One of my favorite emojis is the “mind-blown” face. It expresses how we feel in an expressive and accurate way! If Saul (the Apostle Paul) had emojis in Acts 9:1-19, this is the one he would have used (trust me - I’ve studied this one). His life was flipped upside-down. What he once thought was absolute, rock-solid truth - that Jesus and his followers were imposters - was in an instant proven false. In fact, what Saul dedicated his life to eliminating (The Christian Faith) was now his only option to follow! Mind-Blown!!!

I’m particularly fascinated in the “three days Saul lived without sight, and neither ate nor drank.” He had three days from the time he was confronted by Jesus on the Damascus Road until and man named Ananias laid hands on Saul and restored his vision. He not only restored Saul’s vision, Ananias affirmed Saul’s conversion. He referred to him as “Brother Saul” and God filled him with the Holy Spirit! For this Saul could rejoice, but for the three days in between he must have considered all of the wrong he had done. What he dedicated his life to was actually persecuting Jesus, the true God he was called to honor, worship, and tell people about.

This could be brutally crippling to moving forward in life. The guilt and shame would be unbearable. BUT God had a plan for Saul. He was going to use him to proclaim Jesus to the world! God gave Saul grace. He gave him the grace to move forward. The grace to deeply understand and welcome forgiveness. The grace to rest in the peace and hope only God gives.

And this same grace is for us. All of our past is laid at the cross and forgiven. We can move forward. We can be used by God. We can be whole and full of God’s love toward others. Let’s join together for worship this Sunday and celebrate this grace!

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.

"But the Lord said to him, ‘Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel.” - Acts 9:15


- Pastor Curt

Theological Word of the Week:

Lord

In the New Testament, a translation of the Greek word kyrios that is usually, but not always, used to refer to Christ. In the Greek translation of the Old Testament, this word is used to translate the Hebrew yhwh, the personal name of the omnipotent God..


Wayne Grudem, Systematic Theology

Wayne Grudem, Systematic Theology

Upcoming Events

Children's Ministry

We are providing live Sunday School this 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 - September 20

Acts: A Holy Spirit Inspired Legacy

Acts 9:1-19

“Life Flipped Upside-down”

2020 YTD