The Rock Church

Guess What? I Love You!

I think it was about a year or so ago, I playfully asked my three-year-old granddaughter, “Guess what?” And she wholeheartedly said, “What?” Then I laid it on her, “I love you!” It was a fun grandpa moment.

Next, I added this part. “Guess what?” To which she excitedly responded, “What?” And I gleefully said, “Jesus loves you, too!” I didn’t realize at the time how endearing these little exchanges would become. However, I began to hear her play the “Guess What?“ game with others. First, I heard her asking her Dad. Then came her Mom and her little sister. On top of that came her cousins and even aunts and uncles. Who knows, maybe even the kids in the Toddlers’ Room at church? 

Life Is Hard

Like many of you, I have had my share of challenges. I can sometimes feel isolated and alone, even in a crowded room filled with people I love. Genesis reveals that humans would truly struggle. The Bible certainly shows us examples of this time and time again.

Fast forward to the present. Sometimes, we can feel like the main characters in a tragic play that has no ending. That alone is tragic! Over the years, I have heard of countless difficulties that people have faced. These stories made my life seem like a fairy tale. Some of you and your loved ones are in it right now. It’s undoubtedly excruciating, and maybe even blinding. You’re facing health issues, loss of loved ones, debt, difficult marriages, job challenges, and on and on. This also makes us vulnerable to the devil. He loves to kick us when we feel down. 1 Peter 5:8 warns us that the enemy is looking for someone to devour. I think he fiendishly attacks our minds. It makes us feel helpless and as if we cannot escape. I often talk with people who are struggling. Life is indeed hard.

Tell People You Love Them

“So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other.” — John 13:34 (NLT)

Tell people you love them — it’s such a simple gesture. I’ve noticed this in our church. I often hear people saying “I love you” to each other. It’s wonderful. And of course, we bless our family and friends when we share this sentiment.

When was the last time you told your spouse you loved them? Say it to them when you’re alone together. Also, say it in front of your kids all the time. Equally important, tell your kids you love them all the time. Even in the most frustrating of times, expressing this can diffuse conflict. It also helps grow you closer. I very rarely, if ever, heard my father tell me he loved me. There were so many lost opportunities. Don’t miss yours. Tell people you love them today.

Guess What? Jesus Loves You!

“But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” — Romans 5:8 (NKJV)

Tell people Jesus loves them! Jesus told us this and then demonstrated His love fully on the Cross as He submitted Himself to die for us. People absolutely need to hear Jesus loves them over and over again. I know I do! Like a refreshing drink on a hot summer day. Or, better yet, it’s like a dive into a sparkling pool of water at just the right temperature. Perhaps it’s like Jesus throwing us a lifebuoy when we’re desperate for Him.

Sometimes, turning to my Bible and hearing from Jesus feels as if He is right there. Always holding me close while I weep, tremble, and doubt. He is with me. And that’s all I really need. Along with that, He has also promised that He will never leave us nor forsake us. Did you hear that? NEVER! (Deuteronomy 31:6) And NO ONE can snatch us from His hand! (John 10:28) Oh, please, Lord, tell me again. Because I really need to hear that right now. How about you?

“Guess what?” Jesus and I love you!

Mac

Posted in A Word from the Pastor by The Rock Church

All

“ALL means ALL, and that’s ALL ALL means.” If you’ve been going to The Rock Church for very long, you have probably heard this catchy saying. And you’ve also probably heard that today is Election Day. Perhaps, if you’re like me, you may even feel a sense of relief that this day has finally arrived.

The current political environment reminds me of the time an undertow in the ocean caught me. I am a capable swimmer but I felt somewhat out of control as the waves tossed me head over heels under the water. As the tide rolled away, I could stand and get my bearings again. In much the same way, no matter how this day unfolds, I know where to find my bearings. I believe we ALL will remain under the authority of King Jesus. These verses help me immensely. I have used the NLT version and capitalized and underlined the word ALL for emphasis.

Posted in A Word from the Pastor by The Rock Church

Election Day

The election is less than two weeks away (November 5). Earlier this year, we took six weeks to study what the Bible teaches about politics in our King Jesus series. We specifically covered several important lessons during that time. Here are a few significant reminders as we approach election day. 

• First, if you aren’t registered to vote, please register before Friday, October 25. 

It says in Jeremiah 29:7, “But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare.” More Christians voting biblically is a significant way we can bring good to our city, state, and country. 

Posted in A Word from the Pastor by The Rock Church

Election or Selection?

“Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.” — Romans 13:1

The election season is undoubtedly upon us. And it’s evident that the outcome of the election will be challenging to many. Some will be surprised as well as disappointed. At the same time, many will be angry. On the other hand, many of your fellow Americans will be elated and overjoyed.

As one of your pastors, I want to remind you of something. Above all, no matter what side of the aisle you choose to be on, our all-powerful, all-knowing, all-loving God is in control. No matter who you vote for (and you should vote), only God’s selection is the one that counts. Biblically, we ultimately believe that God is the one who “removes kings and sets up kings” (Daniel 2:20-21). For this reason, our trust needs to be in Him, not in any political leader.

The Bible clearly states that all authority is established by God (Romans 13:1). Knowing this gives me much peace and confidence for the days ahead. I can surely rest in the loving and strong hands of my Savior. The Lord knows what He is doing. Therefore, I can obey and submit to the many authorities set up by our one true King.

Don’t Worry…Pray

We really shouldn’t worry, get angry, or freak out. Instead, God commands us to pray for our leaders. Pray for all those in authority. It says in 1 Timothy 2:1-4, “First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good and pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” Pray and don’t fret. To put it simply, this should be our proper response, no matter what the outcome of the elections is.

I have prayed pretty consistently for our political leaders over the years. Not because I agree with their policies or their ideological leanings. On the contrary, it’s sometimes quite the opposite. I pray for them because I fear God, and He commands me to pray. When I do, it’s because I trust in God, not our government.

As you contemplate the future of your life and our country, let me specifically encourage you to apply faith. And as you negotiate your emotional reaction to the upcoming election results, let me encourage you to apply faith. You can do that by trusting in our all-powerful God. He alone sets up kings. Do not fear. Instead, pray for the newly God-appointed leadership of our country.

Hopeful and praying,

Bill

Posted in A Word from the Pastor by The Rock Church

The Power of God

A few Sunday evenings ago, we gathered together and heard Paul’s entire letter to the Romans publicly read out loud. For over an hour, sixteen different people read sixteen different chapters of a two-thousand-year-old text. After the reading, people weren’t falling asleep or bored. On the contrary, they were excited and encouraged! Imagine sitting down after a long weekend, listening to people read for an hour out of any other book. Before long, people would no doubt fall asleep and be ready to go home. They certainly wouldn’t be smiling ear to ear and talking about how amazing God is. 

Posted in A Word from the Pastor by The Rock Church

Prayerful

Are you a prayerful person? Most of us would say we have room to grow in prayer. One of the most encouraging aspects of believers’ lives is pouring out our hearts to God and watching as He responds. There is absolutely no better way for us to communicate our thankfulness, adoration, desires, or grievances with God than through prayer. Yet, for so many of us, it becomes an afterthought. We can also be robotic or neglect to pray altogether.

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

Pray About Everything

The right response is to pray about everything. Perhaps you feel like you’re in an uphill battle. Are you distraught, downtrodden, sick, bankrupt, or confused? Oftentimes, life can be utterly brutal. And yet, in the same life, we can also experience the downhill thrill of blessings. Being in love, landing the perfect job, receiving gifts, learning new skills, having children, going on vacation, hearing, tasting, and so on.

In all our ups and downs, the Apostle Paul encourages us to assume the position of prayer.

Posted in A Word from the Pastor by The Rock Church

You Are Free Indeed

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” — 1 John 1:9

I recently had the privilege of leading a young man to Christ at our citywide “Night of Hope” event. His countenance went from sad, hopeless (and discouraged) to joyful, smiling, and thankful! The transformation happened before my very eyes. He absolutely understood (and believed) that God loved him. Also, he knew Jesus had died for all his sins. God is so good.

Posted in A Word from the Pastor by The Rock Church

Saved by Grace

The Rock Music recently released a new single, “Saved By Grace (Live Acoustic Performance).” Additionally, we released a new live performance on our YouTube channel. It’s certainly a blessing and an honor to participate in these new TRM projects. I invite you to listen to the song on your preferred streaming platform and also watch the new video. Thank you for your support and encouragement with all the new music we have put out this year.  

Posted in A Word from the Pastor by Caleb Yetton