Take 5: Examples from Jonah, Part 20
You don’t have to vindicate yourself from teaching the full weight of God’s Word. After all, it’s His Word – not yours.
Take 5 is a series of videos for pastors & teachers of God’s Word. Mike Minter, teaching pastor and founder of Reston Bible Church, shares practical wisdom from over 40 years of ministry experience.
For more Take 5 videos, visit vimeo.com/channels/minter or subscribe via RSS here: blog.restonbible.org/category/resources/take-5/feed/
To suggest a topic for Pastor Mike to cover, send an email to questions@restonbible.org.
Sunday Rewind | 3.29.2015
MUSIC & SCRIPTURE
Glorious (Psalm 111:2-3) – Everything Glorious by Chris Tomlin (Passion)
Open Up Our Eyes (Ephesians 1:18-19a) – Nothing Is Wasted by Elevation Worship
Hosanna (Mark 11:9-10) – Savior King by Hillsong
Beautiful Lord (Ephesians 2:4-5) – Sound of Melodies by Leeland
Always (Psalm 121:1-2) – Here For You by Kristian Stanfill (Passion)
TEACHING: Who Are You? Part 3
What do we do when Jesus’ claims contradict our experiences? What you believe about Jesus will define you.
CLICK HERE FOR THE SERMON AUDIO & VIDEO
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS
- What was one thing you found particularly interesting, insightful, helpful or difficult to understand from this sermon?
- Take some time to read through John 6. What stands out to you? What themes do you notice? What do you learn about ourselves in this chapter? What do we learn about Jesus? What does John 6 have to do with Easter?
- Why is it that so much of the gospel accounts seem to be focused on the mistakes and misunderstandings of the disciples?
- In what ways can we seek Jesus with wrong motives?
- What has Jesus asked you to do for those around you? How would you describe your level of obedience?
- What are your go-to excuses for those times when you struggle with faithful obedience? How does what you believe about Jesus affect this? How can you grow in joyful obedience?
- How has Jesus challenged you to participate in ministry? What do you lack that He must provide?
- How do Jesus’ claims sometimes contradict our experiences? What do you do with the claims of Jesus you don’t understand? Can you think of any examples?
- What hard questions about life do you have?
- Spend some time in prayer for the things you’ve discussed.
Sunday Rewind | 3.22.2015
MUSIC & SCRIPTURE
Endless Light (Psalm 113:3-4) – Cornerstone by Hillsong
Open Up The Heavens (Psalm 108:4-5) – Worth It All by Meredith Andrews
10,000 Reasons (Psalm 103:1) – Unrelenting Love by Nick Thurmond
Give Me Faith (Psalm 73:25-26) – Nothing Is Wasted by Elevation Worship
Christ Is Enough (2 Corinthians 12:9) – Glorious Ruins by Hillsong
TEACHING: Who Are You? Part 2
What we consider to be true of Christ will determine how we go about following Him.
CLICK HERE FOR THE SERMON AUDIO & VIDEO
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS
- What was one thing you found particularly interesting, insightful, helpful or difficult to understand from this sermon?
- What things do we tend to tie our identity to? Why?
- Read and discuss Mark 8:31-38. What do you think this tells you about us? What does it tell us about Jesus?
- What comes to mind for you when you hear the word Christian? How has this changed over the course and seasons of your life?
- Why does Peter rebuke Jesus (v.32)? What is significant about Jesus’ response?
- What is Jesus saying it means to be a Christian in these verses? Does what He says differ from what you believe it is to be Christian?
- What is significant about each of the three steps Jesus outlines in verse 34? Is Jesus asking us to do something He has not done? Why does this matter?
- Patrick Morley wrote: “There is a God we want, and there is a God who is. They are not the same God. And the turning point of our lives is when we stop seeking the God we want and start seeking the God who is.” Have you reached that turning point? Share where you are in that process.
- Spend some time in prayer for the things you’ve discussed.
Sunday Rewind | 3.15.2015
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
Unending Love (Romans 8:38-39) – God is Able by Hillsong
Glorious (Psalm 111:2-3) – Glorious by Paul Baloche
I Will Look Up (Deuteronomy 7:9) – Only King Forever by Elevation Worship
TEACHING: Who Are You? Part 1
Someone’s value influences how we value someone. “Who is Jesus?” is the most profound, life-changing question we could ever ask.
CLICK HERE FOR THE SERMON AUDIO & VIDEO
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS
- What was one thing you found particularly interesting, insightful, helpful or difficult to understand from this sermon?
- Discuss the statement, “Someone’s value influences how we value someone.” Have you found this to be true? What examples can you think of?
- Read and discuss Mark 8:27-29. What do you think this tells you about us? What does it tell us about Jesus?
- What is significant about how the disciples answer Jesus’ first question (vv. 27-28)?
- How would you answer Jesus’ first question from a modern-day perspective – “Who do people say that I am?”
- What is significant about how Peter answers Jesus’ second question (v. 29)?
- How would you answer Jesus’ second question – “Who do you say that I am?” Why is this question the most profound, life-changing question we could ever ask?
- How does your answer to Jesus’ questions in Mark 8:27-29 affect your life on a daily, practical level?
- Spend some time in prayer asking God to help you understand and live out the great value Jesus has, that we would value Him above all else.
Sunday Rewind | 3.8.2015
MUSIC & SCRIPTURE
Only King Forever (1 Timothy 1:17) – Only King Forever by Elevation Worship
Alive In Us (Ephesians 2:4-5) – God Is Able by Hillsong
Your Great Name (Philippians 2:10-11) – Love Revolution by Natalie Grant
Cornerstone (Psalm 18:2) – Cornerstone by Hillsong
TEACHING: Wisdom Vs. Intelligence
Wisdom does not guarantee you won’t have problems in life, but is does guarantee you won’t be the cause. In the moral realm, intellect is driven by passion; wisdom is driven by truth.
CLICK HERE FOR THE SERMON AUDIO & VIDEO
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS
- What was one thing you found particularly interesting, insightful, helpful or difficult to understand from this sermon?
- Read and discuss Proverbs 9. What does this tell you about the nature of man? Of God? What does it tell us about wisdom?
- How would you summarize the difference between wisdom and intellect? What are some examples of each?
- Why do you think fear of the LORD is the “beginning of wisdom” (Prov. 9:10)? How is wisdom paired with intellect in this verse?
- “In the moral realm, intellect is driven by passion; wisdom is driven by truth.” How do you see this play out in David’s life in 2 Samuel 11? Where else in scripture do you see this principal play out? Where have you seen this play out in modern culture?
- What area or situation in your life do you need to combine wisdom with intellect? Spend some time praying for this.
RESOURCES
Click here for more thoughts on wisdom verses intelligence from Pastor Mike.
Bill Plowden Memorial Service
VISITATION & SERVICE | On Tuesday, March 3rd visitation and a memorial service for Bill Plowden will be held at Reston Bible Church. The visitation is from 2:30-3:30pm and the service will begin at 4:00pm. A reception will follow at the church.
MEMORIAL CONTRIBUTIONS | Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Bill Plowden to the Plowden Family Fund at Fundrazr.com (http://fnd.us/c/3iF3b) to support the children’s college fund. Letters for the girls about Bill can be sent to theplowdengirls@gmail.com.
FROM THE FAMILY | We would like to express our sincere appreciation to all of the many friends and family who have walked with us throughout this journey. The Lord has used your prayers and support to sustain us in every possible way. We would also like to thank all of the wonderful staff of Massachusetts General Hospital who have cared for Bill over the past 18 months. A special thank you to our RBC family for your loving support and for helping us to plan Bill’s Celebration of Life.
Sunday Rewind | 3.1.2015
MUSIC & SCRIPTURE
Our God Is Love (1 John 4:9-10) – A Beautiful Exchange by Hillsong
In Your Presence (Deuteronomy 31:6) – Nothing Is Wasted by Elevation Worship
Lord I Need You (Hebrews 4:16) – All The People Said Amen by Matt Maher
The Lord Our God (James 1:17) – Let The Future Begin by Kristian Stanfill (Passion)
Majesty (Isaiah 53:5) – Majesty: The Worship EP by Leeland
TEACHING: Why the Gospel is Never Given the Same Way Twice
There is a massive difference between knowing the facts of the gospel, and putting your faith in the gospel. The gospel is a Person, not a formula.
CLICK HERE FOR THE SERMON AUDIO & VIDEO
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS
- What was one thing you found particularly interesting, insightful, helpful or difficult to understand from this sermon?
- Read and discuss 1 Corinthians 15:1-4. What do these verses tell you about the gospel? What do they tell you about Jesus? What do they imply about us?
- Why is the gospel “good news”?
- When did you first hear the gospel? What happened? How did you respond?
- What people or events in the Old Testament can you think of that serve as a foreshadowing of Christ?
- “The gospel is a Person, not a formula.” What does this mean? What the practical implications of this statement as you live your everyday life?
- What is the difference between knowing the facts about the gospel, and putting your faith in the gospel? Why is this distinction important?
- What felt needs can you identify in this season of your life? How does the gospel address those needs? How do you need to apply the gospel to those areas?
- Spend some time in prayer thanking God for the gospel of grace in Jesus Christ. Ask Him to help you know Him more through the wonders of the gospel.
Ideas for Worshiping at Home
SUNDAY, FEB. 22, 6:25AM – BOTH SUNDAY SERVICES, CLASSES & MINISTRY ACTIVITIES ARE CANCELED FOR THIS MORNING due to hazardous road conditions. Please be safe and enjoy time worshiping the Lord at home this morning!
The Youth Missions Application meeting scheduled for this afternoon is also canceled.
Updated 11:55AM – AWANA and Financial Peace University are canceled for this evening.
Scripture is clear about the importance of being a part of the church – both the “big-C” Church (the universal body of believers for all time) and being involved in the localized expression of the Church, what we might call the “little-c” or local church. Scriptures like Acts 2:42, Hebrews 10:25, 1 John 4:12, Hebrews 10:24, Galatians 5:13, Romans 12:10, Romans 15:14 and 1 Corinthians 12 – among many others – show us the importance of the Christ-based community unique to church, where we can use the gifts God has given us to love, serve and instruct one another for His glory. Though we will not meet together this morning as we usually do, we encourage you to use the time at home this morning to do the same – to love, serve and instruct one another in the context of worshiping our great and glorious God.
Here are some quick ideas for at-home family worship this morning:
- Worship God in song: Put on some of your favorite worship songs and sing along. Our live worship album No Other Name offers some familiar voices to sing along with.
- Proclaim His excellencies: 1 Peter 2:9 tells us “you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.” Tell about a time you recently saw God do something great.
- Honor the Word of God: The early church “devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer” (Acts 2:42). Peruse our sermon archives and pick out an old favorite to listen to or watch again, or catch up on a missed Sunday. Take some time to read some of your favorite Scriptures aloud and share why they are meaningful to you.
- Pray: Spend some time praying for each other, for others you know are in need and for our church.
- Give: To give tithes or offerings, you may do so securely online here.
Sunday Rewind | 2.15.2015
MUSIC & SCRIPTURE
Awesome Is The Lord Most High (Psalm 47:1-2) – See The Morning by Chris Tomlin
God Is Able (Ephesians 3:20-21) – God Is Able by Hillsong
How Great Thou Art (Psalm 145:3) – Hymns: Ancient & Modern by Charlie Hall (Passion)
Beautiful Jesus (Romans 1:20) – Attention by Kristian Stanfill
Give Me Faith (Psalm 73:25-26) – Nothing Is Wasted by Elevation Worship
TEACHING: A Better Sight
There is a sight better than sight and a blindness worse than blindness. The greater miracle in John 9 is not the opening of the blind man’s eyes but the opening of his heart to Jesus.
CLICK HERE FOR THE SERMON AUDIO & VIDEO
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS
- What was one thing you found particularly interesting, insightful, helpful or difficult to understand from this sermon?
- Have you ever received difficult or devastating news? How did you respond?
- What is something in your life that would devastate you if you lost it? Or, what is something you desperately long for, but have not received?
- Read through John 9. What does this chapter reveal to us about Jesus? What do you observe about the disciples, the Pharisees and the blind man? Where do you see yourself in this narrative?
- Why do you think that when we see or experience loss or pain, our instinctive question is often “Why?”
- What is the difference between a cause and a purpose? Why does this matter?
- Why is spiritual blindness a “devastating blindness”? Why is spiritual sight better than physical sight?
- Instead of giving explanations, in John 9 Jesus provides an opportunity for faith & obedience. Where else in scripture do you see this? Have you seen this happen in your own life?
- Can you identify an area of your life where Jesus is asking you step out in faith and obedience? What would it look like to take the first step in that area? Spend some time praying about it.
Sunday Rewind | 2.8.2015
MUSIC & SCRIPTURE
Christ Is Enough (2 Corinthians 12:9) – Glorious Ruins by Hillsong
Open Up The Heavens (Psalm 108:4-5) – Worth It All by Meredith Andrews
Closer (Psalm 89:14-15) – Glorious Ruins by Hillsong
Always (Psalm 121:1-2) – Here For You by Kristian Stanfill (Passion)
The Lord Our God (James 1:17) – Let The Future Begin by Kristian Stanfill (Passion)
TEACHING: Depression and the Gospel
Until we see ourselves as emotionally & cognitively broken, we cannot empathize with the brokenness and suffering of others.
CLICK HERE FOR THE SERMON AUDIO
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS
- What was one thing you found particularly interesting, insightful, helpful or difficult to understand from this sermon? What have you taken away from this series as a whole?
- What do you think of when you hear the word depression? Have you ever struggled with it or known someone who has? To what degree?
- What scriptures can you think of where Jesus spent time with suffering people?
- Do you tend to engage with or avoid suffering people? Why? How can you grow in this area?
- Why is prolonged isolation destructive to the Christian? Have you ever experienced this?
- “Everyone needs a friend with whom there are no secrets and with whom there is no condemnation.” Do you have such a friendship?
- “If all we turn to God for is relief from suffering, He may or may not grant that relief, for He offers far more.” How do you respond to that statement?
- “And so there is a peculiar, rich, and poignant joy that seems to come to us only through and in suffering.” (Tim Keller, Walking with God Through Pain & Suffering). How do you respond to that statement? How have you found it to be true or not in your own life?
- Spend some time praying over the members of our church body, and the members of your shepherd group, who are suffering. Ask God for strength and courage to minister to those specific people you know are suffering.
RESOURCES
For counseling info and assessment at RBC, contact our Counseling Pastor, Paul Goodnight.
For information on the Lay Counseling Institute, visit www.lciministry.org.