The Rock Weekly – September 24, 2025

Go to www.therock.org/events for information on upcoming events

 

Suffering, Glory, and a Call to Pray

Dear Rock Family,

This past week has been heavy for many of us as we process the assassination of Charlie Kirk. I choose to call it a martyrdom. He bore witness to Christ and paid the ultimate price.

The Scriptures remind us that the gospel is not a story of glory without suffering. Jesus Himself told us that it was necessary for the Messiah to suffer before entering into His glory (Luke 24:26). The cross always comes before the crown, for Jesus and for us who follow Him.

We live in an age marked by suffering and persecution. To be faithful to Jesus may cost us comfort, reputation, and sometimes even life itself. But we endure, because suffering in this age is not the end of the story. Glory is coming.

Here is a small list of our hope:

  • Eternal Life — unending in fellowship with God.
  • Resurrected Bodies — no more decay, pain, or weakness.
  • Assignments in the Age to Come — reigning with Christ in His Kingdom.
  • A Place in the Eternal City — the New Jerusalem, prepared for us.
  • The Waters of Life & Tree of Life — unbroken supply of healing and satisfaction.
  • The Immediate Presence of Jesus — to see Him as He is, face to face.
  • Every Tear Wiped Away — sorrow and death gone forever.

Our brother Charlie’s death reminds us that the cost is real, but so is the reward. We are called to put on display in our lives the same mercy Christ showed to us—loving our enemies, forgiving those who hurt us, and persevering in faith, even unto death.

At Charlie’s memorial, the cry for revival in America was heard again and again. This is not a time for us to sit back. It is a time to press on. To preach the gospel boldly and to fill the bowls of incense through prayer (Revelation 5:8). God’s desire is to call America back to Him, and prayer and proclamation is essential.

Let us rise to the moment by gathering in the prayer room on Wednesday nights, Sunday mornings, and during our monthly three-day fast (the first Monday through Wednesday of each month). Together, let us cry out for another Great Awakening in our nation—that the mercy of Christ would be displayed and that many hearts would turn to Him before His return.

Paul reminds us: “The sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us” (Romans 8:18). May that hope anchor us, and may our prayers stoke the fire of revival.

In Jesus’s mercy and hope,
Pastor Marcus 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/

 

FOUNDATIONS CLASS – 6:00pm Wednesdays
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 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.