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.
Sunday Rewind | 8.4.13
MUSIC & SCRIPTURE
Exalted One (Psalm 121:1-2) – For The Honor by Elevation Worship
Your Love Never Fails (Romans 8:28) – Your Love Never Fails by Jesus Culture
God Is Able (Ephesians 3:20-21) – God Is Able by Hillsong
Always (Psalm 121:1-2) – Here For You by Kristian Stanfill (Passion)
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: But Now, Jesus
In Romans 3, the apostle Paul gives a scathing indictment against the sin in all of mankind’s character, communication and conduct. However, two beautiful words in the chapter lead to hope and life to all who stand condemned under the wrath of God – “but now…” Pastor Ed Nalle teaches on the contrast between human sinfulness and God’s grace in salvation.
CLICK HERE FOR THE SERMON AUDIO/VIDEO
Here is a bulletin insert that was included with this sermon with a 7-day reading plan to cover the book of Romans. Click here to download.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS
- As you reflect on this sermon, what one insight or principle stands out as being particularly helpful, insightful or difficult to grasp?
- Read and discuss Romans 3:9-20. What does this tell you about the nature of man in his character, communication & conduct? What is inferred about the nature of God?
- Romans 3:18 summarizes man’s condition as “There is no fear of God before their eyes.” What does it mean to fear God? Why is this important?
- What does it mean to seek God “on our own terms”? How do we tend to do that? What is the result?
- Read Romans 3:21-31. What does this tell you about the character & nature of God? Why are the words “but now” (v. 21) so important?
- Can we be justified before God by our good works? Why or why not?
- John Newton said, “‘Til sin be bitter, grace will not be sweet.” What does this mean? How does understanding the depth of our personal sin help us understand God’s grace in the gospel of Jesus? How does this lead to grateful worship?
- How does the gospel provide a balanced view of sin and grace? Spend some time in prayer with your group, thanking God for the amazing provision of the gospel.
Sunday Rewind | 7.28.2013
MUSIC & SCRIPTURE
Rock of Ages (Deuteronomy 32:3-4) – Death of Death by Charlie Hall
Give Me Faith (Psalm 73:25-26) – Nothing Is Wasted by Elevation Worship
Alive In Us (Ephesians 2:4-5) – God Is Able by Hillsong
In Your Presence (Deuteronomy 31:6) – Nothing Is Wasted by Elevation Worship
I Lift My Hands (Psalm 46:10) – And If Our God Is For Us… by Chris Tomlin
TEACHING: Andrew, the Relational Apostle
The apostle Andrew is known as being a quiet, humble servant, a man “seized by the power of a great affection.” Dr. Lee Corder, former chaplain for the Washington Redskins, teaches on the large impact of this lesser-known follower of Jesus.
CLICK HERE FOR THE SERMON AUDIO/VIDEO
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS
- As you reflect on this sermon, what one insight or principle stands out as being particularly helpful, insightful or difficult to grasp?
- Would you consider yourself a humble person? Why or why not?
- Read and discuss John 1:35-42 and John 6:1-11. What do you observe about Andrew in these verses?
- Andrew was an example of a “quiet, humble servant.” How would you define humility? What other examples of humility have you seen?
- What role does humility play in following Christ?
- How does the gospel call us to grow in humility?
- How are humility and evangelism related?
- What does it mean to be “seized by the power of a great affection”? How can we grow in our knowledge of Christ’s great affection for us? How can we grow in our affection for Him? Spend some time in prayer with your small group about this.
Sunday Rewind | 7.21.2013
MUSIC & SCRIPTURE
Endless Light (Psalm 113:3-4) – Cornerstone by Hillsong
Open Up Our Eyes (Ephesians 1:18-19a) – Nothing Is Wasted by Elevation Worship
Rock of Ages (Deuteronomy 32:3-4) – Death of Death by Charlie Hall
Forever Reign (Lamentations 5:19) – A Beautiful Exchange by Hillsong
Jesus Paid It All (Colossians 2:13-14) – North Point Live by Kristian Stanfill (North Point)
TEACHING: Ruth: A Story of God’s Redemptive Love, Part 4
There is often a disconnect between how we see ourselves and how others see us. As representatives of Christ in a fallen world, we should take inventory of our character in light of Scripture. The character of Ruth and generosity of Boaz point us toward an integral life in Christ.
CLICK HERE FOR THE SERMON AUDIO/VIDEO
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS
- As you reflect on this sermon, what one insight or principle stands out as being particularly helpful, insightful or difficult to grasp?
- What is “character”? Can you think of any examples of bad character? Of good character?
- Read and discuss Ruth 2. In terms of character, how does the foreman view Ruth? How does Boaz view Ruth? How does Ruth view Boaz? How does Naomi view Boaz? How does the author view Naomi?
- How does the character and generosity of Boaz point us to Christ?
- Is it important to consider how others see us? Why or why not?
- In what ways are you prone to have a “heat index” in your view of yourself and think more highly of yourself than you ought?
- How does the gospel help us see ourselves as we really are? How does the gospel tell us about how God views us? How are our personal character deficits redeemed in the gospel?
- Just based on outward observation, would your faith in Christ be evident to others? Why or why not? Can you think of any areas for intentional improvement? Spend some time in prayer about this with your group.
Sunday Rewind | 7.14.2013
MUSIC & SCRIPTURE
Be Lifted High (John 3:30) – Nothing is Wasted by Elevation Worship
Majesty (Isaiah 53:5) – Majesty: The Worship EP by Leeland
Lord of All (Psalm 97:5-6) – Louder Than Creation by Kristian Stanfill (North Point)
With Us (Psalm 46:10-11a) – God Is Able by Hillsong
Unending Love (Romans 8:38-39) – God Is Able by Hillsong
TEACHING: Ruth: A Story of God’s Redemptive Love, Part 3
How does God accomplish His great purposes without negating our choices as free moral agents? As we continue our series, Pastor Mike looks at how the providential goodness of God is seen in the life of Ruth and in the arrival of Christ.
CLICK HERE FOR THE SERMON AUDIO/VIDEO
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS
- If you were to give a one-sentence synopsis of this message, what would it be?
- What is “providence”? What theological or practical tensions are there when considering the providence & sovereignty of God?
- Do you have any stories, situations or scenarios from your own life that can only be explained by the providence of God?
- Read and discuss Ruth 2:1-13. Where do you see the providence of God at work? What does this tell us about the nature of man? What do we see about the nature of God?
- How does personal character & integrity play out in to the story of Ruth & Boaz in the verses above?
- How are we “resident aliens” like Ruth? What impact should this have on our daily life?
- How does the Gospel give purpose to even the most mundane aspects of our lives? Can you think of someone with whom you could pray to “find favor” with for the sake of the Gospel?
- Is there an area or situation in your life where you are “playing chess with God”? What would it look like for you to surrender, trust and obey Him instead? Spend some time in prayer about this with your group.