The Rock Church

Reminder

Thanks to my iPhone, I am constantly reminded about what’s going on in my life. My calendar reminds me about meetings I need to attend and bills that need to be paid. Facebook reminds me about memories from five years ago. And countless sports apps notify me on player injuries, game times, and the latest trade rumors. Better still is that I don’t really have to think to be reminded; they just ‘POP-UP’ on my phone. Instant reminder.

(more…)

Posted in A Word from the Pastor by admin

The Grip of Love

“I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand.” — John 10:28

That verse is like a treasure box full of incredible love! The promised assurance and safety coming from the mouth of Jesus grips my heart every time I read it! And it’s these specific words that have really struck me: “no one will snatch them out of my hand.” Jesus is saying that we are so secure in His hands, that nothing can loosen His grip.

(more…)

Posted in A Word from the Pastor by admin

Identified

“Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” — John 1:29

What an amazing declaration we read in the Gospel of John! A Savior has come into the world and has the ability to take away all of our sins! Then, in Matthew 3:13 we read, “Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to John, to be baptized by him.” Wait, what? Why does Jesus need to get baptized? He is the Messiah. He has no sins to repent of!? This very thought confused even John the baptizer! In verse 14 he says, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?”

(more…)

Posted in A Word from the Pastor by admin

Better Together

Can I be honest with you about something? I really love our CHURCH! I recently read an on-line comment about our church (from a new Believer) and it encouraged me so much. It read:

“Today as I was looking around (the church) there were people from all walks of life here and it just amazed me! Families of all races, people in dresses, tank tops, Harley jackets. People with tattoos, some just getting off work, and people who had obviously been sleeping all day! This church is so diverse yet we all connect through an amazing God who has brought us all together.”

(more…)

Posted in A Word from the Pastor by admin

Jesus Is God With Us

Christmas — the most wonderful time of the year!

When I think of Christmas, there are so many wonderful and exciting things that come to my mind I don’t even know where to begin. A few of my favorite things are: picking out the perfect tree, hanging up the Christmas lights, and sipping hot chocolate (with extra marshmallows) while Nat King Cole and Bing Crosby sing in the background.

(more…)

Posted in A Word from the Pastor by admin

Be Quiet

“Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night.”— Psalm 1:1-2

We live in day and age where we have access to innumerable amounts of input, self-help tips, tricks, and secrets that offer help to improve our life and circumstances. On top of that, when you add the pressure and influence from unbelievers in our fallen world, it can cloud or confuse our thinking as to what is actually true.

(more…)

Posted in A Word from the Pastor by admin

Guilt – That Awful Neighbor

What do you do with your guilt? How do you deal with the feelings of remorse over sin? How do you manage the lingering thoughts of sorrow and shame? Guilt is like that awful neighbor who’s always poking his head up over the fence to tell us how terrible our garden looks.

(more…)

Posted in A Word from the Pastor by admin

Most Valuable

When I was 12 years old, I traded two Michael Jordan basketball cards to my neighbor for six of his “Pistol Pete” Maravich basketball cards. For me, this was a no brainer. I give up two cards of a player I didn’t really like, for six cards of my all-time hero. At the card shop, however, it was a very different story. Those two Michael Jordan cards I traded were very valuable, worth $250… A PIECE!

(more…)

Posted in A Word from the Pastor by admin

Use Your Words

There is power in the name of Jesus. There is power in the Gospel when we proclaim it with our mouths. We, as Christians, have been given a supernatural power and it is on the tip of all of our tongues. In the message of the Cross is the power of God to change people’s hearts. This is a profound truth about the influence and value that we (as Christians) have in this world. It’s for this very reason God has us in this world. He wants to pour out His love to others and bring more people to His Son. In order to do this, we need to use our words.

(more…)

Posted in A Word from the Pastor by admin

Change

“Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.” Psalm 51:10

I’m not a big fan of change. Big or small, it always seems to bring out some sort of fuss from me. I have a hard time with simple transitions that most people wouldn’t even consider being problematic. From buying a car to renewing a magazine subscription, my mind starts racing just thinking about it. That’s just the way I am wired. But, change is coming (whether I am ready for it or not).

(more…)

Posted in A Word from the Pastor by admin