A Note from Pastor Mike: A Living Hope, an Imperishable Inheritance!
Shadow of the Cross – Monday Devotional
As we begin a most unusual Easter week, let’s spend the next few days considering the magnificent reality of Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross.
A couple years ago, we released a song called “Shadow of the Cross,” along with a devotional guide that follows the events leading up to the death and resurrection of our Lord. We invite you to join us in meditating on these amazing truths this week.
A Video from Pastor Mike: Quarantining the Mind
QUEST: April 5 Clubhouse Service
BIBLE STORY
Read Matthew 21:1-11 in your preferred version, “The Triumphal Entry.”
MEMORY VERSE
“Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest heaven!” Matthew 21:9b
PRAYER AND WORSHIP
Lead your child in a prayer, thanking God for sending His only Son Jesus to save us.
Here Comes Jesus (Sung to 3 Blind Mice)
Here comes Jesus, Here comes Jesus,
Let’s praise Him, Let’s praise Him,
Wave our branches and sing,
Hosanna to the King,
Let’s praise Jesus, Let’s praise Jesus
CRAFTS AND ACTIVITIES
Linked below are a coloring page, Jesus on a donkey craft (cut and glue together), and a picture of a Palm Leaf for you to make with your child (allow them to cut the palm fringe with safety scissors, if they are capable).
Consider having a Palm Sunday parade in your living room. Make several palm leaves, throw a blanket or jackets on the floor and take turns riding in on a donkey (stick horse or broom). 🙂 It might feel silly, but your preschooler will love it and it will help to solidify the story in their minds.
A Video from Pastor Mike: Pray for Those Who are Suffering
A Video from Pastor Mike: Then Would You Be Happy?
Quest News for April 3
QUEST SERVICE
1st-5th grade Clubhouse time is currently a prerecorded session with worship, announcements and the weekly message with Mr. Tony. It is uploaded each Sunday morning to the RBC Quest Facebook Page and the RBC Blog.
Preschool & Kindergarten parents, expect a second email this week with information and resources for you. Going forward, we will upload your child’s lesson to the FB page and here on the RBC blog each Sunday.
In addition, we want to encourage you to worship and listen to Pastor Mike’s messages on Sundays together as a family.
COMMUNION
If you are a believer in Jesus Christ, please add the “fruit of the vine” and some bread (flat bread, crackers, matzah, or regular bread of any kind) to your shopping list this week, because we will be celebrating communion together online on April 5th during RBC’s normal online worship service. Traditionally, we use flat/unleavened bread, but please use whatever you have available. The power is not in the elements themselves, but in Jesus, to whom they point.
For many children, this may be their first introduction to communion. Attached is a resource to assist you in speaking to your children about this sacred tradition, along with coloring pages and a word search for younger children.
“LIKE” US ON FACEBOOK!
Our Facebook page has updates, quarantine activities, videos from leaders and much more! Make sure you “like” the page to keep in touch with updates and resources, and invite your friends to the page as well. You can find it here.
FAMILY QUEST CHALLENGE
More than ever, it is so important to spend time in God’s word reading TRUTH! Your 1st-5th grade children can turn in completed FQC sheets electronically. Just send a photo or scan of your sheet to kids@restonbible.org. A blank FQC sheet is attached to this email, for those who need it. Raffle winners will be announced during the Clubhouse videos and contacted via email.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Passover Seder – An email with family friendly resources and instructions will be sent out next week.
Raising the next generation to know Christ with you,
Tony & the Quest Team
A Video from Pastor Mike: Is This the End?
What Does the Bible Teach About Plagues & Pandemics?
Plagues, famines and pestilences are regularly mentioned in the Scriptures. Along with widespread pandemics, such as we are facing today, there is a tendency to assume that all events of mass destruction–including hurricanes, earthquakes and tsunamis, etc.–are signs of the end of days. Keep in mind that these disasters have been around for thousands of years, and almost every generation sees these things and says the Lord must be returning soon. Yet, “concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only” (Matthew 24:36). We ought not draw conclusions where Scripture does not, but we are to be ready and expectant, as this keeps us focused on Jesus and sharpens our eternal perspective (Matthew 24:42-44).
Such considerations usually lead to the age old debate as to whether the Lord allows these disasters or sends them. No matter where you stand on this issue, what is clear is that He is sovereign and we are to rest in Him (Psalm 115:3, Colossians 1:15-20, Matthew 11:28). I recently posted a video about three storms that are found in the Bible. Each storm has a different purpose and theme, some of which are clear and others, not so much. Those who are in Christ Jesus need not fear. Rather, “keep up your courage, because not one of you will be lost; only the ship will be destroyed” (Acts 27:22).
For further reading and consideration, you can download an article below from Joel Rosenberg of The Joshua Fund. His article includes a survey of instances of plague and pestilence found in the Scriptures and how we might respond today.
-pastor mike
Preparing for Palm Sunday | April 5
SONGS WE’LL BE SINGING TOGETHER
Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee | [listen]
Henry van Dyke
Psalm 100:1-2
Nothing But the Blood
Robert Lowry
Hebrews 9:22
Psalm 119 [listen]
Brian St. Andre
Psalm 119:103-104
Goodness of God [listen + lyrics]
Jenn Johnson, Jason Ingram, Ben Fielding, Ed Cash, Brian Johnson
1 Chronicles 16:34
Great Things (Worth It All) | [listen]
Mack Brock, Chris Brown, Wade Joye
Psalm 126:3
SERMON TEXT
Hebrews 11:1-13