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Build Your House On The Rock

March 17, 2020

No one expected that hand washing and toilet paper memes would become so popular. My family has 12 rolls left and somehow I think we’ll still be okay. The anxious, fearful response by many to hoard supplies during a time of crisis reveals a lot about our human nature. There’s no shame in being prepared. I would hope those with an abundance would share with those in need around them. For followers of Jesus, that is our way.

Jesus taught us a thing or two about how to prepare for a crisis. At the end of his famous Sermon on the Mount, Matthew 5-7, Jesus shared a parable about two house builders and a storm. One house was built upon rock and the other upon sand. According to his parable, it’s not a matter of “IF” the storm comes but “WHEN” the storm comes. The storms will come, and they can come in a variety of ways. Will we be prepared or will we be knocked out? According to Jesus, there is something we can do to prepare. “Everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.”

During this time of Covid-19, staying home and washing hands, what does life look like on the rock? We have heard Jesus’ teachings. Now what does it look like for us to put them into practice?

  1. VALUE RELATIONSHIPS: Try spending quality time with your siblings, parents and non-sick friends. Brainstorm new activities or hobbies you can do at home instead of binge watching your favorite shows all day on Netflix, Twitch or Youtube. One or two shows a day is okay. Just not all day.
  2. SELFLESS ACTS OF KINDNESS: Help your parents with chores around the house. Call your grandparents and checkin, especially since they are likely not allowing visitors. Share some of your toilet paper and other supplies with neighbors in need 🙂
  3. FELLOWSHIP WITH GOD: If we were to imagine something good that can come out of Covid-19, I imagine the most significant benefit is how our schedules have cleared up and created more room for us to spend time with God. I dare not say God caused this issue. I believe all tragedies are the result of our broken world perpetuated by our sin. On the flip side, God does have a history of bringing good things out of terrible circumstances. I hope during this time you are able to spend more time in prayer and personal bible study. If you need a good place to start, give us a call or text, we are here for you!

Stand firm on the rock!

Pastor Chris

Matthew 7:24-27

24 “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. 26 But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. 27 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.”

 

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God Is Our Refuge

March 17, 2020

Pastor Matt gave an incredible sermon on Psalm 46 this past weekend as it relates to our current situation with Covid-19 (LINK TO SERMON). This passage of Scripture inspired the name REFUGE as our Sunday Morning Junior High gathering, which we have enjoyed together this past year and WILL again soon.

This passage states clearly that God is our place of REFUGE. Not a building. Not a worship service. Not a Book. But God, whose nature is Spirit, is our REFUGE. My favorite definition of “spirit” is unbodily personal power. You cannot see God, but you can experience God’s personal power. Just as you cannot see the wind, but you can see the affects of the wind, so we can see the affects of the Holy Spirit in our lives. My 3 year old daughter asked me just yesterday as I was driving them to their daycare, “Daddy, where is God?” My response came straight from Psalm 46 (and Pastor Matt’s sermon), “God is with us. You cannot see God, but Jesus sent us the Holy Spirit who will always be with us. God lives with you, in your heart.” I’m not sure the last part of God living inside her heart was helpful to her or more confusing, but she smiled and said, “Okay daddy.”

We certainly can experience God’s power when we gather together in a building, when we are together for worship, and when we together study the Bible, but we can and must learn how to relationally connect with God as individuals. You are not alone in this and we, your church, are here to help you.

Experiencing God’s personal power requires us to be still. To slow down. To pause. To rest from our own agendas and consider God’s presence, God’s voice, God’s agenda to restore ALL of creation under the proper rule and reign of his Kingdom. The coronavirus has definitely forced us to be still. We can certainly be frustrated and disappointed as our plans and daily routines are changing dramatically. But consider the benefits of this time…

  1. To be still.
  2. To better connect with siblings and parents.
  3. To have leisure time to read, write, paint, exercise or garden. I hope you get bored of binge watching your favorite Netflix, Twitch or Youtube shows and discover a fun new hobby!
  4. To no longer say to God, “I’m too busy for prayer and bible study.”

My prayer for you during this time is that you find REFUGE in God, whose Holy Spirit is with you. God wants to offer you wisdom and guidance to become more patient, generous and gracious towards others, less anxious and more hopeful for better days ahead. Take advantage of this time for investing in your relationship with God and receiving all the benefits God wants to give you. As Pastor Matt shared in his sermon, with all respect to those negatively affected by this virus, we can consider this opportunity to slow down as a gift.

We are here for you,

Pastor Chris

PSALM 46

1 God is our REFUGE and strength,
    an ever-present help in trouble.
2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way
    and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,
3 though its waters roar and foam
    and the mountains quake with their surging.

4 There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
    the holy place where the Most High dwells.
5 God is within her, she will not fall;
    God will help her at break of day.
6 Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall;
    he lifts his voice, the earth melts.

7 The Lord Almighty is with us;
    the God of Jacob is our fortress.

8 Come and see what the Lord has done,
    the desolations he has brought on the earth.
9 He makes wars cease
    to the ends of the earth.
He breaks the bow and shatters the spear;
    he burns the shields with fire.
10 He says, “Be still, and know that I am God;
    I will be exalted among the nations,
    I will be exalted in the earth.”

11 The Lord Almighty is with us;
    the God of Jacob is our fortress.

 

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