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About CUTR
ABOUT CHURCH UPON THE ROCK
SEE BELOW FOR:Who We are
Communion
Statement of Faith
Baptism
Assurance of Salvation
Philosophy of Ministry
Our Values
Mission Statement
WHO WE ARE
Church Upon the Rock is a local Christian church, having facilities in the City of Mounds View, on the north side of Minneapolis, Minnesota. The church was formerly a ministry called Compassion Christian Center, formed in the late 1960's during the charismatic movement of the Holy Spirit in the region at that time.
In 1982 the Holy Spirit made it clear that there was to be a new beginning as a church and that the name of Compassion was to be laid to rest. A new identity was given, based on Matthew 7:24, 25:
"Therefore, everyone who hears these words of Mine, and acts upon them, may be compared to a wise man, who built his house UPON THE ROCK. And the rains descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and burst against that house; and yet it did not fall, for it has been founded UPON THE ROCK."
Church Upon the Rock is a legally independent organization. Its pastors maintain relationships of love and trust with the leaders of other spirit-filled churches in the Twin Cities.
Church Upon the Rock is a family-centered ministry endeavoring to challenge each individual (children through the retired) to spiritual maturity in Christ. We desire to see each member discover, develop and employ their spiritual gift. We want to express our love for God through all creative means of praise and worship. We seek to do spiritual warfare in winning people to the Lord and going into all the nations to preach the gospel and disciple the nations.
SENIOR PASTOR: Gordy Steck
COMMUNION
1 Cor 11:23-26 - For I received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus in the night in which He was betrayed took bread; and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, "This is My body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of Me." In the same way He took the cup also after supper, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in My blood; do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me." For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until He comes.
Names and Titles Given to This Ordinance:
A. The Lord's Supper (1 Corinthians 11:20).
It is referred to in this way because it was at Christ's last supper with the disciples, prior to His crucifixion, that Jesus established this ordinance (Matthew 26:26-29) and it points to a future supper that all believers of all ages will once again eat with Christ (Revelation 19:9, 17).
B. The Lord's Table; or, the Table of the Lord (1 Corinthians 10:21).
A Table speaks to us of a place of feasted, love and fellowship. The Lord has provided a place for us to sup with Him in an intimate way.
C. Communion (1 Corinthians 10:16).
The word "communion" means an intimate sharing of one person to another. Communion is to be a time of intimacy with the Lord and His Body.
D. Breaking bread (Acts 20:7; Matthew 26:26).
This title refers back to when Jesus initiated communion and He took the bread, broke it and blessed it (Matthew 26:26).
E. Other non-biblical terms:
1. Eucharist: This word comes from the Greek word which means "giving thanks" (1 Corinthians 14:16). Certainly, as we remember the Lord, thanksgiving should fill our hearts. 2. Sacrament: This word comes from a Latin word meaning "holy" or "set apart". The Communion Table should certainly be hallowed and reverenced by all.
Biblical foundation for this ordinance in the Bible:
A. From the first chapters (Genesis 3:8) to the last chapters (Revelation 21:1-3) of the Bible, God has revealed Himself as one who delights in and desires to have intimate fellowship and relationship with His creation.
B. Even though sin separated man from God, God has always provided a means whereby this intimate relationship could be experienced in His house (Exodus 25:8).
C. In the Old Testament, at different times, God provided different avenues through which this desire could be manifest
1. The Altar of Sacrifice (Exodus 20:24)
2. The Table of Shewbread (Lev 24:5-9)
D. Under the New Covenant, the Table of the Lord's presence is the Communion Table.
The symbols that Jesus used in establishing Communion:
A. Bread (Luke 22:19)
1. The bread speaks of the body of Christ broken for sinful man.
2. The bread which Jesus provided is necessary for spiritual life (John 6:58).
B. Wine (or grape juice) (Matthew 26:29)
1. Wine speaks of the blood of Christ that was shed for sinful man for cleansing sin (Matthew 26:28).
2. Only the blood of Christ has the power to cleanse from sin (1 Jn 1:7).
Spiritual realities which are demonstrated and experienced in the Lord's Table:
Everything that we experience in the Christian life we experience as we exercise faith in the Word of God. Going through certain formalities affects nothing. However, as we exercise faith in the Word of God we should expect communion to be a very meaningful time.
A. It should be a time of remembrance (1 Corinthians 11:24-25).
As Christians, we should continually remember the death, burial and resurrection of Christ and what God provided for us.
B. It should be time of Communion (1 Corinthian 10:16).
All believers need to renew and maintain a communion relationship with the Lord.
C. It should be a time of unity (1 Corinthians 10:17).
At the Table believer should be united around the Lord and recognize their interdependence and need for the spiritual body of Christ.
D. It should be time of love (Luke 22:15).
Christ's death was the highest expression of His love for us. The Table of the Lord is a feast of His love.
E. It should be time of healing (1 Corinthians 11:29-30; 1 Pet. 2:24; Isaiah 53:4-51; John 3:8; Matt. 8:17; Psalms 103:3).
The truths found at the Table the Lord should have healing effects on relationships among believers and bring healing to the physical body.
F. It should be a time of examination and receiving forgiveness (1 Corinthians 11:28-32; Matt. 26:28; Luke 22:21; Heb. 9:22; 1 John 1:7-9; Rev. 1:5).
Every believer should examine his heart to make sure it is free from enmity toward God and enmity toward our fellow man.
G. It should be a time of thanksgiving (Matthew 26:27).
As we remember Christ's work, a new spirit of thanksgiving should be ours.
H. It should be time of blessing (1 Corinthians 10:16).
God's desire is to bless His people through the blessed bread and blessed cup.
I. It should be a time of witness (1 Corinthians 11:26).
Up to the second coming of Christ the practice of Communion in the church is a visible sign and witness to the death of Christ.
J. It should be a time of faith proclamations (1 Corinthians 11:26).
When we partake of the Communion Table, we should declare out loud what we believe God will do in us through this ordinance.
Last Supper
Matthew 26:26-29; Mark 14:22-25; Luke 22:14-20
How the church carries this out
1 Corinthians 1:23-26:
Do this in remembrance
Proclaim the Lord’s death
1 Corinthians 11:27-34: Do not partake in an unworthy manner
a. by not judging the body rightly
b. by having unconfessed sin
Examine yourself before you partake
Wait for one another
Body of Jesus is for healing
1 Peter 2:24; Isaiah 53:4-5; 1 John 3:8; Matthew 8:17; Psalm 103:3
Blood of Jesus is for forgiveness of sins
Matthew 26:28; Hebrews 9:22; 1 John 1:7-9; Revelations 1:5
STATEMENT OF FAITH
1. We believe the Bible to be the inspired, only infallible, authoritative Word of God.
2 Tim. 3:16
2 Pet 2:20,21
2. We believe that there is one God, eternally existent in three Persons: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.
1 Tim. 2:5
Col. 1:19
John 14:10
John 14:16,17
3. We believe in the deity of our Lord Jesus Christ as the Son of God, in His virgin birth, in His sinless human life, and in His miracles.
John 1:1
John 1:14
2 Cor. 5:21
Heb. 4:15
John 20:30
4. We believe in Christ's vicarious and atoning death on the cross. In His shed blood there is forgiveness and cleansing from sin; in His scourging there is healing from sickness; in His death and burial there is release from the old selfish nature.
Rom. 3:25
Eph. 1:7
Heb. 9:14
Ps. 103:3
Isa. 53:5
Rom. 6:6
5. We believe in Christ's bodily resurrection, and in His ascension to the right hand of the Father. In His resurrection and ascension there is new spiritual life for all believers.
1 Cor. 15:4-6
Mark 16:19
Rom. 6:4,5
Eph. 2:5,6
6. We believe that for the salvation of lost and sinful mankind, regeneration by the Holy Spirit, being born again through repentance and faith in Jesus Christ, is absolutely essential. This joins the believer to Christ, giving him a new spirit within, a new beginning.
John 3:3,7
Acts 2:38
2 Cor. 5:17
7. We believe in the outpouring from God of the Holy Spirit on all flesh, beginning with the day of Pentecost and continuing until now. This comes in the baptism of the Holy Spirit, accompanied by speaking in unknown tongues, prophecy and other supernatural manifestations of the Holy Spirit.
Acts 2
1 Cor. 12
8. We believe in the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in every believer, and in the need beyond the baptism of the Holy Spirit to be filled with the Spirit in our character and behavior.
Rom. 8:9
Eph. 5:18
Gal. 5:22,23
9. We believe in the living Body of Christ, the church universal and local; and in the spiritual unity of all believers under the Head of the Body, Jesus Christ.
Eph. 4:4-6
Eph. 2:22,23
10. We believe in the Kingdom of God, both present and future; that believers must recognize Jesus Christ as King of kings and Lord of lords in their hearts now, and eventually all spiritual and earthly authorities must bow to Him.
Matt. 6:33
Rom. 10:9,10
Matt. 6:10
Phil 6:10
Rev. 19:16
11. We believe in Jesus Christ's personal return to the earth in power and glory.
Acts 2:11
1 Thess. 4:15-18
12. We believer in the resurrection of both the saved and the lost; they that are saved unto life everlasting, and they that are lost unto everlasting damnation.
Dan. 12:2
John 5:28,29
Rev. 20:11-15
BAPTISM
HOW WE BAPTIZE AT CHURCH UPON THE ROCK
1. After you believe. Mark 16:16; Matthew 28:9
2. Children may be baptized after they believe.
We do not baptized children but dedicate them to the Lord.
What is baby / child dedication?
The Israelites brought their 8-day-old children to the priest for blessing. Hannah (1 Sam 1:24-28) brought her long-awaited son Samuel to the priest Eli, to dedicate him to the Lord. Mary and Joseph brought baby Jesus to the temple for his dedication.
We recognize that salvation only comes to a child through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. It is not passed on to a child through dedication. Parents commit to raise their children by modeling godly principles and with the desire that one day, the child will receive Jesus Christ as their personal Savior.
Is dedication the same as infant baptism or Christening?
Child dedication is different than infant baptism or christening. While these rites are significant for a variety of faiths, it is the practice of Church Upon the Rock to dedicate children.
Infant baptism developed in early church history in the belief that it would ensure salvation of infants, should they die before they were old enough to develop a personal faith in Jesus Christ. It was believed that, through baptism, the infant would be assured of a place in heaven.
We at Church Upon The Rock believe however, that all infants are destined for heaven should they die before they are old enough to enter into a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. We also believe the Bible teaches that baptism should take place after a person has made a personal choice to follow Jesus Christ.
3. In the name of Jesus
There are six references of the disciples baptizing in the book of Acts, in every situation they always baptized in the name of Jesus (2:38; 8:12,13,16, 10:47,48; 19:1-5).
We choose not to be contentious our dogmatic. If a person wishes to be baptized in the name of Father, Son and Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:18-20), we will oblige them.
4. By immersion
The Word baptism was not a religious word in the New Testament era. It meant to make fully wet or immerse (Matthew 7:4,8; Heb 6:2; 9:10). Another New Testament word that could have been used for baptism is rhantismos. This word means to sprinkle and is used many times in the Bible (Hebrews 9:13,19,21; 10:22; 11:28; 12:24; 1 Pt 1:2).
5. Can a person being re-baptized?
Occasions in which we will practice re-baptism:
When a person is trusting in infant baptism.
When a person was sprinkled after becoming a Christian.
When a person is returning from a time of backsliding.
ASSURANCE OF SALVATION
1. God wants us to know that we have eternal life!
1 John 5:13 “I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life.”
2. Eternal life is a free gift from God.
Rom 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
1 John 2:25 This is the promise which He Himself made to us: eternal life.
1 John 5:11-12 And the testimony is this, that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. He who has the Son has the life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have the life.
John 5:24 "Truly, truly, I say to you, he who hears My word, and believes Him who sent Me, has eternal life, and does not come into judgment, but has passed out of death into life.
John 3:14-18 "As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up; so that whoever believes will in Him have eternal life. For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him. He who believes in Him is not judged; he who does not believe has been judged already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.”
John 6:47 "Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes has eternal life.”
John 10:27-29 "My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me; and I give eternal life to them, and they will never perish; and no one will snatch them out of My hand. My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father's hand.”
3. When you accept God's gift of eternal life, Christ Jesus comes and lives in your heart.
Rev 3:20 'Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will dine with him, and he with Me.
John 3:5 Jesus answered, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
1 Cor 6:17 But the one who joins himself to the Lord is one spirit with Him.
2 Cor 5:17 Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come. (Gal 6:15; Col 3:9-10)
2 Cor 13:5 Test yourselves to see if you are in the faith; examine yourselves! Or do you not recognize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you--unless indeed you fail the test?
4. Sin does not disqualify us from receiving the love of God.
1 John 2:1-2 My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous; and He Himself is the propitiation for our sins; and not for ours only, but also for those of the whole world.
1 John 1:8-10 If we say that we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar and His word is not in us.
Eph 1:7 In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace
Rom 5:6-10 For while we were still helpless, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. For one will hardly die for a righteous man; though perhaps for the good man someone would dare even to die. But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from the wrath of God through Him. For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life.
Col 1:13-14 For He rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.
Gal 1:4 who gave Himself for our sins so that He might rescue us from this present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father,
Matt 26:28 for this is My blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for forgiveness of sins.
Rev 1:5 ... To Him who loves us and released us from our sins by His blood
Heb 9:14 how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without blemish to God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?
Eph 2:13 But now in Christ Jesus you who formerly were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.
5. God has a purpose for your life.
A. To know Him.
John 17:3 "This is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.
Heb 8:11-12 "AND THEY SHALL NOT TEACH EVERYONE HIS FELLOW CITIZEN, AND EVERYONE HIS BROTHER, SAYING, 'KNOW THE LORD,' FOR ALL WILL KNOW ME, FROM THE LEAST TO THE GREATEST OF THEM. "FOR I WILL BE MERCIFUL TO THEIR INIQUITIES, AND I WILL REMEMBER THEIR SINS NO MORE."
Heb 10:19-22 Therefore, brethren, since we have confidence to enter the holy place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way which He inaugurated for us through the veil, that is, His flesh, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.
1 John 1:3 what we have seen and heard we proclaim to you also, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ.
B. To make Him known.
Matt 28:19 " Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations,
Mark 16:15 And He said to them, " Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.
Luke 24:46-48 and He said to them, " Thus it is written, that the Christ would suffer and rise again from the dead the third day, and that repentance for forgiveness of sins would be proclaimed in His name to all the nations, beginning from Jerusalem. "You are witnesses of these things.
John 20:21 Again Jesus said, "Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you."
2 Cor 5:18-21 Now all these things are from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation, namely, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and He has committed to us the word of reconciliation. Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making an appeal through us; we beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.
PHILOSOPHY OF MINISTRY
Philosophy of ministry creates a church culture of a spiritual atmosphere. Church culture is the behavior (rituals), values (beliefs), principles (rules) and atmosphere (felt presence) of a group of people. Atmosphere can be experienced but not always explained. The word ''atmosphere'' means a pervading or surrounding influence or spirit, a general mood or environment.
As a leadership team we seek to cultivate the following atmosphere:
1. God's word - Mt.7:24-27We seek to live and build our lives on faith, biblical principles. 2. Prayer and worship - 1Ti. 2:1-4
We seek to encourage and develop a life of prayer and worship, expecting to touch and be touched by the heart of the Father in order to grow in faith and in the knowledge and purposes of God. 3. Integrity ¡V 2 Pt.1:3-9We seek to have a Christian worldview as we speak the truth in love, deal honestly without hidden motives, as we live uprightly. 4. Evangelism and Outreach - Mark 16:15-18
Jesus came to seek and save those who are lost. People who are far from God matter to Him; and, therefore, matter to us. We accept people where they are. We understand that people are motivated to grow by love and forgiveness, not by guilt and shame. We value both local and global outreaches. We are a mission-minded church. 5. Discipleship - Mt.28:18-20We desire to help people grow in their life of faith in Christ, teaching them so that they may teach others. We desire to build strong individuals and families. We minister to the needs of women, men, singles, parents, couples, families, youth and children. 6. People/Relationships - 1Cor. 13:13-14: 1Each life is valuable, and everyone is important to both God and to us. We desire to assist individuals and families in building relationships based upon respect, unity, cooperation and trust.
Four types of groups are offered at CUTR
Focus or Geographic Groups meet weekly for worship, study, prayer and fellowship. They may be organized around the geographical proximity of its members.
Task Groups are organized around a common ministry activity such as ushers, greeters, children's and youth ministry, worship team, etc.
Recovery Groups are for those struggling with issues such as drug and alcohol abuse, sexual purity, codependency, divorce, grief, etc.
Specialty Groups (“free market cells”) are formed around various interests and desires such as, writing, fishing, quilting, etc.
Teaching Classes address a particular topic such as financial management, "Boundaries", healthy thinking etc.
7. Gifts and Ministries - Eph. 4:11-16
We believe that God has graced everyone for the work of ministry. Each individual has a unique gift. We endeavor to help each discover their gifts and place of service. 8. God's Power - 1Cor.2:1-5
We seek to live our lives by the power of the Holy Spirit. To live naturally in God's power, freely expressing the gifts of the Spirit in love and submission to one another. We believe that the gifts of the Spirit are to be part of every believer¡'s life. 9. Relevance - 1Cor. 9:19-23
Everything we do is directed towards the felt needs of people, so that they can hear the word of God and experience the love of God. We will adjust our methods of ministry while never compromising the message of the Bible. We are a New Testament church that believes in the present day ministry of the Holy Spirit. We seek to respond to Him while we keep a safe environment to all; assiting everyone to understand biblically what God is doing and speaking. 10. Excellence - Col.3:23-24
We will strive for excellence knowing that it honors God, inspires people, and requires creativity and continual evaluation.
OUR VALUES
We desire to facilitate growth in five areas:
G through Godly character
R Relationships with others in the church
O in Outreach both near and far
W through Worship and prayer
S by Serving others with our gifts
MISSION STATEMENT
OUR MISSION IS TO FOSTER SPIRITUAL GROWTH, TO REACH OUT, AND TO EXPERIENCE GOD IN THE COMPANY OF FRIENDS.
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