The Rock Church

Prepare for Suffering

“Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and for ten days you will have tribulation. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.” — Revelation 2:10

Last year, at a pastor’s conference, we watched the Tortured for Christ movie. This powerful film told the story of pastor Richard Wurmbrand (1909-2001). He was a Romanian pastor who endured 14 years of Communist imprisonment and suffering for his faith. The torture scenes made the movie difficult to watch. However, his courage and example were astonishing.

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Suddenly

“For you yourselves are fully aware that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. While people are saying, “There is peace and security,” then sudden destruction will come upon them as labor pains come upon a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. But you are not in darkness, brothers, for that day to surprise you like a thief.” — 1 Thessalonians 5:2

My son, Aiden, has his learner’s permit; we go driving most weekends to get his required 40 hours of experience. It rained at our house a couple weekends ago. I thought we could get some practice driving in “bad weather.” There was only light rain when we started out.  

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Good News

“And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” — Luke 2:10-11

Merry Christmas, Rock Church! As your pastors, we sure love and appreciate you all so much! You know, this time of year is special for many reasons…family, decorations and gifts just to name a few. However, the most important reason of all is that our Savior came to the earth. In Luke 2 (when the angel appeared to the shepherds) he said (paraphrasing), “Don’t be afraid! I have good news; the Savior has arrived!” 

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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. 

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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. 

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