25-0302a Transcript

Preacher: Tom Freed

(1:50) Morning. Good to see everybody. (1:55) My sermon is Like a Rock. (1:58) It’s not a Chevy commercial.

(2:01) I don’t know if you guys remember that years ago, Like a Rock. (2:06) It’s about someone who was even more tough and reliable than one of the most famous trucks to ever exist. (2:16) I don’t know if you guys remember the Chevy commercial.

(2:19) I think it was back in 1993. (2:22) I looked it up on YouTube. (2:24) I was 15 at the time, but it was one of the greatest commercials.

(2:28) I still remember it. (2:30) It had the rugged guys, these workers in the Chevy truck with big loads of stuff being tossed in the back and showed how powerful and durable the Chevy truck was. (2:42) It had the theme song from Bob Seger, Like a Rock.

(2:47) It was definitely a memorable commercial to watch. (2:53) We have somebody like that with God. (2:56) Like I said, it was such a good commercial, I still remember it to this day.

(3:01) Now the song has been stuck in my head since I used it for the title. (3:09) When we think of an omnipotent, omnipresent, and omniscient God, a rock might not be the first thing that comes to mind when describing him. (3:19) We may think of a rock as boring, useless, an obstacle, something blocking our path that has little or no value.

(3:31) But God looks at things much differently than we do. (3:35) We want to look at how God describes himself, and we need to go no further than his word. (3:43) As we survey the scriptures, we quickly realize that God uses many metaphors to describe himself.

(3:50) Shepherd, father, rock, king, shield, fortress, potter, light, and so on. (3:59) During the time that the Bible was written, God would regularly communicate spiritual truths, including his love for his people in terms they could understand. (4:10) He used stories and metaphors to easily explain these principles.

(4:15) We can see in the scriptures, especially the Old Testament, that God describes himself as a rock in many instances. (4:24) There are definitely good reasons for this, and we’ll go over some of them today. (4:28) We live in crazy times right now.

(4:35) Things are unstable, full of drama. (4:40) We have political issues, natural disasters, wars and rumors of wars, crime, economic hardships, racial tension, corruption, moral decay, inflation, terrorism, and the list goes on. (4:58) You know, constantly chaos and things being thrown at us.

(5:03) On top of all the worldly issues, we have our own family issues to deal with and personal issues. (5:10) Sickness, cancer, death, relationship problems, financial problems, work, kids, grandkids, mental health, addiction, housing, cost, transportation, and so on. (5:24) We can see every day we’re bombarded with a storm of issues and problems.

(5:32) Life can be an emotional roller coaster, and it can be very easy to get overwhelmed and stressed out with all the things we face. (5:41) When we face turbulent and uncertain times, and it seems like everything is crashing in on us, we need something steady to hold on to. (5:52) A firm foundation in a world that is anything but firm.

(5:55) When we’re caught in a raging storm of life, there’s nothing more firm, solid, and unmovable that we can cling to than God. (6:07) When we’re overwhelmed by the things that the world throws at us, we can take refuge in God. (6:12) Psalm 18, 1-2.

(6:15) I love you, O Lord, my strength. (6:18) The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer. (6:23) My God, my rock, in whom I take refuge.

(6:25) My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. (6:31) Moses didn’t describe God as a rock, but the rock, who is perfect in all his ways. (6:39) Deuteronomy 32, 4. (6:43) He is the rock.

(6:44) His works are perfect, and all his ways are just. (6:49) A faithful God who does no wrong. (6:52) Upright and just as he.

(6:55) We can see that God is perfect. He’s a rock. (6:58) He’s stable, he’s unmovable, he doesn’t change.

(7:04) David also knew that God’s way is perfect, and he could take refuge in him in times of trouble. (7:11) Psalm 18, 30-31. (7:14) As for God, his way is perfect.

(7:17) The word of the Lord is flawless. (7:20) He is a shield for all that take refuge in him. (7:24) For who is God besides the Lord? (7:27) And who is the rock except our God? (7:31) You think about how many times in David’s life that he was on the verge of death.

(7:36) And chaos surrounded him. (7:37) How he could always turn back to the Lord for safety. (7:41) David’s whole life.

(7:44) You know, even as a kid. (7:47) You know, as a shepherd. (7:50) He had to fight a lion and a bear.

(7:53) And he was chosen to be king, and Saul chased him for how long? (7:57) You know, and tried to kill him. (7:59) And even as a king, he had a ton of problems. (8:03) When Saul chased him, David hid in rocks and caves.

(8:07) And he was kept safe from danger. (8:11) Maybe that is why he refers to God so often as a rock. (8:15) It was his stronghold and a fortress to save him.

(8:19) Psalm 31, 1 through 3. (8:23) And you, O Lord, I have taken refuge. (8:26) Let me never be put to shame. (8:29) Deliver me in your righteousness.

(8:31) Turn your ear to me. (8:33) Come quickly to my rescue. (8:36) Be my rock of refuge.

(8:38) A strong fortress to save me. (8:41) Since you are my rock and my fortress. (8:43) For the sake of your name, lead and guide me.

(8:48) Every time David was in trouble, he would cry out to the rock that was higher than him for refuge. (8:55) Psalm 61, 1 through 4. (8:58) Hear my cry, O God. (9:00) Listen to my prayer.

(9:03) From the ends of the earth I call you. (9:06) I call as my heart grows faint. (9:09) Lead me to the rock that is higher than I. (9:12) For you have been my refuge.

(9:13) A strong tower against the foe. (9:17) I long to dwell in your tent forever and take refuge in the shelter of your wings. (9:24) God is a rock that David will continually go to for safety.

(9:29) Psalm 71, 1 through 4. (9:32) And you, O Lord, I do take refuge. (9:35) Let me never be put to shame. (9:38) In your righteousness, deliver me and rescue me.

(9:41) Incline your ear and save me. (9:44) Be to me a rock of refuge to which I continually come. (9:49) You have given the command to save me.

(9:51) For you are my rock and my fortress. (9:54) Rescue me, O my God, from the hand of the wicked. (9:58) From the grasp of the unjust and cruel man.

(10:02) So we can see how many times David called God a rock. (10:08) That’s where David went when he was in danger, when he needed to feel safe. (10:13) He knew God would protect him.

(10:16) That God would always be there for him. (10:19) And just like David turned to God, we need to also. (10:24) When we’re overwhelmed with the things in this life.

(10:27) We might not have as many problems as David did, but we still have our own issues. (10:32) We still live in a chaotic world and are overwhelmed and have to turn to God. (10:38) He is our shield, fortress, stronghold, and rock.

(10:42) That we can turn to at any time for protection and safety. (10:48) So let’s go over some reasons why God is called a rock throughout the Bible. (10:55) So I looked at a few different study guides and sermons.

(11:00) Some of these answers are a little creative. (11:05) Trying to see how God relates to a rock. (11:10) I’ll go over a few of the reasons.

(11:13) You might have to use your imagination for some of these. (11:16) Rocks are solid, strong, difficult, or impossible to move. (11:21) God is our rock that never changes.

(11:26) Always staying strong and solid. (11:29) He’s there for us when the world around us moves, shifts, and falls apart. (11:35) When things around us change.

(11:37) We can seek Him for directions because He never will. (11:43) Hebrews 13.8. (11:45) Jesus is the same yesterday, and today, and forever. (11:49) We can see that God never changes.

(11:53) He’s eternal since the beginning. (11:56) There was no beginning with Him, but He’s always the same. (11:59) He’s always going to stay the same.

(12:02) There is no change or variation with God. (12:05) James 1.17. (12:09) Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above. (12:14) Coming down from the Father of light, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.

(12:21) The Lord never changes. (12:23) He’s never going to be any different. (12:26) He’s always going to be the same.

(12:29) Rock can be a place of refuge and protection. (12:33) Just like we were talking about with David. (12:36) With his constant troubles.

(12:37) God is our rock that will protect us if we are in danger and trouble. (12:43) And He will hide us when necessary. (12:46) God’s love for His children cannot be matched by any other being on earth.

(12:53) He has a special concern to guide the most vulnerable people who might otherwise get lost in their struggles of life. (13:02) Like I said, we all have struggles. We all have problems.

(13:06) God’s there for refuge and protection for all of us. (13:10) Psalm 62 too. (13:12) He is my rock and my salvation.

(13:15) My fortress. (13:17) I shall not be greatly shaken. (13:20) Also Psalm 94.22. (13:23) The Lord has become my stronghold.

(13:27) And my God, the rock of my refuge. (13:32) Also rock there is solid foundation to build on. (13:36) Despite the fact we may feel lost, God will always be our rock and foundation.

(13:42) No matter what storms come at us or how badly we are attacked in life, (13:47) if we have the foundation built on God’s word, we will not be moved. (13:52) Matthew 7, 24-25. (13:56) Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them, (14:00) will be like the wise man who built his house on the rocks.

(14:03) And the rain fell and the floods came and the winds blew and beat on the house. (14:09) But it did not fall because it had been founded on the rock. (14:14) So we can see if you build your life on the foundation of God, (14:19) you won’t be shaken when the storms come.

(14:23) With the Lord before us, we will never be shaken. (14:27) No matter what storms come our way. (14:29) Psalm 16, 8. (14:31) I have set the Lord always before me.

(14:35) Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. (14:40) Also rocks are eternal. (14:43) Well, they’re not completely eternal, but they do last a very long time.

(14:47) Thousands of years if you have a big rock, it’s still going to be there. (14:52) It lasts forever. (14:55) God is a rock that will never change, no matter what.

(14:59) We can always count on God to be there and help carry our burdens when we need it most. (15:05) He is everlasting. (15:07) Isaiah 26, 4. (15:09) Trust in the Lord forever.

(15:12) For the Lord God is an everlasting rock. (15:16) Do you not know? Have you not heard? (15:19) The Lord is the everlasting God, the creator of the ends of the earth. (15:24) He will not grow tired and weary.

(15:26) In His understanding, no one can fathom. (15:30) Isaiah 42. (15:33) Also rocks can be used as weapons.

(15:38) You know, not anymore. (15:40) You’re not going to bring a rock to a gunfight. (15:43) But back in the old times, you could use rocks as a weapon.

(15:49) Even stone sinners to death. (15:52) David swung a rock at Goliath. (15:55) There was stone to kill him.

(15:57) You know, you could toss rocks from castle walls to kill invaders. (16:04) God is the one who fights for us. (16:06) The Bible, which is our ultimate guide and weapon against evil, (16:11) contains all the prayers we need to go to God with.

(16:15) Just turn to Him when you’re in a battle against something tough. (16:20) Psalms 144, 1. (16:23) Praise be the Lord, my rock, who trains my hands for war, my fingers for battle. (16:31) Do not be afraid of them.

(16:33) The Lord, your God, will fight for you. (16:35) Deuteronomy 3.22. (16:39) When God is on your side, no one can be against you. (16:44) What shall we say of these things? (16:46) If God is for us, who can be against us? (16:52) Also, rocks have sharp edges that can cut through things.

(16:58) God is a sharp rock that can cut through negative circumstances in our life and world. (17:04) His Word can be used to cut things from the inside of us, (17:09) like toxic habits, sinful behaviors, and destructive emotions, (17:14) like a doctor removing cancer from a patient. (17:17) God removes these sinful things spiritually, cleansing us.

(17:23) The Word of the Lord can cut deeper than any man-made weapon, (17:26) even dividing the soul and spirit. (17:28) Hebrews 4.12. (17:30) For the Word of the Lord is living and active, sharper than any double-edged sword. (17:37) It penetrates even to dividing the soul and spirit, joints and marrow.

(17:42) It judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. (17:46) We can see God’s Word cuts deeper than anything else, even to the soul and spirit. (17:55) Rocks can also be used for building.

(17:58) Jesus is a cornerstone, a rock that joins together two walls. (18:04) He bears the weight of our lives, binding us to God and joining all Christians as one, (18:10) no matter what obstacle life throws at us. (18:13) 1 Peter 2.7. (18:16) Therefore to you who believe, he is precious.

(18:19) But to those who are disobedient, the stone which a builder has rejected (18:24) has become the chief cornerstone. (18:27) The church was built on the foundation of Jesus, Matthew 16.18. (18:33) And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, (18:39) and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. (18:44) Jesus is a tested stone and a sure foundation.

(18:49) Therefore thus says the Lord God, (18:53) Behold, I am the one who has laid a foundation as I am. (18:56) A stone, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation. (19:03) Whoever believes will not be in haste.

Isaiah 28.16. (19:08) We can see that the Lord is a cornerstone. (19:11) He is a rock we can stand on. Everything was built off of him.

(19:16) The church was built to perfection and he was the first stone laid. (19:22) We are built on top of that foundation. (19:27) Rocks symbolize provision.

(19:30) God is like a rock that provides for us in times of need. (19:35) In Moses' time he caused water to come out of a rock when his people needed it. (19:41) He provides for us too and everyone on earth.

(19:44) Matthew 5.45. (19:47) So that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. (19:51) For he makes his sunrise on the evil and good, (19:54) and sends rain on the just and unjust. (19:58) He supplies our every need.

(20:01) And my God will supply every need of yours according to the riches and glory in Christ. (20:06) Philippians 4.19. (20:08) And God is able to make all grace abound to you. (20:12) So that having all sufficiency in all things at all times you may abound in every good work.

(20:18) 2 Corinthians 9.8. (20:21) We can see that he provides for us. (20:24) He provided for the Israelites in the desert. (20:29) When he told Moses to speak to the rocks and it provided water.

(20:35) Rocks can be used to sharpen objects. (20:39) The same way Christians can sharpen and build up other Christians through God’s word. (20:45) Proverbs 27.17. (20:49) As iron sharpens iron so one man sharpens another.

(20:56) 1 Thessalonians 5.11. (20:59) Therefore encourage one another and build one another up just as you are doing. (21:05) We can see that we build each other up and sharpen each other as Christians. (21:10) We stay after and talk to one another.

(21:13) Talk to each other about God. (21:16) We build each other up. (21:17) We strengthen each other.

(21:18) We learn from each other. (21:22) But lastly a rock can be a place of safety. (21:26) It can save you when bad conditions arise.

(21:32) If there are horrible storms, hurricanes and flooding a rock might be your only hope for salvation. (21:39) Just like when the storms of life overwhelm us and begin to drown us we need to look to God for safety. (21:50) Psalm 18.46. (21:52) The Lord lives.

(21:54) Blessed be my rock. (21:57) Let the God of my salvation be exalted. (22:01) Psalm 89.26. (22:04) He shall cry to me.

(22:06) You are my father. (22:09) My God and the rock of my salvation. (22:14) Also 2 Samuel 22.2-4. (22:18) He said the Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer.

(22:24) My God, my rock in whom I take refuge. (22:28) My shield and the horn of my salvation. (22:32) My stronghold and my refuge.

(22:36) My savior. (22:37) He saved me from violence. (22:39) I call upon the Lord who is worthy to be praised and I am saved from my enemies.

(22:46) We can see that God is a rock. (22:52) He is a stronghold for us. (22:55) He is powerful.

(22:56) He is unmovable. (22:58) What a great and powerful God we serve. (23:03) He is unchanging.

(23:04) He is unshakable. (23:05) Unmovable. (23:07) He is unbreakable.

(23:09) He is eternal. (23:10) He is always there for us no matter what we do. (23:13) He is a place we can always run to for safety.

(23:18) In turbulent times like these where there is so much evil, hatred, wickedness, and chaos in the world, (23:25) we need that rock to cling to. (23:30) There are so many lies, fake stories, and deception in the world. (23:35) We need a solid foundation of truth to stand on.

(23:40) God, with his word, provides both these things for us. (23:46) In a world full of lies where you can’t find the truth, (23:50) the only place you’re going to find truth is God’s word that you know for certain. (23:56) God is a rock that we can come to in times of trouble when the whole world is crumbling around us.

(24:02) Just as David did in his life. (24:05) He is a stronghold where we can find peace, safety, (24:10) and joy in a crazy fallen world. (24:13) If you’re not standing on the solid foundation of Jesus and his word, (24:18) then you’re going to end up under it.

(24:20) If you reject the chief cornerstone, he will crush you. (24:23) Matthew 21, 44. (24:26) And the one who falls on this stone will be broken to pieces.

(24:30) And when it falls on anyone, it will crush them. (24:34) You’re going to have a miserable life of pain and suffering. (24:38) And nowhere to turn for safety if you don’t have Jesus in your life.

(24:43) I don’t know how these people do it without having somebody to turn to. (24:49) Somebody to pray to. (24:50) With all the problems and issues people have, (24:53) it’s great to have the Lord to turn to to pray.

(24:56) He answers our prayers and he watches over us and takes care of us. (25:03) Why reject Jesus and spend eternity in hell? (25:07) There’s absolutely zero benefit to that choice. (25:11) You can be crushed by the cornerstone or stand on it (25:16) and build a solid foundation in this life and the life to come.

(25:23) Eventually, every knee is going to bow to Jesus, (25:26) and every tongue will confess his name. (25:29) You might as well do it on your own will than be forced to on Judgment Day. (25:37) Jesus wants everybody to come to repentance and be saved.

(25:40) Acts 17, 30. (25:42) The times of ignorance got overlooked, (25:44) but now he commands all people everywhere to repent. (25:48) He doesn’t want anybody to end up in hell, and neither do we.

(25:55) God is merciful and offers salvation to everyone as a free gift. (26:00) Ephesians 2, 8. (26:02) For by grace you have been saved through faith, (26:06) and this is not your own doing. (26:09) It is the gift of God.

(26:13) I think everybody here is a Christian. (26:16) But if not, God is your opportunity to be saved. (26:23) If you have been going through struggles, (26:26) the storms of life are overwhelming you, (26:30) you need to come to the rock of Jesus.

(26:33) You need our prayers or any need of the congregation, (26:38) you can come forward. (26:40) Thank you.