VIDEO: God of Angel Armies
As we closed out our series on spiritual warfare back in February (The Forgotten War), our worship team gave a special performance of Chris Tomlin’s Whom Shall I Fear (God of Angel Armies). Thanks to your many kind requests, on Sunday we’ll reprise this powerful song. The video above is a taste of what you’ll see live during worship services this weekend. We hope you’ll enjoy and engage with us in worshiping the God who goes before us, stands behind us and is always by our side.
Sunday Rewind | 8.11.2013
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)
You Never Let Go (Psalm 23:4) – Beautiful News by Matt Redman
Beautiful Scandalous Night (Romans 5:7-8) – Give Yourself Away by Robbie Seay Band
Nothing But The Blood (1 John 1:7) – Original Arrangement
TEACHING: Ruth: A Story of God’s Redemptive Love, Part 5
The third chapter in the book of Ruth brings up the question: can the will of God be managed or manipulated? From a human perspective, it is terribly risky to follow the will of God and to live a life of godly character for His glory.
CLICK HERE FOR THE SERMON AUDIO/VIDEO
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS
- What is one thing from this sermon you hope to talk about as a group?
- Do you tend to be a person who runs from risk or seeks out risk?
- Read and discuss Ruth 3. What insight does this give about the character of Naomi, Ruth and Boaz? Where do you see themes of wisdom, obedience & generosity? What other themes do you see in this chapter?
- How do we know what the will of God is? Why is it “risky” to follow the will of God?
- In what ways is it risky to live a life of godly character?
- What does it mean to “manage” the will of God? How is that different from “manipulating” the will of God?
- How does the gospel deal with our propensity to manipulate the will of God?
- Is there an area of your life where God is currently asking you to take a risk? How are you tempted to “manipulate” the will of God in this situation? What would it look like to “manage” this for the glory of God? Spend some time in prayer with your group for this.
Men’s Ministry News – August 2013
Men of RBC: The Men’s Ministry would like to invite you to some upcoming activities that have been designed to positively and encouragingly impact your walk with the Lord and in turn your spheres of influence.
- Speaker: Dr. Richard Blackaby
- Where: Meadowkirk Retreat Center, Middleburg, VA
- When: Sept 20-22
- Topic: Living on God’s Agenda
What man following Christ does not desire to hear from God and live it out? This year’s unprecedented combination of speaker, topic and location have resulted in record-shattering early registrations. Total space is limited to 150 and there are just 57 overnight accommodations remaining. Enjoy the fellowship of like-minded men, don’t get left out – click for more information or register here now!
WEEKLY DISCIPLESHIP CLASSES
Men’s Ministry weekly discipleship classes are a great way to get connected and increase your knowledge of the word and provide you with some mid-week encouragement. No previous experience or Bible knowledge is required; all you need is a willingness to grow and be challenged. For a course listing and full details, please visit www.restonbible.org/men.
- FUEL—Men of Action: The Role of Authentic Men in the Next Generation Church. Join us on this journey to Authentic Manhood. Tuesdays 6:25-7:30 AM – Sr. High Bldg.
- Training Faithful Men-Great Doctrines of the Faith. No registration required. For questions, call or email Ray Shoaff (703-625-5595) or ray@shoaff.com). Wednesday 6:00-7:00 AM – Sr. High Bldg.
The following upcoming activities are scheduled in September and beyond, so mark your calendars.
THE SUMMIT
When: October21, 2013, Monday 7:30-8:30 PM
Speaker: Congressman Daniel Webster of Florida
Topic: “How to Live with Integrity while Under Attack”
Where: RBC Sanctuary
Dinner: 6:30PM, RBC Clubhouse by Famous Dave’s BBQ
Registration: www.restonbible.org/summit
Most people know of Jesus, but many do not have a personal relationship with Him, and it is hard for them to even get their head around what that means. Generally, men are expected to be self-reliant and independent, and don’t seek out or admit a need for help when faced with challenges.
These are just a few reasons why it can be so powerful for men to hear the personal testimony of another man, especially a successful leader who is willing to be transparent and share how his relationship with Jesus Christ has impacted his life.
Webster served as the Speaker of the Florida House and Majority Leader in the Senate prior to being elected to the U.S. Congress in 2010. He is known for many things, but Daniel Webster still holds his faith, his family, and his principles as his biggest assets. Webster is married to the former Sandra Jordan of Orlando, and they have six children: David, Brent, Jordan, Elizabeth, John, and Victoria, and seven grandchildren. Webster is active in his church, First Baptist Church of Central Florida.
Come out and join us on Monday, October 21st, to hear about the difference a personal relationship with Jesus has made in the life of a prominent leader in our country and please bring a friend or co-worker.
SERVICE OPPORTUNITY
Men’s Ministry is looking for a few good men to help with our event logistics and to take photos of our events. No special skills needed—just a servant heart. Events are The Summit, Men’s Retreat, Boosters, and special men’s events. We plan to have teams that can alternate events. If interested, please contact Brad Hummel at mensministry@restonbible.org.
As always the Men’s Ministry is here to be an encouragement in your walk with the Lord. Contact us at mensministry@restonbible.org if you have any questions or concerns.
God Bless,
The Men’s Ministry Leadership Team
VIDEO: Deacon Candidates Announced
On August 4, during weekend services, we announced nine deacon candidates for our Deacon Ministry. A deacon is one who serves others in the love of Christ. We believe a deacon is a unique type of servant who meets specific biblical qualifications, is examined, and then appointed to an official public position with prescribed duties given by the church elders.
The responsibilities of deacons at RBC will be primarily in two areas: To coordinate financial resources and assistance to meet the material needs of the congregation at Reston Bible Church. They will particularly extend love and care for widows and widowers within our body. The deacon candidates below have been nominated by people in our church body and interviewed by our elders:
- Dana DeKanter
- Jeff Henshaw
- Brad Hill
- Eric Korsvall
- Bill Mitchell
- Rob Persinger
- Keith Roberts
- John Smith
- Ben York
If you have any comments or input on these candidates, we would love to hear from you. Please email the elders at elders@restonbible.org with your feedback. To learn more about the Deacon Ministry at RBC, please click here.
Sunday Rewind | 8.4.13
MUSIC & SCRIPTURE
Exalted One (Psalm 121:1-2) – For The Honor by Elevation Worship
Your Love Never Fails (Romans 8:28) – Your Love Never Fails by Jesus Culture
God Is Able (Ephesians 3:20-21) – God Is Able by Hillsong
Always (Psalm 121:1-2) – Here For You by Kristian Stanfill (Passion)
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: But Now, Jesus
In Romans 3, the apostle Paul gives a scathing indictment against the sin in all of mankind’s character, communication and conduct. However, two beautiful words in the chapter lead to hope and life to all who stand condemned under the wrath of God – “but now…” Pastor Ed Nalle teaches on the contrast between human sinfulness and God’s grace in salvation.
CLICK HERE FOR THE SERMON AUDIO/VIDEO
Here is a bulletin insert that was included with this sermon with a 7-day reading plan to cover the book of Romans. Click here to download.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS
- As you reflect on this sermon, what one insight or principle stands out as being particularly helpful, insightful or difficult to grasp?
- Read and discuss Romans 3:9-20. What does this tell you about the nature of man in his character, communication & conduct? What is inferred about the nature of God?
- Romans 3:18 summarizes man’s condition as “There is no fear of God before their eyes.” What does it mean to fear God? Why is this important?
- What does it mean to seek God “on our own terms”? How do we tend to do that? What is the result?
- Read Romans 3:21-31. What does this tell you about the character & nature of God? Why are the words “but now” (v. 21) so important?
- Can we be justified before God by our good works? Why or why not?
- John Newton said, “‘Til sin be bitter, grace will not be sweet.” What does this mean? How does understanding the depth of our personal sin help us understand God’s grace in the gospel of Jesus? How does this lead to grateful worship?
- How does the gospel provide a balanced view of sin and grace? Spend some time in prayer with your group, thanking God for the amazing provision of the gospel.
From the Field: Mumbai
Ernest and Evelyn work in partnership with Oakseed Ministries with the Colaba Slum Project in Mumbai, India. Oakseed assists local ministries that serve abandoned children and the poor who live in the megacities of the Third World by bringing the good news of Jesus in word and deed.
It has been a joy for them to actually see the fruit of evangelism teams that are reaching out daily to both lower middle-class and poor families in that area. These are people who live in the slums, roadside huts, streets and hospitals. A special team even visits the brothels of Colaba five days a week providing prayer, worship, counseling and guidance.
Recently, this ministry led a couple from death to life. Ernest and Evelyn had developed a close personal friendship with a drug addict and his girlfriend, who was working as a prostitute. They and their church community reached out to them, befriended them, prayed for them, counseled them and tried to love them like Jesus loves. After much time, the addict and his girlfriend came to faith, were transformed, left their old lives behind and were baptized. In an amazing celebration of new life, they were married before the Lord in December 2012. In February 2013, Ernest and Evelyn were able to help them move from a garage shelter in the slums to an apartment. Praise God for His transformational love at work in their lives through the gospel of Jesus Christ.
The Colaba Slum Project is currently planning to begin a preschool in the Balwadi Slum in Colaba. Pray for God’s provision of a building, teachers and administrative staff. Please pray for Ernest and Evelyn and their teams as they seek to love the poor and forgotten people of these slums.
Community Outreach: Guilford Elementary
The mission of our partnership with Guilford Elementary School in Sterling, VA is to help meet the physical, relational and spiritual needs of the disadvantaged through service and generosity, and to encourage the staff who work with these families.
In this short video, David Stewart, principal of Guilford Elementary, shares about the impact of this partnership from his perspective.
For more information on our partnership and how to get involved, please visit www.restonbible.org/guilford.
Sunday Rewind | 7.28.2013
MUSIC & SCRIPTURE
Rock of Ages (Deuteronomy 32:3-4) – Death of Death by Charlie Hall
Give Me Faith (Psalm 73:25-26) – Nothing Is Wasted by Elevation Worship
Alive In Us (Ephesians 2:4-5) – God Is Able by Hillsong
In Your Presence (Deuteronomy 31:6) – Nothing Is Wasted by Elevation Worship
I Lift My Hands (Psalm 46:10) – And If Our God Is For Us… by Chris Tomlin
TEACHING: Andrew, the Relational Apostle
The apostle Andrew is known as being a quiet, humble servant, a man “seized by the power of a great affection.” Dr. Lee Corder, former chaplain for the Washington Redskins, teaches on the large impact of this lesser-known follower of Jesus.
CLICK HERE FOR THE SERMON AUDIO/VIDEO
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS
- As you reflect on this sermon, what one insight or principle stands out as being particularly helpful, insightful or difficult to grasp?
- Would you consider yourself a humble person? Why or why not?
- Read and discuss John 1:35-42 and John 6:1-11. What do you observe about Andrew in these verses?
- Andrew was an example of a “quiet, humble servant.” How would you define humility? What other examples of humility have you seen?
- What role does humility play in following Christ?
- How does the gospel call us to grow in humility?
- How are humility and evangelism related?
- What does it mean to be “seized by the power of a great affection”? How can we grow in our knowledge of Christ’s great affection for us? How can we grow in our affection for Him? Spend some time in prayer with your small group about this.
Sunday Rewind | 7.21.2013
MUSIC & SCRIPTURE
Endless Light (Psalm 113:3-4) – Cornerstone by Hillsong
Open Up Our Eyes (Ephesians 1:18-19a) – Nothing Is Wasted by Elevation Worship
Rock of Ages (Deuteronomy 32:3-4) – Death of Death by Charlie Hall
Forever Reign (Lamentations 5:19) – A Beautiful Exchange by Hillsong
Jesus Paid It All (Colossians 2:13-14) – North Point Live by Kristian Stanfill (North Point)
TEACHING: Ruth: A Story of God’s Redemptive Love, Part 4
There is often a disconnect between how we see ourselves and how others see us. As representatives of Christ in a fallen world, we should take inventory of our character in light of Scripture. The character of Ruth and generosity of Boaz point us toward an integral life in Christ.
CLICK HERE FOR THE SERMON AUDIO/VIDEO
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS
- As you reflect on this sermon, what one insight or principle stands out as being particularly helpful, insightful or difficult to grasp?
- What is “character”? Can you think of any examples of bad character? Of good character?
- Read and discuss Ruth 2. In terms of character, how does the foreman view Ruth? How does Boaz view Ruth? How does Ruth view Boaz? How does Naomi view Boaz? How does the author view Naomi?
- How does the character and generosity of Boaz point us to Christ?
- Is it important to consider how others see us? Why or why not?
- In what ways are you prone to have a “heat index” in your view of yourself and think more highly of yourself than you ought?
- How does the gospel help us see ourselves as we really are? How does the gospel tell us about how God views us? How are our personal character deficits redeemed in the gospel?
- Just based on outward observation, would your faith in Christ be evident to others? Why or why not? Can you think of any areas for intentional improvement? Spend some time in prayer about this with your group.
Next Generation Project Update – July 2013
Last Sunday, June 14, 2013, Pastor Ed and Pastor Mike give a report on the progress of the Next Generation Project, which we started last November.
You can learn more about the Next Generation Project and get involved at www.restonbible.org/nextgeneration