By Faith
Last Sunday, we introduced a new song by Keith and Kristen Getty called By Faith. I chose the song because of its strong tie to Hebrews chapter 11, often referred to as the “faith chapter.” The lyric is rich in Biblical history and offers us strong encouragement. The phrase “by faith” occurs eighteen times in chapter 11 alone. As I read through Hebrews 11, I see at least three things that I’d want us to think about as we sing this song.
- Hebrews 11:6 says, “And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.” Try as we may, we cannot please God purely on our own effort. The writer of Hebrews gives us Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and Joseph among others who pleased God because they trusted Him and looked to the reward. My favorite is Moses who, according to verse 26, “considered the reproach of Christ greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking to the reward.” When every natural instinct was to stay in Egypt and be comfortable, he looked to the reward, which is God Himself, and chose the reproach of Christ.
- The writers of Hebrews and of our song are showing us that every major event in Biblical history that pleased God was done by faith. We are taken on a tour of the Bible as it surveys the patriarchs, the prophets, the Judges and the Kings. I love songs that help us remember Biblical truth.
- The chorus of By Faith encourages us to stand on the shoulders of those who have gone before us. It lets us know that we are part of a much larger story and then gives us an important instruction.
We will stand as children of the promise
We will fix our eyes on Him our soul’s reward
Till the race is finished and the work is done
We walk by faith and not by sight
The instruction for how to live a life by faith is in the second line of the chorus. As we fix our eyes on Jesus, our soul’s reward, He will enable us to walk by faith and not by sight. That’s what all the people mentioned in Hebrews 11 had in common – they were looking, along with Abraham, for a city whose architect and builder is God. That pursuit enabled them to do great things for God. May it be so for us as well.
By faith we see the hand of God
In the light of creation’s grand design
In the lives of those who prove His faithfulness
Who walk by faith and not by sight
By faith our fathers roamed the earth
With the power of His promise in their hearts
Of a holy city built by God’s own hand
A place where peace and justice reign
We will stand as children of the promise
We will fix our eyes on Him our soul’s reward
Till the race is finished and the work is done
We’ll walk by faith and not by sight
By faith the prophets saw a day
When the longed-for Messiah would appear
With the power to break the chains of sin and death
And rise triumphant from the grave
By faith the church was called to go
In the power of the Spirit to the lost
To deliver captives and to preach good news
In every corner of the earth
We will stand…
By faith this mountain shall be moved
And the power of the gospel shall prevail
For we know in Christ all things are possible
For all who call upon His name
We will stand…
Sunday Rewind | 10.14.2012
MUSIC & SCRIPTURE
Awesome Is The Lord Most High (Psalm 47:1-2) – See The Morning by Chris Tomlin
Everlasting God (Isaiah 40:28-29) – Everlasting God by Chris Tomlin
By Faith (Psalm 145:13) – Awaken the Dawn by Keith & Kristyn Getty
How Great Is Your Faithfulness (Lamentations 3:22-23) – I Will Not Be Shaken by Matt Redman
Faithful (Lamentations 3:22-23) – Burn For You by Steve Fee
TEACHING: The Next Generation Church – Loves Locally
As we continue our series on The Next Generation Church, Pastor Mike looks at the aspect of loving locally. Loving locally as a church is a direct expression of the generosity of the people of God.
CLICK HERE FOR THE AUDIO AND VIDEO
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
- As you think about last weekend’s sermon, what one principle or insight stands out as being particularly helpful, insightful, or difficult to grasp?
- Why is it difficult to admit to being a greedy person?
- Read and discuss Luke 12:13-21. What do these verses tell us about greed & generosity?
- Read and discuss Acts 4:32-37. What do you observe about the attitude of Christ-followers in these verses? Do you see this attitude reflected in our church? Why or why not?
- How is loving locally as a church tied to generosity?
- Scripture teaches five principles in stewarding money – earning, saving, investing, spending & giving. Which do you spend the most time on? Which do you spend the least time on?
- Reflecting on the “Cheerio Principle,” what “cheerios” in your life do you have trouble letting go of? What is one practical thing you can do this next week to release some of those “cheerios”? Spend some time in prayer for each other for those areas.
Sunday Rewind | 9.30.2012
MUSIC & SCRIPTURE
O Worship the King (Psalm 145:9-10) – Hymns Ancient & Modern by Chris Tomlin (Passion)
How Great Thou Art (Psalm 145:3) – Hymns Ancient & Modern by Charlie Hall (Passion)
Let Your Kingdom Come (Psalm 59:16-17) – Valley of Vision by Sovereign Grace Music
Give Me Faith (Psalm 73:25-26) – Kingdom Come by Elevation Worship
Alive In Us (Ephesians 2:4-5) – God Is Able by Hillsong
TEACHING: The Next Generation Church – Knows Christ
Pastor Mike begins a series that will look at the next generation of our church. What will Reston Bible Church look like as we move forward in stewarding all that God has given us? The greater intimacy we have with Jesus, the greater the impact of our story.
CLICK HERE FOR THE AUDIO AND VIDEO
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
- What is your story as relating to knowing Christ? What specific people God has used to impact your story?
- What does it mean to “know Christ”? Has this term become cliché? How can we keep “knowing Christ” from being cliché in our own lives?
- Read and discuss Acts 26. What does this chapter tell you about knowing Christ and making Him known?
- What does our fallen nature have to do with knowing Christ?
- What is the difference between knowing Jesus and knowing about Jesus?
- How might we help each other know Christ in greater ways?
Sunday Rewind | 9.23.2012
MUSIC & SCRIPTURE
Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee (Psalm 5:11) – Hymns Ancient & Modern by Charlie Hall (Passion)
King of Glory (Psalm 24:9-10) – Arriving by Chris Tomlin
Your Love Never Fails (Romans 8:28) – Your Love Never Fails by Jesus Culture
All Creatures of Our God and King (Psalm 148:13) – Original Arrangement
Glorious (Psalm 111:2-3) – Glorious by Paul Baloche
TEACHING: In Plain Sight
The gospel of Jesus Christ is the baseline for living the Christian life. Yet, Christians often treat the gospel as a remedial element of the Christian life that we “get” and then move on from. Yet, the gospel is power for living now, and all of Scripture points us to it. We must continually appeal to the gospel of Jesus if we are to walk as Jesus walked.
CLICK HERE FOR THE AUDIO AND VIDEO
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
- What one word comes to mind when you hear the world “gospel”?
- How has your understanding of the gospel changed as you have walked with Jesus?
- Read 1 Corinthians 15:1-4. What might this tell you about the nature of man? What does it tell you about Jesus Christ?
- What does this passage reveal to us about the gospel?
- In what way is the gospel the ultimate standard for living?
- Pastor Mike shared how the gospel impacts eternity, morality, suffering, generosity, marriage, possessions, and forgiveness. Which of these areas resonates with you personally? What other areas have you seen the gospel impact in your life?
- What is one area of your life where you need to appeal to the gospel? Spend some time in prayer, asking God to impact this area with the power of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
The Treehouse
Clearly you live in Northern Virginia when you can find a treehouse inside a building. This is your chance to take a peek inside… INSIDE Reston Bible Church’s Children’s Ministry Treehouse!
What it is …
The Treehouse is a special service time for children of all ages (toddlers through 5th graders) whose parents stay during an additional Sunday morning service to either attend an ABF (Adult Bible Fellowship) or to volunteer. It’s not always engaging for the little guys to be involved in their QUEST class twice, and so we offer The Treehouse during the 9:30am service as an alternative for the children who participate in QUEST and stay through the additional time.
What it is … NOT.
Although there is a time of teaching and relaxed activities, the Treehouse is not intended to be an alternative to QUEST, but rather an extension of the biblical base gained in the QUEST classrooms. If you spend one block of time on Sunday mornings attending a worship serve and another block volunteering or attending an ABF – and have children – The Treehouse is an awesome opportunity for your kids.
BUT WAIT, there’s more! This fall, the Treehouse’s older attenders (1st-5th graders) will be introduced to a new face that brings the focus more deliberately towards a missions-minded morning.
The Treehouse meets all year at the 9:30am service time, upstairs in Room 238. For further inquiry, find Hannah at the QUEST Desk on Sundays or drop me an email.
Sunday Rewind | 9.16.2012
MUSIC & SCRIPTURE
All Because of Jesus (Romans 8:10) – Burn For You by Steve Fee
Blessed Be Your Name (Job 1:21) – Blessed Be Your Name: The Songs of Matt Redman by Matt Redman
Lord of All (Psalm 97:5-6) – Attention by Kristian Stanfill
God, You Lifted Me Out (Psalm 30:1-2) – For The Honor by Elevation Worship
TEACHING: Runaway Bride – The Mystery of Christ & His Church
It is common today to separate Christ from his church – people want Jesus, but not church involvement. Yet, God has ordained that the church play a major role in His great work of redemption. Jason VanDorsten teaches from Ephesians 5, which presents the church as Jesus’ bride and conveys with great strength and promise the deep, abiding love God has for those who are His in Christ.
CLICK HERE FOR THE AUDIO AND VIDEO
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
- What comes to mind when you think of the word “church”? What have your experiences with church been like?
- What are the distinctions between the “little C” church and the “big C” Church? How are they different? How are they linked?
- Read Ephesians 5:21-33. What might this tell you about the nature of man? What does it tell you about Jesus Christ?
- What do these verses tell you about Jesus’ relationship with his people, the church?
- It what ways does the analogy of “church as bride” resonate with you? Where do you have trouble grasping the analogy?
- Does your interaction and involvement with the local church reflect the care, encouragement and protection due a bride? In what ways could you grow in loving the church as the bride of Christ?
- Spend some time praying for RBC and other local churches in our area and around the world.
Sunday Rewind | 9.9.2012
MUSIC
Exalted One (Psalm 121:1-2) – For The Honor by Elevation Worship
Beautiful Jesus (Romans 1:20) – Attention by Kristian Stanfill
With Us (Psalm 46:10-11a) – God Is Able by Hillsong
I Have Decided To Follow Jesus (Matthew 8:18-19) – Original Arrangement
Jesus Paid It All (Colossians 2:13-14) – North Point Live by Kristian Stanfill (North Point)
TEACHING: Son Burn
In Luke 24, the risen Jesus walked with two disciples and “explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.” Their response – “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?” May we, too, know what it is to have burning hearts for the Son of God from the Word of God.
CLICK HERE FOR THE AUDIO AND VIDEO
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
- Read Luke 24:13-35. What might this tell you about the nature of man? What does it tell you about Jesus Christ?
- Can you think of examples of people in the Bible who had “Son burn”?
- In what ways do we tend to apply “Son block” and shy away from the Word of God? How can we keep ourselves from falling into such excuses?
- The Scriptures refer to itself under a variety of analogies (lamp, hammer, water, sword, light, milk, meat, etc.) What others can you think of? What particular analogy do you resonate with in regards to Scripture?
- What is your particular area of “Son burn”? What topics in Scripture do you find yourself particularly passionate about?
- Would you categorize this season of your life as “on fire” for Kingdom of God? Why or why not? Spend some time in prayer for yourself and for those around you, that your hearts would “burn within” for Jesus.
Sunday Rewind | 9.2.2012
MUSIC
God Is Able (Ephesians 3:20-21) – God Is Able by Hillsong
Hosanna (2 Corinthians 4:18) – Saviour King by Hillsong
Unending Love (Romans 8:39) – God Is Able by Hillsong
In Christ Alone (Philippians 3:7-8a) – Original Arrangement
The Solid Rock (Psalm 18:2) – Original Arrangement
TEACHING: Foundation of Hope
In Romans 15, Paul prays that God’s people would “abound in hope.” What does that hope look like, and how can Christians find it in times of joy or times of trial? RBC’s Executive Pastor Ed Nalle teaches on the eternal hope of Christ Jesus.
CLICK HERE FOR THE AUDIO AND VIDEO
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
- How would you define “hope”? Does that definition fit your life?
- How can our foundation of hope help to create unity among the church?
- Read Psalm 27 and look for the various expressions of hope that David uses. Where else in Scripture is this kind of hope revealed?
- Take a moment to praise God for the blessings of fulfilled hope from this week or for His great gift of salvation.
Sunday Rewind | 8.26.12
MUSIC
O Worship the King (Psalm 145:9-10) – Hymns Ancient & Modern by Chris Tomlin (Passion)
How Great Thou Art (Psalm 145:3) – Hymns Ancient & Modern by Charlie Hall (Passion)
Your Love Never Fails (Romans 8:28) – Your Love Never Fails by Jesus Culture
Come Thou Fount (Psalm 16:11) – Original Arrangement
How Deep the Father’s Love for Us (Galatians 6:14) – Mission:Worship by Stuart Townend
TEACHING: Do Not Be Ashamed
Paul exhorted his protege Timothy to trust in the Lord enough to boldly and confidently proclaim the Gospel. As Christians, we must also not be ashamed to stand firmly on the truth.
CLICK HERE FOR THE AUDIO AND VIDEO
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
- How would you define “trust”?
- What kind of fears prevent you from sharing your faith with others or living a Christ-centered life?
- Do you have any “Pauls” in your life to encourage your Christian walk? Do you have any “Timothys”?
- Read and discuss 2 Timothy 4, which represents the last words of Paul recorded in Scripture. How do you think Paul’s “unashamed” ministry affected his legacy to Timothy, and to believers through the ages? What kind of legacy do you hope to leave?
Sunday Rewind | 8.19.12
As a way of bringing weekend worship services into your week, we’re introducing Sunday Rewind. These short blog posts will include the worship selections with scripture references and artist/album information from the past Sunday. In addition, we’ll include links to the teaching audio/video as well some questions from the sermon geared toward small group discussion or personal reflection.
MUSIC
Glorious (Psalm 111:2-3) – Everything Glorious by Chris Tomlin (Passion)
Majesty (Isaiah 53:5-6) – Majesty: The Worship EP by Leeland
With Us (Psalm 46:10-11a) – God Is Able by Hillsong
Unending Love (Romans 8:38-39) – God Is Able by Hillsong
How Great Is Your Faithfulness (Lamentations 3:22-23) – We Shall Not Be Shaken by Matt Redman
TEACHING: The World System: It’s Where You Live, Part 5
The world system is designed to lure believers into loving the world in such a way that they have no impact on the world. Jesus says we are to be in this world, but not of it. How do we being “in the world” reach those who are “of the world” without compromise? We must be tactfully inviting, intellectually stimulating and lovingly warning.
CLICK HERE FOR THE AUDIO AND VIDEO
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
- “The world system is designed to lure believers into loving the world in such a way that they have no impact on the world.” How have you seen and/or experienced this at work?
- Read and discuss John 17. What does this tell you about the nature of man? What does it tell us about God? What does it tell us about the world? What does it tell us about Jesus Christ?
- Why does Jesus pray that we not be taken out of the world?
- What temptations to compromise do we face when reaching out those who are “of the world”?
- In the context of your daily circles of influence, how can you be tactfully inviting, intellectually stimulating, and lovingly warning? Spend some time praying for those whom you could reach in these ways with the Gospel.