People are tolerant of many things in life. There is freedom of religion. There is freedom of speech. There is even freedom to do the kind of work God calls you to do. And for the most part, people are ok with all of these. There is a limit though. People become hostile to things in life that affect their wallet. That affect their ability to make money. They would relate to the phrase; “Do what you want to do in your life, just don’t let it affect me! Especially don’t let it affect my bank account.”

I recently heard a story of a group of people that felt called to reach out to workers in the local strip club in the name of Jesus. They fed the workers and staff and people loved it. They provided childcare and were thanked. They prayed for everyone at the club and there was genuine appreciation. But when anything happened to hurt the profits of the club, the owners cooled to the work of the Christians. When the workers went off drugs and started questioning their work, it was not ok. When the workers wanted to change their lives for Jesus, it was not ok. When the workers quit, it was not ok. The work done by the Christians was ok only up until the business suffered. Then things changed. Then they were not welcome.

We see an event in the book of Acts that looks a lot like the strip club story. Paul and Silas free a slave woman from the bondage of demons (and presumably the bondage of her owners). What should have been an event worthy of celebration, turned into a nightmare. There was no rejoicing because Paul and Silas disrupted the business of the slave owners. And injustice ensued. Come this Sunday and hear how God was at work in the midst of terrible injustice. It speaks to injustice in our world today.

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) 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 the week following with the sermon link attached.

“But when her owners saw that their hope of gain was gone, they seized Paul and Silas and dragged them into the marketplace before the rulers.” - Acts 16:19


- Pastor Curt

Theological Word of The Week:

Teaching

In the New Testament, the ability to explain Scripture and apply it to people’s 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 - May 16

Acts: A Holy Spirit Inspired Legacy

Acts 16:16-24

“The Way of The World”

2020 Final