The Rock Church

Reframe Your Thinking

Reframing doesn’t change your circumstances — it changes what your circumstances mean.

Most of us are fine following Jesus when it’s convenient. The trouble starts when faith feels costly: awkward conversations, social pressure, and tension at work. Along with family eye-rolls and that subtle “keep it private” vibe. When the heat rises, the temptation is simple: keep your head down until it gets easier.

Paul doesn’t do that.

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

Hungry for the Word!

“Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word from the mouth of God.” – Matthew 4:4

You may have heard that in 2024, Bible sales rose by 22% over the previous year. That is certainly very encouraging! At our “Hope for America” livestream event, we gave away 40 Bibles. There definitely seems to be a growing hunger for God’s Word. 

Posted in A Word from the Pastor by The Rock Church

This New Year and The Future 

“So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom.” — Psalm 90:12 (ESV)

Here we are again, almost to New Year’s Day. Where did 2025 go? The upcoming year certainly reminds us of the swift passage of time.

I’m not sure exactly what state of mind you are in as you’re reading this devotional. I don’t know your specific excitement or trepidation for the new year. However, as a pastor, I know that many (most) (ALL?) people have seen pain and loss in 2025. Either firsthand or through the experiences of close loved ones. 

Posted in A Word from the Pastor by Caleb Yetton

Lessons from the Life of Obed-Edom

Imagine along with me. You wake up to find someone has delivered the Ark of the Covenant (the sacred symbol of God’s very presence) to your house for safekeeping (by Amazon). That’s exactly what happened to a man named Obed-Edom. Well, not the Amazon part.
 
Let me back up a bit. King David and his men were transporting the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem. A tragic incident occurred when Uzzah improperly handled the Ark and died (1 Chronicles 13). King David halted the Ark’s journey and left it in the home of Obed-Edom. What happened next has always amazed me:

Posted in A Word from the Pastor by The Rock Church

Live Like Jesus

“Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” — Ephesians 5:1-2

These are certainly some marvelous verses! The Apostle Paul is instructing Believers to live like Jesus — the image of the invisible God.

I have always been a fan of biographical TV shows or movies. It’s an amazing experience to watch an actor transform into a historical figure, like Winston Churchill or Johnny Cash. If done well, the viewers feel transported into the room. Additionally, it’s as if we are actually sitting with the real-life person. After watching, we may also feel as if we even know them. And ultimately, we may want to learn more about them.

Posted in A Word from the Pastor by Caleb Yetton

Renewing Your Mind

Have you ever noticed how quick and easy it is to change your diet, clothes, or even your daily routine? But it’s pretty much impossible to change the way you think?? It doesn’t matter how hard you try to shut down certain thoughts. The same temptations and worries always sneak back in.

Well, that’s because the greatest struggle that you and I face each day isn’t around us. Instead, the battle is inside us. It’s in our minds.

Our culture today offers us all kinds of solutions. Download this app. Read this book. Think these thoughts. And some of those things may help for a moment. But, sooner or later, the same thoughts and worries absolutely return. No matter how disciplined or determined we are. We can never truly renew our hearts and our minds. Without a doubt, that work belongs to God alone.

Posted in A Word from the Pastor by The Rock Church

The Wisdom of Precaution

“A prudent person foresees danger and takes precautions. The simpleton goes blindly on and suffers the consequences.” — Proverbs 22:3 (NLT)

This proverb is very clear. Wisdom isn’t about knowing everything—it’s about being aware. The prudent person sees trouble coming and then makes adjustments. They aren’t so wise that they can see into the future. Instead, they stop to think. “What are the outcomes ahead?” The simpleton certainly doesn’t stop to think. They assume everything will work itself out. And then they just keep walking straight into their decision. Not knowing if it will be a problem or not. It’s not about assuming things will work out. Instead, it’s about having the courage to pause, think about what’s ahead, and have the humility to course correct.

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

Rescued By Grace Alone

We all love that feeling of accomplishment. Knowing we’ve put in some hard work and can see the good results. It’s true whether it’s a big win or just a job well done. Feeling good about our achievements (and even a little pat on our own back) is totally fine in many parts of life. But, when it comes to our salvation, the Bible makes it crystal clear. There’s absolutely nothing we contribute that gives us any room for our boasting. 

The Latin phrase “Sola Gratia” (Grace Alone) often captures this core truth. It means our salvation is entirely a gift of God’s amazing grace. It’s certainly not a reward for anything we’ve done.

Posted in A Word from the Pastor by The Rock Church

Times of Refreshing

“Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord.” — Acts 3:19-20 (NIV)

Peter had just performed a miracle—healing a man who couldn’t walk. The crowd was obviously amazed. But Peter didn’t take the credit. Instead, he pointed people to Jesus. Additionally, he told them to repent and turn to God.

Posted in A Word from the Pastor by The Rock Church

Feeling Stuck?

Sometimes, following Jesus is hard, really hard. It can feel like you’re running a marathon uphill with ankle weights on. And you’d rather cruise down a smoothly paved street on a skateboard.

You know what I’m talking about. There are seasons we go through. Even though you read your Bible consistently, it feels like it’s going in one ear and out the other. Granted, church has amazing worship, but your heart’s not in it. Your mind is all over the place. Yes, you love Jesus yet feel bored, tired, or even numb. And ultimately, you just feel spiritually stuck.

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