Messages from March 19, 2020
Good morning Rock Church
One of our faithful members saw these prayer points by Tony Perkins of the Family Research Counsel from his piece in the USA Today. And thought these were helpful, perhaps to share with our members and I totally agree.
Here are some ways we as a Church body we can prayerfully respond to the ongoing Coronavirus (COVID-19). I’m asking if each one of you would be willing to join me as I pray one of the prayer bullets each day?
- Pray for an end to the virus’ spread. The Coronavirus did not take God by surprise; He is still governing and sustaining the world (Col. 1:17). Pray for God’s healing mercy and that He would graciously bring this pandemic to an end. Pray for healing for all those affected by the virus.
- Pray for government leaders. At all times, Christians are called to pray for those in positions of authority (1 Tim. 2:2). This is especially true during a time of national emergency. Pray for the President, Vice President, governors, mayors, and all those making decisions related to public health and safety. Pray for a spirit of bipartisanship as lawmakers work together to protect people.
- Pray for church leaders. Pastors around the country are making difficult decisions related to public worship and the safety of their members. Pray that pastors will have wisdom to faithfully shepherd the congregations under their care, even if they are unable to physically gather (1 Peter 5:2). Pray that Christians will love their neighbors well during this time (Mark 12:31).
- Pray for the vulnerable. Authorities tell us that immunocompromised people are especially at risk as the virus spreads. Pray for protection for the elderly, diseased, and those facing financial hardship. Pray for students who are being required to vacate university and college housing with very little notice. Over the next few weeks, there will be many opportunities to meet tangible needs. Pray that God’s people meet these opportunities with wisdom and grace (Mat. 25:35-40).
- Pray for honest reporting. Christians should pray for those in the news media. Pray that reporters and journalists would accurately report updates about the status of the virus, and not seek to peddle conspiracies, politicize the threat, or stoke fear where it is unwarranted.
- Pray for a spirit of generosity. During this time, churches will face a loss of income at a time when there are many opportunities to meet physical needs. Pray that God’s people will manifest a spirit of generosity and sacrificially give of their time and resources to meet needs that will arise (2 Cor. 9:6-8).
- Pray for a posture of trust. Scripture teaches us that God has not given us a spirit of fear but of power and love and self-control (2 Tim 1:7). Pray for enduring faith during this season of heightened fear, anxiety, and confusion. Appropriate precautions should be taken, but Christians must continue to rely on God and trust His purposes and plans (Rom. 8:28).
- Pray for the spread of the gospel. In this time of great anxiety, pray that God’s people would be ready to meet the world with the comfort and hope that only the good news of Jesus Christ can offer.
Just a reminder Thursday night prayer conference call:
Call in number: 1-605-475-4000
Passcode: 224985
From: 7:00pm – 8:30pm
Message from March 16, 2020
Rock Church Family,
Praise God for the impartation of his wisdom to each of you, the leadership of our church, and the leaders of our country. You and I will get safely through this pandemic as long as we continue in faith, prayer, fasting, praise and walking in His wisdom.
I want to share some insights from what all of us have witnessed in Europe, especially Italy. The statistical count of cases and the state of the virus in the United States is where Italy was two weeks ago. If we do not escalate the social distances from each other, two weeks from now, we will be where Italy is today. There is a national lock-down with tremendous stress on the medical institutions in Italy. Therefore, as your Pastor I am asking you to give strong consideration to gathering food and supplies TODAY that will carry you and your family for the next two weeks. Get your medication/s and some cash in small bills that will sustain you. If we are called to quarantine you and your family would have what you need.
There is no need to fear or panic. Just be wise in preparation. The leadership of Rock Church are in constant communication with each other and those who are giving us insight to this escalating crisis. We love you and want you to be safe with sufficient provisions to weather this storm. Faith will always drive out fear!!!
God bless all of you.
Sincerely, Pastor Rob
Message from March 13, 2020
Dear Rock Church Members,
We are canceling tomorrow’s (Saturday, March 14th) celebration of our 1st anniversary of moving into New Rock. After careful research, consultation, consideration and much prayer today, God has impressed upon us to move the time of fellowship after the Sunday worship services (March 15th).
Allow me to remind us of an important word from our Lord. “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind” (2 Timothy 1:7 NKJV) and “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble. 2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, 3 though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.”(Psalm 46:1-3 NIV) and “A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you.” (Psalm 91:7 NIV)
As children of God, let’s remain faithful and not fearful. You all are important to God’s kingdom, and important to Bridgett and I. So, with a ‘sound mind’, the Elder’s and our Leadership team will exercise wisdom to protect you all in non-essential activities. While celebrating God’s accomplishment in moving us into New Rock is a reason to glorify Him, He is guiding us to attach tomorrow’s celebration to the essential worship of Him on Sunday.
Here is something else I want you to know. The Elder board and our Leadership team and I are not experts in leading the people of God through pandemics like the Coronavirus. However, we both know the experts and how to gain expertise to help us all during this perilous time.
Our first a primary focus is to remain faithful to our God.
Secondly, I have been and will be in contact with those have insight and expertise in public health crises.
In addition, the Elder board and Leadership team and I will be participating in webinars and training activities as early as next week to guide us in how to continue worshipping God while caring for each of you.
As your Pastor my heart goes out to each one of you and your families during this trying time but rest of sure of God’s word “greater is he that is in you than he that is in the world.” (1 John 4:4 KJV)
Please continue to pray for me and our Elder board and our Leadership team that God will continue to give us His wisdom as we navigate through these uncharted water during this season. Also pray that we will hear Him clearly, and to plan appropriately. To God Be The Glory!!!
Sincerity your Pastor Rob Stevenson & 1st. Lady Bridgett Stevenson
See also: Coronavirus Information, Coronavirus Gospel Giving & Prayer & Contact Info, and Changes for Coronavirus Social Distancing.
