This Week: February 16th, 2025
Simon the Sorcerer (Acts 8:9-25) had built a reputation for himself through the practice of magic, astonishing the people of Samaria and claiming to be someone great. Many followed him, believing that he possessed the power of God. However, when Philip preached the gospel and performed true miracles by the Spirit of God, even Simon was amazed and professed belief. Yet his heart remained bound to worldly ways.
When Simon witnessed the apostles laying hands on believers and imparting the Holy Spirit, he sought to purchase this power with money. But Peter rebuked him sharply, saying, "May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could obtain the gift of God with money!" (Acts 8:20). The Spirit of God cannot be bought, earned, or obtained through human effort, for "it is not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit, says the LORD of hosts" (Zechariah 4:6). The gifts of God are given freely, but only to those who come with a humble and repentant heart.
The world seeks to confine divine power within human systems and structures, but Scripture declares, "However, the Most High does not dwell in temples made with hands, as the prophet says: 'Heaven is My throne, and earth is My footstool…’" (Acts 7:48-49; cf. 1 Kings 8:27). The power of God is not something to be manipulated for personal gain or earthly success—it is the work of the Holy Spirit dwelling within us, transforming our hearts and minds to align with God’s will.
If you attempt to apply the teachings of Christ while still clinging to the world’s wisdom, you will fail. "For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God’s sight" (1 Corinthians 3:19). To receive the mysteries of God, one must first surrender worldly understanding, for "the natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned" (1 Corinthians 2:14). Only with a contrite heart and a humble spirit can one truly begin the process of sanctification, being conformed not to this world, but "transformed by the renewal of your mind" (Romans 12:2).
Let us, therefore, approach God not with the arrogance of Simon, seeking power for selfish purposes, but with the humility of a servant, desiring only to do His will. "Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you" (James 4:8).
This Week's Worship Service
When Jesus spoke to his disciples, he was teaching them through parables because the mystery of God had not been revealed to them. But we have the privilege of the Holy Spirit for wisdom and discernment so that we can follow God's will for our lives and live our life according to Christ's example.
Mark 4:9-13
This Week's Church Sign Sermon
Inspirational wisdom can come from the simplest of things. So here we offer just a little Jesus as you drive by. We'd love to have you in for a visit.
Online Giving
Rockvale Cumberland Presbyterian Church is pleased to announce the opportunity for our church family and friends to tithe securely online. You can use your credit card, debit card or bank account to securely tithe a love offering or give to our church's ministries such as to our youth program or our building maintenance fund. You can also use the service's app on your Apple or Android device to give. If you chose to do so, you may also select the option to cover the fees the church is assessed for each transaction. Click the button below to make your offering and thank you.
Who We Are
Rockvale Cumberland Presbyterian Church has been a landmark in Rockvale Tennessee since 1889 at a simpler time when church was an integral part of the community. Church members were family that leaned on each other in times of struggle and celebrated together in times of joy. This spirit lives on in our diverse congregation bound together by a love for Christ and for one another. Our motto is simple, 'Whosoever will, is welcome - just as you are', in the manner as Christ said 'Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.' We hope to see you this Sunday morning.
