The following messages represent the teaching of Pastor Mike Thomas in the year 2004. To see teaching from other years please use the following links. If you are interested in messages by guest speakers use the menu system at the top of the page to navigate to the guest speaker's pages.

2005 Messages
Date Message
Dec 12, 2004 A Strange Conception    Matthew 1:18-25/Luke 1:26-38
 

The Bible records some amazing and spectacular births. But the virgin birth of the Lord Jesus Christ surpasses all of those births. Listen to the second part in our Christmas series as we to take a closer look at this miraculous event through two set of glasses: Mary and Joseph's. 		 

Dec 5, 2004 A Strange Family Tree    Matthew 1:1-17
 

Do you think Jesus ever asked his parents about his earthly heritage? If so, he found out that his family tree had a few knots in it. Listen in and be encouraged by the power of God's grace as we view Jesus family album. 		 

Nov 21, 2004 Countering the Culture of Complaint    Exodus 15-17
 

There will be a lot of talk about giving thanks in the next few weeks. But we can't be truly thankful unless we are truly content. Listen in as we learn from God's Word how to counter the culture of complaint. 		 

Nov 14, 2004 Our Value of Family    Genesis 25-27
 

Listen in as Pastor Mike describes what can happen in a Church when its families live in grace and truth and are able to enjoy the beauty of God's design for their relationships. 		 

Oct 31, 2004 Our Value of Community    Matthew 5:13-16
 

At Rock Creek Church we believe that we are called to be for, yet against the world. And we believe that when the Church fulfills her calling, it lies at her core power to transform and renew culture. Listen in and imagine with us what it will be like to embrace that which is good in our greater community and yet challenge it in redemptive ways. 		 

Oct 24, 2004 Our Value of Relationships    Selected Scriptures
 

At Rock Creek Church we believe that all of life comes down to relationships. Since that is true, building healthy relationships is a sign of spiritual growth. Listen in and join us in the journey we are on toward being able to identify and meet relational needs in our families and friends. 		 

Oct 17, 2004 Our Value of Teaching    2 Timothy 1:13-14; 2:1-2
 

At Rock Creek Church we believe that the Bible is God's inspired Word, our authoritative and trustworthy rule of faith and practice. Listen in to understand why we are so committed to preparing Christians, through the sound teaching of God's Word, to follow Christ in every area of life. 		 

Oct 10, 2004 Our Value of Evangelism    John 6:35-44
 

At Rock Creek we believe God wants us to reach the lost with the Gospel of Christ. And that belief compels us to continually look for loving ways to share Jesus with others. But how much of the work of evangelism is up to us, and how much is up to God? If we have a vibrant culture of evangelism, will it be because we are creative and passionate, or will it be because we got out of God's way and let him do all the work? Listen in and gain a biblical understanding of how God works through us to share His love with others. 		 

Oct 3, 2004 Our Value of Prayer    Exodus 17:8-16
 

We believe that God wants us to pray and that He hears and answers our prayers. If so, then how can we have a powerful prayer life that commits everything to God in prayer? Listen in as we learn how to be a people who value prayer. 		 

Sep 26, 2004 Our Value of Worship    Isaiah 6:1-8
 

What is your view of God? Whatever that view is will radically affect the way you go about living your life. At Rock Creek we believe that the worship of God is vital to a growing and vibrant relationship with Him. Listen in as we see what it's like to worship God in such a way that his greatness becomes the standard and inspiration for our personal lives and the corporate worship of Rock Creek Church. 		 

Sep 19, 2004 The Foundation of our Church Family    Joshua 4:1-9;19-24
 

What makes Rock Creek Church Distinctive? Who are we and what are we all about? What must be the constant, passionate, biblical core beliefs that guide everything we do? You're invited to be our guest and listen in as Pastor Mike talks about the foundation of our church family. 		 

Sep 12, 2004 Calling All Angels    Selected Scriptures
 

There's a lot of talk about angels these days. How much of our views of these heavenly creatures is informed by pop-culture, new-age religion or by what the Bible actually says about them? And what role do they play in spiritual warfare? Listen in as we set the record straight about the Heavenly Host. 		 

Sep 5, 2004 Are Demons to Blame for Disease?    Selected Scriptures
 

Is there any relationship between demon activity and sickness? You're invited to listen in as we seek the answer to this question from God's Word. 		 

Aug 29, 2004 Dealing with the Devil    Selected Scriptures
 

Have you ever wondered if a Christian can be demon possessed? Does the Bible indicate that it is appropriate to bind or cast out demons? Listen to part 1 of this series to find the answers to these and other questions about dealing with our enemy, the Devil. 		 

Aug 22, 2004 The Covering of Prayer    Ephesians 6:18-24
 

Did you know that prayer plays a central role as we put on the full armor of God? Indeed, prayer is crucial because it stands at the hub, the very heart of our struggles. Speaking the truth and trying to live righteous lives of peace and faith is important. But these things are to prayer what the spokes of a wheel are to the hub. When the hub weakens, the rest of the wheel collapses. Listen in on this final message from our Ephesians series and learn how to have the inner core of your life strengthened by deepening your conversation with God. 		 

Aug 15, 2004 The Sword of the Spirit    Ephesians 6:17
 

If we are to resist Satan and find the words of God that we need to triumph as Christians, we must take the Word of God into our minds and hearts. Listen in and learn how we can pick up the sword of the Spirit and use it to live powerfully for God.
Sermon Powerpoint
 

Aug 8, 2004 Our Helmet of Salvation    Ephesians 6:17
 

Is it possible that salvation can make any real difference in this life? Can we live a life that isn't marked by constant spiritual fatigue? Can we experience true joy in the middle of life's trials that allows us to live above discouragement and doubt? Yes, but we're going to have to put our helmet on! Listen in and learn how to walk in the power of God with the helmet of your salvation.
Sermon Powerpoint
 

Jul 25, 2004 The Shield of Faith    Ephesians 6:16
 

How can we withstand the attacks of doubt, false guilt, lust, anger and fear that Satan so often uses to defeat us? Listen in as we learn from God's word how to use God's armor for our battle against the enemy of our souls. 		 

Jul 18, 2004 The Shoes of Peace    Ephesians 6:15
 

In spiritual warfare it is important for the believer to be wearing the right kind of footwear. You won't want to miss finding out how to keep from slipping and falling when you are under attack from the enemy.
Sermon Powerpoint
 

Jul 11, 2004 Our Belt and Body Armor    Ephesians 6:14
 

What good is it to be in the Lord’s army if you're not using the Lord's weapons? Listen and learn about how vital the belt of truth and the breastplate of righteousness are in your battle against the enemy and how to use them.
Sermon Powerpoint
 

Jul 4, 2004 We Are In A War    Ephesians 6:10-13
 

C.S. Lewis once said, "There are two equal and opposite errors into which our race can fall about the devils. One is to disbelieve in their existence. The other is to believe, and to feel an excessive and unhealthy interest in them. They themselves are equally pleased by both errors, and hail a materialist or magician with the same delight" [The Screwtape Letters]. Lewis was right. Unfortunately, strands of both errors exist in today's church. Listen in as we examine what Scripture says about our spiritual warfare.
Sermon Powerpoint
 

Jun 27, 2004 Passing the Baton, Part 2    1 Kings 2:1-4/2 Timothy 2:2
 

Listen in as we reflect on how we as fathers can pass on the baton of righteousness to our children. In the conclusion of this two-part series we'll learn from King David as a father and discover how we can pass the baton off to our children and encourage them to run the race God has for them.
Sermon Powerpoint
 

Jun 20, 2004 Passing the Baton, Part 1    Selected Scriptures
 

Father's Day 2004 - In this two part series we will look at King David's failures and triumphs as a father. Listen in as we first look at the failure of David in his relationship with Absolom.
Sermon Powerpoint
 

Jun 13, 2004 God's Design for the Workplace    Ephesians 6:5-9
 

What are the ground rules the Bible lays down for employees and employers in the workplace? Listen in to this message and find out how to be a better worker and a better boss. 		 

Jun 6, 2004 God's Design for Parents    Ephesians 6:4
 

The Bible makes it clear that the raising of children is a wonderful blessing from God. As we continue to study biblical relationships in Ephesians, listen along and learn how to use your authority in the right way and bring them up the way God intended.
Sermon Powerpoint
 

May 30, 2004 God's Design for Children    Ephesians 6:1-3
 

Why should children obey their parents? Is the Bible's command for children to obey their parents unconditional? Listen in as we discover the Bible's practical teaching on this subject.
Sermon Powerpoint
 

May 23, 2004 God's Design for a Healthy Marriage - Part 4    Ephesians 5:25-33
 

Listen as we continue our study of healthy biblical marriage and discover four qualities of divine love that husbands are to faithfully demonstrate to their wives.
Sermon Powerpoint
 

May 16, 2004 God's Design for a Healthy Marriage - Part 3    Ephesians 5:22-24
 

If the Bible says that a wife is supposed to submit to her husband, how should she do that? And what is to be her motive for serving her husband in this way? Is there anyone we can look to for an example? Listen in as we study the longest statement in the New Testament on the relationship of husbands and wives and discover more about God's design for marriage. 		 

May 9, 2004 The Power of a Godly Mother    2 Timothy 2:1-7,3:14-15
 

What power does a mother have in raising her children? Listen in and discover the influence that a godly woman can have in raising children that impact their world for Christ.
Sermon Powerpoint
 

May 2, 2004 Mutual Submission: Model or Myth?    Ephesians 5:21
 

Has the Church misread Ephesians 5:21? Does it really abolish all unique male leadership and authority in marriage? Has the Church misunderstood Paul's instruction for wives to submit to their husbands for the first nineteen centuries of its existence? Or are Paul's words an embarrassment for many Christians in light of feminism's influence over the last 50 years? Listen in as ask the question, "Is mutual submission God’s model for marriage, or is it a myth?" 		 

Apr 18, 2004 God's Design for a Healthy Marriage - Part 2    Ephesians 5/Selected Scriptures
 

Our view of who we are as men and women affects our understanding of the marriage relationship. Are men and women equal in value and dignity? Did God intend for men and women to have different roles in marriage? And if so, what do those differences look like in real life? Listen as we explore these questions in preparation for our study of Ephesians 5:21-33. 		 

Apr 11, 2004 Isn't It Ironic?    Matthew 27:27-50
 

If we could have actually watched Jesus being crucified 2000 years ago, what would we have experienced? Would the fact that he was mocked, seemingly powerless, helpless and in despair have confused us or changed us? Listen in to Pastor Mike's Easter Sunday 2004 message as we discover that through Jesus' weakness on the cross, He actually revealed His greatness.
Sermon Powerpoint
 

Mar 28, 2004 God's Design for a Healthy Marriage - Part 1    Ephesians 5/Selected Scriptures
 

Our view of who we are as men and women affects our understanding of the marriage relationship. Are men and women equal in value and dignity? Did God intend for men and women to have different roles in marriage? And if so, what do those differences look like in real life? Join us as we explore these questions in preparation for our study of Ephesians 5:21-33.
Sermon Powerpoint
 

Mar 21, 2004 The Fullness of the Spirit    Ephesians 5:18-20
 

Listen in and learn what it means to be "filled with the Spirit" and discover how you can live a life of authentic fellowship, worship and gratitude. 		 

Mar 14, 2004 Be The Church! - Vision 2004    Selected Scriptures
 

Life is like a box of chocolates...you never know what you are going to get. Churches are as well, for they seem to come in a variety of shapes and sizes. In fact, it's hard to find any two churches that look exactly the same. And with all of the many ways that churches are challenged to effectively minister in the 21st century, what kind of a Church is God calling Rock Creek to be? How can we be biblically distinctive? Listen in to hear how we can be a Church that has both a mind for truth and a heart for God.
Sermon Powerpoint
 

Mar 7, 2004 Finding God's Will - Part 2    Selected Scriptures
 

If God has a will for our lives, then how will He reveal it to us? Listen in as we turn to the Bible and find out how we can discover God's desire for our lives.
Sermon Powerpoint
 

Feb 29, 2004 Finding God's Will - Part 1    Ephesians 5:15-17
 

Many people say that it is possible to know God's will, but there are so many conflicting ideas out there about how to discover what God wants us to do. Listen in as we study how God made His mind known to those who followed Him in the Old Testament and consider what implications it has for our lives now. 		 

Feb 15, 2004 False Love    Ephesians 5:3-7
 

Valentine's Day is just around the corner and at this time of the year there is a lot of talk about love. But what is true love? So much of what passes for true love is really the opposite. Listen in as we take a deeper look at Ephesians 5:3-7 and learn that there is such a thing as false love and that the consequences are serious for those who are fooled by the counterfeit.
Sermon Powerpoint
 

Feb 8, 2004 Just Like My Father    Ephesians 4:31 - 5:2
 

In order to be like our Father God, we must get rid of anger and begin living a life of love. But what does that mean in our everyday lives? Listen in as we continue our verse by verse study in the book of Ephesians. 		 

Feb 1, 2004 Exploring The Management of God's Money - Part 2    Malachi 3:6-12
 

What does it mean to give generously to your Church? Listen in as we finish this series and explore the management of God's money and reflect upon this essential issue.
Sermon Powerpoint
 

Jan 25, 2004 Exploring The Management of God's Money - Part 1    Selected Scriptures
 

Can I separate my wallet from my heart? Why should I give to my Church? And how much should I give to my Church? Listen in as we explore the management of God's money and answer these three key questions.
Sermon Powerpoint
 

Jan 18, 2004 Exposing The Myths About Money Management    I Timothy 6:3-10
 

Is it true that the more we have, the less we really want? Can we really buy now and pay later? And what right does anyone else have to tell me how to handle my money? You're invited to join us at Rock Creek this Sunday as we expose some of the more popular myths about handling money.
Sermon Powerpoint
 

Jan 11, 2004 Starting the New Year Right, Part 2    I Corinthians 9:24-27
 

If we are going to pursue growing spiritually in 2004, it will mean that we have to stop trying and start training. Listen and reflect upon arranging your life around those activities that will enable you to do what you cannot do now by direct effort.
Sermon Powerpoint
 

Jan 4, 2004 Starting the New Year Right    Matthew 6:25-34
 

Come away from all the chatter about New Year's resolutions and focus on your most important goal for 2004.
Sermon Powerpoint