Why does spiritual growth sometimes feel so slow?

Why Jesus Came Near! Do You Believe?

Show Notes In this episode of The Rock Sermon Podcast, Pastor Rob continues the I Believe series with a look at one of the most powerful lines of the Apostles’ Creed: Conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary. This isn’t just a Christmas phrase. It points us to the miracle of the incarnation, God becoming man and coming near to save us. Pastor Rob talks about why the virgin birth matters, why Jesus had to be fully God and fully man, and how Mary’s surrender still challenges us today. In this episode: Jesus came by the power of God Jesus entered real humanity to represent us Because God came near, we respond with surrender Why the supernatural parts of Christianity matter Why hidden obedience still matters to God If God came near in Jesus, then our response is trust, worship, honesty, and surrender. Learn more about Christ The Rock Church: linktr.ee/ctrfallriver [linktr.ee/ctrfallriver]

When Faith Takes a Step

Gradually, Then Suddenly, Week 3When Faith Takes a Step This week on The Rock Sermon Podcast, Pastor Rob and Tim close out the Gradually, Then Suddenly series with a conversation about faith, small beginnings, and the moment where God calls us to move. Sunday was one of those services where the Word didn’t just encourage us, it pressed on us. The altar call was powerful, with many people stepping forward to take their next step with God while the board came around them and prayed. In this episode, we talk about why God often works gradually before He moves suddenly, why small beginnings matter, and why faith eventually has to become more than words. We also introduce a new podcast segment called What Didn’t Make It Into the Sermon, where Pastor Rob shares some behind-the-scenes thoughts that didn’t make Sunday’s message, including God growing us in seasons we don’t like and the disciples wanting their own “suddenly” moment. ✅ Why we struggle with slow seasons✅ Why small beginnings are not pointless✅ How God grows roots before fruit✅ The difference between waiting on God and hiding behind waiting ✅ Why conviction needs to become response✅ How God supplies strength for the step He calls us to take✅ A powerful reflection on Sunday’s altar response Key thought Faith doesn’t just agree with God.Faith takes the next step. Scripture focus Zechariah 4:6–10Haggai 1:14James 2:17Philippians 2:13John 15:52 Corinthians 12:9 Worship song mentioned We mentioned the raw worship moment from Noah Graves. You can listen here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=117Cop0SrQU [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=117Cop0SrQU] Connect with Christ The Rock Find service times, giving, upcoming events, sermons, and more through our Linktree: https://linktr.ee/ctrfallriver [https://linktr.ee/ctrfallriver] Have a question for the podcast? We’d love to hear from you. Send sermon questions, follow-up thoughts, or topic ideas to: igniteyouthfr@gmail.com Final challenge Don’t despise the small step. Don’t underestimate what God is forming in the gradual season. Ask the Lord what your next faithful step is, then trust Him for the strength to take it.

Is Jesus Your Savior or Actually Your Lord?

Is Jesus Your Savior or Actually Your Lord? This week on the Rock Sermon Podcast, Pastor Rob continues the I Believe series, walking through the Apostles’ Creed and focusing on one powerful phrase: “I believe in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord.” A lot of people are comfortable with Jesus as Savior, but what does it really mean to call Him Lord? In this episode, Pastor Rob talks about the difference between believing in Jesus and surrendering to Jesus, why the early church was so serious about knowing who Jesus really is, and how lordship changes the way we live, serve, pray, and respond when life feels like a spiritual battle. We also talk about serving God not just as “volunteers,” but as servants of the Lord Most High. Because if Jesus is truly Lord, then we’re not just giving spare time to a church, we’re serving the King. Scriptures mentioned include John 1:1, Colossians 1:15-17, Philippians 2:9-11, Romans 12:1, and Luke 6:46. If you’re feeling tired, stretched, under attack, or just trying to stand firm in your faith, this episode is a reminder that Jesus is still Lord. Anchor and Arrow devotional group https://www.facebook.com/groups/1320806969625174 [https://www.facebook.com/groups/1320806969625174] Christ The Rock Church Linktree https://linktr.ee/ctrfallriver [https://linktr.ee/ctrfallriver] Christ The Rock Church [⁠https://linktr.ee/ctrfallriver⁠] 414 Rock Street Fall River, Massachusetts Sunday Services 9 AM English 11 AM Portuguese Rock Life Thursday Nights 6:45 PM arrival 7 PM classes begin This pastor loves you. See you next episode.

Why does spiritual growth sometimes feel so slow?

Why does spiritual growth sometimes feel so slow? In this solo episode of The Rock Sermon Podcast, Pastor Rob continues the “Gradually, Then Suddenly” series with a deeper look at Week 2, “Constant Use.” We talk about: • Why consistency matters more than intensity • How God builds mature believers through repetition • Why obedience can feel painfully uncomfortable • What to do when growth feels hidden • How Jesus sees us even while we are “straining at the oars” This episode also includes: • Podcast exclusive content • Listener-style Q&A segments • Bonus illustrations from Mark Batterson’s Gradually Then Suddenly [https://amzn.to/497UuVs]• Encouragement for anyone feeling spiritually tired or discouraged Main Scripture: Hebrews 5:14 Referenced Scriptures: Hebrews 5 Galatians 6:9 Romans 5:3-5 Mark 6:45-52 Matthew 14:22-33 John 6:16-21 Read Joe Furcinitti’s article referenced in this episode: “When Jesus Isn’t in the Boat” [https://www.itstartswithanacorn.com/post/when-jesus-isn-t-in-the-boat] Listen to sermons, podcasts, and stay connected: https://linktr.ee/ctrfallriver [https://linktr.ee/ctrfallriver] If this episode encouraged you, share it with somebody who may need the reminder: God often works gradually… then suddenly.

I Believe in God, The Father Almighty (Part 1)

I Believe in God, The Father Almighty (Part 1) What do you actually believe… and why does it matter? In this brand-new series based on the Apostles’ Creed, Pastor Rob begins unpacking one of the most foundational statements of the Christian faith: “I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth.” This week at Rock Life, worship and prayer led us deep into God’s presence, so this episode became Part 1 of the conversation as we focused on two powerful truths: • God is Creator • God is Father In this episode we talk about: * Why identity makes no sense apart from our Creator * The difference between knowing ABOUT God and actually knowing Him * Why culture keeps drifting further from truth * How Jesus revealed the heart of the Father * What it means to be adopted into the family of God * Why worship becomes powerful when awe returns PLUS: 🎙️ Podcast Exclusive Nugget A deeper conversation on why Christianity reveals not just a powerful God, but a relational God. Scriptures referenced include: * * genesis 1:1 * * psalm 139 * * ephesians 2:10 * * acts 17:28 * * colossians 1:16 * * romans 1 * * isaiah 64 * * matthew 6:9 * * psalm 68:5 * * romans 8:15 * * james 4:8 * * john 14:9 * * john 4 * * matthew 10:30 🎵 Worship Song Mentioned: “Abba Father” by Shaun Groves https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bu0MfFBkj84 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bu0MfFBkj84] 📍 We’d love to hear from you! Comment where you’re listening from and help us see how far these episodes are reaching. 🎧 Listen, share, and help us spread the Word. 🔗 Connect with Christ The Rock: https://linktr.ee/ctrfallriver [https://linktr.ee/ctrfallriver]