The Rock Weekly – July 6, 2022

 

Discipleship Isn’t Just a Good Idea, It Is a Mandate!

Hello Rock Church,

We are on the 2nd day of our corporate fast!  I am encouraging us to extend our time of fasting and prayer through this Thursday.  For me, it is not until the 3rd day of fasting that I get clarity, revelation, and breakthrough.  So, I am going to push through Thursday and not miss the best part…and I am encouraging you to do likewise. 😊   

Last Sunday I alluded that the Lord is bringing us into a new wineskin/structure of discipleship the Lord desires for The Rock.  We have talked about discipleship for many years in the church, we know the “Great Commission”(Matt 28:19-20) and Acts 2:42, and we have walked out discipleship models.  So this isn’t something out of left field. But I believe the Lord is shifting the ‘concept’ of making disciples from a good idea or something that we do when we have the time, into something that becomes woven into the inner fabric of our lives to where it isn’t just something we do, but it becomes part of who we are!  In the same way that we were created with the DNA to reproduce our kind and multiply on earth, the Lord is awakening the DNA (wineskin structure) of His church that we would be those who will not only lead people to Jesus, but walk alongside them and teach them the ways of Jesus.  

As the Lord brings greater revelation of what He desires for His church, Biblical and church history tells us that He also increases our strength (anoints us) by the power of the Holy Spirit to accomplish His will.  So the intent isn’t just to hear the word of the Lord when it comes to discipleship and then try and make it happen.  That goes back to man’s way.  We are called into a co-laboring with the Holy Spirit that authorizes and deputizes us into heavenly warfare to accomplish on earth what our Commander and Chief has decreed for us to do.  Isn’t it fascinating how Jesus gives us His commands and then equips us with EVERYTHING we possibly need to accomplish the tasks given us.

“Everything we could ever need for life and complete devotion to God has already been deposited in us by His divine power. For all this is lavished upon us through the rich experience of knowing Him who has called us by name and invited us to come to Him through a glorious manifestation of His goodness.” 2 Peter 1:3

If you are familiar with “discipleship”, I encourage you to humbly ask the Lord if He has something new for you.  I believe the ways the church has discipled in the past is about to change.  Not that it was done incorrectly before, but Jesus is pouring out His Spirit in greater measure now than ever before and with this comes greater revelation and understanding and empowering!  We are stepping into a time of the greatest expansion ever of the Kingdom of God!  And He is imparting a new wineskin (version 2.0) for the task at hand.  I believe this will incorporate a greater understanding of His love for others, the unity of the body of Christ, holiness and purity, a sacrifice of our own lives, increased knowledge/understanding and supernatural power and more!  We are closer to the Day of the Lord than ever before!  “Our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. The night is nearly over, the Day is almost here!” (Rom 13:11-12)   for Which means we need new wineskins to accomplish the new tasks at hand.

“Forget the former things; to not dwell on the past. Behold, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not see it?” Is 43:18

“Enlarge the place of your tent, stretch your tent curtains wide, do not hold back; lengthen your cords and strengthen your stakes. For you will spread out to the right and to the left…”  Isaiah 54:2-3a

Lord – May we be a people who take hold of the charge Paul gave to Timothy: “Preach the Word, be prepared in season and out of season, correct, rebuke, and encourage with great patience and careful instruction. in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to the knowledge of the truth and that they will come to their senses (like the prodigal son) and turn from their ways and escape the trap of the devil and follow Jesus! (2 Tim 4:2 & 2:25-26) We pray that you will give us your Spirit of wisdom and revelation so that we may know your ways and walk humbly before you with our eyes on you and hearing your voice at all times! We ask you for insight and wisdom to disciple in the way you desire. Teach us to raise up disciple makers, not just believers, who will be radical lovers, laborers in your harvest field, and warriors for your kingdom!  There is a new day of destiny that dawns for your people!

We love you and are excited for the times we are in!
Pastors Mike, Kristi, and your Rock Staff

 

 

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/

 

YOUTH ~ BASE CAMP (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

Summer Camp is July 25th. For more information and to register CLICK HERE.

 

EMBER – Young Adults (Ages 18-29) – Friday Nights at 7:00pm
https://www.therock.org/ember/
Meet in the Chapel for a time of worship, prayer, teaching, and connection.

 

FOOD BANK DISTRIBUTION – 1st & 3rd Saturday of the 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?

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