Calvary Chapel Reston Station, Reston, Va

Message #349 "Defining Move" - Acts 20:17-24 Sunday, November 11 2018 Last week we answered the question of is it such a battle to stay alert as we walk with Jesus? This week we’ll consider what Paul taught/modeled regarding not being moved by chains and tribulations. The primary question we’ll answer is how does understanding what Paul would not be moved from, both encourage and instruct us to follow his Christ-like example? James 1:22 encouragement- It’s often an unspoken expectation that Christians (especially those we perceive as mature) should not be moved or in any way shaken by difficult and painful trials. This creates an unbiblical, and therefore unhealthy, attitude towards expressions of grief or sadness in times of severe testing, loss, or suffering. Ever think you were a second class Christian because everyone else around you seems to breeze through tests and you’re struggling? Then join us in this week’s study to find a word of encouragement and biblical instruction in what the Bi

Message #348 "Be Flexible, Be Alert" part two - Acts 20:7-16 Sunday, November 4 2018 Last week we began studying Acts 20 and addressed the question of why do I need to be in flexible in following God's will? This week we'll zero in on verses 7 - 16 and answer the question of why is it such a battle to stay alert as we walk with Jesus? James 1:22 encouragement- Those who have served the Lord in any capacity learn quickly about the battles that accompany our service. Ministry is often times attended with various forms of difficulty: It may be a sense of loneliness and weariness (like Elijah); sometimes the willingness to walk with and serve Jesus is present, and yet we find our flesh is weak (like the disciples); other times the challenges come in the form of people influencing us away from God, and let's not forget our own hearts which can easily deceive us (like Sampson). You're invited to join us in this week's study on how to remain alert in our walk with Jesus! Related verses: Acts 18:23; 20:22, 24;

Message #347 "Be Flexible, Be Alert" part one - Acts 20:1-16 Sunday, October 28 2018 Last week we finished Acts 19 and answered two questions: why our relationship with Jesus is both private and public, and what should I see as my life grows in Christlikeness? This week we're beginning Acts chapter 20 and focusing our study on one question, "Why do I need to be in flexible in following God's will?" James 1:22 encouragement- There are times in our relationship with Jesus, where in the process of doing His will we experience the unexpected: change of plans, disappointments, opposition, adversity, even suffering and loss. How should we respond? Are you frustrated with how your plans to do God's will are getting delayed, redirected, interrupted, or altered? Then join us in this week's study on God's purpose in teaching us to be flexible in following His will! Related verses: Proverbs 16:9 Acts 19:21 Romans 15:25-28 Acts 20:2 2 Corinthians 8-9 1 Corinthians 16:1-7 1 Thessalonians 2:1-2 Acts 16:11-40 2 Th

Message #346 "If I Am Lifted Up" - Acts 19:22-41 Sunday, October 21 2018 Last week we studied Acts 19:21 using 2 Timothy 3:16-17 as a template to study it in depth. Our focus was how to see God's will and His timing in accomplishing His will, through the lens of His character. This week we'll study to understand why our relationship with Jesus is both private and public. We'll also tackle the question of what should I see as my life grows in Christlikeness? James 1:22 encouragement- Looking at the riot that occurs in Ephesus in response to the lives Jesus changed, we can see how there can be very different responses to the impact of the gospel in a community. Some are deeply transformed by God's grace, so much so it changes what they invest their time, talents, and treasures. Others see the radical changes as a threat to their own way of life apart from God. Need encouragement to grow in both your private and public worship of the Lord Jesu Christ, while developing biblical expectations to how people

Message #345 "The Will, the Timing, and the Character of God" - Acts 19:21 Sunday, October 14 2018 Previously, looked into a challenging portion of Scripture, where God worked miraculously through the Apostle Paul, and addressed questions regarding God's use of the miraculous, our biblical understanding of spiritual battles, and the evidence of salvation/the observable work of the Spirit that follows. This week we'll take a closer look at Acts 19:21, using 2 Timothy 3:16-17 as a template to study it in depth. James 1:22 encouragement- Often we as believers can get discouraged when God gives us a desire to do something and yet causes us to wait for its fulfillment. These can lead to unbiblical views of God that distort our perspective both of our circumstances and of Him. If that's where you are (or where someone you care for currently is in their walk with God), then study the Scriptures with us to learn how to see God's will and His timing in accomplishing His will, through the lens of His character.

Message #344 "The Love Which Passes Knowledge" - Acts 19:11-20 Sunday, October 7 2018 Previously, we studied in Acts 10:1-10, and examined Paul's perseverance in the challenging city of Ephesus. This week we'll dig into a challenging portion of Scripture, where God works miraculously through the Apostle Paul, and address the following: Why does God at times choose to use unusual miracles in response to man's faith in Him? Why is it critical we understand biblically the nature of the battle we entered when the Lord saved us? What should accompany salvation and what is an evidence of the work of the Holy Spirit in my life? James 1:22 encouragement- This study will help believers develop a biblical understanding and expectation of miracles and the purpose of God displaying His power in this manner. Need encouragement for the tests and challenges you are facing? Study with us to better understand the spiritual aspect of the battles we endure, and invest time to equip yourself in the word of God to help you st

Message #343 "The Promise of My Father" - Acts 19:1-10 Sunday, September 30 2018 Last week we learned more about Aquila and Priscilla, Apollos, and an instructive interaction between the Apostle Paul and disciples in Ephesus. We answered the following questions: Am I full of the Spirit? Am I growing in the truth? Am I growing into the true worshipper whom the Father is seeking to worship Him? This week we go deeper in Acts 10:1-10, and examine Paul's perseverance in the challenging city of Ephesus. How can we learn to persevere as Paul did? It's no secret, though our need for the promise of the Father is certainly an essential truth to lay hold of and experience constantly. What's the promise of the Father? Study along with us to find out or be refreshed in this awesome promise! James 1:22 encouragement- Our world tends to idolize self sufficiency while the Bible instructs is to grow in our dependence, trust, and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. Are you facing challenges that are leaving you frustrated an

Message #342 Called Alongside - Acts 18:19-19:7 Sunday, September 23 2018 Previously we studied the work of the Holy Spirit through Paul in Corinth and answered the question: what are God's tools for making my life and character more like Christ's? This week, we'll learn more about Aquila and Priscilla, Apollos, and an instructive interaction between the Apostle Paul and disciples in Ephesus. The questions we'll tackle are: Am I full of the Spirit? Am I growing in the truth? Am I growing into the true worshipper whom the Father is seeking to worship Him? James 1:22 encouragement- All true believers in the Lord Jesus Christ grow in grace and in the knowledge of Him. This implies we are learners, what Jesus described as disciples (Matthew 28:18-20). Whether it's growing in the breadth and accuracy of what the word of God teaches (as Apollo's did under Aquila and Priscilla's gracious instruction, see Acts 18:24-28). Or, learning and experiencing new things in Christ of which we were formerly ignorant (as

Message #341 "The Potter's Tools" - Acts 18:1-18 Sunday, September 16 2018 Previously we examined Paul's gospel declarations to the people of Athens and answered the question of what stirs my heart for the lost? This week, we'll dig into the work of the Holy Spirit through Paul in Corinth. We'll look at what went through the great apostle's thoughts and emotions as he left Athens to bring the gospel to the city of Corinth. The primary question that will guide our study this week is what are God's tools for making my life and character more like Christ's? James 1:22 encouragement- We can see modeled in Paul's life the fullness of the true Christian life: on the one hand there is joy at the work of God's hands in transforming lives; and on the other hand pain in the forms of beatings in Philippi, rejection in both Thessalonica and Berea, and indifference in Athens. How we need to take encouragement from the fact that God uses all these things in our lives for His glory and our good! Join us as we discover

Message #340 Guest Teacher Pastor Mark Ramirez of Calvary Chapel Fredericksburg - Romans 8:28 Sunday, September 9 2018 Join us as Pastor Mark teaches from Romans 8:28 encouraging the saints to continue on in our walk despite troubles and trials and challenging us to be all in with the Lord. Calvary Chapel Reston Station 1950 Isaac Newton Sq. Reston, VA 20195 (703) 834-8100 http://www.calvaryreston.org/

Message #339 "He Has Appointed a Day" - Acts 17:16-34 Sunday, September 2 2018 Previously we studied the Bereans and considered what Luke observed about these individuals that caused their names to be immortalized in the Scriptures. We were challenged and encouraged as we studied their attitude towards the Scriptures and their response to hearing the word of God. This week we'll examine Paul's gospel declarations to the people of Athens. The question we'll answer as we follow Paul is what stirs my heart for the lost? James 1:22 encouragement- All of us face fear as we seek to fulfill the Great Commission to share the good news of Jesus Christ with the lost. Prayerfully consider the practical applications in this study and ask God to increase our compassion for the lost and be our strength to obey even when we are afraid to talk with people about Jesus. Related verses: Exodus 7:7 1 Samuel 3 Matthew 9:36 Matthew 14:14 Luke 7:13 Luke 10:33 Luke 15:20 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 1 Corinthians 1:21-23 1 Corinthian

Message #338 "My Heart, God's Garden" - Acts 17:10-15 Sunday, August 26 2018 Previously we studied the prophecies concerning the Messiah's rising from the dead; we explored the significance of Jesus' resurrection and asked ourselves "how should we respond?" This week we will take a look at an exemplary group of people known as the Bereans. What did Luke observe about these individuals that caused their names to be immortalized in the Scriptures? Follow along as we learn from their attitude towards the Scriptures and their response to hearing the word of God. James 1:22 encouragement- Sometimes it's so easy to confuse listening to the Bible or sitting in a church service as a substitute for doing what the Bible says to do. This sermon challenges us to consider how we receive God's word. What is my attitude towards it? What is my response to it? This week, let's prayerfully examine our time in the Bible (or at a Bible study or church service) and see how God can help us to imitate the Bereans of Acts 1

Message #337 "Ought Not the Christ?" Part II - Acts 17:1-3 Sunday, August 19 2018 Previously we studied how Paul preached Jesus as the promised Messiah of the Scriptures. Specifically, the prophecies regarding the sufferings Messiah would endure and how Jesus fulfilled these prophecies. In this sermon we focus on the prophecies concerning the Messiah’s rising from the dead. As we do so, we’ll explore the significance of Jesus’ resurrection and ask ourselves “how should we respond?” James 1:22 encouragement- The resurrection of Jesus is the truth upon which all believer’s lives are built upon (1 Corinthians 15:1-28). Be encouraged to not only hear and learn of this truth, but also to ask God for help to live in the light of this truth. To live as those who now live in anticipation of the risen Savior’s return. How? Consider and prayerfully apply passages like 1 Peter 1, where in verse 3 we’re told of the living hope we’ve received through the resurrection of Jesus and the lifestyle Go

Message #336 Ought Not the Christ? - Acts 17:1-3 Sunday, August 12 2018 Previously we examined Paul's motive in enduring so many trials in obeying the great commission. We then examined our own motives in light of Paul's example. In this sermon, we will study how Paul preached Jesus as the promised Messiah of the Scriptures. Specifically, we'll study the prophecies regarding the sufferings Messiah would endure and how Jesus fulfilled these prophecies. James 1:22 encouragement- At times, we as believers are tempted to let go of the sense of awe and wonder at the sufferings Jesus endured. Our familiarity with Jesus' sufferings can become disconnected from why Jesus endured these things. This study encourages us to study why Jesus suffered for us; and how understanding His sufferings better can translate into the transformation of our lives. Are you currently facing suffering, and struggle to know how God would have you respond? Maybe you need encouragement due to losing hope in the midst of the pain you

Message #335 The Blood of Jesus Christ - Chris Koprivec Sunday, August 8 2018 Guest teacher Chris Koprivec, who is an elder at Calvary Chapel Williamsburg (https://calvarycw.org/), teaches this morning with a sermon titled "The Blood of Jesus Christ" Text: various, focused on the 5 W's; Who, What, When, Where, Why of it Key bible verse: Leviticus 17:11 For the life of the flesh is in the blood: and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls: for it is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul. Calvary Chapel Reston Station 1950 Isaac Newton Sq. Reston, VA 20195 (703) 834-8100 http://www.calvaryreston.org/

Message #334 "What Is The First and Great Commandment?" - Acts 17:1-9 Sunday, July 29 2018 Having departed from the newly planted church of Philippi in the house of Lydia, the team arrives in Thessalonica. In this sermon, we'll examine the motives of Paul in enduring so many trials in obedience to fulfilling the Great Commission. In examining Paul's motives we will then consider our own motives in our pursuit of Jesus by answering these questions: What fuels my relationship with Jesus Christ? Why does it matter? James 1:22 encouragement- So often we as disciples of Jesus can experience the temptation to see the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20) as an unbearable burden and not a stewardship we're entrusted with; or as a responsibility we're obligated to perform and not an opportunity to express our love in gratitude for God's grace; or maybe we're tempted to see the lost as projects to be completed, and not people to be loved as Jesus did (John 3:16). Maybe you're discouraged because of the negative

Message #333 "When to Take a Stand, and How to Help Others Understand" - Acts 16:35-17:4 Sunday, July 22 2018 The team of Paul, Silas, Timothy, and doctor Luke had travelled to churches established in the first missionary trip to encourage them, then were directed by the Holy Spirit to preach the Gospel in yet unreached areas. After being beaten and imprisoned, God miraculously delivers Paul and Silas and saves the jailer and his household. Following these events, we examine Paul's exit from Philippi and answer the question: When should I as a believer take a stand? Next week we'll start into Acts 17, and learn how we can help others understand the Gospel, including ways to use various tools to get the most out of your personal Bible study. James 1:22 encouragement- Are you facing a situation where you are tempted to react in a way that would misrepresent your relationship with Jesus? Maybe it's a workplace difficulty, or you're being ridiculed or insulted for your love for Jesus. Study this passage w

Message #332 SUMMER MISSIONS TRIP REPORT Sunday, July 15 2018 Our Missions Team shares on the trip to Haiti! The primary purpose of the trip was to strengthen our relationships with our fellow believers in Haiti, and from these relationships see God create opportunities (both present and future) for us to serve the Lord, one another, and spread the Gospel with our Haitian family. Special thanks to our ministry partners, Stone of Help Haiti (SOHH) http://stoneofhelpministry.org/ and the Centre Chretien Mont Des Oliviers network of churches SOHH serves. Calvary Chapel Reston Station 1950 Isaac Newton Sq. Reston, VA 20195 (703) 834-8100 http://www.calvaryreston.org/

Message #331 "Instructions For Corporate Prayer" - 1 Timothy 2:1-7 Sunday, July 8 2018 Guest Teacher Jesse Wallace of The City Gates Church http://thecitygateschurch.com This book has a lot to say to any person in ministry or aspiring to be in ministry. It's also an invaluable resource to those already serving in a leadership capacity in the local church. Paul's practical advice can help a church or minister to stay on course and fulfill the calling that God has on their lives but it can also help someone who has veered off course to return to what a New Testament church can be. Paul in Chapter 2 is giving instruction to Timothy on how they are to pray in the service as they gather corporately to worship. Paul in 1 Tim. 2:1 tells Timothy to first of all pray for all men. In 1 Tim. 2:2 Paul says more specifically for men in authority. In 1 Tim. 2:3-4 Paul gives us the goal of praying for all men and those in authority, that they would be saved. Lastly in 1 Tim. 2:5-7 Paul tells us how they must be sav

Message #330 "For This Reason" - Acts 16:16-34 Sunday, July 1 2018 In this sermon, we observe Paul, Silas, Timothy, and Luke experience suffering for being obedient to the Lord. God shows us through the lives of these disciples how He redeems our sufferings so that others are drawn to Jesus. And we tackle two questions: Is Jesus worthy of my obedience, even when it's tough? Is Jesus worthy of my prayers and my worship, even when I suffer for obeying His will? James 1:22 encouragement - Prayerfully consider any challenges/difficulties you are experiencing as you are pursuing God's will and endeavoring to obey His word. Ask God for His wisdom in how to be faithful and how to glorify Jesus, while patiently enduring this present suffering. See 1 Peter 2:18-25, and James 1:2-8, 12-20. Also 1 Peter 3:7-17, Romans 5:1-8, and 2 Timothy 1:6-12. Related verses: Acts 16:12-15 John 14:1-6 Mark 1:21-26, 32-34 Luke 4:33-36, 41 Luke 4:18-21 Matthew 10:16-22 Acts 9:15 Acts 16:19-24 Joshua 6:20 Joshua 2:15 1 Corinth