Our world sits in darkness. We carry the weight of sin, which leaves us lost, isolated, and hopeless. Every day, we see the effects of a lost world needing hope. Hearts are weighed down by despair, and souls are longing for something greater. But there is Good News: Light has broken through the darkness.
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“The Lord will fulfill His purpose for me.” — Psalm 138:8 (NIV84)
“For when David had served God’s purpose in his own generation, he fell asleep…” — Acts 13:36 (NIV84)
Life can oftentimes feel confusing. Even after being a Christian leader for over 40 years, I still find myself asking, “God, what are you doing?” or “God, what do you want ME to do?” Without question, I’m someone who likes to plan. And not having clarity on these questions (especially concerning our church’s direction) can be unsettling.
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“Break Away the Stone” (featuring worship leader Skyler Murray) is the latest EP released by The Rock Music. This powerful four-song worship project introduces their original track, “Win Build Send”, a song that encapsulates the mission of faith in action. Alongside this new anthem, the EP features The Rock Music’s unique take on beloved worship songs: “In Christ Alone,” “Shepherd,” and “Red Letters.”
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The world we live in today is certainly not known for being very gentle. This week, I watched a guy lose his mind on another dude when he took his parking spot. I also heard a guy blow up on his kids in the grocery store. And then this morning (as I write this), I have already scrolled through dozens of brutal comments of ruthless outrage about the political division in our country. (Many coming from my own brothers and sisters in Christ!)
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We’ve all been there. Standing in the office supply aisle with a few items we just know are going to help us be more organized and productive. In fact, just standing there makes us feel a little more productive than we did in the condiment aisle, doesn’t it? We’re taking steps to get our lives in order.
Naturally, nobody likes it when their lives are chaotic and out of control. It’s uncomfortable at the least and terrifying under certain circumstances. Of course, we want order in our lives; we even have one-liners like “there’s a method to my madness” to explain it. Additionally, God created us in His image. That’s why we don’t like disorder or chaos in the things going on around us, either. This is because our God is not a God of disorder but of peace. (1 Cor. 14:33 NIV)
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The goal of this year’s teachings (both on the weekends and at The Rock Men and Ladies’ Nights) is to help each other become “Fully Devoted Disciples” of Jesus. I think perhaps most of us (including me) would say I want to be a fully devoted disciple of Jesus. As Christians, you’d think this would be a given. I’ve certainly heard our pastors preach solid theological truth week in and week out. Doesn’t that automatically put me on the roller coaster of being a disciple? Whelp, yes and no.
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Jesus calls me to love people. He’s reminded me of what real love is over the past few weeks (in a powerful way).
After spending some time studying the definition of love (according to 1 Corinthians 13), it became clear to me. Love is far more than our experience of emotions or pleasant feelings. It is, in fact, ACTION.
The Apostle Paul used a compelling Greek word when he described love in Corinthians. That word was “agape.” Agape love is sacrificial, active, and far beyond words. Equally important, agape love is a determined act of will.
What is more, knowing what that kind of love is, the Bible teaches us that we are to “love with action” our fellow Christians. Not only them but also those who do not know Jesus as their Savior.
We are to actively love other Believers in several ways. It’s important to enjoy them (Acts 2) and be committed to them in community and mission (Hebrews 10). Additionally, we should bear each other’s burdens (Romans 12:15).
As we actively love the Lost, we also need to show compassion (Matthew 9:36). It’s crucial to always share the Gospel with them (John 3:16) and love them authentically (Matthew 23:37).
Jesus said in John 13:35: “By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” This week, ask yourself, “How is my ‘love’ life?”
All in all, do you sacrificially love your fellow Christians? How about actively loving the Lost around you with compassion and authenticity?
Loving for the long haul,
Posted in A Word from the Pastor by The Rock Church
“I believe that I shall look upon the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living! Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!” — Psalm 27:13-14
While studying the book of Joshua this last month, something caught my attention. When the Israelites conquered Jericho, God told them to destroy everything and keep no plunder. But Achan disobeyed the command. Joshua (Chapter 7) says he kept some of the plunder (which included a bar of gold). We don’t know how heavy the bar was, but if it was similar to modern bars, we’re talking about a million dollars of gold. In due time, God judged Achan and his family (and all of Israel) for that disobedience.
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“Yes, a wise man thinks much of death…” (Ecclesiastes 7:4a LB)
My wife’s mom, Judy, passed away just before Thanksgiving. We traveled back to Iowa a few weeks ago to celebrate her life. Christian funerals are always bittersweet for me. On the one hand, I am so sad at the loss of our loved ones. On the other hand, however, I feel almost envious that they are now in Paradise with Jesus! How incredible it is to know that in Heaven, there are no more tears, pain, poor eyesight, worries, migraines, sorrows, or death.
Without a doubt, the death of a loved one is never easy. But, as followers of Christ, our hope is sure; it’s never just wishful thinking.
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“Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.” — Ephesians 4:15-16
I had lunch with a friend the other day. As we talked, he said something about “P.T. slabs.” With my engineering background, I knew he was obviously talking about post-tensioned slabs. But, I told him, most people would not understand that. We then shared a laugh.
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