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?
From the Field: Annual Review
On Saturday, February 16, the sixteen-person RBC Missions Committee met for 10 hours to review the 76 international missionaries that RBC supports. (The committee will review the 136 national missionaries that RBC supports on March 10.)
Each year, the Missions Committee sends each of our missionaries an update questionnaire so they can report on their finances, their accomplishments for the past year, their goals for the coming year, their prayer concerns and their children’s needs. Every committee member thoroughly reads through these updates prior to the annual review and comes to the meeting prepared to discuss each one.
The consistent theme of all the updates is that our missionaries need our prayer support more than anything else. The RBC missionary family is experiencing some painful things, both in ministry and in their personal lives. Several have grown children with marital problems and looking towards divorce. Some have children with medical needs. Some have elderly parents with issues and they are far away. Some of them have some serious health issues themselves. There are issues in their ministries. They all need our consistent prayer.
After determining the financial position of the missions budget, the committee looks at each missionary’s support shortage, if they have one. The committee always considers the needs of those missionaries RBC has sent out first. Praise God, the missions fund had enough money to give $1750 in increases to 28 of our missionaries. The committee was encouraged that the average missionary we support receives 89% of their current support need. This is an increase of one percent over last year.
The committee also looked at other issues facing our missionaries beyond financial needs. The committee will address these issues and needs over the course of the next few months. As well as thoroughly examining our missionaries, the committee also reviewed the policies that guide the missions program and discussed updates and/or changes to some of those policy guidelines. Any changes or updates made to the policies will go to the RBC council of elders for their final approval.
The most important thing the committee accomplished at the annual review was the extended time spent in prayer for our missionary family. The committee prayed through 18 pages of prayer requests we received through the update questionnaires.
If you do not yet have one an RBC Missionary Guide, please stop by the Welcome Desk in the lobby and pick one up and begin praying for our missionaries. They are in some serious spiritual battles, and many serve in some seriously dark areas of the world. Your prayers are essential as they bring forth the light of the gospel of Jesus Christ to the nations.
If you have any questions about missions at RBC, please drop us an email at missions@restonbible.org.
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.
New Elder Candidates
Reston Bible Church is governed by a council of elders, consisting of some of our pastors and other biblically-qualified men who are volunteers. It is my pleasure to put three names into nomination for your prayerful consideration and feedback. They are Pete Ferrara, Jeff Lawler, and Brian Stegeman. You’ll find pictures and a brief bio of each candidate here. Over the last 12 months, they have all completed a thorough process examining their spiritual qualifications and calling.
Biblical eldership is absolutely critical to the spiritual growth of the body of Christ. Listen carefully to what the apostle Paul tells Titus around 65 A.D.:
“This is why I left you in Crete, so that you might put what remained into order, and appoint elders in every town as I directed you—if anyone is above reproach, the husband of one wife, and his children are believers and not open to the charge of debauchery or insubordination. For an overseer, as God’s steward, must be above reproach. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain, but hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined. He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it.” (Titus 1:5-9)
There are two things I’d like you to notice here. First, there is relatively little mention of a an elders talent in Titus 1 or in 1 Timothy 3 (the other passage that lists qualifications for this office.) Instead, these qualifications are about godly character, being able to lead in a way that is pleasing to God. Secondly, notice the importance of the knowledge of God’s Word, so that they can teach sound doctrine and just as importantly, refute false doctrine.
Now a word about the selection process. These men were chosen from a list created by the pastors, staff and elders of our church. They then completed a study of all relevant passages regarding eldership in the Bible. Then they began to meet with the elders at our regularly scheduled meetings, where they participated but they didn’t vote on the agenda items. This was a year long, two-way process for them to determine if they felt called to this ministry and for our current elders to agree to issue that call.
They have and we have, and now all of you have a part to play. We will mention Brian, Pete and Jeff’s names this week and for the next two weeks. We are looking for feedback from the congregation about these men. Please give us positive feedback, if you have observed their good character or their ministry among us. Conversely, if you have observed anything in these men’s lives that concerns you, we would like to know that as well.
You may give us feedback in direct conversation or you may email the elders. We take the appointment of new elders seriously as one of their functions is to guard the doctrine of the church, which is to say, to guard the truth about Jesus Christ and His church. Again, you can find pictures and a brief bio of each candidate here. Please be in prayer for each of them, and we would love to hear from you regarding their candidacy for the elder council of Reston Bible Church.
VIDEO: Whom Shall I Fear
As we prepare to close out our series on The Forgotten War, it’s plain to see that our takeaway centers around the pure truth of the Word of God and our obedience to Christ. We are in a constant struggle between the war of two kingdoms – the Kingdom of Darkness and the Kingdom of Light. We must see this conflict through the eyes of Scripture in order to engage as children of the Kingdom of Light. Satan’s tactics follow the same pattern nearly every time; a combination of doubt, direct contradictions of the Word of God, and half-truths. He works diligently to set up strongholds of shame, keeping us captive in hopelessness.
But there is hope. And He is God. He crushes the enemy under our feet. He is our sword and shield in times of trouble. Who is left to fear? We know who goes before us. We know who stands behind us. He is the God of Angel Armies And He is by our side, reigning forever.
You are my morning song
Though darkness fills the night
It cannot hide the light
Whom shall I fear
Underneath my feet
You are my Sword and Shield
Though trouble lingers still
Whom shall I fearI know Who goes before me
I know Who stands behind
The God of angel armies
Is always on my side
The One who reigns forever
He is a Friend of mine
The God of angel armies
Is always by my side
My strength is in Your name
For You alone can save
You will deliver me
Yours is the victory
I know Who goes before me
I know Who stands behind
The God of angel armies
Is always on my side
The One who reigns forever
He is a Friend of mine
The God of angel armies
Is always by my side
Whom shall I fear
Whom shall I fear
And nothing formed against me shall stand
You hold the whole world in Your hands
I’m holding onto Your promises
You are faithful
You are faithful
You are faithful
The God of angel armies is always by my side
Event Update: Daddy-Daughter Dance
The arrival to our annual Daddy-Daughter Valentine’s Dance was posh this year with valet parking, corsages upon entry, and a formal photo shoot before heading into the exhibits area for this year’s dance, The National Gallery of Heart: Love on Display. The girls and their dates visited several exhibitions, including the Hope Diamond room where they fashioned their own version of the necklace or the Portrait Gallery where dads and daughters could choose a frame to draw their own work of art right on the wall! A bit later in the evening, the Dessert Café opened with a sundae bar, and then came the big reveal in the auditorium with a freshly-installed wooden dance floor and a DJ showcasing some struttin’ music! With a little over 200 folks in attendance, the night was brimming with joyful laughter and sweet smiles.
At one point in the evening, everyone was assembled to discuss that there are lots of ways that dads can put “Love on Display” for their wives and children. However, the only perfect example of “Love on Display” in history was Jesus Christ’s death on the cross (John 15:13). Jesus took on the penalty that we deserve for the times when we don’t love perfectly, forgave us for the times when we turn away from Him, and opened the door for us to live with Him in heaven for eternity. All we need to do is trust in what Jesus has already done for us. Jesus truly is, always, love on display.
For myself personally, there was never a moment to sit as I poised my volunteers for the next transition in the evening’s agenda or checked on the maraschino cherry stash. I’m so thankful that my duties kept me in and out of every room constantly throughout the night so that I could witness the fun and the awed faces of the couples with each new reveal! My eyes vigilantly searched in the nooks and corners in each room and I was never disappointed in the findings as I saw dads and their girls involved one-on-one in their own conversations, whether it was answering some questions we posed in their Gala Guide, or telling their own stories as they worked their way through each gallery exhibit.
The girls and their dates were blessed with a dedicated crew of volunteers and several staff members who made this night shine! May we be blessed to continue this event for years to come.
Have a story from the Daddy-Daughter Dance you’d like to share? We’d love to hear from you. Leave a comment below or drop us an email at stories@restonbible.org.
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.
Sunday Rewind | 2.10.13
MUSIC & SCRIPTURE
Awesome is the Lord Most High (Psalm 47:1-2) – See The Morning by Chris Tomlin
In Christ Alone (Galatians 2:20) – Original Arrangement
Give Me Faith (Psalm 73:25-26) – For the Honor by Elevation Worship
Glorious (Psalm 111:2-3) – Glorious by Paul Baloche
Whom Shall I Fear (God of Angel Armies) – Burning Lights by Chris Tomlin
TEACHING: The Forgotten War, Part 5
PART 5: WISDOM AT WAR – In James chapter 3, we find there are two types of wisdom – worldly and heavenly. Worldly wisdom works on the false premise that man can solve his own problems independent from God. But when the problem tries to solve the problem – that’s a problem.
CLICK HERE FOR THE SERMON AUDIO/VIDEO
QUESTIONS FOR PERSONAL EVALUATION FROM PASTOR MIKE
- Does the wake of your life tend to leave a trail of conflict? Are you the common denominator?
- If you are married, is there a pattern of unnecessary conflict between you and your spouse? Why?
- What would it look like for you to repent of those areas of conflict and move toward humility?
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS
- What is one thing from this message you hope to discuss as a group?
- How would you define wisdom? Who is someone you consider to be wise, and why?
- Read and discuss James 3:13 – 4:10. What do these verses tell you the nature of man? What do they tell us about God?
- What are the two types of wisdom in the verses above? What are the characteristics of each? Why is it important that we be able to distinguish between the two?
- Why do we tend to believe we can solve our own problems apart from God? How do you see this play out in culture and society? How do you see it play out in your own life?
- What is the relationship between true wisdom and humility? How does true wisdom lead to humility?
- How does the gospel allow us to consider others as better than ourselves (Philippians 2:3)?
- How can we grow in humility? How can we grow in heavenly wisdom?
- Can you discern an area of your life where God is leading you humble yourself before Him (James 4:10)? Spend some time in prayer with your small group about this.