The Rock Church

Itchy Ears

“For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths.” — 2 Timothy 4:3–4

We live in a remarkable age! With my phone, I can listen to or watch podcasts, videos, reels, and music from around the world. Individual results may vary, but studies find people spend:

• 33 minutes per day on Facebook
• 34 minutes per day on Instagram
• 49 minutes per day on YouTube
• 54 minutes per day on TikTok
• 148 minutes per day on Spotify

The point is obvious: we are consuming an incredible amount of content day to day. And in many respects, it’s incredible! I can listen to people discussing culture, sports, and politics. Also, I can listen to science, the history of the Bible, theology, etc. In fact, I can mow the lawn and learn the Bible. Not only that, but I can always enjoy hours of music.

However, I recently read the passage above. And it surely lands differently in light of the hours we spend consuming digital content each day. The phrase “to suit their own passions” reminds me of our algorithm-driven, carefully curated feeds. Myths stand in contrast to the truth of God’s Word.

Pondering

Some questions to ponder as we make decisions about the content we consume daily:

• There is freedom in Christ. But am I constantly replacing the Word, preaching, and worship with something else? In other words, does my content dull my affection for God’s truth?
• Is this perhaps satisfying some sinful desire in me?
• Will this content fill me with the Fruit of the Spirit? Or am I angry, fearful, or anxious after I consume it?
• Does the content I consume reduce my appetite for meaty things like the Word or worship? Think about cotton candy versus a well-balanced meal. Do I find it harder to digest the parts of the Bible our culture doesn’t like?
• Will my content merely make me feel good, or does it specifically feed my soul?
• Am I painting myself into an echo chamber?
• And finally, does the amount of digital content I consume leave room for the other things the Lord has called me to do?

Questions I am pondering…

Josh

Posted in A Word from the Pastor by The Rock Church

Look Ahead!

I’ve always had a passion for all things boards. From the freedom of skateboarding through city parks to carving fresh powder on snow-capped mountains. Not to mention the rhythm of surfing ocean waves. Without a doubt, it’s a thrill like no other. I love feeling the wind rushing against my face. Strangely, times like this are also when I find myself in deep prayer. Yes, you read that right; I absolutely connect with God profoundly while gliding on a board!

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

Soccer Cleats

“For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith…” — Romans 12:4-6

These verses explain how the Church is made of different parts (people); they fulfill unique functions, like a human body. We do not have the same roles, but collectively, God uses us to do incredible things. I recently witnessed a powerful example of this.

Posted in A Word from the Pastor by admin