The Rock Church

It is Good to be Near God

Our purpose is to live a life of worship. To know and be known by God. We are to walk in His grace and be changed by it. This means understanding who we are in God’s presence — that our life is not ours. When gripped by grace, we experience abundant life. And then comes humility, obedience, and worship. Indeed, it is good to be near God.

A desire to be in God’s presence naturally fuels an authentic life of worship. It’s coming to a place where our hearts say, “God, everything else out there is a mirage. Only in Your presence is there life and fullness of joy.” 

Posted in A Word from the Pastor by Caleb Yetton

Humility

“Before destruction a man’s heart is haughty, but humility comes before honor.” — Proverbs 18:12

“For Pride is spiritual cancer: it eats up the very possibility of love, or contentment, or even common sense.” -Timothy Keller

Christian, when we walk in humility, we are within the circle of God’s blessing. The world tells us we need more power, money, fame, position, and praise. It tells us we need more of…everything!

The Bible, however, calls a person like that a leech: the world is a leech!

Posted in A Word from the Pastor by admin

A Lot on My Mind

I know we’re all busy. So many things occupy our thoughts and time. Some seasons are certainly busier than others. I’m in one of those seasons of life right now. With it comes overthinking, under-sleeping, and a good dose of worrying.

When I’ve got a lot going on, I make lists. To-do lists, to-buy lists, fix-it lists, need-to-schedule lists, calls-to-make lists, work lists, family lists, church lists…and on it goes. I even write my lists with a physical pen and paper! 

Posted in A Word from the Pastor by admin

Rejoice Always

“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

We Can Experience God’s Peace

I recently read Philippians 4:6-7 in a devotional. The NLT said it this way, “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.”

As I read this familiar verse, a few key phrases jumped out at me. 

Posted in A Word from the Pastor by Caleb Yetton

Listen to Him

“But all who listen to me will live in peace untroubled by fear of harm.” — Proverbs 1:33

There is a way to live that leads to harm, fear and restlessness, isn’t there? Most of the time, it’s the result of us listening to ourselves, to lies, or to negative influences. We need to ask ourselves, “Who am I listening to?” when we get a pit in our stomachs and a tinge of fear rattling our emotions.

Posted in A Word from the Pastor by admin

Resolving Conflict

There is one thing I know. At some point, you will definitely offend or sin against someone close to you. Simply stated, between family, friends, co-workers, (or just doing life with people) conflict happens.

The good news is that the time between the offense and the resolution is within our control. Dealing with it quickly creates peace in our hearts. On the other hand, if not dealt with, conflict causes war in our hearts. Jesus gives us some clear steps on how to resolve conflict.

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

Overcome Evil With Good

The idea of overcoming evil with good has been on my mind lately — I’d like to share some of my thoughts with you. You know, when someone affects you in a negative way, it’s easy to spin your attitude into payback mode. You want to show those who offended (or hurt) you, that you can do the same thing to them. The easy way to deal with your enemies (real or perceived) is to bash, abuse, sue and slander them. You want to avenge the evil they have inflicted on you. But, the Bible is clear that this isn’t the way…

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

Calmed My Soul

“O Lord, my heart is not lifted up; my eyes are not raised too high; I do not occupy myself with things too great and too marvelous for me. But I have calmed and quieted my soul, like a weaned child with its mother; like a weaned child is my soul within me. O Israel, hope in the Lord from this time forth and forevermore.” — Psalm 131:1

Is your life stressing you out right now? Is it the political situation? Maybe it’s the anxiety of paying your bills while preparing for the holidays? Maybe you worry about your work or the economy? Life has a way of causing us stress all of the time. Sickness, finances, holidays, family, and work can all add to our anxiety. When I read this Psalm the other day, however, I was encouraged.

(more…)

Posted in A Word from the Pastor by Matt Scribner

Suffering

“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 all the way back to the book of Genesis. Isaiah 53 calls Him the “Man of Sorrows”.

(more…)

Posted in A Word from the Pastor by admin