The Rock Weekly – July 8, 2026

  • Foundations Class – Wednesdays at 6pm in Room 6 (Zoom Link)

 

Living An Awakened Life

“Arise (awake) and shine, for your light has come.” Isaiah 60:1 

“Awake, you sleeper, arise from the dead, and Christ will give you light”. Ephesians 5:14 

“And do this, knowing the ‘kairos’ season – that now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed.” Romans 13:11

Hello Rock Family

God’s desire, reaching all the way back to the Garden of Eden, is that we would live an awakened life in and with the Lord – constantly living in awareness of His presence and abiding in Him.  Throughout Scripture, we see the Lord calling His people out of spiritual slumber and darkness and into an awakened life, illuminated by the presence of Jesus through the Holy Spirit.  This is the abundant life that Christ came to give us (Jn 10:10), both now and ultimately for the age to come.

Galatians 5:16, 25 says,  “So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature [you will not walk in sinful ways]…Since we live [have true life] by the Spirit, let us then keep in step with the Spirit [live an awakened life].”

To keep in step with the Spirit is to live an awakened life.  If we live our lives for this age – for this world – allowing the ideals, opinions, behaviors, customs, and patterns to shape our mind and direct our lives, then Scripture tells us we are living in spiritual sleep and darkness. 

Let me use my recent 12-day vacation to Europe as a crude example.  While in Europe with my family, I never once considered buying a home there, finding a career opportunity, renovating the rental properties where we stayed, or helping the European Department of Transportation modify the wrong speed limits…after getting a ticket. 😊 Why?  I knew I was only going to be there for 12 days. My focus was on making the most of the time by experiencing things we would not be able to do once our vacation ended.

This world and its desires (worldly accomplishments, successes, possessions) are passing away, but if we live an awakened life – doing God’s will – we will live forever with Him in our permanent and eternal home. (1 John 2:16-17)

“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.” (Galatians 2:20)

The awakened life we can live today is a life of faith in Jesus that is followed by obedient action.  He is our life, and we are called to live in Him and through Him – walking according to His ways and commands rather than our ways.

What freedom this brings!  This takes the pressure off trying to “succeed” according to the world’s standards.  Every day we are given on this earth is a gift from God, and our desire should be to live each day for Him, accomplishing His will. (James 4:15)

Lord Jesus – Lead us during this short, yet incredibly important, time on this earth to walk in-step with Your Spirit.  Keep us from giving in to the desires of the flesh and the sinful patterns of this world. Help us to surrender our lives completely to You and to live selflessly, wholeheartedly, and faithfully by Your Spirit so that we may truly live an Awakened Life!

Awake, and may Christ shine on you.  I love you all!
Pastor Mike 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.