The Rock Weekly – February 25, 2026

  • Family Sunday. 9am Breakfast and group discussion during our service. This is a great time to get connected with your church family.
  • 3 Day Corporate Prayer & Fasting Monday (3/2) – Wednesday (3/4). Join us in the Lighthouse Prayer Room on:
    • Monday 5:30pm-7:00pm
    • Tuesday 7:30am-8:30am  &  Tuesday 5:30pm-7:00pm
    • Wednesday 7:00pm-8:45pm

Go to www.therock.org/events for more information and additional events

 

The Cross Of Christ

Good Afternoon Rock Church,

I have been so encouraged these last few weeks as we have been focusing on endurance in this age and setting our eyes on Jesus for His coming kingdom. This week, I want to slow down and meditate on the gift of God that makes our inheritance of that future kingdom possible, the cross of Christ. Jesus is our example of humility, and He encourages us that our heavenly Father rewards “cross-carrying” obedience. As you read this email, just pause at the end of each of the following paragraphs and respond with a  “Thank you, Jesus!” 

When the Father sent His Son to die for our sins, His heart was to restore relationship with mankind. We need to remember without Christ we were not neutral toward God. We were far away because we were full of sin. The Father was not content with that distance. He desired for relationship to be restored. This is the gospel!  It is God moving toward enemies and making them His sons (Rom. 5:10) and inviting orphans into His family (Col. 1:21-22). 

To do this, God the Father did not brush aside His righteous opposition to sin. He dealt with it fully through His Son Jesus. That is what Romans 3:25 means when it says, “God put Him forward as a propitiation by His blood.” His sacrifice completely absorbed what our sins deserved. And because He provided an answer to the problem of our sin, we can now draw near with confidence to His throne and receive His grace and mercy (Heb. 4:16). But that nearness is not a license to drift. We must remain close, abide in Christ, and walk in the light. 

The Bible also describes this with courtroom language. There is a Judge and there is a verdict. Justification means God has spoken a righteous verdict over us, the righteousness of Jesus, not because we deserve it, but because Jesus stood in our place (Rom. 5:1). That is what Romans 8:1 means: “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” But notice the language. It is for those who are in Christ. The call of the New Testament is not just to start the race with Christ, but to continue the race and find yourself in Him in the end. If you do, you will get the verdict, “No Condemnation.” We do not treat grace as something we receive once and then ignore. We hold fast to Jesus, we keep our faith, and endure to the end. 

But the Father did not only declare you righteous. He also bought you out of slavery and brought you into His family, and this family has an incredible future (Eph. 1:7-10)! The Bible calls this redemption or ransom. Jesus paid a great price to set us free, and we no longer belong to sin, to fear, or to this present evil age. We belong to Him! This “belonging” is both real now and something we are called to pursue. Paul makes this clear in Ephesians 4. Since you are sealed for the day of redemption, live lives that reflect that now so that you can inherit all that God has promised you. Redemption teaches us to look backward and say, “Forgiven!” and to look forward and shout “What a beautiful inheritance!”, as we pursue holiness now laying aside every weight and sin, and running with endurance the race set before us (Heb. 12:1) so we receive the crown of righteousness (2 Tim. 4:8).

Father, thank You for the gift of your Son. Thank You that we are forgiven, made righteous, and brought into Your family. Help us live this week with endurance and gratitude as we fix our eyes on Jesus. Amen!

Blessings,
Pastor Marcus 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
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 –
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.