It can be hard to make the time to go to a women’s conference. There are so many demands on our time….places to go, people to see and things to do. Oftentimes, we just want to stay home, rather than try something new. We can struggle with insecurities like, “What if I don’t know anyone?”, “What if I don’t like the speaker?” or “Is it really going to be worth my time?”
“… when I came to you, brothers, did not come proclaiming to you the testimony of God with lofty speech or wisdom. For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.” — 1 Corinthians 2:1-12
This week is Holy Week. It’s an extremely significant time. More than any other week of the year, we reflect on the death, burial and resurrection of our Lord and Savior. The event we are remembering this week is the center of Christianity. It is the crux of our faith and hope of our salvation. It is what differentiates Christianity from all other world religions. The entire message of the Old Testament culminated on the Cross. The entire New Testament (and beyond) was fueled by the empty tomb.
The last week of Jesus’ life changed the world. Imagine the contrast of emotions that His disciples experienced during the final days before His death. Join us this Easter as we experience a unique, two-week journey, that will take us from darkness to light and from death to life! April 13/14 and April 20/21 (Saturday 6:00 p.m., Sunday 9:30 & 11:15 a.m.).
He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.” —Mark 16:15
Will you take a moment today and pray that God would strengthen you to be more faithful to share your faith?
This past week, six of your pastors from The Rock Church, went to a pastor’s conference in Indianapolis. For three days, we heard from many amazing preachers; they came together to teach on one central them — Evangelism. One sermon after another, we were charged and reminded why we should never neglect the incredible power there is in telling others about Jesus. I was filled with so many reasons why we MUST be people who share our faith. I’d like to share a few with you.
Have you ever taken a moment to consider the difference a church can make? I like to think about the church’s influence in terms of widening ripples in a pond. It starts with an individual who walks through the doors as a stranger to Jesus — and walks out a new creation in Christ. The ripples widen as their family visits the next week. Soon, the church has grown in size and influence in the community. It becomes an anchor that changes the lives of not just those who attend each week but also those who benefit from the love the church lavishes on those around them. By being the hands and feet of Jesus, the local church becomes not an institution but a family, a safe place where people can grow in faith and support one another through the ups-and-downs of life.
“They worshipped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity — all the while praying God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved.” — Acts 2:46-47
This formula for living (as Luke writes in Acts) is not any different than how we should live our lives today. Go to church on the weekend, share communion together, hang out after church, be in Small Groups, be generous to the community around us and to those within our church body. God will use these times to give us opportunities where we can share our stories and the love of Jesus. He will then save those around us!
I was cleaning out the basement a few weeks ago and ran across an old journal. From the few pages I read, it would seem that all I ever did back in 2007 was think about Jesus, talk about Jesus, read about Jesus and write about Jesus. There was a lot of good going on in my life back then. I had just married Ashley, I was a first-year apprentice electrician, I was cranking through the Bible, deciding where I stood on heavy, theological positions, writing down prayers, leading people to Christ and playing in one of the worship bands at The Rock Church.
One thing that stuck out to me in that old journal was a prayer that I had written down. It was for a co-worker named Joe. I prayed that God would save his marriage, reveal Himself to Joe and that Joe would become a Christian. I didn’t even know Joe all that well; I don’t remember praying for him. It took me by surprise to see how full of faith I was back then! I hate to say it, but I don’t pray for all of my co-workers like that anymore. Seeing that journal kind of knocked me back on my heels. It made me feel ashamed that I’m not doing as many things for the Lord as I used to.
I want to give a heartfelt thank you to everyone who volunteered and participated in our Missions Gala. It was a huge success in so many ways. Not only did we reach our goal of raising over $20,000 (specifically for our missions), but God went above and beyond our expectations. He revealed Himself in so many ways — both in and through the people of The Rock Church.
I have been thinking about and meditating on this verse a lot lately. I saw it in action during the preparation for and participation in our Missions Gala.
I am so proud. I don’t want to be. Sometimes I don’t mean to be. But, if I’m honest with my heart, I am so proud. More often than not, I feel like I’m right or I’m entitled to something I desire. Many times, I find myself drifting into thoughts like, “If it were up to me I would….”
Have you ever slowed down enough to examine your own heart and the areas of pride you might be holding onto? Ask yourself and the Holy Spirit, “Where in my life is there un-checked pride?” Ask your closest friends, family or spouse, “Do you sense pride in me, and if so, where?”
As women who strive to follow Christ in our increasingly broken world, God wants us to look, feel and act differently than the culture around us. At the same time, God has made each one of us unique and calls us to walk closely with Him on this faith-filled journey.
