Sunday Rewind | 4.7.2013
MUSIC & SCRIPTURE
Holy, Holy, Holy (Psalm 99:5) – Original Arrangement
How Great Thou Art (Psalm 145:3) – Original Arrangement
Your Love Never Fails (Romans 8:28) – Your Love Never Fails by Jesus Culture
Give Me Faith (Psalm 73:25-26) – For The Honor by Elevation Worship
In Christ Alone (Galatians 2:20) – Let The Future Begin by Kristian Stanfill (Passion)
Always (Psalm 121:1-2) – Here For You by Kristian Stanfill (Passion)
TEACHING: A Word to the Wise – Part 4
Everyone has some amount of strength, intellect and wealth. The natural pull of the human heart will be to glory in any of these and pit our human wisdom against against God’s wisdom.
CLICK HERE FOR THE SERMON AUDIO/VIDEO
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS
- As you reflect back on this week’s sermon, what one principle or insight, what one principle stands out as being particularly helpful, insightful or difficult to grasp?
- In what ways do people tend to pit human intelligence against God’s wisdom? What does this tend to look like in your life?
- Read and discuss Jeremiah 9:23-24 and Psalm 73. What do you see about the nature of man in these verses? What do you observe about the nature of God?
- Strength, riches, intellect: which do you tend to lean on at the expense of trusting God?
- How does the Gospel remedy our tendency toward trusting in these finite things?
- “Are you currently scheming to ‘bury an Egyptian’?” Ask God to reveal any areas where you may be pitting your human wisdom against His sovereign wisdom, and spend some time in prayer with your small group about this.
Sunday Rewind | 3.25.2013
MUSIC & SCRIPTURE
Open Up Our Eyes (Ephesians 1:18-19a) – Nothing Is Wasted by Elevation Worship
Endless Light (Psalm 113:3-4) – Cornerstone by Hillsong
Our King Has Come (Romans 5:1-2) – For The Honor by Elevation Worship
Hosanna (Mark 11:9-10) – All Of The Above by Hillsong United
God Is Able (Ephesians 3:20-21) – God Is Able by Hillsong
I Lift My Hands (Psalm 46:10) – And If Our God Is For Us… by Chris Tomlin
TEACHING: A Word to the Wise – Part 3
“It’s just me and God” is not a biblical mindset. Rather, scripture shows us that there is great wisdom in close relationships. Don’t let pride keep you from experiencing the joy of deep friendship in your pilgrimage.
CLICK HERE FOR THE SERMON AUDIO/VIDEO
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS
- Per last week’s message & discussion, were you able to intentionally impact in a positive way last week though the power of your words?
- What is one thing from this sermon that you hope to discuss as a group?
- Read and discuss 1 Samuel 23:15-18. What characteristics of a great relationship do you observe between David and Jonathan? Where else in scripture can we see the value and wisdom of close relationships?
- What are the hallmarks of a great friendship? How have you personally seen or experienced the value of wisdom in terms of relationship?
- Do you have any “Level 5” friendships? How have those impacted your life?
- Why do we tend to pull back from deep relationships?
- How does the Gospel push us away from pride to see the wisdom in close relationship with others?
- Are there specific relationships you feel God is asking you to pursue to greater depth? Spend some time in prayer with your small group about this.
VIDEO: Youth Winter Retreat Slideshow
Last month, RBC hosted our annual Youth Winter Retreat. We spent the weekend with the kids teaching them and hearing about how we should live as Christians as Biblical men and women. The gospel was also shared and several of the youth indicated they had prayed to receive Christ! On our activity day, the youth did either indoor activities which included bowling, roller skating, laser tag, or an outdoor activity where the kids went skiing and snowboarding at Elk Mountain. It was a blast and it was great to see God work in our youth and speak to them that weekend.
Please be in prayer for our youth from winter retreat:
1. Pray that those who accepted Christ would continue to walk and seek to grow in their new-found faith in Jesus Christ.
2. Pray that the teen guys would take to heart the teaching on authentic manhood and would seek to no longer live passively or in laziness, but that they would become strong Godly leaders and initiators.
3. Pray that the teen girls would take to heart the teaching on biblical womanhood and would seek to live a God-centered life as daughters of the Most High King, living a humble life in His unfailing Love.
4. Pray that all our teens would remember and live from the fact that God created them for a specific purpose.
Sunday Rewind | 3.10.2013
MUSIC & SCRIPTURE
Let Your Kingdom Come (Psalm 59:16-17) – Valley Of Vision by Sovereign Grace Music
Open Up Our Eyes (Ephesians 1:18-19a) – Nothing Is Wasted by Elevation Worship
Your Love Oh Lord (Psalm 36:7) – Offerings by Third Day
I Stand Amazed (2 Corinthians 8:9) – North Point Live by Candi Pearson Shelton (North Point)
Lord Of All (Psalm 97:5-6) – Attention by Kristian Stanfill
TEACHING: A Word to the Wise – Part 1
Intellect does not always equal wisdom. Wisdom is a skill for living, the proper application of knowledge. Wisdom dictates that we see life as it really is, and the only way to do this is through the lens of God’s word.
CLICK HERE FOR THE SERMON AUDIO/VIDEO
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS
- What principle, insight or idea struck you as particularly helpful, insightful or difficult to grasp?
- How would you define wisdom? How is this different from intelligence?
- Read and discuss Proverbs 1. What do these verses tell you the nature of man? What do you see about the nature of God? What do you observe about the characteristics of wisdom?
- Have you ever done or said something that seemed smart at the time, but was not wise?
- “Wisdom does not guarantee that you won’t have problems in life. But it will guarantee you won’t be the cause of those problems.” Can you think of any examples where you’ve observed this?
- Read and discuss 1 Corinthians 1:18-25. How does the Gospel of Jesus Christ lead us to the ultimate wisdom?
- Can you think of a situation in your life right now where it is difficult to distinguish between the letter of the law (intellect) and the spirit of the law (wisdom)? Spend some time in prayer with your small group about this.
Men’s Ministry News – March 2013
Men of RBC: The Men’s Ministry would like to invite you to some upcoming activities that have been designed to positively and encouragingly impact your walk with the Lord and in turn your spheres of influence.
WEEKLY DISCIPLESHIP CLASSES
Men’s Ministry weekly discipleship classes are a great way to get connected and increase your knowledge of the word and provide you with some mid-week encouragement. No previous experience or Bible knowledge is required; all you need is a willingness to grow and be challenged. For a course listing and full details, please visit www.restonbible.org/men.
- FUEL—Men of Action: The Role of Authentic Men in the Next Generation Church. Join us on this journey to Authentic Manhood. Tuesdays 6:25-7:30 AM – Sr. High Bldg.
- Training Faithful Men-Great Doctrines of the Faith. No registration required. For questions, call or email Ray Shoaff (703-625-5595, ray@shoaff.com). Wednesday 6:00-7:00 AM – Sr. High Bldg.
- Exemplary Husband – Wednesday 7:00-9:00 PM- New class starts 3/6, Room 250A. For questions, call James Roberts at 703-309-0303.
FAITH & REASONING 101
When: Monday, March 11, 2013, 7:00 PM-8:30 PM
Where: RBC, Room 238
Topic: “The Case for Easter”
RSVP: wgaines@firstphc.com
Of all the major religions in the world, only one claims that its founder returned from the grave. The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the very cornerstone of Christianity. However, skeptics claim Jesus’ resurrection is a superstitious myth. But is that really where the evidence points? Come join us on Monday, March 11th, as we will examine the evidence for the resurrection and “The Case For Easter”.
MINISTRY IN THE WORKPLACE COURSE
An 11 Week Journey to Connect Faith and Work
When: March 4-May 20, 2013 7:00-9:00 PM
Where: Youth Building, Senior High Rm.
Sign-up: https://www.restonbible.org/
Does your work have significance? Join us for a first-of-its-kind, collaborative program to help you see your job—and company—in a whole new way. Whether you have a desk job, you work in the field, you’re a manager, or you’re the CEO, this course will be an 11-week journey, designed with you in mind. It’s packed with deep content and challenging insights to connect faith and business. RBC has a large community of men and women in the workforce. Our heart is to help you connect and learn with others what it means to really live out your faith—ALL WEEK LONG!
Please Register Now. Our first session is free and will set the tone for the entire series. We’ll explore the topic, “Why Work?” it will challenge the way you view your job and your career!!! If you have any questions, contact Brad Hill at 703-517-9941. You can register on line for the free session or for the entire 11 sessions of $55. Scholarships available.
EXEMPLARY HUSBAND CLASS
When: Wednesday, March 13, 2013 * NEW START DATE
Where: Room 250A
RSVP: James Roberts at 703-309-0303
The home is the most important area of ministry for husbands. It can also be the most difficult, and it is often the most neglected. The characteristics of a Christian husband do not come naturally, nor are they taught in school. We need help.
So, come out and join other men weekly on Wednesday evenings as we explore how to become an Exemplary Husband. It will be a time of encouragement and our basis for the study will be The Exemplary Husband by Stuart Scott and with reviews like “If I wrote a book on being a godly husband this would be it” (from John MacArthur), there is sure to be something for all men in the study.
Upcoming activities are scheduled in April and beyond – mark your calendars.
DADS & DONUTS
When: April 20, 2013, 8:30-11:30 AM
Where: RBC Clubhouse
Sigh-up: www.restonbible.org
While the women are at retreat, Jason Goetz will direct the Annual Dads and Donuts event on Saturday, April 20, 8:30-11:30. It will be a low key event that includes breakfast, a short family devotional/skit, activities similar to AWANA games, board games, and crafts. Childcare will be provided for infants/toddlers in the Nursery if Dads have multiple children
SACRED RELATIONSHIP WEEKEND
When: May 2-4, 2013
Where: RBC Sanctuary
Speaker: Gary Thomas
Sign-up: www.restonbible.org/sacred
Sacred Search – May 2 – Singles
Join us as Gary Thomas explores love, dating, and how to find a spectacular marital match in his new book, The Sacred Search.
Sacred Marriage – May 3-4-Engaged/Married Couples
What if God designed marriage to make us holy instead of happy? Scores of books have been written that offer guidance for building the marriage of your dreams. Yet, what if God’s primary intent for your marriage isn’t to make you happy…but holy? And, what if your relationship isn’t as much about you and your spouse as it is about you and God?
Based on Gary’s bestselling book, the Sacred Marriage seminar helps couples uncover how marriage can become a doorway to a closer walk with God and each other. Learn more about Gary at www.garythomas.com. Further information and website registration will be available soon.
THE SUMMIT
When: Monday, May 20, 2013
Where: RBC Sanctuary
Speaker: Larry Moody
Sign-up: www.restonbible.org/summit
EMF Director Larry Moody is President of Search Ministries, and since 1981, Moody also has served as the Bible study leader for the Professional Golf Association (PGA) Tour.
DAD & KIDS CAMPOUT
When: June 7-9, 2012
Where: Pohick Bay Regional Park, Lorton
Registration available soon
Dads, bring your kids and come on out to Pohick Bay Regional Park (near the Mason Neck Wildlife Refuge) in the Lorton area for a weekend of bonfires, sleeping under the stars and just plain fun! We’re going have a blast with group games, bonfires, campfire-songs, marshmallow roast, and Sunday morning worship. Special opportunities to create life-long memories with your kids and get connected with other dads
RBC MEN’S RETREAT – SAVE THE DATE
When: September 20-21, 2013
Speaker: Dr. Richard Blackaby
SERVICE OPPORTUNITY – EVENT LOGISTICS & PHOTOS
Men’s Ministry is looking for a few good men to help with our event logistics and to take photos of our events. No special skills needed—just a servant heart. Events are The Summit, Marriage Conference, Boosters, and special men’s events. We plan to have teams that can alternate events. If interested, please contact Brad Hummel at mensministry@restonbible.org.
As always, the Men’s Ministry is here to be an encouragement in your walk with the Lord. Contact us at mensministry@restonbible.org if you have any questions or concerns.
God Bless,
The Men’s Ministry Leadership Team
Sunday Rewind | 3.3.2013
MUSIC & SCRIPTURE
Great In All The Earth (Psalm 47:1-2) – I Will Go by Starfield
Open Up Our Eyes (Ephesians 1:18-19a) – Nothing Is Wasted by Elevation Worship
Beautiful Lord (Ephesians 2:4-5) – Sound of Melodies by Leeland
How Great Thou Art (Psalm 145:3) – Original Arrangement
Give Me Your Eyes – What If We by Brandon Heath
TEACHING: Lights, Camera, Reaction – Part 2
Even though we buy into the lie that God only uses super-gifted, super-talented people, He does extraordinary things through ordinary people all the time. We have opportunities to act not because God needs us, but because He wants us.
CLICK HERE FOR THE SERMON AUDIO/VIDEO
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS
- If you were to give a one-line summary of this message, what would it be?
- Have you ever had a “Who, me?” moment? What happened?
- Read and discuss Esther 4. What do these verses tell you the nature of man? What stands out to you as the major characteristics of Esther and Mordecai?Where might you see the invisible hand of God at work in these scriptures?
- “God does extraordinary things through ordinary people all the time.” What examples can you think of?
- Do you believe God can use you for Kingdom purposes? Why or why not?
- “Not every opportunity set before us is from God.” How can we discern if an opportunity is from God or not?
- How does Esther’s story point us to Jesus?
- Are there any opportunities God has opened or is opening in your life “for such a time as this”? How will you respond? Spend some time in prayer with your small group about this.
Sunday Rewind | 2.24.2013
MUSIC & SCRIPTURE
Alive In Us (Ephesians 2:4-5) – God Is Able by Hillsong
With Us (Psalm 46:10-11a) – God Is Able by Hillsong
Always (Psalm 121:1-2) – Here For You by Kristian Stanfill (Passion)
Forever Reign (Lamentations 5:19) – A Beautiful Exchange by Hillsong
Your Love Never Fails (Romans 8:28) – Your Love Never Fails by Jesus Culture
TEACHING: Lights, Camera, Reaction – Part 1
God is at always at work even when we don’t see or acknowledge that He is. Jason Goetz teaches from the book of Esther on how nothing is really coincidence.
CLICK HERE FOR THE SERMON AUDIO/VIDEO
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS
- What is one thing from this message you hope to discuss as a group?
- Share a time when something in life completely surprised you. What happened and how did you deal with it?
- Read and discuss Esther 2:21-23, 3:1-6, and 6:1-5. What do these verses tell you the nature of man? What stands out to you as the major characteristics of King Ahasuerus, Haman and Mordecai? Where might you see the hand of God at work in these scriptures?
- What is your understanding of the sovereignty of God? What comforts you about this doctrine? What questions does it raise for you?
- How do the choices we make distance us from God? How does the gospel remedy this?
- Is there a surprising or difficult situation in your life right now where it is difficult to see God at work? Spend some time in prayer with your small group asking God to help you see Him in that situation?
Jesus, Our Victory in the Forgotten War
As we’ve seen over the past six weeks during our teaching series, The Forgotten War, it is crucial that every Christ-follower understand that we are involved in constant spiritual battle that roils and rages within and without. Certainly, spiritual warfare is something we can easily over- or under-emphasize, but the importance of developing an awareness of the war cannot be understated. For me personally, The Forgotten War series has brought to mind not only the need to be aware, but also the need to be vigilant, prepared and courageous as I engage “against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms” (Ephesians 6:12).
Though our enemy works tirelessly against us, our God is great – and He has not left us without provision for this forgotten war. Ephesians 6:13-18 is one of the most often-quoted passages on the theme of spiritual warfare, and gives us a description of the spiritual armor and weaponry God has made available to us:
“Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints…” (Ephesians 6:13-18, ESV)
Like any good wartime tactician would, the apostle Paul walks us through the tools at our disposal here in Ephesians 6. He lays out an array of defensive and offensive options and invites us to suit up and make ready. What we should not miss, however, is that this passage is not merely about techniques or tools. There is a greater purpose behind each element of this considerable arsenal.
With a closer examination of each piece of armor, it would seem that each weapon Paul arrays before us leads us not merely to a technique, a tool, or a spiritual warfare methodology, but to a Person – the person of Jesus Christ.
- We are to fasten on a belt of truth. Certainly it goes without saying that having the truth fastened to us is vital as we resist Satan, who is “the father of lies” (John 8:44). Pontius Pilate once asked, “What is truth?” (John 18:36). While this remains a favorite question of many even in our day, Jesus has already answered this for us – He is the truth and truth comes through Him (John 1:17, 14:6).
- We are to put on a breastplate of righteousness.* We are all prone to establish our own righteousness apart from God, but Christ fulfills all that is needed – He gives it freely to those who believe (Romans 10:3-4). The only righteousness that counts is not from man, but from God’s abundant provision of grace – the gift of righteousness through Jesus (Romans 5:17).
- We are to have feet ready to carry the gospel of peace. The word “gospel” means good news, and there is no better news than the “good news of peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all.” (Acts 10:36) Because of this great gospel “we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans 5:1) and thus should “be ready to do whatever is good” (Titus 3:1).
- We are to take up the shield of faith. Remember that breastplate of righteousness? It goes hand-in-hand, as it were, with this shield of faith. Righteousness comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe (Romans 3:22). Because of the gift of our faith in Jesus, we are shielded by God’s own power (1 Peter 1:3-5). Our faith comes from Jesus who is also perfecting it in us (Hebrews 12:2). And when our faith fails, the faithfulness of our Lord remains a shield around us (Psalm 91:4).
- We are to take the helmet of salvation.* Salvation is “in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:11-12) Salvation is found in Christ alone.
- We are to take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. This is the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of truth, which Jesus asked His Father to send as an advocate for us, as a comforter and counselor (John 14:16-17, 26). This is the Spirit that reveals God and the deep things about God to us (1 Corinthians 2:10-11) and gives us the very mind of Christ (1 Corinthians 2:12-16). Indeed, this Spirit is our Lord (2 Corinthians 3:17) and is eternally inseparable from the word of God, the word that “became flesh and made his dwelling among us … the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” (John 1:14)
No single element of this arsenal is an end unto itself. Each piece points us directly to Jesus. A belt, a breastplate, a shield, a helmet, a sword – each piece is a parable, imploring us not to trust in the instruments themselves to win the battle – as those who might trust in horses or chariots (Psalm 20:7) – but to trust in Christ, who is mighty to save and who secures our victory.
It is only through our relationship with Jesus Christ that we can engage in such a battle. Apart from Jesus, we would have no knowledge, ability, authority or power to think rightly about spiritual warfare, much less engage in it. It is only in Jesus’ Name, only by His presence in us, with us, and through us that brings us any victory in this forgotten war. The victory is ours, because it is His.
– – –
* It is interesting to note that in Isaiah 59, the Lord God enters battle against His enemies, who have separated themselves from Him by their sin. That’s us. And as He went forth, “He put on righteousness as his breastplate,and the helmet of salvation on his head” (Isaiah 59:17). It is incredible that now, because of Christ, He makes these available to us. God gives us His own “armor” as we do battle as adopted heirs, sons and daughters of the Most High God, co-heirs with Christ.
Sunday Rewind | 2.17.2013
MUSIC & SCRIPTURE
Your Grace Is Enough (Ephesians 2:8-9) – Arriving by Chris Tomlin
Everlasting God (Isaiah 40:28-29) – See The Morning by Chris Tomlin
Mighty To Save (Zephaniah 3:17) – Mighty To Save by Hillsong
How Deep The Father’s Love For Us (Galatians 6:14) – See What A Morning by Stuart Townend
TEACHING: The Forgotten War, Part 6
PART 6: THE ARMOR OF GOD – Perhaps the greatest strategy the enemy has against the church is to sideline Christians by making us comfortable to the point that we have no impact on the world around us. But God provides all we need for the battle, and He provides the victory.
CLICK HERE FOR THE SERMON AUDIO/VIDEO
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS
- What is one thing from this message you hope to discuss as a group?
- Read and discuss Ephesians 6:10-20. What do these verses tell you the nature of man? What do they tell us about our enemy? What do they tell us about God?
- How does our culture tend to present Satan as a fairytale character? How are we prone to fall into that trap?
- How does Satan sideline Christians, making us ineffective for the Kingdom of Light?
- Has there ever been a season in your Christian pilgrimage where you have felt sidelined? What happened?
- How does the Gospel empower us to get off the sidelines and engage in “the forgotten war”?
- In his sermon “Getting Used to the Dark,” Vance Havner points out how easy it is for Christ-followers to become desensitized to darkness in our lives. Is there an area in your own life where you’ve gotten used to the darkness? What would it look like to move from darkness to light in that area? How might the Gospel enable that move?
- As you have gone through this teaching series, what have been some big take-aways for you? Spend some time in prayer with your small group about how God might have you practically apply what you have learned.
Men’s Ministry News – February 2013
Men of RBC,
The Men’s Ministry would like to invite you to some upcoming activities that have been designed to positively and encouragingly impact your walk with the Lord and in turn your spheres of influence.
WEEKLY DISCIPLESHIP CLASSES
Men’s Ministry weekly discipleship classes are a great way to get connected and increase your knowledge of the word and provide you with some mid-week encouragement. No previous experience or Bible knowledge is required; all you need is a willingness to grow and be challenged. For a course listing and full details, please visit www.restonbible.org/men.
- FUEL—Men of Action: The Role of Authentic Men in the Next Generation Church. Join us on this journey to Authentic Manhood. Tuesdays 6:25-7:30 AM – Sr. High Bldg.
- Training Faithful Men-Great Doctrines of the Faith. No registration required. For questions, call or email Ray Shoaff (703-625-5595, ray@shoaff.com). Wednesday 6:00-7:00 AM – Sr. High Bldg.
- Exemplary Husband – Wednesday 7:00-9:00 PM- New class starts 3/13, Room 250. For questions, call Brad Hummel at 703-489-6028.
FAITH & REASONING 101
When: Monday, February 18, 2013, 7:00 PM-8:30 PM
Where: RBC, Room 238
Topic: “Will the Real Jesus Please Stand Up! False Christs in a Pluralistic World” – The Jesus of the Couch Potato
Speaker: Pete Lackey
RSVP: wgaines@firstphc.com
MINISTRY IN THE WORKPLACE COURSE
An 11 Week Journey to Connect Faith and Work
When: February 25-May13, 2013 7:00-9:00 PM
Where: Youth Building, Senior High Rm.
Sign-up: https://www.restonbible.org/
Does your work have significance? Join us for a first-of-its-kind, collaborative program to help you see your job—and company—in a whole new way. Whether you have a desk job, you work in the field, you’re a manager, or you’re the CEO, this course will be an 11-week journey, designed with you in mind. It’s packed with deep content and challenging insights to connect faith and business. RBC has a large community of men and women in the workforce. Our heart is to help you connect and learn with others what it means to really live out your faith—ALL WEEK LONG!
Please Register Now. Our first session is free and will set the tone for the entire series. We’ll explore the topic, “Why Work?” it will challenge the way you view your job and your career!!! If you have any questions, contact Brad Hill at 703-517-9941. You can register on line for the free session or for the entire 11 sessions of $55. Scholarships available.