The Rock Church

It Shall Not Return Empty

“so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.” — Isaiah 55:11

If you’re like my family and me, you take in and process a lot of words throughout the week. These words come to us through various means, whether reading books, watching the news, or listening to podcasts or sermons. We certainly live in a time when we hear words constantly. 

For all of this reading and listening, God promises that only His Word will fulfill His purpose in authentic spiritual growth. 

Posted in A Word from the Pastor by admin

Bless the Lord

“Blessed be the name of the Lord now and forever.” — Psalm 113:2

I recently read this verse in my quiet time, and one word stuck out to me more than the others. The word was “now.”

It’s always easy to “bless the name of the Lord” when things are going well, but “now” implies the moment. Regardless of what this moment holds in your life, whatever situation “now” finds you in, bless the name of the Lord.

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Delighting in God’s Word Series

A Sermon Series Based on Psalm 119

“I will study your commandments and reflect on your ways. I will delight in your decrees and not forget your word.” Psalm 119:15-16 NLT

What are you delighting in? What brings you joy or pleasure? When was the last time you truly adored something? To delight is to be greatly pleased, and Psalm 119 is full of this wonder. It is also the longest chapter in the Bible and likens His Word to honey for our lips and a lamp for our feet.

Posted in News, Series by The Rock Church

Wisdom Calling

Our Small Group is reading a book called “Knowing God” by J.I. Packer. In a chapter entitled, “God’s Wisdom and Ours”, Packer uses two examples to explain what God’s gift of wisdom is and what God’s gift of wisdom is not. He relates it to being taught how to drive. He says, 

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The Word of God

“For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow.” — Hebrews 4:12a (NLT)

Being in God’s Word is a beautiful thing. As we read the words He has given to us, as they wash over us, they start to transform us (if we let them). The imagery of His words being used as a powerful weapon is incredible. It severs because it’s designed to remove or kill those things in our lives that are hurting us, those around us, and/or our relationship with God.

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

Get Your Eyes on Jesus — Sing to Him + NEWS

Psalm 96 tells us over and over to sing to the Lord. Maybe you are like me and have noticed how easy it is to have your eyes on yourself? One of the quickest ways to get your eyes on Jesus is to sing to Him.

Today, find ways to sing to Jesus. Tune in to a local Christian radio station, find a worship playlist on Spotify or even go to therockmusic.org and listen to worship music for free. Sing to the Lord. Publish His glorious deeds. 

Posted in A Word from the Pastor, News by The Rock Church

Freedom From the Fear of Death + What’s Happening

It’s easy to see all that is happening in our world and be fearful. But, our hope is in God. Our Lord has given us freedom. 

Christian, we don’t have to fear. Jesus has the power to set free all who have lived their lives as slaves to the fear of dying. We have the opportunity to live out that freedom, right now.

Posted in A Word from the Pastor, News by admin

We Should Pray

How do we, as Christians, find peace during this current Coronavirus crisis? First and foremost, we should pray. Praying is the antidote to our fear.

Paul gives us some timely advice in Philippians 4:6-7 which will help us guard our hearts and minds with the peace of God — a peace that surpasses all understanding.

Watch the video above to hear more.

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Give Hope

We have an opportunity to encourage and give hope to a world around us that is looking desperately for a place to turn.

I wanted to share a story that I recently heard about how Christians lived out their faith in Ancient Rome. Watch the video above to hear it.

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Thankful

“I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers.” (Ephesians 1:16-17 NIV)

I was recently on vacation with my family in Iowa (see picture of butter cow above), and was reminded about how thankful I am for your faithfulness and generosity in your giving to The Rock Church! God is using your gifts and sacrifices to make a real difference in the lives of many people and in the ministry of our church.

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Posted in A Word from the Pastor by admin