Blog Posts by Jason VanDorsten

The Green Room Sessions: Christ Is Enough

This month, we’re introducing the song Christ Is Enough to our worship lineup. In this edition of the Green Room Sessions, Erik Palmer, Jesse Trask and Paul Goodnight discuss worship dynamics with youth, worshiping while leading, missional worship and the infinite help of Christ.

Just the Music: 07:24

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 | 1.12.2014

Sunday Rewind

MUSIC & SCRIPTURE

Revelation Song – Let The Future Begin by Kari Jobe (Passion)

Open Up Our Eyes (Ephesians 1:18-19a) – Nothing Is Wasted by Elevation Worship

The Lord Our God (James 1:17) – Let The Future Begin by Kristian Stanfill (Passion)

Whom Shall I Fear (God of Angel Armies) (Psalm 27:1) – Let The Future Begin by Christ Tomlin (Passion)

Sometimes By Step (Psalm 34:1-2) – Original Arrangement

All Creatures (Praise His Name) (Psalm 148:13) – No Other Name by Reston Bible Church

 

TEACHING: Philippians: A Journey Toward Humble Joy, Part 10

The eager expectation of eternity is one of the great neglected truths of our day.

CLICK HERE FOR THE SERMON AUDIO

 

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS

  1. What do you hope to discuss as a group from this sermon?
  2. Read and discuss Philippians 3:17-21. What do you observe about the person of Christ from these verses? What do you see about the leanings of man?
  3. Who can you think of that has been an example to you in your walk with Christ? What about them makes you want to imitate them?
  4. What does it mean to have citizenship in heaven (v. 20)? How does the gospel both enable and uphold your heavenly citizenship?
  5. Why do you think the expectation of eternity is a neglected truth of our day?
  6. Do feel you “eagerly await” the return of Christ? What daily, practical implications would/should this perspective have in the life of a Christ-follower?
  7. What role does suffering play as we look forward to eternity? How might this alter how we view pain & suffering?
  8. What is one area where you need to “connect eternity to the problems of life”? Spend some time in prayer together about this.

Annual Report 2013

If you missed last month’s announcement, we’ve released our 2013 Annual Report. The Annual Report is designed to provide you with a broad overview of what God has done in and through Reston Bible Church over the last year. Our prayer is that this year-in-review is an encouragement to you as we reflect on what God has done in and through His people for His glory. This report is not a compilation of our accomplishments, but those of our great and glorious God. It is a joy to look back on what He has accomplished and look ahead with joyful anticipation at what we trust He will do this upcoming year. We hope this report is an occasion to give thanks together as we continue seeking to know Christ and to make Him known here in Northern Virginia and beyond.

To read through the 2013 RBC Annual Report online, visit www.restonbible.org/annualreport. Printed copies are available at the welcome desk in the lobby. If you are out of the area and would like a copy mailed to you, please make a request to info@restonbible.org.

Sunday Rewind | 1.5.2014

Sunday Rewind

MUSIC & SCRIPTURE

Exalted One (Psalm 121:1-2) – For The Honor by Elevation Worship

Closer (Psalm 89:14-15) – Glorious Ruins by Hillsong

Beautiful Lord (Ephesians 2:4-5) – Sound of Melodies by Leeland

Forever Reign (Lamentations 5:19) – A Beautiful Exchange by Hillsong

Give Me Faith (Psalm 73:25-26) – For The Honor by Elevation Worship

 

TEACHING: Philippians: A Journey Toward Humble Joy, Part 9

The apostle Paul encourages us to press on toward maturity in Christ, not as a means of earning our salvation, but as a means of experiencing the riches we have in Jesus.

CLICK HERE FOR THE SERMON AUDIO

 

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS

  1. What is something that stood out as particularly helpful, insightful, or difficult to grasp from this message?
  2. What is the difference between knowing someone and knowing about someone? What are the implications of this for the Christ-follower?
  3. Read and discuss Philippians 3:7-16. What do you observe about the person of Christ from these verses? What is Paul saying about the topic of pressing on to maturity in Christ?
  4. Are there any tensions to you observe in this text? Are they resolvable?
  5. What are some things in your life that tend to distract or deter you from pressing on toward deeper maturity?
  6. How can assets become liabilities in the life of a believer? How does the Gospel call us and empower us to keep first things first?
  7. What is “one thing” you need to do today to press forward to deeper maturity in Christ? Spend some time in prayer about this with your small group.

Sunday Rewind | 12.15.2013

Sunday Rewind

MUSIC & SCRIPTURE

Closer (Psalm 89:14-15) – Glorious Ruins by Hillsong

O Come All Ye Faithful (Luke 2:15-16) – Christ Is Come by Big Daddy Weave

Lord of All (Psalm 97:5-6) – North Point Live by Kristian Stanfill (North Point)

Our King Has Come (Romans 5:1-2) – For The Honor by Elevation Worship

Joy To The World (Luke 2:10) – Original Arrangement

 

TEACHING: Philippians: A Journey Toward Humble Joy, Part 7

Good relationships are built on who you are, not what you can do. Integrity is the glue that holds relationships together.

CLICK HERE FOR THE SERMON AUDIO

 

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS

  1. What is one thing that stood out from this sermon that you found particularly insightful, helpful, or difficult to grasp?
  2. Who is someone you have a “level 5” relationship with? What is the glue that holds that relationship together?
  3. Read and discuss Philippians 2:19-29. What does this tell you about the person and nature of God? What do you see about the nature of man? What do you observe about the integrity and character of the men Paul mentions?
  4. What is the difference between integrity and honesty? What role does character play in the life of a Christ-follower?
  5. “Much of life is measured by relationships…” Have you found this to be true? What is the purpose and value of good relationships?
  6. How does the gospel affect or direct your relationships?
  7. Can you think of someone who desires your success above their own? Are you that person for someone else?
  8. Can you think of someone you can push toward success in kingdom living? Spend some time in prayer for them and ask God how He might have you reach out to them this week.

Sunday Rewind | 12.8.2013

Sunday Rewind

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)

Always (Psalm 121:1-2) – Here For You by Kristian Stanfill (Passion)

In Christ Alone (Galatians 2:20) – Let The Future Begin by Kristian Stanfill (Passion)

 

TEACHING: The Handiwork of God

General revelation prepares the heart for the specific revelation of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

CLICK HERE FOR THE SERMON AUDIO

 

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS

  1. What is one thing that stood out from this sermon that you found particularly insightful, helpful, or difficult to grasp?
  2. Read and discuss Psalm 19. What does this tell you about the person and nature of God? What do you see about the nature of man?
  3. What is the difference between general revelation and specific revelation of God? Where do you see general & specific revelation in Psalm 19?
  4. In what ways does general revelation prepare the heart for the specific revelation of the gospel?
  5. How have you seen or experienced the handiwork of God in a general sense? How have you seen or experienced the handiwork of God in a specific, personal sense?
  6. What role does the fear of the Lord have in the Christian’s life?
  7. Does God regularly reveal Himself to you? What might be blocking the voice of God in your life? Spend some time in prayer thanking Him for His revelation, and praying that He would reveal anything that may be blocking His voice in your life.

Deacon Commissioning

Today’s culture presents its own unique problems and challenges in fulfilling all the responsibilities and duties articulated by scripture for the church body to carry out.  As a partial response, the elders of Reston Bible Church this year established the position of deacons and delegated to them the task of addressing the material needs of those that would call RBC their church home.  Following a year-long review, selected individuals from the church body presented to the elders a proposed manual for a deacon ministry at RBC.  The elders approved the manual and solicited deacon nominations from the congregation.

On November 24, nine deacons were publicly commissioned before the congregation and have begun serving as an extension of the church body’s love and care for widows and widowers, and a channel to direct the generosity of the body of believers at RBC to those with financial or material needs within the congregation.  Please be in prayer for our deacons and this ministry.

Learn more about deacons at RBC at www.restonbible.org/deacons.

Sunday Rewind | 12.1.2013

Sunday Rewind

MUSIC & SCRIPTURE

Alive In Us (Ephesians 2:4-5) – God Is Able by Hillsong

Rock of Ages (Deuteronomy 32:3-4) – Death of Death by Charlie Hall

Closer (Psalm 89:14-15) – Glorious Ruins by Hillsong

Unending Love (Romans 8:38-39) – God Is Able by Hillsong

Glorious (Psalm 111:2-3) – Glorious by Paul Baloche

 

TEACHING: Philippians: A Journey Toward Humble Joy, Part 6

Evil is far more than outward behavior – it comes from within. The only remedy is the truth of gospel of Jesus Christ.

CLICK HERE FOR THE SERMON AUDIO

 

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS

  1. If you were to give a one-sentence synopsis of this message, what would it be?
  2. What comes to mind when you think of the words “evil” and “depravity”?
  3. Read and discuss Philippians 2:12-18. What does this tell you about the person and nature of God? What do you see about the nature of man?
  4. Read and discuss Mark 7:14-23 and consider the statement, “The basic makeup of the human heart is capable of committing any sin at any time given the right circumstance.”  How do you react to this?
  5. How does the gospel remedy the “evils [that] come from inside” (Mark 7:23)?
  6. What does it mean to “work out your salvation with fear and trembling” (Phil. 2:12)?
  7. Is there an area of your life you feel God is calling you to “be poured out like a drink offering” (Phil. 2:17)?
  8. Pastor Mike uses the analogy of a “humanist wall” and a “gospel wall” – which wall is your ladder leaning against?

Sunday Rewind | 11.24.2013

Sunday Rewind

MUSIC & SCRIPTURE

Be Lifted High (John 3:30) – Nothing Is Wasted by Elevation Worship

Open Up Our Eyes (Ephesians 1:18-19a) – Nothing Is Wasted by Elevation Worship

Closer (Psalm 89:14-15) – Glorious Ruins by Hillsong

God, You Lifted Me Out (Psalm 30:1-2) – For The Honor by Elevation Worship

The Lord Our God (James 1:17) – Let The Future Begin by Kristian Stanfill (Passion)

Endless Light (Psalm 113:3-4) – Cornerstone by Hillsong

 

TEACHING: Philippians: A Journey Toward Humble Joy, Part 5

Vanity is the enemy of unity, and unity is the fruit of humility.

CLICK HERE FOR THE SERMON AUDIO

 

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS

  1. What is one thing from this teaching that you hope to talk about as a group?
  2. What is the difference between unity and uniformity in Christian community? Which do you tend toward?
  3. Read and discuss Philippians 2:1-11. What does this tell you about the person and nature of Jesus? What do you see about the nature of man?
  4. What do you note in these verses about humility? What role should humility play in the individual life of a Christ-follower? How should this affect the community of the church?
  5. Consider Pastor Mike’s diagnostic self-evaluation questions: Do you like to argue? Are you defensive when someone corrects you? Do you immediately form a defense while someone is speaking into your life? Do you find it hard to admit that you are wrong? Is is difficult for you to ask for forgiveness? Does your life leave a wake of conflict? Do you enjoy gossiping about others? Do you tend to draw attention to your body more than your countenance? Which do you tend to struggle with the least? The most?
  6. How does the gospel address and remedy our struggle with pride? How does the gospel set the context for and empower true humility?
  7. Is there an area of your life you feel God is calling you to stop acting out of selfish ambition or vain conceit? Is there an area of your life where you feel God is calling to to begin valuing others above yourself in humility? Spend some time in prayer asking God to reveal these areas to you and for the grace to be obedient in them.

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