Beyond Sunday, Week of December 15, 2024
Christmas at the Movies, Week 3, How the Grinch Stole Christmas
Luke 19:1-10

Thoughts: The Grinch can sometimes be rather dark and foreboding. However, it gave us a glimpse this Sunday into the real consequences of being consumed with self. It reminded us that hurt people often respond by hurting other people, and revealed the transformational power of compassion and kindness.

Read: James 4:1-3, Galatians 5:13-15, Leviticus 19:9-18 
• James, in his epistle, goes into some of the consequences of being consumed with self. He describes aptly some of the obvious interpersonal conflict that can result.
o What about the consequences to the self-consumed person themselves; what are the less obvious negative effects of our self-absorption on ourselves?
o What does self-absorption say about (and how does it impact) our relationship with God?
• The apostle Paul states it more succinctly in his letter to the Galatians saying our self-consumption risks destroying one another. He offers the antidote, the oft-quoted “Love your neighbor as yourself.” The quote comes from the end of a passage in Leviticus which gives us more context for what Jesus said was the second most important commandment.
o Several times in that passage, which deals almost exclusively with our treatment of others, God ends a sentence with “I am the LORD.” Why do you think He inserts that so often in this passage?
o Of all those do’s and don’t’s, which ones might you find difficult to live by?

Read: Proverbs 18:14, Psalm 34:18, 119:49-56 
• It is very common that people who have been hurt—physically, emotionally, or spiritually—often hurt others, and not just those who hurt them, but others who may have done nothing to them.
o How can turning to God and meditating on His ways keep us from taking out our hurts on others?
o Describe a time when this has worked, or could work in your life.

Read: Luke 19:10, Matthew 9:35-38, 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 
• Many of the verses we have looked at so far basically add up to “Love your neighbor by doing them no harm.” But Jesus wants us to go beyond that. He ends the story of Zaccheus by proclaiming why He came down from Heaven, and why He frequently hung out with “sinners.”
o What do these passages reveal to you about our great God?
o What do they tell you about what it means to imitate Jesus, and to follow His commands?
o How has God gifted you to be a worker in His harvest field, to give compassion and comfort to others?

Pray: Pray that God would help you see others through His eyes; that He would lead you to those He has equipped you to comfort, strengthen, and encourage. Pray that He will reveal to you how you are allowing your past hurts to affect how you relate to others, and ask Him to free you from those hurts. Pray specifically for those you know need that freedom.

Next Steps:
• One of the most effective antidotes to self-consumption is to actively look for others to serve and bless. We would love to start you on that path by offering you Rock Hills’ Growth Track. Learn more and sign up here.
• If you have completed Growth Track and are ready to serve, reach out to the church by calling (785) 775-0012, or email to info@myrockhillschurch.com, and you will be put in touch with the right people.
• Freedom Groups gather weekly to discuss a 12-week curriculum that will equip you to live the victorious and abundant life Christ came to give you. Freedom Groups build on the foundation of your faith in Christ to help you embrace the truth of God’s Word as it relates to your worldview, your past, your sin, your personal value to God, and your purpose in His Kingdom. This group will help you remove every obstacle to intimacy with God and walk in true freedom. The next round of Freedom Groups will begin in February!

Beyond Sunday, Week of December 8, 2024
Christmas at the Movies, Week 2, Home Alone and Talking About Forgiveness
Colossians 3:13 

Thoughts: Sunday’s message was all about forgiveness. As I began writing this, I briefly went down a rabbit hole, researching the various Greek words (aphiemi and charizomai) translated as “forgive” in the New Testament, and the context in which they were used. And then I realized I was making it far too complicated. Why was I trying to over complicate a simple command to forgive as I have been forgiven? Simple is not the same as easy. Forgiveness can be difficult to give, and in some cases, to receive. But was I just looking for loopholes to excuse my own unforgiving heart?

Read: Matthew 5:23-24, 6:14-15, 18:21-35 
• Peter undoubtedly heard Jesus’s teachings in the sermon on the mount about what we should do when you “remember that your brother or sister has something against you” (in other words, you offended someone else), as well as when “other people…sin against you.
” Sometime later, Peter comes looking for…clarification; exceptions; limitations; loopholes…
o What makes you question who and what you should forgive?
o What are some things that make it hard for you to forgive the way God asks us to forgive? Some examples of this could be pride, anger, resentment, past trauma, etc. 
o What do those passages reveal to you about our Heavenly Father; about the importance He puts on our relationships with others and why?

Read: 2 Corinthians 5:17-19, Hebrews 12:14-15 
• I have heard it taught that there are at least four levels of forgiveness between humans. There is unforgiveness, where we hold onto the hurt and anger, letting it grow into a brooding bitterness that becomes part of our identity. Second is dismissal, where we try to pass off the hurt as if it was “no big deal,” avoiding dealing with the hurt. Third is where we let go of the hurt and the person who hurt us, hand the event and the person over to God, and choose never to be in relationship with them again. The fourth and highest level is what God offers us, RECONCILIATION, where the hurt is forgiven, healed, left in the past, and the relationship is restored.
o Describe when that third level of forgiveness would be (or was in reality) the most appropriate and why?
o In human relationships, that fourth level of reconciliation can be difficult to achieve. What are some of the barriers that make this so difficult and how might they be overcome?
o Some struggle to ACCEPT God’s grace; to live completely forgiven and free. Why do you think that is?

Read: Romans 12:18, James 1:19-20 
• A great book that takes a fresh look at this issue of forgiveness is “Unoffendable: How Just One Change Can Make All of Life Better,” written by Brant Hansen. In it, Hansen writes, “It’s the taking of offense, and the very presumption that I’m somehow entitled to be angry with someone, that I’m talking about…Taking offense is so often a lot of work. It can wear
you out; but for some, it really becomes a lifestyle…[Yes, it’s] tiring to have to work through difficulties with people. But for what it’s worth, I’ve learned it’s way easier than starting over.” Those thoughts really resonate with me.
o Where does our responsibility begin and end in living “at peace with everyone”?
o Why would you say it is a presumption to feel entitled to anger? Why do we make that presumption?
o How does being “quick to listen and slow to speak” help us avoid taking offense and becoming angry?

Pray: Try using Psalm 139:23-24 as a model for your prayer: “Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal to you anyone who “has something against you,” and seek reconciliation with them. Pray for anyone who has wronged you, for their spiritual healing, and ask the Holy Spirit if you should seek reconciliation. Ask Him to empower you in that reconciliation.

Next Steps:
• Receiving God’s forgiveness is based on a personal relationship with Jesus. If you haven’t entered into a relationship with Jesus, start your faith journey today by accepting Him as your Savior(1). If you want more info or help with taking that step, or just want to share your news, reach out to the church by calling (785) 775-0012, or email to info@myrockhillschurch.com
• If you have chosen to surrender completely to God, but have not yet declared that publicly by being water baptized, you can sign up to take that step here.

(1) If you want to receive the salvation that is available through Jesus, place your faith in Him. Fully trust His death as the sufficient sacrifice for your sins. Completely rely on Him alone as your Savior. That is the biblical method of salvation. If you have received Jesus as your Savior, say a prayer to God. Tell God how thankful you are for Jesus. Offer praise to God for His love and sacrifice. Thank Jesus for dying for your sins and providing
salvation for you. That is the biblical connection between salvation and prayer.

Beyond Sunday, Week of December 1, 2024
Christmas at the Movies, Week 1
Romans 15:13 

Thoughts: I love the movie, Elf. It’s right up there on my list of top ten favorite Christmas movies. And yet, to be honest, the character Buddy’s extreme naivete often displayed in the movie makes me a little uncomfortable. That says a lot more about me than about the movie or the character. I have a deep-seated fear of looking foolish that can make it difficult to relax and enjoy life—to be truly joyful. But this is not about me. It’s about the movie and the Truths that we can glean from it. Let’s look at a few.

• Many of the characters in the movie consider Buddy foolish, rather than admiring his child-like innocence. The unbelieving world sees trusting in Christ’s death on the cross as foolish. However, this is where God chooses the foolish things to confound the wise. It is through the death of Christ that we have forgiveness of sin and life eternal. This gospel message is
simple enough that a child can understand it. Read: Mark 10:13-15, 1 Corinthians 1:18-27, Titus 3:3 
o In what ways does God want us to be childlike? In this context, how would you differentiate between being childlike, and being childish?
o Why is the message of the cross foolishness to some? What is it in them that makes them reject the message of the cross?

• Buddy meets his biological father for the first time and immediately declares his love for this stranger. His father initially rejects Buddy, but Buddy persists in his love. He chooses love when it makes no earthly sense, and eventually wins his father’s affection. Read: Luke 23:34, Romans 5:8, 1 John 4:19 
o Unlike Buddy, Jesus knew full well that He would be rejected by many. He knew even before we were born that we would sin. And yet He chose to love us. What does this reveal to you about our triune God?
o Jesus asked His Father to forgive His tormentors because they didn’t understand what they were doing. Was Jesus talking about what they were doing to Him, or to themselves? Explain. How might that change how you think/feel about those who reject the Gospel?
o How can you love those who reject you?

• Buddy’s father doesn’t believe in Santa until he sees him. Non-believers wrongly think that Christian faith is blind trust without evidence. The Bible teaches the opposite. Biblical faith is based on the evidence revealed in Scripture, and on the evidence of lives—our own and others’—transformed by faith. Read: John 20:29-31, 2 Corinthians 4:18 
o How has your life been transformed by faith in Jesus?
o How can/do you share that story of transformation with others?

• Just as love is a choice, so also is joy. God is the source of joy. Loving and trusting Him are the essential first steps in filling our lives with His joy, a joy that is not a fleeting emotion but an enduring quality that overpowers the clenches of adversity. That kind of joy is founded on a relationship with Jesus Christ. Read: John 16:33, Galatians 5:22-23 
o In John 16:33 we have but one example of the many times Jesus prepared His followers for the adversities they would face in life. What does Jesus mean when He says He has overcome the world? How should that give us peace and joy?
o The Holy Spirit empowers us to live Christ-like lives. I believe the order in which the fruit of the Spirit is listed is very purposeful.
▪ Explain why love is listed first.
▪ How does love yield joy, and how do both lead to the others listed?
▪ How can you experience and express more of the fruit of the Spirit in your life?

Pray: Pray to the Holy Spirit for peace and strength to joyfully endure any adversity you may be facing. Ask Him to make you a more loving person. Pray that the joy of salvation will be more evident in your life, for your own benefit and for the benefit of others who will see it and perhaps be led to believe.

Next Steps:
• If you have chosen to surrender completely to God, but have not yet declared that publicly by being water baptized, you can sign up to take that step here.
• One of the best ways to experience joy is to serve. The first step toward serving at Rock Hills is to complete Growth Track.
You can learn more and sign up here. If you have completed Growth Track and are ready to serve, reach out to the church by calling (785) 775-0012, or email to info@myrockhillschurch.com, and you will be put in touch with the right people.

Thoughts: Let’s face it, the holidays can be stressful, and holiday gatherings with family and/or friends are sometimes awkward and challenging. Many of those stresses originate in the expectations everyone brings to the party. But how would things change if instead of expectations, everyone brought EXPECTANCY.
The difference is subtle, but expectation involves imposing your own thoughts, ideas, and plans on others. It primarily focuses on what you want or legitimately need. That can lead to disappointment and frustration when those expectations aren't met. Expectancy, on the other hand, involves accepting and looking forward hopefully to what might happen. We are blessed with the presence and power of the Holy Spirit. He gives us the ability to respond as Jesus would; gives us the freedom to love and to serve in every situation.
That shift of focus from ourselves to others is central to the message of the gospel. In his book, Blue Like Jazz, Donald Miller relates a discussion with a friend about societal problems like racism. He ends with, “All I am saying is that if we as a species could fix our self-absorption, we could end a lot of pain in the world.”

Beyond Sunday, Week of November 17, 2024
“Good in Tension” Week 6 Daniel 7-12

Thoughts: One might think of Sunday’s sermon as an example of trying to take a drink from a firehose. Pastor Troy did cover a lot of ground, and it would be easy to get lost in the weeds so to speak. But he did a great job of boiling it all down to the essentials. We
know from Scripture what the future holds for those who put their faith and trust in Jesus Christ. The future for Christ followers is full of joy and peace, living for all eternity in God’s presence, where God “will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more
death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” (Revelation 21:4) That should motivate how we live in the present. Rather than get bogged down in trying to discern the what, when, where, why, and how of that future, we need
to focus on this basic question: How should we live while we wait for all those future promises to be fulfilled?

• Daniel’s story exemplifies step one, leading a disciplined prayer life. Jesus himself gave us the ultimate example, and the Apostle Paul gave sound advice on prayer. Read: Matthew 6:5-13, Acts 2:42, Luke 5:16, 6:12-13, 22:39-46, Philippians 4:6-7 
o How would your prayer life be enhanced by frequently seeking solitude to pray?
o Conversely, what benefit do you find in praying with a group of fellow believers?
o Jesus prayed all night before making one of the most important decisions of His earthly ministry. Describe a decision you made based on earnest prayer.
o How does prayer help you fight temptation?

• Another important practice for living hopefully in the present is diligently studying Scriptures. Read: 2 Timothy 2:15, 3:16, Hebrews 4:12, 1 Peter 3:15 
o How do you become a worker who correctly handles the word of truth? Specifically, what habits or practices have you found helpful? What others might you try out to improve your knowledge of Scripture?
o How would you explain that the Word is alive and active? Describe an instance where you gained fresh insight into a familiar passage.

• A disciplined and consistent prayer life, based on a thorough knowledge of the Scriptures helps us. To help others find the hope we have found therein, we must live on mission. Read: Matthew 28:18-20, John 4:34, 9:4, 12:49-50, 1 Corinthians 9:19-23, Hebrews 10:23-25 
o Jesus gave us a mission, to make disciples. Why does He precede that commission with stating His authority; what does that have to do with us?
o How does doing the work God assigns to us “feed” us?
o Why does Jesus say “Night is coming, when no one can work”? How should that motivate us?
o How have/could you apply in your own life what the Apostle Paul is saying in 1 Corinthians 9?
o How do we go about encouraging one another to live on mission?

• I got to thinking about Troy’s statement that he believes in Jesus' teaching in Scripture because of what Jesus did for us through His Resurrection. People are more likely to believe what we say to them if what we do lines up with what we say we believe. We must live lives that glorify God and point to Jesus. Read: 2 Corinthians 5:15, Ephesians 1:11-12, 1 Peter 2:12 
o What would you say are the top three, or five, or… things we can do—how we can live in relation to non-believers, that brings glory to God and makes them want what we have?

Pray: This might be a good time to revisit and use that A.C.T.S. prayer model (adoration, confession, thanksgiving, and supplication) in your prayer time. Praise God for who He is; confess any areas where you still battle against sin; thank God for all He has done for you; ask Him for what you and/or others need. You can learn more about the model here. Ask the Holy Spirit to empower you to do all that God would have you do while you wait in hopeful expectancy of the future He promises.

Next Steps:
• The best way to follow that advice in Hebrews 10:23-25 is to join a community of others who want to think and act like Jesus. If you are not already in a RHC Small Group, join one today by going to the website or the RHC App.
• One way to live on mission and to glorify God with your life is to serve. If you have not yet completed Rock Hills’ Growth Track, learn more and sign up here. If you have completed Growth Track and are ready to serve, reach out to the church by calling (785) 775-0012, or email to info@myrockhillschurch.com, and you will be put in touch with the right people.

Beyond Sunday, Week of November 10, 2024
“Good in Tension” Week 5 Daniel 6
Daniel 6

Thoughts: Many years ago, we were selling a house in KC. With an open house scheduled for the weekend, we were surprised to receive an offer mid-week. We accepted that offer but still held the open house, just in case. Then we got a second, higher offer.
There was a minor technical issue with the first, lower offer that would have allowed us to back out of that signed contract and pocket more money. I called my spiritual mentor, a retired real estate agent. I explained the situation to him and he quoted to me Psalm 15. Then he asked me a simple question. “How much is your integrity worth?”
• I believe one of the key verses in the entire book of Daniel is in chapter one, “But Daniel RESOLVED…” Daniel chose in advance what kind of person he wanted to be, and he never deviated from that path. He was able to remain true to that choice because He was fully submitted to and guided by his Heavenly Father.

Read: Deuteronomy 30:19-20, Joshua 24:14-15, Psalm 15, Proverbs 3:5-6, John 16:13 
o Moses and his successor Joshua faithfully served God and lead Israel for many years. Each addressed all of Israel near the end of his life and offered them a choice. Israel declared their choice to follow God, but their history reveals that they often failed to maintain that resolve. What challenges your resolve to follow and obey God? What helps you maintain your resolve?
o That Psalm reveals many of God’s desires for us, the kind of people He wants us to be. What character traits of our Heavenly Father are revealed in that Psalm for us to imitate?
o How should having the Holy Spirit give us an advantage over Daniel in following and obeying God?
• If you think about it, we are all faced with many, many choices every day. Most are inconsequential, but some are more significant. In those moments, it is good to remember that every time we say “yes” to something, we are saying “no” to something else.

Read: Ecclesiastes 5:4-6, Matthew 5:33-37 
o In the passage from Matthew, Jesus was not forbidding us to enter into any kind of contract or make any kind of promise or commitment. What do you think He meant by telling us to simply say “Yes” or “No”?
o When faced with wanting or needing to back out of a commitment, how do you think God wants you to make your choice?
• In Daniel 6, the other administrators and the satraps obviously coveted Daniel’s high position and authority. Their envy blinded them to Daniel’s “exceptional qualities” and their own imperfections. Instead of admiring and emulating Daniel, they sought to tear him down.

Read: Genesis 4:3-7, Deuteronomy 5:21, Matthew 5:11-12, 1 Peter 3:13-18 
o Just in case you are not familiar with the story of Cain and Abel, Cain allowed his anger to fester and turn into resentment toward his brother, Abel. He went on to murder Abel. In that story and Daniel’s, we see that coveting goes beyond material things to things like reputation, position, and achievements. How would you explain why coveting (a.k.a. envy or jealousy) is harmful to us?
o Our doing the right thing for the right reasons doesn’t always result in others admiring and respecting us. What helps you do the right thing, the thing pleasing to God, despite the potential cost to yourself?
• Daniel did not keep a low profile during his captivity in Babylon. In fact, “Daniel so distinguished himself…” that he rose to the second highest position in all the land. And yet, he never lost his humility. He always gave credit to God so that He alone received the glory.

Read: Matthew 5:13-16, Philippians 2:12-17, Colossians 3:23-24 (Message version)
o Salt had two purposes in the Middle East of the first century. Because of the lack of refrigeration, salt was used to preserve food, especially meat, which would quickly spoil in the desert environment. Second, salt was used then, as now, as a flavor enhancer. How should your living a life of excellence, obediently following Jesus, act as a preservative to the world and enhance the flavor of life?

Pray: Ask God what kind of person He wants you to be. Resolve to be that person, and invite the Holy Spirit into your life and ask Him for the wisdom and strength to maintain that resolve. In Romans, the Apostle Paul writes, “…all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Confess your sins to God and ask Him for forgiveness.

Next Steps:
• We are better together, and healing comes when we gather in a community of others who want to think and act like Jesus. If you are not already in a RHC Small Group, join one today by going to the website or the RHC App.
• One way to “get out of the salt shaker” is to serve. If you have not yet completed Rock Hills’ Growth Track, learn more and sign up here. If you have completed Growth Track and are ready to serve, reach out to the church by calling (785)775-0012, or email to info@myrockhillschurch.com, and you will be put in touch with the right people.

• The prescription for avoiding having to learn the hard way is simple. Give God the praise He deserves, follow His ways, and walk humbly with Him. Simple is not always easy though, is it?
Read: Psalm 13:6, Hebrews 13:15, 1 Peter 1:3
Explain why, in general, God deserves praise. Why do you personally owe God your praise?
Read: Psalm 119:59, 139:23-24, John 14:6 
Why is it important that we consider our ways, and ask God to search our hearts? Can you give an example of a time when God revealed to you some offensive way in you, and describe how that changed your life?
Read: 2 Chronicles 7:14, Psalm 25:9, 1 Peter 5:6
Explain why God values humility so much. What does it mean to you that He will lift you up in due time?

Pray: This might be a good time to revisit and use that A.C.T.S. prayer model (adoration, confession, thanksgiving, and supplication) in your prayer time. Praise God for who He is; confess any areas where you still battle against sin, especially the sin of pride; thank God for all He has done for you; ask Him for what you and/or others need. You can learn more about the A.C.T.S. model here.

Next Steps:
• We all need to surround ourselves with a community of others fully surrendered to God, a community that will support us as we strive to walk humbly with Him, following His ways. Check the website here to see what groups might fit your schedule.
• If you have not yet completed Rock Hills’ Growth Track, learn more and sign up here.
• If you have completed Growth Track and are ready to serve, reach out to the church by calling (785) 775-0012, or email to info@myrockhillschurch.com, and you will be put in touch with the right people. 

Beyond Sunday, Week of October 27, 2024
"Good In Tension" Week 3 

THOUGHTS:
Pastor Lacey made the point that one part of standing without compromising is to check our “input," that is what we watch, listen to, read, etc. Putting into our minds and hearts much of what the culture serves up would be like trying to operate a gasoline engine on diesel fuel. It gums up the works. Let’s review Lacey’s points and some related Scriptures.

• The overall theme of our current series is, “How do we stand firm in our faith and love others well?” That can be especially challenging with those who disagree with or oppose us. Jesus addressed that in Luke 6:32-35.
  • What do you think would happen if you went out of your way to be kind to someone who had hurt or offended you? How might that person be affected? How might you be changed, even if they were not?

• Standing firm in our faith without compromising requires vigilance. Compromise is so dangerous because of its subtlety, its apparent sweet reasonableness. Compromise does not require complete adoption of worldly ways or ideals, but it accommodates them. We would all reject the idea of abandoning Jesus for an idol, but compromise claims we can have the idol and still worship Jesus. 
  • Read: Deuteronomy 5:32, 6:4-7, Philippians 2:12-13, Psalm 119:2-3
  • What are some of the culture’s offerings—television, movies, music, social media, 24/7 news—that could represent compromise, or lead you to compromising your faith?
  • How much do you talk about God’s principles, with other believers; with non-believers? How does or would that help to “write” them upon your heart?

• Confronting without criticizing takes practice and finesse. Social media wars begin when everyone with access to a keyboard uses that platform to confront anyone who disagrees with them. Nothing is gained by such confrontations because the motives behind them are selfish. When confrontation is used to belittle, condemn, or take revenge on another, it is wrong. However, Christians are called to renounce error and proclaim truth, even when it feels confrontational to the hearers. When the confrontation is clothed in love and humility, it can accomplish much good.
  • Read: Matthew 5:11-12, 26:59-64, James 5:19-20, Galatians 6:1
  • What is your natural first response when you are insulted or persecuted? How could you respond more like Jesus?
  • How would you apply the verses from James and Galatians above in a real-life situation?
  • Self-talk is very important, especially when we are confronting our own errors or shortcomings. How can you confront those in yourself without becoming self-critical or self-pitying?

• Lacey pointed out that God allows trials in our lives for His purposes. Even though He could save us from our trials, He often saves us through our trials. 
  • Read: Matthew 25:21, James 1:2-5
  • One sub-point here is that our obedience in small things can prepare us for bigger things. What are some small things in which you could be more obedient to God and His ways?
  • Describe a trial that you have survived and how you can see the good that came out of it.

• Surrendering to the trials that God allows into our lives without resigning—without losing or compromising our faith—may be one of the most challenging aspects of the Christian faith. 
  • Read: Job 13:15, Luke 18:1-8, Galatians 6:9
  • Why do you think God often makes us wait for answers to our prayers? What change might He be wanting to see in us?
  • Where might you be growing weary in doing good?
  • As Lacey pointed out Sunday, God is personal, powerful, and ever-present. He is our rescuer, worthy of our trust and complete submission. God alone deserves our exclusive allegiance. How do those truths help you with the two previous questions?

PRAY:
Praise God for who He is, for His grace and mercy. Thank Him for rescuing us through Jesus’s atoning work on the cross, and for the hope He gives us through His resurrection. Ask the Holy Spirit to empower you to stand firm and love others well.


NEXT STEPS:

• We are better together, and healing comes when we gather in a community of others who want to think and act like Jesus. If you are not already in a RHC Small Group, join one today by going to the website or the RHC App.
• If you have not yet completed Rock Hills’ Growth Track, learn more and sign up here.
• If you have completed Growth Track and are ready to serve, reach out to the church by calling (785) 775-0012, or email to info@myrockhillschurch.com, and you will be put in touch with the right people.

Beyond Sunday, Week of October 20, 2024
"Good In Tension" Week 2

THOUGHTS:
For many of us, the word tension makes us, well, tense. It brings up memories of sweaty palms, nervous stomachs and tight muscles.

But is tension a bad thing?

In some ways, it can work to our benefit. For instance, tension is what allows vehicle seatbelt clips to hold through an accident by transferring the force of your body movement across the length of the belt. This understanding of tension allows vehicle designers to make driving safer.

In the same way, God can use tension in our lives for our benefit. Jesus said as much in John 16:33 “In this world you will have trouble.” The meaning of the word trouble here is pressure, which is another way of saying tension. Jesus indicated we will have tension. Why would God allow such a thing?

To answer that question, let’s first start by reminding ourselves of who God is:

1. He is a God who provides.
2. He is a God of peace.
3. He is a God that leads us to victory.
4. He is a God who shepherds us.
5. He is a God who heals.
6. He is a God who is present.
7. He is a God who makes us righteous.
8. He is a God who sanctifies us.

In short, He is a good God.
Next, let’s remind ourselves of our natural tendencies:

1. The heart is deceitful – Jeremiah 17:9
2. We are easily entangled by sin – Hebrews 12:1
3. We are doubleminded – James 1:8
4. Must I go on….

With those things in mind, let’s look at something important that God said to Solomon’s son, Rehoboam. In 2 Chronicles 12, after losing a battle to the Egyptians, God spoke this to Rehoboam: “I will not destroy them (God’s people)…..They will, however, become subject to him (the Egyptian Pharoah), so that they may learn the difference between serving me and serving the kings of other lands.”

In other words, I am going to leave you subject to some trouble, to keep you dependent on me. It’s not punishment that motivates God, it’s love. It reflects His desire to be in relationship with us. So, let’s review the points from Sunday and open it up for discussion.

READ:
Daniel 2
As Pastor Troy said, God has provided a blueprint for us to build our lives on. The three points that are necessary to take hold of are these:

1. God is at work and in control.
a. In what areas of your life have you seen this at work?
b. In what areas of your life are you still waiting to see this at work?
c. What steps do you think you can take to move those areas of your life from waiting to working?

2. God has strategically placed you to be salt and light.
a. Most importantly, do you believe that?
i. If not, why not?
b. How would fully accepting this notion impact the way you approach each day?
c. What steps do you think you can take to fully integrate this idea into your thinking and live it out?

3. Check our motive.
a. As Troy said, the difference between motivation and manipulation is motive.
b. Self evaluation time: What do you think is your primary motivation in life?
i. Share if you are comfortable.
c. What steps do you think you can take to align your motives with God’s heart?



Pray: Praise God for who He is. Thank Him for adopting you into His family. Ask Him to reveal ways in which you can be a better, more faithful and devoted son or daughter. Ask the Holy Spirit to empower you to influence those with whom you come in contact.
Consider using the prayer of Jabez (1 Chronicles 4:10) as a model and ask God to increase your “territory,” your sphere of influence for His Kingdom.

Next Steps:
• If you haven’t entered into a relationship with Jesus, start your faith journey today by accepting Him as your Savior. If you want more info or help with taking that step, or just want to share your news, reach out to the church by calling (785) 775-0012, or email to info@myrockhillschurch.com
• If you have put your faith in Jesus but have not yet been baptized, Sign up to go public with your faith in Jesus by getting water baptized.
• We all need to surround ourselves with a community of others fully surrendered to God, a community that will support us as we walk closer to Him. Check the website here to see what groups might fit your schedule.
**If you want to receive the salvation that is available through Jesus, and find your identity in Him, begin today by placing your faith in Him. Fully trust His death as the sufficient sacrifice for your sins. Completely rely on Him alone as your Savior. That is the biblical method of salvation. If you have received Jesus as your Savior, say a prayer to God. Tell God how thankful you are for Jesus. Offer praise to God for His love and sacrifice. Thank Jesus for dying for your sins and providing salvation for you. That is the biblical connection between salvation and prayer.

Beyond Sunday, Week of October 13, 2024
“Good in Tension” Week 1

Thoughts: As I listened to Troy’s message on Sunday, I was reminded of this quote by author Carl R. Trueman. “The task of the Christian is not to whine about the moment in which he or she lives but to understand its problems and respond appropriately to
them.” If I am honest, I find it difficult to live up to that message. It is far easier to criticize and complain about the world around me than it is to try to influence it for Jesus. But criticizing and complaining is not the message of Scripture.
Daniel and his three friends—Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah—living as captives in Babylon, are inspiring examples for us. They demonstrate how to live faithful lives while surrounded by a sinful culture. May God grant us the same faith, courage, and endurance to live true to Him despite the pressures we encounter.

Read: Genesis 1:27, 2 Corinthians 5:17, Galatians 3:26-27, 1 John 3:1 
Jesus never lost His identity. Although surrounded by non-Christians every day, Jesus did not allow culture or its opinions to alter His identity. Even Satan could not shake Him when tempting Him in the desert. Jesus knew who He was and why He was here.
According to the Bible, our true identity is found in Jesus Christ. Understanding and accepting that truth shifts our focus from self-perception to a God-centered perspective that gives us purpose, joy, and peace.
• The foundation of our true identity is the fact that we are created in the image of God. What things other than Jesus, if any, do you still allow to contribute to your identity? In what ways do you reflect the image of God?
• By trusting in the redemptive work of Jesus Christ, and living according to His ways, we are forgiven and transformed into a new creation, a new identity. How have you been transformed by faith in Christ? In what ways are you still becoming more like Him?
• When we believe in Christ for salvation, we are adopted into God’s family, which is central to our true identity. What does that truth reveal to you about our Heavenly Father? What, if anything, makes it difficult for you to accept that you are a child of God?

Read: Colossians 3:1-17, 1 Peter 2:11-12, 1 Peter 4:3-4 
The world does not share our biblical values and is eager to draw us away from devotion to Christ and His ways. While we operate in this world, even enjoying friendships with non-Christians, we must remember that we are citizens of another kingdom. We are “resident aliens,” here as ambassadors for the one true King, and we are to be as Christ-like as possible.
• If we avoid all the things Scripture tells us not to do, but neglect the things it tells us we should do, where does that leave us? Where specifically do you have some room to grow in Christ-likeness?
• In what circumstance, or with what person or people, is it most difficult for you to avoid compromising your standards?
• Why do you think non-believers “are surprised that you do not join them in their reckless, wild living”? How might you use that expressed surprise to help influence them?

Read: Galatians 5:22-23, Ephesians 6:10-12, 1 Peter 3:15-16 
Jesus was always kind. He anticipated being misunderstood, so He could have patience and kindness with non-believers as He explained how to have a relationship with God. We need to remember that as His followers we too, will be misunderstood. Jesus always spoke truth, even when His life was at stake. When we are surrounded by non-Christians who do not worship God or hold to our values, it is tempting to remain silent or compromise Scripture in order not to offend.
• Going back a moment to 1 Peter 4:4, what is your natural reaction if non-believers “
... heap abuse on you” because of your beliefs? How can you resist that natural reaction?
• Scripture tells us that “our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” How might remembering that help you respond appropriately when someone, or the culture in general, confronts your faith?

Pray: Praise God for who He is. Thank Him for adopting you into His family. Ask Him to reveal ways in which you can be a better, more faithful and devoted son or daughter. Ask the Holy Spirit to empower you to influence those with whom you come in contact.
Consider using the prayer of Jabez (1 Chronicles 4:10) as a model and ask God to increase your “territory,” your sphere of influence for His Kingdom.

Next Steps:
• If you haven’t entered into a relationship with Jesus, start your faith journey today by accepting Him as your Savior. If you want more info or help with taking that step, or just want to share your news, reach out to the church by calling (785) 775-0012, or email to info@myrockhillschurch.com
• If you have put your faith in Jesus but have not yet been baptized, Sign up to go public with your faith in Jesus by getting water baptized.
• We all need to surround ourselves with a community of others fully surrendered to God, a community that will support us as we walk closer to Him. Check the website here to see what groups might fit your schedule.
**If you want to receive the salvation that is available through Jesus, and find your identity in Him, begin today by placing your faith in Him. Fully trust His death as the sufficient sacrifice for your sins. Completely rely on Him alone as your Savior. That is the biblical method of salvation. If you have received Jesus as your Savior, say a prayer to God. Tell God how thankful you are for Jesus. Offer praise to God for His love and sacrifice. Thank Jesus for dying for your sins and providing salvation for you. That is the biblical connection between salvation and prayer.

Beyond Sunday, Week of October 6, 2024
“Crazy Faith” Part 4

Thoughts: Back in 2009, at our previous church in KC, we had the opportunity to participate in their capital campaign. We prayerfully asked God what gift we should give, and listened for the Holy Spirit to answer. Surprised and unsure that we heard Him correctly (to be honest kind of hoping we had not), we prayed, “Really, Lord? You want us to give our entire cash reserve!?” His answer was clear and unequivocal. “Do you trust me?”
We felt confident that we had clearly heard from God, and that we were being obedient, not reckless. It was a three-year campaign, so we wrote that first check for half of our commitment despite all the what-if’s that flooded our minds. Within a very short time God provided a financial blessing that more than covered our entire gift, allowing us to give the other half ahead of schedule. God doesn't always provide financially when we give in this way, but that time He did. We recently went back for a visit there, and it was wonderfully gratifying to hear stories of how that church has blessed people. God didn’t need our help to accomplish His purposes, but we are so grateful to Him for letting us have a part in His work in and through that church. Having experienced God’s faithful provision in the past, we are moving forward, trusting He will provide again. We are all in, and can’t wait to see what He will do in RHC’s “Making Room” opportunity.

Read: Deuteronomy 16:17, 2 Corinthians 8:12
• Troy made the point that obediently giving God whatever we have is one key to witnessing miracles. The enemy of God wants to convince you that what you have to offer—be it time, talent, or treasure—is too small, too insignificant to make a difference. God wants you to know that nothing given to Him in faith is insignificant.
o What do these truths reveal to you about God, His character, and His desires for you?
o What gift(s) do you hesitate to offer to God because you think it is not enough?
o Describe a time when you gave something small, and God turned it into a much bigger blessing, for you or for someone else.

Read: Mark 10:17-22
• The young man in this story appeared willing to trust Jesus for his eternal destiny, but refused to trust Him with his finances. That seems to be a very common issue for many people today. Why is trusting God with our finances such a challenge for many people?
• Verse 21 begins, “Jesus looked at him and loved him.” What do you think Jesus saw in this young man’s heart?
• What do you want Jesus to see in your heart, specifically in your attitude toward your finances?

Read: Luke 12:16-21, 2 Corinthians 9:6-11
• God had obviously abundantly blessed the man in Jesus’s parable. Since his barns were already full, he clearly had more than he needed. Instead of gratefully giving back to God—through tithes and gifts to the poor—he hoarded his wealth.
o What does it mean to you to be “…rich toward God?”
o In what ways besides finances does God want us to be rich toward Him? Toward others?
• Not all of God’s blessings are financial or material. With that in mind, how do you apply in your life the statement that, “You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion…”?

Read: 1 Chronicles 29:14-18
• The back story on this verse is that King David had given generously of his personal wealth for the building of the first Temple in Jerusalem. He invited and encouraged others to follow his example, which they willingly did.
o What traits do you see revealed here in King David that exemplify his being “a man after God’s own heart”?
o Why do you think others so willingly followed his example?

Pray: Continue to pray over that “Crazy Faith” card you received on Sunday, praying, “What is my (our) part to play in ‘Making Room for More’? What do you, God, want me (us) to commit to?” Praise God for His provision for your needs, past and future.

Next Steps:
• We are better together, and healing comes when we gather in a community of others who want to think and act like Jesus. And it is the best way to find those encouraging relationships mentioned above. If you are not already in a RHC Small Group, join one today by going to the website or the RHC App.

• If you would still like to participate in our "Making Room" offering, you can do that from now until December 31st as we trust God as a church family in giving above and beyond our regular tithe and offering. You can give to "Making Room" here. 

Crazy Faith Week 3 Ft. Guest Speaker: Brandi Wilson
"Better than Okay"

Thoughts: 
Brandi's story of hurt and betrayal in her marriage reminds me of how God can take a life that is hurting and broken, and he can put it back together better than we could ever imagine in the midst of the valley; we just have to let Him. Brandi held so tight to her faith in Jesus and she even shared how she clung to the Scripture in Psalms 27:13 that says, "I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living."

A practical way she combatted fear, anxiety, depression, loss, hurt and so much more is she started a journal called "Focus on the Good" and she committed to writing down 3-5 things every single day that she was grateful for. It could be something as simple as ice cream on the porch with her boys that day.

What are some ways you can combat the brokenness and the hurt you are experiencing?

Is there anything that you have done in the past that has helped you in your journey with Jesus?

In what ways can someone hold you accountable to this discipline and other disciplines like reading the Bible, praying, silence and solitude, and others that will help you think and act more like Jesus?

Brandi also mentioned how one morning in her quiet time when she read Joshua 3--the Israelites had wondered in the desert for FORTY years, and they were so close to the Promised Land, but there was a massive obstacle in the way. God commanded the priests to move the Ark of the Covenant, which is the Word of God, to the front of the Israelites and normally it was in the center of the Israelites. He commanded this so that ALL of the Israelites could see God pass into the Promised Land by removing the obstacle. So, the priests did what they were told and it was this massive moment of faith because the Jordan River was at flood stage.

Read Joshua 3:6-17 to find out what happens when they allow God to lead them.

When you read these passages, what do you learn about God and His character?

Is there something in your life that you aren't allowing God to lead you in?

Brandi said as she read those passages, she felt the Lord say to her that it is not her job to lead her family out of the wilderness, but to allow God to do that. All God was asking her to do was to stand on dry ground, and trust Him.

What fear are you holding onto as you attempt walk out this life?

What fear are you holding onto as a parent/spouse/daughter/friend/etc? Evaluate your roles and ask yourself if you are truly letting God take control or if you are trying to control that person/relationship/situation.

How can you practically apply this Truth in your life?

Pray for the Holy Spirit to help you see your blind spots, and to help you let go of any control you have not handed over to Him. Ask Him to fill you with more of Him, and to help you to not lean on our own understanding, but to rely on Him and His unconditional love. 

Next Steps:
We cannot do this life alone. Brandi was able to make it through this deep valley in her life because of a deep relationship with God and through her life-giving community. If you have not already, please sign up for a small group on our RHC app or website.

The practical tips Brandi gave us for how to care for someone going through trauma and trials was excellent. She advised us to give the person in crisis you are walking with options of how you can care for them instead of just saying "Let me know if you need anything". Think through someone in your life that may be in the midst of a hard season, and ask God how you can practically serve them, give them options, and allow them to choose what can help them in this season.

Beyond Sunday, Week of September 22, 2024
“Crazy Faith” Part 2

Thoughts: Moving forward despite our fears and self-doubts, despite the unknown details
and risks, when it seems to make no sense, sometimes requires crazy faith.
Looking back, my solo hike of Longs Peak seems crazy now. At one point I nearly turned
back because my guidebook had not prepared me for the stretch of trail immediately
ahead. After coming through the Keyhole at 13,150 feet, I was greeted by this nearly
vertical wall of rock that continued straight down until it reached Glacier Basin nearly
2,000 feet below. To move forward to the relative safety of the next part of the trail, I had
to navigate “the traverse” by inching my way across with my toes jammed into one small
crack running across the rugged face, while holding on to another at about chest height
with my fingertips. Oh, and did I mention that I am terrified of heights? I’m so glad I kept
moving forward on that journey, because conquering those fears increased my
confidence, and gave me amazing memories that I cherish still today.
Transitions can be exciting and scary. The one confronting me on Longs Peak was symbolic of another before me in September 1989. Three weeks later, I was to be married for the second time, bringing three daughters into the marriage.
So, this was more than a solo hike. This was the start of a spiritual journey that continues today. Terri and I will celebrate thirty-five years of marriage in October. We’ve had our share of big transitions, often challenging us to move forward in very uncertain times, despite our shaky faith, trusting God with the outcome. Moving forward according to God’s will, according to His calling and commands, has tested and strengthened our faith. On this
amazing journey, God has molded and refined us, collectively and individually as He writes His story (our testimony) in and through us. We wait eagerly and expectantly to see what God holds in store for us in this next chapter.

Read: Esther 4:15-5:3, Mark 12:41-44
• Esther was a Jewish maiden who became queen of Persia. Learning of a murderous plot to annihilate all the Jewish people, she approached the king for help, even though under Persian law she could be put to death for coming into his presence without being summoned. Moving forward despite her fear resulted in Esther rescuing her people from
certain death.
o Esther’s Uncle Mordecai challenged Esther and encouraged her to step out in faith. Who challenges and encourages you? If you don’t have those kinds of relationships, what can/will you do to develop them?
o What do you notice about how Esther prepared to take this risky step of faith? How might similar preparations help you take a step of faith?
o Esther was motivated not only by self-preservation, but by her love for all her people. What has motivated (or would motivate) you to faithfully move forward despite your fears, the risks, the uncertainties of the situation?
o Contrary to appearances, God was in control of that whole situation, and worked through human agents to save His chosen people and to accomplish His purposes. What does that reveal to you about God?
• Jesus had more praise for the widow’s miniscule donation than for the large dollar amounts others gave. From a purely worldly perspective, that seems upside down.
o What made the widow’s offering so remarkable, and what did it reveal about her?
o In a very general sense, what is that passage from Mark teaching us? Just as important, what is it not saying?
o What motivates your faith—fear of the future; a desire to be a better person in a better world; something else?

Read: Deuteronomy 8:10-18, Psalm 50:1-15, Matthew 6:19-21, 25-33
• Why does prosperity lead some people to forget about God? How can a person guard against that?
• In Psalm 62:10 we are admonished, “…though your riches increase, do not set your heart on them.”
o How do people’s lives reveal that they have “set their heart” on money and possessions?
o What does your life, specifically your attitude toward your finances, reveal about where your heart is?
• Troy made the point that “God doesn’t need your money, but He wants your heart.”
o How would you answer this question? “If God doesn’t need my money, then why does He tell me to tithe to my church, to help the poor, etc.?”

Pray: Continue (or begin) to pray over that “Crazy Faith” card you received on Sunday, praying, “What is my (our) part to play in making room, what do you, God, want me (us) to commit to?” Thank God for His provision for your needs. If you are “in want” (See Philippians 4:12), ask God to meet your needs, and to help you find contentment.

Next Steps:
• We are better together, and healing comes when we gather in a community of others who want to think and act like Jesus. And it is the best way to find those encouraging relationships mentioned above. If you are not already in a RHC Small Group, join one today by going to the website or the RHC App.

Beyond Sunday, Week of September 15, 2024
“Crazy Faith” Part 1

Thoughts: The shepherd boy David demonstrated “crazy faith” when he defeated the warrior giant Goliath. (1 Samuel 17.) David remembered that the LORD had previously delivered him from predators that attacked his sheep. That memory fueled David’s crazy
faith that God would deliver him in this seemingly impossible situation.

One of the things I love about the heroic stories in Scripture is that the people God chooses to accomplish big things are typically ordinary people with human failings and weaknesses.

Moses stammered and lacked self-confidence. (Exodus 3, 4) But God chose him to confront  Pharaoh. Gideon was from the weakest tribe in the line of Manasseh, and thought of himself as the least in his own family. God greeted him as a “mighty warrior” and chose him to defeat Israel’s enemies, the Midianites. (Judges 6, 7) Neither Moses nor Gideon demonstrated crazy faith initially, but God spoke to them, they took God at His word, and then stepped out in the strength God gave them. God is still speaking to us, His church, through Scripture, the Holy Spirit, and through pastors and teachers. Will we take God at His word and trust that through our obedience, God will accomplish His Kingdom purposes in and through Rock Hills Church—in and through each and every one of us who call Rock Hills home?

Read: Matthew 13:31-32, 17:20, 25:14-30, Ephesians 3:14-21
• That parable in Matthew 25 gives what some call “the little/big principle.” In Jesus’s parable we see that being faithful and diligent with smaller things opens the door for God to entrust us with bigger things.
o How can our faith be like a mustard seed?
o In the parable of the loaned money, what lies did the third servant believe about himself; about his master?
o What lies about yourself, your faith, your future do you have to fight against?
• The Apostle Paul prays some big prayers for the Ephesians, asking that they be strengthened, and filled with power “to the measure of all the fullness of God.”
o Why do you think the Apostle Paul reminds them that God can “do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine”?
o Describe ways in which people tend to put limits on what they ask for in prayer, and why do they?
o How can you avoid that and leave room for God to do far more than you can imagine?
o With that in mind, how do we keep our heart in alignment with God’s will and not try to use God as if He is a genie in a bottle?

Read: 1 Kings 17:9-16, John 6:5-13, Matthew 14:28-31
• In the midst of a severe famine, the prophet Elijah asks a poor widow to feed him. In the face of a huge crowd of hungry people, a small boy offers up his lunch. In the middle of a raging storm, Peter takes a few faltering steps toward Jesus before sinking.
o In these stories, who do you see exhibiting “crazy faith”? How was their faith demonstrated, and why did it seem crazy?
• Troy made the point that the “giants” we face want us to focus on them. I agree, and would add that they are just as content with having us focus on ourselves—our needs, our desires, our shortcomings, and weaknesses.
o In the story of David, and that of Elijah and the widow, where would you say they had their focus? How do you think they kept it there instead of on the “giant” facing them? How could you follow their example?
• Peter started out with crazy faith. I mean, who wouldn’t think it crazy to step out of a perfectly good boat onto roiling seas?
o What enabled Peter to take those first few faltering steps on the water?
o In your own words, describe where Peter went wrong and to what his focus was drawn.

Pray: Use that prayer by Paul in Ephesians 3:14-21 as a model and pray in your own words for your own needs, the needs of others, and for Rock Hills Church as a body. Pray for greater love, strength, understanding, and the empowerment of the Holy Spirit. Pray
over that “Crazy Faith” card you received on Sunday, praying, “What is my (or our) part to play in making room, what do you, God, want me to commit to?”

Next Steps:
• If you haven’t entered into a relationship with Jesus, start your faith journey today by accepting Him as your Savior(1). If you want more info or help with taking that step, or just want to share your news, reach out to the church by calling (785) 775-0012, or email to info@myrockhillschurch.com
• Perhaps you have made that choice and are unsure what you should do next? Consider joining our Essentials Class meeting at Rock Hills on Sundays. Click here for more info and to sign up.
(1) If you want to receive the salvation that is available through Jesus, place your faith in Him. Fully trust His death as the sufficient sacrifice for your sins. Completely rely on Him alone as your Savior. That is the biblical method of salvation. If you have received
Jesus as your Savior, say a prayer to God. Tell God how thankful you are for Jesus. Offer praise to God for His love and sacrifice.Thank Jesus for dying for your sins and providing salvation for you. That is the biblical connection between salvation and prayer.

Beyond Sunday, Week of September 8, 2024
“Tailgate with Tang”
 
Thoughts: What a blessing to hear Coach Tang share his life and his faith journey on Sunday. Of all the notes I took from his interview, two stand out most prominently for me.

The first was, “However you come to Him, it’s okay. He will get you right.” That fills me with gratitude that He meets me where I am, and gives me great hope that He will lead me into greater Christ-likeness. God uses whatever it takes to call His chosen. It also reminds me of the old truism, “God loves me just as I am, and He loves me too much to leave me that way.”  

The second thing that resonated deeply with me was when Coach Tang said, “The doors of opportunity swing on the hinges of obedience.” I have found that to be profoundly true in my life. The more I obey God, the more I grow. The more I grow, the more opportunities He provides, opportunities to bless others, and for additional personal spiritual growth in me.

Read: Mark 4:37-40, John 14:27, John 16:33
• Coach Tang described a tense moment in his high school coaching career when he felt complete peace, and turning to his assistant said, “I love this!”
o Describe a time when you felt the peace of God in spite of the circumstances.
o How has God used intense moments and/or difficult circumstances to grow your faith?

Read: Matthew 28:19-20, Romans 5:8, 2 Corinthians 5:21, Philippians 1:6, 1 Peter 1:22
• These verses relate to those two quotes above from Coach. God uses every imaginable way to help us to come to Him, from whatever circumstances He finds us in, and then grows us to be more like His Son.
o What do you learn about God, His character, and His love for you from these passages?
o What do you remember about when God “began a good work in you”?
o How have your circumstances and your character changed since accepting Jesus?
o What doors of opportunity has God opened in response to your obedience?

Read: Acts 28:30-31, 2 Corinthians 5:17-20, Colossians 4:6, 1 Peter 3:15
• Coach made the point that for him, coaching basketball is a platform for ministry. Wherever we live, work, or play can be a platform for ministry, presenting opportunities to share Jesus, and what He has done in us and for us.
o How do you feel about being an ambassador for Christ, and how could you grow in that role?
o What preparations have you made/could you make to “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have”?
o What does it mean to you to “Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt”?

Read: Psalm 1:1-3, Proverbs 3:5-6, 11:24-25, Malachi 3:10
• “God’s principles work!” declared Coach Tang. To apply His principles, we must learn them through diligent study and practice. I enjoyed greatly seeing how excited Coach Tang became when he talked about getting God’s Word into himself through Scripture memorization.
o What principles of God have you seen at work in your life?
o What principles have you not yet applied, or do you need to apply more fully and consistently?

Pray: Praise God for who He is, His unchanging character and faithfulness. Thank Him for calling you to faith in Jesus. Pray Psalm 139:23-24, "Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting." In your own words and according to your own needs, echo Jesus’s prayer of petition and total submission, “Father, if you are willing, …(put in your request(s) here)…; yet not my will, but yours be done.”  
 
Next Steps:
• We all need to surround ourselves with a community of others fully surrendered to God, a community that will support us as we walk closer to Him. Small groups for Fall 2024 are just beginning this week. Check the website here to see what groups might fit your schedule.

Beyond Sunday - Week of September 1, 2024
Unhurried Life
 
What a great message from Pastor Tim Perkins on Sunday. The topic was rest, and Pastor Tim took us on a leisurely stroll through some points on what rest is, and also what it isn’t. Let’s review:
 
What rest isn’t:
Rest is deeper than sleep.
Rest is more than time-off.
Rest is better than escape.
 
What rest is:
When it comes to the topic of REST – there is a long list of options available, but there is only ONE ANSWER! It’s Jesus!
 
(Matthew 11:28–30 MSG) Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.
 
It’s one thing to know what rest is, but how did Jesus do it, and just as important, how do we do it? Pastor Tim shared three points to help us with that.
 
#1. Jesus rested by living to please God.
 
#2. Jesus rested by not ignoring the call to rest
 
A) 3 points of application:
• Divert Daily
• Withdraw Weekly
• Rest your BODY
• Recharge your SOUL
• Refocus your SPIRIT
• Abandon Annually
 
#3. Jesus rested by living in the realm of faith.
 
 
If you’re anything like me, the message resonated in the service. It convicted me of my lack of strategy around rest; it motivated me to examine my life; and it inspired me incorporate these points of diverting daily, withdrawing weekly, and abandoning annually into my routine.
 
And then I walked out to my car and the reality of my schedule hit me square in the face. And that 4 letter word crept into my mind:
 
Deadline
 
Actually, that is two 4 letter words combined to make one 8 letter word, but you get the point. See, all of us have responsibilities, and with those come expectations, and with those many times comes deadlines. They come from all over: teachers, professors, bosses, customers, spouses, children, government, and the list goes on. Deadlines can cause us to speed life up, to live at an unsustainable pace, so when it is time to Sabbath, to rest, we find it difficult to just turn it off. Let’s look at a story from John 11 where we see Jesus respond to expectations in a unique way and see what we can learn from it.
 
Read John 11:1-14
 
Questions:
• In John 11:1-3, what expectations are put on Jesus?
• What is his relationship to those putting on the expectations and how would that affect his response?
• What was Jesus’ response?
• In John 11:4, what is Jesus’ perspective that guides his response?
• In John 11:9, Jesus provides the lesson. What do you think he is getting at in this message to his disciples?
 
Read Hebrews 3:11 – 4:11
• What does this tell us about the rest that God has for us?
 
Read Psalm 46:10
• How does this verse help us respond in the same unhurried manner that guided Jesus’ life?
 
In summary, our motto should be “Act, don’t react.” And we should act from a place of trust; a deep, abiding confidence that God is God; that he is guiding our lives and that he has a good plan for every detail of our time here on earth. Does that sound easy? Not a chance. But well worth it. So be still, and know that He is God.

Beyond Sunday, Week of August 25, 2024
“Joy Ride” Week 4, Philippians 4 
“Joy for a Lifetime”

Thoughts: There is a story about a pastor who picked up a hitchhiker one night. During their conversation, the pastor asked about his faith walk. The hitchhiker described times past when he felt close to God and was growing in his knowledge and depth of understanding, a time when he was maturing spiritually. He said those times ended, and now he felt God was deaf
to his prayers and holding him at a distance. He asked the pastor why God had abandoned him. The pastor was silent a while, praying to God for what to say to this man. Then, he simply asked, “What was the last thing God asked you to do?” The hitchhiker began to sob uncontrollably. He never answered the question, and just silently exited the car when they arrived at his destination.
To me, that story hits many of Troy’s points from Sunday. There was some disobedience in that hitchhiker’s life that stunted his spiritual growth, some lack of trust in God and some error in his thinking at the root of that disobedience. Obviously, he had been praying, but perhaps his prayers were more transactional than relational. Whatever it was, it had robbed the man of
his joy.

Read: Daniel 3:16-18, Luke 12:4-5, John 16:33
• Having an eternal perspective is foundational to having Biblical joy, the hope of eternal life.
o How does the story of the three friends in Daniel display that perspective?
o Notice that God did not keep them from being thrown into the fire, nor did he immediately yank them out of the fire. But he did save them through the fire. Explain in your own words why God would operate that way, and what that tells you about God.
• How does knowing that Jesus has “…overcome the world” help you deal with life’s troubles?

Read: Matthew 6:9-13, Hebrews 10:19-23, Proverbs 3:5-6, Mark 14:32-36
• Joy is found in a deep personal relationship with our God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Like any relationship, it is based on mutual knowledge and appreciation, and in consistent heart-felt communication. Jesus gave us what we commonly call “The Lord’s Prayer” as a model—not a formula—for our more personal, relational prayers.
o How could you make your prayers more personal and relational, and less transactional?
o How does knowing what Jesus did for us give you confidence to enter into God’s holy presence in prayer, “confidence to enter the Most Holy Place”?
• Where in life is it difficult for you to trust God, and not “lean on your own understanding”?
• Jesus’s prayer in the garden of Gethsemane is the ultimate example of trusting God, no matter His answer to prayer.
o Describe a situation in which it was/is difficult to trust God, regardless of His answer to your prayer.
o How does/might hindsight help you see how trustworthy God was in that situation?

Read: Romans 8:5-7, 2 Peter 1:3-8
• When you surrendered to God you became a “new creation.” It is like a vehicle that originally had a diesel engine and then was converted to an engine designed to run on gasoline. You can no longer put diesel fuel into it and expect it to operate properly. Allowing into your life some of the things Troy described, like worldly media and pastimes, anger, or bitterness, is like trying to operate your new gasoline engine on diesel. Right (godly) thinking and living is the fuel you now need.
o What are you allowing into your life that may be inhibiting your spiritual growth/maturity?
o What could you remove from, or add to, your life that would give you a “mind governed by the Spirit”?

Pray: Pray using the Lord’s Prayer as a model, replacing your own words to describe your love and gratitude for Him, to express your needs, and to submit fully to His will. Or, this might be a good time to revisit and use that A.C.T.S. prayer model (adoration, confession, thanksgiving, and supplication) in your prayer time. Praise God for who He is; confess any areas where
you still battle against sin; thank God for all He has done for you; ask Him for what you and/or others need. You can learn more about the model here.

Next Steps:
• Commit to a time of daily Scripture reading and prayer. Try using the YouVersion Bible App or subscribe to their online Verse of the Day.
• We are better together, and healing comes when we gather in a community of others who want to think and act like Jesus. If you are not already in a RHC Small Group, join one today by going to the website or the RHC App.

• Over the years, I have been privileged to walk alongside several men who struggled to live in Christian freedom because of their pasts. I have my own past to deal with, so I frequently used those first two passages above to help them—and myself—remember that Jesus redeemed our pasts, and that God will never throw our past failures back in our faces.
• Over the years, I have been privileged to walk alongside several men who struggled to live in Christian freedom because of their pasts. I have my own past to deal with, so I frequently used those first two passages above to help them—and myself—remember that Jesus redeemed our pasts, and that God will never throw our past failures back in our faces.
o What aspects of God’s character do you think of most as you read those verses?
• I imagine Paul speaking those words in 1 Corinthians, bowing his head slightly as he humbly confesses his past errors, pausing briefly to take a deep breath, and then as he raises his gaze to Heaven saying confidently, “…But by the grace of God, I am what I am…” Paul identified as a forgiven sinner, an apostle, a teacher, and an evangelist.
o How would you complete this sentence? “By the grace of God, I am…”
o If there is a particular past situation that troubles you, how do you think it would help you to share that in confidence with a close friend who is a mature believer?

Read: Matthew 5:23-24, Genesis 45:4-7, Romans 8:28, Psalm 139:13-16, 2 Thessalonians 1:11-12 
• God has redeemed our yesterdays, and I believe He sometimes temporarily shifts our focus to them, not to accuse but to turn the past into a ministry of spiritual growth for our present and future. I believe God reminds us of the past to protect us from a very shallow faith in the present.  
o What memory of yours do you believe God wants to use for your spiritual growth?
o What is your part in experiencing that growth?
• In this broken, messed up world, we can start to feel spiritually adrift. We must hold onto hope and the promises of God in these times, remembering that He is operating constantly in our lives because of His love for us and ours for Him. His redemptive plan is unfolding in the lives of His children who are called to a new life of realizing His good purposes for them.
o How would you describe God’s purpose(s) for your present life situation?
o What are you doing (or could you do) to cooperate in fulfilling His purposes?
o When you read that “…all the days ordained for [you] were written in [God’s] book before one of them came to be…,” what do you feel, and what questions are raised for you?
o Describe something that you believe God has planned for you, and is calling you to in the future.

Pray: Praise God for His redemptive work in your life. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal to you God’s purpose for your present, and His plan for your future.
 
Next Steps:
• There is a baptism party coming up Sunday, August 25. If you have already surrendered completely to God, but have not yet declared that publicly by being water baptized, you can sign up to take that step here.
• We are better together, and healing comes when we gather in a community of others who want to think and act like Jesus. If you are not already in a RHC Small Group, join one today by going to the website or the RHC App.

Beyond Sunday, Week of August 11, 2024
“Joy Ride” Week 2, Philippians 2:1-16 
“Living out our joy”
 
Thoughts: There is a great scene in the movie “Man of the House.” The lead character (played by Tommy Lee Jones) is asked, “Where’s your happy face?” With his stern, serious expression unchanged, and mockingly imitating his inquisitor’s southern drawl, he responds, “This is my happy face!”

Some, especially my family, might say that perfectly describes me. I am a serious person most of the time. So, this series has really gotten my attention. I am committed to training myself to be more joyful, to “live out” my joy as Pastor Lacey put it. Of the many excellent points Lacey presented, there were two that resonated most deeply with me. Others may have had more relevance for you, but mine were Lacey’s points 6—that we must control the patterns of our hearts and words, and 8—that we must hold tightly to God’s Word, to live out our joy.

Let’s look a little deeper into Scripture and learn more about what God has to say about living out our joy.

Read: Romans 12:2, Proverbs 4:23, 2 Corinthians 10:5
• I realized some years ago that we all carry on a silent conversation in our minds, talking to ourselves all the time. We sometimes say (think) things to ourselves that we would never say to a friend. I also realized that our thoughts control our emotions, and our emotions drive our actions.
o How has your relationship with Jesus, and your knowledge of God’s Word renewed or transformed your mind and your life?
• The Scriptures mention the heart almost 1,000 times. In essence, it identifies the heart as the source of our thoughts, attitudes, beliefs, and actions. How do you go about guarding your heart? Where is yours most vulnerable?
• How would you explain what it means, and what is involved in taking captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ? What kind of disobedient thoughts interfere with living out your joy?

Read: Luke 4:1-13, Hebrews 10:15-16, James 1:22-25
• What does that passage from Luke reveal to you about Jesus? What does it tell you about how we can fight off the attacks of the devil?
• What does it mean to you that God puts His laws in our hearts and writes them on our minds? What is our role/responsibility in that covenantal relationship?

Read: Mark 9:35, Hebrews 12:2, John 3:22-30, Matthew 5:14-16, 2 Corinthians 4:6, Ephesians 4:1-6
• Lacey offered other keys to living out our joy: serving others; sacrificing anything that interferes with our relationship with Jesus; seeking God’s glory instead of our own; shining God’s light into the world; living humbly, in community with other Christ followers.
o Of those things, which if any do you need to do more of and/or differently to live out your joy?
o How can Rock Hills help?
 
Pray: Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal to you any way you could live out your joy more completely. Ask Him for the wisdom, courage, and strength to do whatever it takes to live more joyfully and walk closer with Jesus.
 
Next Steps:
• 21-Days of Prayer and Fasting is still going on. It is a wonderful way to connect with other Christ followers and to deepen your prayer life. To learn more and to sign up, click here.

Beyond Sunday, Week of August 4, 2024
“Joy Ride” Part 1, Philippians 1:1-11

Thoughts: My story begins where Pastor Troy ended, “Joy comes when you pray for others.”
Some days I awake feeling tense, anxious, purposeless, and adrift. I like to write out my prayers in my journal, and when I focus my prayers on others, it is amazing how my negative feelings evaporate. They may return another day, partly because I am human, and partly because our enemy never rests. But if I faithfully resort to praying for others, I consistently get relief.
Over the years, I have frequently met with other men struggling with some aspect of their lives, or just trying to follow Jesus a bit more closely. I seldom have answers for their problems, but I listen, and together we seek answers in Scripture. Those relationships bless me at least as much as those guys I listen to over coffee or a meal.
On rare occasion, when someone keeps making unwise or sinful choices and we revisit the same issues over and over, I forget to apply Troy’s point of recognizing that God is doing a good work in him, that God is not done with him, and that God will see it through to completion. It is a good reminder that I need to apply that same standard to myself, not as an excuse but as an encouragement to keep growing.
One day, on my way to one of those meetings, listening to something on the radio made me ask aloud to God, “Why me Lord? Why am I one of the lucky ones that gets to see your hand in virtually everything? Why did you choose to reveal yourself to me in your Word? Why were you willing to die in MY PLACE?” In that moment, I remembered the greatest good in my life, my relationship with Jesus.
Sunday’s message was an incredibly helpful reminder of things I already knew and had experienced, but have not been doing a good job of practicing. It made me realize that I have not been the most joyful person lately. I am confident Troy’s four essential practices for having joy will help, and I am committed, not to trying to be joyful, but to TRAINING myself to be joyful by practicing all of them. Will you join me?

Read: Psalms 33:20-22, 2 Corinthians 4:16-18, Titus 3:3-7
• The late Timothy Keller, Pastor and Christian author, said, “The opposite of joy is not sorrow, it is hopelessness.”  Our joy is built on the foundation of hope. But what is hope? Ordinary human hope is more wishful thinking, nearly always containing an element of uncertainty. Biblical hope not only desires something good for the future — it confidently expects it to happen. There is a moral certainty based upon the goodness of He who offered the hope.
o How does that explanation of our hope and joy challenge, encourage, or comfort you?
o It can be difficult to “fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen.” What “seen” things do you have a tendency to set your hope upon?
o What do these verses, especially Titus, reveal to you about God?

Read: John 17:14-17
• Jesus prayed that believers would be sanctified, and the Father always answers His prayers. The words sanctification, sanctify, saint, holy, and consecrate all come from the same root and all have to do with being “set apart.” For the believer, remembering the good in life begins with remembering that we have been set apart by God and for God.
o What does Jesus say we will be sanctified by? What does that process look like for you?
 
Read: 2 Peter 3:17-18, Colossians 1:9-11
• One essential of joy is remembering that we are all works in progress. Every human, including non-believers, bears the fingerprints of God, and we have no idea what work God may be doing in them. These passages speak of that work resulting in our growing in knowledge, bearing fruit, and being strengthened.
o Describe how you have grown in some of these areas. How could you accelerate that growth, or grow in other areas?
o How does keeping in mind that everyone is a work in progress help you have healthier relationships?

Read: Proverbs 27:17, Colossians 3:16-17, Hebrews 10:23-25
• Joy is found in relationship with other believers who can challenge, encourage, and comfort us.
o How are you being sharpened by other believers? Who are you sharpening?
o How can others spur you on to love and good deeds?
o What gets in the way of your having Christian community? How can you break through those obstacles?
 
Read: 2 Corinthians 1:8-11, Ephesians 6:18-19
• Paul writes that God delivered him from deadly peril in answer to his readers’ prayers. He urges prayers “for ALL the Lord’s people.”
o For whom do you pray regularly? Who might you add to that list?
o What prayers for others have you had answered, and how did that increase your joy?

Pray: Praise God for who He is, for His unchanging character and faithfulness. Thank Him for setting you apart for His purposes, and for the work He is doing in you and through you. Pray that by training yourself in the essentials Troy mentioned, you may be a more joyful person—a person that makes non-believers want the joy and the hope you have.

Next Steps:
• 21-Days of Prayer and Fasting began this week. It is a wonderful way to get into the habit of praying for others. To learn more and to sign up, click here.

BEYOND SUNDAY
Week of July 28, 2024
“Actions Reveal Priorities” Luke 19:11-27

Thoughts: 
Several years ago, I worked briefly for a law firm where I had responsibility for all the administrative functions. I was surprised and disappointed when the managing partner, a fellow Christ follower to whom I reported, explained that I simply had not met their expectations. My protestations that those expectations had never been clearly communicated were in vain, because, as I realized in that moment, I had never really asked for clarification. At that point it was too late.

In Luke 12:35-48, Jesus tells another parable about a servant whose master goes on a journey, leaving his servant in charge of his entire estate. That servant loses sight of his priority—serving the master by diligently caring for his estate and his fellow servants—and becomes self-indulgent and irresponsible. His actions reveal that his priority is self-gratification. He is punished severely when the master returns. Jesus ends that parable with these words, “From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.”

Fortunately, my experience at the law firm resulted in much less severe consequences for me than for that irresponsible servant. Some months after moving on from that law firm job, I felt convicted and reached out to my former boss to apologize for letting him down. I confessed to him my realization that I had not given him or the firm my best, and that reflected badly on him personally. I asked for his forgiveness, which he graciously gave. We reconciled that day, and still talk occasionally.

I don’t want to ever lose sight of my priority of serving Jesus and His Kingdom. I want my actions to reveal that priority.

Read: 
Ephesians 2:8-10, Ephesians 4:11-16, 1 Corinthians 12:4-7 

>> Ephesians 2 is one of the places where the Apostle Paul explains that we cannot earn salvation by our “works.” Then he goes on to explain that we are all “God’s handiwork,” and that He prepared in advance “good works” for us to do.
What does that Truth tell you about God?

• How would you explain the difference between trying to earn salvation and doing “good works”?
• Who do you believe benefits the most from those good works, and why?
• What good works has God prepared in advance for you personally to do?

>> Ephesians 4 reveals that some people have been given gifts of leadership so that ALL of God’s people can be equipped for “works of service.” I take that to mean that while the leaders may have a more obvious or visible role, every other person has their own role to play, their own ways to serve. Paul goes on to say that “…as each part does its work…” God’s purposes will be fulfilled.

• How would you describe God’s purposes for each person doing their work, their works of service?
• How are you/could you be working to participate in building up His church?

>> Paul devotes a lot of his New Testament writing to describe and explain spiritual gifts. Some are supernatural, but most are not. Suffice it to say, that every follower of Jesus has received gifts (talents and abilities) from God. Using some of our gifts will come naturally and easily, and we will have work to do to develop fully those in which we have room to grow. All our gifts, talents, and abilities are like the silver given to the servants in Luke 19:11-27. They come with a responsibility to use them wisely and diligently, and to the Glory of God.

• As Jerod Yancey said, when Jesus asks, “What did you do with what I gave you,” how will you answer?
• What gifts come easily and naturally to you, and in which do you have room to grow?
• How could you grow in your ability to use your God-given gifts to His glory? Read: 1 Thessalonians 5:12-14

>> The dictionary defines “admonish” as “to warn or reprimand someone firmly.” That has a rear-view mirror orientation. You reprimand someone for something they have already done. However, the Biblical connotation of “admonish” is future oriented, hopeful, and encouraging. As used in Scripture, it means, “to put in mind, to caution or reprove GENTLY, to warn.”

• What warning did you take from Sunday’s message?
• What hope and/or encouragement did you take away?

Pray: 
Thank God for who He is, and for all His gifts. Ask the Holy Spirit to empower you to be a good steward of those gifts. Ask God to reveal to you how He wants you to serve Him and His Kingdom.

Next Steps:

• If you have not yet completed Rock Hills’ Growth Track, learn more and sign up here.
• If you have completed Growth Track and are ready to serve, sign up using this link. 
• We all need to surround ourselves with a community of others fully surrendered to God, a community that will support us as we walk closer to Him. Starting September 4th, we will be kickstarting our fall small groups. Make sure to sign up for a small group when they go live on the website in August! 

Beyond Sunday, Week of July 21, 2024
“God is With You” Psalm 23

Thoughts: Pastor Lacey’s message on Sunday reminded me of an experience my wife had several years ago, when God made it abundantly clear to her that, “I am with you!”

Having accepted a leadership role with our previous church back in Olathe, KS, she was scheduled to speak soon before a gathering of church staff and volunteer leaders. Preparing for that address she began to experience some anxiety, so much so that she was having trouble sleeping. One night lying awake, full of anxiety, she recited over and over, Philippians 4:6, which begins, “Do not be anxious about anything…” Telling the Lord “I am trying!”  Wondering “How am I supposed to do that?”, she heard in her spirit, “Go back one sentence, and you will see.” The previous verse, Philippians 4:5b gave her the answer, “The Lord is near.”  

The next morning, she awoke refreshed, and quickly wrote out her speech. I was immensely proud of her as I watched her humbly and confidently deliver God’s story in her life. Pastor Lacey described the effect of the “The Lord is near” in Psalm 23, as the strength, peace, and confidence the sheep felt, like my wife, because of the proximity of the Shepherd to his fold.  

Read: Matthew 6:31-34, Philippians 4:4-13, 1 Timothy 6:6-10 
• Depending on the version of the Bible you use, Psalm 23 begins with the message that because The Lord is our shepherd, we “…lack nothing…” or we “…shall not want…” But let’s be honest with each other, okay? We humans are not easily satisfied.
o Jesus addressed our natural human needs and desires, and how we should view them. What does that passage from Matthew reveal to you about our God, His character, and His priorities?
• Pastor Lacey told us how sheep cannot “lie down in green pastures,” that is, find peace, unless they are free from fear, tension, aggravation/irritation, and hunger.
o I confess that too often I allow minor irritations of life to rob me of my peace. Which of those four issues plagues you the most? How could you respond differently and be more peaceful?
o Our greatest hungers are spiritual and emotional. We frequently seek to ease those hungers with the wrong things—not necessarily bad things, but not the best things. What hunger do you most need satisfied, and what are you looking to for satisfaction?

Read: Genesis 3:1-4; 2 Corinthians 4:4, John 10:10, Romans 4:17 
• Lacey warned us not to believe that liar, Satan, and the “I am…” lies he feeds us. Moses believed that he was too insignificant and “slow of speech and tongue.” (Exodus 3, 4) But God did mighty things through him. Gideon was hiding from Israel’s enemies, the Midianites. But God called him a “mighty warrior” and used him to defeat Midian. (Judges 6, 7)
o What “I am…” lies of the enemy might you be believing?
o When we say things like, “I am …depressed…anxious…too weak…(insert negative feeling, or lie of Satan here),” we are making little agreements with the enemy. How would it change things for you to say instead, “I FEEL…, AND ‘I can do all this through Him who gives me strength’”(Philippians 4:13)?
o What Truths does God want to “…call into being…” in you; things He designed you to be but you have not yet become?

Read: 2 Corinthians 1:3-4, Galatians 6:2, Ephesians 4:29, 1 Thessalonians 5:11 
• When we “feel off,” believing those “I am…” lies of the enemy, or when we are suffering some trial, it can be tempting to withdraw from community, to hide our shame and/or imperfections, or try to go it alone. But as Lacey said, that is the time we most need to lean into community, to seek comfort, strength, and encouragement from our brothers and sisters in Christ.
o Describe how you have received comfort from God. How can you offer similar comfort to someone in your community?
o In what area of life do you need to be comforted, strengthened, encouraged? To whom (individual or group) will you turn for what you need?
o What does it mean to you to be built up by another person? Who has previously built you up and how?

Read: 1 Corinthians 15:19, John 5:24, John 14:1-3 
• Psalm 23 ends with assurance that our future is secure.
o What questions, if any does that raise for you? How do all those Scriptures help?

Read: Psalm 42 
• Even King David, who penned Psalm 23 to express his confidence in and closeness with God, occasionally felt distant from God. In Psalm 42, he cries out about feeling “downcast” (that is anxious and/or depressed), and expressing his thirst for God. To help him overcome his feelings, David remembers how God was with Israel in conquering the Promised Land, and recalls times he personally felt close to God in worship.
o Describe a time(s) when you felt close to God.
o For what situation do you need to “Put your hope in God”?
 

Read: Mark 1:15, Psalm 16:5-7, Psalm 27:1, Psalm 118:6-7, Colossians 3:2 
Pray: Ask God to make His presence in your life obvious—to you and to others, to fill you with His peace and with confidence. Perhaps, like Pastor Lacey, you feel the need to repent in some areas. Her examples were focusing on what we don’t have versus what we do, walking in defeat versus victory, forgetting that He is with us in all our trials offering us courage and strength, and having our minds on earthly things instead of eternal things. Add to or delete from that partial list as appropriate and turn to God in repentance.

Next Steps:
• A great way to experience God’s presence is to participate in 21 Days of Prayer. Click here to get more information.

Beyond Sunday

Week of July 14, 2024, 
“Celebration, Caution, Conclusion”
When in Rome Week 24, Romans 16

Thoughts: I am an introvert and a “task-oriented” person. Like nearly all people, I need and want emotionally and spiritually intimate relationships, in other words, community. I enjoy being around people, but in manageable doses. Larger groups especially deplete my “social batteries.” My task orientation makes me want to “get ‘er done” to quote a well-known comedian. After a certain amount of talking, I am ready to build something or fix something. After all, my nickname in our family is “Papa Fix-it.”
I have many good relationships, and yet I wish I was better at it, more like my wife. She has this amazing gift for seeing the best in people, making them feel known and valued, calling out in them the potential she sees, and building them up. I think in that regard, she is a lot like the Apostle Paul, who dedicated over half of Romans 16 to doing those things for his friends in the church at Rome.
I think Paul’s brief cautionary paragraph in Romans 16:17-19 where he warns against false and divisive teachers, reveals a little of what I hope I have in common with him, a desire to be discerning, to separate truth from error. I like to think that I have been gifted with discernment, and I know I must guard against allowing that to morph into cynicism. Cynicism would ignore or deny the transformative power of the Gospel in the life of another person.
I am so grateful that the Gospel is for EVERYONE, including me and those I love. Like Paul, I hope that “…all the Gentiles [all nations] might come to the obedience that comes from faith…” I know that God alone, “…him who is ABLE…” has the supernatural power required to develop the kind of authentic community Paul worked to establish and build up in Rome. I pray that He continues to build up the community that is Rock Hills Church.

Read:  Matthew 22:36-40, 1 John 4:19-21, 2 Timothy 1:5-8, Mark 3:31-35, Ephesians 3:14-19 

•All of Scripture reveals the Truth that relationships are of utmost importance to our triune God. First and foremost, our relationship with Him, and of nearly equal importance to God is our relationship with other people. Jesus connected our loving relationship with Him (the “vertical dimension”) to our relationships with other people (the “horizontal dimension of love”) in such a way that for either dimension to be right, both must be right.
•What do those first two passages reveal to you about God?
•Hate (used in 1 John 4) is a very strong word, but I imagine that like me, you have relationships that could be improved.
•How does your love for Jesus motivate you to improve your less-than-great-relationships?
•What is one small step or change you could make to move in that direction?
•What, if anything, would have to die in you to make that possible?
•In 2 Timothy, Paul does a wonderful job of speaking into Timothy, celebrating how Timothy is becoming who God designed him to be, and encouraging him to grow even more. Think of some people you could speak into and encourage. Make an action plan to spend time with them and do that.
•In Mark 3, Jesus reveals the value He places on SPIRITUAL family. That is the epitome of authentic community. Who are some of your spiritual family? Who might you invite into your spiritual family?
•In Ephesians, Paul prays for the supernatural power of the Holy Spirit to strengthen and empower the Ephesian community.
•What does it mean to you to be “rooted and established in love?”
•Paul prays that the Ephesians “may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.” Explain in your own words what he means by that.

Read:  Matthew 24:10-13, 2 Peter 2:1, Acts 17:11, 1 John 4:1, 1 Corinthians 1:10-13 

•The Scriptures tell us that there WILL BE false prophets and teachers, and deceivers attacking and/or infiltrating the church.
•What do these Scriptures teach you about protecting yourself, your faith, from them?
•In 1 Corinthians Paul warns about one specific source of division, sort of a “grassroots” division, that of elevating strong Christian leaders to an unhealthy level. What is the preventative that Paul prescribes?

Read: 2 Corinthians 3:17-18, 1 Corinthians 15:9-10, 2 Timothy 4:6-8 

•Paul writes to the Corinthians about the power of the Gospel not only to save, but to transform lives. He boldly uses himself as an example, writing that “His grace to me was not without effect.” As Troy asked on Sunday, “How is your life responding to God’s Grace?”
•Scholars believe that 2 Timothy was the very last letter written by Paul before he was executed, and so Pastor Troy brought it into our consideration of Paul’s conclusions. In 2 Timothy 4, Paul uses the metaphors of fighting the good fight, finishing a race, and holding onto his faith.
•It is good to ask ourselves, “Is every fight I am fighting, WORTH fighting?” How do you answer that question? What makes a fight worth fighting?
•I used to run half-marathons and marathons. I always had a general idea of the course layout, but had to rely on signage along the route or helpful volunteers to keep me on course. Our Christian Walk can be like that. How are you making sure that you are running the right race, staying on the course God wants you to follow?
•What challenges your faith, making it difficult to hold onto?

Pray: Praise God for bringing you into the authentic community of Rock Hills Church. If you have not yet put your faith in Jesus, start your faith journey today by accepting Him as your Savior{1}. Thank Jesus for making a way for you to get into right relationship with Almighty God. Thank Him for the way your life is being transformed.

Next Steps:
•We all need to surround ourselves with a community of others fully surrendered to God, a community that will support us as we walk closer to Him. Check the website here to see what groups might fit your schedule.
•If you have chosen to surrender completely to God, but have not yet declared that publicly by being water baptized, you can sign up to take that step here.
•If you want more info or help with surrendering your life to Jesus, or just want to share your news that you have made that choice, reach out to the church by calling (785) 775-0012, or email to info@myrockhillschurch.com

{1} If you want to receive the salvation that is available through Jesus, place your faith in Him. Fully trust His death as the sufficient sacrifice for your sins. Completely rely on Him alone as your Savior. That is the biblical method of salvation. If you have received Jesus as your Savior, say a prayer to God. Tell God how thankful you are for Jesus. Offer praise to God for His love and sacrifice. Thank Jesus for dying for your sins and providing salvation for you. That is the biblical connection between salvation and prayer.

Beyond Sunday
Week of July 7, 2024,
“Service triumphs over selfishness” When in Rome Week 23, Romans 15

Thoughts: I would sum up Pastor Troy’s message this way. Unity is essential to the Christian Church and our ability to fulfill our mission of making disciples. Our natural human tendency toward selfishness, or self-absorption, is one of the greatest barriers to that unity. The cure for selfishness is service. Sounds simple enough, but that doesn’t make it easy, does it?

That issue of unity must be a big deal, because it reverberates through much of the Apostle Paul’s writings, and echoes the prayer of Jesus Himself in John 17, where Jesus beseeches His Heavenly Father to bring His twelve apostles, and all believers after them, to complete unity. But breaking through that barrier to unity—selfishness, or self-absorption—is a challenge.

Author Donald Miller, in his book, Blue Like Jazz, asserts that social ills (bigotry, hate, injustice, etc.) are symptoms of the greater disease of self-absorption. Miller writes, “…as a human, I am flawed in that it is difficult for me to consider others before myself. It feels like I have to fight against this force, this current within me that…wants to avoid serious issues and please myself, buy things for myself, feed myself, entertain myself, and all of that.” Does that sound as familiar to you as it does to me?

Miller goes on to conclude that if human beings, “… could fix our self-absorption, we could end a lot of pain in the world.” It has definitely eased my pain, because personally my self-absorption frequently manifests itself as depression. The surest cure for my depression is to serve others. My simplest form of service is prayer. Prayer is a great starting point because I can do it anytime and anywhere. It is amazing how quickly the dark clouds of my depression disappear when I focus on praying for the needs of others.

Wow! That sounds a lot more self-serving than I mean it.

Yes, my own pain can be eased through serving, and I grow through serving. But serving is really about meeting the needs of others, loving them, building them up, discipling them, and building “the body of Christ.” It reminds me of the story of a Christian leader ministering to a young father who struggled against alcoholism and to keep a job. “You need Jesus,” was the core of the minister’s message to him. “What I need is help resisting the temptations,” replied the young father. So, for more than a year the minister discipled this man while he walked him to and from work, past all the taverns along his route. The young father finally came to saving faith and went on to be a sober, loving provider for his family.

I tell that story, and my own, to emphasize that there are many ways to serve that are dependent on the gifts, talents, passions, and resources God gave you. The Apostle Paul, in 1 Corinthians 12, instructs each person to use his gifts “for the common good.” He goes on to teach in Philippians 2 that humbly serving others is one of the most effective ways to imitate Jesus Christ, who submitted to His Heavenly Father’s authority in everything.

Just as Troy commented, our service starts with surrender—surrender of our rights to ourselves, our time, our stuff—to the good and perfect will of God. And as Troy said, “God’s will comes out of God’s Word.” And that is why we do this weekly blog, to help you dive deeper into God’s Word and discover His will for your life.

Read: John 17:20-23, Ephesians 4:1-6;11-13 

• What does that passage from John 17 reveal to you about our triune God? What questions does it raise for you? If you need help finding answers to your questions, consider signing up for the RHC Essentials Class.
• In Ephesians Paul lists some qualities that are essential to unity: humility, patience, gentleness, and forbearance.
o In your own words, describe why each of those qualities is important, and how they contribute to unity within the church.
o Ask the Holy Spirit for opportunities and the power to develop more capacity in each of these qualities.

Read: Romans 12:3-8, 1 Corinthians 12:4-11, Philippians 2:1-4, 1 Peter 4:8-11

• We are given spiritual gifts for a purpose, and we are to use the various gifts according to the character of God and His revealed will, with diligence and cheerfulness. In 1 Corinthians 12:24–25 we are told that “God has put the body [that is, His church] together, giving greater honor to the parts that lacked it, so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other.” The ultimate purpose of the gifts is “that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ.”
o What are your gifts? If you have never learned what they are, then find out in the RHC Growth Track.
o If you still have questions about your gifts, consider this gifts survey from GotQuestions.org.
o How are you currently using your gifts to serve? What additional or different ways do you think God may be calling you to use your gifts?

Pray: Praise God for His mercy and grace. Thank Him for the gifts He gave you. Pray that God will make clear to you how He wants you to use your gifts for the common good.

Next Steps:

1) Join us for Growth Track to begin serving at Rock Hills Church.
2) The Christian life is all about relationships. We are better together, and healing comes when we gather in a community of others who want to think and act like Jesus. If you are not already in a RHC Small Group, join one today by going to the website or the RHC App.

Beyond Sunday
Week of June 30, 2024
When In Rome Week 23, Romans 14:1-23
 
Thoughts: There is an idiom in the English language that most of us are familiar with. It is “black and white.” It draws from the idea that something in print, in black and white, is concrete and clear. Its meaning is “of the utmost clarity; clearly defined or differentiated; without any room for confusion, ambiguity, or discrepancy.” When something is described as black and white, there is no room for disagreement. What can and should be known about it is clear.
Most of us like things to be clear. In fact, if we were so inclined to create one, our religious code would be black and white. It would be clearly laid out, so that we would know what to do and how to live. For the Pharisees, who were the religious leaders in Israel in the time leading up to and during the life of Jesus, they viewed the Torah in such a way. The Torah is the first five books of the Hebrew Bible (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy in our Bible) and the Pharisees spent considerable time fine tuning the rules that were spelled out in the law found there. For them, the more detailed the rules, the less chance of breaking them. But then Jesus came along and told them they missed the point.
In John 5, we find a story of Jesus healing on the Sabbath. The Pharisees considered this against the rules. In fact, they could quote Jesus chapter and verse to support their argument. Jesus’ response: “You study the Scriptures diligently because you think that in them you have eternal life. These are the very Scriptures that testify about me,”.  In other words, “In all your religious studies, you are missing the point”. In another place, Jesus is catching flak for having dinner with people who were living questionable lifestyles. His response: “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’” This is an interesting response, because these people he was eating with were considered ceremonially unclean, and so the Pharisees were technically correct in their assessment. But once again, Jesus challenged the measuring stick they were measuring others with. What appeared to the Pharisees to be black and white, turned out not to be that way.
So it is on this backdrop that we take a look at Romans 14. As Pastor Kent shared on Sunday, Paul leads with this:
“Accept the one whose faith is weak, without quarreling over disputable matters.”
Paul’s statement lets us know that it is not a question of whether there are disputable matters, or even whether there should be disputable matters. It lets us know that they exist, but that they are not to be quarreled over. In other words, things are not always black and white.

Read Romans 14:1 – 23

Question: What is the main idea Paul wants us to get in verse 1?
If you are anything like me, the first response would be the idea of disputable matters. Which leads us into a discussion of what matters are disputable. Which probably leads to a dispute. But what if the main idea is “without quarreling”? In many of his letters, Paul appeals to Christians to avoid arguing. Here, he asks those to whom he is writing to take some very specific steps:
 
1) Accept the one whose faith is weak. (vs 1)
Accept: Not a passive verb. An active verb, directionally towards you. Also, Romans 14:3, 15:7.
In the KJV, the idea of disputable matters is communicated as “doubtful disputations”. This idea is derived from a root word meaning to ‘withdraw from’. The complete opposite of ‘accept’.
Questions:
a) Paul makes a distinction here between people whose faith allows them to do certain things and those whose faith doesn’t allow them to do certain things.
a. How is it helpful for us to be aware that those distinctions exist?
b. Do you think it is our role to try and categorize people as such?
b) Why do you think Paul warns against “withdrawing from” one another?
 
2) Stop passing judgement on one another. (vs 13)
The idea of judgement here relates to distinguishing. In other words, to recognize or treat someone or something as different.
Questions:
a) Read 2 Corinthians 5:16 - 18 
a. How are we supposed to regard each other?
b) What does the second half of Romans 14:13 tell us to do instead of passing judgement?
c) Paul tells Timothy in 2 Timothy 2:15 to be one “who correctly handles the word of truth.” So to balance this thought, we should look at 1 Corinthians 5:12. Here Paul tells the church at Corinth that they are to “judge those inside” their fellowship that are living immoral lives.
a. What is the difference between these two situations?
b. If you felt a situation required you to “judge those inside”, what would be a good approach to do that in a God honoring way?
 
3) Make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification. (vs 19)
Questions:
a) Read Proverbs 15:1-2. 
a. What type of response leads to peace?
b) What do you think Paul means by “mutual edification”?
c) What type of approach to relational issues lead to “mutual edification”?
d) How effective are you in recognizing when you are not “making every effort”?
 
4) So whatever you believe about these things keep between yourself and God. (vs 22)
Questions:
a) What “things” do you think Paul is talking about here?
b) What does it look like to keep “these things” between yourself and God?
 
5) Read Genesis 11:1 – 9 
Questions:
a) What did God say was possible if they worked “as one people speaking the same language”?
b) Do you think He would say the same thing about us today?
 
6) Read Psalm 133
Questions:
a) How important is unity for God’s people?
b) How does that relate to what we have been looking at Romans 14?
 
Conclusion:
Disagreements are inevitable. It is not always clear where to draw the line. That is because life is complex, people are complex. But we have the Holy Spirit and the Word of God to help us. We need to lean hard into both as we navigate life in the Body of Christ. But the overriding goal is unity. Because Jesus said in John 17:23 that when we are brought to complete unity, then the world will know that God sent his Son and that He loves them. And that is what we live for.

Pray
Pray for God to guide you to unity in the essentials and liberty in the non-essentials free of any judgment of others and their personal walks with the Lord.

Next Steps
1) If you have had a non-essential disagreement with someone and you have not reconciled, reach out to them and offer forgiveness.
2) We are better together in life-changing community. If you have not already, sign up to attend a summer small group here.