will encourage and challenge the RBC body to seek the King of Kings in all aspects of life.
We understand that not having Conversations is a big change in the rhythm of life at RBC. With that in mind, we wanted to provide you with some answers to some of the questions you may have regarding this change.
1. Why aren’t we having Conversations this year?
The Conversations team prays, evaluates and discusses Conversations every year to see if it is accomplishing what we want to accomplish and if it is the best thing for our congregation and community. We don’t ever desire to do events just because we have done them in the past. This year, we believe that Conversations does not best meet the needs of our congregation, as we see that there are many among us who are hurting deeply and have significant needs. We believe this year, rather than focusing outward, that it would be more effective for us to build up the body of Christ at RBC and to ask God to encourage, direct and heal His people here.
2. What is “A King & A Kingdom”?
A King and A Kingdom is an opportunity for us to come together as a body for a concentrated time of teaching, prayer, and worship, that we might grow in unity and in our individual walks with Christ.
The main sessions of A King & A Kingdom will take place 7:00-9:00pm the evenings of Wednesday, March 23 and Friday, March 25. These evenings will include worship, teaching, prayer, testimonies, and special music. Jamie Winship will be our speaker and will explore forgiveness, repentance, redemption through the lens of kingdom living. Our hope is that we will be greatly encouraged and challenged to follow the King and build into His Kingdom.
In addition to the two main evenings open to everyone, the ladies are also invited for an evening of teaching and encouragement with Donna Winship on Thursday night.
3. Will Wednesday and Friday night be the same?
The structure of Wednesday and Friday will be similar, but the content is different and will build on itself. We would encourage you to attend both evenings (but the events will stand alone if families are only able to attend one.)
4. Will the content be available after the events?
We plan to record the content and have it available for those who are interested, but unable to attend.
5. Will childcare be available?
Childcare will be available for all events, but only to those who register online in advance.
6. Is this an outreach?
The evenings of A King & A Kingdom are designed for followers of Christ to enrich their spiritual walks. We believe that those who do not know Christ would certainly receive value from their time here and might enjoy the events, but A King and A Kingdom is not specifically intended to be outreach opportunities.
Lastly, we want to clarify that these events are not to fill the calendar or replace Conversations, but rather as we sought the Lord regarding the needs of our congregation, we believe that He is directing us to provide opportunities to build into our church body. We encourage you to take advantage of these gatherings, and see what the Lord may have for you in them. We appreciate your support and look forward to seeing you at A King & A Kingdom.
Ordination of Mike Meyers
On Sunday, February 28, our church leadership was pleased to formally ordain Mike Meyers, our Children’s Ministry Director, to the pastorate. We thank the Lord for Mike’s faithful work here at our church and beyond, and we pray for Jesus’ blessing on Mike’s continued ministry. We are grateful to now have two Pastor Mikes on staff!
A LITTLE ABOUT MIKE: Michael John Meyers is a man who loves Jesus, loves his family and has a passion for helping young people find the Way that leads to life. In pursuit of that calling, Mike left the business world over a decade ago, where he was an operations manager of a Fortune 500 company. He eventually took on the role of Director of Children’s Ministries at Reston Bible Church in Reston, Virginia. In 2005, Mike and his wife Patricia founded Open Arms Brazil and in 2006 moved to Brazil where they ministered to at-risk children. Mike and his family moved back from Brazil, and in 2013, Mike resumed his full-time position as Children’s Ministry Director at RBC. He is also the acting president of Open Arms Worldwide (OAW), an RBC-supported missions organization with the goal of mobilizing, preparing, equipping, and aiding Christians to implement transformational, faith-based outreach projects for children and youth among the world’s poor.
Mike speaks to adults, youth, and children in the United States and throughout Brazil on the church’s role in raising a generation that knows the Lord and has a Biblical worldview. Mike brings a passionate and entrepreneurial approach to children’s ministry, missions, the church and the urgent need for God’s people to stand in the gap for the next generation.
Mike frequently blogs here on the RBC site and at Last Man Standing Church. He has also written a book called Last Man Standing: Jesus & the Fight for a Generation.
Sunday Rewind | 2.28.2016
MUSIC & SCRIPTURE
Glorious (Psalm 111:2-3) – Everything Glorious by Chris Tomlin (Passion)
Mighty to Save (Zephaniah 3:17) – Yahweh by Hillsong Chapel
Before the Throne (Romans 8:34) – Worship Initiative, vol. 3 by Shane and Shane
God Is Able (Ephesians 3:20-21) – God is Able by Hillsong Worship
TEACHING: 2016 Amazon Pastors’ Conference Report
Pastor Mike gives an update from the annual Jungle Pastors’ Conference on the Amazon.
CLICK HERE FOR THE SERMON AUDIO & VIDEO
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS
- Do you have any missions experience? Share with your group.
- What is one way you have been impacted by someone else’s work for the gospel?
- What is one way you have impacted someone else for the gospel?
- What does it mean to “think eternally” and live with a “biblical perspective”? Do you find this difficult here in Northern VA? Why or why not?
- How would you describe your prayer life? How can you grow in this area?
- Do you find it difficult to trust God? Why or why not?
- What is something that has deeply tested your faith?
- In what ways does the church in North America tend to operate in our own “swim lanes”? Are there ways in which this is beneficial? Are there ways in which this is detrimental?
- Spend some time in prayer for the pastors bringing the gospel of Jesus to the thousands of tribes along the Amazon. Pray for opportunities to engage personally in missions through giving, praying and/or going. If your Shepherd Group hasn’t already, consider adopting an RBC missionary.