The Rock Weekly – July 22, 2026

  • TONIGHT – Foundations Class at 6pm in Rm 6 or Zoom AND Prayer & Worship at 7pm in LH Prayer Rm AND Abide Youth in Gym at 7pm AND Children’s Ministry (all ages) at 6:45pm

 

Buying Gold in Friendship with Jesus

Dear Rock Family,

Last Sunday, Pastor Marcus described the Sermon on the Mount as the sermon we think we know, and then he prayed, “Holy Spirit, teach me what I do not know.” The same is true of Jesus Himself. He is the Jesus we often think we know and love, but the Lord is committed to us coming to know Him in such a way that we can say in truth, “He is altogether lovely”—every part of Him is our hearts delight and treasure (Song. 5:16).

Peter tells us that our faith is refined like gold in the fire. Jesus Himself then counsels us to “buy from Me gold refined in the fire” (Rev. 3:18). The treasure He offers is not only merely stronger faith, but the surpassing knowledge of Christ Himself. Through the fire, our faith is refined, and our love for Christ purified (1 Pet. 1:7–8). As we respond to the Lord in these trials, we come to know Him more deeply through them than we knew Him without the testings.

None of us naturally welcomes trials, grief, or seasons of testing. Yet Scripture consistently reveals how jealous the Lord is not just to strengthen our faith but that His people would lay hold of Christ Himself. The fire refines our faith until we treasure Him rightly. 

Still, the testings and trials that come are never easy. Hebrews reminds us that the Father disciplines those He loves (Heb 12:6). In the middle of hardship, it is easy to conclude that something has gone wrong, when in fact the Lord may be doing one of His deepest works within us. 

I have found that the greatest test is whether I still believe He is good in times when the testings seem too severe. Can I trust His heart when I cannot understand His ways? Or in times when He feels absent? Can I continue to say “yes” when His leadership confounds my understanding?

Perhaps you are walking through a refining fire today. If so, don’t waste the invitation. Buy the gold. Trust the leadership of Jesus even when you cannot make sense of circumstances. On the other side of the fire, you will discover that He has not abandoned you. He has been forming in you a faith that is more precious than gold, and a love worthy of the Lamb, while giving you a deeper knowledge of Himself, until your own heart can say, “He is altogether lovely.”

May the Lord open the eyes of our hearts to hear and see the beauty of Jesus together this Sunday.

Grace and peace,
Dana and your Rock Staff

 



 

IMPORTANT SERVICE & WEEKLY INFORMATION:

WEDNESDAY NIGHT WORSHIP & PRAYER SERVICE  7:00pm *Children’s Ministry available*
Facebook Live:  https://www.facebook.com/rockchurchco
The Rock Online Livestream:  https://www.therock.org/live/

 

FOUNDATIONS CLASS – 6:00pm Wednesdays through 9/23
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 PRE-SERVICE PRAYER & COMMUNION – 8:15am
In the Prayer Room (behind the Sanctuary). All are welcome.

 

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?

Please email us at family@therock.org and put QUESTION, PRAYER, NEED HELP, or CONNECT ME at the top of your email.