< BACK TO OUTLINE Previous Next VI. Justice, Community, and Culture 22. Race, Justice, and Gospel Unity We believe every person is created in the image of God and equally valuable in His sight. The gospel of Jesus Christ tears down dividing walls of hostility and makes us one family in Him. We reject racism, prejudice, and partiality in every form, and we affirm the Church’s call to pursue reconciliation, justice, and unity. While cultural definitions of justice shift, we hold to God’s unchanging standard of righteousness and truth. Scripture References: Micah 6:8; Acts 10:34-35; Galatians 3:28; Ephesians 2:14-16 Expanded Explanation: Biblical justice begins with the character of God. He is perfectly righteous, impartial, and compassionate toward the oppressed (Psalm 89:14). Because every person bears His image, all forms of racism, prejudice, or discrimination are sin. In Christ, the dividing wall between peoples has been broken down, creating one new humanity united by His blood (Ephesians 2:14–16). The gospel does more than call for tolerance—it produces reconciliation. Believers are not only forgiven but also made ministers of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:18–19). Our unity is not built on culture, ethnicity, or preference but on Christ alone. While culture often redefines justice according to human standards, Scripture grounds it in God’s moral law and love. Biblical justice seeks both righteousness and restoration—it confronts sin and heals wounds. The Church’s role is to model this unity and truth, demonstrating that real reconciliation happens at the cross, where mercy and justice meet. 23. The Role of the Church in Culture We believe the Church is called to be salt and light in the world—living as a faithful presence of God’s truth and love in every sphere of society. Our mission is not to withdraw from culture but to engage it with grace and conviction, showing the beauty of the gospel in both word and action. The Church must stand firm in truth without compromise while extending compassion to all people, reflecting Christ’s heart full of grace and truth. Scripture References: Matthew 5:13-16; John 17:15-18; Romans 12:2; Colossians 4:5-6 Expanded Explanation: Jesus called His followers to be “salt” and “light” (Matthew 5:13–16)—preserving truth, exposing darkness, and displaying the goodness of God in a decaying world. The Church does not retreat from culture in fear, nor does it conform to it for acceptance. Instead, it stands as a redemptive influence, embodying grace and truth just as Christ did (John 1:14). Engaging culture requires both courage and humility. We must speak truth even when it’s unpopular, yet do so with gentleness and respect (1 Peter 3:15). The Church’s witness loses credibility when it sacrifices truth for approval or truthfulness for harshness. Our mission is to reflect God’s kingdom values in the marketplace, media, education, family, and government—living with integrity in every sphere. When believers live this way, the world sees not self-righteousness, but hope. The gospel becomes visible through our compassion, generosity, and integrity, proving that the love of Christ transforms both hearts and communities. 24. Compassion and Mercy We believe God’s heart is for the broken, the hurting, and the forgotten. Jesus modeled perfect compassion, serving the poor, the sick, and the sinner with humility and love. As His followers, we are called to do the same—feeding the hungry, comforting the grieving, and helping the helpless. Acts of mercy are not secondary to the gospel but expressions of it, revealing the love of Christ in tangible ways. Scripture References: Matthew 25:35-40; Luke 6:36; Galatians 6:9-10; James 1:27 Expanded Explanation: Compassion is not optional for the people of God—it’s the heartbeat of the gospel. Jesus’ ministry consistently revealed mercy in action. He healed the sick, welcomed the outcast, and forgave sinners, demonstrating that God’s love meets people in their need. The parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25–37) illustrates that genuine faith expresses itself in practical care for others, regardless of status or difference. The Church continues this mission by serving those in physical, emotional, and spiritual need. James calls this “pure and undefiled religion” (James 1:27). Acts of mercy are not replacements for evangelism but partners with it, showing that the gospel is both spoken and seen. When believers love in word and deed, they reflect the heart of the Savior who came “not to be served, but to serve” (Mark 10:45). Compassionate ministry draws people toward Christ and builds bridges for the message of salvation. Every act of mercy is a proclamation of His kingdom—a reminder that God still sees, still cares, and still redeems. 25. Love and Unity in the Church We believe love is the defining mark of every follower of Jesus and the foundation of true Christian unity. The Church is one body with many members, united by the Holy Spirit under the lordship of Christ. Though we differ in background and perspective, we are called to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. Truth keeps our love grounded; love keeps our truth gracious. Scripture References: John 13:34-35; Romans 12:9-10; Ephesians 4:2-3; Colossians 3:14 Expanded Explanation: Love is the clearest evidence of discipleship (John 13:34–35). Unity within the Church is not uniformity, but harmony—a diversity of gifts, callings, and backgrounds brought together under the lordship of Christ. The Holy Spirit is the bond that holds believers in fellowship, empowering us to forgive, encourage, and serve one another. Unity must be built on both love and truth. Love without truth becomes shallow sentimentality; truth without love becomes harsh legalism. Paul urges believers to “speak the truth in love” so that the body may grow and mature (Ephesians 4:15–16). Maintaining this unity requires humility, patience, and constant grace. When the Church lives in unity, it testifies to the watching world that the gospel is real. Our oneness becomes a living witness to Jesus’ prayer in John 17:21 — “that they may all be one… so that the world will believe.” A divided Church cannot heal a divided world, but a loving Church can reveal the unity of Christ’s heart to all people. Previous Next

< Back Advanced Birthday & Anniversary Report Instructor: Amy Varner Previous Next

< Back Long Term Care Needs Tutorial Instructor: Amy Varner 1. Entering Long Term Care Needs Go to main care dashboard Click enter care need Change status from “Open” to “Long Term Care” Select the category Other Enter any notes & save 2. Accessing the Long Term Care Bubble on Rock Home Page: Either click ‘Long Term Care’ at the top of the dashboard or scroll down past funerals and you will see the quick view 3. Documenting Care Touches on Long Term Care Needs: Go to the main Care Dashboard with needs listed At the top right, click on ‘Filter Options’ Change the status from ‘Open’ to ‘Long Term Care’ Click ‘apply filter’ You will now only see the long term care needs and can add care touches just like normal Previous Next

< Back Professional Printing Printing, Document Distribution, Commercial Printing PO Box 321 Griffin, GA 30223 (770) 229-1836 Previous Next

< Back Background Check Tutorial Instructor: Here's a brief video tutorial explaining more about how to request a background check in Rock RMS Previous Next

< Back K&K Manufacturing 172 South 6th Street Extension, Milner, GA, USA (770) 228-9974 denise@kandkmfg.com Website About We have served the truck equipment and trailer industry in North America since 1990. Family owned and operated, our company is now entering its second generation of leadership. We are very excited for the future of K&K, and we will never forget how we built a strong reputation for our products. Our success is not measured by earnings, instead by the growing number of loyal friendships that we have made in this industry. These friendships are what have fueled our steady growth over the last two decades. While growing our market share, we continue to offer unsurpassed flexibility when designing and completing your equipment. Throughout North America, We provide quality products built with a prideful craftsmanship that can only be found through a partnership with K&K Manufacturing. Previous Next

< Back NewLife Radio Apply Now 100 S Hill St #504, Griffin, GA 30223, USA Job Type Workspace About the Role (770) 229-2020 Requirements About the Company Michael B. Shelley Apply Now

< Back Rock RMS Mass Text Tutorial Instructor: Amy Varner You can send mass text messages to any group or dataview created in Rock RMS. Previous Next

< Back Merge Template Rock Tutorial Instructor: Amy Varner 1. Login to Rock RMS 2. Go to far left icon of a person and click on Group Viewer Select the group you wish to create a merge template for 3. Select the box next to “name” at the top of your group to select everyone in the group 4. Click the icon at the far right that looks like two sheets of paper (it will say something about merge templates when you hover over it) 5. Select the merge template you wish to use Mailing option two is the correct mailing labels The last (or 4th) option under Group Roster section will populate a group roster for you that you can print 6. Click the merge button 7. Your document will save to your downloads folder and you can access it there to print. Previous Next

< Back D Trevitt, LLC Apply Now 4253 GA-83, Forsyth, GA 31029, USA Job Type Workspace About the Role (678) 614-2029 Requirements About the Company Kelly Trivett Apply Now

< Back Quick Link Tutorial Instructor: Amy Varner You can save any page or link in Rock RMS to have faster access to the page. Previous Next

< BACK TO OUTLINE Previous Next IV. The Spiritual Realm — Angels, Demons, and Warfare 16. Angels and Demons We believe God created both the visible and invisible realms, including spiritual beings who serve His purposes and reflect His glory. Among them are angels—created to worship God, carry out His will, and minister to His people. Scripture also reveals that some angels rebelled against God and now oppose His work as what we call demons. All spiritual beings, whether faithful or fallen, remain under God’s sovereign authority. Believers can live with confidence, knowing that through Christ, the powers of darkness have been defeated and that we walk in His victory. Scripture References: Psalm 103:20; Hebrews 1:14; Luke 10:17-20; Colossians 2:15 Expanded Explanation: Scripture reveals an unseen realm that exists alongside our physical world—a spiritual reality filled with created beings called angels. These holy angels were made by God to worship Him (Isaiah 6:2–3; Revelation 5:11–12), carry out His commands (Psalm 103:20), and minister to believers (Hebrews 1:14). They serve as messengers, warriors, and protectors under God’s direction. However, some of these created beings rebelled against God under the leadership of Satan (Revelation 12:7–9). These fallen angels are what Scripture calls demons. Their purpose is to deceive, accuse, and destroy (John 10:10; 1 Peter 5:8). Yet even in their rebellion, they remain subject to God’s authority and cannot act beyond His permission (Job 1:12). Believers need not live in fear of the unseen realm. Jesus declared victory over every power of darkness through His death and resurrection (Colossians 2:15). Angels still serve God’s people today, and demons still oppose God’s work—but Christ reigns supreme over all. Our confidence rests not in our strength but in His name, which holds all authority in heaven and on earth (Matthew 28:18). 17. Satan We believe Satan is a real, personal being—once a created angel who rebelled against God and became the adversary of all that is good. He is the deceiver, accuser, and tempter who seeks to destroy God’s people and distort His truth. Though Satan’s influence is great, his power is limited and his defeat is certain. Jesus Christ has triumphed over him through the cross and resurrection, and believers overcome by standing firm in faith and obedience to God. Scripture References: Genesis 3:1-5; John 8:44; 1 Peter 5:8-9; Revelation 12:10-11 Expanded Explanation: Satan, also known as the devil, was originally a created angel who became filled with pride and sought to usurp God’s throne (Isaiah 14:12–15; Ezekiel 28:12–17). His rebellion led to his fall and the corruption of other angels who followed him. From that point on, he has been the great adversary of God’s people — tempting, deceiving, and accusing humanity throughout history. Jesus called him “the father of lies” (John 8:44). Satan’s influence is evident in the world’s systems of sin and deception (2 Corinthians 4:4). Yet believers must remember that his power is temporary and his judgment is guaranteed (Revelation 20:10). The cross sealed his fate—Christ triumphed over him openly, disarming his authority (Colossians 2:15). The enemy still prowls, seeking to discourage and divide the people of God (1 Peter 5:8–9). Our victory comes through resisting him with steadfast faith, clothed in the armor of God, and standing firm on the truth of Scripture. When we submit to God and resist the devil, he must flee (James 4:7). Satan is a defeated foe; our call is to walk daily in the victory that Christ has already secured. 18. Spiritual Warfare We believe followers of Christ live in the midst of a real spiritual battle between the kingdom of God and the forces of darkness. Our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against spiritual powers that oppose God’s purposes. We resist the enemy not with human strength but with the armor of God—truth, righteousness, faith, and the Word of God. Victory comes through the power of Jesus’ name, the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and steadfast prayer. Scripture References: Ephesians 6:10-13; 2 Corinthians 10:3-5; James 4:7; Revelation 12:11 Expanded Explanation: Spiritual warfare is the unseen conflict between God’s kingdom and Satan’s forces for the hearts and minds of humanity. This battle is not fought with physical weapons but through spiritual means (2 Corinthians 10:4–5). Every believer is engaged in this conflict, yet Scripture assures us that the outcome has already been decided — Christ has won the victory. Paul’s description of the “armor of God” (Ephesians 6:10–18) reminds us that victory is not achieved through willpower but through spiritual dependence. Truth protects our minds, righteousness guards our hearts, faith extinguishes the enemy’s attacks, salvation anchors our identity, and the Word of God serves as our weapon against deception (Matthew 4:1–11). Prayer empowers it all — keeping us alert, humble, and connected to the Spirit’s guidance. Spiritual warfare is real, but it is not cause for fear. The same Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead lives within us (Romans 8:11). Through Christ’s authority, believers can stand firm, rebuke the enemy’s lies, and walk in freedom. The goal of warfare is not obsession with the demonic but devotion to Jesus — to live boldly in His victory, clothed in His armor, and filled with His peace. Previous Next