The Rock Church

Look Ahead!

I’ve always had a passion for all things boards. From the freedom of skateboarding through city parks to carving fresh powder on snow-capped mountains. Not to mention the rhythm of surfing ocean waves. Without a doubt, it’s a thrill like no other. I love feeling the wind rushing against my face. Strangely, times like this are also when I find myself in deep prayer. Yes, you read that right; I absolutely connect with God profoundly while gliding on a board!

Posted in A Word from the Pastor by Tony D'Amico

Pray About Everything

The right response is to pray about everything. Perhaps you feel like you’re in an uphill battle. Are you distraught, downtrodden, sick, bankrupt, or confused? Oftentimes, life can be utterly brutal. And yet, in the same life, we can also experience the downhill thrill of blessings. Being in love, landing the perfect job, receiving gifts, learning new skills, having children, going on vacation, hearing, tasting, and so on.

In all our ups and downs, the Apostle Paul encourages us to assume the position of prayer.

Posted in A Word from the Pastor by The Rock Church

What Would Your Nickname Be?

The dads in our amazing Youth Group teach each week’s lessons. This year, they’ve been covering several character sketches of men and women from the Bible. We’ve learned about both good and bad character from them.

In turn, I taught on the character of Barnabas. I’ll ask you the same question I asked the youth and their parents.

“Based on what those around you know about you and see in your life, what would your nickname be? What are you known for?”

Posted in A Word from the Pastor by The Rock Church

“My” Gospel??

In Romans 2:16, rather than say “God’s gospel” or “the Gospel of Jesus,” the Apostle Paul said, “my gospel.” This has naturally confused some people as they first read it.

Throughout Paul’s many epistles, he writes the phrase “my gospel.” Additionally, he also notes “the Gospel of God” numerous times — including in Romans 1:1. In that verse, Paul said He was an Apostle of the Gospel of God.

Posted in A Word from the Pastor by Caleb Yetton

Right Here, Right Now

Do you realize that God could have chosen any time in history for you to live? Not only that, but He could have placed you in any geographical location to live your days. However, in His perfect sovereignty, He chose to put you right here, right now, for a specific reason.

In Acts 17:26 (ESV), Paul tells the deep-thinking Greeks that God “made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place.”

Posted in A Word from the Pastor by admin

Live by the Spirit

“For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” If you bite and devour each other, watch out, or you will be destroyed by each other.” — Galatians 5:14-15

The Fruit of the Spirit is an outpouring of the Holy Spirit working in our lives. Paul explains the fruits to the Galatians right after these verses. They are love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These virtues are interconnected and essential for our spiritual growth.

However, we can easily cultivate the opposite virtues. They entirely oppose the working of the Holy Spirit. Responding in our flesh leads to negative consequences, such as hate, despair, anxiety, impatience, cruelty, wickedness, unfaithfulness, harshness, and impulsiveness.

Posted in A Word from the Pastor by Tony D'Amico

Hope in Hardship

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” — John 14:27 (NIV84)

A few weeks ago, I taught how to have hope in the midst of hardship. Many people told me that that message was precisely what they needed. I certainly needed to hear it, too! Life is always full of suffering, and there is no way to avoid it. In fact, Jesus promised, “In this world, you will have trouble.” (John 16:33b)

The reality of pain and suffering forces us to ask ourselves, “Where is my hope?” Jean-Paul Sartre, a well-known atheist, was agonizing over the thought of death. People heard him repeatedly say, “I know I shall die in hope…but hope needs a foundation!” I am eternally thankful to God for giving us a solid foundation on which we can have hope – even as we walk through the valley of death, difficulty, grief, and sorrow.

Posted in A Word from the Pastor by admin

Not All Have Faith

“Finally, brothers, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may speed ahead and be honored, as happened among you, and that we may be delivered from wicked and evil men. For not all have faith. But the Lord is faithful. He will establish you and guard you against the evil one.” — 2 Thessalonians 3:1-2

I have really appreciated studying 1 & 2 Thessalonians this summer. As he concluded his second letter, Paul asked the Thessalonians (and us) to pray for some specific things.

Posted in A Word from the Pastor by admin