Sunday Rewind | 2.1.2015
MUSIC & SCRIPTURE
Alive In Us (Ephesians 2:4-5) – God Is Able by Hillsong
Only King Forever (1 Timothy 1:17) – Only King Forever by Elevation Worship
10,000 Reasons (Psalm 103:1) – Unrelenting Love by Nick Thurmond
Endless Light (Psalm 113:3-4) – Cornerstone by Hillsong
TEACHING: Sexuality & the Gospel, Part 3
As we engage the culture with the topics of sexuality & the gospel, it is not our place to hate or judge. The broken world is waiting to see salt & light combined with grace & truth.
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?
- Why is it often so easy to judge others who are broken differently than we are?
- In regards to cultural engagement, do you tend to jump right in, or shy away? Why?
- Read Matthew 5:13-16. What do these verses tell us about human nature? What does this section tell us about God? What do they indicate about engaging with the culture around us?
- What is the significance of salt & light in these verses?
- How has God called you specifically to be salt and light in your personal spheres of influence?
- Read and discuss Matthew 7:1-5. What does this indicate about passing judgement? What is the context for proper judgement? Is there an area in your life where you need to apply this principal?
- Read and discuss Luke 18:9-14. What is Jesus telling us about sin and righteousness? How should we apply this as we engage with the culture around us?
- As you consider the topic of sexuality and the gospel, where do you need to grow in being salt & light with grace & truth? Is there someone you need to be salt & light to? Spend some time in prayer for this.
From the Field: Bolivia
The update below is from Paul & Faith, RBC-supported missionaries serving with New Tribes Missions. Paul serves at NTM’s Training Center and helps oversee their U.S.-based ministries. One of his primary responsibilities is developing a leadership team to cast a vision for mobilizing believers for the task of tribal evangelism and church planting.
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A “new” happening in Bolivia brings an urgent prayer request! On Tuesday, January 27th through Thursday the 29th a group of around 30 Ayoré church leaders and their wives will be meeting together in Bolivia. They come from 10 Ayoré communities where Ayoré Churches exist. Paul’s brother and his wife will be meeting at the Missionary Training Center of Etnos, where they live and minister, for an Ayoré Leaders Conference of Spiritual Refreshment and Teaching. The facilities are available because the students are gone for “summer break” these days. Please pray for them as they will be doing the teaching for the 15 hours of meetings and deeply feel the need for Spirit-breathed inspiration, sensitivity and discernment for both the meeting time together and the hours fellowshipping together those three days. Please pray as well for good weather as it is rainy season and for open receptive hearts for all God has for all of us.
A
bout 72 years ago, five young missionary men gave their lives in the effort of contacting this very primitive, nomadic indigenous people group — NOW, here they are — all these years later gathering together in the name of Christ! Was it worth it all? We LOVED the ten years God allowed us to invest in this work together with YOU who prayed for and supported this work. Our prayer is that YOUR hearts will be as encouraged as our hearts are as we pray for the continuing work of the Holy Spirit in these precious lives. God is at work! Check out this really neat video (below) – It’s an interview with some of our current students here at the Missionary Training Center. You are now investing in the training of these young people who will be scattering around the world to spread the gospel!
Thank you so VERY much for your financial support and for your faithful, faithful prayers for us! We are so very humbled by God’s amazing grace and faithfulness in our lives! We pray God’s ABUNDANT grace and blessings for you in this “new” year and that you will enjoy sweet fellowship with Him!
– Paul & Faith, New Tribes Mission
Sunday Rewind | 1.25.2015
MUSIC & SCRIPTURE
Only King Forever (1 Timothy 1:17) – Only King Forever 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
Forever Reign (Lamentations 5:19) – A Beautiful Exchange by Hillsong
TEACHING: Sexuality & the Gospel, Part 2
As we address the issues of sexuality and marriage, love does not necessarily mean agreement nor does disagreement necessarily mean hate. But in obedience, God reveals the deeper things of Himself.
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?
- How have you seen or experienced hate speech in regards to the issue of sexuality and marriage?
- Read Matthew 19:1-6. What do these verses tell us about human nature? What does this section tell us about God?
- How does Jesus define marriage in this section? How is marriage a modeling of the gospel?
- How would you answer the following question? “How can you expect a person with strong sexual desires to be denied the privilege and the right to express those desires?”
- How does the theme of obedience play into the topic of sexuality and marriage?
- For the follower of Christ, should obedience trump desire or desire trump obedience? Defend your answer with scripture.
- How does the gospel speak to our struggles with sexuality? How does the gospel call us to view others’ struggles with sexuality, even their struggles are very different from our own?
- Do you feel your views on sexuality are balanced with grace and truth? Where do you need to grow in this balance? Spend some time in prayer for this.
Corey Mattison Visitation & Memorial
VISITATION: Visitation with the family of Corey Mattison will be held on Wednesday, January 21, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Reston Bible Church. The visitation will be held regardless of weather conditions.
MEMORIAL SERVICE: The memorial service will be held at RBC on Thursday, January 22, starting at 1:00 p.m. Click here for directions to Reston Bible Church
***PLEASE NOTE THAT NO CAMERAS OR RECORDING DEVICES ARE ALLOWED IN THE BUILDING FOR THE VISITATION OR MEMORIAL SERVICE, AND NO MEDIA INTERVIEWS MAY BE CONDUCTED ON CHURCH PROPERTY.***
FROM THE FAMILY: Corey was thankful each day for the blessings the Lord provided for him. He found joy in everything. On any given day you could find him fervently serving others without a hint of desiring anything in return. His greatest days were spent with his wife and 5 children regardless of what they were doing. Corey laid down his life every day for his bride and his children, a beautiful reflection of his love relationship with Jesus Christ. Corey died the way that he lived, sacrificing his very life to save his family.
MEMORIAL CONTRIBUTIONS: Financial contributions made to www.gofundme.com/kdjh1o will go to support his wife Denise and the five children.
Please remain in prayer for Denise, her children, and the many others affected by this tragedy. In addition to memorial contributions (link above), we will post updates here should other specific needs for the family arise.
Sunday Rewind | 1.11.2015
MUSIC & SCRIPTURE
Closer (Psalm 89:14-15) – Glorious Ruins by Hillsong
Be Lifted High (John 3:30) – Nothing Is Wasted by Elevation Worship
Only King Forever (1 Timothy 1:17) – Only King Forever by Elevation Worship
Open Up The Heavens (Psalm 108:4-5) – Worth It All by Meredith Andrews
Cornerstone (Psalm 18:2) – Cornerstone by Hillsong
TEACHING: Sexuality & the Gospel, Part 1
Until you see yourself as sexually broken, you will never empathize with the brokenness of others; you will demonize them. God’s indictment is not on a particular community, but on the sinfulness of all people.
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 is something you hope is covered in this series?
- Why is sexuality a part of our nature? What would you say are the biblical purposes of sex and sexuality?
- Read and discuss Genesis 1:26-31. What do you note about God’s purpose in creating mankind? What does it mean to be made “imago Dei” (in the image of God)? What are the implications of being created in His image?
- Read and discuss Genesis 3. What does this tell you about the nature of God? What does it tell you about the nature of all who are born “in the line of Adam”? What are the implications of this chapter in regards to human sexuality?
- What does it mean to “have no reference point” in regards to our fallen nature?
- Why do we seem to innately tie our identity as people to our sexuality? What are the results of this, and how do you see this reflected in our society?
- “Until you see yourself as sexually broken, you will never empathize with the brokenness of others; you will demonize them.” How do you respond to this statement? Have you found it to be true in your own life?
- Read and discuss Romans 5. How does this chapter compare with Genesis 3?
- How is the gospel the solution for the sexual brokenness of all people?
Sunday Rewind | 1.4.2015
MUSIC & SCRIPTURE
Your Love Never Fails (Romans 8:28) – Your Love Never Fails by Jesus Culture
In Your Presence (Deuteronomy 31:6) – Nothing Is Wasted by Elevation Worship
10,000 Reasons (Psalm 103:1) – Unrelenting Love by Nick Thurmond
Lord of All (Psalm 97:5-6) – Attention by Kristian Stanfill
TEACHING: Fearfully & Wonderfully Made
Psalm 139 is an intensely personal letter for you that captures the deep redemptive theme of the Scriptures.
CLICK HERE FOR THE SERMON AUDIO
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS
- What is one thing in this message that particularly encouraged or challenged you?
- What do you think God thinks of you? Does this line up with what you find in scripture?
- Read and discuss Psalm 139. What major themes stand out to you?
- What do you note about being known in this chapter? Do you find it unnerving that God knows you so completely?
- What is “redemption”? What comes to mind when you think of this word? What does Psalm 139 tell us about redemption?
- What do you think God has purposed for your life? How does the gospel of Jesus Christ inform our identity and our purpose? Do you feel like you are fulfilling this purpose? What steps could you take to greater fulfillment of this purpose?
- What areas of unbelief do you struggle with in your walk with Christ? How does the grace of the gospel address those struggles?
- Using Psalm 139 as your foundation, spend some time thanking God that He knows you. Ask that He would use His Word to reveal His purposes for your life. Pray that He would uncover any areas of shame and unbelief and cover them in the grace of the gospel.
Annual Report 2014
Our 2014 annual report is now available here online or in print at the RBC welcome desk.
Our Annual Report is designed to provide you with a big-picture overview of what God has been doing in and through Reston Bible Church over the course of 2014.
Scripture tells us in Ephesians 3:20 that Jesus is able to do immeasurably more than we can ask or imagine, and we continue to see the truth of this in the life of our church. As we pursue our mission, vision and passion of knowing Christ and making Him known, God has been faithful to provide growth and momentum in many areas of church life here at RBC.
As with each year, this report is not a compilation of our accomplishments, but those of our great and glorious God.
In Psalm 77, the author, Asaph, is struggling with discouragement and feels disconnected from the Lord. A turning point comes in the middle of the Psalm, where he says, “I will remember the deeds of the LORD… I will ponder all Your work and meditate on your mighty deeds.” The result is worship as he then acknowledges the holiness and greatness of “the God who works wonders.”
It is a joy to look back and remember the great things God has done, and the Annual Report allows us an opportunity to do that in the context of our church.
May this year-in-review booklet be an encouragement to deeper worship and more profound trust as we look back and are reminded of the many wonders God has done among us for the glory of His name.
Sunday Rewind | 12.14.2014
MUSIC & SCRIPTURE
Open Up The Heavens (Psalm 108:4-5) – Worth It All by Meredith Andrews
O Come All Ye Faithful (John 1:14) – Christ Is Come by Big Daddy Weave
Angels We Have Heard On High (Luke 2:13-14) – Christmas Offerings by Third Day
I Will Look Up (Deuteronomy 7:9) – Only King Forever by Elevation Worship
TEACHING: Celebrating Generosity
It’s never natural to give away what you’ve worked for, but God doesn’t ask us to do what comes naturally. Don’t let greed and fear hold generosity hostage.
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?
- Who can you think of that is an example of a truly generous person? What makes them generous?
- Would you consider yourself a generous person? Why or why not?
- Read and discuss Luke 21:1-4. How does this verse celebrate generosity? Where else in scripture do you find generosity celebrated?
- In what ways is generosity a discipline?
- How does greed hold generosity hostage? What are some signs that greed is holding back your generosity?
- “The more you make, the less you want to give.” Have you found this to be true in your life? How can you grow in this?
- How does fear hold generosity hostage? What are some signs that fear is holding back your generosity?
- What is the difference between being an owner and a steward? If you are a steward – and not the owner – of what God has entrusted you with, how should this spur you to generosity?
- How is it a privilege to give sacrificially?
- How does the gospel deal with fear and greed? How does the gospel encourage and empower sacrificial generosity?
- Spend some time in prayer thanking God for His great generosity toward us in Christ. Pray that He would help us uncover whatever holds us back from being generous.
Sunday Rewind | 11.30.2014
MUSIC & SCRIPTURE
In Your Presence (Deuteronomy 31:6) – Nothing Is Wasted by Elevation Worship
Hosanna (Mark 11:9-10) – Savior King by Hillsong Worship
I Stand Amazed (2 Corinthians 8:9) – North Point Live by Candi Shelton (North Point)
Cornerstone (Psalm 18:2) – Cornerstone by Hillsong Worship
Give Me Faith (Psalm 73:25-26) – Nothing Is Wasted by Elevation Worship
TEACHING: A Study of Deeper Faith in Colossians, Part 17
To the degree that you don’t know Christ, you will trust in other things.
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?
- Throughout the course of this teaching series, what has particularly impacted you from the book of Colossians?
- What verse(s) would you consider the key verse(s) from each chapter of Colossians?
- Read and discuss Colossians 1:27. Why is Christ the “hope of glory”? What is biblical hope?
- How is hope dulled by unbelief? Where in your walk with Christ do you struggle with unbelief?
- Read and discuss Colossians 2:13-14. What does this section tell us about forgiveness and the gospel? What are the practical implications for your life?
- In what ways do you allow the gospel to become dulled by familiarity? How can we keep that from happening?
- Read and discuss Colossians 3:1-4. What do these verses tell us about an eternal focus? How does temporal experience dull our focus on eternity?
- Read and discuss Colossians 4:1-5. What do these verses have to do with missions? If our passion for missions is dulled by distance, what are some things you and your Shepherd Group can do to “close the gap”?
- “To the degree that you don’t know Christ, you will trust in other things.” How have you found this to be true? How does the gospel give us grace to deal with this?
Sunday Rewind | 11.23.2014
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 Worship
Forever Reign (Lamentations 5:19) – A Beautiful Exchange by Hillsong Worship
The Wonderful Cross (Galatians 6:14) – The Worship Initiative, Vol. 5 by Shane & Shane
Unending Love (Romans 8:38-39) – God Is Able by Hillsong Worship
Son of God (Psalm 145:3-4) – Beauty in the Broken by Starfield
TEACHING: A Study of Deeper Faith in Colossians, Part 16
Friendships expand the capacity of the soul to experience life.
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?
- Read and discuss Colossians 4:7-14 . What do these verses show us about the nature of ministry and the church?
- If you were writing a letter to tell others about how thankful you are for the people in your life, how many people would you include? Who are they? Who might include you in their letter?
- “Friendships expand the capacity of the soul to experience life.” How have you seen or experienced this? What qualities make for a deep friendship?
- When you find people in pain, do you tend to avoid or engage?
- “Any time you forgive or are forgiven, your soul expands.” How have you experienced forgiveness? Is there someone in your life you need to seek forgiveness from? Is there someone you need to extend forgiveness to?
- What specific seasons or moments in your life have expanded the capacity of your soul to love and care for others?
- What does the gospel direct and demand regarding friendships, forgiveness , encouragement and ministering to others?
- Spend some time in prayer about the things you’ve discussed. Ask the Lord to show you one person you can “go after” in encouragement.