{This is part 3 in a series of posts about how we want to start 2019 at Rock Bridge.} There are 59 “one another” commands in the New Testament! Practically, that means there are 59 instances where the Bible tells us how to treat and relate to one another. It also means that you cannot […]
Matt Evans
Starting 2019 Part 2: Prayer
In this series of blog posts, we are covering how we might say at the end of 2019 that we at Rock Bridge like King David before us “served the purposes of God” (Acts 13:36). In the military, orders and directives frequently started with the “BLUF” or the “bottom line up front.” Let me start […]
Starting 2019 Part 1: The Fear of the Lord
In Acts 13:36 we read that David “served the purposes of God.” What if 52 weeks from now we could say the same thing? What if 2019 was a great year not because we stayed (or got) healthy or experienced material prosperity or relational harmony but because we were faithful in living out our purpose […]
The Struggle to Stop
There are certain sins, habits, and issues in my life where I’ve struggled to truly repent. I’ve prayed, promised to do better next time, memorized Scripture … only to fall again. However, there are other sins and sinful patterns that are not issues in my life and others still where repentance is quick and enduring. […]
A Lot Depends on Doctrine
“It all depends on how you look at it.” We’ve all heard that statement and lived it out in one way or another in how we view events, circumstances, work, politics, and God. This statement explains why some people respond with pessimism or cynicism and others with hope and optimism. Our reaction to something is […]
Why 400?
In Part 5 of our message series, Thrivin’, I shared with you our heart for Rock Bridge to be a thrivin’ church. We desire to be a community of people who passionately pursue those who don’t know Jesus and see them connect to life in Christ. It’s that heart that led us to plant a […]
Out of the Boat
Rock Bridge, I am writing this to you not only as your Lead Pastor, but also as a member of this amazing body of believers that I love so much. My calling and passion to serve as Lead Pastor of Rock Bridge, faithfully preaching God’s Word and providing strategic vision and leadership remains as strong […]
Keys to a Strong Finish
Opening day. The first day of school. The wedding. First day on the job. Baptism. We love to celebrate the start. However, a strong start does not translate into a strong finish. The Bible is more into celebrating strong, faithful-to-the-end finishes. “… the one who endures to the end will be saved.” (Matthew 24:13, NLT) […]
To Give? Or Not To Give?
and other questions I get about tithing… As Christ-followers we must wrestle honestly with the Bible’s teachings about money, stewardship, and generosity. As we wrestle, we will inevitably experience the tension of how the world views money versus how God views money. These tensions will create some questions, and below are several great questions I’ve […]
The AIM of Our Heart
Living by faith, keeping in step with the Spirit, and setting our minds on things above are definitely challenging, but they are also joy-producing, peace-giving, and exhilarating pursuits. However, sometimes we get distracted, deceived, and diverted from our calling to live in the Kingdom of God because let’s face it, life can be overwhelming! So […]
Perhaps BOLD-er Goal?
This weekend we announced that God in His grace to us and sovereignty over us has given us a “perhaps.” A perhaps is when God places circumstances before us that seem to align with His promises and purposes, asking us to make faith a verb, and trust Him in a bold way for Kingdom victories. […]
Why It’s a Great Time to BE the Church!
BOLD HALFTIME WEEKEND 2017 I believe that 2017 is a wonderful time to follow Jesus and BE the church. That statement may sound naive given the political unrest and rise of people citing “none” as their religious affiliation. It may sound ignorant considering our racial divisions, the redefinition of marriage by the Supreme Court, and […]
BOLD: Preparing for 10K
One of our prayers at Rock Bridge is to connect 10,000 people to life in Christ: 10,000 people in relationships and environments where they are being discipled to Jesus. We realize that while God gives the growth, He does call us to pray, to discern, and to act in cooperation with His grace and power. […]
Us vs. Them
A divisive presidential election. A protested inauguration. The Women’s March. Democrat vs. Republican. Liberal vs. Conservative. Rural vs. Urban. Blue states vs. Red States. Pro-life vs. Pro-choice. Rich, poor. Black, White, Hispanic. People are divided… politically, economically, geographically, spirituality, by gender, ethnicity, and sexual orientation. As Christ-followers, it is easy to begin to see the […]
The Blessing of New Leadership: Welcoming Ryan & Emily Stigile to RBCC
In Acts 1:15-26, Matthias was chosen to be the new and 12th apostle. In Acts 6:1-7, new leaders were added to the church. In Acts 11:25-26, Barnabas went to get Paul and add him to Antioch’s leadership. In 2 Timothy 2:2, Timothy is instructed to raise up more teachers in the Ephesus church. In Titus […]