The Green Room Sessions: Closer
We’re introducing the song Closer in our worship services this weekend. In the latest edition of the Green Room Sessions, Erik Palmer, Jesse Trask and Paul Goodnight discuss why Jesse was banned from GRS, their recent trip to Brazil with Open Arms, and how this song ties directly into our church’s mission statement, knowing Christ and making Him known.
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 | 11.17.2013
MUSIC & SCRIPTURE
As It Is In Heaven (Psalm 96:1-3) – Overflow by Matt Maher
Blessed Be Your Name (Job 1:21) – Blessed Be Your Name by Matt Redman
In Your Presence (Deuteronomy 31:6) – Nothing Is Wasted by Elevation Worship
How Deep The Father’s Love For Us (Galatians 6:14) – Original Arrangement
In Christ Alone (Galatians 2:20) – Let The Future Begin by Kristian Stanfill (Passion)
TEACHING: Entitlement
Ever feel like God is holding back from you something you deserve? Fact is, God is not fair – but He is generous. We cannot enjoy what we feel entitled to.
CLICK HERE FOR THE SERMON AUDIO
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS
- What is one thing from this teaching that you found particularly interesting, helpful, insightful, or difficult to grasp?
- Where or how do you see a sense of entitlement in our culture and society? What is something you feel entitled to?
- Read and discuss Matthew 19:16 – 20:16. What does this tell you about the person and nature of God? What do you see about the nature of man?
- “God is not fair.” What is your response to that statement? Are there areas in your life where you feel God is not being fair? Are there ways you are glad God is not fair?
- Where in your life is your eye tempted to be envious because God has been generous to someone else?
- How does the gospel address and remedy our sense of entitlement?
- Where can you identify the generosity of God in your life? Spend some time in prayer thanking God for His is gracious generosity toward us.
Sunday Rewind | 11.10.2013
MUSIC & SCRIPTURE
Hope of the World (Ephesians 2:4-5) – Hillsong
Let Your Kingdom Come (Psalm 59:16) – Sovereign Grace Praise
God is Able (Ephesians 3:20-21) – Hillsong
Forever Reign (Lamentations 5:19) – Hillsong
Hosanna (Mark 11:9-10) – Hillsong
TEACHING: 2013 Missions Conference – Hope of the World
Our keynote speaker for the 2013 Missions Conference, Dr. Chris Gnanakan, shares on how the gospel is the hope of the world as it goes forth across the nations.
CLICK HERE FOR THE SERMON AUDIO
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS
- Did you attend any part of the 2013 Missions Conference? If so, what did God teach you or what impacted you?
- What is your understanding of missions? What scriptures can you think of that pertain to missions?
- Do you have any personal experience with missions? Please share.
- Read and discuss Colossians 1:21-29. What does this tell you about the person of God? What do you see about the nature of man? What do these verses tell you about missions?
- What is the relationship between missions and the gospel?
- Is missions a specific call to a select few, or a general call to all Christians? What is your current role in missions? What would it look like to grow in this area?
- Would your small group be willing to adopt an RBC missionary? You can get information here.
- Spend some time praying for our missionaries. Here are some helpful guidelines on how to pray for them.
VIDEO: Our God is Love
On the heels of our 2013 Missions Conference, we’ve sent some of the RBC worship team to Brazil this week in partnership with Open Arms. They will be headlining a concert there and will have many opportunities to share – and show – the gospel of Jesus Christ.
The team will use a version of the video above (featuring Hillsong’s Our God is Love) to promote the concert, which takes place this Thursday (November 14) in Assis. We thought you would enjoy it, too. Please pray for our team and their time in Brazil. You can learn more about their project and specific ways to pray here.
“This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.” – 1 John 4:9-10
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Recorded live at The Cocoon.
SONG: Our God is Love by Hillsong
CAMERAS: HVX-200, Canon 7D, GoPro Hero 3
RBC Worship in Brazil
This Sunday evening, members of the RBC worship band will leave for Brazil to headline the third annual Voz e Vida (Voice & Life) Concert to raise awareness and support for Open Arms Brazil (www.openarmsworldwide.org). This will be our second time there and we’re so excited to have the opportunity and to have the incredible support of our church. Many of you have given financially to our trip and we are so thankful for your generosity. I don’t know who gave what or how much – but I know that we’ve reached 88% of our goal – which is GREAT! So thank you. Many of you have asked how you can pray for us as we spend our week there… and as we experience South American SUPERSTARDOM.
1. Travel: We’ll fly all night through to Sao Paolo and then take a six hour bus ride to Assis (Note: it’s the nicest bus I’ve ever been on. Not joking. WiFi, A/C, fully-reclining seats, the WORKS). And our flight is direct, so there’s not a huge fear of losing anything. But we have six guitars and a couple cases of gear to bring along. Please pray for that.
2. Our promotional time: We’ll spend the first few days promoting the concert on TV and radio. We’ll play some acoustic shows at some of the area high schools and colleges, encouraging people to join us for the big concert on Thursday night. We will have opportunities to share our faith in Christ and minister to the people we meet. Please pray for that.
3. The concert: We headline the concert – covering about 70 minutes of music. We’ll be playing some of our favorite and best worship songs throughout the night – displaying lyrics in Portuguese for the people to follow along with what we’re singing about. There will be many, many believers there worshiping with us… totally free in their worship. It’s an incredible environment. And there will be many, many unbelievers there as well. Watching. Listening. And hearing the Gospel. Please pray for that.
4. The follow-up: The work that Open Arms does in Brazil is amazing. Based on last year’s event, there will be an influx of people wanting to give money, volunteer, or do anything to help. And Lord willing, there will be many who will trust Christ as their Savior. Please pray for that.
We are so thankful that God has provided a chance for us to use music to reach people for Christ, make Him known throughout the world, and partner with an awesome organization like Open Arms. God is working in amazing ways. We can’t wait to see it firsthand.
Thank you for your prayers and support. God bless.
Sunday Rewind | 11.3.2013
MUSIC & SCRIPTURE
Alive In Us (Ephesians 2:4-5) – God Is Able by Hillsong
Your Love Never Fails (Romans 8:28) – Your Love Never Fails by Jesus Culture
Nothing But The Blood (Ephesians 1:7-8) – Facedown by Matt Redman
Mighty To Save (Zephaniah 3:17) – The I Heart Revolution by Hillsong
TEACHING: Philippians: A Journey Toward Humble Joy, Part 4
At the end of the first chapter of Philippians, Paul introduces a glorious tension that all Christ-followers should feel to some degree.
CLICK HERE FOR THE SERMON AUDIO/VIDEO
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS
- What is one thing from this teaching that you hope to discuss as a group?
- Read and discuss Philippians 1:22-30. What themes do you see in these verses? What “glorious tension” is Paul wrestling with here?
- Why does Paul rejoice, even though he is “in chains”? What application can we glean from this for our own lives?
- Paul seems assured that when he departs this life, he will be with Christ. How can he be so sure? Are you sure? Why or why not?
- Can you think of anyone who has departed to be with Christ, but who had planted gospel “seeds” in your life?
- What gospel “seeds” do you think you will leave behind when you depart this world?
- What does it mean to conduct ourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel (v. 27)?
- “All real forgiveness costs you.” What does forgiveness cost those who extend it?
- Is there someone you need to reach out in humility, love and forgiveness? How can you carry those supernatural qualities into that relationship or situation and let Jesus be your advocate? Spend some time in prayer for this with your small group.
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.