The Rock Church

What Are You Searching For?

Treasure hunts are so much fun! At least I think so. You get a map, look for clues, count your steps between each spot, and then, finally end up on the big X! You’ve found your treasure. Most of us would say we are not searching for a treasure chest filled with gold; but, we are always searching for something. We might be searching for a way to surprise our spouse or kids, a way to get a promotion at work, a way to live a healthier lifestyle, a way to make more money, or maybe for the best, wood-fired pizza? The list is endless.

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

Burn It

We all once lived a life apart from God. We tried to fill the God-void in our hearts with the things of this world. That looked different for each one of us. We’ve all had our own stuff — baggage, sin, or whatever you want to call. It’s the stuff we have dealt with and may even still deal with today.

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

Thrill

I love the thrill of roller coasters. There is just something about them — the anticipation while I am waiting in line, the grinding and clanking sounds while I slowly move to the top, and then… the drop! I get butterflies in my stomach thinking about it. I usually go through the entire ride with a huge smile on my face. As it comes to the end, I get super pumped and want to do it all over again!

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

Crying Out

“With every bone in my body I will praise Him: “LORD, who can compare with you? Who else rescues the helpless from the strong? Who else protects the helpless and poor from those who rob them?” — Psalm 35:10

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

Asking For Wisdom

“So we have not stopped praying for you since we first heard about you. We ask God to give you complete knowledge of his will and to give you spiritual wisdom and understanding. Then the way you live will always honor and please the Lord, and your lives will produce every kind of good fruit. All the while, you will grow as you learn to know God better and better.” — Colossians 1:9-10

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

Running The Race

I am one of those people who enjoys running. I like to put myself through the pain and agony of long, (endurance testing) races. Typically, you sign up for that kind of race six months in advance. You need plenty of time to train, mentally prepare, and to do the kind of research needed to make sure you don’t injure yourself during the race. You hope for: amazing weather, no injuries, no shoe problems, no chaffing, and that you don’t lose any toenails (believe me, that’s a concern). The list could go on and on….

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

United

“Therefore I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God. Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace.” – Ephesians 4:1-4

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

Creation

Do you ever feel like it’s hard to talk to people about God because you can’t think of a simple way to start the conversation? There’s actually a great “lead-in” (and one that is easily overlooked). We admire it on a daily basis, or at least we should. We live in a world where the Creation itself speaks to the divinity of God.

Paul wrote to the Romans, “For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse.” — Romans 1:19-20 (ESV)

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

Unbelief

“And Jesus said to him, “‘If you can’! All things are possible for one who believes.” Immediately the father of the child cried out and said, “I believe; help my unbelief!” Mark 9:23-24

This verse is about Jesus healing the boy with the unclean spirit. The father of the boy knew that Jesus and His disciples were doing some pretty incredible things, so he decided to take his son to the disciples for help. They were not able to cast out the evil spirit. Jesus, in His love, then came and asked the man what he was looking for? The man asked for compassion and help for his son.

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

Rejoice

Recently, I have been living inside of the Psalms, reading them over and over again. I just love how David wrote down his thoughts so poetically.

One of the Psalms that really spoke to me, was Psalm 40. David expressed what I believe is a scenario we all tend to experience when we first get saved.

First, in verses 40:1-3, God pulls us out of our old life and gives us a new song, new life, gives us salvation. Then, in verses 40:4-10, there is that exciting feeling we have knowing all of the great things that God has done for us — we proclaim it to the world. Next, in verses 40:11-15, we see the critics, the skeptics, the haters of God. The ones who start to attack our new found life with Him! They try to destroy, humiliate and shame us for loving God.

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