The Rock Church

Mighty Ways

Ever since I became a follower of Christ, I’ve prayed that God would use me and others in mighty ways. There’s nothing wrong with this prayer. It’s a prayer that applies faith to a “Here am I, send me!” boldness. That is certainly not bad at all. However, I’ve prayed this prayer for over two decades. And a quick Google search of my name proves that God hasn’t used me in any of the “mighty ways” this broken world would recognize. I’m actually thankful for that.

Posted in A Word from the Pastor by The Rock Church

Bringing the Gospel to Romania: Our Mission and Prayer Needs

As our Romania Mission Team prepares to depart, our hearts are filled with anticipation and faith. With just two days remaining before we board our flight, we’re reaching out to our church family with a heartfelt request.

Will you stand with us in prayer and covering?

We believe that your prayers will make a difference as we go to serve, minister, and share the love of Christ. Here are specific ways you can pray for us:

Posted in Missions, News by The Rock Church

D.A.W.G.

I acquired a habit in my earlier days as a Christ follower. I made time in my busy schedule for what we lovingly called a D.A.W.G. (Day Alone With God). We can all agree that life can sometimes be overwhelming. Not only do we want to do it all, but we also want our families to do even more than we ever did. Our phones throw data at us like ants marching toward spilled pie and ice cream on a hot summer sidewalk.

As I look back on my early days as a young Christian, I see a wife, three kids, and working overtime as an electrician. In hindsight, I was just learning to zealously serve the Lord. Along with trying to figure out the concept of a balanced life. Much like a skateboarder learning complicated tricks, it was a roadrashy time in my walk with the Lord. I specifically remember one of the many conferences my wife Jeanne and I used to frequent. The speaker introduced me to the idea of a Day Alone With God.  

Posted in A Word from the Pastor by The Rock Church

Times of Refreshing

“Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord.” — Acts 3:19-20 (NIV)

Peter had just performed a miracle—healing a man who couldn’t walk. The crowd was obviously amazed. But Peter didn’t take the credit. Instead, he pointed people to Jesus. Additionally, he told them to repent and turn to God.

Posted in A Word from the Pastor by The Rock Church

Survival of the Fittest vs. God Provides?

The other day, I found a dead bird. Consequently, it got me thinking. In 1859, Charles Darwin wrote “On the Origin of Species.” He talked about limited resources and survival of the fittest. Basically, Darwin decided there were limited natural resources, like food or water. On this basis, he theorized that these limited resources led to competition (survival of the fittest) in the natural world.

In one sense, Darwin was right. As Christians, we certainly know that creation is cursed (Romans 8:20-22). This is self-evident in the death and disease we see around us. However, Darwin approached this question of resources from a naturalistic (godless) perspective. In his worldview, there was never a Creator who provided for His creation.

Posted in A Word from the Pastor by The Rock Church

The Purpose of Life

“For who knows what is good for a person in life, during the few and meaningless days they pass through like a shadow? Who can tell them what will happen under the sun after they are gone?” – Ecclesiastes 6:12 (NIV).

Let’s be honest. Life without purpose can certainly feel empty. I believe that with all my heart. Maybe you’ve felt that weight, too?

Dr. Viktor E. Frankl was a Jewish psychiatrist who survived Nazi concentration camps. He wrote a powerful book called “Man’s Search for Meaning.” In it, he makes two unforgettable statements:

Posted in A Word from the Pastor by The Rock Church

Pray Them Deeper

“For this reason, because I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of Him…” — Ephesians 1:15-17

These verses recently gripped me as I read Ephesians. The Apostle Paul hears that the faith of the people in this church is strong. Their love for one another is obviously the real deal. Everything is definitely GREAT! But then, instead of moving on with a quick, spiritual high-five, Paul presses in. He tells them precisely what he’s praying for them.

Posted in A Word from the Pastor by The Rock Church

Lost and Found

Most everyone has a lost and found story. I have far too many. And at this stage of my life, even my car tends to get lost. Thank God for the key fob. Also, here’s to the lost phone feature (to assist in finding misplaced phones). Once, I even traced my lost phone back to a rest stop in southern Utah (in a futile attempt to retrieve it). 

Most of the time, there are two parts to our lost and found stories. For a start, there’s the hopelessness of not knowing where to look. Next comes the relief of finally finding what we’re looking for.

My favorite lost and found story is the “Parable of the Lost Son,” found in Luke (Chapter 15). It’s probably because I can personally relate to it on several levels. The young man receives an early inheritance and squanders it on reckless and loose living. 

Posted in A Word from the Pastor by The Rock Church

Filled with Joy and Gelato

Our final day with the missionary kids was yesterday (Saturday). The day was filled with fun, faith and farewells. It’s hard to believe the trip is coming to a close.

A majority of the time was spent all together – younger and older – singing, signing T-shirts & journals, and walking along the shore to find a new beach spot.

For at least three hours, kids hung out in the sunshine and swam. Many chatted and goofed off while tossing a football or receiving henna tattoos. We concluded our afternoon the same way we did last year – by getting gelato with all the kids.

Posted in Missions by The Rock Church

Take Courage — Free Day With the Kids

“But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid” – Matthew 14:27

Today, for our mission, we had the kids from 10 a.m. until 9 p.m. Most days, the parents meet with their kids for meals. Today, however,  they had the gift of an entire day with no responsibility. It was a long, hectic privilege to serve this way. 

Posted in Missions, News by The Rock Church