LET’S TALK FAMILY – LET’S TALK PARENTING FUNNY BECAUSE IT’S TRUE “Before I had kids, I had six theories about parenting. Now I have three kids and no theories.” “Parenting is the only job where you can be completely unqualified, and they still send you home from the hospital with the baby.” “You spe …

LET’S TALK FAMILY – LET’S TALK MARRIAGE Give honor to marriage and remain faithful to one another in marriage. Hebrews 13:4 Marriage matters because God DESIGNED it, and if God designed marriage, then He gets to DEFINE it. Unless the Lord builds a house, the work of the builders is wasted. Psalm 127 …

WEEK 2 — SEEKING GOD FIRST TOGETHER BIG IDEA: When God is FIRST, everything else finds its PLACE. Marriage has God designed ORDER. But good things in the wrong ORDER can create an unhealthy LIFE. You don’t strengthen a marriage simply by TRYING HARDER. You strengthen it by ORDERING it correctly. See …

LET’S TALK FAMILY – LET’S TALK OUR HOME EVERY HOME HAS A SMELL Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God. Ephesians 5:2 The Bible says a life that looks like Jesus actually carries an AROMA—and every …

WEEK 1 — Marriage Defined by God BIG IDEA: “Marriage isn’t only about making us HAPPY; God uses it to make us HOLY.” FOUNDATIONAL TRUTH: If we define marriage INCORRECTLY, we will expect it to deliver what ONLY GOD CAN. “Tonight we want to start where every healthy marriage has to start—with DEFINIT …

LET’S TALK FAMILY – LET’S TALK FOLLOWING JESUS Unless the LORD builds a house, the work of the builders is wasted. Psalm 127:1  As for me and my family, we will serve the LORD. Joshua 24:15 THE TENSION: CLOSE isn’t the same as FOLLOWING. It is possible to be around Jesus, believe in Jesus, agree wit …

I CAN’T TAKE IT ANYMORE – BREATHE AGAIN WHEN I’M AFRAID — I NEED FAITH.  WHEN I’M HOPELESS — I NEED HOPE.  WHEN I’M OVERWHELMED — I NEED WISDOM.  WHEN I’M ALONE — I NEED COMMUNITY.  WHEN I’M EXHAUSTED — I NEED REST. You can have FAITH and still get tired. You can have HOPE and still get tired. You c …

I CAN’T TAKE IT ANYMORE — WHO’S IN YOUR CORNER? Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 Problem: It’s possible to be SURROUNDED by people and still FEEL alone. WHY REAL FRIENDSHIPS CAN BE DIF …

I CAN’T TAKE IT ANYMORE – I’M GONNA NEED A BIGGER PLATE Teach us to realize the brevity of life, so that we may grow in wisdom.  Psalm 90:12 HERE’S WHAT WE HAVE TO ACCEPT Our LIFE has limits. Our TIME has limits. Our ENERGY has limits. Our CAPACITY has limits. GUIDING TRUTH: We don’t need a BIGGER p …

Pastor Brian – I CAN’T TAKE IT ANYMORE – THERE IS ALWAYS HOPE I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13 GUIDING TRUTH: Hope doesn’t come from …

LET’S TALK FAMILY – LET’S TALK PARENTING FUNNY BECAUSE IT’S TRUE “Before I had kids, I had six theories about parenting. Now I have three kids and no theories.” “Parenting is the only job where you can be completely unqualified, and they still send you home from the hospital with the baby.” “You spe …

LET’S TALK FAMILY – LET’S TALK MARRIAGE Give honor to marriage and remain faithful to one another in marriage. Hebrews 13:4 Marriage matters because God DESIGNED it, and if God designed marriage, then He gets to DEFINE it. Unless the Lord builds a house, the work of the builders is wasted. Psalm 127 …

WEEK 2 — SEEKING GOD FIRST TOGETHER BIG IDEA: When God is FIRST, everything else finds its PLACE. Marriage has God designed ORDER. But good things in the wrong ORDER can create an unhealthy LIFE. You don’t strengthen a marriage simply by TRYING HARDER. You strengthen it by ORDERING it correctly. See …

LET’S TALK FAMILY – LET’S TALK OUR HOME EVERY HOME HAS A SMELL Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God. Ephesians 5:2 The Bible says a life that looks like Jesus actually carries an AROMA—and every …

WEEK 1 — Marriage Defined by God BIG IDEA: “Marriage isn’t only about making us HAPPY; God uses it to make us HOLY.” FOUNDATIONAL TRUTH: If we define marriage INCORRECTLY, we will expect it to deliver what ONLY GOD CAN. “Tonight we want to start where every healthy marriage has to start—with DEFINIT …

LET’S TALK FAMILY – LET’S TALK FOLLOWING JESUS Unless the LORD builds a house, the work of the builders is wasted. Psalm 127:1  As for me and my family, we will serve the LORD. Joshua 24:15 THE TENSION: CLOSE isn’t the same as FOLLOWING. It is possible to be around Jesus, believe in Jesus, agree wit …

I CAN’T TAKE IT ANYMORE – BREATHE AGAIN WHEN I’M AFRAID — I NEED FAITH.  WHEN I’M HOPELESS — I NEED HOPE.  WHEN I’M OVERWHELMED — I NEED WISDOM.  WHEN I’M ALONE — I NEED COMMUNITY.  WHEN I’M EXHAUSTED — I NEED REST. You can have FAITH and still get tired. You can have HOPE and still get tired. You c …

I CAN’T TAKE IT ANYMORE — WHO’S IN YOUR CORNER? Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 Problem: It’s possible to be SURROUNDED by people and still FEEL alone. WHY REAL FRIENDSHIPS CAN BE DIF …

I CAN’T TAKE IT ANYMORE – I’M GONNA NEED A BIGGER PLATE Teach us to realize the brevity of life, so that we may grow in wisdom.  Psalm 90:12 HERE’S WHAT WE HAVE TO ACCEPT Our LIFE has limits. Our TIME has limits. Our ENERGY has limits. Our CAPACITY has limits. GUIDING TRUTH: We don’t need a BIGGER p …

Pastor Brian – I CAN’T TAKE IT ANYMORE – THERE IS ALWAYS HOPE I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13 GUIDING TRUTH: Hope doesn’t come from …

Pastor Bryan – I CAN’T TAKE IT ANYMORE – We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed.  2 Corinthians 4:8-9 If you fail under pressure, your …

Pastor Bryan – Summer at RockCreek – MAKE A DIFFERENCE Peter and John went to the Temple one afternoon to take part in the three o’clock prayer service. As they approached the Temple, a man lame from birth was being carried in. Each day he was put beside the Temple gate, the one called the Beautiful …

Pastor Bryan – Summer at RockCreek – IT DOESN’T STOP HERE I remember your genuine faith, for you share the faith that first filled your grandmother Lois and your mother, Eunice. And I know that same faith continues strong in you. 2 timothy 1:5 BIBLICAL PRINCIPLE: Faith was never meant to stop at TRA …

“DON’T WORRY.” “[25] Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? [26] Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your hea …

Pastor Bryan – Summer at RockCreek – FAMILY BY DESIGN God designed us for something our CULTURE is moving away from. The problem isn’t that we belong to too many COMMUNITIES. The problem is we’ve settled for communities built around common interests instead of communities built around CHRIST. Shared …

Pastor Bryan – Summer at RockCreek – DON’T WALK PAST IT This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun! 2 Corinthians 5:17 But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own po …

Summer at Rockcreek – GOD ISN’T DONE YET One day Moses was tending the flock of his father-in-law, Jethro, the priest of Midian. He led the flock far into the wilderness and came to Sinai, the mountain of God. There the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a blazing fire from the middle of a bush. M …

Pastor Bryan – Summer at rockcreek – DON’T MISS WHAT MATTERS As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the …

SUMMER AT ROCKCREEK – HOW TO HAVE THE BEST SUMMER EVER Big Idea: The best summers don’t happen by ACCIDENT, They happen on PURPOSE. HERE’S WHAT I’M LEARNING Nobody accidentally has a GREAT marriage. Nobody accidentally gets HEALTHY. Nobody accidentally GROWS CLOSER to God. That person is like a tree …

Pastor Bryan – GOOD PLANS – SO DADSOME We will not hide these truths from our children; we will tell the next generation about the glorious deeds of the Lord, about his power and his mighty wonders. For he issued his laws to Jacob; he gave his instructions to Israel. He commanded our ancestors to te …

Pastor Bryan – GOOD PLANS – FAITHFUL BEATS FLASHY If people can’t see what God is doing, they stumble all over themselves; but when they attend to what he reveals, they are most blessed. Proverbs 29:18 (MSG) Patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God’s will. Then you …

PAstor Bryan – GOOD PLANS – Faithful BEATS FLASHY If people can’t see what God is doing, they stumble all over themselves; But when they attend to what he reveals, they are most blessed. Proverbs 29:18 (MSG) Patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God’s will. Then you …

Pastor Bryan – GOOD PLANS – SMALL STEPS. BIG FUTURE. If people can’t see what God is doing, they stumble all over themselves; But when they attend to what he reveals, they are most blessed. Proverbs 29:18 (MSG) GUIDING THOUGHT: Everybody loves the idea of a better FUTURE. A STRONGER marriage. A HEAL …

Pastor Bryan – GOOD PLANS – DON’T DIE IN THE DELAY If people can’t see what God is doing, they stumble all over themselves; but when they attend to what he reveals, they are most blessed. Proverbs 29:18 (MSG) In the last days, God says, ‘I will pour out my Spirit upon all people. Your sons and daugh …

Pastor Bryan – GOOD PLANS – WHAT DO YOU SEE NOW? If people can’t see what God is doing, they stumble all over themselves; But when they attend to what he reveals, they are most blessed. Proverbs 29:18 (MSG) In the last days,’ God says, ‘I will pour out my Spirit upon all people. Your sons and daught …

Pastor Bryan – GOOD PLANS – DREAM AGAIN If people can’t see what God is doing, they stumble all over themselves; But when they attend to what he reveals, they are most blessed. Proverbs 29:18 (MSG) Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see. Hebrews 11:1 …

Pastor Bryan – STREET SMARTS – HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY Getting wisdom is the wisest thing you can do! And whatever else you do, develop good judgment. Proverbs 4:7 CULTURAL MOMENT WE’RE LIVING IN REVIEW It. ROAST It. Cancel It. MOCK It. The Kingdom of God moves different. In God’s Kingdom, we don’t tear …

Pastor Bryan – Directed or drifting GUIDING TRUTH: Our money is always MOVING… the question is—who’s DIRECTING it? “Getting wisdom is the wisest thing you can do! And whatever else you do, develop good judgment.” Proverbs 4:7 What if GENEROSITY isn’t just something God asks from us… what if it’s act …

Pastor Bryan – TGIF (I just want to be happy) Getting wisdom is the wisest thing you can do! Proverbs 4:7 This is the day the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24 THE EFFECTS OF NEGATIVITY REWIRES your brain. INCREASES stress. Limits THINKING and DECISION-MAKING. Damages RE …

Pastor Bryan – Don’t be a KNOW IT ALL (be a learn it all) Getting wisdom is the wisest thing you can do! And whatever else you do, develop good judgment. Proverbs 4:7 ACTIN A FOOL The wise are glad to be instructed but babbling fools fall flat on their faces. Proverbs 10:8 The KNOW-IT-ALL. Those who …

Pastor Bryan – START SMART Getting wisdom is the wisest thing you can do! And whatever else you do, develop good judgment. Proverbs 4:7 GUIDING TRUTH: Wisdom isn’t downloaded, it’s DEVELOPED. BOOK OF PROVERBS: If you LISTEN , you don’t have to learn the HARD WAY. Proverbs places people into CATEGORI …

EASTER AT ROCKCREEK – THE DECISION THAT CHANGES EVERYTHING The disciples saw Jesus do many other miraculous signs in addition to the ones recorded in this book. But these are written so that you may continue to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing in him you will …

GOOD FRIDAY – DON’T MISREAD THE MIDDLE  A sign was fastened above Jesus’ head, announcing the charge against him. It read: “This is Jesus, the King of the Jews.” Two revolutionaries were crucified with him, one on his right and one on his left. The people passing by shouted abuse, shaking their head …

BUILT DIFFERENT – BUILT TO LAST The next day the great crowd that had come for the festival heard that Jesus was on his way to Jerusalem. They took palm branches and went out to meet him, shouting, “Hosanna!” “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Blessed is the king of Israel!” John 12 …

BUILT DIFFERENT – BUILT THROUGH HUMILITY What is causing the quarrels and fights among you? James 4:1 BIG IDEA: God resists PRIDE because it weakens what He’s trying to BUILD. BUILT DIFFERENT: God resists what’s UNSAFE and rebuilds what’s SURRENDERED. I’ve heard it said distance makes the heart grow …

BUILT DIFFERENT – BUILT WITH WISDOM If you are wise and understand God’s ways, prove it by living an honorable life, doing good works with the humility that comes from wisdom. James 3:13 GUIDING TRUTH: Not all wisdom is GOOD wisdom. Faith can’t be built different if we don’t BUILD with the right SOU …

BUILT DIFFERENT – BUILT TO SPEAK LIFE  Indeed, we all make many mistakes. For if we could control our tongues, we would be perfect and could also control ourselves in every other way. James 3:2 GUIDING TRUTH: SPEECH problems are rarely mouth problems—they’re HEART problems. WORDS MATTER BECAUSE. The …

BUILT DIFFERENT – BUILT TO WORK What good is it, dear brothers and sisters, if you say you have faith but don’t show it by your actions? Can that kind of faith save anyone? James 2:14 JAMES IS WRITING TO BELIEVERS WHO ARE: CLAIMING FAITH but NEVER CHANGE. GUIDING TRUTH: REAL faith always produces re …

BUILT DIFFERENT – BUILT FOR PEOPLE LET ME STATE THE OBVIOUS: Faith is never just VERTICAL, it always shows up HORIZONTALLY. You can’t love God DEEPLY and treat people POORLY. We can’t claim STRONG faith and show SELECTIVE love. JAMES IS WRITING TO BELIEVERS WHO ARE: UNDER PRESSURE. ECONOMICALLY STRA …

BUILT DIFFERENT – BUILT TO OBEY LET ME STATE THE OBVIOUS: WE HAVE… More SERMONS than ever. More PODCASTS than ever. More Bible ACCESS than any generation in history. Yet we often live a life that STAYS the SAME. UNCOMFORTABLE QUESTION: Are we becoming more OBEDIENT—or just more INFORMED? IT’S POSSIB …

BUILT DIFFERENT – WHY IS THIS HAPPENING? James isn’t a FEEL-GOOD book. It’s not ABSTRACT theology. It’s not motivational FLUFF. James is PRACTICAL. James is DIRECT. James is REAL LIFE. James doesn’t ask: “What do you BELIEVE?” James asks: “Can anyone TELL?” THE BOOK WAS WRITTEN TO BELIEVERS WHO WERE …

AGAINST THE GRAIN – CAN I GO FIRST? You must not have any other god but me. Exodus 20:3 Jesus replied, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.” Matthew 22:37 THE FINAL CHOICE: Choose to put God FIRST. When God is first everything else finds its PLACE. …

AGAINST THE GRAIN – DEVELOPING GREAT RELATIONSHIPS (find good friends) Don’t be fooled by those who say such things, for “bad company corrupts good character.” I Corinthians 15:33 GUIDING TRUTH: Relationships are NEVER NEUTRAL — they are either SHARPENING you or SHAPING you in the wrong direction. L …

AGAINST THE GRAIN – WATER BAPTISM: WHY IT STILL MATTERS “Jesus then appeared, arriving at the Jordan River from Galilee. He wanted John to baptize him. John objected, “I’m the one who needs to be baptized, not you! But Jesus insisted. “Do it. God’s work, putting things right all these centuries, is …

Pastor Bryan Rees – AGAINST THE GRAIN – FIXING OUR CHOOSER Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. Romans 12:2 The big idea: “ …

“The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.” –Luke 2:20 (NIV) Surrender your routine: “The shepherds returned . . .” -Luke 2:20 As the shepherds returned to their sheep, they were praising God and saying wond …

Pastor Bryan Rees – Don’t Let Christmas End “Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the reign of King Herod. About that time some wise men from eastern lands arrived in Jerusalem, asking, 2 “Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star as it rose,[b] and we have come to worship him.” …

Pastor Bryan Rees – Christmas at RockCreek “This is how Jesus the Messiah was born. His mother, Mary, was engaged to be married to Joseph. But before the marriage took place, while she was still a virgin, she became pregnant through the power of the Holy Spirit. Joseph, to whom she was engaged, was …

Pastor Bryan Rees – PRINCE OF PEACE “For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6 “Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with …

Pastor Bryan Rees – EVERLASTING FATHER “For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6 “But when the right time came, God sent his Son, born of a woma …

Pastor Bryan Rees – MIGHTY GOD “For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6 “O Sovereign Lord! You made the heavens and earth by your strong hand a …

Pastor Bryan Rees – HE WILL BE CALLED “For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6 “This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he fac …

Pastor Bryan – HELP ME UNDERSTAND HOW TO LEAVE A LEGACY “The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding.” Proverbs 4:7 (NIV) “A good person leaves an inheritance for their children’s children, but a sinner’s wealth is stored up for the righteous.” Proverb …

Pastor Bryan – HELP ME UNDERSTAND HOW TO FIGHT FAIR. “The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding.” Proverbs 4:7 (NIV) “Dear brothers and sisters, I close my letter with these last words: Be joyful. Grow to maturity. Encourage each other. Live in harmo …

Help Me Understand The Gospel The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding. Proverbs 4:7 (NIV) 16 For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. 17 God sent …

Pastor Bryan – HELP ME UNDERSTAND HOW TO MAKE WISE DECISIONS. “The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding.” Proverbs 4:7 (NIV) “Make sure that no one is immoral or godless like Esau, who traded his birthright as the firstborn son for a single meal.” H …

Pastor Bryan – HELP ME UNDERSTAND BIBLICAL PEACE. “And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:7 (ESV) “You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.” Isaiah 26:3 (ESV) “Don’t co …

Pastor Bryan – HELP ME UNDERSTAND BIBLICAL GENEROSITY. “The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding.” Proverbs 4:7 (NIV) “For this is how God loved the world: He gave… “ John 3:16 “Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations…” Matthew 28:19 “Th …

Pastor Bryan – HELP ME UNDERSTAND DISCIPLESHIP. “When you produce much fruit, you are my true disciples. This brings great glory to my Father.” John 15:8 6 “Those who say they live in God should live their lives as Jesus did.” I John 2:6 DISCIPLE DEFINED: The biblical Greek word “mathētēs” literally …

Pastor Bryan – HELP ME UNDERSTAND HOPE. “This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls. It leads us through the curtain into God’s inner sanctuary.” Hebrews 6:19 EVERYDAY HOPE: “Is based on circumstances, rooted in feelings, fragile at best because the future is always uncertain.” WISHF …

Pastor Bryan – HELP ME UNDERSTAND FORGIVENESS. 1 Then He said to the disciples, “It is impossible that no offenses should come…” Luke 17:1 (NKJV) MYTH 1: Forgiveness means it DIDN’T HURT. TRUTH: Forgiveness doesn’t erase the PAIN… it releases the poison. 15” Look after each other so that none of you …

Pastor Bryan – Can we Talk? PLEASE STOP FIGHTING… 2 “Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. 3 Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace.” Ephesians 4:2-3 MARRIAGE …

Pastor Bryan – Can we Talk? PUT MY BAG DOWN 4 “My guilt overwhelms me it is a burden too heavy to bear.” Psalm 38:4 15 “I don’t really understand myself, for I want to do what is right, but I don’t do it. Instead, I do what I hate.” Romans 7:15 WHAT HAPPENS WHEN WE CARRY THE WRONG BAG… It becomes a …

Pastor Bryan MEN’S NIGHT – BE A MAN… (GOD’S WAY) 13 “Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong.” I Corinthians 16:13 (ESV) CULTURAL VIEWS OF BEING A MAN… Men shouldn’t show EMOTION. Men are MEASURED by their WEALTH, POSSESSIONS OR CAREER. Manhood equals POWER OVER OTHERS. Real me …

Pastor Bryan – Can we Talk? OVER THE WEIGHT LIMIT – RELATIONAL BAGGAGE 4 “My guilt overwhelms me it is a burden too heavy to bear.” Psalm 38:4 TOO MUCH WEIGHT… Unfulfilled EXPECTATIONS. 12 “Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a dream fulfilled is a tree of life.” Proverbs 13:12 Untreated PAIN. 1 …

Pastor Bryan – Lessons from Legends NOAH – STANDING STRONG IN A FALLEN WORLD Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the r …

Pastor Bryan – Lessons from Legends SAMSON – STRENGTH THAT CANNOT BE STOLEN “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the r …

Pastor Bryan – Lessons from Legends ISAIAH – WHEN HEAVEN BREAKS IN “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God h …

HOPE FOR OUR GIANTS Giants we may be facing include financial pressure, a serious illness, anxiety & depression, addiction, relationship issues, job stress, dysfunctional family dynamics, etc. I Samuel 17:4-11, 16. Then Goliath, a Philistine champion from Gath, came out of the Philistine ranks t …

Summer at RockCreek – USE IT OR LOSE IT Parable of the Three Servants 14 “Again, the Kingdom of Heaven can be illustrated by the story of a man going on a long trip. He called together his servants and entrusted his money to them while he was gone.15 He gave five bags of silver to one, two bags of s …

SUMMER AT ROCKCREEK – Get Outside the House “Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. …

Summer at RockCreek – JUST KEEP GROWING “Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. May …

Summer at RockCreek – NOW OR NEVER 13 “You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor? Can you make it salty again? It will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless. 14 You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. 15 No one l …

Pastor Bryan – Summer at RockCreek – It needs more SALT 13 “You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor? Can you make it salty again? It will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless. 14 You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot b …

Sharing Faith with People Who Have Faith Differences Acts 17:16-23, 30-34 16 While Paul was waiting for them in Athens, he was deeply troubled by all the idols he saw everywhere in the city. 17 He went to the synagogue to reason with the Jews and the God-fearing Gentiles, and he spoke daily in the p …

MATURE ME- Pastor Amy Lefotu “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. James 1:2-4 NIV 1. YOU …

Pastor Bryan – UNBOTHERED – “UNSHAKEABLE ROOTS… UNSTOPPABLE LEGACY” 7 “But blessed are those who trust in the Lord and have made the Lord their hope and confidence. 8 They are like trees planted along a riverbank, with roots that reach deep into the water. Such trees are not bothered by the heat or …

Pastor Bryan – UNBOTHERED – “I NEED SOME INNER PEACE” 7 “But blessed are those who trust in the Lord and have made the Lord their hope and confidence. 8 They are like trees planted along a riverbank, with roots that reach deep into the water. Such trees are not bothered by the heat or worried by lon …

Pastor Bryan – UNBOTHERED – “DRAMA FREE LIVING” 7 “But blessed are those who trust in the Lord and have made the Lord their hope and confidence. 8 They are like trees planted along a riverbank, with roots that reach deep into the water. Such trees are not bothered by the heat or worried by long mont …

Unbothered: Overcoming Worry Jeremiah 17:7-8 With its roots reaching deep into the water—a tree not bothered by the heat nor worried by long months of drought. Its leaves stay green, and it goes right on producing all its luscious fruit. Matthew 6:25-34 “That is why I tell you not to worry about eve …

Pastor Bryan – UNBOTHERED – “Trust me I am God” 7 “But blessed are those who trust in the Lord and have made the Lord their hope and confidence. 8 They are like trees planted along a riverbank, with roots that reach deep into the water. Such trees are not bothered by the heat or worried by long mont …

Pastor Bryan – Mother’s Day – MOM BOMB “Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.” Proverbs 31:31 (NIV) THE CHALLENGES OF MOM LIFE (or just life) The lack of PERSONAL TIME. The MULTIPLE HATS we wear. The real MOM GUILT. TRUTH TO LIVE BY: Your gr …

TIME Psalm 90 “Teach us to number our days.” 2 Timothy 4:6-7 For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time for my departure is near. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.  FIGHT THE GOOD FIGHT RUN YOUR RACE KEEP THE FAITH (MULTILINE)(M …

EASTER AT ROCKCREEK THE BIG QUESTION FOR ALL OF US: WHAT DOES EASTER HAVE TO DO WITH REAL LIFE? “I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God’s power for us who believe him. This is the same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead and seated him in the place of honor at …

GOOD FRIDAY – FAITH OVER CIRCUMSTANCES 37 A sign was fastened above Jesus’ head, announcing the charge against him. It read: “This is Jesus, the King of the Jews.” 38 Two revolutionaries were crucified with him, one on his right and one on his left. 39 The people passing by shouted abuse, shaking th …

Faith Speaks – SAVE ME NOW 8 Most of the crowd spread their garments on the road ahead of him, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. 9 Jesus was in the center of the procession, and the people all around him were shouting,  “Praise God for the Son of David! Blessings on …

Faith Speaks – IT’S TIME TO GROW 15-16 God wants us to grow up, to know the whole truth and tell it in love—like Christ in everything. We take our lead from Christ, who is the source of everything we do. He keeps us in step with each other. His very breath and blood flow through us, nourishing us so …

FAITH SPEAKS Kiss The Wave 3/29-30 Pastor Jeff Fullmer When Israel came out of Egypt, Jacob from a people of foreign tongue, Judah became God’s sanctuary, Israel his dominion. The sea looked and fled, the Jordan turned back; the mountains leaped like rams, the hills like lambs. Psalms 114:1-4 (NIV) …

Faith Speaks – THE BATTLE FOR FAITH 6 But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. 7 That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. 8 Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do. …

Pastor Bryan – Why is this Happening? 1 Long ago God spoke many times and in many ways to our ancestors through the prophets.2 And now in these final days, he has spoken to us through his Son.  Hebrews 1:1-2 HOW DOES GOD SPEAK? GOD’S WORD. THE HOLY SPIRIT. TRUSTED VOICES. OUR CONSCIENCE. LIFE EVENTS …

Pastor Bryan – Can I Get a Witness. 15 And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body, you are called to live in peace.” Colossians 3:15 HOW MOST PEOPLE MAKE DECISIONS What feels good – SIN. What we think we’ll lose – FEAR. What we think we need – COMPROMISE …

Pastor Bryan – Who can I trust? 15 Fools think their own way is right, but the wise listen to others.” Proverbs 12:15 22 Plans go wrong for lack of advice; many advisers bring success.” Proverbs 15:22 8 This is the case of a man who is all alone, without a child or a brother, yet who works hard to g …

27 My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” John 10:27 20 Above all, you must realize that no prophecy in Scripture ever came from the prophet’s own understanding, 21 or from human initiative. No, those prophets were moved by the Holy Spirit, and they spoke from God.” II Peter …

Pastor Bryan – PATTERNS AND PRINCIPLES 27 My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. John 10:27 BIBLICAL TRUTH: The better you KNOW GOD, the better you will HEAR GOD. The bible shows us WHO God is more than it gives us RULES FOR LIFE. WHAT YOU READ MATTERS – BENEFITS OF THE BIBLE …

Pastor Bryan – TALK TO ME 27 My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” John 10:27 BIBLICAL TRUTH: The better you KNOW GOD, the better you will HEAR GOD. THE BIG GOAL: Learn how to know with CERTAINTY that God is speaking to you. ARE YOU TALKING TO ME?  8 So the Lord called a thi …

Pastor Bryan – HE’S ALWAYS TALKING 27 My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” John 10:27 WHY THIS SERIES? One of the most common questions: What is God’s will for my life? Through this series, the goal is to learn: That God is RELATIONAL. How to HEAR God BETTER. How to have CO …

Pastor Bryan – CAN’T STOP, WON’T STOP 17 Never stop praying.” I Thessalonians 5:17 18 Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.” Ephesians 6:18 KEEP ON PRAYING         1.  Continue to make prayer a PRIORITY. 3 Li …

Pastor Bryan – PRAYER: WHY DOES IT MATTER? 17 Never stop praying.” I Thessalonians 5:17 1 One day Jesus told his disciples a story to show that they should always pray and never give up.” Luke 18:1 THE POWER OF PRAYER Prayer REPLACES WORRY. “Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petiti …

Pastor Bryan – TEACH ME TO PRAY 16 Always be joyful. 17 Never stop praying. 18 Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.” I Thessalonians 5:16-18 Prayer should be our FIRST RESPONSE not our LAST RESORT. 13 At times I might shut up the heavens so tha …

Pastor Bryan – I WANT TO BE FIRST BIBLICAL TRUTH Prayer should be our FIRST RESPONSE not our LAST RESORT. 16 Always be joyful. 17 Never stop praying. 18 Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.” I Thessalonians 5:16-18 BUILDING YOUR LIFE GOD’S WAY …

Pastor Bryan – CHRISTMAS IS OVER… NOW WHAT? “When Jesus’ parents had fulfilled all the requirements of the law of the Lord, they returned home to Nazareth in Galilee. There the child grew up healthy and strong. He was filled with wisdom, and God’s favor was on him.” Luke 2:39-40 THE TRUTH OF CHRISTM …

Tis the Season – Christmas at RockCreek 1At that time the Roman emperor, Augustus, decreed that a census should be taken throughout the Roman Empire. 2 (This was the first census taken when Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3 All returned to their own ancestral towns to register for this census. 4 A …

‘Tis the Season – I NEED SOME PEACE 8 That night there were shepherds staying in the fields nearby, guarding their flocks of sheep. 9 Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them. They were terrified, 10 but the angel reassured them. “Don’t …

‘Tis the Season – “WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?” 11 Search for the Lord and for his strength; continually seek him.” I Chronicles 16:11 27 “His purpose was for the nations to seek after God and perhaps feel their way toward him and find him—though he is not far from any one of us.” Acts 17:27 6 And it …

CHRISTMAS AT ROCKCREEK – “THE MECHANICS OF A MIRACLE: A CASE STUDY ON THE MOTHER OF JESUS” 23 “Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel, which means ‘God is with us.” Matthew 1:23 I’M PREGNANT…. (WHATS THE BIG DEAL) LEGAL ISSUES. SOCIAL SH …

One Anothering – Five Lies 2” Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love.” Ephesians 4:2  “Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. 32 Instead, be kind to each …

ONE ANOTHERING—HAVE MERCY… 36 Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful.” Luke 6:36 (ESV) 7God blesses those who are merciful, for they will be shown mercy.” Matthew 5:7 8 No, O people, the Lord has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, an …

ONE ANOTHERING—Putting Love First “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience…and over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.” Colossians 3:12-13 (NIV) We CREATE envi …

ONE ANOTHERING – Let’s Duke it out! 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. 17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. 18 If it is possible, as far as it dep …

THERE IS MORE – IS THIS HEAVEN? 11 Yet God has made everything beautiful for its own time. He has planted eternity in the human heart, but even so, people cannot see the whole scope of God’s work from beginning to end.” Ecclesiastes 3:11 13 And now, dear brothers and sisters, we want you to know wha …

THERE IS MORE – OUTSIDE OUR WALLS 2 Enlarge your house; build an addition. Spread out your home and spare no expense! 3 For you will soon be bursting at the seams.” Isaiah 54:2-3 18 Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. 19 Therefore, go and make …

THERE IS MORE – DO THEY KNOW?  14 Either way, Christ’s love controls us. Since we believe that Christ died for all, we also believe that we have all died to our old life. 15 He died for everyone so that those who receive his new life will no longer live for themselves. Instead, they will live for Ch …

THERE IS MORE – OVERFLOW 38 Give, and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap. The amount you give will determine the amount you get back.” Luke 6:38 THE WORLD OF THE GENEROUS Generous people a …

THERE IS MORE – MORE THAN I NEED 6 Remember this—a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop. 7 You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a pers …

THERE IS MORE – Is this it? or is there more? 2 “Enlarge your house; build an addition. Spread out your home and spare no expense! 3 For you will soon be bursting at the seams. Your descendants will occupy other nations and resettle the ruined cities.” Isaiah 54:2-3 15 We will speak the truth in lov …

FACTS – RED LIGHT… GREEN LIGHT 23 The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. 24Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the Lord holds them by the hand. Psalm 37:23-24 “The most important and the most challenging person you will ever have to lead is yo …

FACTS – GOD HELPS THOSE WHO HELP THEMSELVES 1Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. 2 We …

FACTS – MOUNTAIN MOVING FAITH “And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him.” Hebrews 11:6 20 “You don’t have enough faith,” Jesus told them. “I tell you the truth, if you had faith eve …

FACTS – THERE IS MORE 18 Where there is no vision, the people perish… Proverbs 29:18 (KJV) Hebrew: Chazah: A divine guidance, revelation or prophetic vision for life. 1 When the Lord brought back his exiles to Jerusalem, it was like a dream! 2 We were filled with laughter, and we sang for joy. And …

FACTS – CAN YOU HEAR ME NOW? 3 The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep recognize his voice and come to him. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. 4 After he has gathered his own flock, he walks ahead of them, and they follow him because they know his voice. 5 They won’t fol …

FACTS – IT COULD BE WORSE (WHAT DOESN’T KILL YOU MAKES YOU STRONGER) 15 I don’t really understand myself, for I want to do what is right, but I don’t do it. Instead, I do what I hate.” ROMANS 7:15 It becomes a part of your IDENTITY. You feel increasingly HOPELESS. You become DEFENSIVE. You become TR …

FACTS – THIS TOO SHALL PASS 3 A house is built by wisdom and becomes strong through good sense. 4 Through knowledge its rooms are filled with all sorts of precious riches and valuables. 5 The wise are mightier than the strong, and those with knowledge grow stronger and stronger.6 So don’t go to war …

FACTS – IT IS WHAT IT IS 33 I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 19 The righteous person faces many troubles, but the Lord comes to the rescue each time.” Psalm 3 …

FACTS – THAT HURT. NOW WHAT? 1He said to His disciples, “Offenses will certainly come…” Luke 17:1 THE WORLD SAYS: Time Heals all WOUNDS. FACTS: Only God HEALS all wounds. DON’T DO THIS WHEN YOU’RE HURT It’s not BLOW UP. 1 Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God.” Romans 12:19 It’s no …

FACTS – LESS IS MORE… (WHEN GOD IS INVOLVED) 13 “Sir,” Gideon replied, “If the Lord is with us, why has all this happened to us? And where are all the miracles our ancestors told us about? Didn’t they say,The Lord brought us up out of Egypt’? But now the Lord has abandoned us and handed us over to t …

WINNING THE WAR IN YOUR MIND – Most Of Life’s Battles Are WON Or LOST In Your MIND For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. 2 Corinthians 10:3-4 …

Summer Series: Becoming A New Creation! Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! II Corinthians 5:17 … I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Philippians 3:12  All that matters is whether we have been transforme …

FATHER’S DAY – I AM YOUR FATHER 8 “Therefore do not be like them. For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him. 9 In this manner, therefore, pray: Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. 10 Your kingdom come. Your will be done On earth as it is in heaven. 11 Give us this …

THE GREATEST SUMMER EVER – I’M SO BUSY 38 As Jesus and the disciples continued on their way to Jerusalem, they came to a certain village where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. 39 Her sister, Mary, sat at the Lord’s feet, listening to what he taught. 40 But Martha was distracted by th …

THE GREATEST SUMMER EVER – MAKING THE MOST OF THE MOMENT 13 Look here, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we are going to a certain town and will stay there a year. We will do business there and make a profit.” 14 How do you know what your life will be like tomorrow? Your life is like the morning fog—i …

BEST SUMMER EVER – I’M ON A BOAT… YOU GOTTA HAVE FAITH 22 Immediately after this, Jesus insisted that his disciples get back into the boat and cross to the other side of the lake, while he sent the people home. 23 After sending them home, he went up into the hills by himself to pray. Night fell whil …

BEST SUMMER EVER – I NEED A VACATION 24 Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me. 25 If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it. 26  …

WHAT MY MOTHER TAUGHT ME My mother taught me TO APPRECIATE A JOB WELL DONE. “If you’re going to kill each other, do it outside. I just finished cleaning.” My mother taught me LOGIC. “Because I said so, that’s why.” My mother taught me about HYPOCRISY. “If I told you once, I’ve told you a million tim …

PLEASANT PLACES – STUCK IN SECOND GEAR “The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance.” Psalm 16:6 BIBLICAL TRUTH: Healthy BOUNDARIES lead to healthy PEOPLE, and healthy people have healthy RELATIONSHIPS. PEOPLE PROBLEMS People will DISAPPOINT. Peop …

PLEASANT PLACES – WHAT KEEPS YOU UP AT NIGHT? “The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance.” Psalm 16:6 BIBLICAL TRUTH: Healthy BOUNDARIES lead to healthy PEOPLE, and healthy people have healthy RELATIONSHIPS. GENERAL APPROACHES TO CONFLICT (types …

PLEASANT PLACES – HAPPILY EVER AFTER “The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance.” Psalm 16:6 BIBLICAL TRUTH: Healthy BOUNDARIES lead to healthy PEOPLE, and healthy people have healthy RELATIONSHIPS. WHAT BREAKS A MARRIAGE UP DIFFICULT CIRCUMSTAN …

PLEASANT PLACES – THAT’S MY LAND “The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance.” Psalm 16:6 BOUNDARY DEFINED: A PROPERTY line. THREE IMPORTANT THINGS BOUNDARIES DO Define what you have CONTROL of. Give you the FREEDOM to choose what to do with what …

PUT ON THE NEW LIFE “Since God chose you to be the holy people He loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds …

Pastor Bryan – Easter at RockCreek “The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, he will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you.” Romans 8:11 What isn’t Disputed about Jesus – That Jesus EXISTED – H …

#ADULTING – THE GOAT “Wise choices will watch over you. Understanding will keep you safe. Proverbs 2:11 “About that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who is greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven?” Matthew 18:1 20 Then the mother of Zebedee’s sons came to Jesus with her sons and, kneeling down …

Adulting – I NEED SOME RELIEF “Wise choices will watch over you. Understanding will keep you safe. Proverbs 2:11  “We think you ought to know, dear brothers and sisters, about the trouble we went through in the province of Asia. We were crushed and overwhelmed beyond our ability to endure, and we th …

ADULTING – WATCH YOUR MOUTH “Wise choices will watch over you. Understanding will keep you safe. Proverbs 2:11 “The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences.” Proverbs 18:21 CHILD RHYME: “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words shall never hurt me.” “ …

It’s Not About Perfection In those days there was no king in Israel: every man did that which was right in his own eyes. Judges 21:25 But now your kingdom must end, for the Lord has sought out a man after his own heart. The Lord has already appointed him to be the leader of his people, because you h …

ADULTING – FIGHTING FOR FAITH “Wise choices will watch over you. Understanding will keep you safe. Proverbs 2:11 “Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us.2 Because of our faith, Christ has brought …

ADULTING – MADE FOR THIS “Wise choices will watch over you. Understanding will keep you safe. Proverbs 2:11 TRUTH #1: Choices determine the distance between WHERE WE ARE and WHERE GOD WANTS US TO BE. TRUTH #2: The value of life isn’t determined by how much I ACHIEVE or ACCUMULATE but by how much I G …

ADULTING – CHOOSE YOUR CHANGE “Wise choices will watch over you. Understanding will keep you safe. Proverbs 2:11 “Therefore I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God.” Ephesians 4:1 GUIDING TRUTH: Choices determine the distance …

UPHILL HABITS – PUT PEOPLE IN BOXES Most people have UPHILL HOPES and DOWNHILL HABITS “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” Psalm 90:12 “So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. …

UPHILL HABITS – FINISH YOUR ASSIGNMENT Most people have UPHILL HOPES and DOWNHILL HABITS “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” Psalm 90:12 (NIV) “So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity in these e …

UPHILL HABITS – #3 GROUP UP YOUR LIFE Most people have UPHILL HOPES and DOWNHILL HABITS “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” Psalm 90:12 (NIV) “So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity in these ev …

UPHILL HABITS – #2 BE A BOSS – TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR THOUGHTS You are what you repeatedly do… You form habits then your habits form you! What I starve dies… what I feed thrives… We don’t look for potential… we look at the patterns of our life… NEW YEAR… NEW YOU… Most people have UPHILL HOPES and DOWN …

UPHILL HABITS – #1 ATTITUDE “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” Psalm 90:12 (NIV) “So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lo …

CHRISTMAS AT ROCKCREEK “As he considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream. “Joseph, son of David,” the angel said, “do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife. For the child within her was conceived by the Holy Spirit. And she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for …

ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS – HOPE THAT HELPS “In the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God. He existed in the beginning with God. God created everything through him, and nothing was created except through him. The Word gave life to everything that was created, …

ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS – FINDER’S KEEPER “In the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God. He existed in the beginning with God. God created everything through him, and nothing was created except through him. The Word gave life to everything that was created, …

ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS – I JUST WANT SOME PEACE AND QUIET “In the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God. He existed in the beginning with God. God created everything through him, and nothing was created except through him. The Word gave life to everything …

Pastor Bryan – FAMILY VALUES – VALUE #4 PRESENCE 14 As he walked along, he saw Levi son of Alphaeus sitting at his tax collector’s booth. “Follow me and be my disciple,” Jesus said to him. So Levi got up and followed him.” Mark 2:14 PRESENCE: Being present refers to a state of mindful awareness of w …

Pastor Bryan – FAMILY VALUES – VALUE #3 LEGACY 16 In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.” Matthew 5:16 … And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the …

Pastor Bryan – FAMILY VALUES – VALUE #2 CHRIST-CENTERED 4 “Listen, O Israel! The Lord is our God, the Lord alone. 5 And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength.6 And you must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands that I am giving you tod …

Pastor Bryan – FAMILY VALUES VALUE #1 TEAM (TEAMWORK MAKES THE DREAM WORK) 24 “Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock. 25 Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won’t colla …

WHO TOLD YOU THAT? – God doesn’t answer prayers? “About that time King Herod Agrippa began to persecute some believers in the church. 2 He had the apostle James (John’s brother) killed with a sword. 3 When Herod saw how much this pleased the Jewish people, he also arrested Peter. (This took place du …

WHO TOLD YOU THAT? – You are what you eat! “The voice said to me, “Son of man, eat what I am giving you—eat this scroll! Then go and give its message to the people of Israel.” 2 So I opened my mouth, and he fed me the scroll. 3 “Fill your stomach with this,” he said. And when I ate it, it tasted as …

WHO TOLD YOU THAT? – IF YOU’RE NOT FIRST YOUR LAST “In the beginning God…” Genesis 1:1 “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.” Matthew 6:33 THE CULTURE OF ME FIRST First place gives you an ADVANTAGE. First place is a mark of SUCCESS. …

WHO TOLD YOU THAT? – TO FOLLOW YOUR HEART “The human heart is the most deceitful of all things, and desperately wicked. Who really knows how bad it is?” Jeremiah 17:9 “This is the evil in everything that happens under the sun: The same destiny overtakes all. The hearts of people, moreover, are full …

WHO TOLD YOU THAT? – TO STAY HURT… TO LIVE OFFENDED? “An offended friend is harder to win back than a fortified city. Arguments separate friends like a gate locked with bars.” Proverbs 18:19 “A person’s wisdom yields patience; it is to one’s glory to overlook an offense.” Proverbs 19:11 “Whoever wou …

WHO TOLD YOU? – To sit down, settle in and stop seeking? “Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door …

WHO TOLD YOU THAT? – PASTOR BRYAN – Your best days are behind you? “I’m not saying that I have this all together, that I have it made. But I am well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has so wondrously reached out for me. Friends, don’t get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in a …

Pastor Bryan Rees – Who told you that? – NO MORE SECOND CHANCES “Don’t overlook the obvious here, friends. With God, one day is as good as a thousand years, a thousand years as a day. God isn’t late with his promise as some measure lateness. He is restraining himself on account of you, holding back …

Pastor Bryan Rees – YOU HAVE A WAY WITH WORDS “The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences.” Proverbs 18:21 We all stumble in many ways. Anyone who is never at fault in what they say is perfect, able to keep their whole body in check. When we put bits into t …

Pastor Bryan –MONIKER– JEHOVAH SHAMMAH “The distance around the entire city will be 6 miles. And from that day the name of the city will be ‘The Lord Is There.” Ezekiel 48:35 “His purpose was for the nations to seek after God and perhaps feel their way toward him and find him—though he is not far fr …

Pastor Bryan –MONIKER– JEHOVAH TSIDKENU “The days are coming,” declares the Lord, “when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, a King who will reign wisely and do what is just and right in the land. In his days Judah will be saved and Israel will live in safety. This is the name by which he w …

Pastor Bryan –MONIKER– JEHOVAH SHALOM “Come, let us tell of the Lord’s greatness; let us exalt his name together.” Psalm 34:3 “It is all right,” the Lord replied. “Do not be afraid. You will not die.” And Gideon built an altar to the Lord there and named it Jehovah-Shalom (which means “the Lord is p …

Pastor Bryan –MONIKER– JEHOVAH NISSI “The name of the Lord is a strong fortress; the godly run to him and are safe.” Proverbs 18:10 “After the victory… Moses built an altar there and named it Jehovah-Nissi (which means “the Lord is my banner”). He said, “They have raised their fist against the Lord’ …

MONIKER – JEHOVAH JIREH- THE LORD YOUR PROVIDER “Some time later, God tested Abraham’s faith. “Abraham!” God called. “Yes,” he replied. “Here I am.” Genesis 22:1 GOD IS MY PROVIDER (A CASE STUDY FROM ABRAHAM) 2 “Take your son, your only son—yes, Isaac, whom you love so much—and go to the land of Mor …

MONIKER – JEHOVAH RAPHA – THE LORD YOUR HEALER “Then Moses led the people of Israel away from the Red Sea, and they moved out into the desert of Shur. They traveled in this desert for three days without finding any water. 23 When they came to the oasis of Marah, the water was too bitter to drink. So …

MONIKER – JEHOVA ROHI – THE GOOD SHEPHERD “Let them all praise the name of the Lord. For his name is very great; his glory towers over the earth and heaven!” Psalm 148:13 “The Lord is my shepherd…” Psalm 23:1 WHY TRUSTING GOD (AS SHEPHERD) CAN BE HARD? WE LIKE BEING THE BOSS. WE HAVE UNANSWERED PR …

TRUE WORSHIP-Pastor Amy  GUIDING PRINCIPLE: You were CREATED to WORSHIP. “The scriptures say, you must worship the Lord your God and serve only Him.” Luke 4:8 “The Bible portrays us not just as people who occasionally worship, but as worshippers. We have been designed by God to worship.” -Paul Tripp …

Pastor Bryan – What’s the point – PERSISTENT HOPE “One day Jesus told his disciples a story to show that they should always pray and never give up. 2 “There was a judge in a certain city,” he said, “who neither feared God nor cared about people. 3 A widow of that city came to him repeatedly, saying, …

Pastor Bryan – What’s the point – WELCOME HOME “To illustrate the point further, Jesus told them this story: “A man had two sons. 12 The younger son told his father, ‘I want my share of your estate now before you die.’ So his father agreed to divide his wealth between his sons. 13 “A few days later …

Pastor Bryan – What’s the point – PRIDE SUCKS “Then Jesus told this story to some who had great confidence in their own righteousness and scorned everyone else: 10 “Two men went to the Temple to pray. One was a Pharisee, and the other was a despised tax collector. 11 The Pharisee stood by himself an …

Pastor Bryan – What’s the point – A Better Way to Build “For I will speak to you in a parable. I will teach you hidden lessons from our past.” Psalm 78:2 “A large crowd soon gathered around him, so he got into a boat. Then he sat there and taught as the people stood on the shore. He told many storie …

QUESTIONS JESUS ASKED – WHY ARE YOU AFRAID? As evening came, Jesus said to his disciples, “Let’s cross to the other side of the lake.” 36 So they took Jesus in the boat and started out, leaving the crowds behind (although other boats followed). 37 But soon a fierce storm came up. High waves were bre …

Pastor Bryan – QUESTIONS JESUS ASKED – WHO WILL TRUST YOU? “If you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in large ones. But if you are dishonest in little things, you won’t be honest with greater responsibilities. And if you are untrustworthy about worldly wealth, who will trust you wi …

Pastor Bryan – Mother’s Day – Oh Honey, I am that Mom! “Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.” Proverbs 31:31 WHY MOMMING IS SO HARD There isn’t an INSTRUCTION MANUAL. It’s AGGRESSIVELY RELENTLESS. A life of HIGH-HIGHS and LOW-LOWS. TRUTH TO …

Pastor Bryan – QUESTIONS JESUS ASKED – Who touched my robe? “Jesus went with him, and all the people followed, crowding around him. 25 A woman in the crowd had suffered for twelve years with constant bleeding. 26 She had suffered a great deal from many doctors, and over the years she had spent every …

Pastor Bryan – QUESTIONS JESUS ASKED – Part II “Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came over and spoke to him. “Teacher,” they said, “we want you to do us a favor. What is your request? he asked.” “So Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers in this world lord it over th …

QUESTIONS JESUS ASKED – WHY DO YOU HAVE SO LITTLE FAITH? “You’re not smart because of what you know…. You’re smart because of the questions you ask.” (John Maxwell) “That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life …

QUESTIONS JESUS ASKED – DO YOU WANT TO BE MADE WELL? “When Jesus saw him and knew he had been ill for a long time, he asked him, “Would you like to get well?” John 5:6 PEOPLE CHANGE IN FOUR DIFFERENT SEASONS When they HURT ENOUGH they have to. When they SEE ENOUGH they’re inspired to. When they LEAR …

Easter at RockCreek – Pastor Bryan Rees “So also you have sorrow now, but I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you.” John 16:22 (ESV) MY GOAL IS THAT WE WON’T: 1. Miss the OBVIOUS. 2. Forget what’s IMPORTANT. 3. Fail to connect the DOTS. 4. Move forw …

PALM SUNDAY – KING OF KINGS “Rejoice, O people of Zion! Shout in triumph, O people of Jerusalem! Look, your king is coming to you…” (Zechariah 9:9, Matthew 21:5, John 12:15) THE BIG IDEA: God’s GOAL for His people is JOY. “Philip, for example, went to the city of Samaria and told the people there ab …

ICNU – WE WIN! “Can anything ever separate us from Christ’s love? Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death? As the Scriptures say, For your sake we are killed every day; we are being slaughte …

ICNU – CAPTURE THE MOMENT “For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven. A time to be born and a time to die. A time to plant and a time to harvest. A time to kill and a time to heal. A time to tear down and a time to build up. A time to cry and a time to laugh. A time to …

RED FLAGS – THE CERTAINTY OF FORGIVENESS “Work at living in peace with everyone, and work at living a holy life, for those who are not holy will not see the Lord.” Hebrews 12:14 “Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us. And don’t let us yield to temptation.” Luke 11:4 I WILL FORG …

Red Flags – FIXING WHAT’S BROKEN “So here’s what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. Don’t beco …

Red Flags – FINDING THE ONE – YOU DECIDE “Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.” Romans 12:2 “Give honor to marriage, and re …

RED FLAGS – DEFINING OUR RELATIONSHIPS “Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. Ephesians 5:15-17 RELATIONSHIP TRUTH: There is no such thing as …

RED FLAGS – I WANT TO CHALLENGE THE CALL “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.” Matthew 6:33 “Jesus replied, You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.  This is the first and greatest comma …

Did God Really Say That – WHY I TITHE… WHY I GIVE…. “Remember this—a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop. You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For …

Did God Really Say That – I Want Relationship with Everyone “Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the do …

DID GOD REALLY SAY THAT? – I NEED HELP… I CAN’T STOP…. “Do not let sin control the way you live; do not give in to sinful desires. Do not let any part of your body become an instrument of evil to serve sin. Instead, give yourselves completely to God, for you were dead, but now you have new life. So …

DID GOD REALLY SAY THAT? – MY HOUSE… MY RULES… “The instructions of the Lord are perfect, reviving the soul. The decrees of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple. The commandments of the Lord are right, bringing joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are clear, giving insight for livi …

DID GOD REALLY SAY THAT? – HOW DO I TRUST GOD? “The serpent was the shrewdest of all the wild animals the Lord God had made. One day he asked the woman, “Did God really say you must not eat the fruit from any of the trees in the garden?” “Of course we may eat fruit from the trees in the garden,” the …

NEW YEAR AND A NEW YOU! “And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him.” Hebrews 11:6 “But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divi …

Pastor Bryan – KINGS – JOY NO MATTER WHAT “A sign was fastened above Jesus’ head, announcing the charge against him. It read: This is Jesus, the King of the Jews.” Matthew 27:37 “On his robe at his thigh was written this title: King of all kings and Lord of all lords.” Revelation 19:16 “For the King …

Pastor Bryan – KINGS – PEACE OUT “A sign was fastened above Jesus’ head, announcing the charge against him. It read: This is Jesus, the King of the Jews.” Matthew 27:37 “On his robe at his thigh was written this title: King of all kings and Lord of all lords.” Revelation 19:16 “For the Kingdom of Go …

Pastor Bryan – KINGS – THE GOOD LIFE “A sign was fastened above Jesus’ head, announcing the charge against him. It read: This is Jesus, the King of the Jews.” Matthew 27:37 “On his robe at his thigh was written this title: King of all kings and Lord of all lords.” Revelation 19:16 CHARACTERISTICS OF …