Sunday Rewind | 10.27.2013
MUSIC & SCRIPTURE
10,000 Reasons (Psalm 103:1) – 10,000 Reasons by Matt Redman
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
Whom Shall I Fear (God of Angel Armies) (Psalm 27:1) – Let The Future Begin by Chris Tomlin (Passion)
The Lord Our God (James 1:17) – Let The Future Begin by Kristian Stanfill (Passion)
I Stand Amazed (2 Corinthians 8:9) – North Point Live by Candi Shelton (North Point)
TEACHING: Philippians: A Journey Toward Humble Joy, Part 3
Though Paul is “in chains” as he writes to the Philippian church, the gospel continues to advance.
CLICK HERE FOR THE SERMON AUDIO/VIDEO
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS
- What is one thing from this teaching that you found particularly helpful, insightful, or difficult to grasp?
- Read and discuss Philippians 1:12-21. What themes do you see in these verses? What can you glean about the nature of man? What do you observe about the nature of the Gospel? What do you observe about Paul’s character?
- Why does Paul rejoice, even though he is “in chains”? What application can we glean from this for our own lives?
- Paul indicates that because of his imprisonment, others are becoming bolder for Christ (v. 14). Why does the church seem to expand with the presence of persecution?
- If you had to pick a signature verse for your life, what would it be? Why?
- How would you fill in blanks? “For me, to live is ________, and to die is ________.”
- In what ways are you “in prison” or “in chains”? How does the gospel address this? How might the gospel still be advanced despite those chains? Spend some time in prayer for this with your small group.
Sunday Rewind | 10.20.2013
MUSIC & SCRIPTURE
Endless Light (Psalm 113:3-4) – Cornerstone by Hillsong
Let Your Kingdom Come (Psalm 59:16-17) – Valley of Vision by Sovereign Grace
Open Up Our Eyes (Ephesians 1:18-19a) – Nothing is Wasted by Elevation Worship
The Wonderful Cross (Galatians 6:14) – Original Arrangement
Give Me Faith (Psalm 73:25-26) – Nothing is Wasted by Elevation Worship
TEACHING: Philippians: A Journey Toward Humble Joy, Part 2
Paul’s opening prayer in his letter to Philippians leads us to great depth regarding the qualities of true Christ-followers.
CLICK HERE FOR THE SERMON AUDIO/VIDEO
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS
- From last week’s questions – were you able to reach out to a specific person in fellowship? Give a report of what happened.
- What is one thing from this teaching that you hope to discuss as a group?
- Pastor Mike said, “Love is a distinguishing mark of a true Christ-follower. ” What do you think of when you think of “love”? How would you define “love”?
- Read and discuss Philippians 1:1-11. What themes do you see in these verses? What do you note about Paul’s prayer at the end of this section? What is he praying for? Why does he pray for these specific things?
- What do you tend to pray most about?
- What is “the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ” that Paul includes in his prayer (v. 11)?
- Why do you trust the Bible? How have you experienced knowledge and depth of insight from the Scriptures?
- Are there some areas of your life where you need to move toward “pure and blameless” (v. 10)? How might the gospel empower you to growth in these areas?
- In light of Paul’s prayer, share prayer requests and spend some time in prayer for the areas in question 8, using the themes you’ve identified from Paul’s prayer in Philippians 1.
Sunday Rewind | 10.13.13
MUSIC & SCRIPTURE
Our God Is Love (1 Iohn 4:9-10) – A Beautiful Exchange by Hillsong
Rock of Ages (Deuteronomy 32:3-4) – Death of Death by Charlie Hall
Beautiful Lord (Ephesians 2:4-5) – Sound of Melodies by Leeland
Always (Psalm 121:1-2) – Let The Future Begin by Krsitian Stanfill (Passion)
Lord of All (Psalm 97:5-6) – Attention by Kristian Stanfill
TEACHING: Philippians: A Journey Toward Humble Joy, Part 1
Joy is an inner spiritual confidence that God will see us through our earthly pilgrimage. In this message, Pastor Mike begins a series that will walk through the book of Philippians on a journey toward humble joy.
CLICK HERE FOR THE SERMON AUDIO/VIDEO
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS
- If you had to give an abbreviated version of this sermon, what one or two points would you make sure to include?
- What comes to mind when you think of the word “joy”? How is joy distinct from fun? What makes you joyful?
- Read and discuss Philippians 1:1-8. What themes do you see in these verses?
- What does Paul mean by “partnership” or “fellowship” in the gospel (v. 5)?
- As a part of a local church, how are you partnering in the gospel?
- What is fellowship? Why is fellowship important?
- What are some general ways you can fellowship with others? Can you think of a specific person you could reach out to in fellowship? Reach out to them this week and bring a report of what happened to your group next week.
Sunday Rewind | 9.29.13
MUSIC & SCRIPTURE
Sing, Sing, Sing (Psalm 47:6-7) – Hello Love by Chris Tomlin
Exalted One (Psalm 121:1-2) – For The Honor by Elevation Worship
Give Me Faith (Psalm 73:25-26) – Nothing Is Wasted by Elevation Worship
Nothing But The Blood (Ephesians 1:7-8a) – Facedown by Matt Redman
Majesty (Isaiah 53:5) – Majesty: The Worship EP by Leeland
TEACHING: The Missing Peace, Part 2
All Christ-followers are called to be peacemakers and “make every effort” to pursue peace with God, peace with God’s people, and peace with all men. Peacemaking in the biblical sense is bringing the fullness of the Gospel of Jesus into broken situations and hurting hearts, despite painful circumstances.
CLICK HERE FOR THE SERMON AUDIO/VIDEO
HAVE A QUESTION ABOUT PEACE?
We would love to have an interactive/collaborative component to our Missing Peace series. If you have any questions regarding the topic of peace or peacemaking, please email us at themissingpeace@restonbible.org. We will address some of your questions in the final part of the teaching series. The deadline for question submission is noon on Wednesday, October 2.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS
- What is one thing from this teaching that you found particularly helpful, insightful, or difficult to grasp?
- Is peace reliant on situations or circumstances? Why or why not?
- Read and discuss Matthew 5:1-10. What do you observe about the person of Christ? What does this indicate about the nature of man? What observations do you note about the sequence of the Beatitudes?
- Can you think of any examples you’ve seen or experienced of peacebreaking, peacefaking and/or peacemaking?
- Do you tend to lean more toward peacebreaking or peacefaking? What would it look like for you to move more toward peacemaking?
- Are you a child of God? Why or why not? How is this related to having peace, making peace and bringing peace?
- How is the good news of Jesus Christ God’s terms for peace & peacemaking?
- Is there a situation, circumstance or relationship in your life where you need to “make every effort to do what leads to peace” (Romans 14:19)? What would it look like to bring the gospel into that? Spend some time in prayer with your small group about it.
Sunday Rewind | 9.15.2013
MUSIC & SCRIPTURE
Alive In Us (Ephesians 2:4-5) – God Is Able by Hillsong
Let Your Kingdom Come (Psalm 59:16-17) – Valley of Vision by Sovereign Grace Music
Your Love Never Fails (Romans 8:28) – Your Love Never Fails by Jesus Culture
The Lord Our God (James 1:17) – Let The Future Begin by Kristian Stanfill (Passion)
Forever Reign (Lamentations 5:19) – A Beautiful Exchange by Hillsong
TEACHING: Getting to Know Scripture, Part 3
While we gain knowledge through study and insight through meditation, application is the practical implementation of Biblical precepts into our everyday lives. “Little” violations of the Word of God today will have major implications and consequences later in life. Where do we need to recalculate?
CLICK HERE FOR THE SERMON AUDIO/VIDEO
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
The booklet Pastor Mike references & reads from in this sermon is a short booklet he wrote called Moral Discernment. It is available for free on iTunes – click here to download it.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS
- In last week’s questions, groups were encouraged to pick a portion of Scripture to meditate on. Take some time to share any below-the-surface insights with each other.
- If you were to give a one-sentence synopsis of this message, what would it be?
- Are you where you thought you’d be in life? Can you identify any key decisions you made that brought you to where you are today?
- Read and discuss James 1:19-25. What do these verses tell us about the nature of man? What do you observe about the nature of God? What encouragements or warnings do you see here in terms of obeying/applying the Word of God?
- What does it mean to take inventory of your life? Why is that important?
- Consider the most important relationships in your life. When was the last time you took inventory? What do you need to do to check the inventory of those relationships?
- Consider your entertainment habits. When did you last take inventory in this area? What changes might you need to implement?
- Are there any “mundane” areas of your life where you have heard but not applied the Word of God? How do “little” violations of God’s Law add up over time?
- Are there any other areas of your life that need “recalculating” – practical application of the biblical principles you are already aware of? Spend some time in prayer for this with your small group.
Sunday Rewind | 9.8.2013
MUSIC & SCRIPTURE
Endless Light (Psalm 113:3-4) – Cornerstone by Hillsong
The Lord Our God (James 1:17) – Let The Future Begin by Kristian Stanfill (Passion)
Come Thou Fount (Psalm 16:11) – Original Arrangement
I Stand Amazed (2 Corinthians 8:9) – North Point Live by Candi Pearson (North Point)
God Is Able (Ephesians 3:20-21) – Forever Reign by Hillsong Chapel
Agnus Dei (Revelation 5:20-21) – Original Arrangement
TEACHING: Getting to Know Scripture, Part 2
Meditating on Scriptures helps us move the precepts of the Bible from head to heart. Meditation is seeking the richness of God’s Word by being still as we reflect on the greater possibilities of meaning and application without violating the intended meaning of the text.
CLICK HERE FOR THE SERMON AUDIO/VIDEO
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS
- What was one thing from this sermon you found particularly insightful, helpful or difficult to grasp?
- What tends to come to mind when you think of “meditation”? How is that similar or different to meditation from a biblical perspective?
- Read and discuss Psalm 1. What does this chapter tell or infer about the nature of man? What do you observe about who God is? What does Psalm 1 tell us about mediation and the Word of God?
- What are some benefits of meditating on Scripture? How have you personally experienced some of those benefits?
What is the difference between studying Scripture and meditating on Scripture? Are both necessary? Why or why not? - Pastor Mike defines mediation as “seeking the richness of God’s Word by being still as you reflect on the greater possibilities of meaning and application without violating the intended meaning of the text.” What does it mean to violate the intended meaning of a text? How can we avoid that?
- Look over the account of David & Goliath in 1 Samuel 17. As Pastor Mike shared from his own meditations, what insights were fresh for you from this well-known account? How is this account pointing us to Jesus?
- What practical steps can you take to incorporate meditation as a regular discipline in your walk?
- Pick a portion of Scripture to meditate on as a group. Spend the next week meditating on those verses. Take some time to share any below-the-surface insights with each other the next time your group meets.
The Green Room Sessions: The Lord Our God
This Sunday, we’ll introduce the song The Lord Our God. In the latest edition of the Green Room Sessions, Erik Palmer and Paul Goodnight discuss healthy food options for the band, cultivating a culture of worship, songwriting, and the personal impact this song had with Erik’s family.
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: http://rstbl.ch/PrUkYS
Sunday Rewind | 8.18.2013
MUSIC & SCRIPTURE
Be Lifted High (John 3:30) – Nothing is Wasted by Elevation Worship
Rock of Ages (Deuteronomy 32:3-4) – Death of Death by Charlie Hall
In Your Presence (Deuteronomy 31:6) – Nothing is Wasted by Elevation Worship
Glorious (Psalm 111:2-3) – Glorious by Paul Baloche
Whom Shall I Fear (God of Angel Armies) (Psalm 27:1) – Let the Future Begin by Chris Tomlin (Passion)
TEACHING: Ruth: A Story of God’s Redemptive Love, Part 6
As we continue our series in the book of Ruth, Pastor Mike delves into the concept of the kinsman-redeemer. When the redemptive power of the gospel is lived out in our lives, it will draw others to us.
CLICK HERE FOR THE SERMON AUDIO/VIDEO
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS
- If you were give a one-sentence synopsis of this message, what would it be?
- Read and discuss Ruth 4:1-12. What is the significance of this exchange between Boaz, the town elders, and the other kinsman-redeemer? What are the implications for Ruth?
- What is the significance of a kinsman-redeemer? How is Jesus a kinsman-redeemer?
- Pastor Mike shared this quote: “When we act, think, talk, and love like Jesus, we’ll have more walk-in business than we can handle.” What does that mean? What are the implications for us?
- Can you think of someone to whom you have felt drawn because of Jesus in their life?
- Do you feel you are living in such a way that people are drawn to you? Why or why not?
- How is the gospel attractive? In what ways is it repulsive?
- The great commission (Matthew 28:19) can be translated as “as you are going, make disciples.” What does this mean? How can you put this to practice as you go about your life? Spend some time in prayer with your group for this.
VIDEO: God of Angel Armies
As we closed out our series on spiritual warfare back in February (The Forgotten War), our worship team gave a special performance of Chris Tomlin’s Whom Shall I Fear (God of Angel Armies). Thanks to your many kind requests, on Sunday we’ll reprise this powerful song. The video above is a taste of what you’ll see live during worship services this weekend. We hope you’ll enjoy and engage with us in worshiping the God who goes before us, stands behind us and is always by our side.
Sunday Rewind | 8.11.2013
MUSIC & SCRIPTURE
Our God Is Love (1 John 4:9-10) – A Beautiful Exchange by Hillsong
Glorious (Psalm 111:2-3) – Everything Glorious by Chris Tomlin (Passion)
You Never Let Go (Psalm 23:4) – Beautiful News by Matt Redman
Beautiful Scandalous Night (Romans 5:7-8) – Give Yourself Away by Robbie Seay Band
Nothing But The Blood (1 John 1:7) – Original Arrangement
TEACHING: Ruth: A Story of God’s Redemptive Love, Part 5
The third chapter in the book of Ruth brings up the question: can the will of God be managed or manipulated? From a human perspective, it is terribly risky to follow the will of God and to live a life of godly character for His glory.
CLICK HERE FOR THE SERMON AUDIO/VIDEO
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS
- What is one thing from this sermon you hope to talk about as a group?
- Do you tend to be a person who runs from risk or seeks out risk?
- Read and discuss Ruth 3. What insight does this give about the character of Naomi, Ruth and Boaz? Where do you see themes of wisdom, obedience & generosity? What other themes do you see in this chapter?
- How do we know what the will of God is? Why is it “risky” to follow the will of God?
- In what ways is it risky to live a life of godly character?
- What does it mean to “manage” the will of God? How is that different from “manipulating” the will of God?
- How does the gospel deal with our propensity to manipulate the will of God?
- Is there an area of your life where God is currently asking you to take a risk? How are you tempted to “manipulate” the will of God in this situation? What would it look like to “manage” this for the glory of God? Spend some time in prayer with your group for this.