Sunday Rewind | 7.13.2014
MUSIC & SCRIPTURE
Open Up Our Eyes (Ephesians 1:18-19a) – Nothing Is Wasted by Elevation Worship
Open Up The Heavens (Psalm 108:4-5) – Worth It All by Meredith Andrews
In Your Presence (Deuteronomy 31:6) – Nothing Is Wasted by Elevation Worship
In Christ Alone (Galatians 2:20) – Let The Future Begin by Kristian Stanfill (Passion)
I Will Look Up (Deuteronomy 7:9) – Only King Forever by Elevation Worship
TEACHING: Seek and You Shall Be Satisfied
Any journey worth taking, or any task worth doing, will be difficult. We will be tempted to cut corners or settle for something less. This is especially true in our relationship with God. Psalm 63 gives us permission to struggle in our relationship with God, but not to give up or settle for something less.
CLICK HERE FOR THE SERMON AUDIO
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS
- What was one thing you found particularly interesting, insightful, helpful or difficult to understand from this sermon?
- “Our hearts are too stubborn to obey more than one thing at a time.” Do you find this to be true in your life?
- Read and discuss Psalm 63. What do these verses indicate about man? What do they tell us about God? What do you note about seeking God from these verses?
- Why is it significant that David was in the wilderness when he wrote this psalm? Have you ever experienced spiritual wilderness?
- Why are we tempted to cut corners in life? How do we tend to cut corners in seeking God?
- “Many Christians have never been given permission to struggle in their relationships with God.” What does this mean? Can you identify with this? Why or why not?
- What “snares” can you identify in your life that choke life out of your relationship with God?
- How does the gospel of Jesus both enable and encourage us as we seek God and struggle in our relationship with Him?
- Spend some time in prayer, thanking God for His faithfulness to us in Christ and for the promise of satisfaction we have in Him.
From the Field: From Russia to Germany
RBC-supported missionaries M. & C. moved from Russia to Germany last week. Here’s an update from them, along with some prayer requests. Please take some time to pray for them and their family as they transition to a new area of life & ministry.
This is the last time (at least for a while) that we will be writing you from St. Petersburg. We leave for Germany on Wednesday, July 2nd. Six and a half years ago, God brought us to this special city in this special country to serve Him. It hasn’t always been easy, but we have been incredibly blessed ministering here… supporting Bible Translation, providing education for missionary families, doing orphanage ministry, leading a Bible study, and serving in our Russian church. For two of our children, Russia has been their home for more than half of their lives. We are very sad to be leaving this place that we love so much, but we know that God will continue to use us in Germany, just as He has used us here.
As is often the case, when we don’t write a monthly prayer update in a timely manner, it usually means that we are very, very busy — ironically, when we need prayer the most. Today is our last day to pack before the container truck arrives on Monday (C.’s birthday is tomorrow and we are trying to set time aside to celebrate) and yet as much as I want to be packing, I know that we need to send out this update, because we need your prayers and we want to share our praises with you.
We are not providing a calendar this month, but we ask you to lift up the following requests throughout the month…
– Praise God that our children have been accepted at Black Forest Academy! We waited two months to hear back from the school about their acceptance and so were understandably very excited to hear this news. Also, C. has been offered a full-time teaching position in the high school Math department! She is extremely excited to continue serving missionary kids in this way.
– Praise God for giving me (M.) recent opportunities to provide online training in Bible translation software for translation and Scripture Engagement consultants from all over the world. This is one of my first chances to provide support for a wider area than just the former Soviet Union.
– Praise God for all that He has done during our time here in St. Petersburg, for His divine providence for our needs, and for blessing us by allowing us to serve Him.
– Please pray about our car. Until two months ago our car was working great and we had a buyer lined up. After one seemingly minor incident, we suddenly had major problems. While the car is now drivable, it is still experiencing a lack of power that we just can’t seem to find the cause of. We have spent days taking it to various mechanics without any good results. If this problem is not fixed, it is unlikely that we will be able to sell the car. Due to Russian regulations, we can’t take the car with us to Germany without incurring significant costs. Please pray that the car will be fixed and that we will be able to sell it. Please pray that someone will be able to help us with the car if we leave without having sold it.
– Please pray for our finances . Moving and having to furnish our apartment in Germany is expensive, and without having sold the car, our finances are very tight. Also, the cost of living is a little bit higher in Germany. We know that God will provide for our needs, but we know that He works through the prayers of the faithful.
– Pray for us to be able to receive our belongings quickly once we arrive. We need certain documents to receive the shipment and the process can take a few weeks. Please pray that we will be able to get our documents processed quickly and get settled in our new home.
– Pray for new relationships. So much of what makes a home a home is the people that you share life with. Please pray especially that our children will quickly make new friends who will be an encouragement to them spiritually.
Thank you so much for your prayers, encouragement, and support!
Sunday Rewind | 7.6.14
MUSIC & SCRIPTURE
God Is Able (Ephesians 3:20-21) – God Is Able by Hillsong
God Is With Us (Psalm 46:10-11a) – Louder Than Creation by Michael Olson (North Point)
Majesty (Isaiah 53:5) – Majesty: The Worship EP by Leeland
The Lord Our God (James 1:17) – Let The Future Begin by Kristian Stanfill (Passion)
Glorious (Psalm 72:18-19) – Glorious by Paul Baloche
You Never Let Go (Psalm 23:4) – Beautiful News by Matt Redman
TEACHING: The Armor of God
The lie the enemy whispers in our ear is almost always some form of “God could never love you.” If you try to defend yourself with the armor of your own attributes, you’ll believe the lie every time – but God offers a better armor, and in Christ, the sin you cannot forget, God cannot remember.
CLICK HERE FOR THE SERMON AUDIO
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS
- What was one thing particularly interesting, insightful, helpful or difficult to understand from this sermon?
- Read and discuss Ephesians 6:10-20. What do these verses tell you about man? About Satan? About God?
- How would you describe the battle mankind is engaged in, based on these verses?
- What does this spiritual battle tend to look like for you personally? What specific “flaming darts” are you currently dealing with (v. 16)?
- Do you ever feel the pressure to “hide behind a version of yourself”? Where does this pressure come from? Does the source of this pressure align with the truth of the scriptures?
- “Our greatest fear is to be known and to be rejected.” Do you find this to be true in your life? Do you find it difficult to let others know “the real you”? Why or why not?
- Do you ever find yourself defending yourself with the armor of your own attributes?
- “God could never love you.” How does the gospel address this lie?
- How does the armor of God in Ephesians 6 point us to Jesus?
- Send some time in prayer thanking God that He knows us and loves us. Pray for His redemptive perspective on any “flaming darts” you may be dealing with.
Sunday Rewind | 6.29.2014
MUSIC & SCRIPTURE
Glorious (Psalm 111:2-3) – Everything Glorious by Chris Tomlin (Passion)
Rock of Ages (Deuteronomy 32:3-4) – The Death of Death by Charlie Hall
Lord I Need You (Hebrews 4:16) – All The People Said Amen by Matt Maher
Christ Is Enough (2 Corinthians 12:9) – Glorious Ruins by Hillsong
Mighty To Save (Zephaniah 3:17) – Yahweh by Hillsong
Lord of All (Psalm 97:5-6) – Attention by Kristian Stanfill
TEACHING: Free to Worship
God has set us free to worship Him, but freedom requires sacrifice and a generous heart.
CLICK HERE FOR THE SERMON AUDIO
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS
- How did this message change or enhance your understanding of worship?
- What does it mean to be “free to worship”? What Scripture comes to mind that displays this freedom?
- Do you keep a few idols in the “closet” of your heart? What are they? How do these idols or “impostors” hinder your worship of the true God?
- Read Isaiah 45:14-25. Do these verses inspire you to worship? How do they speak to God’s worth, and the worthlessness of idols?
- In 2 Samuel 24:24, David says, “I will not offer burnt offerings to the Lord my God that cost me nothing.” Why does our freedom to worship require sacrifice?
- How can you keep your possessions from possessing you, and thus drawing you away from worship? How can you encourage others to serve God rather than mammon?
- What are some practical ways you can stretch yourself in being generous to God?
Sunday Rewind | 6.22.2014
MUSIC & SCRIPTURE
Sing, Sing, Sing (Psalm 47:6-7) – Hello Love by Chris Tomlin
With Us (Psalm 46:10-11a) – God Is Able by Hillsong
Unending Love (Romans 8:38-39) – God Is Able by Hillsong
Be Thou My Vision (2 Corinthians 3:17-18) – Cathedral by HEARTSONG
I Will Look Up (Deuteronomy7:9) – Only King Forever by Elevation Worship
Be Lifted High (John 3:30) – Nothing Is Wasted by Elevation Worship
TEACHING: Rooted, Part 4
As Paul closes the first chapter of Colossians, the apostle addresses the topics of suffering, maturity, power, assignment and the mystery of Christ in us.
CLICK HERE FOR THE SERMON AUDIO
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS
- What was one thing from this message that was particularly helpful or insightful? What was one thing that was difficult to understand or put into practice?
- “All scripture is equally inspired, but not all scripture is equally inspiring.” What does this mean? Do you find it to be true?
- Read and discuss Colossians 1:24-29. What themes do you note in these verses? What do these verses show us about Jesus?
- What does it mean to “rejoice in … sufferings” (v. 24)? What is Paul saying by this statement, and what does it mean for us today?
- How does suffering and affliction advance the gospel?
- What is the mystery Paul writes of in verse 26? How has this mystery become “tame” to us?
- What does Paul mean by presenting everyone as “mature in Christ” (v. 28)? On a scale from 1-10 (1 being very immature, 10 being very mature), how would you rate your own maturity in Christ? What are some criteria for Christian maturity?
- “Power comes with assignment.” Have you found this to be true in your life? What examples from scripture can you think of that demonstrate this principle?
- Do you feel that you have a specific assignment from God? What is it?
- Spend some time praying through the verses in Colossians 1:24-29, thanking God for revealing the mystery of Christ, the hope of glory.
Sunday Rewind | 6.8.2014
MUSIC & SCRIPTURE
Our God Is Love (1 John 4:9-10) – A Beautiful Exchange by Hillsong
Open Up Our Eyes (Ephesians 1:18-19a) – Nothing Is Wasted by Elevation Worship
10,000 Reasons (Psalm 103:1) – Unrelenting Love by Nick Thurmond
Son of God (Psalm 145:3-4) – Beauty in the Broken by Starfield
Take My Life (2 Corinthians 5:14-15) – Hymns Ancient & Modern by Chris Tomlin (Passion)
TEACHING: Rooted, Part 2
Jesus is not just the Son of God, but He is also God. This truth is a marvelous keystone of the Christian faith, one that will cause either worship or rejection of Christ.
CLICK HERE FOR THE SERMON AUDIO
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS
- What was one thing from this message that was particularly helpful or insightful? What was one thing that was difficult to understand or put into practice?
- What comes to mind when you think of the person of Jesus?
- Read and discuss Colossians 1:15-20. What do you note about the person of Christ and the characteristics of God?
- What are the implications for us as we regard the person of Christ in these verses?
- How would you explain that Jesus is God to someone who did not understand?
- Read and discuss Romans 8:1-4. What do you note about the person of Christ and the characteristics of God in these verses? What do they imply about the nature of man? What are the implications for us as we regard the person of Christ in these verses?
- What is the significance of Christ coming “in the likeness of sinful flesh” (v. 3)? Why is it important that Jesus came in flesh at all?
- What do these verses in Romans tell us about forgiveness? Do you have a hard time accepting forgiveness from others? Do you find it easier or more difficult to extend forgiveness?
- Spend some time praying through the verses in Colossians 1:15-20 and Romans 8:1-4, thanking God for sending Jesus.
Sunday Rewind | 6.1.2014
MUSIC & SCRIPTURE
Exalted One (Psalm 121:1-2) – For The Honor by Elevation Worship
Alive In Us (Ephesians 2:4-5) – God Is Able by Hillsong
Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing (Psalm 16:11) – Original Arrangement
Lord I Need You (Hebrews 4:16) – All The People Said Amen by Matt Maher
Christ Is Enough (2 Corinthians 12:9) – Glorious Ruins by Hillsong
I Stand Amazed (2 Corinthians 8:9) – North Point Live by Candi Pearson (North Point)
TEACHING: Rooted, Part 1
As we begin a series of deep faith in the book of Colossians, we must be careful to not simply view Scripture through a 21st century mindset. The truths of the Word are meant to be lived out: Do not tame the Word of God. Let it loose, like a lion out of its cage.
CLICK HERE FOR THE SERMON AUDIO
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS
- What was one thing from this message that was particularly helpful or insightful? What was one thing that was difficult to understand or put into practice?
- Read and discuss Colossians 1:1-14 . What might you observe about the nature of man from these verses? What do you note about the person of Christ and the characteristics of God? What themes do you note in Paul’s introductory comments to the church in Colossae?
- How might a “21st century mindset” dilute the depth of truth God desires to communicate through His word? Is it difficult for you to see life as Paul describes it in these verse? Why or why not?
- Epaphrus is noted as a “fellow servant” and a “faithful minister of Christ” (vv. 7-8). Who can you point to in your life that has been an Epaphrus? To whom can you be such an example?
- What is the distinction between being “better than” someone as opposed to “better off than” someone? How do these two mindsets represent the two kingdoms mentioned in Colossians 1:13?
- How does the gospel make us “better off than” but not “better than” those who do not yet know Christ?
- “Sometimes in the West, we want to argue the truth rather than live the truth.” What does this mean? Do you find it to be true?
- In what ways are we tempted to tame the Word of God?
- Spend some time thanking God for His Word and praying through these verses in Colossians 1:1-14.
RBC Partnering with RightNow Media
Our church is always looking for ways to serve you as you live out your faith throughout the week. With the goal of continuing to know Christ and make Him known, RBC is partnering with a service called RightNow Media. You can think of it as the “Netflix of video Bible studies” because with RightNow Media, you will have instant access to thousands of online video sermons and teachings for kids, youth, parents, married couples and more. There are currently over 2,000 videos from many great Bible teachers.
We would love to provide anyone who considers RBC their church home with a free account to the RightNow Media video library.
If you are in myRBC, our online church database, you should have already received an “invitation email” from Pastor Tony Pedroni on behalf of RightNow Media. That email will include instructions on activating your RightNow Media profile so you have free access to this online library. Simply find the email (check your spam folder if you can’t find it in your inbox), click on the link, put in your name and a password and you’re all set.
We hope you will find this resource helpful as you seek to grow in Christ. If you have any questions, can’t find the invitation email or need help setting up your RightNow Media login, please send us an email at info@restonbible.org.
Sunday Rewind | 5.25.14
MUSIC & SCRIPTURE
Closer (Psalm 89:14-15) – Glorious Ruins by Hillsong
Rock of Ages (Deuteronomy 32:3-4) – Death of Death by Charlie Hall
The Lord Our God (James 1:17) – Let The Future Begin by Kristian Stanfill (Passion)
I Will Look Up (Deuteronomy 7:9) – Only King Forever by Elevation Worship
Give Me Faith (Psalm 73:25-26) – Nothing Is Wasted by Elevation Worship
TEACHING: Guess Who’s Coming For Dinner?
When we open up our homes to others, we shouldn’t be surprised when Jesus shows up. Chris Anderson teaches from Luke 24 on how hospitality is a window to the gospel.
CLICK HERE FOR THE SERMON AUDIO
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS
- What was one thing from this message that was particularly helpful or insightful? What was one thing that was difficult to understand or put into practice?
- “…I stood there staring up at the ceiling and wondering, was there really anyone one the other side, or were all our songs and prayers just bouncing back down at us?” Have you ever been able to relate to this?
- How would you define hospitality? Can you think of a time when you have been impacted by someone else’s hospitality toward you or your family?
- Read and discuss Luke 24:13-35. What might you observe about the nature of man from these verses? What do you note about the person of Christ?
- What do you observe about hospitality from these verses? What other biblical passages or stories can you think of that teach us about hospitality?
- What is the importance of hospitality from a biblical perspective?
- Do you consider hospitality a strength or a weakness for you personally?
- How is the gospel the ultimate portrayal of hospitality? How does the gospel challenge and empower us to exercise hospitality toward others?
- What is one specific way in this upcoming week that you can show hospitality toward someone else? Spend some time asking God to bless this, and thanking Him for His eternal hospitality toward us through Jesus.
App Resource for Scripture Memorization
We hope many of you take on Pastor Ed’s Scripture memorization challenge from last week’s sermon, Give Me Life According to Your Word. He asked that all RBCers consider memorizing 12 verses over the summer months – these are 12 verses we’ve selected from throughout Scripture that tell us about Scripture. If you didn’t get the memory verse cards passed out last Sunday, those are available by request at the Welcome Desk in the lobby.
We’re also pleased to recommend another resource for Scripture memorization called BibleMinded. BibleMinded is a free app published by the American Bible Society that allows you to select specific verses to memorize, follow along with pre-made memorization plans, or create your own customized memorization plans. It’s a great resource as we read, delight in and obey the Word of God.
BibleMinded is available on Apple, Android and Kindle Fire mobile devices. You can search for BibleMinded from within your device’s store or marketplace or visit http://biblemindedapp.com/.
The 12 verses from Pastor Ed’s memorization challenge are included in the app as a featured memorization plan. To access it, download the app, touch Add a Verse and select Plans. As one of the options, you’ll see “Delighting in God’s Word” from Reston BIble Church. You can Add This Plan and start memorizing! Many thanks to RBCer Scott Wennermark of the American Bible Society for setting this up for us.