Sunday Rewind | 3.2.14
MUSIC & SCRIPTURE
Endless Light (Psalm 113:3-4) – Cornerstone by Hillsong
Awesome Is The Lord Most High (Psalm 47:1-2) – See The Morning by Chris Tomlin
The Lord Our God (James 1:17) – Let The Future Begin by Kristian Stanfill (Passion)
Unending Love (Romans 8:38-39) – God Is Able by Hillsong
Give Me Faith (Psalm 73:25-26) – Nothing Is Wasted by Elevation Worship
TEACHING: Not What I Expected
Where is God during moments – or seasons – of disappointment? He lovingly uses the disappointments of life to remind us that this is not our home and to push us closer to Christ.
CLICK HERE FOR THE SERMON AUDIO
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS
- What was something from this message that you found particularly helpful, insightful or difficult to grasp?
- “The line between expectation and reality is disappointment.” Have you found this to be true in your life? Why or why not?
- Why do you think God allows disappointment?
- Read Luke 24:13-24. How does the theme of disappointment come out in this passage?
- How does disappointment remind us that this earth is not our home (Philippians 3:20)?
- How can disappointment push us to depend on Christ? Do you have examples of this from your own disappointments?
- How does Romans 8:31-39 provide a context for suffering, difficulty and disappointment in life? Is there a situation or circumstance you are currently dealing with that needs to be viewed through the lens of those verses? Spend some time in prayer about this.
Why Do We Sing?
While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take and eat; this is my body.” Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. I tell you, I will not drink from this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.” When they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives. (Matthew 26:26-30)
What an incredible picture: our Savior singing praises alongside his disciples. That’s a passage I have passed by many times and never really thought about. But it’s absolutely magnificent.
Why did Christ and his disciples sing? Why do we sing? Singing together tends to bind us together. It enables us to spend extended periods of time expressing the same thoughts and the same passions. Singing can help us use words to demonstrate and express our unity – our unity as believers, our unity as a church.
Scripture doesn’t only speak about congregational singing–but it is clear that a dominant theme of Scripture is believers singing together (2 Samuel 6:1-23, Psalm 95:1-2, 100:1-2, Acts 16:25, Romans 15:9, Hebrews 2:12, Hebrews 13:15). We are called to sing together. The question is not, “Do you have a voice?” The question is, “Do you have a song?” If you are redeemed by Christ’s cross then you do have a song.
So why do we sing? One simple reason: God deserves our praise. This is good, this is right, and this is true. But worshiping the Lord is something that we each must decide to do for ourselves. We choose to sing. And yet, by our actions, we often decide that He should not receive something that He declares He wants. But we must not withhold from the Lord the glory that is due to Him.
We sing together to shift the allegiance of our hearts from the kingdom of self to the Kingdom of God. We sing together to realize there’s something more important in life than our own plan and our own pleasure: The glory of God.
That’s why we sing. May we sing loudly. May we sing freely. May we sing together.
Sunday Rewind | 2.23.2014
MUSIC & SCRIPTURE
Relentless – Zion Acoustic Sessions by Hillsong United
In Your Presence (Deuteronomy 31:6) – Nothing Is Wasted by Elevation Worship
Open Up Our Eyes (Ephesians 1:18-19a) – Nothing Is Wasted by Elevation Worship
Whom Shall I Fear (God of Angel Armies) (Psalm 27:1) – Let The Future Begin by Chris Tomlin (Passion)
Christ Is Enough (2 Corinthians 12:9) – Glorious Ruins by Hillsong
Your Love Never Fails (Romans 8:28) – Your Love Never Fails by Jesus Culture
TEACHING: Philippians – A Journey Toward Humble Joy, Part 13
When we believe a lie, we will perpetuate that lie. We need the “therapy” of the Word of God to renew our minds to right thinking.
CLICK HERE FOR THE SERMON AUDIO
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS
- If you had to give a one-sentence synopsis of this message, what would you say?
- Read and discuss Philippians 4:8-9. Why do you think Paul includes this section in his letter to the Philippians?
- Paul says to “think on these things.” What specifically is he calling us to think upon? Do you naturally tend to think on these things? Why or why not?
- What opposition do you find to putting your mind to the things Paul prescribes?
- Read Romans 12:1-2 and John 8:31-32. How does truth set free? What does it mean to have a renewed mind? How are they connected? What role does the Word of God have in renewing our minds?
- Pastor Mike gave three examples of “incomplete truths” the world presents in defining certain words – success, genius, and looks (or beauty). How does the world system tend to define these terms? Is there a contrast between how scripture defines those words?
- What other words does the world system define in ways that are incomplete or contradictory to the scriptures? What are the implications or consequences of buying into a faulty definition of these terms?
- How is the gospel of Christ “therapy” for our minds? Spend some time in prayer thanking God for the blessing and provision of the gospel.
Sunday Rewind | 2.16.2014
TEACHING: Untouchable
We have people we don’t want to be around. That’s natural. But is it right? Jason Goetz teaches from Mark 5 on how Jesus went out of His way to reach out to untouchables.
CLICK HERE FOR THE SERMON AUDIO
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS
- What was one thing from this message you found particularly interesting, insightful, helpful or difficult to grasp?
- Are there specific individuals or types of people that you consider “untouchable”? Why?
- Read and discuss Mark 5:21-43. What characteristics of Jesus do you observe in these verses? Who are the other characters in this section? What characteristics to you observe about them? What stands out to you in this account?
- What is the Law of Defilement? How did Jesus break this law?
- What was the significance of clean/unclean and why was it a big deal in Jewish culture?
- How does the gospel make the unclean clean?
- How does the gospel both call and enable us to reach out to those we may consider “untouchable”?
- What “untouchable” people has God put in your life? How can you reach out to them this next week? Spend some time in prayer with your small group about these areas.
Sunday Rewind | 2.9.2014
MUSIC & SCRIPTURE
O Worship The King (Psalm 145:9-10) – Hymns Ancient & Modern by Chris Tomlin (Passion)
With Us (Psalm 46:10-11a) – God Is Able by Hillsong
Christ Is Enough (2 Corinthians 12:9) – Glorious Ruins by Hillsong
The Solid Rock (Psalm 18:2) – Original Arrangement
I Stand Amazed (2 Corinthians 8:9) – North Point Live by Candi Shelton (North Point)
TEACHING: The Vertical Life
Because of God’s perfect, unchanging nature, we can trust Him in any circumstance. He will never, never leave us nor never, never forsake us. Pastor Tony Pedroni teaches from Joshua 1 on living life vertically.
CLICK HERE FOR THE SERMON AUDIO
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS
- What is something from this message you hope to discuss as a group?
- Do you have times when it is difficult to trust God? Why or why not?
- Read and discuss Joshua 1:1-9. What characteristics of God do you observe in these verses? How do these show the beauty of God?
- Read through Hebrews 13. What promises does God make to His people? What impact should these promises have in our daily lives?
- What other promises from Scripture can you think of that God makes? How are these a comfort to you?
- “God’s main encouragement is Himself.” Have you observed this to be true? How?
- In what ways might our definition of prosperity and success be different from God’s? How do you think God defines prosperity and success?
- How can we trust that God’s commands to us are good? How does the Gospel enable, encourage and uphold trust in God?
- Where in your life do you have the tendency to think horizontally? What would it look like for you to think vertically in that area or areas? Spend some time in prayer with your small group about these areas.
Sunday Rewind | 2.2.2014
MUSIC & SCRIPTURE
Closer (Psalm 89:14-15) – Glorious Ruins by Hillsong
Our God Is Love (1 John 4:9-10) – A Beautiful Exchange by Hillsong
Be Thou My Vision (2 Corinthians 3:17-18) – Cathedral by HEARTSONG
Jesus Paid It All (Colossians 2:13-14) – North Point Live by Kristian Stanfill (North Point)
In Christ Alone (Galatians 2:20) – Let The Future Begin by Kristian Stanfill (Passion)
TEACHING: Philippians: A Journey Toward Humble Joy, Part 12
Is the command to “not be anxious about anything” reasonable or realistic?
CLICK HERE FOR THE SERMON AUDIO
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS
- What is one thing from this message that you found particularly helpful, insightful, or difficult to grasp?
- Do you feel you are an anxious person by nature? What do you tend to worry most about? Why?
- Read and discuss Philippians 4:4-7 and Matthew 6:25-34. What do you observe about the person of Christ from these verses? What do you see about the nature of man? Are there any commands or precepts to be followed in these verses?
- What is the difference between concern and anxiety?
- Is the command to “not be anxious about anything” (Phil. 4:6) reasonable or realistic? Why?
- Why do we tend to hope in results instead of in the Lord?
- How does the gospel empower us to be anxious for nothing? How does the gospel comfort us when we are anxious anyway?
- Is there a situation or circumstance you are currently dealing with where you are “borrowing into tomorrow’s worries”? What would it look like for you to submit those worries to Christ? Spend some time in prayer for this.
Sunday Rewind | 1.26.2014
MUSIC & SCRIPTURE
Be Lifted High (John 3:30) – Nothing Is Wasted by Elevation Worship
In Your Presence (Deuteronomy 31:6) – Nothing Is Wasted by Elevation Worship
10,000 Reasons (Psalm 103:1) – Unrelenting Love by Nick Thurmond
Christ Is Enough (2 Corinthians 12:9) – Glorious Ruins by Hillsong
Always (Psalm 121:1-2) – Here For You by Kristian Stanfill (Passion)
TEACHING: Philippians: A Journey Toward Humble Joy, Part 11
Conflict is a given as we go through life – even amongst those who labor for the gospel.
CLICK HERE FOR THE SERMON AUDIO
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS
- If you had to give this sermon in one sentence, what would you say?
- How often do you feel the strain of conflict in your life? How do you tend to deal with conflict?
- Read and discuss Philippians 4:1-9. What do you observe about the person of Christ from these verses? What do you see about the nature of man? Are there any commands or precepts to be followed in these verses? What do you observe about the conduct Christ-followers should have?
- What does it mean to “agree in the Lord” (v. 2)?
- What does Paul do in these verses to address a conflict between two people who have labored in the Gospel? Based on how Paul deals with this conflict,, what practical steps can you put into practice to deal with conflicts?
- How does the presence or absence humility play into peacemaking or conflict resolution?
- How does the gospel of Jesus Christ give context to any given conflict? How does the gospel encourage and enable us to seek resolution and peace?
- Is there a situation or circumstance you are currently dealing with where you need to “agree in the Lord” with someone, or encourage others to “agree in the Lord”? Spend some time in prayer for this and give a report to your small group the next time you meet.
Sunday Rewind | 1.19.2014
MUSIC & SCRIPTURE
Rock of Ages (Deuteronomy 32:3-4) – Death of Death by Charlie Hall
Christ Is Enough (2 Corinthians 12:9) – Glorious Ruins by Hillsong
Endless Light (Psalm 113:3-4) – Cornerstone by Hillsong
Alive In Us (Psalm 27:1) – God Is Able by Hillsong
TEACHING: The Ultimate Contradiction
After thousands of years of human innovation, knowledge and advancement, the human heart in its natural state remains unchanged. No matter how much we advance in our knowledge, the abuse of knowledge will always negate its benefits.
CLICK HERE FOR THE SERMON AUDIO
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS
- What do you hope to discuss as a group from this sermon?
- Read and discuss 1 Peter 3:13-17. What do you observe about the person of Christ from these verses? What do you see about the nature of man?
- What does it mean to be prepared “to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you” (v. 15, ESV). What specific instruction is found in 1 Peter 3 as to how to do this?
- Since knowledge is designed to solve problems, and knowledge is increasing at an exponential rate, problems should be decreasing. Yet, problems are not decreasing – but increasing. In what ways is this “the ultimate contradiction”? Is this observable and repeatable?
- “The abuse of knowledge will always negate its benefits.” Have you observed this to be true? Does scripture support this claim?
- Where do the arguments made in this message stand?
- How does the gospel of Jesus Christ give and sustain hope, despite the abuse of knowledge in any given arena of life?
**Thanks to everyone who submitted feedback on this message! We’ve closed the feedback form, but if you’ve got something to share, drop us a line at info@restonbible.org.
The Green Room Sessions: Christ Is Enough
This month, we’re introducing the song Christ Is Enough to our worship lineup. In this edition of the Green Room Sessions, Erik Palmer, Jesse Trask and Paul Goodnight discuss worship dynamics with youth, worshiping while leading, missional worship and the infinite help of Christ.
Just the Music: 07:24
The Green Room Sessions are a sneak peak into the heart of the worship ministry at Reston Bible Church. We have a huge desire to communicate God’s Word through song and respond to the Spirit, freely worshiping when we’re together. Our hope is that these short videos will provide an extension of the community at RBC and supply your home, car, and office with great songs about the greatness and love of our incredibly able God. See more Green Room Sessions here: rstbl.ch/PrUkYS
Sunday Rewind | 1.12.2014
MUSIC & SCRIPTURE
Revelation Song – Let The Future Begin by Kari Jobe (Passion)
Open Up Our Eyes (Ephesians 1:18-19a) – Nothing Is Wasted by Elevation Worship
The Lord Our God (James 1:17) – Let The Future Begin by Kristian Stanfill (Passion)
Whom Shall I Fear (God of Angel Armies) (Psalm 27:1) – Let The Future Begin by Christ Tomlin (Passion)
Sometimes By Step (Psalm 34:1-2) – Original Arrangement
All Creatures (Praise His Name) (Psalm 148:13) – No Other Name by Reston Bible Church
TEACHING: Philippians: A Journey Toward Humble Joy, Part 10
The eager expectation of eternity is one of the great neglected truths of our day.
CLICK HERE FOR THE SERMON AUDIO
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS
- What do you hope to discuss as a group from this sermon?
- Read and discuss Philippians 3:17-21. What do you observe about the person of Christ from these verses? What do you see about the leanings of man?
- Who can you think of that has been an example to you in your walk with Christ? What about them makes you want to imitate them?
- What does it mean to have citizenship in heaven (v. 20)? How does the gospel both enable and uphold your heavenly citizenship?
- Why do you think the expectation of eternity is a neglected truth of our day?
- Do feel you “eagerly await” the return of Christ? What daily, practical implications would/should this perspective have in the life of a Christ-follower?
- What role does suffering play as we look forward to eternity? How might this alter how we view pain & suffering?
- What is one area where you need to “connect eternity to the problems of life”? Spend some time in prayer together about this.