The Rock Church

Forgiveness

“Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord.”— Romans 12:19 (NIV)

Forgiveness is an act of the will. I recently talked to a person at church who told me, “I don’t feel like forgiving my friend.” She was obviously emotional and hurting and her pain was very real. After listening to her story and empathizing with her situation, I reminded her that forgiveness was not an option. In fact, we are commanded to forgive: “Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” — Colossians 3:13 (NIV).

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Con la Mente en el Cielo

La maldad que vemos hoy en día en el mundo me ha causado mucho dolor últimamente. Me he sentido muy triste, incluso al punto de llorar. Si nos identificamos con el dolor de aquellas personas que han perdido a seres queridos, por toda esta violencia sin razón, usted sentirá un pesar que será difícil de soportar. Niños que no volverán a ver a sus padres, madres que no verán a sus hijos volviendo a casa, amigos y compañeros que mueren por hombres sedientos de sangre. ¡Esto es algo que no debería de suceder!

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

Heavenly Minded

The wickedness of this world has been totally devastating me lately. I have been sorrowful and I have even cried. If you allow yourself to empathize with the families who have lost loved ones because of senseless acts of violence, you will indeed feel a burden that is too great to bear. Young children whose dads will not return home from duty, mothers whose children will never walk through the door again, friends and co-workers killed by bloodthirsty, pathetic men. It is an outrage and it should stop!

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La Soledad

“Vengan a mí todos ustedes que están cansados y agobiados, y yo les daré descanso”. Mateo 11:28

La soledad, es algo muy difícil de comprender.

Ya sea que estemos solteros o casados, jóvenes o de avanzada edad; la soledad es una condición de la cual todos hemos experimentado (en algún nivel). Yo creo que la soledad es mucho más que solo un problema mental o emocional. Yo creo que la Biblia nos dice que también es un problema espiritual.

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Loneliness

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” — Matthew 11:28

Loneliness is a very difficult thing.

Whether we are single, married, young or old, loneliness is something we all experience or have experienced (to some degree). I believe loneliness is much more than just a mental or emotional issue. I believe the Bible tells us it’s a spiritual issue, also.

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Words VS. Heart

“Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.” — Psalm 19:14 (ESV)

Lately, I have been thinking about the relationship between our words and/or our actions in relation to the condition of our heart. It is somewhat easy to mask the true condition of our heart with our words. Things are easier said, than truly believed. But, we can only pay lip service for so long before the true condition of our heart is exposed. I really like what the Psalmist is saying here because he is not just talking about his heart, but his words, too.

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

Good Works

I was cleaning out the basement a few weeks ago and found an old journal of mine. After reading a few pages, 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. A lot was going on in my life back then for sure: I had just married Ashley, I was a first year apprentice electrician, I was cranking through the Bible and deciding where I stood on heavy theological positions. I was also writing down prayers, leading people to Christ, and playing in one of the worship bands at The Rock.

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Revealed

“For there is nothing hidden that will not be disclosed, and nothing concealed that will not be known or brought out into the open.” — Luke 8:16 -17

I’d like to tell you a story. Although it took place a few years ago, it really encouraged my family’s faith and I believe that glorifies the Lord.

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May Cause Death

Last week, a number of our pastors traveled to the great state of Iowa for our annual Pastor’s Conference. One of the conference speakers spoke on the unbelievable danger that pornography presents to our society. It impacts everyone: men, women, spouses, parents, and children.

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Turning Back

“Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord.” Acts 3:19 (NIV)

I was recently reminded of one of my favorite fishing trips of all times. I went with a good friend of mine to a lake in Canada called Lake of the Woods. Scott and I had spent months planning and preparing. During our trip we caught so many Walleye and Northern Pike that we were literally laughing out loud. I also remember fishing at about 2:00 a.m. next to a huge rock that jutted straight up out of the water about forty feet. As we fished on that clear starlit night, we witnessed the overwhelming beauty of Aurora Borealis – the Northern Lights. I’m not sure how long we stared, silently spellbound. It was a majestic sight – and a fishing trip of a lifetime!

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