2.14.18 Rock Update

The best truck I ever had cost me more money than I originally intended to spend.  But I loved that truck. I still love that truck even if a lady ran a redlight and used my beloved truck to stop.  I'm not bitter though.  The truck was totaled and I had to say goodbye. But the truck serves as a reminder of my faith in Christ in a way. 

It's been said that anything worth having costs something.  My dad used to always say that "nothing is free."  This confused me a bit because my faith in Christ was free right?  Well it is but...following Christ has to cost us something right?  He did say we must deny ourselves right?  Looking back I can see many sacrifices made and things that needed to be forsaken along the way.  Like my truck.  It cost me a lot to get that truck.  But in the end it was so worth it.  Especially when it was paid off and it began to pay me, in a way.

Following Christ is not some wishy washy thing that leads to a paradise filled life with no issues and then when you die your peaceful death you have that ticket to heaven in your wallet or purse.  This is the thinking many "followers" of Christ have I believe.    But this thinking is dangerous, very dangerous.  That thinking is one of a fan rather than a follower.  My relationship with Christ definitely has strings attached.  While I can't earn my salvation there is definitely a cost. Our hope is to help students have a true understanding of what it means to follow Christ.

SIMPLY PUT:  Jesus is not interested in fans, He desires followers.  A follower is one who is committed no matter what.  The cost may be estimated but is never too high.  Why?  Because they are committed as a follower.  We see this is sports don't we?  Fans attract to the hot, winning team.  But see the team lose a few games and then watch as all the new bumper stickers are removed along with the allegiance which is shifted to the next big, hot team.  A committed follower of that team still flies the weathered flag on their front porch. Not because their team is winning but because that's their team.  

This month at The Rock we're doing a series called "NOT A FAN."  This series will push deep into the hearts of students to cause them to determine their relationship with Christ.  Do they follow Christ or are they simply a fan.

Attached are the few notes from last night.....the series we will be doing is a video series.

fan_or_follower_week_1.pdf
File Size:	225 kb
File Type:	pdf

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COMING UP...

March 7th - Spring Fling -  a big night for the Rock as we'll have a dodgeball tourney in the gym.  We're encouraging all students to recruit folks for their team.  We'll have a student testimony and then a clear gospel presentation.  More details to come...

March 16th - The Hangout - this is our first hangout that will be split up between our High School and Middle School students.  While we want our group together we also recognize the need to be split up for certain things.  This night will be a great opportunity for both groups to enjoy being with each other while having some fun.  More details to come...

April 27-29 - DNOW WEEKEND - Sign ups have started on the back wall in the Rock.  Be praying about if you can serve as a host home for this weekend.  See Chris for more info or visit our DNOW page.

INVOLVE BOARD:  We need to know what your student has going on.  Why?  We want to come and support them as they do their thing.  Band, Swimming, Cricket, _____BALL, whatever....let us know so we can get their date on the Big Calendar!