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.
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.
Family Quest: The Hope – Love & Justice 1
GOD’S LOVE & JUSTICE INTERSECT, PART 1
“No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command I received from my Father.” – John 10:18
“And so it came to pass, that Jesus, whom John called the Lamb of God, went up to Jerusalem, to observe Passover…Jesus gathered His disciples to celebrate Passover. Taking the Passover bread, Jesus broke it and said, “This is my body, which is given for you.” Then He took the wine, which represented the blood of the Passover lamb, which had been placed over the entrances of the Hebrew dwellings. And He said, “This is my blood which is poured out for many for forgiveness of sins.” – The HOPE, Chapter 10
Jesus walked resolutely into Jerusalem at the start of the Passover week knowing full well the mission he had come to accomplish. “From that time Jesus Christ began to show His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem, and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised up on the third day. And Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him, saying, “God forbid it, Lord! This shall never happen to You.” But He turned and said to Peter, “Get behind Me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to Me; for you are not setting your mind on God’s interests, but man’s.” Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone wishes to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever wishes to save his life shall lose it; but whoever loses his life for My sake shall find it.” – Matthew 16:21–25
No one was forcing his hand. “For this reason the Father loves Me, because I lay down My life so that I may take it again. “No one has taken it away from Me, but I lay it down on My own initiative. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again.”
Throughout Hebrew history, God reiterated His promise to send a Deliverer who would one day free humankind from Satan, sin and death; who would one day secure the promised blessing for all nations. Jesus was now saying that the road to that blessing was charted through unthinkable suffering and loss.
BIG IDEA: Jesus chose to lay down His life.
CLICK HERE TO WATCH THIS WEEK’S VIDEO (Start at the beginning and watch until 5:36.) 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:
John 1:3 Isaiah 43:25 Colossians 1:16-17
Mark 14:61-62 John 8:58 Isaiah 43:10-11
John 5:17-18 Mark 2:5-7
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:
“No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command I received from my Father.” – John 10:18
PRAYER:
Thank God for his great love for us. That while we were still sinners His Son would die in our place.
DISCUSSION STARTERS:
- Why did Jesus enter Jerusalem that day?
- Why did people celebrate Jesus’ arrival into Jerusalem?
- What does Hosanna mean?
- How did Jesus control events?
LIVE IT OUT!
- Jesus chose to give His life for us. What are some small ways we can give our lives (our time, our energy, our love) to others this week?
– – –
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 | 2.21.16
MUSIC & SCRIPTURE
Unstoppable God (Matthew 17:20) – Wake Up the Wonder by Elevation Worship
With Us (Psalm 46:10-11a) – God Is Able by Hillsong Worship
Be Thou My Vision (2 Corinthians 3:17-18) – Cathedral by Heartsong
How Deep The Father’s Love For Us (Galatians 6:14) – Love Displayed by Liberty Campus Band
TEACHING: From the Field – Love, Passion and Missions
The last days of Jesus point us to His priority for missions.
CLICK HERE FOR THE SERMON AUDIO & VIDEO
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS
- What was something in this message that was new or surprising to you?
- What is something you are passionate about? Why? How are passion and love related?
- Read and discuss the account of Jesus’ last days in Luke 24. What do you note about Jesus from this account? How does what He says here point us to missions?
- Thinking through Luke 24, what are some priorities of Jesus you can identify? What other scriptures show us Jesus’ priorities?
- How can you respond to the priorities of Jesus with passion and love?
- “Jesus does not relate to us according to what we deserve, but according to what we need.” How does this statement relate to missions?
- How does the gospel compel and propel us to a missionary mindset? How do you need to grow in this area?
- 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.
Family Quest: The Hope – Divine Claims
“Jesus answered, ‘Don’t you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’?” – John 14:9
“He began asking His disciples, saying, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” And they said, “Some say John the Baptist; and others, Elijah; but still others, Jeremiah, or one of the prophets.” He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” And Simon Peter answered and said, “Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.” And Jesus answered and said to him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jona, because flesh and blood did not reveal this to you, but My Father who is in heaven.” – Matthew 16:13–17
In the past two lessons we talked about how Jesus, as God’s anointed One, was a great teacher and a powerful prophet. These statements are true, but Jesus did not leave room for us, or the people of 1st century Israel, to leave it at that. In his famous interaction with the Jewish leaders during the Feast of Dedication (John 10:22-39) Jesus says, “I and the Father are one.” Those who heard him understood exactly what that meant, “The Jews answered him, “It is not for a good work that we are going to stone you but for blasphemy, because you, being a man, make yourself God.” His statement was so unambiguous that they sought to kill him right then and there for claiming to be God. All that the Law and the Prophets pointed to in the coming Messiah; Great High Priest to restore the priesthood, King of kings to restore David’s rule, and a prophet “like Moses,” could only be fulfilled by God in sinless human flesh. All other’s had fallen short even as their lives foreshadowed the perfect which was coming, Jesus. Jesus is our All in All.
BIG IDEA: Jesus is God.
CLICK HERE TO WATCH THIS WEEK’S VIDEO
MEDITATING ON THE WORD:
John 1:3 Isaiah 43:25 Colossians 1:16-17
Mark 14:61-62 John 8:58 Isaiah 43:10-11
John 5:17-18 Mark 2:5-7
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 answered, ‘Don’t you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’?” – John 14:9
PRAYER:
Thank God that Jesus left no room for debate about who he said he was; God himself.
DISCUSSION STARTERS:
- What did the religious leaders not like about Jesus?
- How did Jesus say that he is God?
LIVE IT OUT!
- How can we show God the Father to others? Brainstorm some ideas and post them on your fridge or bathroom mirror.
– – –
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.