“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.
(more…)Posted in Missions, News by The Rock Church
Yesterday and today have been spent fine-tuning our plans for the mission trip. Our mission isn’t what Wednesday was — our first full day of the official mission. We met as a large group to map out the agenda, worship, and pray together. After that, kids 10 and under began the day with swimming.
The teenagers went out on a city trek to visit the Cathedral of St. Martin. We also took them to the top of the bell tower. Once there, you could see all of downtown Vrsar, as well as the many islands out in the Adriatic Sea. It was beautiful. Following that, Steele gave these missionary teens a quick teaching on Psalm 90. They listened with enthusiasm as Steele related this Psalm of Moses to their own lives.
(more…)Posted in Missions, News by The Rock Church
Yesterday and today have been spent fine-tuning our plans for the mission trip. Our mission isn’t what most people picture when they hear “mission trip.” It isn’t directly evangelistic in nature, nor is it building houses, or providing medical care. Instead, we are providing childcare for European missionaries’ children while they enjoy a conference.
It is an annual event that most of these “third culture” kids look forward to. It is the only time they have to spend with kids in a similar situation to theirs. Not to mention, with just a larger group of English-speaking Christian kids.
(more…)Posted in Missions, News by The Rock Church
“You see me when I travel and when I rest at home. You know everything I do….. 5 You go before me and follow me. You place your hand of blessing on my head.” — Psalm 139:3,5
Our team, 17 of us from Salt Lake City and seven from Colorado, embarked on this past Thursday afternoon. A five-hour delay in Salt Lake caused us to miss our connection in Paris. We heard the news on the 10-hour flight across the Atlantic that our team would have to be split up. One group went from Paris to Vienna, another from Paris to Frankfurt. After factoring in customs and even longer layovers, it was hard not to feel disheartened.
(more…)Posted in Missions, News by The Rock Church
Our world sits in darkness. We carry the weight of sin, which leaves us lost, isolated, and hopeless. Every day, we see the effects of a lost world needing hope. Hearts are weighed down by despair, and souls are longing for something greater. But there is Good News: Light has broken through the darkness.
(more…)Posted in News, Series by The Rock Church
In Titus 3:7, the Apostle Paul mentions two things that are so remarkable. In fact, when you read them, it feels almost too good to be true:
“So that being justified by His grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.” Titus 3:7
I want to consider two truths:
Truth #1: We are Justified.
Truth #2: We are Heirs.
(more…)Posted in A Word from the Pastor by The Rock Church
In Galatians (Chapter 1), Paul wrote about the radical change that happened to him. Plus, it only could have occurred through the revelation given to him by Jesus Christ. His incredible change shocked him completely. In fact, he basically had to hang out (for three years) with a fellow brother to process it all.
Before his life changed, I think that perhaps much of what he did was to look good in front of others and please them. I believe this because he eventually wrote (multiple times) that his drastic change, new identity, and Gospel didn’t come from man.
(more…)Posted in A Word from the Pastor by Tony D'Amico
“Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.” — Romans 13:1
The election season is undoubtedly upon us. And it’s evident that the outcome of the election will be challenging to many. Some will be surprised as well as disappointed. At the same time, many will be angry. On the other hand, many of your fellow Americans will be elated and overjoyed.
As one of your pastors, I want to remind you of something. Above all, no matter what side of the aisle you choose to be on, our all-powerful, all-knowing, all-loving God is in control. No matter who you vote for (and you should vote), only God’s selection is the one that counts. Biblically, we ultimately believe that God is the one who “removes kings and sets up kings” (Daniel 2:20-21). For this reason, our trust needs to be in Him, not in any political leader.
The Bible clearly states that all authority is established by God (Romans 13:1). Knowing this gives me much peace and confidence for the days ahead. I can surely rest in the loving and strong hands of my Savior. The Lord knows what He is doing. Therefore, I can obey and submit to the many authorities set up by our one true King.
We really shouldn’t worry, get angry, or freak out. Instead, God commands us to pray for our leaders. Pray for all those in authority. It says in 1 Timothy 2:1-4, “First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good and pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” Pray and don’t fret. To put it simply, this should be our proper response, no matter what the outcome of the elections is.
I have prayed pretty consistently for our political leaders over the years. Not because I agree with their policies or their ideological leanings. On the contrary, it’s sometimes quite the opposite. I pray for them because I fear God, and He commands me to pray. When I do, it’s because I trust in God, not our government.
As you contemplate the future of your life and our country, let me specifically encourage you to apply faith. And as you negotiate your emotional reaction to the upcoming election results, let me encourage you to apply faith. You can do that by trusting in our all-powerful God. He alone sets up kings. Do not fear. Instead, pray for the newly God-appointed leadership of our country.
Hopeful and praying,
Posted in A Word from the Pastor by The Rock Church
In Ephesians 4, Paul called Believers to live in a manner worthy of their calling. Even now, he reminds us how vital unity and spiritual growth are within the Church.
If we remember, the Church in Ephesus was mainly Gentiles. They were just beginning their Christian lives. Gentiles and Jews had always been very different. Now, they were to be one with them. These verses also guide us today as we live in community. They urge us to live in humility, gentleness, patience, and love — regardless of our differences.
Let’s dive into the first three verses and see how to apply their principles.
“Therefore I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God.” — Ephesians 4:1 (NLT)
Paul’s description of himself as a “prisoner for serving the Lord” underscores his commitment and dedication to his faith. While imprisoned in Rome, he wanted us to understand, even more importantly, that he was a prisoner for serving the Lord.
He desperately wanted the Believers to live a life worthy of their calling. He emphasized that our actions should naturally reflect the divine calling we have received from God. In fact, this verse is significant as it reminds us to align our daily lives with our spiritual identity. Consequently, we should embody virtues such as humility, patience, and love.
Living in a manner worthy of our calling honors God and strengthens the Church’s unity and growth. Additionally, it fosters a community that mirrors Christ’s love and teachings. Ask yourself, are you imprisoned to the Lord? Is it perhaps other passions?
“Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love.” — Ephesians 4:2 (NLT)
Next, Paul tells us always to be humble, gentle, and patient with each other. Along with that, we should make allowances for one another’s faults because of our love. This verse emphasizes the importance of treating each other with kindness and understanding. Coupled with that, we must recognize that none of us are perfect.
Think about your own life; how often do you see the faults in others but forget to look inward and see faults of your own? This is a great exercise as you look at other’s faults. Instead, reflect on your own. Without a doubt, it will change your perspective.
“Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace.” — Ephesians 4:3 (NLT)
Lastly, at least for this blog, Paul urged the Ephesians to maintain the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. That, despite their differences, they were to be united as one body in Christ. Equally important, they shared one Spirit, one hope, one Lord, one faith, one baptism. And above all, one God and Father of all.
By no means is this unity about being identical. Instead, it’s about embracing the diversity of gifts and roles within the Church. Again, this had to have been mind-blowing for those Gentiles. People had told them their whole lives that they were unworthy of God’s love. Now, they were to live in peace with the Jews. That peace could only happen because they had the Holy Spirit in them. How about you? Are you living in peace with others?
God calls us to a life of purpose. It’s His for us, no matter how difficult it may seem at first. Paul wanted us to know it. What’s keeping you from living for the purpose God has for you?
Learning to live out a life worthy of my calling,
Posted in A Word from the Pastor by Tony D'Amico
“But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, 5 he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, 6 whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life. 8 The saying is trustworthy, and I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works. These things are excellent and profitable for people.” – Titus 3:4-8
(more…)Posted in News, Series by The Rock Church