12.9.15 Rock Update

We've been a little slack on the updates on the blog.  This is due to us not meeting on Thanksgiving and some other time constraints.  We have been updating straight through email so if you didn't receive those emails please let us know and we'll add you to our email list.

I really want to start with 3 words: Refuel, Refuel and Refuel!  Refuel is our annual trip to the mountains for rest, time away and discipleship.  It's a great trip with goal of strengthening our vertical and horizontal relationships. Our relationship with God is foremost but it's also important to strengthen the relationship with others (horizontal.)

So please get signed up, with a $20 deposit, or go ahead and pay the full amount ($100.)  For more information on Refuel please visit the Refuel Page. 

Last Night

We brought the Old Testament to a close last night at The Rock. This morning as I was meeting and discussing last nights sermon with some students we really summed it up by saying the takeaway was that we need something more than what we can offer.

If the Old Testament screams anything it is that this is God's creation and we are incapable of producing what it takes to be in a healthy relationship with Him.  Only God can provide this and as we kick off in January we see that this is accomplished through Christ. 

I was reminded of how similar my life is to those in the Old Testament.  I am guilty of all they were guilty of it seems.  My needs are no different than their needs and God's ultimate provision for me is no different than what it was for them, Jesus. 

As we work through the larger story of the Bible we see this main idea: God is working in creation for His glory and our good. The "for our good" often sounds like we are God's main intention but it's not.  Somehow God chooses to bless us even though we are really horrible people.  That's harsh isn't it?  It's true.  This is called grace.  So the "for our good" is grace and a remarkable part of the story of redemption but it no way communicates that we deserve or earn this grace. It is God's to grant on His terms and in His timing.  God is working in HIs creation for His glory first and in this we are extended grace.

Here are the notes as we wrap up this fall semester together at The Rock.

the_exile_narrative_shows_us.....12.09.15.pdf
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NEXT WEEK

Next week is Classy Tacky Christmas!  We'll have some fun and celebrate Christmas  and all it brings.  We want to have fun but also remember the reason for the season.

In this we are really wanting everyone to come tacky.....or classy.  Your pick!

Don't forget to get those Refuel payments in!