The Rock Church

Rejoice Always by Caleb Yetton

“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (ESV)

It can be so easy to be discouraged. Whether it’s something in our own lives or the world around us, we are surrounded by hard situations and events. Perhaps your health is deteriorating, your job is going poorly, or your marriage is in shambles? Maybe a loved one is struggling? Do you look at the state of our world today and wonder what will happen next? No matter what the circumstances, life can be (and is) very hard to rejoice in. But, that is exactly what the Lord calls us to do!

Posted in A Word from the Pastor by Caleb Yetton
Tags: caleb yetton, culture, darkness, depression, discontentment, frustration, health, joy, negativity, Peace, politics, rejoice, sadness, suffering, the rock church, the world, trial

“The ___ One” Series by The Rock Church

What’s the big deal about Jesus anyway? Is He truly The One Christians claim He is? Does Jesus honestly have an impact on our lives today?

We live in a world that has global influencers around every corner. From TikTok stars to political leaders, their imprint is worldwide. Because of that influence (and our society’s significant progress socially, economically, technologically and scientifically) it has become very easy for us to ask, “Does Jesus even matter anymore?” Many people think Jesus seems just, well, a bit… outdated.

Posted in News, Series by The Rock Church
Tags: Church, culture, Draper, history, jesus, Rock, Series, Sermon Series, society, the one, the rock church, topical series, topical sermons, trc, ut, Utah

Smooth Stones by admin

In a recent message, I shared an illustration that has made an unmistakable impact on my life. I found this story in the devotional by L.B. Cowman, “Streams In The Desert” (July 7 entry):

“There is a very famous “Pebble Beach” at Pescadero, on the California coast. The long line of white surf comes up with its everlasting roar, and rattles and thunders among the stones on the shore. They are caught in the arms of the pitiless waves, and tossed and rolled, and rubbed together, and ground against the sharp-grained cliffs. Day and night forever the ceaseless attrition goes on–never any rest. And the result?

Posted in A Word from the Pastor by admin
Tags: beauty, Bill Young, California, difficulty, discipline, glory, grief, hardship, pain, pebbles, polish, rocks, sanctification, stones, storm, suffering, the rock church, thunders, trial, tribulation, trust, waiting

Watermelon and Lawnmowers by admin

My next-door neighbor (Mr.Grant) is an 89-year-old firecracker. He loves Jesus and has endless opinions (as you can imagine an 89-year-old man would have). Recently, his wife of 70 years passed away. I can’t imagine his grief.

Our family prays for him and loves him dearly; we offer to help him in any way we can. Unfortunately for us, he is one of them old boys who “doesn’t need any help from no one.” So, it can be difficult. Recently, however, I saw my children serve him in some beautiful ways.

Posted in A Word from the Pastor by admin
Tags: Bryan D. Edwards, bryan edwards, Children, grief, kindness, lawnmower, loving, mttc, neighbor, Outreach, sacrifice, serve, serving, the rock church, watermelon

Let It Go and Simply Sow by Tony D'Amico

This past week was Mission To The City. We set out (as a church family) to serve our city with the love of Christ. That motivation is at the forefront of everything we do! The Parable of the Sower (Mark 4) guides our outreach.

We’re to spread His Word, sow Gospel seeds, and let God do the rest. It’s refreshing to know that all I’m supposed to do is plant some seeds (even as small as a mustard seed) in someone’s life. I can do that by sharing the Gospel, passing out a flyer, inviting someone to church, or doing a kind act in the Lord’s name.

Posted in A Word from the Pastor by Tony D'Amico
Tags: evangelism, farming, Gifts, gospel, mttc, Outreach, seeds, Sow, sprouts, the rock church, tony damico, trust, weather, Witness, words

Hurting by admin

“Now is my soul troubled. And what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? But for this purpose I have come to this hour.” — John 12:27

These were Jesus’ words before He was betrayed and crucified. If anyone knows about suffering, it’s Jesus. His suffering was foretold in the book of Genesis. In fact, the prophet Isaiah even called Him the “Man of Sorrows”.

Posted in A Word from the Pastor by admin
Tags: billy johnson, community, doubt, fear, Guilt, hurt, jesus, Loneliness, lonely, sad, small groups, suffering, the cross, the rock church, trial, trouble, trust

For Such a Time as This by admin

Every once in a while, I find myself in just the right place at just the right time. When I do, this verse comes to my mind,

“Who knows if perhaps you were created for such a time as this.“ — Esther 4:14b

I learned this verse from the Old Testament — in the story of Esther and her Uncle Mordecai. I encourage you to read the book of Esther. It’s a treasure of truth, highlighting God’s sovereignty and ability to turn the tables for His glory. Undeniably, God has good plans for us to walk in.

Posted in A Word from the Pastor by admin
Tags: esther, guidance, Mac, Mission to the City, mttc, Old Testament, opportunity, sovereign, Steve McInroy, the rock church, Time

Faith Test by admin

“These patriarchs were jealous of their brother Joseph, and they sold him to be a slave in Egypt. But God was with him and rescued him from all his troubles. And God gave him favor before Pharaoh, king of Egypt. God also gave Joseph unusual wisdom, so that Pharaoh appointed him governor over all of Egypt and put him in charge of the palace.” — Acts 7:9-10

Bad news seems to be everywhere. Without a doubt, it’s hard to have faith when things look bad. There’s tremendous turmoil in the world around us, complicated health troubles, and incredibly hard days.

Posted in A Word from the Pastor by admin
Tags: doubt, Egypt, encourage, faith, hall of faith, hebrews, jospeh, Old Testament, pain, sovereign, suffering, the rock church, trial, type

Not All Have Faith by admin

“Finally, brothers, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may speed ahead and be honored, as happened among you, and that we may be delivered from wicked and evil men. For not all have faith. But the Lord is faithful. He will establish you and guard you against the evil one.” — 2 Thessalonians 3:1-2

I have really appreciated studying 1 & 2 Thessalonians this summer. As he concluded his second letter, Paul asked the Thessalonians (and us) to pray for some specific things.

Posted in A Word from the Pastor by admin
Tags: 2 Thessalonians, answers, evil, faith, good news, gospel, Josh Whitney, Paul, protection, safety, sowing, the rock church, wickedness

Can A Christian Lose Their Salvation? by admin

I was very stressed before my last teaching. And I’m sure I know why. I was preparing a message from some challenging verses in Hebrews 10:26-39. Not surprisingly, we all know there are some Bible verses that (at first glance) can rattle our faith. Because of this, they may even challenge our understanding of salvation. I was meditating on verses like that.

However, the Lord gave me clarity. Once again, I came to the settled peace that our salvation through Jesus is eternally secure. Even as I considered other options, it was obvious that the atonement of Jesus covers ALL my sins. For that, I am beyond grateful!

Posted in A Word from the Pastor by admin
Tags: atonement, Bill Young, doubt, eternal life, eternal security, eternity, Hope, redemption, Rest, rewards, salvation, saved, Secure, the rock church, worry