Rock Creek Students

Monday morning—the start of a new week and a fresh opportunity to grow, pursue your goals, and make a difference. Hopefully, you’re ready to make the most of it! But let’s be real: at some point this week, you’re going to run into someone negative, hurtful, or distracting. It could be a harsh word, a critical comment, or just the presence of someone who drains your energy. But here’s the truth—you don’t have to let that define your week or determine your attitude. You have a choice. You can let their negativity weigh you down, or you can rise above it. You can let their hurtful words take root, or you can remind yourself of who you are and what you’re called to do. You can let distractions pull you off course, or you can stay focused on the path God has set before you. Remember, not everyone’s opinion matters. Not every battle is worth fighting. And not every distraction deserves your attention. This week, stay focused, stay faithful, and trust that God is working in you and through you. Let’s make it a great week!

“Christ was born for this! That man might be born again. That light might shine in our darkness. That we might rise from the grave. That God might dwell with man, and man with God.” Horatius Bonar “Christ was born for this!” That’s the whole story right there. Jesus left heaven, entered our broken mess, and became one of us to give us new life—to make us born again. Think about it: the Light of the World stepped into our deepest darkness, not to condemn us, but to rescue us. It’s not just poetic—it’s real hope. Jesus didn’t just come to fix us up; He came to defeat death itself so we could live forever. And here’s the most incredible part: all of this—His birth, His life, His death, and resurrection—happened so that God could be with us, and we could be with Him. Emmanuel—God with us, now and forever. That’s the heart of Christmas.

It’s a great day to go to church!

Walk and Talk! (Joy)

What a fun night at the Rock Creek Rodeo. So thankful to Officer Corey Hall for keeping Rock Creek Students safe!

Always do the right thing. Even if it's costly. #FinishEmpty

For the “be more educated” and “learn history” posts… Bacchanalia was a cult devoted to the Roman god Bacchus (or Dionysus for the Greeks). Initially, this cult was exclusive to women, and Bacchae priestesses would gather and perform rituals. Later, the cult was opened to men and grew to include the most sinful behavior you can imagine. In 186 BC, the Roman government ended the cult and only allowed these “parties” at particular times. Thomas Jolly (Director) correctly depicts Dionysus (Bacchus) with a fruit halo. If it were only Dionysus, it would be enough to send a message of sexual sin—which is Jolly’s primary aim. He says, “In France, we have the right to love each other, as we want, with whoever we want. In France, we have the right to believe and not to believe.” He correctly captured the message of the lust of the flesh with the correct false god. However, the large halo is not on Dionysus. It is on the woman at the center of the table. She is positioned with purpose along with those around her. The shot is intentional, staged, and paused. A Greek bacchanal does not have a central figure like the one depicted in this performance with the halo and stars. The earliest paintings depict lavish parties with wild abandon, wine, and bodies. Jolly’s initial intent was the Last Supper, and its connection is absolutely implied. Everyone in France (and Italy) who saw it immediately thought of Leonardo da Vinci. That is why the Bishops’ Conference of France, the national organization of Catholic bishops, denounced the performance as “scenes of derision and mockery of Christianity, which we deeply deplore.” I think they are educated enough to understand the culture and historical context. The director, Jolly, could have clarified, but he did not. He has not said it was not The Last Supper. The Olympic committee is doing that—not him. He communicated exactly what he wanted. Don't buy the spin. It was as sinful and evil as you thought it was.

I'm praying this morning for our country. The depth of man’s sinful nature is limitless and heartbreaking. Our only hope is Jesus.

I spend much of the summer at camp. I can’t overstate the difference between a camp that allows cell phones and one that doesn’t. It’s worth the fight. It’s difficult for a kid to retreat when they’re holding the world system in their hand.

Rock Creek Students Beach Trip 2024.

hey she said yes guys

Walk and Talk! (Storms and Faith) *We won’t do this every day, but I couldn't pass up the illustration this morning!

“I have so many things to do today, I dare not ignore my time with God.” Martin Luther

Rock Creek Students Class of 2024 (minus a few). I love these kids! Different backgrounds, schools, and stories—but united together in Christ. What America hopes she could be, The Gospel produces naturally.

There is no external earthly solution to the internal longing of your heart. No pleasure, possession, position, or prominence will fill you up. Only Jesus satisfies.

Registration is open for Beach Trip 2024! rockcreekstudents.com/beach-trip

What an awesome morning at Rock Creek!

Growing in faith looks less like doing things for God, and more like doing things with God. -Less performing - More peace. -Less exhaustion - More rest. -Less pretending - More grace.

We are honoring our Seniors on May 12! At The U, We will have a special dinner, gifts, and recognition. On Sunday Morning, Jason will be recognizing our seniors, praying, and preaching a message geared toward the class of 2024. Registe… rockcreekstudents55.wufoo.com/forms/senior-s…