The Rock Church

Election Day

The election is less than two weeks away (November 5). Earlier this year, we took six weeks to study what the Bible teaches about politics in our King Jesus series. We specifically covered several important lessons during that time. Here are a few significant reminders as we approach election day. 

• First, if you aren’t registered to vote, please register before Friday, October 25. 

It says in Jeremiah 29:7, “But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare.” More Christians voting biblically is a significant way we can bring good to our city, state, and country. 

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The Mercy Seat Connection

Recently, a sister in our church pointed out something rather remarkable to me. There is an obvious  connection between the Mercy Seat found in the Old and New Testaments.

The Ark of the Covenant was in the Old Testament Jewish tabernacle/temple. (You might remember it from Raiders of the Lost Ark). The Ark of the Covenant was a chest that contained The Ten Commandments, a pot of manna, and Aaron’s staff. On the top of it was the Mercy Seat. This was, in fact, where God’s presence dwelled. The priests sprinkled the sacrificial blood there, and He gave mankind mercy. 

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Musings on Miracles

“Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.” — John 20:30-31

What is a miracle? One dictionary defines a miracle as an event that is an addition to the established laws of nature and attributed to God.

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Fuses and Friends

“So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us.” — 1 Thessalonians 2:8

Last July, several of us went to Faithcamp in Alamosa, Colorado. It was a fantastic four-day conference, and we definitely had an encouraging time. Very tired, we started the nine-hour car trip back to Utah early on Sunday morning.

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Divine Appointments

“And the Spirit said to Philip, “Go over and join this chariot.” So Philip ran to him and heard him reading Isaiah the prophet and asked, “Do you understand what you are reading?” And he said, “How can I, unless someone guides me?” And he invited Philip to come up and sit with him.” — Acts 8:29-31

Last year, I took my family to a popular ice cream shop in Logan. The store was particularly busy, and the line snaked out of the shop. I grabbed a bench outside, and Krista and the kids got in line. As I sat, I noticed another dad claim a nearby seat as his family also got in line.

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Strength to Weather the Storm + What’s Happening

I have a thought for you from the book of Ruth. Ruth’s mother-in-law, Naomi, experienced tragedy after tragedy. But, Naomi insightfully understood that everything that happened in her life was from the hand of the Lord. This gave her strength in the midst of tragedy. 

As Christians, we need to understand that God is in control of both the good things and the troubles that are in our lives. That should give us the strength we need to weather the trials and storms that come. 

Posted in A Word from the Pastor, News by The Rock Church

Difficulties are Food for Faith to Feed on

In the middle of trials, are you seeing the opportunity for your faith to grow? As George Mueller put it, “difficulties are food for faith to feed on.” 

Hebrews 11:1 says that, “faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” Faith takes future realities and brings them into our present realities. It is a rock-solid confidence in God’s Word — even in the midst of difficulties. 

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Freedom From the Fear of Death + What’s Happening

It’s easy to see all that is happening in our world and be fearful. But, our hope is in God. Our Lord has given us freedom. 

Christian, we don’t have to fear. Jesus has the power to set free all who have lived their lives as slaves to the fear of dying. We have the opportunity to live out that freedom, right now.

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Jesus Was Fully Man

Christmas — what an amazing time of the year!

Not only do we celebrate the fact that the God of the Universe chose to enter His creation (Immanuel means “God with us!”), but the New Testament presents an equally mind blowing fact. Jesus was fully man. Can you imagine that?

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Recidivism

Recidivism is the rate at which a criminal offender returns to prison. One study found that within five years of release, 77% of released prisoners were rearrested. I recently had a conversation with a corrections officer who told me a similar statistic. He estimated the recidivism rate at the place he worked was 90%! The annual cost of incarcerating a prisoner in Utah is nearly $30,000. So, this is a big deal. This corrections officer said that the sad joke as the released prisoners left, was that they would see them again!

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