The Rock Weekly – September 20, 2023

 

Don’t Let Go Of Freedom. Stand Firm!

“It is for FREEDOM that Christ has set us free. STAND FIRM, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” Galatians 5:1

To worship the Lord in Spirit and in truth, as true worshipers of God, is to be in a heart position that is free from worldly desires.  It is impossible to truly serve and worship God (with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength) until we become free and remain free from the slavery of the world and the things in it!  For if anyone still has love for the world or anything in the world, the love of the Father is not in them. (1 Jn 2:15)

When we look at the story of the Israelites who were in bondage in Egypt, the Lord didn’t just instruct Moses to lead the Israelites to worship God, The Lord instructed Moses to FIRST set them free from slavery!  Moses was to take them out of Egypt, out of the slavery and bondage of the Pharaoh, in order that THEY COULD WORSHIP GOD!  They could not remain slaves to Pharaoh and worship God, for it is impossible to serve two masters!  So they had to be set free and Moses was appointed the task.  Moses failed 9 times to bring the Israelites out of captivity and into freedom.  It wasn’t until the 10th attempt that the Lord had Moses use the blood of lambs.  And it was only by the blood of lambs that they were set free!  Sound familiar?  😊  This was a beautiful foreshadow of the ultimate plan God had designed to set His people free before the creation of the world – and this plan was not to be revealed until these last days for our sake!  God appointed His only Son, Jesus, to take us out of slavery and bondage, then put His Spirit in us so that we could become true worshipers of God – “those who worship in Spirit and truth”! (Jn 4:24)   What is crazy is that God chose Jesus, the lamb without blemish or defect, before the creation of the world, to be this ultimate sacrifice, so that ONLY by His precious blood, we could be set free from the sin, slavery, and bondage of the god of this world…similar to the Pharaoh of Egypt.  Isn’t it sad that none of the Israelites who were set free from the captivity of Egypt made it to the Promised Land?  Many longed to go back to Egypt.  They despised the freedom they were given, and grumbled and complained, instead of trusting in the Lord’s plan and leading.  God used these Israelites as an example to warn us not to act in the same way and not to take the grace the Lord has given us through the blood of Jesus in vain.  (1 Cor 10:11 & 2 Cor 6:1)  Also in Romans 6, the Apostle Paul gives us a warning not to take this freedom in vain.

“…Count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus. Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires…Don’t you know that when you offer yourselves to someone to obey them as slaves, you are slaves to the one you obey – whether you are slaves to sin, which leads to death, or to obedience, which leads to righteousness.”  Rom 6:11 & 16   I encourage you to read this entire chapter. 

So may we, who have come to Jesus and entered into the new covenant by His blood, not refuse the Living God who speaks through the Spirit!  “For if they (the Israelites) did not escape when they refused him (Moses) who warned them on earth, how much less will we, if we turn away from Him (Jesus) who warns us from heaven.” (Heb 12:25)

There is a sneaky misperception in the “church” that we can worship God and also love the things of this world…worship God and at the same time live according to the desires of the flesh and love the things of this world.  But God’s Word is clear – We cannot serve two masters! We will end up loving one and hating the other or be devoted to one and despise the other. (Matt 6:24)  And so we must remove ourselves from worldly desires of all kinds by placing all our desires on the altar for the Lord, becoming a living sacrifice, that is holy and pleasing to God and becomes the worship that is in Spirit and truth.  And the Spirit of the Lord will lead us away from the world’s ways as we become transformed into the likeness of Jesus by the renewing of our heart and mind. (Rom 12:1-2)

So this is my prayer for us…   Lord Jesus, Thank you for giving us freedom through your blood! Thank you for setting us free from the world’s bondage, blindness, evil, lies, and slavery of sin and bringing us into the fullness of your grace by the power of the Holy Spirit. May we never take this grace in vein, but in full surrender to you and in humility, may we be constantly lead by your Spirit to obey your commands, letting go of worldly things and throwing off all sin that easily entangle us and enslave us, so that we may run with holy perseverance the race marked out for us. (Rom 12:2)  And may God Himself, the God of peace, sanctify each of us through and through. May our whole spirit, soul, and body be kept blameless and spotless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ! (1 Thes 5:23)  AMEN!

We love you and are praying for you daily!
Pastor Mike 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/

 

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

 

EMBER – Young Adults (Ages 18-29) – Friday Nights at 6:30pm
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

 

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