The Rock Weekly – April 8, 2026

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

 

The Gospel According to Ephesians 2

Hello Rock Church,

It was such a blessing to celebrate resurrection Sunday with you. As our hearts were focused on Jesus and his death and resurrection, I’m continuing to meditate on this good news and noticed a beautiful summary of the “gospel message” in Ephesians 2:3-10. Here it is with some of my comments. 

“We too all previously lived among them in our fleshly desires, carrying out the inclinations of our flesh and thoughts, and we were by nature children under wrath as the others were also. 

We used to be under the wrath of God because we lived according to our fleshly desires (sin). 

4But God, who is rich in mercy, because of his great love that he had for us, 5made us alive with Christ even though we were dead in trespasses. You are saved by grace! 

But God so loved the world that He has opened a new and living way to save us from death and make us alive forevermore. 

6He also raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavens in Christ Jesus, 7so that in the coming ages he might display the immeasurable riches of his grace through his kindness to us in Christ Jesus.

Not only did He save us from wrath, but He promoted us to be positioned with Christ through the Holy Spirit in order to display His great loving-kindness now and in the coming age. 

8For you are saved by grace through faith, and this is not from yourselves; it is God’s gift—9not from works, so that no one can boast. 

This was nothing that could be earned regardless of effort. It was only made possible by God’s amazing grace. 

10For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared ahead of time for us to do.” 

And God, who knew this great plan, created us for good works which can only be accomplished through His empowering grace by the Spirit birthed in us (being made new, or born again, in Christ). Praise God! 

Over the last couple of weeks we’ve looked at the cross of Christ and the Resurrection. This Sunday I’d like to look at some scriptures (similar to Ephesians 2) that describe our Christian life now, in light of Jesus’ resurrection. Like Pastor Mike said last week, “The story doesn’t end at Christ’s resurrection,” there’s so much more. As we prepare for Sunday, let’s ask God to speak to our hearts about how He wants to author the next chapter of His story in our lives. 

Father God, thank you for putting your incredible love, mercy, and grace on display for us in the person and sacrifice of Jesus. Thank you that death wasn’t the end for Jesus and it won’t be our end either. As we fix our eyes on the resurrected Jesus help us by Your Holy Spirit to understand our great position, privilege, and responsibility as children of God and inheritors of the Kingdom of Heaven. In Jesus’ name. Amen! 

Have a blessed week,
Pastor Andrew & 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.