By on November 22, 2016
We are excited about what God is doing in the hearts and lives of the people in the Inland Empire. We as a church family have an opportunity to give beyond ourselves for others. You are invited to join us in all the different venues of outreach this Christmas season. Thank you so much for being willing to be a part of His miracle in loving people back to life.
By Dan Roth on November 24, 2016
“Today was supposed to be light and easy.”
Thanksgiving. I often picture the Norman Rockwell paintings of a dad setting the turkey down in front of his family. Everyone at the table is happy. They all are dressed well and look like the meal they are about to share will only reflect the perfect lives they are already sharing. It looks effortless.
That picture doesn’t look like my Thanksgiving. There will be turkey (and ham and spaghetti and enough food to feed a small army) and the family will have that wonderful moment when we are all around the table with our plates piled high with food and we pray and thank God for our many blessings. Where we stray from the picture is the before and after.
By Dan Roth on December 1, 2016
“At the end of the night the kids watched a Charlie Brown Christmas and then we drove home and looked at some Christmas lights on the way before getting the kids in bed.”
Every year looking at Christmas lights with the kids has been a tradition that has kept our family close. I enjoy hearing the kids ooh’s and ah’s and seeing their faces light up with the large displays.
There is a street in a neighborhood close to our house we have gone to a couple of years in a row that everyone on the street puts up a huge display. It is actually all linked together and they have their own radio transmitter so you can listen and watch from your car as everything moves and switches on and off in time.
During this season we need to remember the words of Jesus that we are the light of the world. We have something to shine this season. Don’t hide your light under a basket but put it on a stand for everyone to see.
By on December 5, 2016
We are very excited for this weeks podcast with a very special guest, John Wineglass. John has been a staple of our Women Rock events and was here with us again for Girls Night Out 2016.
John is an accomplished husband, father, composer, and musician. Listen in as we hear about his recent composition and an upcoming commission from our very own San Bernardino in 2017.
By on December 9, 2016
There are many people whose lives will never be the same after December 2, 2015. Fourteen individuals are now gone from our lives. Their families and friends left in the wake of terror. I am sure many questions and sorrows still linger. Only in Jesus will we find rest for our souls. He alone has the answers. He alone can calm our fears and give us peace amidst the storms of life. He was acquainted with sorrows and if you listen to some of the statements He made regarding current events of His day you will find that there was plenty of tragedy and many questions.
By Dan Roth on December 16, 2016
In many ways Christmas Eve has become as memorable as Christmas Day. Families host gatherings, parties happen in the workplace and amongst friends. Christmas Eve has also been popularized by movies and stories of what happens on that night.
Growing up I remember opening gifts on Christmas Eve and then enjoying them on Christmas Day. I don’t think we did that every year but it was fun when we did. In the same way I am sure you may have fond memories of things that happened on Christmas Eve. Family traditions and celebrations that happened may have significance or special memories.
I would encourage you to look for the beauty of the day. I think of the feeling in Heaven on the day before Jesus was born on the earth. The Son of God was physically formed in Mary’s womb and only Heaven knew the following day would bring Him into the world and change history forever. I can only imagine the anticipation of the angelic host as they looked on the events on the earth. I can imagine the watchful eyes of the Father as He looks on at the events unfolding. Joseph and Mary traveling and making their way to Bethlehem and the pains and discomfort of a full term pregnancy.
By Dan Roth on December 22, 2016
“It is Christmas Day! When we woke up I stayed in bed and prayed for a while and read the Bible and then went down where everyone was. Breakfast was in full swing and the smell of bacon was in the air.”
This was the ideal Christmas morning. It started with prayer and the Word and then for breakfast was bacon. Anyone who has been to our men’s ministry meetings at our church knows that there is a special place in a man’s heart for bacon. Even the vegans chant ‘bacon’ with us though they won’t partake.
By Dan Roth on December 29, 2016
“I watched Honey I Shrunk the Kids with the kids and they liked it. I forgot the fun parts and the fantasy of that movie. Who wouldn’t think being small was cool until you realize the peril of the larger world you have to encounter?”
I have been so thankful over the years that God, in His wisdom, has not answered every one of my prayers. That sounds surprising doesn’t it? Who is thankful for unanswered prayers? I am.
Let me explain. There was a time when I wanted to be a musician full time. More specifically I wanted to be a rock star. I wanted the big stage; televised concerts and such. Looking back now I know if my prayers were answered it would have destroyed me. Also, I would not be where I am at today. My life is so much greater than I ever could have imagined. If I had my prayers answered I would be empty and might end up shipwrecked concerning the faith.
One more prayer that I am glad wasn’t answered? Well, I remember praying about a girl. It just got personal but I know many of you have prayed about a relationship. I was praying that God would make it happen because we would be great together. Now in hindsight I realize that it would have been terrible. We would have killed each other. Don’t get me wrong, she is a great person and her life is where God knew it needed to be. We would have never made it or we would have been miserable. I know that God had my perfect wife waiting for me now that I have her. I wouldn’t trade her for anyone else. We are so in love that I am very thankful that God didn’t answer that prayer.
By Dan Roth on January 5, 2017
This is my 356th entry! I did it! At least I can say I am disciplined and consistent and follow through with my commitments. It has been a good year. I am very blessed. We made it through many trials. I believe that the plowing and sowing we have done we will see come to pass.
Truly on New Year’s Eve we can look back over a year and see the faithfulness of God. I see how through all the hard times we encountered God was making us stronger. In all the good times God was showing us His goodness. In the silence we were learning to trust. In everything God is all in all.
By on January 9, 2017
The greatest enemy you’ll ever fight is YOU. Yes, you… Well, the “old you”, the one that still hangs around even though you’ve made Jesus the Lord of your life. The real you, the New You is a new creation, born of God’s Spirit, with a hunger for righteousness, to do God’s will (2 Corinthians 5:17, 21). But you’re a three-part person: you are a spirit, you have a soul (your mind, will, and emotions) and you live in a body, your earth suit. (1 Thessalonians 5:23) Well, that “earth suit” has not been redeemed yet, we don’t yet have our “glorified body”, so it still has appetites after the things of the world, the lusts we were caught up in before we received Jesus and it remembers what it used to like to do! If you’ve renewed your mind to the Word of God, then your spirit and soul are strong to discipline that “un renewed flesh” but often it still kicks up and gets us into trouble! This is where fasting can help…
By on January 11, 2017
Looking at a new year can bring on a host of emotions. Sometimes the task ahead can be daunting. Other times the prospect of the unknown can be exciting. We may also find that having a clean slate to work with is a relief and there is a peace that comes with the new year.
No matter how you feel as you approach 2017 know that it can be your best year. The reason is that when you have God giving direction and laying out the vision of what is to come it makes life an adventure. Adventure doesn’t mean easy. I couldn’t give you three easy steps to the best year of your life but I can give you encouragement that you can have the best year of your life.
By Dan Roth on January 19, 2017
I asked why and just listened.
When witnessing to someone about Jesus we often think of it as talking. As in we are talking. Maybe the training we have had has conditioned us to prepare the perfect two minute testimony along with a Romans road of scripture. Throw in the four spiritual laws and lead them in a prayer. (All those tools are great by the way. I use every last one when I can.)
By Dan Roth on January 23, 2017
Jess said today as we were driving home how much community affects people. She noticed how when one of our neighbors took down their Christmas lights all of them did. Even the guy at the end of the street who still hadn’t taken his down was not turning them on anymore. It is interesting how much we are governed by what the people around us do. Like speeding on the freeway because it is the flow of traffic. Or negative talk and gossip at work because that is the way people speak and it comes naturally to us. Thank God this also works in the positive because ‘A companion of fools comes to ruin but he who walks with the wise will himself become wise.’
By on January 23, 2017
We started out this year looking at some principles for fasting—to help discipline our bodies and “tune up” spiritually… Back to Thursdays at Women Rock a.m., Pastor Jess has been teaching a wonderful series, The Journey of Faith for the past two weeks. Sandi Simonson does a great job each week of giving us an outline of the points and scriptures which you can find on the Women Rock Facebook page. And of course, we encourage you to download the Rock app to listen to the messages each week or listen online. So some additional insights on this journey of faith…
By on January 27, 2017
This morning in my time with God I read over the account of Saul’s disobedience and how he heeded the voice of the people rather than be unpopular and heed the commandment of The Lord. It was interesting for me to note that anything that looked good to the people they kept but the despised and the stuff that was weak or wasn’t good looking, they rejected and destroyed. How many Christians think that they are walking in obedience to the commandment of The Lord but really are trying to keep the best of the world while justifying themselves by staying away from the really bad stuff. I know I can identify times that I wanted to keep watching a television show that the plot had turned south just because I liked the show at first.
How convicting this post is. Lord, is there anything that I am holding on to that is unholy? Have I kept things in my life that weren’t ‘that bad”? No Lord! You are just and the justifier! I lay it all at your feet and cleanse myself of any pollution of this world. Even to my own hurt!
By on February 7, 2017
Back to work. It was a normal day in the office. Normal meaning that I sat and intended to pray and study and get some of my desk cleared and didn’t do anything that I set out to do because of meetings and pressing ministry needs that arose.
By Dan Roth on February 13, 2017
It is very needed to have time without pressure where we can just love and decompress.
There are gauges on pipes that carry pressure indicating safe amounts. When the amount of pressure is greater than the pipe can handle the gauge will show it by the needle going in to the red. Some of the valves have a pressure release to keep the pipe from exploding from the pressure.
By Dan Roth on February 20, 2017
We made a pact that there would be no complaining. A good hit was not to be looked down on even if it wasn’t the desired result. And a bad hit wasn’t to be complained about even if we were disappointed. Oh that we could carry that attitude into our entire life.
I know that there are times when I say things because it is the thing to do. If someone is playing golf and hits the ground with their swing I say “You hit the big ball first.” If my kids say “Daddy it hurts when I do this” I say “Don’t do that.” These may be funny things to say but if I am honest I am only saying them because I heard my parents or friends say these things. They are an automatic response.
By Sue Bryan on February 21, 2017
Remind yourself of God’s faithfulness. Listen to the song, “The Steadfast Love of the Lord” by TheIslandSing, then take a listen to Pastor Jess exhorting on this subject – do you want faith like a kite, up and down with every wind of attack or brick-like faith that stands strong through the storm? Relisten to week #1.
Ask for prayers that scare you! We serve a BIG GOD!! Don’t be content skiing down the bunny hill slopes of life when there’s the diamond run to experience! Find what you’re believing for in God’s Word, believe it, then pray it! He wants you to have “exceedingly, abundantly above” what you could ever hope, ask, or think!! (Ephesians 3:20) More insights from Pastor Jessica Roth in week #2.
By on February 27, 2017
Tonight when I got home we had dinner as a family and then watched America’s Got Talent. There were two acts that stood out. The first was one consisted of these guys who were so in character that you didn’t know they were putting you on until well into the act. It was really funny. Then there was a guy who was in the foster care system and was adopted but expressed how as a child he felt like luggage and if anyone even smiled at him he asked if they would adopt him. Our hearts went out to him.
I can still see the guys face there on my television set. I wanted to put my arms through the screen and hug him. How sad that a person would feel like luggage going from house to house. I had good parents that stuck it out through hard times and loved us. To this day our families on both sides are strong.
By Dan Roth on March 6, 2017
There were a couple of discouraging events this morning though neither overshadowed the day. Thankfully light shines in the dark.
It is the nature of light to shine. It takes on a greater quality in contrast with dark. If we only had good days we wouldn’t appreciate the warmth and character of light as we do in adversity.
By Dan Roth on March 14, 2017
I finally got back to my bed at 3 am.
The life of a parent is a tired one. Sleep is a memory. We just do life tired.
By Dan Roth on March 20, 2017
Leaders have to lead and often that means thinking for others, giving clear direction and then following up to make sure that they do it. Then along the way you have to deal with personalities. It is not easy.
I smile when I read this thought from last year. As a leader this is what I live every day. First, I have to lead myself. I have to know a clear direction and keep after it. I have to be accountable as a leader and also have to know my personality. I have to know when to say when and when to not make a decision because of my own personality conflicts. Leaders aren’t perfect. We have to have people in our lives who will tell us the truth and who can tell us things that are hard to hear. My wife is great in this area.
By Dan Roth on March 27, 2017
I didn’t do much today but it somehow turned out to be a productive day.
When I look back on last year I see that there were days I did a lot and got nothing done. There were also days like this one from last year that even though I didn’t do a lot it was productive.
By on March 29, 2017
In this recent series called, Identity Crisis, we looked at all the roles in which we find our identity and what can happen when these roles change throughout different seasons of our lives. We can become insecure, feel rejected or look to unstable things to once again establish who we are. Pastor Jess started the series by taking us back to the Garden to find out who we are and how God designed us to be… Look at some thoughts from the series and please share with us in the comment at the end your thoughts!
By Cynthia Clifford on April 3, 2017
Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. — Mark 16:18
Our Mexico Missions team from our youth and young adults ministries are back with new life changing experiences of what God did in them and through them.
They were able to dedicate 5 full days of serving and loving the people of Ensenada, making the name of Jesus known!
By Dan Roth on April 4, 2017
I told him to stay humble, stay teachable, forgive quickly and apologize quickly. It is good advice for all of us.
There are times I know God is speaking through me to others. I am sure any of you readers who are Christians can identify a time when you were used of God to speak to someone else. At times we find that those same words God speaks through us are spoken to us.
By Richard Villanueva on April 12, 2017
That’s one word that describes well a specific Saturday morning, some 2,000 years ago. What does it feel like the day after your entire world falls apart? Or the morning that follows the most emotionally confusing moments of life? Added to this pressure is what can seem like a shattering silence from Heaven. We can think, “Surely God knows what happened! Why isn’t He saying anything? Doesn’t He already know my prayers?”
By on April 14, 2017
“Then he said to his servants, ‘The wedding feast is ready, but those invited were not worthy. Go therefore to the main roads and invite to the wedding feast as many as you find.’ And those servants went out into the roads and gathered all whom they found, both bad and good. So the wedding hall was filled with guests.” — Matthew 22:8-10 ESV
Easter is almost here! Like literally this weekend!
Here are 3 easy ways to invite someone, last minute to an Easter service.
Because, let’s be honest, most people have not completely planned their weekend anyways.
By on April 24, 2017
We asked some of our leaders involved with Women’s Ministry what they took away from Easter and the Passion week messages, and here were their responses. We encourage you to do some of your own reflections with the questions we ask after each thought.
By Dan Roth on April 27, 2017
“I always love looking into the eyes of the people getting saved. It never gets old seeing the faces of people ready to be brought to life. Some smiling, some in tears, some afraid, and some ready. I pray they all are fruit that remains.”
I get the unique privilege as a preaching pastor to give altar calls and to see the fruit of my labors in the gospel. We cast the net and then we gather in the results. The most wonderful part of it all is that it never gets old. We do an altar call every service and it never gets old.
I never tire of seeing the joy of someone who is happy to be in church giving their heart to the Lord. I never tire of seeing the tears of repentance streaming down the faces of men and women who are leaving behind a world that chewed them up and spat them out. I never tire of seeing the broken and the hurting come to Jesus for healing and restoration.
By Dan Roth on May 17, 2017
“I got home and my mom and the kids had built a fort in the living room with the couch cushions.”
Do you have memories of building couch cushion forts as a kid? I remember building tents, forts, cities and even a summer camp in our living room. Who needed fancy toys when you had building blocks as big as you were?! My brother and I would often play for hours with the simplest of items; a stick, a ball, dirt clods, a shovel. One item and a whole lot of imagination was all we needed for an afternoon of fun.
By Dan Roth on May 23, 2017
“It was simple and beautiful.”
There are many things in life that are beautiful because of their complexity. The systems of nature can be so complex that they blow the mind.
Some things are beautiful because of their diversity. I love the human population and the cultures of the world largely for their diversity. It is wonderful that we aren’t all the same or it would be really boring.
Some things are beautiful because of their variety. When I look at the different kinds of the same thing it blows my mind. How many types of birds are there?
Some things are beautiful because of their simplicity. Like the gospel. Jesus came for us, died for us, and because He lives we live by faith in Him. That’s it. It is a simple gospel and it is beautiful.
By Jessica Roth on May 30, 2017
Seeing life in a positive way seems harder than it sounds. We seem to gravitate to the negative and automatically see things in the perspective of defeat or discouragement. Life likes to give us just enough slack to keep us from falling off a cliff.
I do believe we have to work at seeing things on the brighter side.
I’m a mom of 3 kids and all of them bring so much love and joy. Our 3rd child Titus taught me joy in a new way. When he was in the belly we thought for sure he was a girl and we were going to call him Mia Joy translated: my joy. Well he came out a boy so that put us in a new path to naming him, Titus which means “strength.” I do believe all that time saying Mia Joy was a word for him. He came out smiling and the nurses said he was delivered sunny side up. He was born on Easter Sunday; and life always comes from death. Jesus rose on that special day and Titus was born all these decades later. He is our child who just loves life is so joyful majority of the time. He is the funniest kid and sees life on the positive side of the spectrum.
By on June 6, 2017
“I blew it this morning from the time I woke up.”
I actually record in my journal two times I had to patch things up after an argument with my wife, one in front of our children. I also had to work with someone else on their issues and then that night preach in the pulpit. My message was called “Stop complaining”. I was obviously preaching to myself.
What is funny is that after the message it was confession time. I almost could’ve had a line and people taking a number. I didn’t mind though because our confession is healthy for us. If we confess then God can work with us. Once we say “God I messed up, forgive me please!” His grace and mercy do the work of forgiving us and cleansing us.
By Dan Roth on June 13, 2017
“I had some prayer and Bible study time and then went down for breakfast.”
If only every day could start this way. In a perfect world we would be able to set our life in order and have the right priorities in their place.
The reality is that our spouse may have been up earlier than we were and has something on their mind to tell us when we wake up. Or we woke up late and our prayers are said in the shower. Sound familiar yet?
By Dan Roth on June 20, 2017
“I did a wedding today and when the bride walked in everyone applauded. It was a first for the weddings I have done.”
I remember this day because I had to iron my shirt for the wedding which made me right on time. You never want the bride or the minister late. I rushed to my spot to officiate and after the whole procession came in they opened the back doors to the chapel and here came the bride. She was dressed in white with a flowing train behind her dress. Her flowers were beautifully arranged and she held them perfectly for everyone to admire. All that was second to her smile as she entered the room looking around at her friends and family and finally resting her gaze on the groom.
By Dan Roth on June 27, 2017
“She is the only person I know who keeps a hair appointment with bronchitis.”
The best woman I know is my wife. She is passionate, caring, loving, fun, and on and on and on. I try to tell her multiple times a day from the moment we first see each other in the morning until our last talk at night how much I love her and it is still not enough.
By on July 3, 2017
If you have been around the Rock Church and World Outreach Center for any length of time or are familiar with all things ‘Rock’ then you know that we have planted some churches in Southern California. In fact it is one of the seven pillars that make us who we are. Along with the changes in leadership at our church we have seen some major changes in two of our church plants. Sometimes when we see the words ‘major changes’ we immediately go negative. I am excited to report that neither of these changes are negative.
By on July 6, 2017
At the age of 42, Marilyn Hickey responded to God’s call on her life to ‘cover the earth with His Word’ (Isaiah 11:9). The natural inclination to reach out, to celebrate people and culture, were traceable in Marilyn’s formative years; yet she had no idea how God would send her around the globe teaching the Bible and building bridges with people of all cultures and religious backgrounds, especially in the Muslim world.
By on July 11, 2017
Bryan Schultze has been serving at The Rock for more than 14 years. He is responsible for running all aspects of The Rock Food Distribution Ministry. He not only hands out food, but he brings in donations, organizes volunteers, sets up food distribution, as well as handles the transportation logistics.
He’s also no stranger to actually going through the food line himself.
During a dark time in his life, Bryan fell deep into addiction. Sixteen years ago, he became homeless and in need of help. Reluctantly, he turned to a local church food pantry. “It broke me to go, I didn’t want to be there, no one wants to be there,” he remembers. Yes, there was a physical hunger for food, but it was going to take a lot more than food to fill the hunger within his spirit. “I knew I needed help and the only thing that could fix me was Jesus.”
“Food distribution may bring the people here but, that’s not what the ministry is really here for. We’re here to let them know that Jesus loves them,” he explained. It’s his desire that those who come through the food line know the God that changed his life can change theirs too.
By Cynthia Clifford on July 17, 2017
Jacob has been serving at The Rock for 14 years. He worked in maintenance or 12 of them and has spent the last 2 years in charge of the bus ministry.
The ministry provides transportation to many who would otherwise not have the ability to come to church. Jacob talks about the joy of bringing people to a place where God’s word is preached; a place where those in need can get food and clothing; a place where they can be spiritually filled. “When I drop the people back home after church it’s like dropping off little pockets of light throughout the Inland Empire,” he says.
By Theresa Aguilar on July 18, 2017
And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, and all the more as you see to Day approaching. — Heb 10:25
The Bible exhorts us to gather together, and truth is, sometimes we feel like it and sometimes we don’t. With Women Rock Conference just a few weeks away and registrations in full-swing, I thought we’d take a look at reasons we gather. Why does God tell us to gather and to keep gathering? Why should we take time and resources, make a plan, carve out a day, and block out our calendars to come together? There are simply many, many reasons, from the very personal to the very social. One thing is true: there is the real power in gathering together. God’s manifested presence is found when His people gather. Here are six simple yet life-giving reasons we gather. I hope they encourage you to make the time, put forth the effort, and chose to be part of what God is doing!
By Cynthia Clifford on July 20, 2017
Okay, ladies let’s get real…
The statistics around us are crazy! Turning on the news is a battle in itself. The world is overwhelmingly dark and humanity is being lied to and these people hurting around us don’t have an idea of what true Love actually is.
We have a people selling themselves short to Gods best. But ladies we have the answer- we are the body of Christ, the wells of salvation that can and will trickle into the hearts of people around us. In the neighborhoods, schools, communities, and nations!
By on August 15, 2017
I look back to my life in 1995 and there has been such a drastic change from 22 years ago. It’s a great feeling to help people and to know you’re pleasing God because, in the end, it’s all God’s work.
By on August 22, 2017
Pastors Mike and Sue Bryan have been ministering to children for more than 35 years. They have dedicated their lives to teaching children about God. Their love for God and their ability to teach children about that love has truly touched thousands of lives.
By Cynthia Clifford on August 28, 2017
Marilyn Hickey was interviewed by the new channel, CBS News about her evangelist crusades that attract millions of people. Marilyn Hickey has traveled to 136 countries, but currently, she has been focusing on the parts of the middle east with the majority of the population being Muslim. Marilyn Hickey who is currently 86-years-old shares about the threats and real dangers of her ministry but gives all glory of success to God who has watched out for her and kept her safe as she has spreads the gospel of Jesus to these nations. She has made it her special mission to build bridges in Muslim countries like Pakistan, Egypt and Sudan.
By Dan Roth on September 18, 2017
“I ran into a couple that lost their baby. The husband was broken. We cried together and then prayed and talked. I was a mess.”
These few messy sentences summarize so much pain and emotion. I didn’t have any words of wisdom for this couple that lost their child. Words failed me. I had tears, prayers and eventually some encouragement. I don’t think an immediate response of anything other than that would have even been appropriate.
Many people are just like this couple. Tragedy has hit and there are no words to comfort or settle them. We see it every day. Pain and trials are the norms.
Recently in our nation, we have seen loss and tragedy on many levels. In our social and political structures, we are divided. Racially we are heading down the wrong path. In the natural realm, disaster has struck and devastated lives. With our national relationships abroad the word ‘tense’ seems to understate the current norm.
By Dan Roth on October 2, 2017
“We saw the need to train our people more, and get the Word and discipleship into their hearts”
This comment came after seeing the spirit of Halloween expressed in some our church members. There is nothing wrong with dressing up the kids (or yourself if you’re into that) and getting candy. We have no problem with having fun or even with decorations. Where we have to question is the expression of those things.
What would cause one of the children of the Light to want to look like the darkness? Why would someone with the resurrected Christ living in them want to decorate their house or their body like the dead? We were brought out of that kingdom into the Kingdom of Light. Our expressions should be from that place of life and light.
By Maricel Omura on November 3, 2017
How did we get here so fast? Didn’t we just have Christmas, like yesterday? It seems like year after year time goes faster and faster. If you’re like most of us, you’ve haven’t put aside money throughout the year for the holidays (note to self for 2018), but don’t stress yourselves out, let’s create a plan to have an enjoyable Thanksgiving and Christmas Holiday 2017.
Typically, I would recommend saving throughout the year.
Since it’s November, let’s just focus on what we can do NOW!!
By on November 19, 2017
We are excited about what God is doing in the hearts and lives of the people in the Inland Empire. We as a church family have an opportunity to give beyond ourselves for others. You are invited to join us in all the different venues of outreach this Christmas season. Thank you so much for being willing to be a part of His miracle in loving people back to life.
By Dr. Vanessa Reynolds on November 21, 2017
Matthew 5:15 says,
“ Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
You’re not doing it for them you’re doing it to give God glory!
By Sue Byran on December 5, 2017
Here are my top ten Christmas GNO memories from over the years. I can’t believe we have had 25 years of Girls Night Out!
In the late ‘90’s– we did a Christmas Tea where Mrs. Snafflebuster taught little Snafflebuster’s in training proper etiquette (we were really trying to help some ladies without being too obvious & when we laugh, we learn, right?)
In 2006 I was asked, along with another staff member to do the first GNO, to be over the Party Under the Stars. For those first ones we really wanted the “wow” factor, so we would partially decorate, then during the service, we would put the last layer on, so that when the ladies came out, it would be like “wow, what happened?” Pastor Dan had a crew of Shift guys that brought out about 20 white, glittered styrofoam Christmas trees to the outer foyer and dropped 2 big canvas paintings of snowy forests and we had an instant “snowy forest” look. All of the Expo and party was contained within the inner and outer foyers! We did Demos at either end of the inner foyer. Our gift that year was popcorn balls in a Christmas mug—Ask Rev. Theresa how many hours and ladies that took!!
By on December 19, 2017
Dear Parents,
We are so blessed to be a part of ministering the Word of God to your children! It is indeed a joy to see how they light up when they come into our classrooms, so eager to learn what God has for them! To make our time together more safe and secure, I need to remind you of one of our policies for the Children’s Ministry:
By Dan Roth on December 25, 2017
“It is Christmas Day! When we woke up I stayed in bed and prayed for a while and read the Bible and then went down where everyone was. Breakfast was in full swing and the smell of bacon was in the air.”
This was the ideal Christmas morning. It started with prayer and the Word and then for breakfast was bacon. Anyone who has been to our men’s ministry meetings at our church knows that there is a special place in a man’s heart for bacon. Even the vegans chant ‘bacon’ with us though they won’t partake.
By on January 7, 2018
We are embarking on a journey towards a greater reach. Your reach will become part of the greater reach that God is going to accomplish through The Rock Church and World Outreach Center. Everything we have done up to this point has built us up to “reach.” Three years ago, our goal was to love people more and do church better. Two years ago, we were building a passionate house. Last year, we all made the decision to grow in our giving, relationships, outreach, and worship. We haven’t stopped doing any of these things. They have built us strong so that we can reach.
By Dan Roth on January 8, 2018
We invite you to embark on a journey towards a greater reach. Your reach will become part of the greater reach that God is going to accomplish through his Church. Everything done until this point has built us in such a way to reach. They have built us strong so that we can reach.
By Dan Roth on January 9, 2018
Psalm 46:10 “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!”
By Dan Roth on January 10, 2018
“Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.” — James 4:8a
By Dan Roth on January 11, 2018
“The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.” — Psalm 23:1
By Dan Roth on January 12, 2018
“Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know.” — Jeremiah 33:3
By Dan Roth on January 13, 2018
Psalm 25:14 “The secret of the LORD is with those who fear Him, And He will show them His covenant.”
By Dan Roth on January 14, 2018
Genesis 2:2 “And on the seventh day God ended His work which He had done, and He rested on the seventh day from all His work which He had done.”
By Paul Ogando on January 15, 2018
Luke 4:1-2 “Then Jesus, being filled with the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, being tempted for forty days by the devil. And in those days He ate nothing, and afterward when they had ended, He was hungry.”
By Paul Ogando on January 16, 2018
Luke 4:3-4 “And the devil said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, command this stone to become bread.” 4 But Jesus answered him, saying, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.’”
By Paul Ogando on January 17, 2018
Luke 4:5-6 “Then the devil, taking Him up on a high mountain, showed Him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. And the devil said to Him, ‘All this authority I will give You, and their glory; for this has been delivered to me, and I give it to whomever I wish.’”
By Paul Ogando on January 18, 2018
Luke 4:7-8 “Therefore, if You will worship before me, all will be Yours.” 8 And Jesus answered and said to him, ‘Get behind Me, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the LORD your God, and Him only you shall serve.’”
By Paul Ogando on January 19, 2018
Luke 4:9 “Then he brought Him to Jerusalem, set Him on the pinnacle of the temple, and said to Him, ‘If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down from here.’”
By Paul Ogando on January 20, 2018
Luke 4:10-12 “For it is written: ‘He shall give His angels charge over you, To keep you,’ and, ‘In their hands, they shall bear you up, Lest you dash your foot against a stone.’
By Paul Ogando on January 21, 2018
Luke 4:13 “Now when the devil had ended every temptation, he departed from Him until an opportune time.”
By on January 21, 2018
The Rock Youth is preparing to start our Sex, Dating, and Love series called “Love Stories” this February on Wednesdays! We can’t wait to dive into teaching what the word of God has to say about these oftentimes challenging (and awkward) subjects. Truth be told, though, the conversation needs to start at home!
By Steve Kobernik on January 22, 2018
Hebrews 10:24 “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.”
By Steve Kobernik on January 23, 2018
Ephesians 6:5-7 “[Workers,] obey your earthly masters with respect and fear, and with sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ. Obey them not only to win their favor when their eye is on you, but like slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart. Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men.”
By on January 23, 2018
The Rock Youth has started their Sex, Dating, and Love series called “Love Stories” last Wednesday! Today we are releasing part two of our conversation with Christian counselor Danisa Suarez. We’re diving into teaching what the word of God has to say about these oftentimes challenging (and awkward) subjects. Truth be told, though, the conversation needs to start at home!
By on January 23, 2018
The Rock Youth just finished their third week of the Sex, Dating, and Love series called “Love Stories”! Today we are releasing part three of our conversation with Christian counselor Danisa Suarez. We’re diving into teaching what the word of God has to say about these oftentimes challenging (and awkward) subjects. Truth be told, though, the conversation needs to start at home!
By Steve Kobernik on January 24, 2018
Psalm 1:3 “He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers.”
By Steve Kobernik on January 25, 2018
Luke 4:18-19 “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, 19 to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”
By Steve Kobernik on January 26, 2018
Jeremiah 29:11 “I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
Proverbs 12:24 “Diligent hands will rule.”
By Steve Kobernik on January 27, 2018
2 Corinthians 9:6-8 “Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. 7 Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.”
By Steve Kobernik on January 28, 2018
Ephesians 2:10 “We are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Philippians 3:12 “I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.”
By on March 12, 2018
That night the king could not sleep… — Esther 6:1
“Not when there is injustice. The King of Glory never sleeps nor does He slumber. He will bring justice swiftly for those who love Him. The devil is plotting and we are not unaware of his devices. Even more so the all knowing God. Will He not arise and carry out His good plan according to His mercies? Will He not see us in the court, dressed and ready for Him and extend his scepter to us? Will he not hang the devil on the gallows he meant to hang us on? Will He not bring us to His banqueting table and hang His banner of love over us?”
By on June 6, 2018
We are excited to share with you that we are moving to a new giving system! Our new system (PushPay) will make giving as fast, simple, and secure as possible.
We’ve put together below the steps you’ll need to follow to get an account setup in your preferred giving method. We believe this is going to a blessing to you!
By on June 8, 2018
Many of you may have had hands laid on you to receive the baptism or infilling of the Holy Spirit recently at one of the morning weekend services. Whether you have just become a Christian recently or you’ve been saved for years, this experience is ordained by God to bring you into a deeper place of boldness and strength as we walk hand-in-hand with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. So what next? Consider these 5 things to gain the most benefit from receiving the Holy Spirit in His fullness.
By on June 28, 2018
Sure, you’re excited to be with the kiddos for the summer. You’d like nothing more than to kiss their sweet little faces 24 hours a day but after one movie, one craft gone bad, a messy playroom in 2.5 minutes, three fights and two snacks by only 10:07am it can be a little exhausting!
Here are some tips to keep your summer fun and still be “happy mommy” with a happy budget.
By on November 7, 2018
I hate to admit it, but a few days ago I was running late to work. A security guard locks down all the gates when school starts, and being late is quite an inconvenience. I prayed and asked God for grace to somehow make it in, even though I was sure that would require a miracle on the order of stopping time… but God did for Joshua once, right?
As I approached the parking lot, I noticed the gate was still open and the security officer looked puzzled. As grateful as I was to be able to get on campus, my curiosity was piqued so I pulled over. On the grass was the most beautiful red-beaked, white and black feathered duck. Somehow the strange duck had flown over the 15-foot fence just as the guard was about to lock the gate and now he didn’t know what to do. I couldn’t help but laugh with delight as my heart filled with gratitude for the God who answers prayer in such creative ways!
“O give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; for His lovingkindness is everlasting.” 1 Chron. 13:34
By Pastor Dan on December 17, 2018
Christmas is a season of generosity. Many people scoff at the billions of dollars spent this time of year. What if we changed our perspective and rejoiced that people are being generous? How awesome, that as we remember the greatest gift ever given, Jesus Christ, people are also following what God did! Look for the ways to be generous this season. Help a single mom put up her lights. Spend time with someone in a convalescent hospital. Bake cookies for your neighbors. The expressions of generosity are endless.
By Pastor Dan Roth on January 7, 2019
A new year has begun and already we are seeing God’s goodness all around. In Jeremiah 31:14b it says that God’s desire is that we would be satisfied with His goodness. What a blessing that God wants to give His people!
By Dan Roth on January 31, 2019
Sowing doesn’t sound very exciting, does it?
On the surface, you are giving out and won’t see any return on what you have sown until the season of harvest has come. Sowing requires investment and hard work. There is soil preparation, plowing and scattering seed. And then you wait… and wait some more.
So why would God ask us to take the year to sow?
By Pastor Joel Alvarado on March 6, 2019
Calling all men
Jesus said, I call all men to become fathers, brothers and sons.
For if you were to have countless tutors in Christ, yet you would not have many fathers, for in Christ Jesus I became your father through the gospel. - 1 Corinthians 4:15
We have been commissioned by Jesus to be his followers and build kingdom men for him.
This year is a vision of sowing. So this year we are sowing in the lives of men at the Rock a men’s conference. Where we are calling men to become God`s warriors and his leaders in a time where men are leaving their post and being distracted not become the strong leaders they are called to become. We have an answer to this, and we are calling it “Battle Ready” .......
By Pastor Sue Bryan on May 8, 2019
Honoring M O M
Having just come through Easter season, I was reading in all of the Gospel accounts of the death, burial, and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. One of the things that stuck out to me was that even in His dying moments, Jesus still made arrangements for His mother’s future care:
“When Jesus therefore saw His mother and the disciple whom He loved [John] standing by, He said to His mother, ‘Woman, behold your son!’ Then He said to the disciple, ‘Behold your mother!’ And from that hour that disciple took her to his own home.” (John 19:26-17)
By Pastor Dan Roth on May 30, 2019
Every year in June we celebrate the birthday of the Rock Church and World Outreach Center. We often enjoy hearing how it all started with 12 people and a box of Kleenex. Some things have changed over the years but the same heart of faith and cry for the lost has remained, in fact, you will still find tissue boxes under the seats in our sanctuary.
By Dr. Steve Kobernik on July 23, 2019
How to Pray for the Nations and the World Around Us
At a time when the sins of God’s nation, Israel, and His city, Jerusalem, were so multiplied and pervasive, that they cried out for the wrath of the God of justice, He sent a stunning word to His prophet Ezekiel. And I sought for a man among them, who would build up the wall, and stand before me in the gap on behalf of the land, that I should not destroy it: but I found no one. Therefore I have poured out my indignation on them; I have consumed them with the fire of my wrath. (Ezek. 22:30-31) Read the first 29 verses if you have the stomach to see how evil their culture had become: people, priests, and princes.
Consider this picture: I can see the Sovereign LORD of history, the eternal God of justice, crying on His throne because He is looking for a reason not to punish the people He loves, even though they sorely deserve it. One intercessor, sensing His heart cry and calling for mercy, would have brought an extension of grace for the entire nation! But there was not one in the earth.
By Pastor Richard Villanueva on November 18, 2019
Parenting Your Teen
Ps. Richard Villanueva
“Why did you do that!?”
“I don’t know?”
“You don’t know why you thought it was a good idea to _____?” Feel free to enter your kid’s crazy situation here.
How can we learn to understand the teens and pre-teens in our life? Actually, I think the real question is: “How do I get them to do what I want them to do?” This stage of life can create a huge amount of stress for parents, grandparents, and anyone who has a problem with trying to have a decent conversation with someone who refuses to take the airpods out of their ears. But, I think it can be done! We can begin to understand our teens (maybe not fully, but we can begin, at least!) and I think that understanding will create a sense of peace and compassion. These two ingredients are part of the foundation for discipleship and ministry that God has called us to have with the teens in our lives.
By Dr. Steve Kobernik on January 9, 2020
Our Senior - article_categories/pastors Dan and Jessica Roth, have encouraged you, members and friends of the Rock Church and World Outreach Center, to fast during a part of January. This is because they have done it themselves, and so have the other pastors and leaders, at the “top of the year” for several years with many beneficial outcomes. So you might be thinking, “What is fasting, why should I do it, and how?”
By Pastor Dan Roth on January 28, 2020
2020 the Year of Double Blessings
Last year in 2019 we heard from God that it was going to be a year to sow. At first, when we hear something like this, it doesn’t seem very exciting. Now, looking back over the year, we can see that the investment we made sowing into the things of God, into our families, into church and into our community were worthwhile and many of us have seen great results.
By Pastor Dan Roth on March 12, 2020
Dreaming in Crisis
Last night I had a dream. In the dream, I was walking through the church to get to the platform. As I walked up a staircase that I thought would go out to the stage I looked out over the church and realized I was at the back of the auditorium and there was no easy way to get to the stage.
By on March 30, 2020
Hello Rock Family,
Looking back over the past few weeks it has been a wild ride. Along with rapid changes and sometimes stressful situations we have seen the church shining bright the glory of God. I have been delighted to see the boldness of your faith and the expressions of your love and encouragement. I am also amazed at the online attendance from around the world. God is doing something amazing in this season!
By on April 16, 2020
Rock Church Family,
With great love comes great sacrifice.
This describes the life of Pastor Dan’s father, Dan Roth, Sr. It was on a Tuesday like any other, April 14, 2020, that Mr. Roth passed on to glory … but not until he had finished serving hundreds of people in need that morning.
By Pastor Dan Roth on June 19, 2020
A Call to Prayer
Hello Rock Family,
We celebrated this weekend, gathering together in the building as a church and it was wonderful. So many of you had tears in your eyes as you walked on campus and felt the presence of God. There is nothing like the corporate gathering of the Church of Almighty God.
By Steve Kobernik on September 13, 2020
Join us for 10 days of fasting and praying for America!
September 19 - 28
Covid-19, fires in California, hurricanes on the East and Gulf Coasts, riots in the cities, racial tensions cranked up, culture wars dividing families, and the most tumultuous societal unrest in my life as we move toward the most scary and venomous election in our history…
You need God! You need the palpable presence of God that leaves you in awe of Him instead of in fear of the future.
So, true believers need to heed the call to humility and prayer.
By Pastor Jessica Roth on November 13, 2020
I don’t know about you, but sometimes I have the thought of, what can I give God? Think on that for a minute. He does so much for us and yet what can we give Him?
By Sue Bryan on January 6, 2021
By Pastor Dan Roth on February 12, 2021
By Dan Roth on March 26, 2021
By Pastor Tracie Ogando on July 7, 2021
By Rev. Bryan Schultze on October 21, 2021
By Pastor Paul Ogando on November 24, 2021
By Pastor Dan Roth on January 20, 2022
By Pastor Dan Roth on April 16, 2022
By Pastor Mike Bryan on September 24, 2022
By Pastor Paul Ogando on October 25, 2022
By Pastor Dan Roth on December 2, 2022
By Pastor Steve Kobernik on January 2, 2023
By Pastor Dan Roth on January 9, 2023
By Dr. Vanessa Reynolds on February 4, 2023
By Dr. Steve Kobernik (with edits by Pastor Dan Roth After Hamas Surprise Attack Oct 7, 2023) on October 9, 2023
By Rock Staff on January 26, 2024
By Pastor Dan Roth on April 28, 2025
By Pastor Dan Roth on September 3, 2025
