The Rock Church

Easter Beans

I don’t know about you, but in the midst of marshmallow Peeps, chocolate bunnies, jellybeans and Reese’s Peanut Butter Eggs, Easter 2019 was a blessing to my life! More than the delicious Easter candy, however, it was through our two-week Death to Life series, that God reminded me of why Jesus had to die and why the Resurrection gives us tremendous hope. 

I was also truly amazed that we had over 1,670 people attend our services this past weekend (including the Sonrise Service). This is the highest weekend attendance in The Rock’s history (as far as I can tell). Wow! Over the past two weeks, we’ve had at least 25 people repent and pray to receive Jesus and 31 dear saints got baptized. God was so kind to bring us so many new visitors; people got to worship Jesus, hear a clear presentation of the Gospel and see many expressions of faith through baptisms. Everyone who came through our doors was loved on by the wonderful saints at The Rock Church.

Posted in A Word from the Pastor by admin

Boast in the Cross

“… when I came to you, brothers, did not come proclaiming to you the testimony of God with lofty speech or wisdom. For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.” — 1 Corinthians 2:1-12

This week is Holy Week. It’s an extremely significant time. More than any other week of the year, we reflect on the death, burial and resurrection of our Lord and Savior. The event we are remembering this week is the center of Christianity. It is the crux of our faith and hope of our salvation. It is what differentiates Christianity from all other world religions. The entire message of the Old Testament culminated on the Cross. The entire New Testament (and beyond) was fueled by the empty tomb. 

Posted in A Word from the Pastor by Caleb Yetton

You Need to Say Something

He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.” —Mark 16:15

Will you take a moment today and pray that God would strengthen you to be more faithful to share your faith?

This past week, six of your pastors from The Rock Church, went to a pastor’s conference in Indianapolis. For three days, we heard from many amazing preachers; they came together to teach on one central them — Evangelism. One sermon after another, we were charged and reminded why we should never neglect the incredible power there is in telling others about Jesus. I was filled with so many reasons why we MUST be people who share our faith. I’d like to share a few with you.

Posted in A Word from the Pastor by admin

Live in Fellowship

“They worshipped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity — all the while praying God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved.” — Acts 2:46-47

This formula for living (as Luke writes in Acts) is not any different than how we should live our lives today. Go to church on the weekend, share communion together, hang out after church, be in Small Groups, be generous to the community around us and to those within our church body. God will use these times to give us opportunities where we can share our stories and the love of Jesus. He will then save those around us!

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

Good Works

I was cleaning out the basement a few weeks ago and ran across an old journal. From the few pages I read, it would seem that all I ever did back in 2007 was think about Jesus, talk about Jesus, read about Jesus and write about Jesus. There was a lot of good going on in my life back then. I had just married Ashley, I was a first-year apprentice electrician, I was cranking through the Bible, deciding where I stood on heavy, theological positions, writing down prayers, leading people to Christ and playing in one of the worship bands at The Rock Church. 

One thing that stuck out to me in that old journal was a prayer that I had written down. It was for a co-worker named Joe. I prayed that God would save his marriage, reveal Himself to Joe and that Joe would become a Christian. I didn’t even know Joe all that well; I don’t remember praying for him. It took me by surprise to see how full of faith I was back then! I hate to say it, but I don’t pray for all of my co-workers like that anymore. Seeing that journal kind of knocked me back on my heels. It made me feel ashamed that I’m not doing as many things for the Lord as I used to. 

Posted in A Word from the Pastor by admin

Thank You!

I want to give a heartfelt thank you to everyone who volunteered and participated in our Missions Gala. It was a huge success in so many ways. Not only did we reach our goal of raising over $20,000 (specifically for our missions), but God went above and beyond our expectations. He revealed Himself in so many ways — both in and through the people of The Rock Church.

I have been thinking about and meditating on this verse a lot lately. I saw it in action during the preparation for and participation in our Missions Gala. 

Posted in A Word from the Pastor by admin

The Disgrace of Pride

I am so proud. I don’t want to be. Sometimes I don’t mean to be. But, if I’m honest with my heart, I am so proud. More often than not, I feel like I’m right or I’m entitled to something I desire. Many times, I find myself drifting into thoughts like, “If it were up to me I would….” 

Have you ever slowed down enough to examine your own heart and the areas of pride you might be holding onto? Ask yourself and the Holy Spirit, “Where in my life is there un-checked pride?” Ask your closest friends, family or spouse, “Do you sense pride in me, and if so, where?”

Posted in A Word from the Pastor by admin

Fortified Tower

“The name of the LORD is a fortified tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.” — Proverbs 18:10

Last year, my wife and I stayed in a hotel that had a large concrete wall directly behind it. The wall was massive. It was 10 to 20 feet high and was made of thick, reinforced concrete.

Basically, the view out our window was a giant concrete wall. Not a very visually appealing thing to look at during our stay. And the wall ran the entire length of the hotel. 

Posted in A Word from the Pastor by admin

Celebrate

“But we had to celebrate and be glad….” — Luke 15:32a

I’ve recently been reading the Old Testament and it made me realize the importance of throwing a party. Really! Listen to these verses: 

“Celebrate this as a festival to the Lord for seven days each year. This is to be a lasting ordinance for the generations to come; celebrate it in the seventh month.” — Leviticus 23:41

Posted in A Word from the Pastor by admin

Content with Daily Bread

“…give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread. Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, ‘Who is the Lord?’ Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God.” — Proverbs 30:8b-9

Going through the book of Proverbs in our Get Wisdom series has been a real blessing to me. I was especially encouraged (and challenged) by our recent messages on money (Money Wise and Matter of Honor). If you missed those messages I invite you to watch them this week. 

Posted in A Word from the Pastor by Caleb Yetton