FROM THE FIELD: Update from Mozambique
Our missionaries in Africa, the H’s, have spent years learning the language and culture of a particular tribal people group in the Mozambique area. Recently, they were able to begin teaching the Bible chronologically from creation to Christ. Last year, several tribal people trusted Christ as their Savior for the first time in history.
The H’s missions agency recently sent this report from a tribal man there who accepted Christ as his Savior:
“I believe there is only one God. He is the Creator of heaven and earth. I believe that He send His only Son, Jesus, to pay the price for my sin. He saved me! He is the Redeemer. He is my Redeemer.
“Now, I am not afraid of death anymore. Sure, I am afraid of the pain and sickness and what that can do to this body of mine, but this is only temporary. Now I know where I am going when I die. I know the footpath to God. I know I will be with Him one day I am going to Heaven!
“There are only two footpaths in this life: one goes to God, and one goes to the eternal fire. I have found the right path, the one that leads to God! I am saved!
“Thank you so much for coming to tell us this. I did not know the right way. Now I know! I am saved!”
Please continue to pray for the H’s, for this tribe, for the new followers of Christ there, and for many more to come to know Jesus and make Him known.
Summer Review: Kids Camp
Five days, over 500 children, 200+ volunteers, 2500 snacks served, tons of fun, more than 4,000 combined volunteer hours and, best of all, God showed up! Can it get any better than that? If you have never participated in an RBC Kids Camp (formerly VBS) then you are missing a unique experience in the life of this church. Kids Camp has always been a time for the children of the church to grow in their faith, but with 180+ visitors at this summer’s event, this has become one of RBC’s largest evangelistic outreaches as well. This year the children at Kids Camp were learning to “fly” at the Amazing Wonders Aviation flight school. They learned that in order to “soar on wings like eagles” they must be fueled by the power of God and that His power extends over nature, our circumstances, our sin, and our lives. Our desire is to see them make a smooth take-off and a God glorifying flight.
We were blessed to see so many sweet stories unfold throughout the week. Let me share just two of them with you. First time Kids Camp volunteer Curt McGowan decided to take off a week of mornings from his full-time job to be a small group leader. In no time he and his group of cadets were a tight squadron. Seeing them all march in with the very cool aviator shades that Curt had picked up for them was priceless. His enthusiasm grew throughout the week and by the end he was talking about plans to tell other men of the church how they can join him next year and share in the blessings.
This year we were privileged to host a large number of children from Guilford elementary school at Kids Camp. Thanks to the hard work of Barb Ruffner and her team, these special visitors were treated to a delicious lunch each day following camp. By day two this had turned into a banquet for the students, their parents, siblings and grandparents in some cases! Each family received a Bible as well as a personal invitation from Children & Family ministry Director Jason Goetz to return and visit Quest at our weekend services. Imagine our excitement when several of these families showed up Sunday morning.
Jesus said, “whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.” At Kids Camp 2012 the body of Christ at Reston Bible Church welcomed the presence of Jesus in a big way!
Sunday Rewind | 8.19.12
As a way of bringing weekend worship services into your week, we’re introducing Sunday Rewind. These short blog posts will include the worship selections with scripture references and artist/album information from the past Sunday. In addition, we’ll include links to the teaching audio/video as well some questions from the sermon geared toward small group discussion or personal reflection.
MUSIC
Glorious (Psalm 111:2-3) – Everything Glorious by Chris Tomlin (Passion)
Majesty (Isaiah 53:5-6) – Majesty: The Worship EP by Leeland
With Us (Psalm 46:10-11a) – God Is Able by Hillsong
Unending Love (Romans 8:38-39) – God Is Able by Hillsong
How Great Is Your Faithfulness (Lamentations 3:22-23) – We Shall Not Be Shaken by Matt Redman
TEACHING: The World System: It’s Where You Live, Part 5
The world system is designed to lure believers into loving the world in such a way that they have no impact on the world. Jesus says we are to be in this world, but not of it. How do we being “in the world” reach those who are “of the world” without compromise? We must be tactfully inviting, intellectually stimulating and lovingly warning.
CLICK HERE FOR THE AUDIO AND VIDEO
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
- “The world system is designed to lure believers into loving the world in such a way that they have no impact on the world.” How have you seen and/or experienced this at work?
- Read and discuss John 17. What does this tell you about the nature of man? What does it tell us about God? What does it tell us about the world? What does it tell us about Jesus Christ?
- Why does Jesus pray that we not be taken out of the world?
- What temptations to compromise do we face when reaching out those who are “of the world”?
- In the context of your daily circles of influence, how can you be tactfully inviting, intellectually stimulating, and lovingly warning? Spend some time praying for those whom you could reach in these ways with the Gospel.
FROM THE FIELD: Missions Update from Brazil
Six years ago, Eduardo de Mello Ribeiro was released after serving 18 months in a juvenile detention facility in Brazil. He was saved by Jesus from a life of violence and crime. Shortly after his release, he began volunteering with Open Arms in his town. Open Arms Worldwide is an RBC-supported organization that mobilizes, prepares, equips and aids Christian leaders and volunteers in implementing transformational, faith-based, children and youth outreach projects among the world’s poor.
Today, Eduardo is a full-time missionary with Open Arms in Brazil. He has started three outreach projects, has led countless young people to faith in Christ and also works as a counselor with men struggling with chemical dependency. In 2011 Eduardo, after years of stubborn perseverance, succeeded in opening a door for Open Arms back into the facility where he served his time. He put together an “A-Team” of Open Arms volunteers and began ministering to the boys (between 12 and 18 years old) in that facility.
It is my great joy to have walked with Eduardo over the years and I anxiously look forward to his reports. Last month was a special joy. Let me share with you some details from a recent correspondence with Open Arms:
“In early July, twenty-nine (29) new inmates arrived at the facility. On Saturday, July 15, during a visit from the Open Arms team, Eduardo was blessed to lead twenty (20) of those young boys to faith in Jesus Christ! He and his team are now actively discipling them in the Word. This is what we all are laboring for, friends. This is what our prayers and gifts each month mean in the lives of real children. God is using you to change the future of these young people. Praise God! I give thanks to Him for each of you and your faithfulness. May we all never tire of doing good!”
VIDEO: Host Team at RBC
“Be hospitable to one another without complaint. As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God….so that in all things God may be glorified by Jesus Christ.” 1 Peter 4:9-11
At Reston Bible Church, we highly value the experience of those who attend Sunday services. We want everyone who attends services with us to experience the care of Christ – to feel welcome, have information that is helpful and easily accessible, and to have a pleasant experience right from the time they drive onto our parking lot.
This is why we have a Host Team.
Our Host Team is the group of volunteers who serve on Sunday mornings as Ushers, Greeters, Coffee, Welcome Desk, and Parking Attendants. We believe God has called us to hospitality and allows us to partner with Him as stewards of His grace to those who attend RBC. Our goal is to express Christ’s value to guests and congregants while helping to meet practical needs.
I can tell you from experience what a blessing it is to serve in this ministry and how fun it is to welcome people, help answer a question, find someone a seat, or even pass out a bulletin.
As we move into the Fall season, we are in need of volunteers to serve in all areas of the Host Team. If you’re looking for a way to serve or get to know some other people, this is a great opportunity. For more information or to volunteer, check out www.restonbible.org/resources/volunteer or shoot me an email at kemperdegroot@restonbible.org.
Sunday Rewind | 8.12.12
As a way of bringing weekend worship services into your week, we’re introducing Sunday Rewind. These short blog posts will include the worship selections with scripture references and artist/album information from the past Sunday. In addition, we’ll include links to the teaching audio/video as well some questions from the sermon geared toward small group discussion or personal reflection.
MUSIC
Exalted One (Psalm 121:1-2) – For The Honor by Elevation Worship
Alive In Us (Ephesians 2:4-5) – God Is Able by Hillsong
Our God Is Love (1 John 4:9-10) – A Beautiful Exchange by Hillsong
Unending Love (Romans 8:38-39) – God Is Able by Hillsong
Give Me Faith (Psalm 73:25-26) – For The Honor by Elevation Worship
Take My Life (2 Corinthians 5:14-15) – Hymns Ancient & Modern by Chris Tomlin (Passion)
TEACHING
From man’s perspective, religion is designed to answer the great questions of life – but can it, really? In part four of our World System series, Pastor Mike explores the relationship between religion, reason and revelation in the world system – where they intersect, and where they part ways.
CLICK HERE FOR THE AUDIO AND VIDEO
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
- How would you define “religion”? By that definition, is Christianity a religion? What distinguishes the Christian faith from other religions and philosophies?
- Read Genesis 4:1-1-16. What does this tell you about the nature of man? What does it tell us about God?
- Where are there indications of religion in these verses?
- Is spirituality “reasonable”? Why or why not?
- Is religion “reasonable”? Why or why not?
- Is Christianity “reasonable”? Why or why not? Where do faith and reason intersect? Where do they part ways?
- What are the distinctions between divine inspiration and revelation?
Iglesia Hispana Baptisms
On July 15, 2012, eleven members of RBC’s Hispanic Church (Iglesia Hispana) were baptized at Shenandoah National Park as a public demonstration of their faith in Jesus Christ. Pastor Salvador Medina held an open-air worship service with preaching and music. The church rejoiced with and prayed for the baptism candidates before baptizing them in the Shenandoah River. ¡Gloria a Dios!
“Arrepiéntase y bautícese cada uno de ustedes en el nombre de Jesucristo para perdón de sus pecados —les contestó Pedro— y recibirán el don del Espíritu Santo. En efecto, la promesa es para ustedes, para sus hijos y para todos los extranjeros,es decir, para todos aquellos a quienes el Señor nuestro Dios quiera llamar.” – Hechos :38-39
To learn more about RBC’s Iglesia Hispana, visit www.restonbible.org/iglesia.
ForWord College Send-Off
The summer is flying by all too fast, it seems. Before we know it, our college students will be off and immersed in their studies. For some, it’s back to it or a 2nd, 3rd or 4th year and for others its their first time setting foot on a college campus. We at ForWord, our young adults ministry here at Reston Bible Church, would like to express our love and care for our college students. Coming up on Tuesday, August 14, 2012 from 7-9 p.m. we are inviting all college students and their parents to come and join us for an evening of worship prayer and (of course) pizza.
We hope this will be a great opportunity for our college students to meet each other and perhaps begin to build relationships with others who will be attending their university, etc. Most importantly, we want to pray for our students that evening – and continue to do so throughout the entire year. We believe in the power of prayer, and we invite you to be praying for our college students as well.
Unending Love
Right now, I’m in the process of transcribing the entire book of Psalms. It’s amazing how things jump out of God’s Word when you’re writing them – actually writing them – and reading over His words in your own handwriting. As a worship leader and songwriter, I find so much treasure – pound for pound – in the Psalms. They are so rich in reverence, so full of revelation, and still, somehow, so human. Every feeling of sorrow, loneliness, every triumph and delight I’ve ever felt is echoed tenfold in the Psalms. It’s such an encouragement to know that David, a man after God’s own heart, was desperate for God’s love and seeking His favor just as much as we are.
Several weeks ago, I was in Psalm 3 where David is complaining to God about his enemies and thus confiding in God and seeking His deliverance (“O Lord, how many are my foes?…”). Ultimately, he sees the hand of God at work and gives glory to Him for the victory he finds over his fears (“He answers me from His holy hill…”). Victory that comes only from a loving God that “sustains” (verse 6). His care and comfort are constant. We worship and serve a God that loves with an unending, never failing love. It’s no coincidence that we sing about that steadfast love together each and every week. Without a doubt, His love is UNENDING. May we find all we truly need in that simple truth.
We’re introducing a new song called Unending Love. God has used this song to encourage me so much in recent months. My hope is that He works in our hearts together as a church to respond to the powerful revelation that is HIS LOVE. I pray that God will prepare our hearts to worship and that His Spirit will empower us to offer all we are at His feet.
Here are a couple verses to meditate on this week in preparation for our time together:
Matthew 6:19-21
Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
Romans 8:38-39
For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Have a great week and we’ll see you on Sunday!
-EP
UNENDING LOVE by Hillsong
There’s no silver or gold and no treasure untold
That could draw me away from Your heart
Neither love of myself or of anyone else will do
Jesus, nothing compares to this grace that rescues me
Savior, now and forever, Your face is all I seek
Now, all I am I lay at Your feet
I’m humbled by the wonder of Your majesty
One thing I know, I find all I need
In Your unending love, in Your unending love
Letting go of my pride I lay down my desires
Just to worship in Spirit and truth
More than all of my dreams, more than fame I will seek You, Lord
The Abundant Life Conference
Reston Bible Church invites you to join us for a special two-day conference October 5 & 6, 2012, featuring Alistair Begg, host of the radio program Truth for Life and senior pastor of Parkside Church in Cleveland.
The Gospel of Jesus Christ stands at the very center of true Christianity. For followers of Jesus, the preciousness of the Gospel is absolutely paramount; it is applicable and relevant to every area of life. Our understanding and application of the great and 
glorious Gospel of Christ will trickle down into everything we think, feel and do – but so will our misunderstandings of the Gospel. The Abundant Life Conference will explore how the Gospel deeply informs and directs us in all things and will encourage us to live from the abundance of life found only in Jesus.
Alistair Begg has been in pastoral ministry since 1975. Following graduation from the London School of Theology, he served eight years in Scotland at both Charlotte Chapel in Edinburgh and Hamilton Baptist Church.
In 1983, he became the senior pastor at Parkside Church near Cleveland, Ohio. He has written several books and is heard daily and weekly on the radio program, Truth For Life.
He and his wife, Susan, were married in 1975 and they have three grown children.