The Rock Church

The Difference is the Soil

Have you ever heard something that you knew was true, but it still didn’t really change you?

Maybe it was a sermon, a conversation, or a verse? Perhaps a moment where God was clearly trying to get your attention? You understood it. Also, you may have even agreed with it. But a few days later, life kept moving, distractions crept back in, and nothing really took root.

That is what makes Jesus’ parable in Mark 4:1–20 so personal.

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

One Question Can Change a Life

Lately, I’ve noticed something surprising: when you ask someone how their day is really going, people open up. Not every time. Maybe not dramatically. But often enough to stop you in your tracks.

It’s just one question.

“How are you doing?” or “How’s your day been?”

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

D.A.W.G.

I acquired a habit in my earlier days as a Christ follower. I made time in my busy schedule for what we lovingly called a D.A.W.G. (Day Alone With God). We can all agree that life can sometimes be overwhelming. Not only do we want to do it all, but we also want our families to do even more than we ever did. Our phones throw data at us like ants marching toward spilled pie and ice cream on a hot summer sidewalk.

As I look back on my early days as a young Christian, I see a wife, three kids, and working overtime as an electrician. In hindsight, I was just learning to zealously serve the Lord. Along with trying to figure out the concept of a balanced life. Much like a skateboarder learning complicated tricks, it was a roadrashy time in my walk with the Lord. I specifically remember one of the many conferences my wife Jeanne and I used to frequent. The speaker introduced me to the idea of a Day Alone With God.  

Posted in A Word from the Pastor by The Rock Church

Will You Be My Neighbor?

When asked what the greatest (or most important) commandment was, Jesus said it was to love God and love your neighbor. 

“Jesus answered … ‘And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.’” — Mark 12:29a – 31

Posted in A Word from the Pastor by The Rock Church

Inner Transformation and Mind Renewal

I recently read some New Testament verses that resonated with me deeply. Their powerful message centered around how we live as Christians. Although distinct in context, they were also intertwined. In this case, they offered me a transformative perspective on faith, purity, and the renewal of the mind. Let me explain.

In Mark 7:15, Jesus spoke about how we can act to ensure we appear perfect on the outside. Yet He said the external isn’t the issue. “Nothing outside a person can defile them by going into them. Rather, it is what comes out of a person that defiles them.” His words cut the religious traditions of His day to the core and challenged the norms. They were religious norms which heavily emphasized external purity laws and rituals. Everything had to do with the outward appearance.

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

What Do You Want?

“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.” — Matthew 7:7-8 (NIV84)

We recently asked our kids for Christmas gift ideas. Some of them went above and beyond the call of duty. They sent us their “Wish List” from Amazon! Welcome to the technology age. This electronic wish list certainly proved to be very helpful. Specifically, it showed us that our kids took our request seriously; they knew what they wanted. I think God wants us to have the same heart attitude.

Posted in A Word from the Pastor by admin

The Gospel of Mark — Part 3

Jesus, The Servant King

We’re excited to continue on with The Gospel of Mark series and hope you’ll join us.

Mark tells us the life story of the King who came not to be served, but to serve. It’s an exciting account of the Son of God that could speak to both the Jews and the non-Jews of Mark’s day. In our study through the book of Mark, we’ll discover more about Jesus’ servant life, His ministry and the training of His disciples.

Posted in News, Series by The Rock Church

The Gospel of Mark — Part 2

Jesus, The Servant King

The Gospel of Mark tells the life story of the King who came not to be served, but to serve. It’s an exciting account of the Son of God that could speak to the Jews and the non-Jews of Mark’s day. In our study through the book of Mark, we’ll discover more about His servant life, His early ministry and the training of His disciples. 

Series runs from October 26 to December 1, 2019

Posted in News, Series by The Rock Church

The Gospel of Mark — Part 1

Jesus, The Servant King

The Gospel of Mark tells the life story of the King who came not to be served, but to serve. It’s an exciting account of the Son of God that could speak to the Jews and the non-Jews of Mark’s day. In our study through the book of Mark, we’ll discover more about His servant life, His early ministry and the training of His disciples. 

Series runs from April 27 to September 1, 2019

Posted in News, Series by The Rock Church