Church on The Rock Homer: Recent Episodes
Church on The Rock Homer
This podcast contains the weekly teachings from Church on The Rock Homer. Led by pastor Aaron Weisser.
www.cotrhomer.org Love God, Love People, Make Disciples.
In this message, we will be in Exodus 19–20, but primarily Exodus 20, looking at one of the most important moments in Scripture: God giving the Ten Commandments to Israel. At Mount Sinai, the people saw the mountain covered in smoke, felt it tremble, heard the trumpet grow louder, and then heard the audible voice of God declare His commands. This was not merely a private conversation between God and Moses; the entire nation heard the words of the Lord.
We will see that God did not give Israel the law so they could earn their redemption. He had already rescued them from slavery in Egypt. Grace came before command. The law taught God’s redeemed people how to live in a way that reflected His holiness and their covenant relationship with Him.
We will also consider the purposes of God’s law. It reveals the character of God, exposes the sin within our hearts, shows us our need for a Savior, and guides those who have been redeemed. Jesus summarized the heart of the law as loving God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength and loving our neighbor as ourselves.
Finally, we will look at how the new covenant transforms obedience. Through Christ, God does more than place commandments before us: He gives us new hearts, writes His law within us, and gives us His Spirit. We do not obey to earn salvation; because we have been saved by grace, we desire to love and obey the God who rescued us.
Pastor Joseph Collier
I recently attended a wedding at the Homestead. It was a beautiful Alaskan wedding, which means it's a little damp, a little rainy, but everyone is full of joy watching a man and woman come together in holy matrimony! Every time I witness a couple say their vows I am taken back to the moment I stood in front of my bride and made my covenant with her. Every wedding is a sobering moment to remember the promises I made as I say to myself, "Oh, right, I am supposed to love my wife like that!"
We have reached the moment in the Exodus narrative where God's bride, His chosen people, say "I do!" He invites them into relationship, and the shocking thing is that they have no idea what is ahead of them. It will be impossible for Israel to perfectly navigate their promise to God, and the beautiful thing about it is that God already knows His people's shortcomings, but He says "I do" anyway!
In this message, we take a look at Exodus 19 and marvel over a covenant-keeping God who never fails us!
Pastor Matthew McCarter
During the school year, Tuesday is pancake day. I make them from scratch every week, cuz I’m hardcore like that. But I don’t just make pancakes, I make CHOCOLATE CHIP pancakes! That wasn’t supposed to be the thing but I did it as a treat one time and now that’s the way we role every week. It is amazing what a few droplets of chocolate does to elevate a regular old skillet flat cake.
One such morning, some time ago, I was serving these gorgeous round chocolatey breakfast breads and a child of mine noticed something amiss. I was respectfully asked “Dad, did you mean for the center to be doughy?” The wording of the question was superb, especially for a kid. It wasn’t accusatory or even overtly derogatory. It was a question of curiosity. “Dad, was this part of an intentional plan or was this new development the result of oversite?” Even the tone was polite.
I still didn’t like it. If felt like complaining. I think I said something like “Is it a problem?” Yeah, I know. Way too snarky coming from pastor Dad. “HOW DARE YOU lodge a complaint against my perfect pancakes! How dare you indicate dissatisfaction! Do you know how many children would be grateful to have chocolate for breakfast? You will eat that wet interior and YOU WILL LIKE IT.” I didn’t say those things, but I was a bit alarmed by how quickly I thought them.
In this message, we look at Exodus 15 & 16. In this story, God is the chef and His people are His unhappy customers. There is an important truth in this story that you and I need to hear.
Pastor Dr. Aaron Weisser
Technology has significantly changed the world we live in. One of the areas it’s changed is sporting events. Back in the day, we watched teams battle it out on weary-looking grass under incandescent flimsy filament bulbs on pixelated screens with clunky rotary knobs. Overweight and out of shape, umpires and referees were forced to make split-second decisions with no backup, inevitably leading to the cheers of fans positively impacted and the boos of fans who felt ill-treated!
Today, we have instant replay scrubbing every angle of every play, reviewed on LED screens by officials stopping the game to review the action and make the absolutely correct call. Guess what, even with the latest and greatest tech, we sit back and question every call made in light of which team we prefer. He was out! That goal counted! Foul! NO FOUL!
In this message, we continue our journey through the Exodus account, looking at the Red Sea. God’s victory over the enemy is decisive, final, and resolute! No questions should remain, but somehow they persist! This weekend, we will be reminded of the powerful Savior, JESUS CHRIST, who is more than able to set us free from bondage and lead us into new life, with no room to question the result.
Pastor Matt McCarter
I've been painting for several years now, and I like to think I'm aware enough of the dangers in the workspace. And yet, despite being aware of the dangers around me, I am THE GUY who inevitably hurts myself on something I shouldn't have.
Something I've warned everyone else about a handful of times. Something where honestly, I could have done differently to ensure my safety. There's something about familiarity that makes you feel exempt. Seeing the danger or knowing the danger should be enough.
In this message, we're looking at Exodus 11-12, the Passover. Nine plagues have fallen on Egypt, while plague after plague, God's made a distinction between His people and the Egyptians. And Israel witnessed that. This last plague is different. And what's different is how God makes that distinction. This time the line is drawn not by boundaries or family lines, but by the blood of a spotless lamb on a door frame. Looking forward to walking through this central passage with you all on Sunday.
Pastor Tylar Webster
My first year of college was a wild ride. Move-in day was interesting, deciding on what belongings to bring, setting a bed that wasn’t mine, meeting my roommate, and then meeting the guys on my hall. It was an excitingly odd experience. During orientation, the administration says to all the freshmen, “Look to your left and look to your right, one of you will not graduate college.”
Fast forward a couple of years, and I was attending my roommate's funeral. Another year or so, and I’d gotten news that my hallmate had died. Both men passed away in drunk driving accidents. Its not often that we consider our mortality when meeting someone for the first time, especially at such young ages. Both of these men made decisions that led to their demise, and it's easy in the moments after to blame, ask questions, and judge, particularly of God’s involvement in loss like this.
In this message, we examine the narrative of the Plagues God uses to set His people free, addressing the hard heart of Pharaoh, who refuses God’s plan Israel. I hope that we will walk away with a better understanding of how God invites, loves, and executes His will even when we don’t like His plan.
If you want to read ahead, we’ll be in Exodus 5-10.
Pastor Matt McCarter
I recently posed this question to several members of our staff, “When did you first imagine your life to be what it is today?” The answer that made me chuckle was, “Yesterday!” Maybe you feel the same, many unexpected twists and turns along the way. But either way, here you are. And what bends my mind is to think back on the thousands of details that conspired perfectly to lead me to what is my life today.
In this message, we are going to build a bridge between the story of Genesis and the incredible drama of Exodus. If you want to prep, take some time and read from Genesis 45 into Exodus chapter 1. What I find fascinating is that all of the good and bad in the story of Joseph and his family proves to be the precisely refined components setting up the epic of Exodus.
This story has been greatly expanding my concept of the power and sovereignty of God which has immediate bearing upon the way I see my world.
Pastor Dr. Aaron Weisser
“Hello darkness my old friend I’ve come to talk with you again”. How many of you remember "The Sounds of Silence” by Simon and Garfunkel? We are showing our age on this one!
Art Garfunkel (yes, that’s his real name) said, “the song is fundamentally about the inability to communicate and, consequently, the inability to genuinely love one another.”
Joseph experienced his own “Sounds of Silence” and darkness, his old friend. Nearly killed, thrown in the pit, sold into slavery, tossed into prison, and then the “sound of silence” waiting 2 years for a former prisoner to remember him before Pharaoh. Can you imagine the level of frustration? I mean we get frustrated when someone doesn’t respond to our text right away. The nerve of some people!
What was Joseph’s response to the “sound of silence” he endured? Hmmmm. It’s amazing how God had a plan and a purpose through it all to raise up one man, to save his own family and ultimately God’s people. Read Joseph’s story again in Genesis. I dare you!
Bill Wilkinson
Have you ever run into a kid who needed some sense knocked into them? I’ll never forget the first time I realized that my child’s hubris was out of control. It's that moment when your infantile child looks at you and what you’re doing and tells you that they know how to do it better. That statement was so utterly preposterous that words could not be formed in my mouth. I looked at my child, smiled, and thought that in time, the pressures of this life will mellow you out, and then went back to chopping wood.
When I read Joseph’s story, I think that boy needed a good slap upside the head. Sure, you had a dream, a prophetic dream, but you didn’t need to tell all your siblings how they were going to bow down to you. So God directed a plan to set Joseph up in power from a position of humility, and that plan looks like death, misery, and slavery, all options we would not choose, yet Joseph kept his eye on the prize, knowing and walking with God.
This Sunday, we examine the life of Joseph as an exile in Egypt and how suffering bears fruit in our lives that is impossible to receive otherwise. If you would like to read ahead, refer to Genesis 39-41.
Pastor Matt McCarter
In this message, we are going to jump into a three weeks series covering the life of one my favorite Biblical characters. We get to meet him as a teenager and my hope is that his story will encourage and inspire those who are in their teens and early twenties. But maybe not in the way you would expect...
Our main character is Joseph, and he was definitely going to do great things. Right after some really terrible but necessary things. If you get a chance, read Genesis 37 and then buckle up.
Pastor Dr. Aaron Weisser
A couple of weeks ago, I was in the midst of our morning routine. Wake up, get dressed, breakfast, load up, choose the morning mix for our drive to school. Most of the time it’s kids' music on the way to school. After drop off, Dad does some reminiscing. I love going down the rabbit hole and finding old tunes and enjoying them again. Remember the classics Matchbox 20, Oasis, Weezer, Garth Brooks, Joe Diffie, MC Hammer, Vanilla Ice, AC/DC, Jimmy Hendrix, CCR…etc.
On this particular day, I had re-re-re discovered Brooks and Dunn, one of my favorites, just as I hit the cul-de-sac, I imagined myself singing karaoke. However, I was sitting in the driveway singing at the top of my lungs and rocking the truck as I did so.
A couple of songs in, and I looked up to find my wife doubled over in the window, hysterically laughing at me. It's easy sometimes to get caught up in the moment and lose track of what is happening outside of our periphery.
This weekend, we examine Jacob’s life and his marriages and how, in the midst of all his struggles, he is head down trying to make the most of it while being detached from the promises of God that are directing his life. Instead of wrestling so hard, he should have considered the larger story God was writing on his life and the generations around him.
Read ahead. Take a look at Genesis 27 - 32.
Pastor Matt McCarter
This Sunday's teaching will focus on the life of Esau and the sobering reality of what happens when we allow our appetites to take the place of God. Esau’s story is more than a historical account; it’s a mirror. It reveals how easily we can trade what is eternal for what satisfies us in the moment.
I’ll be exploring the concept of “irreversible moments”, those decisions that seem small in the moment but carry lasting spiritual consequences. The message will also contrast Esau’s response to his failure with the woman caught in adultery's response in John 8. While both were confronted with sin, their responses, and ultimately their outcomes, could not be more different. One reveals a heart that clings to appetite; the other, a heart that encounters grace and transformation.
The aim of this message is deeply practical. I want to call people to examine themselves honestly before the Lord: Who is really on the throne of your heart? Are you trusting in your appetites, or are you trusting in God?
Ultimately, this message ties into our series theme of Trust, challenging us to trust in what is eternal rather than being led by the impulses of the flesh.
Joseph Collier
Have you ever witnessed the chaotic messy urgency of performance artists? These artists create on canvas but do so in front of an audience in very dramatic and hurried fashion. Maybe you have seen the same kind, but there is a version of this performance where the artist flips the canvas upside down at the last moment revealing a portrait that up until the final moment appeared to be nothing but splashed ink on a black background.
What makes the performance even more gripping is the camera panning to the confused audience and, on occasion, the annoyed talent judges who are convinced the artist in front of them is just lousy. They grimace and squint, cocking their heads to a slight angle in an attempt to make some interpretation of what is appearing before them.
Then, just before an impatient judge smashes the big red button of doom, the canvas is flipped, the genius of the artist is revealed and the audience gasps in awe. “Wow, what a masterpiece.”
In this message, we jump back into the Genesis narrative and pick it up in
chapter 24. My hope is that you will see the brilliant master artist at work in a way that leads you to trust His work in your own life, even when you can’t make sense of it.
Dr. Pastor Aaron Weisser
A few weeks ago as we were planning this series and the Easter services, the graphic for this series was unleashed in a weekly meeting. Some of our team were filled with excitement and others with anxiety. As you look at the images your mind starts to wander and if you’re like me, you think about how a certain person can’t be a christian. Didn’t so and so say something about… Didn’t that person commit such and such… Isn’t that person being indicted for…
Last week Aaron answered the question "What is a Christian?" by addressing the internal reality of the believer, the supernaturally empowered ability to Love the Almighty God. This Sunday we look toward the external expression of the believer and the act of demonstrating one’s love for God by Loving your Neighbor!
Hint: The people in this graphic are no different from your neighbors!
Some passages I’ve been meditating on are 1 John 2 and Ephesians 4.
Pastor Matt McCarter
I find it curious to observe what seems to be an increasing public confidence of professing Christians in the celebrity/media/political worlds. In the last few years it has become more acceptable, even commendable, to own your faith convictions in public spaces. Along with this I have observed a related trend. Notable public personas aggressively feud with other famous figures online, while both parties make claims to the same faith and religion as the driver of their convictions. I am perplexed not just because their viewpoints are so diametrical, but because the tone of these spats is often crude and malicious.
There is an aspect of this trend that I find heartbreaking. As more public figures make faith claims, there seems to be an increasing number of them making such claims while living lifestyles at odds with their basic faith tenets. And I find myself troubled by what seems to be a very public yet misleading example of what it means to follow Jesus.
On the one hand, you have passages like 1 Corinthians 4:5 "Therefore do not go on passing judgment before the time, but wait until the Lord comes, who will both bring to light the things hidden in the darkness and disclose the motives of human hearts; and then praise will come to each person from God." Paul argues that we simply don't know the condition of another person's soul and we should be content to let the Lord reveal it on His timeframe.
But in Matthew 7:15-16 where Jesus says "Beware of the false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits. Grapes are not gathered from thorn bushes, nor figs from thistles, are they?" So there are bad people with bad intentions who profess the name of Jesus and we should be aware of their falsity and avoid it!
What to do, what to do.
In this message, we jump into a two-week series titled "What is a Christian?" This week I want to look at what the Bible says about the internal reality of a Christian or a "Christ follower." What should we expect of the unseen world of the soul? Looking forward to examining some hard questions together with you.
Pastor Dr. Aaron Weisser
F.O.M.O. is an acronym for Fear of Missing Out. We experience F.O.M.O. when there is a constant anxiety that there might be something better we are not currently experiencing. It is anxiety about the future, anticipating a better event, a better car, a better relationship…
There is another side to F.O.M.O., the Fear of Missed Opportunity. This is the realization that a moment is gone and can never be regained. It’s the realization your child is x number of years old, and you haven’t done what you said you always would. It’s the weight of considering what you should have said to your loved one before their death. It’s looking at your past and wishing you’d done more.
The consequence of both sides of F.O.M.O. is that we never really live a full life in the present. We miss what is in front of us because we’re too busy hoping and wishing, while the sands of time pass through our hands.
This Easter weekend, as we celebrate the Risen Savior, Jesus Christ, I hope you will come to a new place of fullness that can ONLY be found in Him.
In Christ, there is true grace, true hope, and true freedom! No more F.O.M.O., instead ABUNDANT LIFE!
Before you dig into this message, dig into any of the passion narratives in the Gospel accounts, Matt. 26-28, Mark 14-16, Luke 22-24, John 18-2.
Pastor Matt McCarter
I have an assignment for you to complete before diving into this message. Grab your Bible and find Luke chapter 19. The story known as Christ’s Triumphal Entry begins in verse 29. Take a minute and read that story to refresh your perspective.
I have been reflecting on this story for a few weeks now after reading it again. Something caught me by surprise that I had not caught before, something weighty. The same story is referenced in John 12, beginning in verse 12.
I don’t think the people are celebrating what they think they are celebrating, and a careful read of the story is providing new clues as to what is really going on. Which leads me to my question for this week: As we celebrate Jesus, do you know for sure what you are celebrating?
Pastor Dr. Aaron Weisser
Maranatha and I have driven the Alcan three times thus far. It is an incredibly beautiful drive and one of my wife’s favorite experiences. The most recent time we traveled to Montana and crossed the border leading to Banff, Alberta. This part of the road has multiple options to connect you to the Alcan in Dawson Creek. On long road drives like this, there can be an eerie feeling of having gone the wrong direction. It's a guttural feeling that leads to digging through maps and meticulously watching for the next road sign. Come to find out, we’d traveled quite a ways in the wrong direction and needed to turn around to hit Banff. We eventually found our way and made our way to Alaska.
In life, we look for signs that we are headed in the right direction. We follow Gideon’s example and lay out fleeces to test God’s will for our lives. What I find interesting is that mankind seeks certain signs from God while trying our best to ignore the more difficult illustrations He clearly lays out for us.
In this message, we examine the life of Sarai. Her life is particularly difficult and is a life that is challenging for us to consider because of the pain that comes with barrenness. Sarai’s life is marked by God in a seemingly cruel manner, but when properly understanding God’s nature, we can see that in even in the horror of barrenness, God is speaking to our hearts!
You can read ahead by reading Genesis 12-21.
Pastor Matt McCarter
If you have ever felt unseen, overlooked, or disregarded, this message is for you. Before we study together, take some time to read through Genesis 16 and 21. If I was Abraham and I was writing my autobiography, I probably would have opted to leave this section out. It's pretty rough.
But buried there, amidst the rubble of bad decisions and abusive actions, is God, aware and present. And not only aware and present, but including the unseen in the story of His redemptive plan.
I love this about our God and I look forward to digging deeper with you.
Pastor Dr. Aaron Weisser
What do Melchizedek, Sodom and Gamora, Balaam and Balak, Phinehas, King Eglon, Ruth, King Rehoboam, King Nahash, Sanballat and Tobiah, ancient mythical gods Chemosh, Melchom, and Baal all have in common? One man named Lot. Lot, the nephew of Abraham, seems like a side character in the book of Genesis. His role, however, has great historical significance in the books of the bible.
Though being involved in many unfortunate situations and making very bad choices, the story of Lot has theological significance that we may not see at first. Beyond being the father of a few of Israel's enemies and advancing the biblical story in some regards, the Apostle Peter makes a statement that prompts a “lot” of questions. In the book of 2 Peter, the Apostle describes Lot as righteous and a man greatly distressed by evil conduct. Though many may not have thought of Lot in this way, digging into the details will give us the answers as to why Peter says this.
In this message, we look over the story of Lot and his relationship to Abraham. We will see his significance to biblical history and answer the questions of why the Apostle Peter calls him righteous.
Pastor Forrest Smith
There is a little story about me that I want to tell you now. It has taken me 20 years to work up the courage. Don’t judge me too harshly…
Shortly after moving back to town in 2005, Jenny and I were reestablishing connections and friendships here in Homer, Alaska, the town of my birth and my heritage. We had just had our second child, I was in my first full-time ministry role, and life was good!
I had recently been introduced to wonderful world of coffee and had a daily habit of getting a 12 oz vanilla breve from Captain’s Coffee. (I know, that’s an unsustainably large amount of fat and sugar, but that’s a different story for a different day.) A good friend of ours was a barista at the time and she was an absolute pro at making the drink just the way I liked it.
After about a year of living here, our barista friend relayed to me an interaction she had with another employee of that fine coffee establishment. “Who is that guy you’re friends with? The one that never smiles and doesn’t tip.”
The reason her comment was so surprising… and jarring, is because I knew myself to be such a happy and generous person. How dare this person, someone I barely know, make such an obviously incorrect assessment of my character! And that based on so little so information! The injustice of it all.
In my defense, we had no money, and I was smiling on the inside. But this was one of the first times I had to confront the possibility that maybe my relationship with Christ wasn’t manifesting in the way I thought it would. Maybe my “belief” was limited to the space between my ears. Or worse, maybe I was a hypocrite!
In this message, we jump into Genesis 12, the story of Abram. We’re going to examine the nature of true faith and why it matters.
Pastor Dr. Aaron Weisser
I don’t miss driving on highways until I pass Potters Marsh on the way to Anchorage. All of a sudden I’m reminiscing of long road trips with endless highways on the way to a prescribed vacation spot. On those trips I have found it useful to have a copilot to make sure we’re on the right course because without one it's easy to get way down the road and realize that we were supposed to take a left back at Albuquerque!
It is a regular occurrence in my life that I need someone else to step in and redirect my focus, not on highways, but in the day to day of work, marriage, finances, parenting. Without the constant reminder to focus, my eyes and heart wonder.
The Tower of Babel narrative is just that, a refocusing of people who have gone astray from God's plan.
In this message, we redirect our eyes to Jesus. It’s what I love doing, and love doing with you, Church! Read ahead in Genesis 11.
Pastor Matt McCarter
I have been thinking and praying about this message for quite some time. It is one of those teachings where I feel the weight early in preparation, as my heart wrestles with what it means for all of us.
In this message, we will be in Genesis 5, 10, and 11:10 to 32. Even if you grew up hearing Bible stories and know many of the early Genesis accounts, these chapters may feel less familiar. They can even raise an honest question: why are these passages here at all?
That question matters, because the message in these chapters is deeply significant for our church. My prayer is that, as we walk through them together, we will see more clearly what God is saying and respond with open hearts.
Pastor Dr. Aaron Weisser
In this message, we continue our Eden: Why Are We Here? series by exploring Genesis 9:8 to 17, the passage that introduces what Scripture calls the Noahic Covenant. Many of us know the flood narrative, but this text invites us to pause and consider what God was communicating after the flood and why the sign He chose still matters today.
When God places His bow in the clouds, He is doing far more than giving the world a beautiful phenomenon. In the ancient world, a bow was a weapon of war. In Genesis 9, God deliberately hangs His bow in the sky as a declaration of mercy. It is a public, universal promise that He will never again judge the earth by flood, not because humanity suddenly became righteous, but because God is gracious, faithful, and committed to sustaining life.
This covenant speaks not only to God’s restraint after judgment, but also to hearts that wrestle with fear: fear of failure, fear of judgment, and fear that God may be done with them. In this passage, we see how God’s mercy meets people personally and how His promises remain firm even when people fall.
My prayer is that this teaching helps us see God’s faithfulness more clearly and that we never look at the bow in the sky the same way again.
Joseph Collier
One of the five love languages is giving and receiving gifts. After college, and earlier in my adult life, I considered myself a fantastic gift giver. I had money, time, and a sense that, well, I was killing it in most areas of life. Then I got married, had kids, and went into ministry, tightening my budget and forcing me to be more creative. The truth is, I wasn’t as good a gift giver as I thought. I just had extra money to buy people nice things.
When you consider how special a gift is, there is a ratio involved. It includes the expense of the gift and the thought behind the gift. An absent father’s gift to a child of a brand new vehicle does not repair the lost relationship between father and child, but the relational capacity that drives the thoughtfulness of a gift will trump an inexpensive gift on any special occasion.
In this message, we examine the difference between Cain and Abel’s gifts to the Lord and, in the process, our own offerings unto God.
Pastor Matt McCarter
Caught red-handed has to be one of the worst feelings in the world. You did it, there’s no denying it, you’ve been caught. Some of my earliest childhood memories are of getting caught. There is such a clarity in that moment.
Up until you’re caught, all of your self-deceptions make sense, at least to you. But when you’re caught, it all falls apart very quickly. The obvious badness of the bad thing you got caught doing sets in pretty powerfully.
And then there’s consequences; The bad things that I now owe because of the bad thing that I did. We all want to negotiate consequences. As bad is it may be, we would like to make the case that there was good reason and we are not as to blame as others might think. Also, can you go easy on the consequences?
And all of this is part of God’s grace toward sin. In this message, we look at God’s grace in the midst of painful consequences. Before diving in, take a minute to read through Genesis chapter 3 again.
Pastor Dr. Aaron Weisser
Real friends tell you there’s stuff on your face or food in your teeth!
At the moment it's embarrassing when someone comes up and says, “are you leaving that in your beard for later there big fella”, but no one really wants to walk around with shmutz on their face or spinach in their teeth.
However for some of us it's challenging to be on the other side. You’ve been there, a friend walks up to greet you and you immediately notice the speck in their teeth and before you know it you’re 15 mins into a conversation and the only thing you’ve thought about the whole time is whether or not it would be rude to point out the blaringly obvious.
Here's the truth, telling someone the truth isn’t always fun or easy and it is most definitely not comfortable, but it is loving, compassionate, and merciful.
In this message we explore The Fall in Genesis 3:1-13, specifically the way in which God responds to Adam and Eve who have giant pieces of forbidden fruit stuck in their teeth!
Pastor Matt McCarter
I am THRILLED to be launching into the book of Genesis again as we kick off a New Year! There are so many foundational truths regarding our purpose, our design, and all the other big WHY questions related to our existence.
Take some time to read through the first chapter of Genesis. This is the question I want you to ponder on during this message: If you were in charge, how would you plan for us to spend our days?? What would life look like if you were the Creator of all things!?
Pastor Dr. Aaron Weisser
I hope you enjoyed your Christmas gatherings! What a blessing it is to celebrate the birth of Jesus, His humble nature, the Father’s gift to us of His son, and the miraculous nature of Immanuel, God with us! This Sunday we explore the gift of Christ and what it means for us to become part of His family.
Knowing and walking with the Lord as one of His children is the greatest gift you could receive this Christmas because it is the ultimate purpose for all of mankind and when we examine and revel over the gift of being a child of God we have the opportunity to understand the rewards we receive from it.
In this message we will explore Romans 8 and John 14, so in your free moments, read ahead!
Pastor Matt McCarter
It’s almost Christmas! And I am so thankful to be included in the family of God. For the next three weeks we will celebrating the God who decided to expand his family and add sons and daughters through the sacrifice of His first born son Jesus. This week I am going to tell a little more of our own adoption story and celebrate adoption of the saints into the heavenly family.
Pastor Aaron Weisser
Two halves of the same coin. Light and dark. Day and night. The husband and the wife. Scripture contains the idea of two parts being unified when they come together, two parts equating to one. The same is true when we consider our being. Mankind is less than a whole when separated from God.
Genesis 1 says that God’s creation exists as the heavens and the earth, two parts in one. In this message, we examined the last piece of God’s creating efforts from Genesis 1:1, the earth, and explored the purpose it serves in God’s grand scheme.
Pastor Matt McCarter
As a young boy growing up in artsy little Homer, Alaska I too caught the bug and wondered about my ability to make it as an artist. At the ripe old age of nine I drew a pencil sketch of the Space Shuttle Discovery in the upright position and attached to its external tanks. My sketch was approximately 30 inches tall and was of such high caliber, it was temporarily displayed in the Pratt Museum… along with all the other submitted artwork by the Homer elementary age crowd.
But it didn’t matter. I remembered walking down the hall of the Pratt and seeing my artwork hung on the wall with a name placard below. It was stunning. I couldn’t believe that now thousands upon thousands of art lovers would behold my work. I felt such unspeakable pride.
And that was the nature of us humans. We wanted our handiwork to be appreciated, to be noticed, to be ooh’d and aah’d over. We liked to see and be seen.
As it turned out, God was of a different nature. Most of His glory was completely hidden from our eyes. This week we peeked through the curtain at the vast expansiveness of the hidden glory of God and asked “Why should it matter?” If you have a minute, before you watch, read Genesis one.
Pastor Dr. Aaron Weisser
When Maranatha and I got married we decided to narrow the scope of what was important on our wedding day. We were going to have a beautiful wedding, but we were determined not to blow the bank account. In the process of making those decisions, I had the bright idea to make our wedding cake. My future wife and my immediate family gave me THE LOOK. You know THE LOOK. It's a look full of skepticism and negativity and so they said, why don’t you do a test run. I agreed and after about a day, I arrived at the same conclusion, we’d be better off spending the money.
There are certain things left in more capable hands, those who are worthy to design such things as “cakes”. With this message we start a new series in Genesis and together we will declare that there is only one who is worthy to be called The Creator.
Pastor Matt McCarter
Physicist Stephen Hawking once said, “If we discover the theory of everything, it would be the ultimate triumph of human reason, for then we would know the mind of God.” Yet Hawking himself rejected the idea of a Creator.
In this message we take on that question head on: Is it reasonable to believe in God? We look directly at Hawking’s arguments and explore what faith and reason reveal about truth, eternity, and the divine.
Pastor Dr. Aaron Weisser
A few years back, while working in our backyard at ABI, I built a swing for Maranatha under our porch and started clearing out weeds and debris. We laid down fabric, hauled mulch, and turned the space into something new. As I carried the bags down the hill, one of my kids looked at me and said, “Dad, I’m stronger than you.” For a moment I thought about proving otherwise—but I just smiled and said, “That’s not true.”
That same tension plays out in our relationship with God. Humanity, His children, often calls His goodness into question. We ask, How can God be good when…? or Surely this can’t be part of His plan?
This message invites us to return to Scripture and stand in awe of the truth: God is good. Unfathomably good. So profoundly good that for all eternity we will never exhaust the wonder of His goodness.
Pastor Matt McCarter
How many times have you attempted to capture the expansive view of the Kenai Mountains, opposite Homer across Kachemak Bay, only to be disappointed by the result? Photos just don't seem to convey the grandeur, especially when condensed down to a six inch phone screen.
"This picture doesn't really do it justice, but TRUST me, the mountains and the ocean and the sky are amazing to behold!"
This Sunday is an exciting moment. We are jumping back to the beginning of the Bible and starting another trek through the story of God and humanity. And along with this is a great challenge: how do I sufficiently convey the grandeur of God's revealed purpose...in a few minutes on a Sunday morning!?! Trust me, it is amazing to behold!
Pastor Dr. Aaron Weisser
On Saturday, October 18, we launch into one of my favorite weekends of the year, our annual Global Missions Conference. This is your opportunity to connect in new ways to God's story both near home and across the globe. This weekend God wants to speak to you--to ignite something new. Whether you've been involved in missions for decades or you've just said yes to Jesus, God has something for you during this time. Now is your chance to dive in and make decisions to pray, to give, and to go.
I have three assignments for you this weekend:
1) Encourage a missionary by engaging with their work.
2) Listen and learn something new about missions and outreach.
3) Give your hard-earned money away
Check out EVERYTHING conference on Church Center or click below!
We'll see you there.
Pastor Drew Simpson
17 years! For almost two decades we have experienced God's faithfulness as a church. As we say yes to Him, He keeps leading us into greater and greater grace and truth.
Every year, on Covenant Sunday, we settle in and consider our yes. This coming Sunday is our chance as a church to collectively say yes and pursue God's promises and will as a family.
God is doing amazing things in our church, community, nation, and around the globe. I can’t wait to see what He does in us and through us over the next year!
Pastor Matt McCarter
To the Men of Church on the Rock,
I want to speak to you this Sunday. This is a message I have not shared. I would ask that you would come prayerfully, humbly, and prepared to take action. Do not be like the one who looks in the mirror and then walks away unchanged.
I am praying for our time together,
Pastor Dr. Aaron Weisser
Over the past several years I have been on a personal mission. Maranatha and I got married in our early thirties which meant that we were combining the lives of two self-sufficient adults. Our wedding registry didn’t include the typical newlywed items. Many of those items we already had, like pots and pans.
Last year I noticed that our sauce pan was two different colors and shortly after my mother informed me that the pan I’d inherited from her used to be a nonstick pan. All of the nonstick was completely gone on the bottom half of the pan. Since then I've been working to remove all nonstick pans from our house in favor of other long lasting pans such as my great grandmother's cast iron pans.
I see this same exchange happening in other areas of my life, the long lasting but more difficult choice is set aside for a quick fix.
Many of us approach politics the same way. Our hope is that the latest political candidate will offer us a quick fix, and yet the older I get the quick fixes seem to fade away faster than they came.
This Sunday I want to call to our attention the eternal rewards that God offers us and remember that there is only one true king, the King of Kings, the Lord God Almighty, Jesus Christ our Savior and the everlasting peace He offers us, and there is no quick fix that will replace Him.
Pastor Matt McCarter
I remember it like it was yesterday! For months my parents had been talking about a vacation. They’d heard about Destin, FL and were making plans for our family to go. We'd looked over the brochures, picked the best place to go, and booked the trip. My dad came home the evening before our 7½-hour drive with a rented minivan. I thought we were living in style! We crammed it full of our stuff and tried to get some sleep. The night flew by, and waking up at 3 AM felt like being in a whirlwind as we climbed into the van. The soundtrack for the entire drive to Florida was Brooks & Dunn’s album Hard Workin’ Man, and as much as I love me some Boot Scootin’ Boogie, it didn’t take young Matthew very long to start asking the question, “Are we there yet?” “How much longer?” “What is taking so long?”
Many of us ask this same question of the Lord and His return. How much longer is this experience of a broken world going to take? How much longer is God going to keep us waiting? Didn’t He say He’d return soon!
This weekend we wrap up our series in Revelation by looking at the final chapters and God’s words through John, who says that soon He will arrive! I can’t wait for that day, but until then we will join together in saying, Come, Lord Jesus!
Pastor Matt McCarter
As we walk further into the chapters of Revelation, it can be easy to get trapped in the weeds of imagery and imagination. Dragons, beasts, harlots, and everything else tend to distract us from the true purpose of the book, though it was never intended to. From the beginning of the book, the Holy Spirit is revealing to God’s servants (us) the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (Rev. 1:1). If we forget God’s intent in giving this revelation, then deciphering any of it will become a mess, full of confusion and misunderstanding. We, however, have the opportunity to see what God’s purpose is in revealing Christ to us. This is by understanding what is said to the seven churches of Revelation 2-3. The two common themes among all of the churches are “repent” and/or “hold fast.” Christ is calling these churches to repent of what is evil and hold fast to what is good. The rest of the book shows us why this is so vital to us as God’s servants.
As we walk through Revelation 17-19, we will see how desperately important it is for us to repent of all evil and only hold fast to the truth. Babylon the great is more than just a city that was long ago; it is also a way of life that stands against God. As we read in the coming chapters, Babylon the great will fall, and Christ will reign. May those of us who call on Him be found in Him when He comes.
Revelation 19:11-13 Then I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse! The one sitting on it is called faithful and true, and in righteousness he judges and makes war. His eyes are like a flame of fire, and on his head are many diadems, and he has a name written that no one knows but himself. He is clothed in a robe dipped in blood, and the name by which he is called is The Word of God.
Pastor Forrest Smith
When I was single and living in Columbia I had a buddy named Jimmy. Jimmy was a punk teenage kid that showed up to our church. He had been kicked out of his home and at first when you heard his story you’d be very angry at his prior caregivers. He appeared to be a very sweet and innocent kid who also had intellectual disabilities. His demeanor was always happy go lucky when you first met him, but if you stuck around and got to know Jimmy, you’d eventually start to empathize with those who had cared for him before. Jimmy didn't want to follow any of the basic rules for living. He pitched fits when he didn’t get his way. He didn’t care about his hygiene. Jimmy was living in his own world, playing by his own rules and when you didn’t go along, he let you have it.
Over time our niceties fade and our true colors come out.
This weekend we continue our series in Revelation and wade into the warnings of an enemy that seeks to deceive us by proclaiming peace and harmony, while actively seeking our destruction. Jesus, through John’s letter, is wanting us to hone our skills at discerning the truth. This Sunday, let’s lean into God and His provision to give us eyes to see and ears to hear!
Pastor Matt McCarter
Have you ever walked into a place and felt the heeby jeebies? You couldn’t put your finger on it exactly but something about the space kinda creeped you out or filled you with a sense of dread? Confession; abandoned underground tunnels kinda do that for me. Especially when they include giant balls of clustered daddy longlegs overhead. Eek. I’m getting creeped out just thinking about it. Get me outa here!
This Sunday we continue our study of Revelation into chapter six. The question at hand, what does a world look like that has completely shut out the light of Christ? Turns out, it is a very dark and dreadful place.
But we have a greater hope.
Pastor Dr. Aaron Weisser
At our church in SC I lead a men’s house church. It was full of young men who had recently decided to follow Jesus. Every week we sat around a table and discussed life and what Jesus was doing. In that group was a young man named Dustin. He was from sticks and even to my trained southern ear, he spoke “uniquely”. He was rough around the edges, no frills, his military experience taught him to call it as it is and to not back down. As a group, our house church attended a Hillsong concert. At that concert, Dustin let it all out. Hands raised, volume at 110%, he wrapped his arm around me as far as he could and we began to sing in unison, if you can call it that. Our hips even synced for a few moments as we worshiped our King!
After leaving the concert he wouldn’t stop talking about Jesus. The whole way home, everyone in the car, every car that passed us, everyone at the gas station got an earful. I loved seeing Him love Jesus.
This weekend we lean into one of the most important passages regarding the worship of God and Jesus. If you have the chance, read Revelation chapters 4-5 a few times before Sunday. Take note of the descriptions, don’t just read the words but stop and ruminate on what John is seeing.
Pastor Matt McCarter
I want my kids to do well. I want them to see how growth now leads to a reward later. Some bad habits die only painfully. But there is a promise of something good, something better, something more permanent. And I realize this is always a hard sell for kids, but “I PROMISE that you will be glad you pressed through the pain and pursued the good.”
In Matthew 7, Jesus says essentially “Given that you are corrupted by your own sinful nature and you still lead your children into what is good, imagine how committed and capable a perfect God is in leading YOU toward what is good.
This Sunday we will examine Revelation chapters 2 & 3. What we find is a beautiful example of a loving God who is deeply committed to the eternal good of his children. And there are some painful parts.
Earlier this summer we held our annual planning meeting for the coming year. In that meeting we lay out our teaching schedule and discuss what we’ll study as a church. We also have a pattern at COTRH to teach through the Bible sequentially, and laid out our return to Genesis. At the thought of skipping over the last text in Scripture, I insisted that we take the time to dive into one of my favorite texts, Revelation.
Earlier this year we discussed Eschatology, the idea of the last days, but now we will embark on a journey through the final Word. I can’t wait to wade into the waters with you and to set your expectations of meeting and seeing our glorious God face to face as high as I possibly can. I am eager for you to experience Revelation as a guide that leads us into the worship of a good good Father, and wonderful Savior, and powerful Holy Spirit.
Pastor Matt McCarter
You’ve heard me talk about God dealing with my hard heart toward my younger sister. The hypocrisy and unforgiveness that I held onto in my relationship with her was a burden. He refused to leave unaddressed. I remember the relentless onslaught of people in my life, sermons and teachings I listened to, and the Scriptures He brought to my attention. One of the main texts God used to address my heart was 1 John 4:20, “If anyone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen.”
God led me to a fork in the road and called me to task, either I would hold onto my sinful unforgiveness or I would choose to love, by laying down the debt I held against her.
I’ve come to this fork again and again in my life, being faced with the same challenge. God will not allow me or us to say we love Him and refrain from loving others. The choice is ours, to live in His light is to walk in obedience of loving others or to live in the darkness of self deception and refusing to love.
This weekend we will look through the rest of 1 John at God’s command to love one another.
Pastor Matt McCarter
I don’t know what is happening to me but it is getting more and more difficult to hold it together during weddings. My son Damon got married last week and I was doing pretty good until I saw my son see his bride in white for the first time. All of the joyous celebration of love touches something deep in my heart and triggers of wave of gratitude for the beauty of love and the God who sources it all.
This Sunday we jump into a quick 2 week series on I John. It’s a book about love and light, two related concepts that are meant to teach us about the character of God. It’s a short book that packs a punch.
Pastor Dr. Aaron Weisser
Eight kids in and I still have never succeeded convincing a young child of mine of their future love of naps. A good nap seems to be the bane of childhood existence. Even once they resolve that it is definitely happening and there will be no negotiation, they want to express their displeasure in some form.
Then I tell each one the truth; some day you are going to love a good nap. Also, without a good nap now, you are a very different kind of child. The nap is good for you NOW and you’ll appreciate that later on. You don’t have to believe me, it’s still true.
This is how I often feel explaining the beauty of life in Christ to the immature believer; you depend on it now in ways you do not comprehend, and you’ll grow to appreciate it in ways you cannot imagine.
This Sunday we wrap up our study in Paul’s letter to the Colossians. Paul gives a brief run down of the implications of Christ’s life in us. It is so simple and so stunning.
Pastor Dr. Aaron Weisser
I have heard on many occasions that at some point I will miss the phase of childrearing that I am currently lamenting. I can say that I have not missed changing diapers, nor do I anticipate missing it. In a couple days my oldest hits double digits. It’s hard to believe and I do have the sense that how I interact with my older kids is changing. They no longer need me to assist them in the ways I did when they were little. They know how to clothe, feed, and bath themselves…mostly. I am not chasing them around the house wondering if they will eat something they aren’t supposed to. I’m not holding their hands as they awkwardly take their next step forward in attempting to walk.
I am however teaching them to navigate life in new ways…relationally connecting with friends in appropriate and healthy ways, building skills, gaining an education, but most importantly to me growing in their understanding of God.
Many of us learn about God and how to follow Him in similar ways. We learn the rules, what He likes and doesn’t. What we should and shouldn’t do, but as we mature in Christ we begin to understand that there is something deeper to walking with God. Our existence isn’t about getting the next step we take correct, but about taking that step with God, actively communing with Him and experiencing all He is. Life lived with God is not the same as learning about God.
This weekend we take a look at Paul’s encouragement to the Colossians to walk with God and to experience His fullness! It’s my prayer, our prayer that we would all experience more of Him!
Pastor Matt McCarter
This week our family took a little trip down the Diamond Creek trail. When I arrived home from work, the car was loaded and ready to go. Once on the beach, we gathered up some wood to start a fire. Jenny handed me a lighter, a bottle of lighter fluid and a bunch of old newspapers to make my job easier. She then spread out some blankets to make our seating more comfortable.
Once the fire was crackling, Jenny brought out several different kinds of hotdogs and brats for roasting along with our metal campfire hotdog skewers. There was a bag of buns and condiments to go along. Once my bacon and white cheddar bratwurst was sizzling, Jenny handed me a paper plate, a napkin, a Coke Zero that was on ice, and offered me several options for chips to go with my gourmet entrée. She even brought Chicharron. Because the brat was so good, I decided to try one of the cheddar jalapeno dogs as well.
After cleaning my plate, my wife handed me a chilled slice of watermelon and warned me that it wasn’t the best tasting. It was delicious.
After our meal, she brought out a can of cherry pie filling, a can of apple pie filling, a loaf of white bread, a stick of butter, and a couple of pie irons for the fire. We each buttered our iron, laid in the bread, loaded up the pie filling and then grilled it over the coals. Just before eating my perfectly golden cherry pie pocket, Jenny pulled out a can of whipped cream!
After dinner, the kids swam for a bit then toweled off with the stack of towels from the house.
It was a lovely evening.
And here is my dumb confession: for many, many years, I complained almost every time we would do an outing like this. Why? My lack of foresight. “Why are we hauling SO MUCH STUFF down to the beach?!?”
I’m wired differently than Jenny. To avoid the hassle of carrying anything extra for our ten-minute walk, I’d prefer to show up woefully unprepared for our three hours on the beach. I know. It’s silly.
This Sunday we look at I Corinthians 15. Paul discussion on the resurrection follows the same theme: difficult now, infinitely worth it later. Take a read before Sunday,
Pastor Dr. Aaron Weisser
The concept of love changes over the course of life. At an early age, love is represented by various entities. Disney portrays one sense where love leads us to a place of “happily ever after.” Our parents' marriages, whether for good or bad, teach us the ins and outs of what a loving relationship is or is not supposed to be. As we age, our experiences in the world teach us about love through our communities, close relationships outside the home, and media. We learn about love from so many sources because love is such an essential part of what it means to be human. It is core to our identity. We need to be loved. Everyone wants it, but so few know how to truly deliver it.
As I have gotten older, the concept of love has taken one major shift from pleasure seeking and receiving affirmation to making a choice to give up myself for the betterment of someone else. I do not always get it right, but I can look back and say I now understand love more in light of what Christ has done for me on the cross than I did before.
This weekend, we look to Paul’s flaunting of Christ’s better way, the way of love, in 1 Corinthians 13. Take some time and read the passage, and let's have a little fun this weekend as we explore the concept of love in light of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Pastor Matt McCarter
It is our routine every Tuesday to gather as a leadership team and eat pizza with chicken salad, celebrate what God is doing, and talk about what is ahead. Although this is primarily a staff meeting, our elders and board members are always welcome to attend.
A while back, my uncle Kerry, one of our elders, dropped in to attend our little powwow. He also had the mannerisms of a robot. Because of the extreme pain in his neck, he was having to turn at the torso in order to change the direction of his gaze. I’ve had the same kind of experience with my neck and it makes everything more difficult.
After sitting for a few minutes on one our staff lounge club chairs, Jordan Tutt quietly brought him a swivel chair from behind one of our desks. It was the sweetest thing ever. With the slight push his his toes, he could now see the whole room without wincing.
Honestly, at the time, it made me think of our passage for this week. On Sunday, we dive into 1 Corinthians 12 and 14. Take a moment and read through it ahead of time.
Pastor Dr. Aaron Weisser
I’ve been to prison…
…and there is a difference between prison and jail. Jail is a place where you wait to be moved to your final destination. Prison is where you go to stay, to be confined…where you go to rot. I was recently reminded of a trip I took to San Francisco. While there I visited Alcatraz and I distinctly remember refusing to stand inside one of the cells. The thought of the door closing behind me was too much to bear, my freedom was worth far more to me than experiencing the interior of a 9' x 5’ cell.
That tiny room is not the only prison cell I have been faced with. Throughout life, we find ourselves trapped not by physical boundaries, but ideas, words, beliefs, thoughts and other immaterial walls that are much more frightening than a prison cell.
This weekend we continue our series in 1 Corinthians, focusing on chapters 8&9 and Paul’s call for us to exchange immaterial prisons for freedom in Christ!
Pastor Matthew McCarter
You know that moment when your brilliant idea suddenly reveals itself to be... not so brilliant? Mine came on our first vacation as a family. We were camping in Estes Park, down to our last few dollars before payday. When the kids wanted candy at the grocery store, I proudly stood firm: "No candy. Put it all back." Father of the Year material, right?
Then I turned to my wife Renda, and her body language said, “What are you doing? It’s vacation. Give the children candy, and give me candy!" But I couldn’t imagine my wife actually wanting to spend our last few dollars on the kids eating candy. So, I innocently suggested, "But honey, YOU can pick out some candy if you want, just for you."
The look I received could have melted the Rocky Mountains.
Turns out, marriage isn't just about the rules or about having your own way. It's about sharing life's sweetness and bitterness together. In 1 Corinthians, Paul reminds us that "Marriage is not a place to 'stand up for your rights.' Marriage is a decision to serve the other."
This Sunday, we'll continue our series "Church with People Problems, People with Church Problems, and Problems with church People," by exploring how Christ calls us to sacred servanthood within marriage. We'll examine how marriage reflects our relationship with Christ and how sacrificial love transforms our homes.
In this message, we unwrap God's sweet design for marriage (with considerably more wisdom than I showed on that camping trip).
Dr. Edson Knapp
It gets messy. And complicated. “What about this?” “What about that?” And “Oh wow, didn’t expect that!” Look around, take a poll, everyone seems to agree, the world is broken and is inhabited by broken people. But few agree as to why.
According to the Proverbs, “Where there are no oxen, the stalls are clean.” You want a clean home? Get rid of the inhabitants. Scrub until every surface shines and make every effort to ensure that nothing is soiled by the careless presence of other people!
Over the years I’ve heard many express the sentiment, “I prefer church on the Bay.” Or the beach, or the woods, or the mountain tops, somewhere away from everyone else. “I prefer family reunions… without the family.” Some feel this way because of past hurt. Some feel this way because other people are just too much. And some feel this way because of self-righteous pride.
Paul didn’t feel this way. His church family in the city of Corinth was a hot mess. And yet he consistently refers to them as his brothers and sisters, his family. He expresses genuine love and affection for this young little church full of people problems. And they had PROBLEMS.
This Sunday we will tackle chapters 5 and 6 where Paul addresses church members who were celebrating sexual deviancy, suing each other, and practicing prostitution. Like I said, a hot mess. But there is something so hopeful in Paul’s message, a grace that is profound. My heart has been encouraged by his words and look forward to studying further with you.
Pastor Dr. Aaron Weisser
You know what it's like to go to a new church as an adult not knowing what to expect. There are so many variables to consider especially if you're exploring or new to faith. What will they talk about, who will be there, will they ask anything of me, how much will I have to donate, will there be snakes on stage…etc. Coming to church as an outsider is a scary thing, especially when the church is such an obviously broken place, come on we should be able to admit it by now. We’re kinda messed up!
Many people, believers and non believers, look at the church and think to themselves I could never be a part of that and yet the Church is supposed to be a display of God’s glory that is attractive to those who are hurting and broken.
This weekend we start a new series in 1st Corinthians that will help us be honest about ourselves and bring unity to what we believe, namely Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. So if you know someone who is confused by the church, tell 'em that we are too sometimes and that they should give it a try.
Can’t wait to see you Sunday. If you wanna read ahead, we’ll be covering 1 Corinthians 1-4.
Pastor Matt McCarter
Isn’t it interesting that we sing “O come O come….. Emmanuel?” Do you remember what Emmanuel means? It is a title given to God that means “God with us.” In other words, He is the God who is with us. And to the God who is with us, we sing “O come O come.”
To the God who is already with us, please come CLOSER! Please engage! Please get involved in all of the nitty gritty details of our human affairs. Invade everything we do. O come O come Emmanuel.
Well, I have some good news. No, GREAT News. He has come. He is alive and present. He left heaven and showed up here, smack dab in the middle of our mess, as a Savior.
Now that He has come to us, how will you move in relation to Him? Matt and I will lay out this invitation on Sunday morning as we examine the resurrection.
Looking forward to celebrating our Savior with you,
Pastor Dr. Aaron Weisser
Before Maranatha and I were dating, our friend group liked to attend Christian concerts. One evening, we went to see Jake Hamilton, and after standing next to me and hearing me belt out every song, she told me that I have a good voice—but I can’t carry a tune. That was news to me.
My wife is talented and gifted musically, and many of you have experienced her leading us into worship. For me, it is awe-inspiring to watch and listen to her operate in her gifting. I, on the other hand, am not gifted musically.
However, whether or not a person has talent does not impede their ability to worship. You’ve all seen it—the person who can’t carry a tune to save their life but is worshipping their heart out. You’ve probably also witnessed someone with immense talent singing, but who isn’t worshipping. Their heart isn’t in it.
The difference is not in ability, but in passion, adoration, and affection. You can see it in a person when talent—or lack thereof—takes a backseat to the sheer loving devotion one’s heart has for God. It’s what made my wife stand out above all the rest: her heart, not her talent. The same is seen in David, a man who dances wildly in the street as he walks with the living God.
This weekend, we prepare our hearts for worship as the King approaches His divinely appointed task—to pour out Himself and His love for God the Father and His people on the cross.
Pastor Matt McCarter
It’s human nature. We judge others by their actions yet we want to be judged by our intentions. You need to DO well. I need to MEAN well.
“I didn’t mean it that way.”
“I was planning to do that… I just forgot.”
“I know I did, but that doesn’t mean I don’t care.”
This week we’re going to crack open the book of James. Here’s a preview: Faith is more than meaning well.
The life of following Jesus requires a mind shaped by divine truth, a heart transformed by divine love and actions driven by divine purpose. Faith in Him leads me to think like Him, want like Him and act like Him. And we easily agree with 2/3’s of this premise. My mind says “Yep!” My heart says “Yes!” And my actions remain unchanged.
If you were to hold your core Christian beliefs in one hand and your life history in the other, do the two match? Are your experiences as a follower of Christ aligned with your expectations of the Christian life?
These discrepancies can be hard to look at. What does it say about me? What does it say about my faith? Let’s take an honest look at ourselves.
Pastor Dr Aaron Weisser
You know that moment as a parent, where you walk into the room without your kids noticing and you catch them in a moment of weakness. Hitting, biting, scratching, shoving, and on and on. All kids are sinners, even the pastor’s kids… For a moment they thought they could get away with it, but this time there's no opportunity for defense, no need for an accuser. I saw it with my own two eyes and as the realization that their outburst wasn’t in secret fear creeps over them, excuses begin to fly, and the need arises for them to cover up their mistake.
With each kid I’ve come to realize that all punishments are not the same, but all their corrections include extended group hugs. The goal is very simple, instead of seeing and treating a sibling like Mike Tyson used to treat a punching bag, you must see them as a person, made in God’s image. As a parent my job is to reconcile my children to each other, softening their hearts towards each other and the Lord!
In this message, we take a brief look at Paul's letter to Philemon and the ministry of reconciliation. I’d encourage you to read it a few times before you watch.
Pastor Matt McCarter
Ever had someone say somewhat dismissively “Well, you’re on your own.” In other words, I can’t join you where you are going. Or, I won’t join you. Sometimes this means I can’t support you in what you’re about to do. Like when someone says to me, “I’m trying to stop drinking coffee.” Well, you’re on your own.
There is another more complex situation in which I say something like “I want to join you but I’m not sure that’s a good idea.” Like if I had just recently broken my deep and meaningful connection with/dependence on coffee and someone said “Can you help me perfect my espresso grind?” I want to join you, but I’m not sure that’s a good idea.
This Sunday we’re going to look at the little tiny book of Jude. Jude has some instruction for followers of Christ who want to serve a role in rescuing others from the power of sin but who are also susceptible to the temptation of sin. It’s a tricky pathway of navigating helping relationships while avoiding self-harm.
Pastor Dr. Aaron Weisser
The memory of his booming voice still rings loud and clear in my mind. During my single digit years while living in Homer, I remember Ray Arno closing out many an evening service with the Eliza Hewitt hymn refrain:
When we all get to heaven,
What a day of rejoicing that will be!
When we all see Jesus,
We’ll sing and shout the victory!
As an eight-year-old, I found myself both inspired by the air of unity, celebration and triumphalism as the voices rang out, and also a little nervous about the whole notion of a life hereafter. Jesus sounded like a wonderful character and yet the thought of meeting him face to face on the other side of death in the eternal state of resurrection… was a lot to digest.
In this message, we’ll wrap up our series with Peter the friend of Jesus. I would ask that you take some time and read the second letter from Peter start to finish. If you really want to get fired up, read it out loud. I put up the “Do Not Disturb” sign on my office door this week and did just that. I so appreciate Peter's fervent effort to point us toward our eventual reunion with Jesus.
Pastor Dr. Aaron Weisser
Spring is in the air; can you feel it? Typically, I know Spring is around the corner because conversations about Little League begin. I played baseball as a kid and have fond memories of it. For the past five years I have coached T-ball, starting with our oldest at the age of 5. I calculate that I have three more years of coaching until our youngest moves up to coaches pitch. That will most definitely make me the most seasoned T-ball coach in the world, for those of you who have coached, you understand my plight.
While my kids keep bringing me back to the ball field, there is another reason I have been motivated to coach. Two years ago we had a stacked roster, with tons of Rockers’ kids on the team. One of those kids had not touched a baseball or a bat. I had the distinct privilege of introducing him and by the end of the year he stepped up to the plate and smacked an infield home run. Seeing him progress in his competency and skill is a joy and makes up for all the other kids building sandcastles.
This weekend we finish our series in 1 Peter and get to take a look at how Peter went from striking out to coaching others on how to hit Homers. Coaching the church in how to progress from failure to walking with God.
Pastor Matthew McCarter
I wrestled in high school. It was my main sport. However, I went to high school overseas where wrestling was not a competitive sport at the high school level. As a result, our entire season was spent preparing for one tournament that put us up against all the American military schools scattered throughout Southeast Asia.
Our wrestling coach was very big into conditioning. His assertion was that if we were better conditioned than our opponents, we could beat better and stronger wrestlers. As a result, we did a whole lotta running! And sprinting. And jump roping.
Toward the end of the season, leading up to our one and only tournament, I would get real serious about getting ready. As part of my conditioning routine, I would get up at five, leave the house early, and run the final few miles to school, book bag and all.
Honestly, its exhausting even remembering it. I don’t even like running. And I didn’t like it then. But I liked winning. And I really, really, really wanted to win. And to be known for winning.
At that very same time in my life, I would have told you that God was the most important thing to me. Even more important than wrestling. But I was self-deceived. Because for the one, I would endure just about anything. And for the other…I would endure nothing.
This week we continue our study of Peter’s letter. I would encourage you to reread the first three chapters. What was Peter willing to endure in order to follow His Savior? We’ll unpack Peter’s perspective transformation in this message.
Pastor Dr. Aaron Weisser
Isn’t it funny how certain people who dislike something are confronted about their choice by others who love the same thing.
I often am confronted about my disdain for mayonnaise, especially by my parents. I eat salads dry, and admittedly not that often. But anytime I do, it never fails that I hear the remark, you’d like that better with dressing. Actually no, I wouldn’t. Or someone upon becoming aware of my hatred will say, it’s just eggs and oil, what’s not to like? Everything, the smell, the taste, the consistency.
As I study 1 Peter I keep seeing him in the same light as the mayonnaise lover, except he isn’t trying to convert me to the devil's condiment, he’s inviting me into God's grace. Peter’s invitation is to come and taste that the Lord is good, gracious, and kind. Peter’s hope for the exiles he writes to is that they would know this grace and experience the fruit of it.
Pastor Matt McCarter
Imagine being a complete and utter failure. But not just by some arbitrary standard. Imagine simultaneously failing every commitment you made to yourself and every commitment you made to others. Now imagine that someone had rudely predicted you would fail your own commitments and you forcefully assured otherwise. “I will not fail. I cannot fail. I must not fail. I PROMISE YOU, under no circumstances will I fail.” Now imagine you failed anyways.
For most of us, imagining this scenario isn’t too difficult… we have lived it. We don’t have to imagine, we just have to remember. Remember that time when you knew that you had it in you to do the thing? And then you fell short. And in falling short, you hurt others. And in hurting others, you wounded relationships. And in wounding relationships, you completely lost your confidence and could not imagine a way forward...?
This Sunday is for you.
If you get a chance, read the first chapter of Peter’s first letter to the church. And then reread it a few more times like I have these past few weeks. Looking forward to our time together,
Pastor Dr. Aaron Weisser
I remember the moment I laid eyes on the woman with her hair put up under an ascot cap. We were both in a bar called The Whig in downtown Columbia, S.C. Our church used social events like this to draw in people who would not grace the doorway of a church building. We were there with separate groups who attended the same church. As I was introduced to her, I could not help but notice that she is a fine looking lady, followed by the second thought, she is way out of my league.
Fast forward a few years, and butchering this story, I stood on the doorsteps of the church with a nervous anticipation of our nuptials. Only God could have arranged this marriage, I wasn’t worthy, am not worthy, and yet I stand here now, ring on finger, and have wifed up the belle of the ball!
The same story is playing out in God’s redemptive plan, I was not worthy and am not worthy apart from His gift of grace and righteousness and yet Almighty God has arranged a Day for Christ to be united with His Bride, the Church, you and I made whole in the presence of our God for eternity. Oh how we are too long for that day!
Hebrews 12:1b-2a let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.
MARANATHA, COME LORD JESUS!
Pastor Matthew McCarter
While living with my parents, sometime in early teens, we attended one of the oldest churches in the south. We'd dress in our Sunday finest, traverse the winding country roads, and find “our pew.” After a few stares from my parents, a pinch or two under the thigh, and some monotone words from the pulpit, we were free. The church would empty and we’d head to the car, ready to ditch the Sunday best and get on with life. Every Sunday, no matter what…my dad would strike up a conversation while the three of us sat in the car…waiting! We would glare, roll the window down and motion, one time a horn was used in efforts to get things moving. Waiting was for the birds!
We always asked, what is the hold up!?!?
This weekend, we explore the same question about God's seeming delay in His return! If you’re keen, read ahead in 2 Peter 3.
Pastor Matthew McCarter
For Thanksgivings in Homer I have been labeled the Mac n Cheese guy, according to my family. I have become the authority on noodles, spices, and cheese. Rightfully so, although I make it a little different than Pauline, my grandmother, it’s pretty delicious. For a few hours on Thursday morning I spend my time at the stove stirring a pot of delightful dairy products. It is not possible to walk away from it, the mixture must be in constant motion due to the threat of the sauce breaking, the oil separating and becoming something rather unsightly and not at all pleasing to the senses of a thanksgiving attendee. It takes time and if one doesn’t stick it out and keep stirring the final product will be worthless.
Some say that I like to stir other types of pots, proverbial pots. They aren’t wrong, but I tend to think about it in other terms. This weekend we’re going to launch into a series on Eschatology, an often difficult topic that many Christians have strong convictions about and yet if we don’t talk about it, if we don’t stir the pot, our once smooth and buttery consistency becomes broken.
Pastor Matthew McCarter
Does anyone know what the bicyclist hand motions actually mean? I feel like blinkers are commonly understood and fairly self-explanatory; left side, left turn, right side, right turn. But despite my many years of experience on the road, I still don’t know what the left arm, straight out at the shoulder, bent 90 degrees at the elbow and hanging downward means about the bike operator’s intentions.
Some of you who are new to church or new to faith and relationship with Christ probably feel the same way a lot of times about stuff you hear at church. Sometimes it feels like a lot of ideas spoken in an unfamiliar language. And that’s ok.
It has been my goal these past two weeks to push through the confusion with RARE CLARITY as we examine what it means to follow God.
Here is the review, or the preview for some; To live is Christ. So live as Christ. That is my most efficient summary of Philippians 1 and 2.
And as simple as that is, many well-meaning people completely misunderstand what that means. Which is why I am thankful for the clarity of scripture. In Philippians chapter 3, Paul warns us against missing the whole point by sharing his testimony of missing the whole point.
If you’re over the age of 30, you’ve probably done the limbo. Or at least tried. The once party favorite has slowly faded from public life but I remember a time when the Limbo ruled social events of all kinds. Yes, I did it too. Honestly, even the recollection of what was required of my back muscles to get under that crossbar makes me hurt today.
As we continue our study in Philippians and the theme of Joy, we’re going to try something similar this Sunday. The question is, how low can you go? It will help your own growth if you read Philippians chapter two in advance. This could be life changing.
Pastor Dr. Aaron Weisser
When life gives you lemons… I guess you're supposed to slice those lemons, squeeze those lemons, filter out the seeds, add water and plenty of sugar, mix in a pitcher with some ice, pour it into a glass and DRINK LEMONADE!
It is a very practical bit of advice about turning something bad into something good, even something delightfully refreshing. Thankfully, I think everyone knows about lemonade and where it comes from.
What about nettles. What do you do when life gives you nettles. I’m told they’re edible. But that doesn’t help much when my skin is on fire because I wasn’t careful tromping through the tall grass and stumbled into a big ol’ patch of nettles. Maybe I could pour some cold lemonade on my nettle burns. If only life had given me lemons.
For the next three weeks we are going to be studying the topic of Joy as Paul discusses in his letter to the church in Philippi. When life gives you an undeserved jail sentence… what better time to write about Joy in everything! I’m am so looking forward to this series!
Pastor Dr. Aaron Weisser
Spring 1999. I was walking down the hall of my parents ranch home, past the collage of pictures on the wall and a feeling of dread fell over me. My plans for the coming year had fallen through. I would graduate high school in a couple of months, with no real plan for the next chapter of my life. Everyone I knew seemed to have it together, plans for college, a career, a life beyond their childhood home. At a critical time in life I was supposed to take a step forward, but I felt stuck and needed a push, a jumpstart, a new way of seeing my future.
As we’ve studied Ephesians, Paul is writing to a church that he greatly loves and hopes will not remain frozen in time. Their faith must continue to blossom because of the grandeur of the one they worship. His desire is that they would know the majesty of God and in very practical ways, this knowledge would change their lives. In Paul’s final remarks, he urges the reader not to be a bystander, but to actively engage in the will of God through spiritual warfare. Our goal this weekend will be to address where our power comes from to engage in this warfare. If you want, read ahead in Ephesians Ch. 6.
Pastor Matt McCarter
It was November and I was in the Philippines enjoying the beginning of the cool season and the end of the rainy season. In Manila, cool temps are in the high 70’s and low 80’s and November is when the monsoon rains subside and the season turns toward the dry and cool part of the year.
On that day the temps were tolerable but scattered rain showers threatened outdoor activities. The outdoor activities we had planned for Sunday afternoon were very, very important. It was my wedding day. Like a gift from God, just before our outdoor ceremony began, the rain stopped and the clouds parted revealing a rainbow overhead.
And there in the wet grass, before my family and friends, I said that I would love Jenny with my whole being, for as long as I was alive. In sickness and in health, whether rich or poor, forsaking all others, til death do us part.
In Ephesians 5, Paul connects our understanding of marriage to the boundless riches of grace and mercy in the premeditated gift of God in His Son. I have been reflecting on this passage for over 26 years of marriage and I look forward to exploring Paul’s instructions with you.
Pastor Dr. Aaron Weisser
It's the dead of night. The wind is still and Jesus is bowed on the ground. The silence can be cut with a knife as the trees of the garden stand still. His tears have covered the ground beneath Him, tinged red by the blood they contain. As he stands, his knees feel feeble from the exertion poured out seeking His Father. He moves towards the disciples, His friends, and finding them asleep a sound emerges in the distance. At first it is the clanking of a solitary sword. Then a crack as something moved through the brush. The clamor grows louder as one, two, three torches emerge in the darkness and eventually become many. As the crowd surrounds Jesus, the suffering servant, is sure of mission, this will be the moment where He relinquishes all of Himself for the will of the Father, and the plan set in motion long ago.
Jesus knew what to expect in the hands of men (John 2:25). Death, pain, shame, tribulation.
Paul now writes that this same Jesus who lowered Himself, has been established in ultimate power on high. Now that the odds have changed, what can man expect from the God we’ve executed?
This is the question we’ll seek to answer in this message. Hint, for those who believe, you will be pleasantly surprised!
Pastor Matt McCarter
During my initial foray into the home construction realm, I had the pleasure of being invited to the open house of a very nice home that I helped to build over the course of a few months. To my 18-year-old eyes, this particular home was dressed to impress.
The highlight of my tour through the home was the “home theater” room. Yes. A whole room of the house designed for visual entertainment. It was amazing; leather acoustic paneling, surround sound, mood lighting, and in the middle of the room, a giant over stuffed chair upholstered with blonde Yak fur.
I couldn’t help myself but to climb into that yak-furred chair and bask in the opulence of my surroundings.
This Sunday we start a new series in the book of Ephesians. Paul wrote a prayer on behalf of His readers right at the outset, “I pray your eyes would be opened to the RICHES” of what you have through Christ.
Read through the first chapter before you dig into this message and we’ll dive into a further exploration of the expansive abundance of God’s goodness towards us.
Dr. Pastor Aaron Weisser
My dad loves fishing! In the south, fishing looks a little bit different than here in Alaska. Back home, fishing is grabbing a cooler, a bucket of crickets, a lawn chair, and rod and hanging out on the edge of a pond back in the woods. My dad was and still is a little more serious, waking up in the wee hours of the morning and putting the bass boat in the lake. As a boy my dad would tell me the night before, right before bed, to be ready to go fishing in the morning. That meant, waking up at 2 or 3 AM driving an hour, and being on the water before the rooster crows.
The first word out of my mouth was always, WHY!?!?! Why do we have to be up so early?
The why! I have often heard it said that we should not ask God why questions. However, most of the time these are the questions we find ourselves asking the most. Why do I have to deal with this hardship in my life? Why did this event have to happen to me? I refuse to believe that asking any question of the Lord would be fruitless and at the same time I realize that God’s answer may not relieve my circumstances or my anxiety about life.
In this message, we are going to ask the why question. Why should the Galatians trust Paul and his conveyance of God’s truth? Why should they trust in faith not works? While we may not be able to answer some why questions this Sunday, we can come to an understanding of who God is and what He offers us after placing our trust in Him.
Pastor Matt McCarter
I have a very distinct memory related to my life as a young blonde Alaskan of German-Norwegian descent amidst a literal sea of dark-skinned, black-haired Filipinos. Growing up overseas in the city of Manila forced a superficial but sharp contrast of appearances that triggered an existential question in my young brain: “Why am I like me and not like them?”
Why was I born to Randy and Marla Weisser? Why was I born in America? Why was I born with my specific color and complexion? Why was I born with my specific set of traits? Why was I born into a Christian home?
My still developing brain began to wrestle with this truth; I didn’t have much say in choosing the life that I was given. I began to wonder about the ways of a God who made decisions about me before I even was. I began to question the methods of a God who decided about my life without consulting me. Seems like a lot of power.
And then somewhere along the road of my life, those feelings and thoughts began to shift. I went from wrestling with a God who dictates my very existence, to wrestling with the responsibility of creating the life I wanted. Somehow, without conscious awareness, I shifted from a deeply felt and fearful awe of God who is in control, to a sense of dread and defeat. Why? Because it was now up to me.
I don’t know that I thought this so much as I felt it, as I gradually agreed to carry the weight of my own merit, my own worth.
I have heard the same experience described to me many times by others. “It’s up to me.”
In this message, I have some good news for you if you are carrying this kind of weight. Read Galatians chapter 3 and 4 before you listen. I pray that God will meet you and that you will hear His kind promise; “You are FREE.”
Pastor Aaron Weisser
I recently found a corner of a rock at the edge of my property. This had happened before and I’d dug up a decent sized rock to use in landscaping around the house. This particular rock proved to be quite difficult to move. As I dug deeper, the rock revealed itself to be more of a boulder in size. What I thought would be a quick project turned into an all day affair that tested my stubbornness. (Hint: I won…sort of)
As Paul opens his letter to the Galatians he addresses a similar situation. The Galatians have found The Rock and heard of Jesus’ Gospel, and in a similar fashion are now adjusting the message of the Good News, the foundation of Christian belief, to incorporate their own efforts in being righteous before God. It’s a lie as old as time, that mankind can do a little better than what God offers, nothing could be further from the Truth!
In this message, we’ll look at Paul’s letter to the Galatians and be encouraged to remain adamant toward The Truth of God’s Good News towards us! If you’d like to read ahead, we’ll be looking at Galatians 1-2.
Pastor Matt McCarter
I am so thankful for our church. So many of you have encouraged me. So many of you have built up my faith. So many of you have pointed me toward Christ through your own faithful pursuit of Him. It is such an awe-inspiring thing to be in true community with each other and to experience a fellowship that is built on the foundation of God’s love for us.
As my own understanding of His goodness grows, I find myself more motivated toward the mission of making His goodness known to the others. As I experience His kindness and learn to trust in the abundance of His promises, I find myself more at peace and with a greater joy.
This Sunday I want to look to Him together. I want to link arms and remember; we are His body, the bride of His choosing. I look forward to worshipping together with you.
Pastor Dr. Aaron Weisser
I spent a while in the woods recently. The woods has been a wonderful place for me to sit and think, especially when the moose are quietly napping and minding their own business. The woods where we hunt is far beyond the reach of cellular service which, as it turns out, is also beneficial toward the goal of reflecting on my life and relationships.
While sitting in my Muddy: The Boss XL tree stand straining my ears and eyes for any sign of ungulates, I was hit with this thought: I think I have significantly underestimated the goodness of God. For most of my life I have fallen far short of a clear understanding of the benevolent, beneficent, bountiful good intentions and actions of God on my behalf.
What triggered this realization? I have been reading through the book of Acts, and particularly Acts chapter 10. There was something in the story that hit hard, a feature I had not noticed before. Then, I realized this narrative feature was in other places as well. And there I was, in the woods, all alone with the Creator of this beautiful world, in awe of His goodness towards me.
Pastor Dr. Aaron Weisser
One of our kids got their blood drawn this week at a Dr’s appointment. I anticipated my wife returning with a story of rebellion. After the check up her words were “killed it." I am thankful that I didn’t have to attend the doctor’s visit. Over the years I have increasingly grown uncomfortable at the thought of blood, other people's blood isn't as bothersome as my own, but just imaging open heart surgery makes me queasy. I’m not sure how doctors do it, cutting through bone, vacuuming liquids, opening organs.
There are moments in my life where I am just as squeamish about what God is doing in my heart. What medical doctors do for physical men, the God of heaven achieves for spiritual men, taking broken hearts, removing what’s broken, and equipping us with new life. In the story we’ll examine this week it is the case that most of it’s subjects rebel against the will of God and yet are unable to do anything in opposition to His plan. God achieves open heart surgery when, where, and how He wishes.
Pastor Matt McCarter
Church on the Rockers,
What do Peter, Rocky, Elle, Rudy, Jamal, Forrest, and Samwise all have in common? They are the underdogs of the story. (Bonus points if you can name the movie they’re in) They are the unlikely characters who come out on top at the end of the story line. The below average men and women of the story who are seen as unintelligent, unskilled, and unable to do great things.
This weekend we're going to hear the story of Philip, one of the Helenist complainers elected to service, filled with the Holy Spirit, and SENT by God to build His Kingdom. What we're going to see in the story is not the will power and effort for human success, but the power of God at work in the lives of those who repent, submit, and give their lives to a Wonder Working, Miraculous Savior who was also the underdog and came out on top!
Pastor Matt McCarter
When we are full of Holy Spirit, love, faith and power there is no room for fear, because the perfect love of God casts out fear. When we know our assignment from God, and know who are, we become unstoppable…even in the face of flying stones.
In Acts 6-7, Stephen and six other apostles are chosen, blessed and sent to meet the needs of a church that is growing daily. Stephen, doing the common work of meeting the needs of widows and orphans, finds himself doing the uncommon. God’s power begins moving through him in signs and wonders. Seeing this, self-righteous religious leaders grow jealous and conspire against Stephen. Stephen doesn’t shrink back. Full of the Holy Spirit and without fear He begins to share the indisputable truth in God’s word that is usually only known by years of study. The self-righteous religious leaders are infuriated. Stones begin to fly even though they see Stephen with the face as an angel. Stephen fearlessly and lovingly continues to share God’s word until his last.
When we truly know God, we are full of the Holy Spirit. When we are sent by God, the reality of our mission is greater than any challenge we might face.
Paul writes in Philippians 1:21, maybe even inspired by Stephen, “For me to live is Christ, for me to die is gain.”
If we are true believers, full of Holy Spirit, faith and power, we know we overcome by the Blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony. When we are totally full, we won’t even shrink from death.
Stephen’s fearless act of faith becomes contagious. The church continues to grow by leaps and bounds. Today, the promised Holy Spirit gives us the power to become His witnesses in the face of the world’s current wickedness. Get filled with Holy Spirit so that you, like Stephen, can with peace and power confidently say, “Hit me with your best shot."
Guest Speaker, Bill Pagaran
Most men can relate to the following scenario. You’re working on a project, maybe doing some home repair and you come to a part of the project that requires a particular tool. Maybe the tool has more power, reach, or a specific niche purpose. When we come to this point, we make one of two decisions. Either we take the cheap route and use what is available to us, often resulting in more labor and sometimes a less than desirable outcome, or we pony up and buy the tool, use it once, and relegate it to the back of the garage to collect dust, but we did it right.
For those who land in the second camp, the steady movement of technology has created a vast array of tools, which require larger and larger garages to store the tools we purchase and keep on hand for the just in case project.
For the wives, don’t go berating your husbands just yet. In this message, we are going to see that having the right “tool” for the job is actually a design instituted by God and displayed in His church.
I fell and hit my head last night. I took my two younger kids out to the homestead to do some evening dolly fishing. We parked the truck, grabbed a couple rods and a bottle of mosquito dope, and hiked up the trail to our favorite fishing spot.
As I was walking along the trail, three fishing rods in my hand, I tripped on a root and fell forward. My forehead made contact with another root jutting out of the ground in front of me. Typically when I fall, I try to slow down before my forehead makes contact with the ground. This time, I tried something new. It really hurt.
Once I was back on my feet and had regathered the many items in my hands, head spinning, we continued our walk. My five year old, who is the cutest ever, took it upon herself to point out and warn me about every subsequent root on the trail. “Daddy, look out, here is another root. Make sure you step over it.” Somehow I felt both cared for and condescended to.
In the midst of the evident work of God that is happening right now at Church on the Rock Homer, I want to warn you of the upcoming tripping hazard. In this message, we look at Acts 5, which you should check out in advance. It’s a pretty tough warning to the church.
Pastor Dr. Aaron Weisser
Let me paint the picture for you! It’s 97º and you’re sitting on a wrap around screened porch in a white rocking chair. The warm breeze rustles in the leaves of a 100 year old oak, squarely in the middle of the horseshoe driveway. Grandma’s crystal pitcher is full of iced lemonade with large lemon circles. You can hear the ice clinking the crystal glass as she pours the golden nectar. There are probably two cups of sugar in that pitcher, but no one cares, because it's so HOT, even in the shade of the porch! After a moment of silence the stories begin. There is no TV or screen to arrest your attention. The story captivates you and elicits your imagination of what was, and you begin to imagine yourself in the hero’s shoes. A good story has the power to move you, encourage you, strengthen you, and assure you that you CAN!
Luke, the writer of Acts, is doing just that. The setting of Grandma’s porch is exchanged for the 70 AD Middle Easterner, Theophilus’ home. The story of Jesus Christ has flooded the world and Theophilus is hungry for the sequel. Luke is now recording in detail the acts of Jesus through His people so that they might be encouraged to continue telling the story!
For us, the objective is no different. Jesus, Luke, and myself all have the goal of spurring us onward to tell the story of Jesus, His death, resurrection, ascension, and His ongoing miraculous power to shape our lives and our world today!
Pastor Matt McCarter
Jesus, the one for whom and by whom I was created, has good intentions for me and intends for me to secure a grand reward that will be enjoyed for all of eternity. The greatest threat to my ability to lay hold of the reward that he has reserved for me is my own flesh.
But Jesus, in His wisdom, decided not to rest my opportunities on the foundation of my abilities. He decided to intervene with a power that is His own. And it is available to you.
Pastor Dr. Aaron Weisser
“But, how?” That is the question that I have been asked several times since teaching this past Sunday. And it is a question I have asked many times myself. I urge you some caution as you ask this. Many ask this as a rhetorical thought experiment without any real intent to find the answer and to live the answer.
Last Sunday I talked about the wide and narrow path and those of whom the Lord will say, “I never knew you.” This week I want to answer the question “What, then, is a life lived for Jesus?” What does it mean to live with Him, for Him, and by Him?
In the midst of the mad-dash schedule that is your life, do you feel the weight of these eternal questions pressing in?
The answer to this question has profoundly shaped nearly every aspect of my life. And I want to share with you this Sunday in a way that you can hear, receive, and be moved toward Him.
Pastor Dr. Aaron Weisser
In this message, we examine what I consider to be one of the most troubling passages in all of scripture. I say this fully understanding that ungodly fear has no place in the Christian life. I say this fully understanding that Christ does not intend for me to feel unstable and uncertain of His love for me.
With that said, here are the troubling words; “And I will declare to them, I never knew you.”
There are those who profess faith in Christ who do not know God.
This Sunday, with GODLY fear and trembling, we will examine the words of Christ and our own hearts and answer the question, do I know Him?
Pastor Dr. Aaron Weisser
Some PEOPLE! Some people’s KIDS! We say these phrases jokingly, but often behind the joking is a sentiment of criticism. Every man and woman has a sense of right and wrong, which becomes their moral compass. It is not quite clear to me why, but that compass becomes the standard to which we hold all others. We judge without thinking and it comes so naturally. We pettily discuss hair, speech, clothing, driving styles, diets, but most of all rearing children, often accompanied by the phrase, “I WOULD NEVER!” We judge the lowest members of our communities to the highest governing bodies without prejudice and do it to our own detriment.
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus addresses the dangers of judging others and this in message we will spend some time unpacking Matthew chapter 7:1-12. So, if you find yourself a judge over others, don’t worry. Our goal wont be to judge you, but to find freedom together!
Pastor Matt McCarter
God wants to set your heart free of everything that is contrary to love. This week we move into the end of Matthew 6 and examine the ways that fear wrecks our lives and drives us away from God.
Here is my confession: I have, for many years, been largely unaware of the way that fear rules in my own heart and drives my behavior. Honestly, I didn’t see it. If you were to meet me and engage in casual conversation you would not walk away thinking “that guy has anxiety.” And yet the Lord has been revealing and DELIVERING even me.
God wants your heart. He wants you free. He wants you to experience love without hinderance or interruption. He will do the work as you open yourself to Him. This Sunday, let’s stop denying our fears, let’s stop defending our fears, let’s stop giving into our fears as we look to Him together.
Pastor Dr. Aaron Weisser
As we continue in our Sermon on the Mount series and will examine the comparison between pride and love. Pride takes on a different shape in light of faith and trust in Christ and this weekend we look at what Jesus says about our efforts to be seen and acknowledged by men vs God.
Pastor Matthew McCarter
I still remember the day when I realized I did not want to be married anymore. My relationship with Jenny had been so gratifying and satisfying up until that point. But a couple of years into marriage and our selfish tendencies were degrading our capacity for meaningful intimacy. We could no longer mask our issues. What had been a fun friendship was being overshadowed by failure.
There is a line I have heard often used in PR statements put out by celebrities when they announce the end of a marriage: “The relationship has run its course.” In our case, the relationship was just beginning to run its course. What I didn’t understand at that time is that my Father in heaven, committed to my ultimate good, had hand selected Jenny to facilitate the death of selfish nature.
You see, God created me for a good purpose that I was meant to enjoy now and for eternity. And my selfishness is one of the greatest threats standing in the way. When that part of me began to suffer, I felt like I wasn’t going to make it. The death of my pernicious, monstrous and relentless self-serving tendencies felt like…. dying.
But without a death, there can be no resurrection. My marriage was accomplishing exactly what it was meant to. God was setting me free. God was liberating me from my lower appetites so that I could learn the infinitely superior joy of being satisfied in him. And once satisfied in Him, I was free to love Jenny like never before. I could see her as the gift that she truly was.
In this message, we will continue in Matthew chapter 5 and look what Jesus has to say about marriage and divorce. Regardless of your past or where you are at today, remember, God has your good in mind.
Pastor Dr. Aaron Weisser
“God is working even when we don’t see it!!”
This week I posted that message on our Facebook page. God has been reminding me of His power and wisdom and control over the happenings in our lives. Remembering that powerful message can really help us in times of struggle and persecution.
In baseball my father always taught me to keep my eye on the ball. That same wisdom applies to our lives. Keeping our eye on our God can give us the victory we need and keep us from feeling like victims.
Guest Speaker: Bill Wilkinson
“I pity the fool!” Can you see it? The mohawk! The gold chains! The black van with the red accent! Mr. T’s line was a mainstay during the A Team series. I had not realized until this week that Mr. T’s statement is an oxymoron. Mr. T did not pity anyone, in fact, he did exactly the opposite of pitying his enemies, he delivered justice with brute wrath and we all cheered him on. Mr. T, while rough around the edges, is a very likable guy but you would never want to be on the other end of the sentence, “I pity the fool,” because you would receive no pity, no reprieve, no mercy from the strong man.
God on the other hand is different, mercy is one of his greatest attributes and one that we seek to receive in abundance. In this message we are going to look at the blessing of receiving mercy and seeing God.
Pastor Matt McCarter
Some of the most painful losses I have experienced in this life have been losses mostly suffered in silence. Not every loss, but many of them. This grief is one you are probably familiar with, mourning over the life that could have been.
Hopes unrealized.
Faded friendships.
Love lost.
Dreams forfeited.
Surprise hardships.
As a follower of Jesus, some of these losses seemed at the hand of God and some were at my own hand. I made a decision in obedience to my Savior and King and in that decision chose to let go of something very dear, something very precious to me.
And it hurt.
According to Jesus in His teaching on the mount, I am blessed. I am a fortunate and privileged person because there is a greater reality that supersedes my temporal experience. There is a greater good that will add up to something exceedingly more than my loses.
Pastor Aaron Weisser
Finish the sentence, I’ll have the good life when…
I truly believe that one of Satan’s greatest deceptions is to fool us into comparing our lives to some future reality that may not ever come. We practice this deception by entertaining the thought that when this season passes, life will be good. When I don’t have to change diapers anymore, life will be good. When I have enough money, life will be good. When I retire, life will be good. When this dynamic changes in my relationship, life will be good.
Your ability to experience the good life is not based on a set of circumstances, but the reality of God’s blessing in your life. In this message we dive into a new series on the Beatitudes and God’s ability to bless us.
Pastor Matt McCarter
While there are many hero's of the faith, few stand as tall as the one I call my mama. This Sunday I have the honor and privilege of inviting my own mother onto the stage at Church on the Rock. As far as mothering goes, she has mothered with the best of ‘em!
For those who don’t know, I am the third of thirteen kids and my children are eight of the 52 kids my mom calls grandkids. (I think its 52 but that number is climbing rapidly!) The daughter of Alaskan homesteaders who moved overseas to reach the lost in the Philippines, my mom has lived a life of faith.
This Sunday her and I will discuss the unique challenges and insights relevant across the seasons of parenting. I am so looking forward to sharing her wisdom with you!
Pastor Aaron Weisser
Someone recently said to me “I just always thought there were the good people and the bad people and I was one of the bad people.” Are you still struggling under the burden of failure or the burden of proving their own goodness? Are you still struggling to see the goodness of God as displayed by the cross? Then this message is for you.
Pastor Dr. Aaron Weisser
Is it too soon to talk about Christmas? My son has asked several times in the last week if we can put the tree up again. I don’t think he’s mentioned it to my wife or it would be up again already. How often is it during a holiday season that you forget to intentionally connect with the purpose of the holiday? Thanksgiving is about tryptophan and naps, not people. Memorial day is about a fun day to travel in summer, not honoring the ultimate sacrifice of those who serve. Christmas is about that one thing I hope is under the tree and not the incarnation of Jesus. It happens quickly in the hustle of life that we fail to slow down and see things as they truly are.
That is the story of the Triumphal Entry and Palm Sunday. We too quickly rush to assume what God wills or purposes upon the foal of a donkey. Today, we have the benefit of hindsight on our side.
Pastor Matt McCarter
Have you ever painfully watched as someone in charge got it all wrong? Ever had a supervisor care intensely about all the wrong things while neglecting what was important? Ever watched someone in power exercise that power in wasteful ways and miss the opportunity to bring about meaningful change? Ever had someone with the power to make a decision on your behalf, delay the decision in a way that cost you dearly?
It’s frustrating when those with power don’t use their power in ways consistent with how we see fit. In fairness, they probably have some perspective that we lack. But that doesn’t make it less maddening.
What about with God? Ever been frustrated, disappointed, or confused by the way in which He wields or seemingly fails to wield His unlimited power on earth? I have.
In this message, we will look at John 11. It is the story of an astonishing miracle. And every single character takes issue with the way Christ gets it done.
When is the last time you got knocked off your feet with an illness? Mine was about a year ago, after a couple of days without improvement I headed to the Doc, only to find out that I just had a virus and needed to wait it out.
As I get older, there more and more comes a period where the recovery process turns from helpful to painful. My body stiffens while at rest and what once brought me comfort is now what causes me additional pain.
How often do we remain in pain seeking healing while the answer is elsewhere?
In this message, we take a look at John 5, Jesus healing the Lame Man at Bethesda. My hope is the same as John’s, that we will again encounter a wonderful healer, a mighty savior!
Pastor Aaron Weisser dissects Jesus' conversation with the woman at the well and the miracle of God's grace.
Do you remember the first time you heard some old man tell you that life gets faster as you get older? How about the statement that life is too short? The best things in life, money can’t buy?
Are you old enough now to know the truth of those statements? For most of us there is an initial disbelief when the aged and wise come along and share their knowledge. However, with time there comes a realization surpassing the knowledge, or gumption, we previously held.
The same was true for Nicodemus, when Jesus uttered the words, you must be born again. Nicodemus cannot fit the notion into his understanding of the world and yet it would prove to be true in time.
In this message we examine Jesus’ life changing interaction with the esteemed Pharisee. My hope is that by the power of God’s Spirit we will know and rejoice in the second birth.
Pastor Matt McCarter
Pastor Aaron Weisser takes a look at the justice of God in an unjust world, the purpose of God when my life is in chaos, and the ways of God when everything has gone south.
Pastor Matt McCarter examines John the Baptist's testimony regarding the greatness of Jesus.
This past Sunday we began the series, Greater. Pastor Aaron Weisser gave us a look into the testimony of John the Baptist concerning the man Jesus.
This Sunday, Pastor Matt McCarter talked about the role of hospitality in the gospel and our church. Jesus has set an example of being hospitable and is calling us to do the same, for our joy and His glory!
Church on the Rockers,
Somewhere in the neighborhood of 30 years ago, I went with several of my family members and some friends to the Araneta Colosseum in Cubao, the transportation center of the metroplex that is Manila in the Philippines. We were there with tickets to see Michael W. Smith and Amy Grant live at the Colosseum. It was amazing. I don’t actually remember the size of the Araneta Colosseum, but it seemed like a billion Filipinos were there to rock out with two of Contemporary Christian Music’s pioneers.Many years later, I brought my oldest child along to relive that experience. Or the closest thing to it; Lincoln Brewster in the Mariner Theater in Homer, Alaska. It was awesome. And VERY loud. Which is what I was hoping for. By the end of the first song, my child was covering her ears. Halfway through the second song, she was over it. Apparently, she is not as enthusiastic about skull crushing bass as I am. This Sunday we are going to talk about music at Church on the Rock Homer. Why do we do corporate worship the way we do it? Why the drums? Why the volume? How do we pick songs? Is there a right and wrong way to worship together as a church?Our elders and staff have contributed significantly to this discussion and I am very excited to bring the results of those discussions to you. It’s gonna be a rockin’ good time!Pastor Aaron Weisser
I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and that you’re as excited about the loud bright lights exploding over the spit as I am. This season has so much joy to offer us, we often don’t want it to end…until realizing our pants don’t fit anymore!
This year I heard more people say that the temptation to enjoy sweet treats was irresistible. The holiday music made me do it! We all know what Christmas leads to… New Year's Resolutions! The indulgent holidays usher in the reluctant pursuit of personal goals that are far too often laid aside after a month’s time. Why is it that we are so quickly dismayed from our goals, I think it is in part because we are always longing for a future that never quite comes or when attained is only momentary.
This week the Scriptures will lead us into a better more eternal perspective that guides us through this momentary affliction.
Pastor Matt McCarter
Church on the Rockers,Merry Christmas to each of you. For many of you, this is the season of giving gifts. I think I have picked a winner for my wife this year. I think. We’ll see. And why do we give gifts? It is so easy to forget. We give gifts in honor of the greatest gift and the greatest gift giver, the Son of God. A few weeks from now, you may have that all to common realization; I have not touched some of my gifts since opening them on Christmas day. It’s ok, it happens. Not all gifts are equal.But don’t let that happen with Jesus. Don’t think of him momentarily and then realize weeks later you haven’t thought of Him since. My invitation to you this holiday season is that you would receive and enjoy the gift of God with us more profoundly and more continuously. It is the gift you were made to receive.From my family to yours, merry Christmas!Aaron
I’ve witnessed several eclipses and every time I find it odd that while the sun is being blocked by the moon, we have to wear sunglasses. If the sun rays are directed at me, why must I be shielded from them? It only takes a few seconds to figure of a staring out why. It’s impossible, even only for a few moments to stare at something so bright.
As John begins his account of Jesus‘ life, he encourages us to stare directly at the Son, uninhibited by any obstruction. This weekend we are going to take a look at why Jesus, as the unadulterated form of God before men, is such a glorious thing to behold.
Read Ahead: John 1:9-18
Pastor Matt McCarter
Pastor Matt McCarter shares about God's perfect and incomprehensible plan to save humanity.
Pastor Dr. Aaron Weisser examines the prophetic expectation of the coming Savior. What we will find, is the realest and truest representation of God that mankind has ever encountered. These truths are impacting my own life even today!
Pastor Matt McCarter shares this past Sunday's message. That God sent us His Son to navigate our way through the waves, chaos, and heartbreak, back into His presence. He is our guide, our Great High Priest.
God, for thousands of years, has been indicating His plan. Pastor Dr. Aaron Weisser shares some insights from his studies.
Church On the Rock - Homer hears updates from some of the missionaries we support around the world!
This Sunday kicked off our 2023 Global Missions Conference. On I Love Homer Sunday, we had the opportunity to hear from special people who are the hands and feet of Jesus in our community, in our state, and across the globe. Our desire is to open doors for you to take another step in your divine assignment here on earth. You will be encouraged and the world will be blessed.
On our three year journey through the Good Book, Pastor Dr. Aaron Weisser takes us on our final foray in the Old Testament. As we read through the final two chapters of Ezra, his challenge for us is to search for the beacon of hope within this sad story.
The Old Testament stories of God's people are just as much about us as they are about them. And it is all leading to one great and grand conclusion to which you are invited to be a part. Pastor Dr. Aaron Weisser brings us this message from the book of Ezra.
This past Sunday, Pastor Aaron and his wife Jenny joined our guest, Ray Kane to talk through the process of digging deep with the Lord in their own lives and the treasures they've unearthed because of the work God has led them through.
Pastor Matt McCarter leads us through Ezra, chapters 4-6, where we find that even though Israel’s identity is in Yahweh, they are still very much human and lack understanding.
If you know the God of the Bible, you know that He is a God of second chances. Several second chances in the cases of many of us. Pastor Matt McCarter welcomes us to the book of Ezra and another story of God's amazing grace.
Matt McCarter looks at the reward that awaited Queen Esther and Mordecai for their obedience to God.
Guest speaker, Eric Rozeboom explains how, in God's plans, the prideful and arrogant cross paths with the humble at heart; and how they are each heading in very different directions.
Guest speaker, Eric Rozeboom explains how, in God's plans, the prideful and arrogant cross paths with the humble at heart; and how they are each heading in very different directions.
Pastor Dr. Aaron Weisser begins a new series on the book of Esther and shares how God accomplishes His purposes in the affairs of the kingdoms of this earth and on behalf of His children.
From Pastor Dr. Aaron Weisser...
It was Richard Dawkins who popularized the phrase “genocidal bloodthirsty ethnic cleanser” to describe the God of the Old Testament in his most well-known work The God Delusion. This attack line has become more common and is used to undermine the possibility that the God of the Bible, as described, is a just God.
This Sunday, I want to take this attack head-on and deal with the accusation directly. To do so, I will use scripture to explain scripture, reason to unpack what is unreasonable, and where I don’t have the answers, I will let you know.
My hope is to increase your capacity to offer an apologetic for the God we serve and to increase your trust and affection for this same God.
Looking forward to our time together,
Aaron
Pastor Matt McCarter walks us through Habakkuk chapter 3, and the prophet's renewal of his faith in God.
This week, Pastor Dr. Aaron Weisser discusses seeing things from God's perspective, and how that can set our hearts free. Join us as we read through Habakkuk 2.
This week, we start a new series from one of the twelve Old Testament prophets who is fed up with God's people! Pastor Matt McCarter shares how Habakkuk let God know about it.
Pastor Matt McCarter leads us through the reign of King Manasseh, and his inability to hold onto the promises of God.
Pastor Dr. Aaron Weisser unveils ten strategies the enemy uses to defeat and destroy. God's word tells us, they are all lies.
Pastor Matt McCarter shares on how God's voice remains present in the lives of His creation.
Happy Mother's Day! This week, Pastor Matt McCarter explains the similarities between God and Mom. This should be interesting!
What is it like in the belly of a whale. Dr. Aaron Weisser explains in this message from Sunday, May 7.
This week, Pastor Matt McCarter examines God's call on Jonah's life and ministry. Jonah's example proves pretty disastrous. Luckily, we don't have to follow his lead.
You've probably experienced the offensive behavior of others at some point in your life. The good news is, just because others are offensive, it doesn't mean you have to be offended. Pastor Jonathan Walker helps us to understand how to live an un-offended life.
Pastor Aaron Weisser helps us understand the inextricable core of the supreme ethic of Christianity; love.
Guest speaker Kristen Bierma, shares about her ministry, Beacon Hill, and the impact it is having in Alaska.
King Ahab was unwilling to let go of useless things. Pastor Matt McCarter shares his story.
Pastor Aaron Weisser shares the difference between a life of dependence and independence, viewed through the life of King Asa.
Pastor Matt McCarter shares how the lovers in Solomon's Song of Songs help us understand the foundations of love, sex, marriage; and most importantly, how Christ and man move toward one another.
Pastor Aaron Weisser helps us connect our understanding of human sexuality with a supreme sense of the goodness of God.
Pastor Matt McCarter takes a look at how God's perspective and purpose reorient our lives and give us a sense of ultimate meaning.
Randy Weisser helps us to unlock the benefits found in Solomon's words of wisdom found within the book of Ecclesiastes.
Pastor Aaron Weisser focuses on one of the primary themes of the Proverb's wisdom; words.
The gift giving portion of Christmas can easily infiltrate or completely replace the meaning of this holiday. In this sermon, Pastor Matt McCarter intends to bring a little inspiration and perspective about who the real gift giver is, and how He is unparalleled in this exchange.
Wisdom alone can only take you so far. In Solomon's case, his eyes wandered from his true source of wisdom; God's purpose and plan. Instead, Solomon focused on serving his own purposes. In this message, Pastor Matt McCarter shares how all of this worked out in the end. Spoiler alert; this story ends poorly.
As we continue in the story of Solomon, Pastor Aaron Weisser looks at the human tendency to ignore God's most basic instruction.
Pastor Matt McCarter looks at Solomon's achievement, its purpose, and incomparable nature to God's creation and will.
Pastor Aaron Weisser addresses the topic of symbolic participation and asks the question, "what considerations should I make before showing up at happenings that are fundamentally at odds with my values? And how should I respond when other christians draw their conclusions differently?"
It's Missions Sunday! Our friend, Bill Pagaran shares an exuberant message about our Living Hope... Jesus.
I Love Homer Sunday is a moment to celebrate some of our local heroes and learn about the organizations they serve. Enjoy this panel discussion and a very hopeful message from Bill Wilkinson.
I Love Homer Sunday is a moment to celebrate some of our local heroes and learn about the organizations they serve. Enjoy this panel discussion and a very hopeful message from Bill Wilkinson.
Week 2 of Ruth.
Please note that we are missing week 1 of this series due to technical issues.
Skip Bowersox on Nehemiah 8.
Here is what Skip said before Sunday,
"Church on the Rockers,
When I think about my own funeral, I imagine it would go something like this: I'd like to be cremated and have my ashes kept in one of my five-gallon buckets. As attendees walk through the door, everyone gets a Bowersox Tile t-shirt. My wife has already told me that she will likely not attend. I believe this is because she will be too overcome with grief, though I suspect the real reason is this will be her first opportunity to clear the kitchen counter of all my paperwork and whatnot.
After the service, we'll all meet at the homestead where Alan and Linda will provide burgers, and Pam and Dwayne will provide Cocoa Pebbles. We'll gather around the campfire as Robert Tonner leads us in a sing-along of Paul Overstreet’s greatest hits. The only piece I don't have figured out is who will speak. I would like Aaron Weisser to share, but he will likely be too choked up (you know how he gets). Scott Fraley could share some funny stories about selling encyclopedias. That really has nothing to do with me, but it’s always fun to hear. We could just do an open mic as long as you guys promise not to let my brother-in-law, Josiah Fisher, have a turn.
Unfortunately, our best option for speaker at my funeral would be the dead guy in the bucket. I know exactly what passage I would share. I know exactly what message I would give. If I were preaching at my own funeral, I would turn to the passage that has most clearly defined the gospel in my own experience. Ironically enough, this very gospel passage is found in the Old Testament. Since I can't preach it at my own funeral, I decided to beat the rush and preach on Nehemiah 8 this Sunday. No need to bring flowers.
Skip"
Bill Wilkinson on Reconciliation.
Here is what he said before Sunday:
“I just want to say, you know, can we all get along? Can we...can we all get along?”
Many of you may remember those words of Rodney King during the Los Angeles riots of 1992. This lasted six days, resulted in 63 deaths, over 2300 injured, and required the US Army and Marine Corps to restore order. The people were rioting because of the acquittal of the police officers that had severely beaten Rodney King. America saw that beating on video tape. What’s amazing is that in the midst of the rioting here was Rodney, the man who had been beaten, on national TV pleading for people to get along, to essentially forgive what had been done to him.
Let’s take a look at God's view of “getting along” this week as we open His word. His word may shed some light on how we can better “love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:39, Gal 5:14).
See you on Sunday, and let’s see if we can all get along on the car ride to church.
Bill Wilkinson
Job |3| Randy Weisser
"Job and Genesis tie for being my favorite book of the Bible. In terms of the number of notes scribbled in the margins of my Bible, Job comes out ahead (using that metric). Job is such a unique book among all the other Bible books. We don’t know who Job is, we don’t know where he comes from, and we don’t even know who wrote the story.
It begins with this powerful, explosive left hook to the jaw out of nowhere which sends Job, and us, reeling. Then we go along for the agonizing, wrenching journey as Job spends 40 chapters trying to figure out what just happened. We then discover that, all along that journey, there are gems to be discovered that help us understand who God is and how much he values His relationship with us.
Join us this Sunday for the last in this three part series from the Book of Job.
Randy Weisser"
Job |2| Then I Thought - Aaron Weisser
Key Verse: Job 29:18-20
"Have you ever chosen to do something really difficult for someone else and then, while doing that difficult thing, consoled yourself by thinking about how much they were going to owe you? Then later you find yourself angry when you realize the person doesn’t fully appreciate the degree of his or her indebtedness? So, you try to find ways to draw attention to your sacrifice so you can fully enjoy the benefits of their obligation to you? Yeah, me neither. I would never be so immature….
This Sunday we will continue in the study of Job. We are going to look at the fundamental error and point of confusion in Job’s thinking. It has to do with Job being a great guy and God not fully comprehending how much blessing Job deserved as a result.
I want you to think about this question leading up to Sunday: "When you are good, what does your goodness purchase for you?"
Looking forward to our time together,
Aaron"
Job week 1 of 3 with Luke Epperson.
Key Verse: Job 13:15-16
Here is what Luke shared with us before Sunday:
"Pain hurts. It makes us wince, cringe, cuss, cry, hide, and want to avoid those situations at any cost. But pain can often be managed, and pain is often temporary. Suffering, however, shakes us at a far deeper level. It slams us beyond the limits of who we are and what we love.
Pain hurts us. Suffering changes us.
And there, in the middle of our personal pain, grief, and chaos, God reigns with justice and goodness.
*And that brings up all sorts of questions that defy the answers we have loved so dearly.
This Sunday we will begin looking through the book of Job, the story of unthinkable, personal horror for the man recognized by God as the most righteous man alive. Job lives his suffering in front of us, asking questions you’re not supposed to ask, saying the things you’re not supposed to say, and moving through the limits of his identity in a way that led, finally, to peace.*
As we explore Job over the coming three weeks, we will look at the Philosophy of Suffering, the Theology of Suffering, and this week, the Humanity of Suffering.
*See you soon,
Luke Epperson"*
Takeaways:
- Suffering deconstructs us.
- God reconstructs Job with a broader understanding of God and self.
Celebrate 10 years of loving God, loving people, and making disciples here in Homer, Alaska!