The Rock Church

Guarding Our Words and Building Community

The Book of Proverbs (6:16-19) gives us a list of seven things God really hates. It’s undoubtedly a serious call to avoid the stuff that tears down what He values. Verse 19 talks specifically about behaviors that wreck trust and unity. The ESV says, “one who sows discord among brothers,” and the NLT describes “a person who sows discord in a family.” Additionally, the NIV widens it to “a person who stirs up conflict in the community.”

Now, think about that for a second. Causing division and conflict—just by what we say—is labeled as an abomination to God. That’s obviously huge! Why? Because breaking unity certainly goes against His command for us to love one another and live in harmony.

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

Seek Wisdom

As we continue in our spiritual walks, Proverbs (Chapter 2) provides lessons for us on the value of wisdom. At the same time, it reveals that wisdom protects us and guides us away from wrong decisions and people who want to lead us astray. Wisdom isn’t merely intellectual. We can certainly read, know, and even teach about it. However, it has to be applied to our actions as well to affect our lives.

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

It Shall Not Return Empty

“so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.” — Isaiah 55:11

If you’re like my family and me, you take in and process a lot of words throughout the week. These words come to us through various means, whether reading books, watching the news, or listening to podcasts or sermons. We certainly live in a time when we hear words constantly. 

For all of this reading and listening, God promises that only His Word will fulfill His purpose in authentic spiritual growth. 

Posted in A Word from the Pastor by admin

Let It Go and Simply Sow

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

Loose Lips Sink Ships

During WWII, the idiom “Loose lips sink ships.” was created. People needed to know the effects of careless words and unguarded talk. “Loose lips” could leak secrets to the enemy, spread rumors, or create issues between people groups. Information passed from person to person could have grave results. Especially if the information wasn’t true.

Similarly, this concept was also understood and written about by Solomon in Proverbs 11:13:

“A gossip goes around telling secrets, but those who are trustworthy can keep a confidence.”

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