The Rock Church

Church is Essential

There has been a suicide prevention campaign happening in our city recently. One billboard in particular caught my attention. It shows a group of people gathered in a circle, holding hands. The caption reads, “This is suicide prevention.” Our secular world knows something that God’s Word has been communicating for millennia. Over the last eight months, we have all seen the discouraging statistics on mental health, substance abuse, relational challenges, etc.   

God’s Word clearly communicates it is essential for people to be in regular fellowship with others for their mental, emotional and spiritual health.

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Restoration Projects

“And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you”— 1 Peter 5:10.

During last month’s windstorm, my wheelbarrow blew over and the handle snapped off as it hit the ground. A wheelbarrow with a missing handle is not that useful. I was about to throw it away when it occurred to me that I could replace the broken handle. I went to the local hardware store and, low and behold, they sold replacement handles. So, I bought two and my son, Mclane, and I started on the project. We disassembled the entire wheelbarrow, replaced the handles and put it back together. It was a fun project. I enjoyed working with my son and I saved some money (two handles are cheaper than one new wheelbarrow).

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Night Sky

Recently, my son and I had a chance to go camping with some friends for a few days. Anytime I get to go camping, looking up at the night sky is always a big highlight for me. Two of the nights we were there were no exception.

In the city, there are a fair amount of street lights, etc., so it’s sometimes difficult to see the night sky in all of its glory. However, camping in the middle of nowhere, you see it all — the planets, Milky Way galaxy, constellations, satellites and a few shooting stars.

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The Beast

“… for God has put it into their hearts to carry out his purpose by being of one mind and handing over their royal power to the beast, until the words of God are fulfilled.” — Revelation 17:17

I have been reading The Revelation of Jesus Christ for the last three months and have thoroughly enjoyed it. So many encouraging and challenging passages. I was particularly encouraged by the verse above — let me explain.

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A King of Their Own Creation + What’s Happening

Recently, during one of our weekend services, we looked at The Triumphant Entry in Mark 11. The Jewish people had their own timeline for when the Messiah should save them from the Romans. They tried making a King of their own creation.

Likewise, we can do the same thing, right? We have our own timeline for how we want life to return to normal. It can be easy to get angry — even at the King — when things don’t go the way we want them to during this time. 

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

The Roar of the Crowd

“Then I heard what seemed to be the voice of a great multitude, like the roar of many waters and like the sound of mighty peals of thunder, crying out, “Hallelujah! For the Lord our God the Almighty reigns…” — Revelation 19:6

I have been reading the Revelation of Jesus Christ for the last month; it has personally encouraged and challenged me. Recently, I read the above verse. Can you imagine that moment? The history of our planet is winding down. God is about to usher in the new heavens and earth. A great multitude of Believers from all of human history is gathered together worshiping God. 

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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. 

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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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Tele-churching

Hello, Church ~

Unprecedented times we are living in. CDC recommendations regarding no large gatherings and talk of quarantines and travel restrictions. There is much wisdom in following these recommendations. With that said, how do we as Christians, continue to obey Hebrews 10:23-25?

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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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