“Christians are hypocrites! That’s why I can’t believe in Jesus…” This is a common refrain among people who have been let down by Christians. Looking to people as a source and example of righteousness is a losing proposition. People will fail us. People will fall. When trusted leaders fall morally it seems worse. These are the people we look to as an example of how to live like Jesus. The harsh reality is that Christian leaders fail morally as well. This is why we look directly to Jesus as an example of how to live like Jesus! Jesus does not fall. Jesus does not fail. Jesus as incarnate God is the only human example we can fully trust.

The Rock Men’s Group recently listened to and interacted with videos from Ravi Zacharias. The videos were helpful. Ravi’s points were well taken. We learned. We grew. Now Ravi Zacharias has been exposed as a hypocrite. In an internal investigation after allegations were made against him (Ravi passed away in 2020), it was confirmed that he was involved sexually with numerous women that were not his wife (Read RZIM statement HERE). And sadly, not all of the relationships were consensual. As it turns out, Ravi Zacharias was a sexual predator.

Where do we go from here? As a church, we must address sin, call out unrighteousness, and move forward cautiously and wisely. This Monday in Men’s Group we will process Ravi’s failures. In short, we must do three things as Christians in addressing situations like these: 1) Grieve and weep with the victims of abuse. They are not simply statistics. These are real people that were abused by a spiritual and sexual predator. 2) Look inwardly and have the expectation that private sin will become public. We never “get away” with sin. It will be revealed. Sometimes even revealed publicly and shamefully. 3) Repent now. Don’t wait. If there is sin that needs to be dealt with in your life, deal with it immediately. As Jesus said, “Go and sin no more.”

Put your trust in Jesus. There is safety, comfort, and reliability in placing all trust and hope in a Savior that will never disappoint. Continue to learn from Christian leaders. God put them here to help. God put them in positions to lead and teach. But never put them on a pedestal. And finally, pray for your leaders. We need God’s help in all things!

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 3:30 pm. Bring your lawn chairs, blankets, masks and Bibles! For a complete copy of our guidelines for re-opening CLICK HERE.

2) We will also be live on Facebook Live (NOT ZOOM). 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 3:30 Sunday afternoon.

3) Finally we will provide a video link to the sermon. I will send out an email the week following with the sermon link attached.

“And there they continued to preach the gospel.” - Acts 14:7


- Pastor Curt

Theological Word of The Week:

Absolute Authority

The highest authority in one’s life; an authority that cannot be disproved by appeal to any higher authority.

Wayne Grudem, Systematic Theology

Upcoming Events

Children's Ministry

We are providing live Sunday School!

Here is the plan: Children will be with their parents for the singing portion of the service. Children will be dismissed after singing to meet with Cameron and Courtney outside near the playground outside of the auditorium. Cameron will plan a short lesson, have a group activity, and supervise some free play. At the end of the service, Cameron will walk the children back to where we meet. This is 100% voluntary for parents. Your children are also welcome to be with you during the service. We believe this can be done in a safe and organized way. All activities will be outside. Every child will be encouraged to keep their masks on. We will do the best we can to encourage distance.

-Cameron

Sermon Topic - February 21

Acts: A Holy Spirit Inspired Legacy

Acts 14:1-28

“Set ‘Em Up, Knock ‘Em Down”

2020 Final