Rockwall Presbyterian Church

Ecclesiastes 5 gives a warning: don't stroll into worship on autopilot. The writer visits the temple hoping to find something different from the world outside, but discovers the same pride, image management, empty talk, and hunger for success inside. People are worshiping God, yet they are using him to get attention, comfort, money, or the life they want. It's an age-old problem: humanity will always struggle with making itself the center of its own worship. The passage tells us to “guard our steps” when approaching God. That means showing up ready to listen, taking our words and promises seriously, and making sure our worship connects with how we treat people all week. We should also ask what we are really guarding when we come to church—our reputation, schedule, energy, ambitions, or grudge? Worship becomes hollow when God is merely an accessory to the life we want. The good news is that we are told to guard our steps because God invites us to draw near. Jesus in his tremendous love shows us how to approach God by the way he approached us. He came to his people, listened to their cries, used his words to heal, and kept his promise by giving himself on the cross. We approach God each week, by humbling ourselves before the one who humbled himself before us. ---------- To support the work and worship of Redeemer, subscribe to our channel and consider supporting us by giving a tax deductible gift at the link below. https://Redeemer-Church-Rockwall-517189.churchcenter.com/giving

Ecclesiastes 4 reads like a really hard day. The writer sees people crushed by injustice, coworkers driven by envy, wealth that leaves a person lonely, and leaders who promise change but cannot solve our deepest problems. These ordinary sources of despair reveal how easily life can feel meaningless when we forget to live with God and listen to his voice. Jesus entered this same troubled world and showed another way. He comforted people who suffered instead of looking away. He worked ordinary days without envy. He offered friendship rather than using people for his own gain. And though public opinion turned against him, he became the King who will make all things new. The sermon invites us to bring Jesus into the moments that weigh us down. We can respond to injustice with compassionate action and hope, work with contentment, offer friendship and forgiveness, and trust Christ above changing political leaders. The question is not whether hard days will come, but whether every troubling thought will carry us into cynicism. Remembering who Jesus is and following his example helps us meet each day with purpose and hope instead of despair, even when the world feels unbearably heavy. _ To support the work and worship of Redeemer, subscribe to our channel and consider supporting us by giving a tax deductible gift at the link below. https://Redeemer-Church-Rockwall-517189.churchcenter.com/giving

In Ecclesiastes 3 God calls us to slow down and think about the life we live in this world … In the beginning God made us to live with Him eternally, never having to wonder or worry about what comes next. So what happens when we find ourselves outside the walls of Eden, amid a world of change, uncertainty, doubt, and death? To be sure, ours is a world of balance: of being born and of dying. While we live we may eat, drink, and rejoice in our day. But what then? What comes after this life, and how does that day affect the life we live here and now? We need to know before it's too late … Who will come to us and show us what's next? To support the work and worship of Redeemer, subscribe to our channel and consider supporting us by giving a tax deductible gift at the link below. https://Redeemer-Church-Rockwall-517189.churchcenter.com/giving

In this sermon on Ecclesiastes 2, the author continues his pursuit of meaning by turning to pleasure. After wisdom failed to satisfy him, he tested every form of gratification—wine, wealth, possessions, homes, achievement, entertainment, and sex. Although these things brought enjoyment, they ultimately proved meaningless because their pleasure never matched their cost. The Pleasure Paradox is that the more pleasure is pursued, the less satisfying it becomes, leaving people trapped in an endless cycle of desire. Ecclesiastes therefore warns against trying to build a personal paradise “under the sun.” True meaning is found instead in Jesus Christ, who is Meaning in flesh and blood. Unlike the world's call to gratify every desire, Jesus calls his followers to deny themselves, take up their cross, and surrender their desires to him. Meaning comes not from filling ourselves but from pouring ourselves out through acts of loving service to others.

Ecclesiastes asks the question "what is the meaning of life?" The author says all is vanity/meaningless and true wisdom begins when your hope in this world ends. Jesus is calling, come to him. He IS the meaning of life itself. To support the work and worship of Redeemer, subscribe to our channel and consider supporting us by giving a tax deductible gift at the link below. https://Redeemer-Church-Rockwall-517189.churchcenter.com/giving

What does it mean to "Bless the Lord" Do you ever just pray without asking God for anything? Just simply a prayer of adoration? We so easily forget the good things God has done for us. And so it's easy to forget to adore him. So remember what Christ has done for you and "Bless the Lord" To support the work and worship of Redeemer, subscribe to our channel and consider supporting us by giving a tax deductible gift at the link below. https://Redeemer-Church-Rockwall-517189.churchcenter.com/giving

Is God there when you don't feel him? When the life you expected disappears, can you still say "you are my Lord, I have no good apart from you"? How would David pray Psalm 16? How did Jesus pray Psalm 16? And how should I pray Psalm 16? Take refuge in the Lord and be encouraged by this sermon from Pastor Ricky Allegretto on Psalm 16. To support the work and worship of Redeemer, subscribe to our channel and consider supporting us by giving a tax deductible gift at the link below. https://Redeemer-Church-Rockwall-517189.churchcenter.com/giving

Waiting is quickly becoming extinct. Everything has become instant. In your own life you may have a hard time waiting on the Lord. David encourages us in Psalm 62 to not seek an "instant savior" but rather to actively wait for the Lord. examine your heart, what instant saviors do you seek when times are hard or lonely? Don't give in to them! Wait on the Lord. He will deliver you! To support the work and worship of Redeemer, subscribe to our channel and consider supporting us by giving a tax deductible gift at the link below. https://Redeemer-Church-Rockwall-517189.churchcenter.com/giving

What does it mean for God to bless his people? What is God's blessing?Why would he bless me? To support the work and worship of Redeemer, subscribe to our channel and consider supporting us by giving a tax deductible gift at the link below. https://Redeemer-Church-Rockwall-517189.churchcenter.com/giving

The fruit that is born from living a life rooted in delight for the law of the Lord does not wither, and is always in season, because his roots drink the deep rivers of water that is the spirit of the living God. A river of blessing that never runs dry!

Reading is hard, reading poetry is harder! And when it comes to prayer we'd rather turn to almost anything else other than pray the psalms. It feels like we're reading someone else's prayers. Prayers of men from another age. But they were the prayers of Jesus. He speaks and praise the psalms repeatedly. As we dive into the Psalms in this sermon series we find the answer to why Jesus prays the Psalms, and why we should be doing the same! To support the work and worship of Redeemer, subscribe to our channel and consider supporting us by giving a tax deductible gift at the link below. https://Redeemer-Church-Rockwall-517189.churchcenter.com/giving

We often hear "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me". A popular verse in this final sermon in our series on Philippians. A popular understanding of this verse might lead you to believe that if you succeed in an endeavor it must be God's will. But to think that this is what Paul meant as he writes this letter from prison is an obvious mistake. If you look at the letter as a whole, it's about un-circumstantial faith. Paul closes his letter with a thought on "contentment" and it's the real meaning behind this often misunderstood passage in scripture. To support the work and worship of Redeemer, subscribe to our channel and consider supporting us by giving a tax deductible gift at the link below. https://Redeemer-Church-Rockwall-517189.churchcenter.com/giving

Once we were at war with God, but now we have peace with God. How do we live in this world and age of anxiety and experience that peace? Usually we try to remove things that destroy our peace or numb ourselves to our anxiety with medicine. But the only way to experience the peace of God is to "Stand firm in the Lord". And how you "Stand firm in the Lord" is what this sermon on Philippians 4 is all about.

What do you do when the Bible says one thing about you but it doesn't seem to line up with the world you live in? You press on! Paul encourages the church to quit looking at their lives through the lens of their past and begin to start seeing themselves through the lens of what God says is true about them!

Paul was an elite in his culture he was born in the right country. He was born to an affluent family. He had power and influence. And here in this passage Paul makes one of the most offensive statements in the word of God. Paul says that all these things are worthless in comparison to knowing God.

Paul encourages a weary and discouraged church to continue in faith, love and obedience. Be encouraged by the weight of Christs Love for you, and work out your salvation with fear and trembling. To support the work and worship of Redeemer, subscribe to our channel and consider supporting us by giving a tax deductible gift at the link below. https://Redeemer-Church-Rockwall-517189.churchcenter.com/giving

A literal translation of this passage is "do nothing out of a hunger for glory". He pushing hard against the Roman culture of self exaltation. That same spirit is hard at work today in our culture. But the upside down gospel of Jesus says that if we seek humility then Christ will exalt us! He will lift us up!!! So wake up. Jesus is calling you to die to yourself and follow him. Will you answer? To support the work and worship of Redeemer, subscribe to our channel and consider supporting us by giving a tax deductible gift at the link below. https://Redeemer-Church-Rockwall-517189.churchcenter.com/giving

We naturally live a very circumstantial life. We see the world and even Christ through the lens of circumstance. How would our lives change if we could learn to see circumstance through the lens of Christ? Like Paul we might be able to say in truth "To live is Christ, to die is gain" To support the work and worship of Redeemer, subscribe to our channel and consider supporting us by giving a tax deductible gift at the link below. https://Redeemer-Church-Rockwall-517189.churchcenter.com/giving

It's a strange wisdom from Paul to say "This will turn out for my deliverance by life or by death" It seems wrong to think of our deliverance via death but there's a lot more going on in this story than we might think. Is he foolish? How is this even a question for Paul?? Paul sees a different world than we do. O Lord may we see the world like Paul. May we be fools for you. Spiritual people with a mind like Christ. To support the work and worship of Redeemer, subscribe to our channel and consider supporting us by giving a tax deductible gift at the link below. https://Redeemer-Church-Rockwall-517189.churchcenter.com/giving

How does Paul speak of this un circumstantial joy while locked in a Roman in prison? It's because he recognized that God put him there. Paul's joy was not tethered to his comfort. Rather then asking God "why is this happening to me" he asked, "How can I be a part of what God is doing here?" So If you want joy that isn't tied to your circumstances, pray like Paul... "Lord use me today, my life is at your disposal."

We begin a new series on the book of Philippians this week. What is Paul saying to the struggling church? He says he is certain that God is at work in them, and that he's going to finish what he started. Maybe you are disenchanted with the church? Or hurt by it? But Christ started His work in the church... And he's going to finish the work he started! Don't miss out on this promise! Join the people of God together in worship and watch what he does! To support the work and worship of Redeemer, subscribe to our channel and consider supporting us by giving a tax deductible gift at the link below. https://Redeemer-Church-Rockwall-517189.churchcenter.com/giving

Jesus is the Vine. We are the branches. The Cross is the trellis. We can only find life if we are in the vine. A branch has no root. How do we do that? It's simple. And It's found in John 15 To support the work and worship of Redeemer, subscribe to our channel and consider supporting us by giving a tax deductible gift at the link below. https://Redeemer-Church-Rockwall-517189.churchcenter.com/giving

There's a volume war going on. The "Thief" is trying to fill your ears with voices that will steal, kill, and destroy. Do you know the voice of the "Good Shepherd"? Can you tell the difference? Listen closely, Jesus is calling. To support the work and worship of Redeemer, subscribe to our channel and consider supporting us by giving a tax deductible gift at the link below. https://Redeemer-Church-Rockwall-517189.churchcenter.com/giving

Pauls letter to Philemon tells a great story with a greater message. And It's all about reconciliation. We, like Paul, are called ministers of reconciliation. So how do we reconcile ourselves to those who have wronged us? And who do we need to reconcile with? To support the work and worship of Redeemer, subscribe to our channel and consider supporting us by giving a tax deductible gift at the link below. https://pushpay.com/g/redeemerchurchrockwall

So.... Easter was awesome! We brought our best, and felt really great, but here we are a week after easter and we find ourselves still tethered to this broken world. So what happens now? What should life look like after resurrection? It's a risen life! You were "Raised With Him" so set your eyes on on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of the father and live! To support the work and worship of Redeemer, subscribe to our channel and consider supporting us by giving a tax deductible gift at the link below. https://pushpay.com/g/redeemerchurchrockwall

As we bring this sermon series on Rest and Sabbath to an end, let's consider how we look everywhere to find the peace but it never satisfies? It's because we were made to rest in God. But what is the "Rest of God"? What is this "Eternal Sabbath" it talks about in Heb 4:9-10?

We can only rest when we enter into the mission of God. What is the mission of God? Isaiah 58 describes it as a fast that looses bonds of wickedness and frees the oppressed. And sharing bread with the hungry and bringing the homeless/poor into your house. Jesus says what you have done to the least of these you have done unto me. We pray you are encouraged by this sermon from Isaiah 58 to live out the mission of God in your own lives!

If you want to enter into the rest of God, you need to release those who have sinned against you. Unforgiveness is like drinking poison and waiting for the other person to die. So who do you need to forgive? To support the work and worship of Redeemer, subscribe to our channel and consider supporting us by giving a tax deductible gift at the link below. https://pushpay.com/g/redeemerchurchrockwall

Luke tells us about Jesus in a very unique way. It's all through the lens of "sabbath". Jesus defines, and begins his own ministry in terms of sabbath. Our God is committed to giving rest. If that is what Jesus was doing then.... Isn't that what Jesus would be doing now? To support the work and worship of Redeemer, subscribe to our channel and consider supporting us by giving a tax deductible gift at the link below. https://pushpay.com/g/redeemerchurchrockwall

The blessings for following God's law apply to the sabbath! But so do the curses. Find your rest entering into Christ's sabbath, and be blessed. To support the work and worship of Redeemer, subscribe to our channel and consider supporting us by giving a tax deductible gift at the link below. https://pushpay.com/g/redeemerchurchrockwall

So God is calling us to rest. And He's calling us to bring rest to our house. So we're resting together? What does that look like in real life? To support the work and worship of Redeemer, subscribe to our channel and consider supporting us by giving a tax deductible gift at the link below. https://pushpay.com/g/redeemerchurchrockwall

Sabbath is war against anything that would take God's place in your life. This week we take a peek deeper into God's rest. How God is inviting us into His rest. And how rest is an act of worship, not for us, but rather, for God! And how we image God when we give rest to others! To support the work and worship of Redeemer, subscribe to our channel and consider supporting us by giving a tax deductible gift at the link below. https://pushpay.com/g/redeemerchurchrockwall

Sheep are restless. The hardest thing, is getting them to rest. Sheep would rather be consumed than rest. Sound familiar? The sheep think they know best, but the shepherd makes them rest. To support the work and worship of Redeemer, subscribe to our channel and consider supporting us by giving a tax deductible gift at the link below. https://pushpay.com/g/redeemerchurchrockwall

We can only rest if we trust God. In Exodus 16 God is teaching his people to trust him by providing them daily bread. Just enough for each day. They had to let go of their anxiety about what they would eat tomorrow and trust that he would provide for them. To support the work and worship of Redeemer, subscribe to our channel and consider supporting us by giving a tax deductible gift at the link below. https://pushpay.com/g/redeemerchurchrockwall

Rest is war in the cosmic realm. It's a war against the "taskmaster". There a four snapshots from Exodus that show us who the taskmaster is and how he tries to keep us from rest.

What is your relationship to work? Do you feel like work keeps you from rest? God taught Adam to rest before he taught him to work. Rest is a more important part of the liturgy of our lives than we may think. Join us on the journey to find rest for our souls in Christ.

Rest is intertwined into creation, we were created for rest. But it's hard to rest when there's so much to do! It's easy to trade rest for escape. But God wants us to worship Him by resting. To support the work and worship of Redeemer, subscribe to our channel and consider supporting us by giving a tax deductible gift at the link below. https://pushpay.com/g/redeemerchurchrockwall

The wise men saw the sign in the sky that the king that was prophesied had arrived. The arrival of a child changes everything! How should Jesus' arrival change the way we live? The end of epiphany reminds us that the old life is falling apart but we hold onto it nevertheless. But the King has arrived and He is changing everything!

Sermon: "Her Name Was Mary" // Luke 1 by Redeemer Rockwall

Is it worth it follow Jesus? Ruth thinks so. To the degree that she commits herself to what she knows will be a life of destitution and poverty with her mother in law Naomi. Jesus is calling you to follow Him. Will you? To support the work and worship of Redeemer, subscribe to our channel and consider supporting us by giving a tax deductible gift at the link below. https://pushpay.com/g/redeemerchurchrockwall

Rahab spent a lifetime in the service of unfaithful men. But in a moment, she is transformed. She is saved. But why is she included in Jesus' genealogy? And what does this mean for us? Join us as we look at the five women listed in Jesus' genealogy, "The Mothers Of Jesus" To support the work and worship of Redeemer, subscribe to our channel and consider supporting us by giving a tax deductible gift at the link below. https://pushpay.com/g/redeemerchurchrockwall

There's more to the story of Bathsheba than the "Sunday School" story we've heard. And there's a reason She is one of five women listed in Jesus' genealogy. It's a story about peace and where you will find it. To support the work and worship of Redeemer, subscribe to our channel and consider supporting us by giving a tax deductible gift at the link below. https://pushpay.com/g/redeemerchurchrockwall

Five women are named in Jesus' genealogy. Tamar is the first. This is her story. Why is she included in Jesus' genealogy when this is unheard of in Jesus' day? And what does this mean for us? Well, you can't understand Jesus unless you know Judah, and you can't know Judah without Tamar!! To support the work and worship of Redeemer, subscribe to our channel and consider supporting us by giving a tax deductible gift at the link below. https://pushpay.com/g/redeemerchurchrockwall

David meditates on mercy. The Enemy uses un-forgiveness against you. Stop listening to the accuser or you will become just like him. To support the work and worship of Redeemer, subscribe to our channel and consider supporting us by giving a tax deductible gift at the link below. https://pushpay.com/g/redeemerchurchrockwall

David waits on the Lord. God fights his battle. What does this mean for us? To support the work and worship of Redeemer, subscribe to our channel and consider supporting us by giving a tax deductible gift at the link below. https://pushpay.com/g/redeemerchurchrockwall

James gets at the heart of what "true faith" is. James remind you that what you do matters! Remember that God has not called you to a moment of faith, but rather a life of faith! To support the work and worship of Redeemer, subscribe to our channel and consider supporting us by giving a tax deductible gift at the link below. https://pushpay.com/g/redeemerchurchrockwall

Everyone has life defining moments. In 1 kings we see some of Elijah's life defining moments. And from these we can know that God was to meet us when he calls us up on the mountain tops, and when we're hiding for fear of our lives. He meets us in wind, and fire, but also in the silence of a whisper. And he shows up, generation, after generation, after generation! To support the work and worship of Redeemer, subscribe to our channel and consider supporting us by giving a tax deductible gift at the link below. https://pushpay.com/g/redeemerchurchrockwall

We close this series on the life of Abraham in Hebrews 11 which is essentially a eulogy for Abraham. God called the first disciple to a life of faith. He calls every disciple to a life of faith. He's calling you too. Will you answer His call? To support the work and worship of Redeemer, subscribe to our channel and consider supporting us by giving a tax deductible gift at the link below. https://pushpay.com/g/redeemerchurchrockwall

What do we leave those we leave behind when we die? We all leave something, good bad, or indifferent. But what Abraham passes down to his ancestors is something greater than anything money can buy. It's called Hope!

Why is Abraham tested by God? Why are you tested by God? How can God stay true to all His promises when life looks the way it does right now in this moment? Surely Abraham feels this when he is raising his hand with the knife. It feels like God is turning His back on Abraham, and on us. But we find out in this passage that He tests us because He loves us. How does this make sense? find out in this sermon about the life of Abraham. To support the work and worship of Redeemer, subscribe to our channel and consider supporting us by giving a tax deductible gift at the link below. https://pushpay.com/g/redeemerchurchrockwall

The story of Sodom and Gomorrah is often reduced to a story about what God does to the wicked. We often don't graduate to a deeper understanding of scripture. It's not just a story about divine judgment… It's a story about divine mercy. To support the work and worship of Redeemer, subscribe to our channel and consider supporting us by giving a tax deductible gift at the link below. https://pushpay.com/g/redeemerchurchrockwall