| Date |
Message |
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| December 28 |
Open Your Eyes.
Various passages |
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| 2008 |
Speaker: Mark Stephens |
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John 4:35 "Do you not say, 'Four months more and then the harvest? I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest." Open your eyes, the harvest is plentiful.
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| December 21 |
Christmas All Year Long
Luke 2:22-38 |
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| 2008 |
Speaker: Pastor Michael Thomas |
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How can we keep from being disappointed during the holiday season? We can enjoy this year like never before by putting our expectations in the Lord. If we seek to deepen our relationship with Jesus, he will satisfy our every need. Be our guest this Sunday and what it looks like to celebrate the heart of Christmas every day.
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| December 14 |
The Secret to Contentment
Philippians 4:10-13 |
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| 2008 |
Speaker: Pastor Michael Thomas |
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Contentment at Christmas time - - is it even possible? The Apostle Paul wrote that contentment is actually a skill we can learn. What better time to learn true satisfaction than when our culture encourages dissatisfaction. Join us at Rock Creek and discover the secret to being content at all times, in all places, with all things.
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| December 7 |
The Unscratchable Itch
Ecclesiastes 2 |
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| 2008 |
Speaker: Pastor Michael Thomas |
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Will more make us happy? Most people can give the right answer "No." But there seems to be a disconnect between our heads and our hearts. One problem is that we think the very things that we really want are very important and necessary. We can really fool ourselves into thinking that are "wants" are our "needs." Come this Sunday as we take a closer look at Solomon - - a man who had it all and yet was still empty in the depth of his soul.
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| November 30 |
The Key to Thanksgiving.
Selected Scriptures |
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| 2008 |
Speaker: Bill Craig |
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One of the important elements of living the joy-filled life that God intends for us is having a spirit of gratitude. What are some ways that we can grow in that spirit and what are some things that get in the way? Come Sunday as we explore God's Word together!
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| November 23 |
A New Vision for Our Lives.
Selected Scriptures |
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| 2008 |
Speaker: Bill Craig |
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What is your desire for your life? What are your hopes, dreams and aspirations? What do you think God's hopes, dreams and aspirations are for your life? Are they at all similar? Has it occurred to you that His desires for your life are far greater even than your own? This Sunday we'll explore those themes as we look at God's Word to see His great vision for our lives.
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| November 16 |
No Silver and Gold
Acts 3:1-26 |
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| 2008 |
Speaker: Pastor Michael Thomas |
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Peter healed a man crippled since birth, but instead of receiving any praise, he took the opportunity to share the truth about people's need to be forgiven and cleansed of their sins by God. Come to Rock Creek this Sunday as we learn the importance of both showing and sharing God's grace and truth.
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| November 9 |
A Spirit Controlled Church
Acts 2:42-47 |
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| 2008 |
Speaker: Pastor Michael Thomas |
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The early Church had a steadfast commitment to learning God's Word, loving God and each other, worshipping God passionately and witnessing to those who still did not know God. How can we be a church that has this kind of powerful balance? Come to Rock Creek this Sunday as we discover what a Spirit controlled church looks like.
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| November 2 |
The First Christian Sermon
Acts 2:14-41 |
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| 2008 |
Speaker: Pastor Michael Thomas |
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In contrast to many modern attempts to make coming to Christ as easy as possible, the first Christian sermon made the cost of coming to Christ high. Even though the apostle Peter called upon people them to turn their backs publicly on their culture and risk becoming outcast among their families and society, 3000 of them received his word and trusted in Jesus as their Savior.
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| October 26 |
Party or a Funeral?
Ecclesiastes 7:2-4 |
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| 2008 |
Speaker: Pastor Michael Thomas |
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The writer of Ecclesiastes says that sorrow is a better teacher than laughter. Why? Because laughter can be a narcotic that dulls the pain of reality and blocks our ability to truly reflect upon what really matters - - what life is really about. Join us as we learn that there are things we can learn better at a funeral than a party.
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| October 19 |
The Church Is Born
Acts 2:1-13 |
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| 2008 |
Speaker: Pastor Michael Thomas |
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It can be easy for Christians to get caught up in living dull, powerless lives. We desperately need the intimacy, inspiration and impelling power of the Holy Spirit. No longer can we settle for going through the motions. God is calling us to allow the power of the Spirit of God to be unleashed in our lives.
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| October 12 |
Waiting and Praying Together
Acts 1:12-26 |
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| 2008 |
Speaker: Pastor Michael Thomas |
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God wants to bring revival to your life and to the life of the Church. But how can we put ourselves in the place where he can do his mighty work? Come learn from the early believers as they model for us the importance of faithfully being together, diligently studying God's Word and seeking his will with one mind in prayer.
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| October 5 |
Why Are You Standing Around?
Acts 1:9-11 |
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| 2008 |
Speaker: Pastor Michael Thomas |
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Right before Jesus ascended to heaven, the disciples almost were tempted to rely on earthly power rather than the power of the promised Holy Spirit. And right after Jesus left the earth, they were tempted to just stand around, staring off into the sky, and thus missing out on the job God called them to. Come to Rock Creek Church this Sunday as we learn how to avoid both of these pitfalls in our every day life.
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| September 21 |
His Last Command, Our First Priority
Acts 1:1-8 |
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| 2008 |
Speaker: Pastor Michael Thomas |
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Jesus calls every Christian to be his messenger. He doesn't want us to tell the world that he will one day be its' King. He wants us to spread the good news that he is already the King of the universe. Come discover the greatness of what it means to be Jesus' witness.
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| September 14 |
How Am I Doing?
Selected Scriptures |
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| 2008 |
Speaker: Pastor Michael Thomas |
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Most all Christians want to know how they are doing in their spiritual lives. But how do we figure that out? Should we look on the inside to see if we're experiencing inner peace and a clear conscience? Or should we look on the outside at the results of our decisions to determine if we are walking well with God? Come to Rock Creek this Sunday as we discover why neither our conscience nor the results of our decisions are the best indicators. And find out what is the best way to measure how we're doing in our relationship with God.
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| September 7 |
The Problem of Keeping Score
John 21:18-25 |
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| 2008 |
Speaker: Pastor Michael Thomas |
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It is so easy to always be keeping score. This temptation is as old as mankind and the results of our comparing ourselves to others can lead to pride and discouragement in our lives. Come to Rock Creek this week as we uncover the problems of keeping score.
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| August 31 |
Do You Love Me?
John 21:15-17 |
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| 2008 |
Speaker: Pastor Michael Thomas |
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We've all failed in our lives. God wants to forgive us, to give us a fresh start, because failure is never final with Him. Come learn from the life of Peter that even after we have failed God - - even after we may have even given up on God - - He never gives up on us.
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| August 24 |
Frustrated Fishermen
John 20:30-31 - 21:1-14 |
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| 2008 |
Speaker: Pastor Michael Thomas |
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Maybe you have been working so hard to fix things in your life and you are worn out. You're invited to come to Rock Creek this Sunday and stand with Jesus' disciples - they have been in a boat fishing all night and they haven't caught anything. Come be encouraged that the dawn is coming and with the dawn comes the sight of a figure on the shore. Come listen for His voice and ask yourself, "Am I ready to do whatever he tells you to do?"
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| August 17 |
Believe
John 20:26-29 |
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| 2008 |
Speaker: Pastor Michael Thomas |
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God wants to bless us. While we may seek for God's blessing through the seemingly supernatural or successful, God promises to bless us if we believe in Him. Come to Rock Creek this Sunday and hear about the kind of faith that pleases God.
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| August 10 |
The Philistines Are Laughing Again.
1 Samuel 14 |
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| 2008 |
Speaker: Dale Brubaker |
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Jonathan went out and trusted God to do something he couldn't do. Just like Jonathan, we wrestle against spiritual forces and we need God's power to change our lives and give us power over sin, the same way he gave Jonathan power to defeat the Philistines.
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| August 3 |
Stop Doubting and Believe
John 20:24-28 |
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| 2008 |
Speaker: Pastor Michael Thomas |
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We say, "seeing is believing" but in the Kingdom of God, believing is seeing. One of Jesus' followers, Thomas, wanted to see first then believe. Jesus graciously offered the proof of his resurrection and Thomas believed. But what was it, really, that moved Thomas from a skeptic to a believer? Come to Rock Creek this Sunday and discover the love of Christ demonstrated by his death for you and for me.
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| July 27 |
Peace Be With You
John 20:19-23 |
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| 2008 |
Speaker: Pastor Michael Thomas |
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There is a lot of talk about peace these days. But what is real peace? And can a person experience true peace apart from God? God has offered us the only hope for peace in this life and the next by trusting in the life, death and resurrection of His Son, Jesus Christ. Join us as we discover how having peace with God makes experiencing the peace of God possible.
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| July 20 |
Who Is It You Are Looking For?
John 20:11-18 |
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| 2008 |
Speaker: Pastor Michael Thomas |
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Every Christian has their citizenship in Heaven. That means we no longer need to live in guilt over the sins of the past or in fear about what could happen in the future. As children of God, Heaven is our home. But how is that truth affecting the way we live now? Come to Rock Creek this Sunday and be reminded of how great it is being part of God's family.
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| July 13 |
The King Is Resurrected
John 20:1-10 |
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| 2008 |
Speaker: Pastor Michael Thomas |
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Christianity without the resurrection is not just Christianity without its final chapter. It is not Christianity at all. Perhaps that is why Satan tries his best to discredit the reality of Jesus' resurrection. Come this Sunday as we see the evidences that Jesus really did rise from the dead and how it can change our lives.
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| July 6 |
There's No Place Like Home.
Revelation 21:1-22:7 |
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| 2008 |
Speaker: Bill Craig |
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So where's home for you?" the younger man asked. The old man smiled. "Can't say exactly. I've never been there." A strange reply, but for the follower of Jesus, profoundly true. This week we take a look at what the Scriptures have to say about our true home. Though we've never been there we'll catch a glimpse of its splendor and, by God's grace, leave a little more homesick than when we came!
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| June 29 |
As You Are Going.
Matthew 28:18-20 |
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| 2008 |
Speaker: Scott Brown |
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Come hear from Scott Brown as he shares about his new ministry in New Zealand and how they will be "making disciples of all nations".
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| June 15 |
Snapshots of Dad.
Selected Scriptures |
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| 2008 |
Speaker: Bill Craig |
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Of all the titles God could have chosen for Himself, His favorite is 'Abba' or 'Dad.' This week we'll look at three snapshots of our Heavenly Dad in the Scriptures, reflect on our own fathers in light of The Father, and discuss what implications that has for our lives.
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| June 8 |
It Is Finished
John 19:16-30 |
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| 2008 |
Speaker: Pastor Michael Thomas |
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Have we become too comfortable with the cross? Since it seems that every day we're reminded of the violent world we live in, it can be easy to come to the passion of Christ and miss the power of Jesus' suffering and death. You're invited to be our guest this Sunday at Rock Creek as we consider what it truly meant when Jesus shouted, "It is finished."
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| June 1 |
Behold Your King
John 18:38-19:16 |
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| 2008 |
Speaker: Pastor Michael Thomas |
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Every person faces a choice between following Jesus or following anyone or anything else. People throughout history have wisely chosen to follow Jesus or foolishly chosen to follow something else. Have you chosen wisely? Be our guest this Sunday as we take a deeper look at the most important choice we will ever face.
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| May 25 |
Pilate Stands Before Jesus
John 18:28-38 |
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| 2008 |
Speaker: Pastor Michael Thomas |
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For centuries mankind has tried to put God on the witness stand and insist He prove Himself. We have demanded that God give an account for why He does certain things and doesn't do others. But try as we may, God never takes the witness stand. It is we, fallen and sinful human beings, who stand before God on trial. Come to Rock Creek this week as we find the Jewish and Roman authorities trying to put Jesus on trial. But instead of Jesus standing before them, they must stand before him. What will be the outcome?
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| May 18 |
The Descent Into Darkness
John 18:12-27 |
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| 2008 |
Speaker: Pastor Michael Thomas |
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There have been many trials throughout the course of history that have captured our minds and imaginations. But no trial has so challenged mankind or so charged our emotions as the trial of Jesus some 2000 years ago. Come this Sunday as we are challenged to remain faithful to Jesus throughout the trials of our lives.
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| May 11 |
A Woman Who Fears The Lord
Proverbs 31:10-31 |
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| 2008 |
Speaker: Pastor Michael Thomas |
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Our society is constantly sending messages about what it values in women. And not surprisingly, what society deems important and what God values differ greatly. Proverbs 31 tells us about a woman that models what a young man should be looking for in a future wife. It paints a portrait of a woman who is deeply appreciated and greatly praised by her husband and children. Join us this Mother's Day as we see what is most important to God about women - - and what should be most important to us.
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| May 4 |
Whom Are You Looking For?
John 18:1-11 |
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| 2008 |
Speaker: Pastor Michael Thomas |
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Who would have thought that God could take the most vile, evil act of human history - Jesus' crucifixion - and turn it into the very heart of the Good News? God is in control, even in the darkest hour. Come join us as we learn that no matter how Satan attempts to harm us that God is in control and will protect us.
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| April 27 |
I Want Them With Me
John 17:24-26 |
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| 2008 |
Speaker: Pastor Michael Thomas |
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As Jesus prayed right before he laid down his life on the cross it is clear that he had heaven on his mind. What may surprise us, though, is that he wasn't focused on the majesty and splendor of heaven as much as he desired to share heaven's glory with us. Join us as we ponder how our heavenly home should effect our time here on earth.
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| April 20 |
May They Be One
John 17:20-23 |
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| 2008 |
Speaker: Pastor Michael Thomas |
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Just hours before Jesus went to the cross he prayed that his followers would be united. What does it mean for Christians to experience genuine unity? And what effect does a unified body of believers have upon unbelievers? Join us this Sunday as we discover why Jesus took our unity so seriously.
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| April 13 |
Made by God and for God.
Psalm 139 |
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| 2008 |
Speaker: Pastor Veral Blake |
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None of us was made to live his life in a vacuum separated from God. The essence and substance of life was mixed by God. The operational machinery of life is God. Your birth and mine was no mistake. Our parents may not have planned for us but God did long before we were born. That is why it is true to say that the purpose, meaning and hope of life rest on ones hope in God
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| April 6 |
Not of This World
John 17:11-19 |
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| 2008 |
Speaker: Pastor Michael Thomas |
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When Jesus was here on earth he had constant trouble with the world. And Jesus promises that if we side with him then the world is going to have trouble with us. So what are Christians supposed to do? How do we live faithful to our Lord in this life while continuing to carry out the mission he's called us to? Come to Rock Creek this Sunday and find out.
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| March 30 |
A Trilogy of Love.
Selected Scriptures |
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| 2008 |
Speaker: Dr. Steve Musser |
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The evangelical church in America is losing (some say we've already lost) the next generation. What can we do? What must we be to capture them with the gospel? The answer may be simpler than we realize: BE the church.
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| March 23 |
Who Is Jesus?
Matthew 16:13-17 |
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| 2008 |
Speaker: Pastor Michael Thomas |
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Who is Jesus? Your response to that greatest question of all time will be the most important answer you'll ever give. Many people believe it all comes down to what Jesus means to them. But can we have different opinions about Jesus and yet all be right? You're invited to spend Easter Sunday with us and discover that while there may be many answers to the question, "Who is Jesus" there is only one correct answer.
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| March 16 |
Learning From Jesus' Prayer Life
John 17:6-10 |
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| 2008 |
Speaker: Pastor Michael Thomas |
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How do we know if we are a Christian or not? And if we are a Christian, what is the purpose of staying in this world after we begin our Christian walk? Why doesn't God just take us to Heaven once we become His children? Is there something that Jesus wants us to stay here and do? Come to Rock Creek this Sunday - - you might be surprised at what you'll learn from Jesus' prayer life.
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| March 9 |
Jesus Prays For His Disciples
John 17:6 |
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| 2008 |
Speaker: Pastor Michael Thomas |
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What would you do if you knew that you only had hours to live? Would you pray? And if so, what would you pray for? If others could hear you pray in those final hours, they would probably learn about the things - - the people - - most important to you. In John 17 we find that Jesus is about to be crucified and the disciples get to listen in on Jesus talking to his Father in prayer. Come this Sunday as we begin to discover what was most important to Jesus.
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| March 2 |
Listening In On Jesus Praying
John 17:1-5 |
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| 2008 |
Speaker: Pastor Michael Thomas |
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The Bible tells us that Jesus preached, performed miracles and counseled his closest friends. The Scriptures also tell us that he prayed. But the Bible doesn't tell us much about what Jesus prayed. John 17 features the longest and most amazing prayer of Jesus we have recorded in the Bible. You are invited to join us this Sunday as we listen in as Jesus prays, revealing his heart for his Father and for all those who follow him.
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| February 24 |
How to Have Peace In Troubled Times
John 16:23-33 |
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| 2008 |
Speaker: Pastor Michael Thomas |
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How can we experience true peace in our lives? Even in the daily grind, even in the turmoil and conflict that surround us every day, how can we know the peace of God? Come to Rock Creek as we explore ways we can enjoy God's peace today.
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| February 17 |
How to Have Peace In Troubled Times
John 16:16-22 |
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| 2008 |
Speaker: Pastor Michael Thomas |
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How can we experience true peace in our lives? Even in the daily grind, even in the turmoil and conflict that surround us every day, how can we know the peace of God? Come to Rock Creek as we explore ways we can enjoy God's peace today.
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| February 10 |
Letting Go Of Our Stuff
2 Corinthians 8:1-7 |
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| 2008 |
Speaker: Pastor Michael Thomas |
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We all have "stuff". What do you do with the "stuff" God's given you? If someone wanted to find out what we truly value, they only have to look at our schedules and our checking accounts. How we spend our time and money says pretty much everything about what is most important to us - - in this life and the next. Since God has given us everything we have, how does He want us to think about it? What does God want us to do with it? Come this Sunday to Rock Creek as we talk about the freedom in letting go of our stuff.
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| February 3 |
Loosening Up Our Schedules
Psalm 90:1-12 |
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| 2008 |
Speaker: Pastor Michael Thomas |
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There never seems to be enough hours in the day, does there? But God has given us the exact amount of hours we need to accomplish His will today. So if we are going to live out the Great Commandment in our homes, church and community, we first of all have to loosen up our schedules.
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| January 27 |
Good News and Good Deeds
Jeremiah 22:15-16 |
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| 2008 |
Speaker: Pastor Michael Thomas |
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Do Christians have to decide either to focus on sharing the gospel or serving those in need? Is it possible that God intended for the good news of His love to be accompanied by good deeds? Come to Rock Creek this week as we discover how good deeds can pave the road over which God's good news travels.
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| January 20 |
Service or ServeUs?
Luke 10:30-37 |
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| 2008 |
Speaker: Pastor Michael Thomas |
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God has called us to reach out to those without Christ and share the good news of His love. But in order to tell the truth, we must show the truth. Come this Sunday as we discover the power of stepping outside of our comfort zones and declaring the message of Jesus in a way that demonstrates his love.
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| January 13 |
Risk and Reward
Hebrews 11:32-38 |
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| 2008 |
Speaker: Pastor Michael Thomas |
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Does God place a high priority on our leading comfortable lives? Or does our personal growth depend on being courageous? Often times obeying God means stepping out of our comfort zones and taking risks. Come to Rock Creek this Sunday as we talk about the risks and the rewards of living out our calling in this world.
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| January 6 |
There's No Rewind Button
Ephesians 5:15-16 |
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| 2008 |
Speaker: Pastor Michael Thomas |
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Have you ever done or said something that you instantly wished you could undo or take back? It would be great if life had a rewind button, but it doesn't. Every day, every second, carries with it its own finality. We can look back and celebrate or regret the past, but we can never have it back. Since life has no rewind button, how can we get it right the first time? Come to Rock Creek this Sunday as we begin 2008 discovering how to live today so that we are not filled with regrets tomorrow.
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