The Rock Weekly – April 12, 2023
- SPECIAL Wednesday Service Tonight. We have the honor of hosting producer and director Darren Wilson as he presents his new film, The God Man, at 7pm in the Sanctuary. There is no cost. Invite others. TRAILER
- Growing in the Word – Tonight, 6pm in the Prayer Room (behind the Sanctuary).
- If you missed the last Discipleship Training, you can join us for our 2nd Discipleship Training Course with international trainer, Joe Stewart. Next 5 Mondays – starting this Monday (4/17) at 7pm in the Chapel.
- Hearts on Fire School with John Arnott at Bridgeway Church. April 27-30. Info & Registration LINK
- Sign up now for City Quake Colorado, June 7-10th, with early-bird pricing. We are partnering with more than 15 churches across Colorado to see the gospel shared and the power of God revealed. City Quake Colorado Registration LINK
The Secret of The Kingdom of God
“Later, when Jesus was alone with the twelve disciples and with the others who were gathered around, they asked him what the parables meant.
He replied, ‘You are permitted to understand the secret of the Kingdom of God. But I use parables for everything I say to outsiders…’”
Mark 4:10-11 NLT
I remember in elementary school, classmates and friends would have secrets about who they had a crush on, or something they did, or a fort they were building in the woods. I remember that in a season of life with very little commerce, secrets were a type of treasure to a school kid. To hold secrets, and to be trusted with secrets, was a high honor.
Jesus spoke to large crowds of people, and vast numbers of people came to see him (Mark 3:7-8), not all of which were followers, many of them were just curious. And to all of them Jesus spoke in parables, but to his followers he gave an explanation because they were permitted to understand the secret (other translations say “mystery”).
As I meditated on this passage this week I felt a desire to be found trustworthy with the secret of the Kingdom. But not in the sense that I would “keep a secret” and hide it from others; but more like what Paul writes to the church in Ephesus.
“And pray for me, too. Ask God to give me the right words so I can boldly explain God’s mysterious plan that the Good News is for Jews and Gentiles alike.”
Ephesians 6:19 NLT
Paul understood that this mystery/secret is something to be proclaimed to all.
“When I first came to you, dear brothers and sisters, I didn’t use lofty words and impressive wisdom to tell you God’s secret plan. For I decided that while I was with you I would forget everything except Jesus Christ, the one who was crucified.”
1 Corinthians 2:1-2 NLT
After praying through these passages, I believe there’s a two-fold approach to the secret of the Kingdom.
- We need to press in to Jesus to get more understanding. (Matthew 13:12)
- We need to properly “keep” the secret by sharing it with more people.
If you feel you need to grow in either of these two areas, pray this prayer with me.
Father God, would you help me by the power of your spirit to have ears to hear what You are speaking, both impressing on my heart and what’s been written in the Bible. Help me to steward well the secret of the Kingdom by being trustworthy (1Cor. 4:1-2), and passing it on to other trustworthy people (2 Timothy 2:2). Give me a burden for the people that I interact with that I would pray for their salvation, that Holy Spirit would work in their heart to permit them to understand the mystery of God, and that I would keep on speaking boldly for Him.
In Jesus’ name, Amen
I’m thankful for such an incredible church family.
I look forward to seeing you all on Sunday.
Pastor Andrew & The 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/
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
EMBER – Young Adults (Ages 18-29) – Friday Nights at 6:30pm
https://www.therock.org/ember/
Meet in the Chapel for a time of worship, prayer, teaching, and connection.
FOOD BANK DISTRIBUTION – 1st & 3rd Saturday of the 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.