The Rock Church

Forgiveness by admin

“Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord.”— Romans 12:19 (NIV)

Forgiveness is an act of the will. I recently talked to a person at church who told me, “I don’t feel like forgiving my friend.” She was obviously emotional and hurting and her pain was very real. After listening to her story and empathizing with her situation, I reminded her that forgiveness was not an option. In fact, we are commanded to forgive: “Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” — Colossians 3:13 (NIV).

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Posted in A Word from the Pastor by admin

Heavenly Minded by admin

The wickedness of this world has been totally devastating me lately. I have been sorrowful and I have even cried. If you allow yourself to empathize with the families who have lost loved ones because of senseless acts of violence, you will indeed feel a burden that is too great to bear. Young children whose dads will not return home from duty, mothers whose children will never walk through the door again, friends and co-workers killed by bloodthirsty, pathetic men. It is an outrage and it should stop!

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Posted in A Word from the Pastor by admin
Tags: Austin, Heavenly, Minded

Loneliness by admin

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” — Matthew 11:28

Loneliness is a very difficult thing.

Whether we are single, married, young or old, loneliness is something we all experience or have experienced (to some degree). I believe loneliness is much more than just a mental or emotional issue. I believe the Bible tells us it’s a spiritual issue, also.

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Posted in A Word from the Pastor by admin
Tags: Loneliness

Words VS. Heart by Tony D'Amico

“Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.” — Psalm 19:14 (ESV)

Lately, I have been thinking about the relationship between our words and/or our actions in relation to the condition of our heart. It is somewhat easy to mask the true condition of our heart with our words. Things are easier said, than truly believed. But, we can only pay lip service for so long before the true condition of our heart is exposed. I really like what the Psalmist is saying here because he is not just talking about his heart, but his words, too.

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

Good Works by admin

I was cleaning out the basement a few weeks ago and found an old journal of mine. After reading a few pages, it would seem that all I ever did back in 2007 was think about Jesus, talk about Jesus, read about Jesus and write about Jesus. A lot was going on in my life back then for sure: I had just married Ashley, I was a first year apprentice electrician, I was cranking through the Bible and deciding where I stood on heavy theological positions. I was also writing down prayers, leading people to Christ, and playing in one of the worship bands at The Rock.

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Posted in A Word from the Pastor by admin
Tags: Billy, Good, Johnson, Works

Revealed by admin

“For there is nothing hidden that will not be disclosed, and nothing concealed that will not be known or brought out into the open.” — Luke 8:16 -17

I’d like to tell you a story. Although it took place a few years ago, it really encouraged my family’s faith and I believe that glorifies the Lord.

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Posted in A Word from the Pastor by admin
Tags: Bill, Prayer, revealed, Young

May Cause Death by admin

Last week, a number of our pastors traveled to the great state of Iowa for our annual Pastor’s Conference. One of the conference speakers spoke on the unbelievable danger that pornography presents to our society. It impacts everyone: men, women, spouses, parents, and children.

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Posted in A Word from the Pastor by admin
Tags: Josh, May Cause Death, Whitney

Turning Back by admin

“Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord.” Acts 3:19 (NIV)

I was recently reminded of one of my favorite fishing trips of all times. I went with a good friend of mine to a lake in Canada called Lake of the Woods. Scott and I had spent months planning and preparing. During our trip we caught so many Walleye and Northern Pike that we were literally laughing out loud. I also remember fishing at about 2:00 a.m. next to a huge rock that jutted straight up out of the water about forty feet. As we fished on that clear starlit night, we witnessed the overwhelming beauty of Aurora Borealis – the Northern Lights. I’m not sure how long we stared, silently spellbound. It was a majestic sight – and a fishing trip of a lifetime!

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Posted in A Word from the Pastor by admin
Tags: Bill Young, Turning Back

O Death, Where is Your Sting? by admin

One of the things that really gripes me about death is that it seems so final. We allow our minds to grasp the concept of that finality — “I will never see this person again.” or “No more holiday gatherings, no more meals, no more family reunions, no more jokes.” Death sucks. It separates us from the ones who we love and enjoy.

Posted in A Word from the Pastor by admin
Tags: Austin, Fredrickson, O Death, Where is Your Sting?

Change by admin

“Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.” Psalm 51:10

I’m not a big fan of change. Big or small, it always seems to bring out some sort of fuss from me. I have a hard time with simple transitions that most people wouldn’t even consider being problematic. From buying a car to renewing a magazine subscription, my mind starts racing just thinking about it. That’s just the way I am wired. But, change is coming (whether I am ready for it or not).

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Posted in A Word from the Pastor by admin
Tags: Bryan, Change, Edwards