Rock Weekly Update – December 15, 2021
Be Aware of The Times…Be Spiritually Minded!
“We are not in darkness so that the Day of the Lord should surprise us like a thief. We are sons of the light…so let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be alert and Spiritually minded…as we put a breastplate of faith and love over the eyes of our heart, and a helmet of the hope of salvation over our thoughts…Therefore let us continue to encourage and support one another.”
1 Thessalonians 5:4-11
We are in one of the most exciting times ever to be alive. I want to encourage us not to become fearful regardless of what we see or hear in the world around us. For we are given the power to reject all fear and instead live in the power, love, and instruction of the Spirit. (2 Tim 1:7) It is good for us to understand the times that we are in, but we cannot get caught up in the controlling fear of this world! Jesus also tells us that He has a peace for us that is not of this world. It is this peace that shields our heart from the fear in the world. (Jn 14:27) I have not personally counted, but have heard that the Bible tells us to “not fear” 365 times. That is one for every day of the year! The fact that we have this warning so many times in the Word of God would imply to me that if we do not live according to the Word, we could easily fall into the fear of the world.
1 Peter 1:3-7 speaks of the LIVING hope through the resurrection of Jesus that gives us a shield of God’s power as we engage in faith in Jesus. This LIVING hope (Holy Spirit) strengthens us so that we are able to endure “grief in all kinds of trials”…the trials described in Matthew 24:3-14 where Jesus talks about the signs of last days…His return and the end of the age. For those who are engrossed in the cares, pleasures, and treasures of this world, these last days (that we are now in) are going to be very fearful times, but it will not be so for those of us who are steadfast and fully trusting in the Lord. In John 17, Jesus prays to the Father, “My prayer is not that you take them out of the world, but that you protect them from the evil one. They are not of this world, even as I am not of it. Sanctify them by the truth; your Word is truth. As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world.” We were created by God for this very time. This is our time to shine! This is our time to take territory! We have been sanctified, anointed, set apart, and Spirit-filled for such a time as this…to preach the gospel, heal the brokenhearted, proclaim freedom for those in spiritual fear and bondage, and set free prisoners of this world from the darkness and veil of the evil one! (Is 61:1)
Lord – I pray your Spirit would breathe in us and fill us with wisdom, strength, and courage to persevere, so that in doing your will, we may receive all your promises! May we, as your righteous ones, live by faith and be empowered by the Holy Spirit. May we never shrink back, but be those who are aware of the times and are spiritually minded to walk by faith and live victoriously in Christ!
We love you,
Pastors Mike & Kristi
IMPORTANT SERVICE & WEEKLY INFORMATION:
WEDNESDAY NIGHT WORSHIP & PRAYER SERVICE 6:45pm * In-Person & On-Line *
Facebook Live: https://www.facebook.com/rockchurchco
The Rock Online Livestream: https://www.therock.org/live/
Join us for the last Wednesday service until the New Year.
YOUTH ~ BASE CAMP (6th – 12th Grade) – WEDNESDAY NIGHT – 7:00pm – Hawaiian Christmas Party
Join us in the Student Auditorium! Contact Pastor Kristi at kristi@therock.org with any questions.
This is the last youth service of the year.
1st Thursday of the Month (1/6/2022) Hot Meals & Saturday Morning Food Bank Distribution
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
Passcode: 1 (NOTE: The Passcode was added for security,
but is not needed if you click on the ZOOM link above.)
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/
Baptisms this Sunday.
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?
Please email us at family@therock.org and put QUESTION, PRAYER, NEED HELP, or CONNECT ME at the top of your email.