Advent 2022: When God Came Down, Luke 1:26-38, December 4, 2022

This Sunday we continue an annual tradition at The Rock as we begin our Advent series for this season titled, When God Came Down. As the big day approaches we anticipate the arrival of Jesus Christ at the first Christmas by examining once again the stories surrounding this great event found in Scripture. Along with our Advent Readings and Candle Lightings each Sunday, we will look at the Incarnation from the perspective of the Trinity—Father, Son & Holy Spirit. We hope you will join us this Sunday as we begin with The Father and His relationship to the coming of His only begotten Son at the first Christmas!

Christ: Our Living Hope, Be This Way, 1 Peter 2:18-25, November 27, 2022

This Sunday we continue in our series CHRIST—Our Living Hope in 1 Peter! Having laid the ground work for how we are to live 'honourably' in every sphere of our lives in this world, last week Peter took us into the realm of government and civil authority and what our submission to them should look like and why. This week he moves into the first of what are known as the 'Household Codes,' looking at the servant and master relationship. It's going to get even more interesting ;-) Read 1 Peter 2:18-25 in preparation!

Christ: Our Living Hope, Honour Everyone, 1 Peter 2:13-17, November 20, 2022

This Sunday, we continue in our series CHRIST—Our Living Hope in 1 Peter! Having laid the ground work for how we are to live 'honourably' in every sphere of our lives in this world, Peter now moves to the first of several very practical ways to do that and in one of the most challenging areas of human life—submission to those in authority and first up, you guessed it—governing authorities! Be prepared, this is not politics as usual. Read 1 Peter 2:13-17 in preparation!

Christ: Our Living Hope, So That They May See, 1 Peter 2:11-12, November 13, 2022

This Sunday we continue in our series CHRIST—Our Living Hope in 1 Peter! This week we arrive at a central hinge or pivotal point in Peter's letter to the elect exiles in Asia Minor. Just two verses that require us to slow down and digest deeply. Last Sunday, we learned how 'honoured' we are to have been caused by our Heavenly Father to be born again and invited into His family and Kingdom. This week, we learn how He expects us to live 'honourably' in every sphere of our lives in this world. Read 1 Peter 2:11-12 in preparation!

Christ: Our Living Hope, Part V, Come to Jesus, 1 Peter 2:4-10, November 6, 2022

This Sunday we continue in our series CHRIST—Our Living Hope in 1 Peter! At this point in his letter, Peter changes course briefly to center the hearts and minds of those to whom he's writing this letter on the cornerstone of our faith and the church—Jesus Christ! In this brief passage we read some of Peter's most profound words about who we truly are as elect exiles, as committed Christians.

Christ: Our Living Hope, Part IV, The Love of The Father, 1 Peter 1:22—2:3 , October 30, 2022

We continue in our series CHRIST—Our Living Hope in 1 Peter! Following on from last week where we learned about the order in which Peter and Paul as well laid out their letters, it's always good Theology, Who God is and What He Has Done first, before we learn How Then We Should Live. Orthodoxy (upright knowledge or truth) before Orthopraxy (correct conduct or ethics). We then were challenged to be holy as God is Holy which leads to this week where we will learn what all of that should lead to in the Christian life. Read our text 1 Peter 1:22—2:3 in preparation for this week's message!

Christ: Our Living Hope, Part III, How Then Should We Live, 1 Peter 1:13-21

This Sunday we continue in our series CHRIST—Our Living Hope in 1 Peter! So far in our study we've heard the apostle Peter address the 'elect exiles' of the dispersion in Asia Minor and remind them of the great salvation that they have received. Peter knows full well the trials and persecutions that they've been under and he fears it will only get worse, therefore his main desire is to encourage them. This week Peter encourages them to live out their hope and salvation with great confidence.

Christ: Our Living Hope • Part II, 1 Peter 1:3-12, October, 16, 2022

We continue our new series CHRIST—Our Living Hope in 1 Peter! Last Sunday we spent some time reminding ourselves about the Apostle Peter's story, as well as discovering what his motivation was for writing this letter to the churches in Asia Minor at that time and the context that they were living in. This Sunday we will continue with a passage that Peter writes with a pastor's heart to encourage these churches. Read 1 Peter 1:3-12 in advance to prepare.

Christ: Our Living Hope, Part I, 1 Peter 1:1-2, October 9, 2022

This Sunday we begin a new series titled CHRIST—Our Living Hope in 1 Peter! Peter's story in his journey from everyday fisherman to apostle, is one that many of us might identify with. Jesus had His hand on him from the day that they met and, despite his many missteps, Peter became the fisher of men Jesus said He would make him into. In his letter to the elect exiles in Asia Minor, Peter writes and leads like an Apostle, but his pastoral heart is on full display. This Sunday we begin with an introduction. Maybe read the whole letter in preparation.

The Good Life: Two Builders—One Rock, Matthew 7:24-29, October 2, 2022

This Sunday we conclude the Sermon on the Mount Series: The Good Life, Human Flourishing According to Jesus! What a journey it's been to hear Jesus preach this famous sermon and hear his heart for everyone who will hear Him. As he concludes he makes one last appeal to all of us to choose wisely. Jesus came to give us life and life more abundantly. He accomplished what was needed to give us life, His life, by taking our sins upon himself so that we might be forgiven and receive the Holy Spirit who imparts Christ's righteousness to us. His final words in Matt. 7:24-27 invite us to build our lives on Him!

The Good Life: Stay on the Narrow Path! Matthew 7:15-23, September 25, 2022

This Sunday we continue in the Sermon on the Mount Series: The Good Life, Human Flourishing According to Jesus! As we approach the end of this amazing teaching by Jesus and the conclusion of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus provides two key warnings for His church, for His disciples as they persevere in their faith and walk with Him. Jesus warns, "Beware of wolves in sheep's clothing," false teachers who enter the church. Are there really wolves in the church today? What do they look like? How do we recognize them? Jesus and Paul give us the answers and the key clues.

The Good Life: This Way to Life, Matthew 7:7-14, September 18, 2022

This Sunday we continue in the Sermon on the Mount Series: The Good Life, Human Flourishing According to Jesus! We're approaching the end of this amazing teaching by Jesus. In this beautiful conclusion Jesus encourages us to Persevere With Confidence in The Good Life He has purchased for us by teaching us how to ask, seek and knock, and in so doing, choose the road, the only way, that leads to The Good Life now and eternally. Read Matthew 7:7-14 beforehand to prepare!

The Good Life: Stop Worrying! Matthew 6:25-34, August 28, 2022

This Sunday, we continue in the Sermon on the Mount Series: The Good Life, Human Flourishing According to Jesus! After last week's challenging words from Jesus on fasting and especially laying up treasures in Heaven versus here on earth, Jesus concludes this portion of the sermon by telling His disciples to not worry, to live anxiety free lives. You'll want to hear what He has to say about that this Sunday - Read Matthew 6:25-34 beforehand to prepare!