The Rock Church

We All Need a Hushai

One little verse tucked away in the Old Testament has been rolling around in my heart lately:

“…Hushai the Arkite was the king’s friend.”— 1 Chronicles 27:33b

Isn’t that description beautiful? Not a big title. No grand exploits mentioned. Just “the king’s friend.” And not just any king. But King David, the man after God’s own heart. Out of all the military leaders, advisors, and warriors surrounding David, Scripture makes a point to name Hushai for one thing: friendship.

Let’s be honest—we all need a Hushai in our lives. Someone who shows up not because they need anything. But, simply because they care. A friend who stands with you in the palace and the wilderness. One who brings joy and tells the truth. Also, one who reminds you of who you are when you start to forget.

David knew the pain of betrayal (remember Ahithophel?). However, he also knew the strength of real friendship. Hushai stuck by him when others turned away (2 Samuel 15). Additionally, his loyalty helped preserve the kingdom.

Friendship is not a bonus—it’s a lifeline. In Proverbs 17:17, we read: “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.” And the greatest friend of all? Of course, it’s always Jesus.

Your Friend Jesus

Jesus said, “I no longer call you servants… instead, I have called you friends” (John 15:15). He doesn’t just save us. On the contrary, He walks with us and listens to us. Along with that, He rejoices and weeps with us. That’s the kind of friend He is. And He invites us to be that kind of friend to others.

So, let me ask you something. “Who’s your Hushai? And who are you being a Hushai to?”

Let’s be intentional today. Text a friend. Invite someone for coffee. Open up. Listen well. Laugh hard. Cry if you need to. Pray together. Don’t do life alone.

Without question, we were made for friendship. Even kings need them. And so do we.

Your friend,

Pastor Bill

Posted in A Word from the Pastor by The Rock Church

Guarding Our Words and Building Community

The Book of Proverbs (6:16-19) gives us a list of seven things God really hates. It’s undoubtedly a serious call to avoid the stuff that tears down what He values. Verse 19 talks specifically about behaviors that wreck trust and unity. The ESV says, “one who sows discord among brothers,” and the NLT describes “a person who sows discord in a family.” Additionally, the NIV widens it to “a person who stirs up conflict in the community.”

Now, think about that for a second. Causing division and conflict—just by what we say—is labeled as an abomination to God. That’s obviously huge! Why? Because breaking unity certainly goes against His command for us to love one another and live in harmony.

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

Reflections on My Rock Family

The Rock Church recently celebrated 25 years as a church here in Utah. Woo-hoo!!! I’ve reflected on the celebration events and all that people shared. I can’t help but think about how this church has impacted me over the last 18 years of my life.

A friend invited me to The Rock in 2005, the first church invite I ever received. By the following year, I knew I would pursue Jesus with my life. At the same time, my girlfriend’s life soon changed, too. We both became Believers. To add to that, we married in 2010, had two sweet children, and I became a pastor in 2014. 

Over the years of doing life in this church, I have experienced nothing but goodness from the hands of my Lord. The Rock family has been an incredible blessing for me. As 1 John 3:1 reminds us: 

“See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are.”

Now, this certainly doesn’t mean every day has been a walk in the park. On the contrary, I have experienced many difficult things. Doors have closed on some of our church plants. Many friends walked away from the faith after I spent years with them. Later on, I witnessed my father become a follower of Jesus. However, the Lord called him Home shortly after. 

His Love Through You

Through all of the highs and the lows, one thing has always remained the same:

God’s constant provision, comfort, and love for me is through His Son and the local Church.

You (my Rock family) have been one of the most significant ways the Lord has drawn close to me. You’ve comforted and loved me through the good and bad times.

“Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another.” Romans 12:15-16

Many of you have celebrated with me in the highs of my life. Along with that, several of you have sat with me in the caves of depression during the lows. All of those moments are reminders of God’s care for me.

Over the last 18 years of pursuing Jesus, this family called The Rock Church, has sweetly blessed my life. In retrospect, I can only sit back and praise God for His kindness and mercy to me. Equally important, I thank Him for bringing me into this family that has loved me like Jesus — at my best and worst.

Can I ask you, how has The Rock Church impacted your life? I’d love to hear from you.

Cheers to you, and cheers to the next 25 years!

Bryan

Posted in A Word from the Pastor by The Rock Church