When Disaster Strikes
The news from Oklahoma and Texas is horrible and difficult to bear. The tragic loss of life, especially the children in the elementary school, raises hard and gut-wrenching questions for all us. In times like these we pray for a faith that is bigger than our questions, and we thank God for a hope that is bigger than what a tornado can take away. We pray this hope can become real to the victims of this disaster.
As Christ-followers we are part of a Kingdom that is both here and is yet to come. What we witnessed yesterday was the groaning of creation for this Kingdom to come (see Romans 8:18-25). Jesus even predicted such occurrences would happen prior to the full consummation of His Kingdom (see Luke 21:11).
But now our response is to bear witness to the King we serve and the King we await.
- Let’s all commit to praying for the victims that they may find and rest in the only hope that transcends this tragedy.
- Let’s also pray for the first responders and relief organizations and churches that they may demonstrate the hope and love of Christ.
- Finally, as a church we are today donating thousands of dollars directly to the disaster relief efforts underway in Oklahoma. This is only possible because you faithfully give. Thank you for helping Rock Bridge respond quickly and generously in a way that prayerfully will meet practical life-giving needs in the days to come and offer hope for those in pain and grief.
Tragedies like these remind us that this broken world is not our home and that “here we do not have an enduring city, but we are looking for the city that is to come” (Hebrews 13:14, NIV). We thank God for this hope and anticipation while praying today, perhaps more than before, “Lord, Your Kingdom come.”
Getting Ready for Easter
STEP 1: PICK A SERVICE THAT …
a) An unchurched person, lost person, or your “red dot” is willing to attend with you.
b) Allows you to serve during one or multiple services and worship at another service.
c) Helps us free up seats during the expected “high attendance” times of Sunday 9:30 & 11:00 by attending a non-traditional service time
d) Any combination of a, b, or c.
Here are the options we have in NW GA for Easter:
Calhoun:
Thursday @ 6:30 pm
Sunday @ 8:00, 9:30, or 11:00 am
Chatsworth
Sunday @ 10:30 am (extra seats will be out!!)
Dalton
Thursday @ 6:30 pm (Stage 123)
Saturday @ 6:30 pm (Wink Theatre)
Sunday @ 8:00 am (Stage 123)
Sunday @ 9:30 am & 11:00 am (both Stage 123 & Wink Theatre)
Ringgold
Saturday @ 6:30 pm
Sunday @ 8:00, 9:30, or 11:00 am
We are kicking off a NEW SERIES on Easter weekend called Overcome–an awesome opportunity to invite a guest to learn how the resurrection matter today in our lives to help us overcome obstacles, adversities, and barriers in order to live the life God created us to live!!
Taking Action By Serving Our Community
Guest post by Brian Holt
A famous nun once said, “[The fame and adulation] means nothing to me. But one thing I have done which I believe is important. I have helped people to talk to the poor and not just about the poor.”
The Next Step for the Holt Family
Guest Post by Brian Holt
It is with a mixture of both excitement and sadness that we would like to announce that I have accepted the position of Executive Pastor at Bridgeway Community Church in Fishers, Indiana starting in May.
For the past year, Anna and I have felt a growing burden in our hearts for the Midwest. We had been sensing that God might lead us to return someday, though we weren’t sure when that might happen. That burden was in stark contrast to how we felt when we first moved to Georgia (and before I got to know SEC fans). At that time, we knew exactly where we were supposed to be and what we were supposed to be doing. Over time, as we tried to be obedient and bold, that direction has shifted.
Rock Bridge has been absolutely incredible to and for me and my family. Moving to Georgia was easily the best decision we’ve ever made as a family and we will cherish every minute of it and every friendship we’ve gained. I learned how to be a leader, pastor, strategic thinker, and a better disciple through my time under the leadership of this church. Through the relationships we gained, we learned how to be good parents, better stewards, and better spouses and have grown closer to God. In many ways, it brings me great sadness to leave this place. We are leaving, not because we have to and not because of unhealth, but rather to step out in faith into a new adventure. If not for how amazing Rock Bridge is, we’d never have been ready to accept this new journey.
But this decision is not all sad. We aren’t leaving to go to a terrible place filled with terrible people. Bridgeway Community Church immediately captured our hearts. It was clear from the beginning that this was a place that aligned with our vision of what church could be. The people are kind and passionate about Jesus. They are not judgmental, but cover all things with grace. They are more concerned with loving people into a relationship with Jesus Christ through the Gospel than they are about maintaining old traditions. Their faith is evident, passionate, and directed. Their reliance on Him is clear. It will be an honor to serve God alongside each and every one of them. I pray that God will use this church for His glory, as He has Rock Bridge.
All new journeys are inherently scary. There is so much unknown. (What if they really are all terrible people and they just hide it well?) However, we take great peace in knowing that there is One who is never unknown, no matter where we go, as long as we are following Him. And that’s what our family longs to be about.
With much love,
Brian & Anna
Kingdom Giving
During Operation Advance we have an opportunity to make a “Kingdom investment” with our finances … or should I say the finances God has given us “dominion” over. While giving away money is challenging and often scary, I want to encourage you that God is faithful to us when we are faithful to His kingdom causes. As we go through an honest, biblically guided, and faith-filled process, we can trust God to grow us closer to Him and shape us more in His likeness. Remember Jesus’ teaching that “…where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:21). So as we invest “treasure” into the Kingdom, our heart will follow and become more Kingdom-oriented. Here are a few things to encourage you:
Watch the Operation Advance giving partners video that we showed during our services this weekend.
Include your spouse, children, small group, etc in the process of deciding what to give.
Always keep the Cross and the gift of God’s Son in mind as you consider giving.
Our Elders and staff have already committed OVER $21,500.
6 Then the leaders of the households, the leaders of the tribes of Israel, the commanders of thousands and of hundreds, and the officials in charge of the king’s work gave willingly … 9 Then the people rejoiced because of their leaders’ willingness to give, for they had given to the Lord with a whole heart. {I Chronicles 29:6-9, HCSB}
Be creative when thinking about how you can give.
- Eat out less and divert the money you would normally spend to the offering.
- Drink less coffee and cokes, giving the money you would spend to the offering.
- Seriously analyze your budget and spending to make long-term changes so you can be more generous.
- Consider how you can reduce driving (gas expenses).
- Look at your “standard of living” — can you make changes so you can increase your “standard of giving” to the Kingdom?
- Finally, hold everything loosely. Look at your investments, savings, etc. etc. Give God a “1000% Yes” answer to “What’s next?” for your finances.
There is great power in our church going through this together in unity. A few of us can make a small difference, but all together we can dramatically alter the dynamic and change the direction toward God’s kingdom on several fronts by our sacrificial gift this month. Pray and listen. To God be the glory!
Instructions on how to give:
- You can give online at “MyRockBridge” by clicking here.
- Make a check payable to “Rock Bridge Community Church” and put “OPERATION ADVANCE” in the memo line.
- Put loose change in the large water bottles found in our lobby spaces at all campuses.
- We are encouraging everyone to give something over Palm Sunday weekend (March 21/24) but you can give earlier or later if you prefer.
Fasting 101
On Thursday as a church we are fasting together for the “advance” of God’s kingdom IN us and THROUGH us. Here are a few thoughts on fasting along with an excellent web site that goes in more detail: “Your Personal Guide to Fasting and Prayer” –
Why fast?
- To remind ourselves that we do not live on “bread” alone but ultimately upon God and His presence (Matthew 4:4; Psalm 73:26)
- Because certain spiritual victories only come through fasting (Matthew 17:21; Ezra 8:21)
- To heighten our sensitivity to God and His voice (Acts 13:2)
What should I fast from?
- Something that you will consciously miss:
- A meal or several meals
- The use of Facebook or the internet or other social media
- TV
- Cokes, coffee, caffeine, sugar, or even meat
- Limiting your diet to fruits and vegetables and juices (this is a good option for a longer fast)
- By fasting you free attention and time to focus on the things of God (Colossians 3:1-3)
- When you feel the desire to eat or watch TV or check Facebook or whatever you are fasting from, instead turn to God in prayer, Scripture reading, or worship music
- Drink plenty of fluids before and during your fast.
- Do not “gorge” yourself on food the day before.
- Get rest
- During your fast, slow your pace down (don’t engage in strenuous physical activity for example).
- Have a plan for what will do when your body says, “Feed me”. A few options are to drink water or juices, immediately turn to prayer and Bible reading, talk to other Christians who can help encourage you, etc.
Ask, Seek, Knock!
Guest Blog by Alfred Turley
This week as a church we will come together and pray at our 1st Wednesday service, as well as the 24 Service, where we will pray and fast as a church for 24 straight hours. But why is prayer such a big deal? Why does God want us to pray?
For people just beginning a relationship with God, prayer can be hard to understand. Some people struggle with it, feeling like asking God for help is selfish and feels wrong. And some say we should only bother God with the big stuff, like when someone is seriously ill, or we lose a job, or have a real crisis in our lives way beyond our abilities. But listen to what Jesus encourages us to do in Matthew:
Keep asking, and it will be given to you. Keep searching, and you will find. Keep knocking and the door will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives, and the one who searches finds, and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. (Matt 7:6-7 HCSB)
While the word “pray” isn’t used here, the act of asking God can be done in no other way. Jesus encourages us to be relentless and aggressive in the pursuit of God’s help with our needs and desires. He knows that engaging in the pursuit of God’s help means we are building a bridge of communication and trust with God that will be pivotal in our lives. Prayer is the channel where we call in His power to change our hearts and do what we cannot do on our own!
You see, through prayer God refines us, brings His power into our lives, and shows us His love!
- Through asking, God will show us what our true needs are, and refine our desires to what pleases Him.
- God will give us real help! He will give us victory over sin and self-centeredness, as well as meet our needs and shape our lives for the better.
- God will become our friend and trusted father, and we will begin to understand more and more how much He loves us and desires to be involved in our lives.
All that happens through “asking” – through prayer! Join us this week as we come together and pray. Plan on being a part of it all:
- Come to 1st Wednesday in Dalton, Ringgold or Calhoun, and join us corporately in prayer, worship & communion. The service starts at 6:30 PM, with dinner at 5:30 PM.
- Participate in the 24 Service for at least 15 minutes or more. The service will last from 8:20 PM on Wednesday until 5:00 PM on Thursday. Consider bringing your small group and praying together.
- Consider fasting from something on Thursday, something that shows God the seriousness of your desire to engage Him, and the seriousness of our need for Him.
Come and ask big of God in your life, and in the life of our church, community and nation! God loves us, wants us to trust Him, and wants to be the power we lean on for every aspect of our lives!
Operation Advance and You!
So in yesterday’s blog, we previewed our big initiative for this month called OPERATION ADVANCE. Part of the purpose and power of this movement is that we are doing this TOGETHER as a united body of believers for the cause of Christ’s Kingdom. So please be willing to say “Yes” to as much as you possible can to join in the “advance”!
1) Be in a worship service every week. Consistency is key and experiencing God together is vitally important. Make every effort to attend services and don’t forget about Rock Bridge PM (Thursdays at 6:30 pm) in Calhoun and Dalton if you’re away on a weekend.
2) “Advance” with a small group. If you are in a small group, attend the group meetings and participate in your how your group is serving the community in March. Discuss together how God is working in you and growing your faith. Help each other advance the Kingdom!
If you’d like to find a small group, email info@rockbridge.cc.
3) However much you pray, pray some more. Commit now to giving God more time and attention in prayer. Participate in the 24/7 service (March 6-7) by coming to a campus for prayer. The prayer “advance” launches with 1st Wednesday on March 6th.
4) Pray for at least one person BY NAME that does not currently follow Jesus Christ. Ask God to open their eyes and heart to see Christ clearly and treasure Him passionately. Ask God to use you to help them see Christ.
5) Consider “fasting” for a portion of time to deepen your hunger and to feed solely off Christ. Whether it is one meal or 10 meals or fasting from TV or social media or the internet, consider giving up something and use the time to pray or be in God’s Word. You’ll be surprised how real God in you becomes.
6) How every much you give to the Kingdom, give some more. We are giving to several great causes from NW Georgia to the ends of the earth so prayerfully ask God to help you make a “kingdom-based” financial decision that glorifies His Name.
We’ll officially collect the offering on Palm Sunday weekend (March 21/24) but you can give anytime in March and early April. You can also give online through MyRockBridge.
7) Be alert for Kingdom opportunities all around you and expect God to “advance” in you and through you. The Kingdom is moving and it moves through people like us who say “Yes” to God’s advance!