The concept of freedom is glorious! It is utter joy that we are free from sin in Jesus. Being free from sin makes us free from guilt, shame, and condemnation. We are free to live a life in peace with God. Freedom is to be cherished and we owe God an eternity of thanks for our freedom. Freedom is also a biblical way to bless others - primarily when we give up freedom. Jesus gave up His freedoms as God to come to rescue us. Philippians 2:6-8 tells us that Jesus “emptied himself”, took the “form of a servant”, and was “found in human form.” He gave up the freedom of Diety to come as a human to live and die for us. And we are called to give up freedoms we have in Jesus to bless others.

Romans 14:21 says, “It is good not to eat meat or drink wine or do anything that causes your brother to stumble.” We are free in Jesus to eat meat and drink wine. Jesus says so in Mark 7:14-15. Peter affirms in Acts 10. But it is not good if it causes another Christian to stumble. So we give up our freedom to eat and drink in order to bless another. This passage in Romans is complicated and has been difficult for me to grasp. But God has given me direction in His truth. I look forward to preaching on Romans 14:13-23 and living out the implications with you in our church!

Come this Sunday to sing, pray, hear God’s Word, take communion, and eat dinner together at Urban Plates after church. Communion Sunday is always a great reminder that Jesus has given up His freedom for us to have life!

“So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding.” - Romans 14:19


- Pastor Curt

Please take note of ways to gather for Sunday Service at The Rock:

1) We are meeting inside at Manhattan Beach Pre-School for our Sunday Service at 4:30 pm.

2) We will also be live on Facebook Live. CLICK HERE at 4:30 Sunday afternoon.

3) Finally we will provide a video link to the sermon on our website.

Theological Word of The Week:

sanctification

A progressive work of God and man that makes us more and more free from sin and more like Christ in our actual lives.

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 - February 4

romans: The Gospel changes perspectives

Romans 14:13-23

“Don’t destroy the works of God”