The Rock Weekly – March 12, 2025

 

The Power of the Spirit and the Role of Prayer

As we look at the book of Acts, we see a powerful thesis statement from Jesus:

“You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses… to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 1:8)

Jesus’ mission…to seek and save the lost…continues through His followers. But before stepping into this mission, He instructs His disciples to wait for the power of the Holy Spirit. This is a crucial reminder for us today: The work we are called to is not something we can accomplish in our own strength. We must rely on His power, not our own.

The Holy Spirit is given so that we may bear witness to Christ’s first coming and prepare the world for His return. Throughout the Old Testament, the Spirit’s power is often associated with the end times, emphasizing that as followers of Christ, we are called to display a glimpse of the future kingdom. If the world cannot see a reflection of the age to come in the Church, it means we are living below our calling.

And what were the disciples doing before they received the outpouring of the Spirit? They were “constantly in prayer”. (Acts 1:14)

Prayer is a consistent theme throughout the book of Acts (1:14; 2:42, 31; 6:4-6; 8:22-24; 9:11; 10:9-31; 11:5; 12:5, 12; 16:13,16… and more). Time and again, Scripture shows that prayer precedes the outpouring of the Spirit. Jesus Himself was praying when the Spirit descended on Him at His baptism (Luke 3:21-22). In Acts 4, after facing persecution, the believers prayed for boldness and were filled afresh with the Holy Spirit (Acts 4:31). Peter and John prayed for the Samaritans to receive the Spirit (Acts 8:15). Paul was praying before he was filled with the Spirit (Acts 9:11,17). Cornelius, a Gentile God-fearer, was described as praying continually before the Holy Spirit was poured out on him and his household (Acts 10:2,31).

As we carry out the assignments the Lord has given us, let us never underestimate the power of prayer in preparing the way for His Spirit to move. God is actively leading and strengthening The Rock to become ‘A House of Prayer’…a people He will use, along with the greater body of Christ, to usher in a powerful move of His Spirit across Colorado. This movement will empower the Church to reach the lost and bring them into the family of God. Let us commit ourselves to seeking His presence daily, knowing that it is His power, not our own, that sustains and equips us for the mission ahead.

I am grateful for each of you! Let’s continue pressing forward in faith and prayer, trusting in the Spirit’s leading and power.

Blessings,
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 ~ 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.