This Week: February 2nd, 2025

Have you ever known pastors or religious leaders who measure their success or failure by the number of people who respond to a pastoral invitation each Sunday? While bringing people to Christ is a vital part of ministry, it is ultimately the work of the Holy Spirit that leads hearts to repentance and faith, not the efforts or eloquence of any individual (John 6:44, 1 Corinthians 3:6-7).

A pastor's primary role is to shepherd, teach, and guide their congregation, not to tally conversions as a measure of personal achievement. A faithful pastor points people to Christ, much like a good parent raises children not for their own glory but to see them flourish. When a child excels in academics, sports, or music, a parent may feel a deep sense of joy, but they do not step into the spotlight to take credit. The child’s success naturally reflects the love, discipline, and wisdom instilled by the parent without the need for self-congratulation.

In the same way, we are not called to display holiness and righteousness to magnify ourselves but to glorify Christ. Our lives should be a reflection of Him, drawing others toward His grace and truth, not toward our own influence. As John the Baptist humbly declared, "He must increase, but I must decrease" (John 3:30).

A powerful example of this humility can be seen in the life of Billy Graham. On numerous occasions, he was celebrated and heralded by crowds, yet rather than accept accolades, he simply lifted the Bible he carried, directing all glory to God. One such moment occurred during one of his large crusades when thousands cheered for him. Instead of reveling in the recognition, he raised his Bible and proclaimed, "The Bible says..." immediately turning the focus away from himself and onto the Word of God.

We must be careful never to let our own influence overshadow Christ. If our presence becomes larger than His in the eyes of others, we have missed the point of our calling. As Paul reminded the Corinthians, "For we do not preach ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord, and ourselves your bondservants for Jesus’ sake" (2 Corinthians 4:5). Live a life worthy of what Christ has done for you, but make sure He, not you, is in the spotlight.

This Week's Worship Service

As we conclude this series on the Parable of the Soils we learn that when we are a fertile soil, we can spread the Gospel and multiply believers to the kingdom.  But to be fertile, a 'good ground’, we must be obedient to the truth that is the Christ, Jesus and remove all things that distract us from Him.

Mark 4:8

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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.

Church Sign Sermon
Online Giving

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.

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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.

Upcoming Events

Latest Sermons

Part 4 The Good Ground Feb. 9th 2025
Part 3 The Thorny Path Feb. 2nd 2025
Part 2 The Rocky Path Jan. 26th, 2025

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