The Rock Weekly – August 28, 2024

  • Tonight – REGIONAL Prayer & Worship Service @ 7pm in the Chapel or via Livestream.  Youth @ 7pm in the Student auditorium.  Children @ 6:45pm in the Children’s wing.   Growing in the Word @ 6pm in the Prayer Room or via Zoom.
  • This Sunday is FAMILY BREAKFAST (9-9:30am) & FAMILY SUNDAY (9:45am).
  • See below for other important information on services and weekly events.

 

IN DEBT TO LOVE

“Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another…”     Romans 13:8a NIV

Have you ever had credit card debt or a debt that is so heavy over you that it weighs on you daily as you try and pay it off?  When we hear the word ‘debt’, it doesn’t typically bring good feelings with it.  That said, I think the Apostle Paul was aware of this, and specifically chose his words in Romans 13:8 to cause us to pause and ponder this statement…that we are to have the continuing debt to love one another!  And although this seems to be a poignant statement, we actually see this theme all throughout the Scriptures, just without the word “debt”… “Love your neighbor as yourself” (Lev 19:18; Matt 19:19; Mark 12:31; Luke 10:27; Rom 13:9; Gal 5:14 James 2:8) “Love one another”  (Jn 13:34; Jn 15:12&17; Rom 12:10; Eph 5:2; 1 Thess 3:12; 1 Jn 3:23; 1 Jn 4:7; 2 Jn 1:5…and more).  

I want you to pause from reading, take about 45 seconds, and think about what you just read. Ask yourself, “Is my mind aware of this debt on a daily basis and am I living such that I am paying off this continuing debt by loving one another the way the Word of God describes?”

Did you take the time to pause and answer the questions? 😊  Ok…read on.  Over the past 3 Sundays, we have focused on “Putting off the old self and putting on Christ”, “Walking in God’s ways”, and “Seeing Jesus as the exact representation of God and the radiance of God’s glory”.   If we boil this down to one thing, it comes down to…LOVE!  For God is LOVE (1 Jn 4:8) and His most excellent way is LOVE (1 Cor 12:31) and when we put on LOVE, it becomes the agent that binds all other character traits of God together such as compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience into perfect unity. (Col 3:12-14) 

I believe we all want more of God’s wisdom, power, and love flowing through us and studying the Word, worshiping Jesus, discipling others, fasting, praying, tithing, gathering together, laying hands on the sick, casting out demons, etc…all have an important role in walking in God’s light and ways. But those things alone, without LOVE, are actually worthless.  God’s Word tells us that if we don’t have LOVE, we are only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal and that we are nothing and gain nothing. (1 Cor 13:1-3)  But if we LOVE one another, then God will live in us and His love will be perfected in us! (1 Jn 4:12)  What a great promise!

Lord Jesus, we are thankful for all your commands and ask for your strength, wisdom, power, and grace to walk them all out. But above all else, may we put on your Love and live out the new command you gave us in John 13:34 – to love one another.  May this continuing debt be a beautiful weight that brings us great joy as we fulfill Your will and Your way…the way of LOVE! Amen.

I love you and am excited to be with you all this Sunday for breakfast and Family Sunday.

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/

 

GROWING IN THE WORD – 6:00pm Wednesdays
Zoom link: https://zoom.us/j/99757846764?pwd=Tm8zQ0JQWk1xeHFBcEU5anNFN1l4dz09

 

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

 

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?

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