Sunday Rewind | 3.16.2014
MUSIC & SCRIPTURE
Glorious (Psalm 111:2-3) – Everything Glorious by Chris Tomlin (Passion)
Closer (Psalm 89:14-15) – Glorious Ruins by Hillsong
The Solid Rock (Psalm 18:2) – Original Arrangement
Hosanna (Mark 11:9-10) – All of the Above by Hillsong
I Will Look Up (Deuteronomy 7:9) – Only King Forever by Elevation Worship
TEACHING: Philippians – A Journey Toward Humble Joy, Part 15
Greed shrivels the soul. The remedy is generosity for the cause of Christ.
CLICK HERE FOR THE SERMON AUDIO
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS
- If you had to give a one-sentence synopsis of this message, what would you say?
- What is generosity? Do you consider yourself a generous person?
- Read and discuss Philippians 4:14-23. What do you observe about the partnership between Paul and the church in Philippi?
- Are you “dieting” in the area of generosity? Does generosity come easily for you? Why or why not?
- How does generosity build deep relationships and nourish the soul?
- In what ways does generosity reflect and proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ? How does the gospel push us toward great generosity?
- What do you think your specific role is regarding generosity and the advancement of the gospel?
- Is there someone you can thank for their generosity toward you? Take some time this week to thank them.
- How can you grow in the grace of strategic, consistent, sacrificial giving? Spend some time thanking God for His generosity toward us and ask Him for creativity in growing in our own generosity in gospel-centric ways.
Sunday Rewind | 3.9.2014
MUSIC & SCRIPTURE
As It Is In Heaven (Psalm 96:1-3) – Overflow by Matt Maher
Rock of Ages (Deuteronomy 32:3-4) – Death of Death by Charlie Hall
I Will Look Up (Deuteronomy 7:9) – Only King Forever by Elevation Worship
Be Thou My Vision (2 Corinthians 3:17-18) – Cathedral by HEARTSONG
Glorious (Psalm 72:18-19) – Glorious by Paul Baloche
Beautiful Lord (Ephesians 2:4-5) – Sound of Melodies by Leeland
TEACHING: Philippians – A Journey Toward Humble Joy, Part 14
We will battle for contentment all throughout our lives.
CLICK HERE FOR THE SERMON AUDIO
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS
- What was something from this message that you found particularly helpful, insightful or difficult to grasp?
- How would you define “contentment”? What makes you content?
- Read and discuss Philippians 4:10-13. What is your initial reaction to these verses? What do you note about the character of Paul? What do you observe about contentment in this section of verses?
- What are the blessings of contentment? By contrast, what comes from discontentment?
- Where does the major battle rage for contentment in your own life?
- Why don’t negative comparisons work in pushing us toward contentment?
- “In the light of spiritual riches, other things begin to dim.” Have you observed this to be true? In what ways? What are “spiritual riches”?
- How does the gospel of Jesus Christ enable us find contentment in any situation? Is there a situation or circumstance you are currently dealing with where you are finding it difficult to remain content? Spend some time in prayer about this.
The Green Room Sessions: I Will Look Up
We’re introducing the song “I Will Look Up” in our worship services. In this edition of the Green Room Sessions, Paul, Erik & Melody discuss how Melody lost her keyboard, band dynamics, dealing with criticism, and the past, present & future faithfulness of God.
Just the Music: 08:23
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 | 2.23.2014
MUSIC & SCRIPTURE
Relentless – Zion Acoustic Sessions by Hillsong United
In Your Presence (Deuteronomy 31:6) – Nothing Is Wasted by Elevation Worship
Open Up Our Eyes (Ephesians 1:18-19a) – Nothing Is Wasted by Elevation Worship
Whom Shall I Fear (God of Angel Armies) (Psalm 27:1) – Let The Future Begin by Chris Tomlin (Passion)
Christ Is Enough (2 Corinthians 12:9) – Glorious Ruins by Hillsong
Your Love Never Fails (Romans 8:28) – Your Love Never Fails by Jesus Culture
TEACHING: Philippians – A Journey Toward Humble Joy, Part 13
When we believe a lie, we will perpetuate that lie. We need the “therapy” of the Word of God to renew our minds to right thinking.
CLICK HERE FOR THE SERMON AUDIO
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS
- If you had to give a one-sentence synopsis of this message, what would you say?
- Read and discuss Philippians 4:8-9. Why do you think Paul includes this section in his letter to the Philippians?
- Paul says to “think on these things.” What specifically is he calling us to think upon? Do you naturally tend to think on these things? Why or why not?
- What opposition do you find to putting your mind to the things Paul prescribes?
- Read Romans 12:1-2 and John 8:31-32. How does truth set free? What does it mean to have a renewed mind? How are they connected? What role does the Word of God have in renewing our minds?
- Pastor Mike gave three examples of “incomplete truths” the world presents in defining certain words – success, genius, and looks (or beauty). How does the world system tend to define these terms? Is there a contrast between how scripture defines those words?
- What other words does the world system define in ways that are incomplete or contradictory to the scriptures? What are the implications or consequences of buying into a faulty definition of these terms?
- How is the gospel of Christ “therapy” for our minds? Spend some time in prayer thanking God for the blessing and provision of the gospel.
Update: Daddy-Daughter Dance
It’s a very special night, the Daddy Daughter Valentine’s Dance. RBC is transformed into a magical place where little girls and their Daddies create lifelong memories. For the past five years, I have helped my daughter prepare for this much-anticipated event. We shop for dresses, try on shoes, curl hair and paint nails. She comes down the staircase and joins her Daddy for a quick photo shoot, and then off they go. This year, however, my daughter was past the age of being able to attend so she asked if she could serve. As we left for the dance, my husband said goodbye in a difficult moment where we gave each other that “she’s-growing-up-too-fast” look.
The theme of this year’s dance was Enchantment Under the Sea. A treasure map led Dads and Daughters through an undersea world with something special to encounter at every turn, including seafaring crafts, treats, and decorations and plenty of dancing.But the most wonderful thing about the evening was watching the interactions. I did not see Dads absorbed in conversations with one other or checking their phones or watches. Rather, I saw dapper Dads proudly hoisting their girls into their laps for a picture. I saw Dads elbow-deep in glitter creating pretty crafts. I saw Dads enjoying ice cream sundaes and clam cookies complete with a candy “pearl.” I saw a sea of Dads on the dance floor clapping to the chicken dance and cradling their girls in their arms to songs that remind them how precious and short the time is. It was a beautiful night.
Amid the enchantment, I saw little girls whose self-esteem soared. Little girls who felt so loved as their Dad fully engaged with them and entered into their world. Little girls who looked up to their Dads proudly. Bravo to all of you Dads who came and gave the gift of making your daughters feel like the most special little girls on the earth (or under the sea.)
– Vickie Wennemark, Family Ministry Assistant
Sunday Rewind | 2.16.2014
TEACHING: Untouchable
We have people we don’t want to be around. That’s natural. But is it right? Jason Goetz teaches from Mark 5 on how Jesus went out of His way to reach out to untouchables.
CLICK HERE FOR THE SERMON AUDIO
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS
- What was one thing from this message you found particularly interesting, insightful, helpful or difficult to grasp?
- Are there specific individuals or types of people that you consider “untouchable”? Why?
- Read and discuss Mark 5:21-43. What characteristics of Jesus do you observe in these verses? Who are the other characters in this section? What characteristics to you observe about them? What stands out to you in this account?
- What is the Law of Defilement? How did Jesus break this law?
- What was the significance of clean/unclean and why was it a big deal in Jewish culture?
- How does the gospel make the unclean clean?
- How does the gospel both call and enable us to reach out to those we may consider “untouchable”?
- What “untouchable” people has God put in your life? How can you reach out to them this next week? Spend some time in prayer with your small group about these areas.
Sunday Rewind | 2.9.2014
MUSIC & SCRIPTURE
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
Christ Is Enough (2 Corinthians 12:9) – Glorious Ruins by Hillsong
The Solid Rock (Psalm 18:2) – Original Arrangement
I Stand Amazed (2 Corinthians 8:9) – North Point Live by Candi Shelton (North Point)
TEACHING: The Vertical Life
Because of God’s perfect, unchanging nature, we can trust Him in any circumstance. He will never, never leave us nor never, never forsake us. Pastor Tony Pedroni teaches from Joshua 1 on living life vertically.
CLICK HERE FOR THE SERMON AUDIO
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS
- What is something from this message you hope to discuss as a group?
- Do you have times when it is difficult to trust God? Why or why not?
- Read and discuss Joshua 1:1-9. What characteristics of God do you observe in these verses? How do these show the beauty of God?
- Read through Hebrews 13. What promises does God make to His people? What impact should these promises have in our daily lives?
- What other promises from Scripture can you think of that God makes? How are these a comfort to you?
- “God’s main encouragement is Himself.” Have you observed this to be true? How?
- In what ways might our definition of prosperity and success be different from God’s? How do you think God defines prosperity and success?
- How can we trust that God’s commands to us are good? How does the Gospel enable, encourage and uphold trust in God?
- Where in your life do you have the tendency to think horizontally? What would it look like for you to think vertically in that area or areas? Spend some time in prayer with your small group about these areas.
Sunday Rewind | 2.2.2014
MUSIC & SCRIPTURE
Closer (Psalm 89:14-15) – Glorious Ruins by Hillsong
Our God Is Love (1 John 4:9-10) – A Beautiful Exchange by Hillsong
Be Thou My Vision (2 Corinthians 3:17-18) – Cathedral by HEARTSONG
Jesus Paid It All (Colossians 2:13-14) – North Point Live by Kristian Stanfill (North Point)
In Christ Alone (Galatians 2:20) – Let The Future Begin by Kristian Stanfill (Passion)
TEACHING: Philippians: A Journey Toward Humble Joy, Part 12
Is the command to “not be anxious about anything” reasonable or realistic?
CLICK HERE FOR THE SERMON AUDIO
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS
- What is one thing from this message that you found particularly helpful, insightful, or difficult to grasp?
- Do you feel you are an anxious person by nature? What do you tend to worry most about? Why?
- Read and discuss Philippians 4:4-7 and Matthew 6:25-34. What do you observe about the person of Christ from these verses? What do you see about the nature of man? Are there any commands or precepts to be followed in these verses?
- What is the difference between concern and anxiety?
- Is the command to “not be anxious about anything” (Phil. 4:6) reasonable or realistic? Why?
- Why do we tend to hope in results instead of in the Lord?
- How does the gospel empower us to be anxious for nothing? How does the gospel comfort us when we are anxious anyway?
- Is there a situation or circumstance you are currently dealing with where you are “borrowing into tomorrow’s worries”? What would it look like for you to submit those worries to Christ? Spend some time in prayer for this.
Sunday Rewind | 1.26.2014
MUSIC & SCRIPTURE
Be Lifted High (John 3:30) – Nothing Is Wasted by Elevation Worship
In Your Presence (Deuteronomy 31:6) – Nothing Is Wasted by Elevation Worship
10,000 Reasons (Psalm 103:1) – Unrelenting Love by Nick Thurmond
Christ Is Enough (2 Corinthians 12:9) – Glorious Ruins by Hillsong
Always (Psalm 121:1-2) – Here For You by Kristian Stanfill (Passion)
TEACHING: Philippians: A Journey Toward Humble Joy, Part 11
Conflict is a given as we go through life – even amongst those who labor for the gospel.
CLICK HERE FOR THE SERMON AUDIO
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS
- If you had to give this sermon in one sentence, what would you say?
- How often do you feel the strain of conflict in your life? How do you tend to deal with conflict?
- Read and discuss Philippians 4:1-9. What do you observe about the person of Christ from these verses? What do you see about the nature of man? Are there any commands or precepts to be followed in these verses? What do you observe about the conduct Christ-followers should have?
- What does it mean to “agree in the Lord” (v. 2)?
- What does Paul do in these verses to address a conflict between two people who have labored in the Gospel? Based on how Paul deals with this conflict,, what practical steps can you put into practice to deal with conflicts?
- How does the presence or absence humility play into peacemaking or conflict resolution?
- How does the gospel of Jesus Christ give context to any given conflict? How does the gospel encourage and enable us to seek resolution and peace?
- Is there a situation or circumstance you are currently dealing with where you need to “agree in the Lord” with someone, or encourage others to “agree in the Lord”? Spend some time in prayer for this and give a report to your small group the next time you meet.
Sunday Rewind | 1.19.2014
MUSIC & SCRIPTURE
Rock of Ages (Deuteronomy 32:3-4) – Death of Death by Charlie Hall
Christ Is Enough (2 Corinthians 12:9) – Glorious Ruins by Hillsong
Endless Light (Psalm 113:3-4) – Cornerstone by Hillsong
Alive In Us (Psalm 27:1) – God Is Able by Hillsong
TEACHING: The Ultimate Contradiction
After thousands of years of human innovation, knowledge and advancement, the human heart in its natural state remains unchanged. No matter how much we advance in our knowledge, the abuse of knowledge will always negate its benefits.
CLICK HERE FOR THE SERMON AUDIO
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS
- What do you hope to discuss as a group from this sermon?
- Read and discuss 1 Peter 3:13-17. What do you observe about the person of Christ from these verses? What do you see about the nature of man?
- What does it mean to be prepared “to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you” (v. 15, ESV). What specific instruction is found in 1 Peter 3 as to how to do this?
- Since knowledge is designed to solve problems, and knowledge is increasing at an exponential rate, problems should be decreasing. Yet, problems are not decreasing – but increasing. In what ways is this “the ultimate contradiction”? Is this observable and repeatable?
- “The abuse of knowledge will always negate its benefits.” Have you observed this to be true? Does scripture support this claim?
- Where do the arguments made in this message stand?
- How does the gospel of Jesus Christ give and sustain hope, despite the abuse of knowledge in any given arena of life?
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