The Rock Church

Burdens to Bear by Caleb Yetton

Last week, I was absolutely crushed to hear of a 30-year-old man who committed suicide in California. I know it is the extremely tragic and unfortunate truth that this sort of thing happens daily, but reading this particular story hit really close to home. This man was very close to my age, he was a husband, a father of three boys, and he was also a pastor at a church. The more I read about his story, the more my heart broke for him, his family, and his church. Thinking about the whole situation has brought to mind some thoughts I’d like to share.

The first thing I’d like to acknowledge is that this life is NOT easy. I don’t think we should sugar coat it. I’m not saying that it’s all bad, but it sure ain’t all simple. The daily pressures of just being a contributing member of society alone can be awfully heavy. Then, on top of those forces of life, we as Christians, have to pick up our cross daily and choose to follow Jesus (against the flow of culture around us). Again, I’m not saying it’s bad, in fact, I’m convinced this is best thing in the world. But, I think we are remiss if we try to brush it off as just a nice stroll in the park.

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Posted in A Word from the Pastor by Caleb Yetton
Tags: Burdens to Bear, caleb yetton

Something to Think About by admin

“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” — Philippians 4:8

The Apostle Paul reminded the Philippians that it was a good thing for them to regularly think about the things that would inspire worship and thankfulness to God. I wanted to remind us of that, too!

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Posted in A Word from the Pastor by admin
Tags: Bryan D. Edwards, Something to Think About

1 Timothy – What Godliness Looks Like in the Church by Tony D'Amico

if I delay, you may know how one ought to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, a pillar and buttress of the truth. – 1 Timothy 3:15

In the book of 1 Timothy, Paul is writing a letter to a young church leader. He has specific instructions for Timothy to know how to “fight the good fight”, how to lead his church, and what it looks like to live a godly life. Many of the challenges that Timothy faced in his church, we are still facing today. Challenges such as: dealing with false teachers, worship, prayer, character qualities of leadership, how we should treat each other, and how we should live our lives. Join us as we take a look at this powerful book and discover what godliness looks like in the church.

Series runs from September 8 – December 2 at all services!

Posted in Events, News, Series by Tony D'Amico
Tags: 1 Timothy, Series, sermon

Consult with the Lord by Tony D'Amico

“So the Israelites examined their food, but they did not consult the Lord.” — Joshua 9:14

There is a lot we can learn from this verse… Joshua was confronted by a group of people (basically, neighbors of the Israelites) who were wanting to negotiate a treaty with them. Their intent was to deceive Joshua because they had heard of the destruction that was going to come upon them. So, they went to him and said, “we are from a city far away.” They brought moldy bread, worn out clothing, and wine skins (to help in their deception). Joshua kept asking questions, but eventually granted them their request — and made an alliance with them. There was one thing, however, that Joshua didn’t have the Israelites do. They didn’t consult with the Lord. Because of that, they made a treaty and were deceived.

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

Misunderstanding by admin

Every once in a while, I get myself into a situation where I know I’ve been misunderstood. There are also times when I realize that I’ve misunderstood what somebody was trying to tell me. We all experience this, don’t we? I was recently struck by a story in Joshua (22:10-34). There was a misunderstanding that could have ended in disaster… if one group of people hadn’t been able to explain themselves to another group.

When Israel was moving into the Promised Land, one group of people were given the land on the East side of the Jordan river. They built “an altar of imposing size.” One that looked identical to the altar God had them build for the Tabernacle. They shouldn’t have done this as it was “unauthorized.” God had been very clear with them when He gave them instructions about where and how He wanted the altar built.

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Posted in A Word from the Pastor by admin
Tags: billy johnson, Misunderstanding

In the Pocket by admin

I’ve been thinking about my walk with the Lord lately. I’m happy to report that I think I’m “in the pocket” with Jesus.  

I’ll tell you what I mean by this. There is a sweet spot musicians call being “in the pocket”. It means singing in time and being in the “groove” with the rhythm of the song. You can be in pitch, but if you’re wavering ahead or behind the beat it won’t feel right.…you aren’t “in the pocket” unless it’s all coming together as it should be. As I write this, I’m feeling in rhythm with my Creator. It might help that I’m enjoying two cups of good coffee and a good night’s sleep. I’m also looking forward to a relatively peaceful day. As far as I can tell so far, I’m “in the pocket”.

The early church experienced something like being “in the pocket” of faith at a specific time in Acts. 
“So the church throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria enjoyed peace, being built up; and going on in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, it continued to increase” — Acts 9:31. We live in a country today where we have the freedom to pursue our faith freely. Like the early church, we enjoy peace, being built-up, and “going on in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit.”

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Posted in A Word from the Pastor by admin
Tags: In the Pocket, Steve McInroy

Run to the Lord First by admin

“In the Lord I take refuge. How then can you say to me,’Flee like a bird to your mountain?'” — Psalm 11:1

I really love this verse. The reason I love it is because it is a reminder that we, as Christians, are to be vigilant to run to the Lord, first. We are to be vigilant to find our joy in the Lord.

David was wrestling with some difficult life circumstances when he wrote this Psalm. When others were encouraging him to “flee to the mountain” to find rest, David reminded them that his rest was in the Lord. David was vigilant to turn to Jesus first, he was vigilant to find refuge and joy in Him.

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Posted in A Word from the Pastor by admin
Tags: Run to the Lord First, Steele Croswhite

Worship 2018 by Tony D'Amico

Join us and other Christians from about the valley for Worship 2018 — the 14th Annual Utah Christian Worship Festival! On Friday, August 3 (6:30 – 9:30 p.m., on the east lawn of the Utah State Capitol Building), there will be a night of unity and music. Worship Music Guests will include: New Creation Church Worship Team, Worship Catalyst Unity Band, Fresh Life Worship Team and The Salt Lake City Mass Choir. What a fantastic opportunity to join with other believers for an evening of worshiping together. Bring your lawn chairs, blankets, and a picnic dinner. There will also be food trucks available! Admission is FREE. Join us, won’t you? Questions? Contact: info@standingtogether.org or call 801-474-1363.

You can learn more about Standing Together Ministries by visiting their website at www.standingtogether.org!

Posted in Events by Tony D'Amico
Tags: Standing Together Ministries, Worship 2018

Deep Underground by admin

“Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence? If I ascend to heaven, you are there! If I make my bed in Sheo, you are there!” — Psalm 139:7-8
 
Recently, my family and I had a chance to hike up to Timpanogos Cave National Monument. The hike was fairly steep, hot, and pretty exposed in some areas. Once we made it to the cave entrance, however, we entered a very different world. 

The cave was 50 degrees colder than the outside air temperature. We had to put on coats in the middle of summer! Plus, the cave air was humid; it was a stark contrast from the hot, dry, summer air outside. We spent an hour hiking through the cave. At one point, the ranger tour guide made everyone turn off their flashlights. It was so dark that you couldn’t see your hand in front of your face. You couldn’t tell if your eyes were open or closed. The ranger said our eyes would NEVER adjust to the complete darkness. My kids and I later discussed being deep in the cave without any lights.  
 
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Posted in A Word from the Pastor by admin
Tags: Deep Underground, Josh Whitney

Mission to the City 2018 by Tony D'Amico

The Rock Cares Ministries is excited to announce Mission to the City (MTTC) initiative planned for THIS summer (August 14 — August 18). We know there are many needs throughout the Salt Lake Valley — our hope is to respond with the love of Christ by taking action. We are asking you, the Church, to roll up your sleeves and join us! This week will be a marvelous opportunity to practically help those in need. We will organize and support all of these events to help make our “Mission to the City” a true blessing to those we’re serving and also to the family of The Rock Church.

We will begin the week with a night of envisioning and praying over the Salt Lake Valley on Tuesday, August 14 (7:00 p.m.) at Flat Iron Park (1700 E 8600 S). We’ll then start serving our community in some amazing ways every day and night through Saturday, August 18. Not only will we be partnering with some of our Rock Cares Ministries (The Road Home, Pregnancy Resource Center, Prison Ministry, and others), but we’ll also participate in hosting a Red Cross Blood Drive (at our church building), serve the police and fire departments, and many other community-focused events.

We will finish the week by inviting our friends and neighbors to The Rock Cares Celebration (August 18, 12:00 – 4:00 p.m.) at our church building (11630 S 700 E). This will be an exciting event (complete with bouncy castles, Cares Information Booths, food, music, and fun). You definitely won’t want to miss it!

Donate to Support Mission to the City

Another way you can practically support The Rock Cares Ministry is by helping to fund these amazing activities. Whatever amount you donate will supplement the costs of these events. We’ve made it very easy for you to give, too. Grab your phone and text-to-give (Text 84321 and in the message spot put the $$ you want to donate and then “cares” — i.e.: 84321, $00 cares) or select The Rock Cares category on PCO Giving. It’s that easy to bless the lives of others.

Get Involved Today

You can get more information on each event and sign up by visiting www.trc.life/mttc today. If you have any questions, please contact Steve McInroy. Don’t miss out on this life-changing opportunity to serve others with The Rock Cares “Mission to the City”!

Sign Up Today!

Posted in Events, Missions, The Rock Cares by Tony D'Amico
Tags: Mission to the City, missions