The Rock Church

Memorize It

“I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.” — Psalm 119:11

Over the last few months, I’ve helped my kids memorize the Ten Commandments and the Apostles’ Creed. I tried to mix it up so it wasn’t mechanical and repetitive; I wanted to make it fun for them. I’ve been amazed by how quickly and easily they’ve memorized both of them! It was a testament to how much the human mind can absorb (and retain) when we have the goal of memorizing. In fact, I know people who have memorized whole chapters (and even books) of the Bible! They read it out loud over and over. They remember little bits at a time until they reach their goal.

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Perfectly Orchestrated

I’m fascinated by the story about Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch (Acts 8:26-40). An angel directed Philip to a certain road and chariot (that was passing by). One of the Ethiopian Queen’s court officials was in the chariot. He had returned from worship in Jerusalem. While he rode, he read the scroll of Isaiah out loud. 

Philip ran to him and asked, “Do you understand what you’re reading?” The official replied, “How can I, unless someone guides me?” He invited Philip to sit with him. Philip then explained the Good News of Jesus Christ. The official saw some water and wanted to get baptized. As soon as Philip baptized him, the Bible tells us, “the Spirit of the Lord carried Philip away, and the eunuch saw him no more, and went on his way rejoicing.”

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Miracles of God

In a recent sermon of mine, I mentioned four of my favorite displays of God’s power (found in the Old Testament). They were: Creation, the Flood, parting the Red Sea, and making the sun stand still. 

I’ve had a good time going through Jesus’ New Testament miracles, relating them to miraculous events in the Old Testament. There are a lot of similarities between His miracles and those found in the Old Testament. One thing that has undeniably stood out to me, is how personal all of Jesus’ miracles were. 

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Wisdom Calling

Our Small Group is reading a book called “Knowing God” by J.I. Packer. In a chapter entitled, “God’s Wisdom and Ours”, Packer uses two examples to explain what God’s gift of wisdom is and what God’s gift of wisdom is not. He relates it to being taught how to drive. He says, 

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Justice

God does not turn a blind eye to injustice. To my shame, I can wrongly assume that if justice isn’t served immediately, justice won’t be served at all. As a result, I mistake God’s grace or patience as “looking the other way” when a sin is committed against Him or His creation. I am wrong. God does not “look the other way” when we sin or are sinned against. He doesn’t let anything slip through the cracks. Surely, there is no statute of limitations with God. 

Next time you question His goodness (or His seemingly slow timing) remember this. God is our judge; we are not His. Indeed, it is sinful for us to judge Him. He is slow to anger, but this does not mean He will let sin and evil prevail.

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God’s Judgment

When we think of Noah and the Ark, we imagine a coloring book page of a boat (with a happy Noah and happy animals), lots of primary colors and blue skies. However, this is not at all how it would have been. Everything about this event would have been surprising, terrifying and devastating. Most theologians believe this was the first-time rain had ever fallen on the earth. The experience of water coming from the heavens (and bursting forth from the ground) would have been a surprise, to say the least. People never had to seek shelter from rain before that day.

Imagine yourself living during that time. Unstoppable water rushed everywhere. It was terrifying as it consumed everything in its path. Heavy debris and trees crushed and pinned anything and anyone. People screamed for their loved ones as homes and other structures broke apart. As a result, there was no escape, no safe place to go — except the Ark. The giant boat the “crazy” preacher had been building for 120 years. Noah had said it was going to happen. 

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Long Shot

When my co-worker asked me if I’d be interested in helping him with electrical work for a church remodel, my first thought was that it was a long shot. Why? Because the church was in Hawaii! My co-worker (who is also a Christian) is good friends with the pastor of the Hawaiian church. 

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Darkness

“Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence? If I ascend to heaven, you are there! If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there!” — Psalm 139:7-8

Years ago, I worked in an underground mine. When we were done with the job each day, my co-workers took the buggy (side by side) up to the surface and unloaded some of our tools — they needed to make room for me. So, for about half an hour, I was alone (with nearly a mile of earth above me). 

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You and God

Think about this for a few minutes, Christian. God has been waiting for (and looking forward to) relationship with you since before the foundations of the earth. 

In other words, God’s desire for relationship with you is older than the stone that David killed Goliath with. It’s older than the mountain that Noah’s Ark came to rest on. It’s older than any dinosaur bone and older than anything in the periodic table of elements. In fact, God’s desire for relationship with you is older than the dust that Adam was created out of. You have access to this incredible relationship with God through His Holy Spirit, who lives in you.

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Fellowship

On Labor Day, an old friend invited me to go to a BBQ at his house. I hadn’t seen him in years and he told me a few of our old friends were going to be there. I decided to go and catch up. It was great to be with people that I’d experienced so much of my young adult life with; after a few minutes of small talk, it was totally natural to be with them again. We spent five hours standing around the kitchen eating, laughing and reminiscing about the stuff we used to do together. I drove home that night with a smile on my face, thinking about how intertwined our lives used to be and one word kept coming to my mind. Fellowship. 

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