Rocky Messages

This series takes us back to a time when being a Christian was not only irresistible but life-changing—an era when the early church, with just a story of resurrection and the power of the Holy Spirit, transformed lives despite not having the modern conveniences we rely on today. We’ll explore how Jesus built His church on the belief that He is the resurrected Son of God, and how this movement—meant to move—began with a group of ordinary people. We’ll dive into the origins of the church, the first sermon by Peter, and how bold prayers and unwavering faith led to a thriving, unstoppable force. Join us as we seek to embrace this powerful, transformative faith in our own lives and communities.

As we conclude our series, “What We Can Learn From Elephants and Donkeys,” we tackle the often divisive topic of politics, especially with the upcoming November elections. We'll explore the origins of political symbols and delve into why Christians should rise above political offenses, focusing instead on unity and love. Through the story of Jesus and the adulterous woman, we see how He navigated moral and political traps, teaching us to respond with grace rather than condemnation. Join us as we discuss how our church can be a beacon of love, not division, and how we can engage with those of differing views in a way that truly reflects Christ’s teachings.

As we approach the November elections, we're reminded of the divisive nature of politics and the greater unity we find in Christ. We'll discuss how Jesus navigated political questions, emphasizing that our ultimate allegiance should be to Him, not to any political party. Through the example of Jesus' humility and love, even in the face of political power, we learn how to engage in meaningful, compassionate discourse without compromising our mission to love and serve others. Join us as we delve into these themes and strive to be a church that embodies the radical love of Christ.

As we approach election season, it's important to remember how politics can divide us. But as Christians, our first allegiance is to Christ, not to political ideologies. Recent events have shown us the power of unity and prayer. Jesus' teachings, especially His emphasis on unity in John 17, remind us that our faith should transcend political differences. Today, we'll explore how Jesus' humble entry into Jerusalem on a donkey symbolizes His peaceful and servant-hearted approach, and how we can reflect this attitude in our lives and communities during this election year. Join us as we strive to be a unified church that positively disrupts the world with our love and humility.

We’re diving into a new series, “What Can We Learn From Elephants and Donkeys.” Originally meant to draw lessons from these animals for our faith, recent events have pivoted our focus to the intersection of faith and politics. Our world is deeply divided by politics, but we believe that as a church, we can model unity despite our differences. Join us as we explore how to balance our political convictions with our faith, striving for unity in a divided world. Stay tuned for more on how donkeys and elephants can guide us in this journey.

Today, we're concluding our series, "Everyone Has a Story Worth Telling," with a powerful message about the significance of your personal story. You might think your story is too messy or insignificant to share, but it's precisely these stories that can connect, inspire, and offer hope. When Jesus transforms our lives, our stories become beacons of light in a dark world. Don't hide your light; let your story shine. Even the Apostle Paul, despite his past and ongoing struggles, shared his journey openly. Embracing our brokenness allows Jesus' grace to work through us, showcasing His power in our weaknesses. So, get real, be vulnerable, and share your story. Your journey, with all its thorns, is a testament to the transformative power of Jesus' love and grace.

Think back to the best stories you’ve ever heard—aren’t they often the ones where everything went hilariously wrong? Whether it's forgetting tent poles on a rainy camping trip or dealing with a string of vacation disasters, these tales captivate us. But in real life, especially regarding our spiritual journeys, we often hesitate to share our stories, thinking they’re too mundane or messy. Yet, the Bible shows us that our stories, no matter how small or chaotic, have immense power. In John 4, Jesus meets a Samaritan woman whose life is full of personal challenges, yet her encounter with Jesus transforms her into the first missionary, sharing her story to bring others to faith. Today, we’ll explore how recognizing and sharing our own stories of God’s work in our lives can inspire and impact those around us. Join us as we delve into the story of the Samaritan woman and discover the significance of embracing and sharing our unique narratives.

In this week's message from our series, "Everyone Has a Story Worth Telling," we delve into the importance of sharing your story and how it can inspire others towards the greatest story ever told: Jesus. Drawing from Psalm 66:16 and my personal journey, we'll explore how our paths often diverge from God's calling, only to be realigned through His intervention. Today, we unpack the story of Jonah, a prophet who ran from God's plan, and how his journey reveals the depths of God's forgiving, patient, and compassionate love. Jonah’s tale is not just a narrative from the past; it’s a timeless reminder of God's boundless love for all, even those we consider enemies. Join us as we reflect on how Jesus calls us to love unconditionally, challenging us to live our faith authentically and embrace God's grace in our lives.

This week, we're kicking off a new series called "Everyone Has a Story Worth Telling." Over the next few weeks, we'll delve into the power of our personal stories and their role in our faith. Inspired by Simon Sinek's "Start With Why," we will learn why sharing our stories is more impactful than just sharing our theology. Today, we'll look at the story of Rahab, a woman whose faith and courage made her an integral part of Jesus' lineage. Join us as we uncover the profound truths in our own stories and learn how God uses our vulnerabilities to connect and inspire others. What’s your story? It might be the very thing that encourages someone else and glorifies God in the most unexpected ways.

Today we're kicking off a discussion on Generosity and, yes, that means talking about money. We often discuss money daily—whether it's budgeting for summer plans, feeling the pinch at the grocery store, or dealing with rising gas prices. But why discuss it in church? Because money isn't just an economic issue; it's about trust. Jesus spoke more about money than heaven and hell combined, highlighting its significance. He wants us to trust Him with our finances and warns against letting money control us. As we head into summer, I challenge you to reflect, pray, and act towards mastering your money, ensuring it doesn’t master you. Let's discover how living generously can transform our lives and deepen our faith. Join us as we explore Jesus' teachings and uncover the freedom that comes with financial trust in God.