The Rock Church

“But if not”

“Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego answered and said to the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. 17 If this be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of your hand, O king. 18 But if not, be it known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up.” — Daniel 3:16-18

You remember the scene? Babylonian King Nebuchadnezzar made a statue 90 feet high. Then, he gathered all of his officials (including these three, faithful men). He told everyone to bow down and worship his golden image. In fact, it was a capital crime not to worship the idol. And famously, these men did not. Undeniably, their response to the king was remarkable for three reasons.

Three Remarkable Reasons

• First of all, they didn’t feel a need to justify themselves to the king. (“…we have no need to answer you in this matter.”)

• Secondly, they knew God could save them. They just didn’t know if God would save them.  What fantastic faith! 

• Thirdly, (and maybe the most remarkable statement of all from these men) “But if not.”  Essentially, even if God doesn’t save us, we will still not bow down and worship your idol. 

Think about that. Those three men submitted their plans to God’s plan. Even if God’s plan was for them to suffer a horrific death by immolation (being burned alive). 

What a challenge for us. How much of my obedience to God is linked to Him following my plans for my life? By contrast, those three men obeyed God, without knowing if He was going to save them. “But if not.” May we all obey God — not because He follows our plans, but because of who He is!

Convicted,

 
Josh

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Greatest Statement Ever

“But as [Joseph] considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” — Matthew 1:20-21

Jesus will save His people from their sins. That might be the greatest statement anyone has ever made. Indeed, we remember this fact as we celebrate Christmas!

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A Worldview Assessment

“See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ.” — Colossians 2:8

A few weeks ago, The Rock pastors attended the M28 Alliance Pastor’s Conference. While there, we visited the Creation Museum and Ark Encounter in Kentucky. The exhibits, presentations, conversations and fellowship were great!

One of the exhibits at the museum was on ultimate questions (or worldview questions). A topic we recently covered at church. These questions cover topics of existence, meaning, morality and destiny. 

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Radio Silence

“Therefore we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it.” — Hebrews 2:1

What’s the opposite of paying attention? It’s being distracted. It’s not listening carefully. When I’m working on an important project, I turn off distractions. I need to pay attention.

Admittedly, we live in an age of distractions. They make it difficult to connect with the people in front of us and also the Lord! Because of that, I made a decision ten months ago, to stop listening to the radio.

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Drought, Rain and Prayer

“The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working. Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed fervently that it might not rain, and for three years and six months it did not rain on the earth. Then he prayed again, and heaven gave rain, and the earth bore its fruit.” — James 5:16b-18

Utah is experiencing a severe drought. In fact, 88% of our state is under extreme drought conditions. Due to this, back in June, Governor Cox said, “Because there is power in prayer, we are asking all of you and your congregations to join us in a weekend of prayer this coming weekend, June 4-6.” (On a side note, when I mentioned the governor’s prayer request to pastors in other states, they found it remarkable.) 

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250 Years of Marriage

“Keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us”— Philippians 3:17b

A few weeks ago, we had the opportunity to celebrate Krista’s (my wife) parent’s 50^th wedding anniversary. There were siblings, parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, nephews, nieces, friends, visitors, well-wishers and distant relations. Naturally, we had a blast! As we celebrated their anniversary, we talked about fond memories, laughed and honored what the Lord had done in their marriage.

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God’s Great Mercy

“O my God, incline your ear and hear. Open your eyes and see our desolations, and the city that is called by your name. For we do not present our pleas before you because of our righteousness, but because of your great mercy.” — Daniel 9:18

In Daniel’s wonderful prayer in Chapter 9, he prays based on God’s character and God’s interests. Daniel petitions God, not because of the Israelite’s righteousness, but because of God’s great mercy.

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God’s Truth

We need God’s truth.

“We have not listened to your servants the prophets, who spoke in your name to our kings, our princes, and our fathers, and to all the people of the land.” — Daniel 9:6

Last week, while shopping, I noticed the clerk wore a shirt that had “Love is Love” printed on it. I have seen that saying everywhere. If time had allowed, I might have respectfully asked, “What do you mean by love is love?” However, there was a long line of customers waiting to check out and it wasn’t the right time. I can guess, though, he would have said something about the “freedom to love who you want to love, including sexually.”

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Impeccable Manners

“Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life” — Philippians 2:14

A few weeks ago, my wife had a great idea. As an end of the year “thank you” gift, she baked a plate of cookies for our older son’s school bus driver. She sent the cookies with Kael and Aiden in the morning. Later that afternoon, they came home with a note from their bus driver:

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“You’re already dead.”

“Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. If anyone serves me, he must follow me; and where I am, there will my servant be also. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him.” — John 12:24-26

Recently, I watched a World War II movie which had the following dialogue between two characters:

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