The Rock Weekly – July 26, 2023

  • Tonight – REGIONAL Prayer & Worship Night – 7pm in the Chapel.  Growing in the Word – 6pm in the Prayer Room

  • Corporate 3 Day Fast – Aug 7-9 – Mon. 9am-11am, Wed. 9am-11am.

  • Sunday, Aug 13th – Baptisms will take place.  Email Family@therock.org

  • Saturday, Sept 2 – Castle Rock Day of Prayer – Mark your calendars! 9-11am at Festival Park.

  • We are in need of a Preschool teacher for CRCLC.  Please email Sylvia@therock.org

Who Is This Man – Jesus

“What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey Him!”  Matt 8:27

The Holy Spirit has been highlighting the theme of “eyes on Jesus” for the last several weeks. In my own personal response to this, I have felt led to pray and meditate on passages in the Bible that describe the glory of the person of Jesus. Colossians 1:15-23 is one of these treasures in the New Testament. As we take a look at four of these titles and descriptions, I pray that the Spirit will stoke the fire of love for this One whom we serve, and that you will be encouraged to continue to obey Him fully.

1.He is the image of the invisible God – Jesus came as a man to reveal His Father’s nature and character. His disciple, Phillip, asked to see the Father, and Jesus could truthfully respond, “Phillip, if you have seen me, you HAVE seen the Father” (Jn. 14:9). John also tells us that no one has seen God (the Father) at any time, but the only God (Jesus), who is at the Father’s side, has made the Father known to us (Jn. 1:18). I am so grateful for the gift of revelation concerning the Father that we have been given through the Son.

2.The Firstborn of all creation – When you see the word “firstborn”, don’t think pro-creation in a family, but think about status in a family. In biblical times the firstborn would lead the family alongside the father. Jesus is “the firstborn over all creation” and the reason for this is because all creation was made by Him  (Col. 1:16, Jn. 1:1-3). Not only that, all creation was made “for Him”, that is to say we are made to behold Him and give glory to Him as His image bearers. I regularly realign my life to this purpose by praying, “Jesus, I was made to enjoy you and bring glory to you. Help me to stay focused on this assignment in every aspect of my life.”

3.He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead – I put these two titles together because I see them speaking to the same reality. Just as Jesus was the beginning and creator of creation in Gen. 1, Jesus is the beginning of the new creation by being the firstborn of the dead. And because of His resurrection and conquering of death, He will raise us from the dead at the end of the age to rule and reign with Him in His kingdom (1 Cor. 15:20-26).  Remember that your obedience to Jesus will be rewarded in the resurrection for eternity, so be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord (1 Cor. 15:58).

4.That in everything He might be preeminent – When Jesus returns, He will be supreme. He will surpass all others and no one will be above Him in any way. We are those who know this reality now and give Him this place of first importance in our lives – now. When John was taken up in the Spirit, in Revelation 4 and 5, and entered the heavenly throne room, every knee was bowing to the Lamb and every voice singing of His worthiness. We are called to display this reality now on earth in our own lives so that others may see our love for the Lamb and love Him in return.

Jesus, thank you for revealing the Father to us so that we can believe and experience His love for us. We honor you as the firstborn of all creation and worship you as our creator. We thank you that because of your sacrifice we are new creations and we eagerly await your return when we will receive our resurrected bodies and rule and reign with you. Would you have the preeminence in our lives in all things. Amen.

All eyes on Jesus! Love you all,

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/

 

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.