As you may know, the Utah House has overturned Salt Lake and Summit County mask mandates, effective immediately. The Utah House voted 45-29 (Friday morning) to end the locally-imposed COVID-19 mask mandates in Salt Lake and Summit counties.
Accordingly, we will continue to leave the decision to wear a mask (or not) to your own good judgment. We will have masks available for anyone who would like one.
“Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego answered and said to the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. 17 If this be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of your hand, O king. 18 But if not, be it known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up.” — Daniel 3:16-18
You remember the scene? Babylonian King Nebuchadnezzar made a statue 90 feet high. Then, he gathered all of his officials (including these three, faithful men). He told everyone to bow down and worship his golden image. In fact, it was a capital crime not to worship the idol. And famously, these men did not. Undeniably, their response to the king was remarkable for three reasons.
Three Remarkable Reasons
First of all, they didn’t feel a need to justify themselves to the king. (“…we have no need to answer you in this matter.”)
Secondly, they knew God could save them. They just didn’t know if God would save them. What fantastic faith!
Thirdly, (and maybe the most remarkable statement of all from these men) “But if not.” Essentially, even if God doesn’t save us, we will still not bow down and worship your idol.
Think about that. Those three men submitted their plans to God’s plan. Even if God’s plan was for them to suffer a horrific death by immolation (being burned alive).
What a challenge for us. How much of my obedience to God is linked to Him following my plans for my life? By contrast, those three men obeyed God, without knowing if He was going to save them. “But if not.” May we all obey God — not because He follows our plans, but because of who He is!
The Rock Pastors spent four hours (of heartfelt discussion) regarding our response and responsibility to the Salt Lake County Health Department’s 30-day public health order (order #2022-01) regarding COVID-19 mask mandates.
This is a challenging issue, to say the least. But, this is what the pastors have decided will apply to our Rock Church services:
“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” — Genesis 1:1
I love starting a new year reading in Genesis! The Creation story certainly affirms my faith and always excites me.
I remember taking a drive with my family years ago. While in the car, we saw the most amazing rainbow I’ve ever seen. Actually, it was a double rainbow, cascading against the Wasatch Mountains. The colors were brilliant. They absolutely surpassed my imagination. In awe, we pulled our car off the road a bit, got out and just stared.
When we got ready to leave, we noticed dozens of cars had pulled off the road to park (just like us). Other awestruck people had their cameras out, all marveling at the incredible sight. I was reminded of Psalm 19:1, “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands.”
Glory to the Lord
Just looking at God’s Creation (observing a rainbow He made) somehow gives glory to the Lord. There is an inaudible voice declaring, proclaiming, communicating and explaining to us that God is awesome. He is glorious. That rainbow was a shout to the world from God. “Hey, I’m here — I created this earth, and I will also judge it!” Our universe didn’t just happen by itself. Rainbows are a reminder of that fact.
We need to spend time learning, observing and seeking the truth found within the Creation. Our reality is simple. God created it all. Simply put, as we observe His handiwork, our awe of God will grow and we will glorify Him with our lips.
Is God’s Creation glorious? The heavens eternally declare, “Yes!” For this reason, may we see and declare the glory of God this week, as we observe all that He has made.
We are aware that yesterday, the Salt Lake County Health Department issued a 30-day public health order (order #2022-01) requiring people in Salt Lake County to wear masks, regardless of vaccination status or past COVID-19 infection.
Because of the late notice of this order, The Rock Church will simply encourage – but not require – the wearing of masks this weekend. We will also not enforce mask wearing, but leave this decision to your own good judgment. We will have masks available for anyone who wants one.
“Therefore, holy brothers, you who share in a heavenly calling, consider Jesus, the Apostle and High Priest of our confession, 2 who was faithful to [God] who appointed Him.” Hebrews 3:1-2a
The first century Jewish Christians suffered for their faith. In the face of their persecution, those weary Saints were tempted to abandon Christianity. The author of Hebrews wrote this expansive book to teach them why they should “Consider Jesus.” Two thousand years later, the words and truths in Hebrews are relevant for our lives today.
A new year is upon us. For many, it’s a time for assessment, introspection and resolutions. A lot of this personal analysis can be boiled down to re-evaluating two questions: “What is my purpose?” and “How do I fulfill that purpose?”
I believe the answer to those two questions is found in the Great Commandment (Matthew 22). Jesus said the greatest commandment of the law was (vs 37-38), “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment.”
“But as [Joseph] considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” — Matthew 1:20-21
Jesus will save His people from their sins. That might be the greatest statement anyone has ever made. Indeed, we remember this fact as we celebrate Christmas!
In the Parable of the Talent, a master gave three of his servants a set amount of money. He asked them to manage it (according to their abilities) while he was on a journey. When the master returned, he asked for an account of what they did with their talents. Each servant was judged accordingly.
I’ve read this parable before and focused simply on the talent. I mainly related it to what we are to do with our God-given, natural abilities. Recently, I began to think about it more carefully.
There will be three Christmas Eve Services for you to pick from on December 24 (5/6/7:00 p.m.). Be sure to invite your friends and family to this special night. Childcare will be limited to Nursery (0-2 years old) and Toddlers (2-3 years old).
Holiday Schedule for Weekend Services
The upcoming holidays are bringing some changes to a few of our weekend services. Please make note of the changes so we don’t miss you. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
December 24: Christmas Eve Services at 5/6/7:00 p.m.
December 25: (Christmas): No Saturday Night Service
December 26: No Sunday Services
January 1: (New Year’s Day): No Saturday Night Service
January 2: Yes, there will be regular Sunday Services (9:30 & 11:15 a.m.)
