The presidential election is less than 5 weeks away. We are flooded with articles, debates, social media posts, and personal conversations. Some say, “I love it! I’m all in for the excitement and drama.” Other say, “I’m done. I can't wait for this to be over.” Maybe you’ve said both! It is easy to be swept away in the rhetoric no matter how you are interacting with politics right now. It is consuming. It is relentless. But there are some helpful principles in which the Christian is reminded of their responsibilities as believers:
1) “Our citizenship is in heaven” - Philippians 3:20. Paul was writing in the politically charged context of the Roman Empire. It was no picnic. Politics dominated life similar to the way it dominates our context. And Paul, following in Jesus’ example, never took sides. He confidently proclaimed we are citizens of somewhere much greater than Rome, Israel, or America. We belong to God. We are His children. We belong to heaven first. This world is not out home. It would do us good to act like it in any political conversation.
2) “The whole creation has been groaning” - Romans 8:22. Our world is broken. Our world is deeply impacted by sin. Our world is filled with fallen creatures. It is no wonder that we fight, blame, call names, and put our opponents down. It is no wonder American politics are a dumpster fire. We are in desperate need to be rescued from ourselves. We are in desperate need of Jesus.
3) “We have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” - Romans 5:1. We long for peace. We desire the political fighting to end. We want justice. We thirst after righteousness. Our only hope is Jesus. He is our peace. He is our hope. He is our justice. He is our only righteousness. And God has freely given us Jesus. May we run to His loving arms above any political victory. Or any political loss. May we find our peace in the person of Jesus!
4) “Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.” - Romans 12:10. As Christians, we may have different opinions on politics. That is ok - really! All of my children are different people, wonderfully designed by God, but love one another as family. The church is a community of God’s children. We are brothers and sisters who are uniquely and wonderfully made with opinions, bents, and passions. And we are commanded to love one another like family. During this season of political turmoil let’s take this seriously. Let’s love one another deeply. Let’s cling to this Jesus love as if our lives depended on it.
We gather this Sunday to worship God with all of our strength, hearts, minds and souls. We will take communion together as family. We place our anxieties, anger, fears, and hopes at the feet of Jesus. I can’t wait!
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, masks and Bibles! For a complete copy of our guidelines for re-opening CLICK HERE.
2) *** NEW *** 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 4:30 Sunday afternoon.
3) Finally we will provide a video link to the sermon. I will send out an email Monday morning with the sermon link attached.
"Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.” - Romans 12:10
- Pastor Curt
Theological Word of the Week:
Heaven
The place where God most fully makes known his presence to bless. It is in heaven where God most fully reveals His glory, and where angels, other heavenly creatures, and redeemed saints all worship him.
Wayne Grudem, Systematic Theology
Wayne Grudem, Systematic Theology
Upcoming Events
Children's Ministry
We are providing live Sunday School starting Sunday, Sept. 20!
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 - October 4
Acts: A Holy Spirit Inspired Legacy
Acts 9:32-43
“Peter’s Preparation”
2020 YTD