The Rock Church

Grief-Stained Joy

Every day, I read from Milton Vincent’s book, “A Gospel Primer.” It has a 31-part section that fits nicely into my daily devotional routine. This phrase always catches me each time I read it (on the 14th of the month). He refers to a “grief-stained joy.” That idea resonates with me deeply when contemplating life. Especially today, as I write this, about ten steps away from my wife Jeanne’s hospital bed — it’s  awkwardly positioned in our bedroom. This verse specifically comes to mind as I search for solace.

“If your instructions hadn’t sustained me with joy, I would have died in my misery.” — Psalm 119:92

Posted in A Word from the Pastor by The Rock Church

Rejoice Always

“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (ESV)

It can be so easy to be discouraged. Whether it’s something in our own lives or the world around us, we are surrounded by hard situations and events. Perhaps your health is deteriorating, your job is going poorly, or your marriage is in shambles? Maybe a loved one is struggling? Do you look at the state of our world today and wonder what will happen next? No matter what the circumstances, life can be (and is) very hard to rejoice in. But, that is exactly what the Lord calls us to do!

Posted in A Word from the Pastor by Caleb Yetton

A Reason to Rejoice

“However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” — Luke 10:19-20 (NIV)

This past year has been extremely challenging for most of us. We’ve struggled with hard things and suffered in many ways. We’ve needed encouragement. I’d like to remind you that if you are a Christian, you do have that encouragement — a reason to rejoice. You are going to heaven. Furthermore, He wants us to reach out to others with the Gospel. Consequently, you’ll be glad to hear that over the past few weeks, several people have gotten saved through the ministry of our church!

Posted in A Word from the Pastor by admin

Rejoice

Recently, I have been living inside of the Psalms, reading them over and over again. I just love how David wrote down his thoughts so poetically.

One of the Psalms that really spoke to me, was Psalm 40. David expressed what I believe is a scenario we all tend to experience when we first get saved.

First, in verses 40:1-3, God pulls us out of our old life and gives us a new song, new life, gives us salvation. Then, in verses 40:4-10, there is that exciting feeling we have knowing all of the great things that God has done for us — we proclaim it to the world. Next, in verses 40:11-15, we see the critics, the skeptics, the haters of God. The ones who start to attack our new found life with Him! They try to destroy, humiliate and shame us for loving God.

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