It has always amazed me that this world can be so beautiful (both the natural world and people in the world!) and so tragic at the same time. God had created this world “very good” according to Genesis 1:31, but soon after the first humans rebelled against God and God “cursed the ground” (Gen. 3:17; Rom. 8:22). The world has never been the same. We see today a remnant of God’s creation and humans bearing the beautiful image of God. But we also see natural disasters and inexplicable wars. We live everyday in this juxtaposition.
Is there any way to explain living in a world that gives us the beauty of Mother Theresa and the evil of Vladimir Putin invading Ukraine? Can we live in a world with both good and evil? How? These are necessary questions to ask if we really want to honestly love God.
I believe the Bible answers both questions in principle. We can rejoice in God’s creation and in humans that bear His image. We praise God for the work He does in our world. We can also mourn and lament the evil in the world. Evil should upset us. Evil reminds us that sin has affected and permeated our world and its people. Evil shows us that this world is not our home. We respond by longing for our eternal home, heaven. But we also respond by living for Jesus in this world. Our present actions give God glory and fight against evil and wickedness of all kinds.
Let us pray. We can pray for people that are affected by the world’s injustices. Those affected by war, disease, racism, and many other sinful actions. We can also pray for Christians everywhere to stand for truth and justice. Let’s do that this Sunday! Come worship together!
Please take note of ways to gather for Sunday Service at The Rock:
1) We are meeting outside at Manhattan Beach Pre-School for our Sunday Service at 4:30 pm. Bring your lawn chairs, blankets, and Bibles!
2) We will also be live on Facebook Live. If you don’t feel comfortable joining us in person, are feeling sick, or have been exposed to someone who is sick stay connected through this live-stream - CLICK HERE at 4:30 Sunday afternoon.
3) Finally we will provide a video link to the sermon on our website.
“The native people showed us unusual kindness, for they kindled a fire and welcomed us all, because it had begun to rain and it was cold.” - Acts 28:2
- Pastor Curt
Theological Word of The Week:
Goodness
The doctrine that God is the final standard of good, and that all that God is and does is worthy of approval.
Wayne Grudem, Systematic Theology
Upcoming Events
Children's Ministry
Children can join Cameron every Sunday for Bible time during the service. They will go through the Bible story by story.
Sermon Topic - March 20
Acts: A Holy Spirit Inspired Legacy
Acts 28:1-6
“Island Vibes”
A21-M22 Fiscal YTD