Rocky Messages

We confront the high stakes of faith in a changing world. With 4,500 churches closing and 3,000 opening, 250 pastors leaving monthly, and a rising population claiming no religious affiliation, the urgency is clear. While our church is making an impact with over 200 baptisms, 1,000 growing in small groups, and various community partnerships, one crucial area needs attention: generosity. Despite financial stability, our giving hasn't increased in a decade. This stagnation threatens our ability to fund critical ministries in an inflation-hit landscape. Referencing Mark 12, we dissect the meaning of generosity, exploring four types of givers and emphasizing the significance of sacrificial giving. Are you sporadic, safe, generous, or radical in your giving? The call is clear: shift giving from a financial to a faith issue, maintain consistency, and trust in God's mission. The potential impact is enormous—doubling our budget for a $5M boost to reach more lives. Join us in redefining generosity, changing lives, and meeting the high stakes facing our world."

Matt delves into the topic of fear from a biblical perspective, emphasizing key verses that deal with fear, including the fear of death. The narrator shares a personal story related to the fear of death and how it may have affected early followers of Jesus.

The teachings of Jesus regarding fear and trust in God are highlighted. A key lesson about facing fear is mentioned when Jesus calms a storm while his disciples are afraid. The changing perspective on the fear of death among Jesus' disciples is discussed, particularly after the resurrection.

The central message revolves around living for Christ, having faith amid fear, and understanding that death is a transition to eternal life with God, granting us the freedom to live fully. The video concludes by emphasizing the victory over death through Jesus Christ's sacrifice.

In this impactful message, we explore the theme of retaliation and division in both sports and everyday life. We draw parallels between baseball's "eye for an eye" mentality and the prevalent culture of drawing lines, taking sides, and the harmful effects of retaliation.

We delve into the complexities of life's inherent unfairness and the challenges it presents. We've all encountered moments when life seems far from just, and it can lead to sleepless nights and nagging questions. From the classic "That's Not Fair" declarations of children to deeper adult inquiries about suffering and adversity, we explore why life's fairness is often elusive. Through biblical insights, real-life stories, and relatable examples, we discover that while life may not be fair, God remains great, just, and merciful. Join us as we explore the unchangeable fairness of life and the importance of worship in shifting our perspective and finding hope amid the storms.

Fear may disguise itself as worry, stress, or anxiety, but at its core, it's the common thread that ties us all. In this session, we dive into the Upper Room with Jesus and his disciples during their last moments together, delving into their fears and uncertainties. Discover how Jesus provides comfort and offers a way through our fears, urging us to replace fear with faith. Walk with us as we learn to lean on Jesus, the great "I AM," and find peace in the midst of our fears. Fear can't catch what it can't reach—let's trade fear for faith and step into the blessings that lie beyond our fears.

Join us as we delve into the universal struggle of worry that keeps us awake at night. Matt shares a personal story of a time when worry gripped him, emphasizing how worry is tied to our core devotions. Jesus' timeless wisdom offers an antidote to worry, revealing the true nature of our concerns. Through insightful lessons, we learn how to shift our focus from worry to faith, embracing a perspective that transcends life's uncertainties. This eye-opening discussion challenges us to seek first what truly matters, reminding us that God knows our needs and calls us to walk confidently into tomorrow. Join us as we unpack the keys to overcoming worry and finding peace in the midst of life's challenges.

In this impactful message, we delve into a crucial aspect of faith often overlooked—the significance of showing up. Drawing parallels between life and the concept of a game, we emphasize that in both church and faith, merely being a spectator doesn't earn trophies. We explore the story in John 6, highlighting the transformative power of showing up and offering what we have, no matter how insignificant we might think it is. Through powerful anecdotes and biblical verses, we're reminded that Jesus multiplies our efforts when we are willing to step up and contribute, encouraging us to be active participants in God's mission. Join us in embracing the value of showing up and making a difference in the lives of others, guided by the call to serve and embody the teachings of Christ.

Dive into a reflective journey on what it truly means to embody the Christian way of life. In a world often fixated on the concept of 'believing,' let's explore the often overshadowed essence of 'following.' Drawing wisdom from the scriptures and early Christian origins, we unravel the profound title of 'CHRIST'—a position denoting authority. Let's rediscover the importance of placing Jesus first, embodying the ways of love, grace, and righteousness. Join us in this series titled "Why?" as we delve into the foundational values of our church, emphasizing the significance of keeping Jesus at the forefront in every aspect of our lives. Let's prioritize 'being Christian' and witness the transformative impact it can have on our world.

We delve into the values that moved Jesus to change lives, focusing on "FOR THE ONE" from Luke 15. Reflecting on Matthew 9:35-38, we learn about authentic Christian compassion, involving seeing, feeling, and doing. Our mission is to "Know Jesus and Love Like Him," stepping into the chaos to extend love and grace. Reflect on who God is calling you to see and the actions He's urging you to take.

Today we dive into the fascinating story of Jesus as an exceptional small group leader and how he brought together an unlikely crew of disciples. From fishermen to tax collectors and doubters, they formed a unique community. Discover how Jesus faced challenges, scattered but gathered his disciples, and prepared them for a world-changing mission. We explore the value of genuine community, breaking isolation, and embracing diversity in today's context. Join us to understand why gathering regularly with like-minded believers is essential for your faith journey. Plus, find out why community is at the heart of our church values. Don't miss this insightful exploration of how gathering can change lives and how you can be a part of it!