The Rock Weekly – April 23, 2025

  • Men’s Advance – Sept 11-13! Mountain retreat for Men with Jake Hamilton. Lock-in the early-bird rate with a $100 deposit https://www.therock.org/advance/
  • Youth Summer Camp – July 14-18 For more information and to register go to: therock.org/youth

 

A Fresh Call to Follow Jesus Wholeheartedly

I’ve been spending time reflecting and praying through the powerful truths in Matthew 16, and I want to share something that’s been stirring in my heart.

This is the chapter where Peter boldly confesses Jesus as the Christ, the Divine Son of Man described in Daniel 7:13–14, and the promised Messiah of 2 Samuel 7:12–14. Yet, immediately after this incredible moment of revelation, Peter is sharply rebuked by Jesus for resisting the idea that the Messiah must first suffer.

There’s so much we could take from this passage, but what struck me most is what Jesus says next. Not only does He reveal that He must suffer and die before entering into resurrection glory, but He turns to His disciples and makes it clear that they are also called to walk this same path. 

Jesus’s words are radically countercultural…“If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.” (Matthew 16:24). In a world that constantly encourages us to focus on loving ourselves, Jesus calls us into a life of self-denial. To live in such a way where our greatest joy and identity come from loving, obeying, and following Him.

“…he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.” (Matt 16:24)

He doesn’t say this lightly – as a suggested way to live. The cross wasn’t just a symbol, it was an instrument of death. And yet, this is the language Jesus uses to describe the required daily life of a disciple. Not necessarily that we’ll all be martyrs, but that our lives should already be so surrendered that, if it came to dying for Him, we would be ready.

But here’s the good news: Jesus doesn’t just call us to lay down our lives, He also promises unimaginable reward. He assures us that He will return in the glory of His Father with His angels, and each person will be repaid according to how they lived. I have been saying this phrase to myself in this season, and it fills my heart with so much joy: “If I lay down my desires for His in this life, it will only get better and better for me forever and ever when He returns.”

So I want to encourage you today to say “yes” again to the heart of the Gospel. Ask the Holy Spirit for the strength and grace to surrender afresh, and to “daily” lose your brief life in this age for Jesus’s sake. In doing so you will gain an ETERNAL, abundant life in the age to come!

I’m praying for you, and I’m walking this road with you.

With love and eternal hope,
Pastor Marcus and your Rock Staff 



 

IMPORTANT SERVICE & WEEKLY INFORMATION:

WEDNESDAY NIGHT WORSHIP & PRAYER SERVICE  7:00pm * In-Person & On-Line *
Facebook Live:  https://www.facebook.com/rockchurchco
The Rock Online Livestream:  https://www.therock.org/live/

 

FOUNDATIONS CLASS – 6:00pm Wednesdays
Zoom link: https://zoom.us/j/99757846764?pwd=Tm8zQ0JQWk1xeHFBcEU5anNFN1l4dz09

 

YOUTH ~ ABIDE YOUTH (6th – 12th Grade) – WEDNESDAY NIGHT – 7:00pm
Invite a friend and come have a great time. If you have any questions, email jaden@therock.org

 

FOOD BANK DISTRIBUTION – 1st & 3rd Saturday of each Month
https://www.therock.org/foodbank/
Email Lindy@therock.org if you would like to volunteer or have questions.

 

SUNDAY MORNING PRE-SERVICE PRAYER  8:15-9:15am – *In-Person & On-line*
ZOOM Direct Video Link:
           https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85340164797?pwd=V0lmWFRRL0R6Tm56QTdRUHNoMWI3QT09
ZOOM Meeting ID: 853 4016 4797
          ZOOM Phone Option +12532158782,,85340164797#

 

SUNDAY MORNING SERVICE 9:45am  *In-Person & On-line*
           Facebook Live:  https://www.facebook.com/rockchurchco
The Rock Online Livestream:  https://www.therock.org/live/

 

OPPORTUNITIES TO GIVE  Here are some ways you can partner with The Rock as you practice generosity – our regular tithe/giving, compassion help, missions, and our food bank.  Click on the following link or graphic.  www.therock.org/give

 

Have a Question, Need Prayer, Help, Feel Alone, or Disconnected?

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