Host Francesca Amiker sits down with directors Joe and Anthony Russo, producer Angela Russo-Otstot, stars Millie Bobby Brown and Chris Pratt, and more to uncover how family was the key to building the emotional core of The Electric State . From the Russos’ own experiences growing up in a large Italian family to the film’s central relationship between Michelle and her robot brother Kid Cosmo, family relationships both on and off of the set were the key to bringing The Electric State to life. Listen to more from Netflix Podcasts . State Secrets: Inside the Making of The Electric State is produced by Netflix and Treefort Media.…
In this sermon, we launched our new series, The Story of Redemption , where we will explore how the Bible is not a collection of myths or human ideas, but a single, unified story of redemption. This story was written by human authors under the divine inspiration of the Holy Spirit, with Jesus as the undeniable hero. In 2 Peter 1:16-21 and 1 Peter 1:10-12, Peter reminds us that he and the other apostles were eyewitnesses of Jesus' majesty. They saw His glory firsthand during the Transfiguration and heard the Father's voice declare Jesus as His beloved Son. This eyewitness testimony affirms the prophecies of the Old Testament. Peter also reminds us that the Old Testament prophets, led by the Holy Spirit, foretold both the sufferings and the glories of Jesus, serving future generations—including us—who now see the full picture of redemption. This great salvation story, foretold by prophets, witnessed by apostles, and longed to be understood even by angels, has now been written down for us as a light in the darkness, until we see Jesus face to face.…
In this sermon, we explored Matthew 14:22-33 where Jesus walks on water, revealing why we don't have to live as captives to fear and anxiety. This passage reminds us that Jesus is with us, so we are never alone in the storm. It shows that Jesus cares for us, responding when we call on Him, and that He is sovereign, ruling over everything- even what we fear. Like Peter, we may struggle when we focus on the waves, but when we fix our eyes on Jesus and cry out in faith, He is ready to lift us up. No matter what we face, we can trust that He is present, He cares, and He is in control.…
In this sermon, we explored how the promise God made to Abraham serves as our secure anchor through Christ. God promised Abraham that he would have many descendants, and that through him, the entire world would be blessed. As Abraham walked in faith, God reaffirmed His promise by swearing upon Himself, demonstrating the unwavering certainty of this covenant. When we place our trust in Jesus, we become descendants of Abraham and recipients of the unbreakable promise God made. This promise of blessing is fully realized in Christ's completed work, which opens the way for us to enter beyond the veil into a personal relationship with God.…
In this last sermon from our Courageous series, we studied a time when Jesus demonstrated a perfect example of vulnerable transparency. In Matthew 26:36-39, Jesus honestly expresses His deepest sorrow and grief, even at the risk of exposing His pain to others. Though fully God, He embraced His humanity by inviting His closest friends, Peter, James, and John, into His darkest moment. Rather than hiding His anguish, Jesus allowed Himself to be seen in His sorrow, even as He faced the weight of the cross. His openness didn't stop with His friends; He went even further, bringing His raw emotions before the Father, fully trusting that He wouldn't be rejected or seen as "too much" for God. This passage challenges us to move beyond hiding our weaknesses and to courageously share our burdens with God and those closest to us, knowing we are already accepted, forgiven, and loved through Christ. By this, we can see that true intimacy—with God and others—only happens on the other side of vulnerable transparency.…
In this sermon from our Courageous series, we looked at how God delights in meeting us in our emotional honesty. In Matthew 5:4 and 1 Peter 5:6-7, He invites us to cast our grief and anxieties on Him because He cares for us. Even Jesus, in His darkest moments, modeled emotional honesty before the Father in the Garden of Gethsemane. Similarly, we are called to be emotionally honest with one another, sharing burdens and comforting each other. However, being emotionally honest requires courage, especially in a culture that often views emotions as weakness. For this reason, many of us have learned to hide our true feelings out of fear, shame, or past wounds. Yet, through acknowledging our need for help, seeking wise counsel, and creating safe spaces for vulnerability, we can rediscover our hearts and experience deep relationships with God and others. Emotional honesty is essential to understanding that we are fully known and fully loved as the Gospel restores us with new hearts to live abundantly as emotional beings in a broken world.…
In this sermon, we explored how our relationships serve as the fertile ground for God's transformative work in our lives. Colossians 3:9-17 describes this transformation as putting off the old self and putting on the new—a renewal that restores us to the image of our Creator, echoing the original design of Eden before sin entered the world. This process unfolds within biblical community, where truth-telling, forgiveness, and love cultivate deep, intentional relationships. As God's chosen people, we are called to embody compassion, kindness, honesty, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with and forgiving one another as Christ has forgiven us. When we clothe ourselves in these virtues, we become a people ruled by Christ's peace, rooted in His Word, and overflowing with gratitude and worship. In a world of shallow connections and quick fixes, the church is called to model a different way—a community where transformation happens through grace-filled, honest, and intentional relationships.…
In this sermon, we looked at 2 Corinthians 3 and studied how every Christian is in a lifelong transformation process. The Gospel not only saves us, but also begins a lifelong transformation known as sanctification. In 2 Corinthians 3, Paul contrasts the old covenant, written on stone and leading to condemnation, with the new covenant, written on our hearts through the Spirit, bringing life and freedom. The law given through Moses, though glorious, ultimately reveals our sin and leaves us in fear, while the ministry of Jesus removes the veil from our hearts, allowing us to behold and reflect God’s glory. As we walk with Christ, the Spirit transforms us from one degree of glory to another, shaping us into the image of Jesus. This process is not immediate but ongoing, as we learn to embrace God's work in our daily lives with confidence, courage, and celebration. In Christ we live unveiled—no longer hiding in fear and shame but fully exposed to the transforming power of God.…
In the first sermon of our Courageous series, we looked at the value of expository preaching and teaching. This method of teaching allows Scripture to speak for itself and interpret itself, placing each passage within the greater story of redemption. In Nehemiah 8, the people of Israel gathered with eager hearts to hear the Word read and explained. After Ezra read the Law, the people responded in worship, even before it was interpreted. Then, the Levites helped them understand it more deeply through teaching. Similarly, in Luke 24, Jesus Himself opened the Scriptures to His disciples, revealing how everything pointed to Him. Expository preaching helps people grasp the Bible's message as it was intended—within the bigger story of God’s redemption. When we commit to this kind of preaching, we allow God's Word to shape and correct our understanding of who He is, leading us into a deeper relationship with Christ and personal transformation.…
In this sermon, we examined Romans 14:1-12 and explored the Apostle Paul's biblical approach to disputable issues within the church, distinguishing between biblical doctrine and personal convictions. At Solid Rock Church, doctrine represents the core beliefs based on clear biblical mandates, while our stances on secondary issues serve as guidelines for practical matters where Scripture does not provide explicit instruction. In this chapter, Paul urges mature believers to welcome those who are weaker in faith, refrain from passing judgment on secondary issues, and hold personal convictions with humility—always seeking to honor the Lord rather than prove oneself right. While the church must stand firm on biblical convictions, it is not its role to dictate personal convictions or preferences. Ultimately, each believer will stand before God's judgment seat and give an account of their life, reminding us to prioritize biblical doctrine over personal convictions and to protect the church from unnecessary division.…
In this sermon, we explored Ephesians 4:11-16, focusing on the gifts God has given to the church—apostles, prophets, evangelists, and teachers. These roles are intended to equip believers for ministry, foster unity in faith, deepen knowledge of Christ, and encourage spiritual maturity and Christlikeness, while protecting the church from false doctrines and deceit. We examined how the church must grow together in love and stability, with each believer actively contributing to the health of the body. Ultimately, the goal is for the church to reflect the fullness of Christ, staying grounded in truth, unity, and accountability, while guarding against false teachings.…
In this sermon, we examined 1 Timothy 1:3-11 and focused on how the doctrine of the church serves as the foundational set of non-negotiable, biblically-based beliefs that unite and strengthen the body of Christ. In this passage, Paul warns against false doctrines, myths, and speculative ideas that lead to division and distract from our mission. Instead, he urges the church to embrace sound doctrine—healthy, life-giving teaching that draws us closer to God and one another. When doctrine is used according to its intended purpose, it exposes our sin and leads us to Jesus, the Great Physician, who heals and restores us by His grace. When the church remains tethered to sound doctrine in both teaching and practice, it strengthens the body of Christ and leads to a love that flows from a pure heart, a good conscience, and sincere faith. At Solid Rock Church, we uphold a high view of Scripture as God-breathed, without error, and authoritative, recognizing doctrine as essential for spiritual growth and church unity.…
In this sermon, we looked at the secrets to setting and achieving goals in our lives. The challenge in reaching our goals doesn't lie solely in our work ethic and determination, but in the way we handle failure. Many of us take an "all-or-nothing" approach to growth, either giving up entirely when we fall short or, even worse, letting the fear of failure prevent us from trying at all. However, the Gospel invites us to a different approach. In Colossians 3:23, we're reminded to work hard, not for human approval, but for the Lord. The secret to meaningful resolutions is rooted in grace: working diligently for the approval of Jesus—approval we already have—and waking up each day to His mercies that are new every morning. Like farmers, we must till the soil, plant the seeds, and pull the weeds—doing what we can with diligence, while trusting God to bring about the growth in His perfect timing. As Christians, we know the Holy Spirit is at work, transforming us in ways we cannot. Transformation happens when we continue to show up with whatever effort we have, trusting God to bring about the change.…
In this sermon, we studied James 3, which offers a warning about the power of our words. Throughout this chapter, James uses the "tongue" as a symbol for our speech, particularly emphasizing the destructive potential of our words. He compares the tongue to a horse's bit, a ship’s rudder, and a small fire, showing that, although the tongue is a small part of our body, it can have a huge influence. James also highlights a problem when we use our words to praise God while simultaneously speaking hurtfully to one another. Though it is difficult, God calls us in His Word to use our words to bring life, encouragement, and grace.…
In this sermon from the fourth week of Advent, we explored Luke 2:15-21 and reflected on the first responses to the birth of Jesus— awe, treasure, and worship . The shepherds, amazed by the angel's message, hurried to Bethlehem to see the Savior. Their wonder overflowed into bold proclamation as they shared the good news with all who would listen. Mary, filled with awe and amazement, treasured this miracle in her heart, deeply reflecting on all that God had done. In this passage, we can see that even though the shepherds returned to their daily lives, they were forever changed; they went back glorifying and praising God for all they had seen and heard. In this brief yet profound portion of the nativity story, we discover the true meaning of Christmas: awe-filled wonder, treasured reflection , and passionate worship.…
In this sermon from the third week of Advent, we looked at Luke 2:11-14 and reflected on the profound truth of experiencing God's delight. This passage takes us to the moment in the nativity where the angels announce to the shepherds the good news that, through the birth of this baby, God is bringing His peace and delight to earth. The multitude of angels praising God highlights the cosmic significance of that moment. In a world marked by chaos, anxiety, and separation from God, the birth of Jesus signals the beginning of God's plan to offer peace and delight to those who believe in Him. This peace comes to us through a restored relationship with God, bringing rest to our souls through the assurance of being fully loved and accepted by Him.…
In this second week of Advent, we reflected on the birth of Jesus Christ as the fulfillment of God's sovereign plan. We explored how God orchestrates history to accomplish His purposes, despite human intentions. Luke 2:1-11 highlights the contrast between human power, as seen in Caesar Augustus' decree, with divine authority, demonstrated in the fulfillment of prophecies like Micah 5:2 and Isaiah 7:14. Jesus' humble birth in Bethlehem, His placement in a manger, and the angelic announcement to shepherds reveal the lowliness and accessibility of the Messiah. This "good news of great joy" assures us that the King has come to rescue His people and establish an eternal kingdom, offering salvation to all who place their faith in Jesus.…
In this sermon, we launched our Advent series by looking at Luke 1:26-33 where we see the announcement of Jesus' birth to Mary by the angel Gabriel. Mary, a young virgin from Galilee, is told by Gabriel that she has found favor with God—not because of anything she has done, but purely by God's grace. This reminds us that, like Mary, we too are favored by God's grace when we come to Him in faith, not through our own works. Gabriel tells Mary to name her son Jesus, meaning "God is Salvation," and reveals that her son will inherit the throne of David and establish a kingdom that will never end. This prophecy was foretold by the Old Testament prophets and reminds us of the eternal promise we have in Christ. Just as Gabriel told Mary of His Kingdom without end, we too can have eternal life with Him when we trust in Him alone for our salvation.…
In this sermon, we discussed how remembering what God has done is vital to our worship. There are often times of trial and suffering in our lives when it can feel like God is distant, and we may wonder if He will rescue us. Psalm 77 encourages us to remember all that God has already done when we are in the midst of struggle. One key moment in Israel's history was when God delivered them from slavery in Egypt and parted the Red Sea. When God's people were in trouble, they were encouraged to recall God's miraculous provision in the past. Remembering what God has done in the past helps us trust Him during hard times and gives us an opportunity to worship Him for what He has done and will do.…
In this sermon, we studied Psalm 32 and reflected on the profound blessing of forgiveness and the joy that comes from living in honesty and transparency with God and others. In this scripture, the psalmist contrasts the heavy burden of unconfessed sin with the freedom found in acknowledging sin and receiving God's forgiveness. When we attempt to manage guilt in our own strength—through silence, denial, or blame-shifting—it deepens our suffering and separates us from the life God has for us. However, repentance is an act of worship that brings life and restores us to a God who is our refuge and deliverer. Trusting in His steadfast love gives us the courage to take our guilt to Him in confession where He promises to transform our guilt and shame into joy and gladness as we experience His abundant grace.…
In this sermon, we studied Psalm 6, where David models how grief itself can become an act of worship as he vulnerably brings his pain before God. In this psalm, David is grieving not only his intense physical suffering but also the pressure from his enemies, which leads him to feel as though God is disciplining him in anger. However, instead of allowing his grief to drive him away from God, we see David bring his pain directly into God's presence. Through his tears, David recognizes God's graciousness and attentiveness, transforming his heartfelt lament into an act of worship. God responds to David's plea by comforting him with His presence, restoring David's hope, and turning his grief into a profound encounter of worship.…
In this sermon, we studied Psalm 42 and explored the universal experience of depression—not in terms of clinical diagnosis, but as the emotional weight everyone encounters in different forms and intensities as we navigate life with imperfect bodies in a fallen world. The psalmist expresses deep spiritual longing, emotional pain, and a sense of distance from God, while also recalling moments of joy and connection in worship. The journey toward hope begins with honest self-reflection and confession, where acknowledging our feelings helps us understand our needs, desires, and ultimate longings. By embracing this honest approach with God and within our biblical community, we find the strength to confront despair and depression, anchored in the truth of God's steadfast love and the support of others.…
In this sermon, we explored Psalm 96 where David emphasizes that gladness is meant to be celebrated by sharing it with God and others. While all of creation worships God without words, humans are uniquely created and called to express their gladness verbally through celebration. Keeping our gladness to ourselves can lead to loneliness and prevent us from experiencing the fullness of that joy. However, when we express our gladness through singing, telling, and declaration, our joy becomes complete, and others are invited to join us in acknowledging God's greatness and splendor.…
In this sermon, we explored Psalm 22, where David expresses his deep feelings of abandonment and despair. His raw cry reflects a sense of forsakenness by God and rejection by others. Despite his pain, David's honesty about his emotions marks the beginning of hope, which sets the foundation for transformation. He recalls God's past faithfulness, emphasizing that God's presence is crucial, even when circumstances remain unchanged. As we continued, we examined how worship becomes powerful when it is honest, leading to hope that fuels internal transformation and eventually manifests in external change. Like David, we too can be transformed by telling the truth about our current struggles and trusting in God's presence, even before our situations shift.…
In this final message from 1 John 5:16-19, we looked at the conclusion of John's letter, which provides guidance on keeping our hearts free from idols. He emphasizes the practical application of brotherly love, urging believers to pray for their brothers and sisters who are struggling with sin. John reminds us that, as God's children, we are anchored in a truth greater than ourselves: that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God. Throughout 1 John, the overall message encourages believers to live in the light, relying on Christ's eternal protection and the transformative power of God's grace.…
In this sermon, we studied 1 John 5:13-15, which reminds us that God desires a deep relationship with His children, inviting us to abide in Him daily through prayer. Prayer is more than just asking for things; it is a way to express our hearts, longings, and trust in Him. In this passage, the Apostle John writes to assure believers that they can confidently approach God in prayer, knowing He hears them when they ask according to His will. This confidence isn't based on receiving everything we ask for but on knowing that God listens, cares, and responds in ways that align with what is ultimately best for us. Prayer invites us to bring our longings before God, trusting that even when His answers don't match our desires, they are always for our good.…
In this sermon, we studied the Apostle John's three powerful witnesses that affirm Jesus Christ as the Son of God: the water, the blood, and the Spirit. The "water" points to Jesus' baptism, marking the beginning of His ministry, where God publicly declared Him as His beloved Son. The "blood" refers to His sacrificial death on the cross, where He atoned for the sins of humanity. The Holy Spirit confirms Jesus' identity throughout His earthly life, guiding Him from His miraculous birth to His ascension back to the Father's right hand. Together, these witnesses testify in perfect unity, affirming that Jesus is the promised Christ of the Old Testament and the only source of eternal life. For those who believe in Him, this testimony serves as an anchor for the soul, opening the door to the riches of God's grace and an intimate, eternal relationship with Him through the Holy Spirit.…
In this sermon, we looked at how God's love for us fuels our desire to obey His commandments. The Bible warns us against two pitfalls in the Christian life: legalism, which emphasizes obedience without love, and antinomianism, which dismisses obedience altogether because of God's abundant grace that covers our sins. In this passage, the Apostle John highlights that true obedience flows from our relationship with God, rooted in His love for us. We love because He first loved us. For those who are in Christ, the commandments of God are a delight and lead us to an abundant and blessed life. Though we struggle to follow them perfectly, God's love empowers us to keep striving, knowing that His grace catches us when we fall short, and His commandments lead to life and sustain us in hardship.…
In this sermon, we studied John's teaching on love and how, as believers, we can confidently live in God's grace. God's love, perfected in us over time, drives out fear of His judgment. When we confess that Jesus is the Son of God, we are no longer under condemnation and are invited into a transformative relationship with Him. As we grow in our understanding of God's love, we gain confidence in facing His judgment, knowing there is no condemnation for those in Christ. God's perfect love drives out fear of judgment, with the assurance of His love and grace.…
In this sermon, we looked at how our growing knowledge of God leads to a deep, abiding relationship with Him. Abiding is more than just being familiar with God; it's an active, ongoing connection with God that transforms our hearts through the work of the Holy Spirit. This connection is grounded in the confession that Jesus is the Son of God. By accepting this truth, believers have access to God's presence, which dwells within us as we make ourselves at home in His love.…
In this sermon, we studied 1 John 4:7-12, where John teaches about love. He reminds us that true love originates from God, who is the very essence of love. In this passage, John highlights two main reasons why we should love one another. First, our love for others serves as the true mark of knowing God. Second, loving one another is how God's love becomes visible in the world today. By loving others with the same sacrificial love that God demonstrated by sending His Son to die for our sins, we offer those who have never seen God a glimpse of His love through our actions. Loving others is not just an arbitrary command for us to obey, but an invitation to live as we were created to—in an abiding relationship with God and others, while providing a tangible way for others to experience God's presence in the world today.…
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