The supernatural world is very real. In Mark (5:1-20) we get to witness the power and love of Jesus on full display; He seeks out and completely delivers a man bound by a “legion” of demons. We learn from our Lord how to deal with demons and spiritual forces that would seek to destroy us (John 10:10).
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“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” (Genesis 1:1)
I was recently driving with my family and we saw the most vibrant and amazing rainbow we’ve ever seen. Actually, it was a double rainbow, cascading against the mountains with colors so brilliant and majestic that it was literally breathtaking. In awe, we lingered at the stop light, trying to take pictures.
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I don’t know about you, but in the midst of marshmallow Peeps, chocolate bunnies, jellybeans and Reese’s Peanut Butter Eggs, Easter 2019 was a blessing to my life! More than the delicious Easter candy, however, it was through our two-week Death to Life series, that God reminded me of why Jesus had to die and why the Resurrection gives us tremendous hope.
I was also truly amazed that we had over 1,670 people attend our services this past weekend (including the Sonrise Service). This is the highest weekend attendance in The Rock’s history (as far as I can tell). Wow! Over the past two weeks, we’ve had at least 25 people repent and pray to receive Jesus and 31 dear saints got baptized. God was so kind to bring us so many new visitors; people got to worship Jesus, hear a clear presentation of the Gospel and see many expressions of faith through baptisms. Everyone who came through our doors was loved on by the wonderful saints at The Rock Church.
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“But we had to celebrate and be glad….” — Luke 15:32a
I’ve recently been reading the Old Testament and it made me realize the importance of throwing a party. Really! Listen to these verses:
“Celebrate this as a festival to the Lord for seven days each year. This is to be a lasting ordinance for the generations to come; celebrate it in the seventh month.” — Leviticus 23:41
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A few years ago, during the weeks leading up to Christmas, the presents under our tree were beginning to stack up. As a rule, we never put ALL the presents out early — we always hold back some for the special reveal on Christmas morning. After one of my wife’s gift-wrapping marathons, our youngest boy hugged her and said, “Thanks for not putting all the presents under the tree, Mom.” You see, he wanted to be surprised on Christmas morning!
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“The reality however, is found in Christ.” — Colossians 2:17b
According to Webster’s Dictionary the definition of reality is, “The world or the state of things as they actually exist, as opposed to that which is merely imaginary.”
I’ve been meditating on three realities about how awesome Jesus is; they have motivated me to want to share them with others.
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During my final teaching of our David series, I talked about the amazing love of God. It made me think about, dwell on, how much God loves me. It says in 2 Thessalonians 3:5, “May the Lord direct your hearts into God’s love and Christ’s perseverance.” God gave me two thoughts regarding this verse.
First, my heart can be directed. And second, it should be aimed toward the fact that God loves me. Seems simple, doesn’t it? But, somehow, it was profound for me. I’ve tried to lead my heart into this amazing truth. One way I’ve found to do this is to take time to review Bible verses on God’s love. Even singing hymns and songs about His love during my morning quiet times has been so good.
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“The Lord sustains them on their sickbed and restores them from their bed of illness.” — Psalm 41:3
Evidently “Tis the season… to be sick!” I’ve heard of a lot of people being hit with the crud these past few months – including some of our pastors.
I thought I had dodged a bullet. But, I ended up going “down” hard and have been battling the bug for the past few weeks. It started with drainage and cold symptoms. Then on to feeling yucky and massive runny nose. Finally, a sinus and ear infection (with dizziness that made me throw up, just for kicks)! After two rounds of antibiotics, I’m starting to feel better.
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“Then they took what Micah had made, and his priest, and went on to Laish, against a people at peace and secure. They attacked them with the sword and burned down their city. There was no one to rescue them because they lived a long way from Sidon and had no relationship with anyone else.” — Judges 18:27-28
It’s dangerous to be alone.
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“Paul and his companions traveled throughout the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been kept by the Holy Spirit from preaching the word in the province of Asia. When they came to the border of Mysia, they tried to enter Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus would not allow them to. So they passed by Mysia and went down to Troas. During the night Paul had a vision of a man of Macedonia standing and begging him, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.” After Paul had seen the vision, we got ready at once to leave for Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them.” — Acts 16:6-10 (NIV84)
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