Sunday Rewind | 3.30.2014
MUSIC & SCRIPTURE
Alive In Us (Ephesians 2:4-5) – God Is Able by Hillsong
I Will Look Up (Deuteronomy 7:9) – Only King Forever by Elevation Worship
Nothing But The Blood (Ephesians 1:7-8a) – Facedown by Matt Redman
Always (Psalm 121:1-2) – Here For You by Kristian Stanfill (Passion)
Forever Reign (Lamentations 5:19) – A Beautiful Exchange by Hillsong
10,000 Reasons (Psalm 103:1) – Unrelenting Love by Nick Thurmond
TEACHING: Before the Throne, Part 2
We tend to let cultural fears direct our prayers, which can lead to disillusionment and a lack of depth in our prayer life. May we instead be driven to deep prayer by the glorious greatness of Christ.
CLICK HERE FOR THE SERMON AUDIO
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS
- What was one thing from this sermon you found particularly helpful, insightful or difficult to understand?
- Read and discuss Ephesians 1:15-20. What do you see about the nature of man? What do these verses tell you about the nature & person of God?
- From these verses, what do you observe about Paul? What is he showing us about prayer?
- How does our culture affect how we pray? Are there ways in which this is good, bad or neutral?
- What is the “fuel” that drives you to pray? What do you pray most often about?
- Have you ever felt disillusioned because of prayer? What happened?
- Can you identify a particular fear that tends to dominate your thoughts or prayer life?
- How does understanding “the glorious greatness of Christ and the hope of His glory” affect how we pray?
- Spend some time in prayer together asking God to enlighten the eyes of your heart (Eph. 1:18) and deepen your desire and ability in the area of prayer.
Sunday Rewind | 3.23.2014
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
Be Lifted High (John 3:30) – Nothing Is Wasted by Elevation Worship
Our God Is Love (1 John 4:9-10) – A Beautiful Exchange by Hillsong
Christ Is Enough (2 Corinthians 12:9) – Glorious Ruins by Hillsong
In Your Presence (Deuteronomy 31:6) – Nothing Is Wasted by Elevation Worship
TEACHING: Before the Throne, Part 1
Through Christ, we can approach the throne of grace with confidence. Prayer is not about the result, but about the One in whom we trust – it is seeking the face of God, not just His hand.
CLICK HERE FOR THE SERMON AUDIO
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS
- What was one thing from this sermon you found particularly helpful, insightful or difficult to understand?
- What is prayer? How would you describe/define prayer to someone who doesn’t know what it is?
- Read and discuss Hebrews 4:14-16 and Psalm 46. What do you see about the nature of man? Of God? What does these verses tell us about how we can relate to God? What do you observe about prayer?
- What are other Scriptures you can think of that instruct us on the topic of prayer?
- What is the purpose of prayer? Why should we pray?
- On a scale from 1-10 (1 = non-existent, 10 = constantly in prayer), how would you rate your prayer life? Why?
- What do you find keeps you from prayer? What pushes toward prayer?
- How can you grow in the discipline of prayer? Spend some time in prayer about this.
Sunday Rewind | 3.16.2014
MUSIC & SCRIPTURE
Glorious (Psalm 111:2-3) – Everything Glorious by Chris Tomlin (Passion)
Closer (Psalm 89:14-15) – Glorious Ruins by Hillsong
The Solid Rock (Psalm 18:2) – Original Arrangement
Hosanna (Mark 11:9-10) – All of the Above by Hillsong
I Will Look Up (Deuteronomy 7:9) – Only King Forever by Elevation Worship
TEACHING: Philippians – A Journey Toward Humble Joy, Part 15
Greed shrivels the soul. The remedy is generosity for the cause of Christ.
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?
- What is generosity? Do you consider yourself a generous person?
- Read and discuss Philippians 4:14-23. What do you observe about the partnership between Paul and the church in Philippi?
- Are you “dieting” in the area of generosity? Does generosity come easily for you? Why or why not?
- How does generosity build deep relationships and nourish the soul?
- In what ways does generosity reflect and proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ? How does the gospel push us toward great generosity?
- What do you think your specific role is regarding generosity and the advancement of the gospel?
- Is there someone you can thank for their generosity toward you? Take some time this week to thank them.
- How can you grow in the grace of strategic, consistent, sacrificial giving? Spend some time thanking God for His generosity toward us and ask Him for creativity in growing in our own generosity in gospel-centric ways.
Sunday Rewind | 3.9.2014
MUSIC & SCRIPTURE
As It Is In Heaven (Psalm 96:1-3) – Overflow by Matt Maher
Rock of Ages (Deuteronomy 32:3-4) – Death of Death by Charlie Hall
I Will Look Up (Deuteronomy 7:9) – Only King Forever by Elevation Worship
Be Thou My Vision (2 Corinthians 3:17-18) – Cathedral by HEARTSONG
Glorious (Psalm 72:18-19) – Glorious by Paul Baloche
Beautiful Lord (Ephesians 2:4-5) – Sound of Melodies by Leeland
TEACHING: Philippians – A Journey Toward Humble Joy, Part 14
We will battle for contentment all throughout our lives.
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?
- How would you define “contentment”? What makes you content?
- Read and discuss Philippians 4:10-13. What is your initial reaction to these verses? What do you note about the character of Paul? What do you observe about contentment in this section of verses?
- What are the blessings of contentment? By contrast, what comes from discontentment?
- Where does the major battle rage for contentment in your own life?
- Why don’t negative comparisons work in pushing us toward contentment?
- “In the light of spiritual riches, other things begin to dim.” Have you observed this to be true? In what ways? What are “spiritual riches”?
- How does the gospel of Jesus Christ enable us find contentment in any situation? Is there a situation or circumstance you are currently dealing with where you are finding it difficult to remain content? Spend some time in prayer about this.
The Green Room Sessions: I Will Look Up
We’re introducing the song “I Will Look Up” in our worship services. In this edition of the Green Room Sessions, Paul, Erik & Melody discuss how Melody lost her keyboard, band dynamics, dealing with criticism, and the past, present & future faithfulness of God.
Just the Music: 08:23
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 | 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.