Rock City Church

In a world often characterized by conditional love and fleeting relationships, the message of God's eternal, unconditional love stands as a powerful beacon of hope. Join us as Otto Kelly delivers a profound message about the magnitude of divine love, challenging believers to comprehend the depth, width, and intensity of God's affection for each individual.

What does it really mean to be *part of a spiritual family*? In today's heartfelt and challenging message, Pastor Amber Bendett reminds us that church is not just a building or a service—it's the household of God. Drawing from Ephesians 2:19 and Matthew 12:48, Pastor Amber Bendett unpacks the powerful truth that we are *no longer strangers, but members of God's family*. ⛪ Church isn't just a service—it's a *home*, and *you belong here*.

Wilderness, Testing & Promotion | Sunday, May 4th, 2025 In life and faith, there are seasons that test us, refine us, and ultimately promote us to new levels of spiritual authority and maturity. This transformative process is often painful, marked by hardship and wrestling, but it is essential for us to become the people God created us to be. Drawing from deep personal experience and biblical wisdom, this message explores the wilderness of testing, the power of the cross, and the path to promotion in God's kingdom.

In this powerful Easter Sunday message, *“Just As He Said,”* we reflect on the fulfilled promise of Jesus' resurrection—a promise that many heard, but few understood or believed. Just as Jesus foretold, He was crucified and rose again on the third day. Through Luke 24 and other scriptures, we see how even His closest followers needed reminding of His word. This sermon explores how we, too, often forget God's promises in times of pain, loss, or delay. Yet even in our doubt, Jesus remains faithful. The resurrection is not just a past event—it is a present and living truth that empowers us to rise with Him into a new life through the Holy Spirit. Whether you're struggling with hope deferred, spiritual fatigue, or uncertainty, this message calls you back to trust in what Jesus already declared: He is risen—just as He said. **

Today we celebrate the *Triumphal Entry*—the powerful moment when Jesus rode into Jerusalem as King, six days before His crucifixion. Crowds shouted **“Hosanna!”**, laying down palm branches and clothes in worship, not just as a celebration, but as a prophetic fulfillment that had been declared over a thousand years earlier. In this Palm Sunday message, we uncover the meaning behind the cry of *Hosanna*—a deep plea for deliverance, renewal, and victory. It's a cry that still echoes today in the hearts of the broken, the bound, the spiritually blind, and all who desperately need the saving power of **Yeshua**. We dive into the powerful connections between the **Old Testament prophecies** and their New Testament fulfillment in Jesus, revealing how this moment was not just historic—it's deeply personal for us today. This sermon calls you to bless the Lord from the house of the Lord and embrace the only true Deliverer who can bring prosperity, healing, and peace.

In a world obsessed with success, status, and self-promotion, the Kingdom of God flips the script. This message explores a powerful, counter-cultural truth: that in God's Kingdom, our greatest boast isn't in our accomplishments—but in our losses. In our weakness. In the places we feel least impressive… yet most dependent on Christ. Join us as we dive into Paul's words in Philippians and 2 Corinthians, where he lays down a radical challenge: boast in your weakness so that Christ's power can shine through. We'll confront pride, explore the dangers of misplaced confidence, and discover how boasting in our weakness becomes a weapon against the enemy and a testimony of God's power at work in us.

This week Pastor David Bendett shares a powerful message on prayer and how to build a consistent, daily connection with God. He emphasizes even Jesus' disciples needed guidance in prayer, which is why He gave us the Lord's Prayer as a model (Matthew 6:9-13). This prayer teaches key principles like humility, trust, worship, forgiveness, spiritual warfare, and seeking God's will over our own.

In this powerful message, Lacie Panknin shares a transformational encounter with God that reshaped her understanding of identity, trauma, and surrender. For years, she took pride in her work ethic, integrity, and accomplishments, believing they reflected God's grace in her life. But a deeper revelation exposed a blind spot—hidden wounds from past trauma were still influencing her responses to others. In a moment of what felt like defeat, she heard Jesus speak: *“And now, you can learn to love like Me.”* Through this encounter, Lacie realized that true freedom comes not from striving, but from surrender. She describes a vision where God led her to lay both her past pain and personal successes before Him, challenging her to let the cross be greater than anything done to her. Drawing from Galatians 2:20 and 1 Corinthians 3, she unpacks the choice between reacting in the flesh or responding in alignment with Christ. This message is a call to build a life on eternal foundations—seeking God's perspective, releasing offense, and allowing His refining fire to bring transformation.

Discover the transformative power of vulnerability in your faith journey. Explore how embracing intimacy with God and others can lead to deeper connections and a fuller life. Join us as Pastor Jeremy Haines reflects on the risks and rewards of true intimacy.

In this heartfelt message, Otto Kelly shares his personal journey of faith and the transformative power of recognizing God as our true Father. By reflecting on his own experiences, he emphasizes the importance of understanding our identity in Christ and how it shapes our lives and relationships.

Conflict is inevitable—even in the Body of Christ. The ones we love the most can hurt us the deepest, but Jesus understands that pain better than anyone. He was betrayed, abandoned, and crucified, yet His response was, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do." (Luke 23:34) When believers sin against us, how should we respond? Matthew 18:15-16 gives us a clear process for handling conflict with love, humility, and a goal of restoration. Winning an argument isn't the goal—winning people back to Jesus and relationship is. In this message, we explore: The importance of going directly to the person first (Matthew 18:15) How to seek reconciliation while guarding against bitterness The role of love in covering a multitude of sins (1 Peter 4:8) Trusting the Holy Spirit to guide us in each unique situation We are called to live in peace, clothed in mercy, kindness, humility, and patience (Colossians 3:12-15). Let's ask the Lord for the supernatural grace to forgive, forget, and bring healing where it's needed.

Everything God created in the Garden was good—but why did He allow a deceiving serpent and a deadly tree to exist? Was it a test of devotion, or part of a greater plan pointing to Christ? We are not meant to be alone—we have Jesus, our spouses, and the Body of Christ to strengthen, support, and uplift one another. When we love and aid each other, we reflect God's divine plan for unity and purpose. This week, we dive into the profound mystery of why it was “not good” for man to be alone (Genesis 2:18) and how God's design for relationships, marriage, and the Body of Christ reflect His love and purpose.

In this sermon, we delve deeper into the profound mystery of marriage as a reflection of Christ and His Bride, the Church. Drawing from Ephesians 5:25-27 and 1 Peter 3:7, we explore the biblical call for husbands to love, honor, and dwell with their wives in understanding, just as Christ does with us. This teaching highlights the divine design for husbands to spiritually lead, sanctify, and cherish their wives while recognizing the "weaker vessel" mystery—not as a sign of inferiority but as a reflection of spiritual sensitivity and unique gifting. Through grace, we are empowered to embody Christ's love in marriage and relationships within the Body of Christ.

In this message, Pastor David Bendett explores the "great mystery" of unity described in Ephesians 5:29-32. God's design for oneness extends beyond marriage to include unity with Him, within ourselves, with our spouses, and as members of His Church. Through nourishing and cherishing relationships—just as Christ loves and nurtures His body, the Church—we are called to live in harmony and maturity. True love, rooted in divine alignment, brings healing, restoration, and spiritual growth. Join us as we uncover God's heart for unity and learn how to walk in this calling by His grace.

Sermon from January 19, 2025

In a world often divided, tthe power of coming together as a community of believers. This message, deeply rooted in the spirit, is one that needs to be caught more than taught, urging us to listen closely to the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

Listen as Brad McClendon shares God's heart for Rock City Church on New Year's Eve for the coming year. Tuesday, December 31th, 2024

Listen as Brad McClendon shares God's heart for Rock City Church for the coming year. Monday, December 30th, 2024

As we embark on this spiritual journey, I invite you to consider a profound challenge: to immerse yourself in the scriptures as we step into 2025. This isn't merely a call to read but to engage, to let the living word transform and guide you. Our world is filled with distractions, yet the scriptures offer an anchor, a way to combat the chaos and walk in truth and light.

The birth of Jesus Christ marked the dawn of a new era, a monumental shift that introduced a divine kingdom unlike any before. It was a pivotal moment in history, heralding the arrival of a kingdom that transcended earthly rule and human governance. This was not merely the birth of a child but the establishment of a new order that challenged existing powers and offered a revolutionary way of life. Jesus' birth was the inception of a kingdom with eternal significance, one that would redefine authority and bring hope to a world in desperate need of salvation. This kingdom, born in a humble manger, promised a reign of justice, peace, and everlasting life.

Supernatural joy is a transformative power that comes from a relationship with Christ. This joy fills our hearts even amidst trials, offering a peace that surpasses all understanding and a light that guides us through life's darkest moments. It is not merely an emotion but a state of being that arises from a deep relationship with Christ. In this message, David Bendett emphasizes how joy can flourish even in the face of hardship, encouraging us to embrace our unique stories and trust in God's plan.

Today marks the 12th birthday of Rock City Church in Corpus Christi, TX. Special guest Prophet Kevin Leal brings us a word of encouragement and activation.

This is our final service in our current sanctuary that we have been in for nearly 11 years. We are prepared to move with the cloud of His presence into the new sanctuary starting next week. What will change? What won't change (except for the better)? The vision. The mission. The message. The worship The people. The model. The cloud.

In a world filled with distractions and challenges, the gospel remains a powerful message that calls us to action. Pastor David Bendett passionately shares his journey and the urgency of preaching the gospel, emphasizing that we all have a role in advancing God's kingdom on Earth.

We all have a responsibility to the gospel, driven by the love that has changed our lives. This love encourages us to explore and understand the gospel deeply through scripture and discipleship. Be confident in sharing your story, knowing that every believer, regardless of background, can minister to others. Remember, the power of the gospel comes from the Holy Spirit, not from us, and it is through Him that true salvation happens. The gospel reveals God's righteousness and builds our faith, helping us live by it each day. Follow the Spirit's lead in your daily life, ready to encourage and uplift others under Christ's guidance. In these times, love each other well and be an encouragement. Embrace everyone with the grace of the gospel and strive to reach all people.

Join Dr. Paul Cole in this impactful teaching from Acts 8 as he explores the story of Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch—a powerful example of the gospel's universal reach and God's inclusive love. Dr. Cole shares personal experiences from his time in Ethiopia, reflecting on the profound presence of God he encountered in an Orthodox Cathedral, which reshaped his perspective on faith. Through the story of Philip, a layman led to a divine encounter on a “dark desert highway,” Dr. Cole highlights how God's Spirit moves personally in each life. He draws from Scripture and real-life examples to emphasize that no one is beyond God's reach and that, as Christians, we are called to be “Phillips” to others. Watch this video to discover how the gospel message breaks barriers, offers hope, and calls each of us to spread God's love and grace in a world in need.

Discover the incredible benefits of fasting when done with the right understanding and purpose. Many people misunderstand fasting, thinking it's a religious duty, a diet, or a time to punish the body. But fasting is much more than giving up food or breaking bad habits. In this sermon, David Bendett explores what fasting truly is and how it goes beyond physical health, unlocking spiritual benefits that can transform your life. Learn how fasting is a spiritual discipline that can deepen your connection with God and bring more than just temporary relief from cravings.

Faith Demands a Response | Dennis Gaxiola by Rock City Church

In this sermon Jordan Deal explores the true meaning of calling in the Christian faith, breaking down the misconception that our calling is about what we do or the gifts we possess. Rather, calling originates from God, and our role is simply to respond to His voice, not to create one for ourselves. Through biblical insights and a deep dive into the original Greek, this message challenges us to re-align with the truth that there is only one calling—God's—and it's holy, unchanging, and irrevocable.

We should always live with an expectation of increase from the Lord. But we must remember our favor has a purpose— and it's not solely for us to be happy and comfortable. I don't feel favored when my life becomes about me. My way, my wants, and my comfort. His favor is more about what God is doing through you, not solely for you.

In our journey of faith, recognizing and understanding the "Favor of the Lord" is crucial for living not only a fulfilling life but also a life that aligns with our higher purpose and calling. This divine favor acts as a guiding light, steering us through the trials and tribulations we may face, and empowering us to embrace the blessings that come our way. Pastors David and Amber Bendett, through their insightful teachings and personal experiences, delve deeply into the true essence of divine favor.

In the journey of faith, understanding the "Favor of the Lord" is essential to living a fulfilling life. This message from Pastors David & Amber Bendett explores the true essence of divine favor, how it manifests in our lives, and the importance of recognizing it in our daily experiences.

In life's journey, we often find ourselves weighed down by burdens and struggles. 'Cast your burdens' on Jesus is not just a comforting phrase; it embodies the essence of a transformative trade that can redefine our identity and renew our spirits. This message explores the profound exchanges we can make with Christ, leading to a life of freedom and fulfillment.

Join us as we dive deep into the powerful conclusion of our series on "Real Kingdom 1%ers," where we explore the lives of David's mighty men and the ultimate 1%er, Jesus Christ. Throughout this series, we've journeyed with David and his band of outcasts—men who transformed from being discontented and distressed into a mighty army fighting for God's promises. In this final message, we reflect on the incredible feats of these mighty warriors and draw parallels to our own spiritual battles today. Discover how we, too, can become mighty champions for Christ, living as true 1%ers—unwavering, undeterred, and boldly fighting against the spirit of this age. We are called to be instruments of God's will, standing strong in the face of adversity, and advancing His Kingdom here on earth. Whether you're seeking rescue, strength, or a renewed commitment to follow Jesus wholeheartedly, this message is for you. Let's aspire to be men and women after God's own heart, just as David was, and embrace the high calling of being Kingdom 1%ers.

Understanding the characteristics of the mighty requires looking at some of David's top warriors. These men, detailed in First Chronicles and Second Samuel, demonstrate qualities that define true might. In this insightful message, David Bendett explores the profound characteristics that define mighty men and women through the lens of David's warriors. Drawing from biblical accounts, he shares fourteen key traits that can empower us to embrace our unique prophetic missions today.

In the pursuit of a more profound spiritual life, David Bendett emphasizes the importance of becoming part of the 'one percent'—a remnant of believers dedicated to living as true disciples for the Kingdom of God. This blog explores the characteristics of David's mighty men and how their unwavering faith can inspire us to reclaim our communities and families.

In this powerful sermon titled "De-Tangled," Pastor David Bendett explores the story of David and his mighty men as they face despair and loss in 1 Samuel 30. Drawing from this narrative, the sermon reveals how God steps into our lives to untangle the webs of deception and hopelessness that can ensnare us. As David and his men find their city destroyed and their families taken captive, they are driven to the brink of despair. Yet, through genuine repentance and a heartfelt cry to God, David finds the strength to turn his situation around. Join us as we delve into the transformative power of seeking God's guidance and encouragement in our times of greatest need.

Pastor David Bendett continues his message on David's mighty men, and King David's entanglement, what that means for us and how to recognize the deceptive narratives that can lead us astray.

In a world filled with challenges and distractions, it's easy to become entangled in deception, much like King David did during his journey. This message explores the significance of staying grounded in faith and recognizing the deceptive narratives that can lead us astray.

In this enlightening sermon, Pastor David Bendett explores the concept of 'presumptuous sin'—a dangerous mindset that leads us away from God's will. By recognizing the roots of our actions and seeking God's guidance, we can break free from this destructive pattern and embrace a more fulfilling spiritual life.

In this powerful sermon, Pastor David Bendett delves into the biblical concept of presumptuous sin - the dangerous tendency to make assumptions and take matters into our own hands, rather than seeking God's will. He shares his own experiences and the hard lessons he's learned, offering hope and guidance on how to break free from this destructive pattern.

Mephibosheth's story is a powerful example of how the kingdom of God is for the weak, not the strong. Despite his physical limitations and the shame he carried, Mephibosheth's life was transformed by the kindness and grace of King David, showing us that God's power is made perfect in our weakness.

Every single day we all have to battle a massive amount of lies and deception that comes against our lives. This sermon examines the common lies that people face and how to break free from the power of agreement with the enemy's lies.

All of us have been fatherless orphan at one time or another in our lives, and there is no one that's not in need of a father greater than your earthly father. No matter how much you love him or believed he loved you, they pale in comparison to the Heavenly Father's love. We all have some form of deficiency in our hearts regarding how we love. And even in our best attempts to love perfectly as our heavenly father does, without totally dependency and a realization of our deficient need of His love, we can never accurately represent His heart to our families and the world around us. We should have no greater desire than to accurately reflect the Father's heart, love, character, and nature to everyone that surrounds our life.

Despite facing immense hardships, David's unwavering faith and worship became his lifeline. This sermon explores the 22 references to the wilderness in the Psalms, emphasizing how David's prayers turned into songs not only reflected past actions but also set the stage for future victories. We'll uncover the importance of discerning God's timing and seasons, and how prophetic insights often emerge through heartfelt worship. Through David's example, we learn the dangers of succumbing to deceptive lies during our darkest times and the necessity of maintaining our worship even when life feels overwhelming. Join us as we explore how to avoid running to the enemy's camp and instead, find strength and refuge in God.

Today, executive pastor Jeff Panknin shares a deeply personal message the Lord has laid on his heart: the transformative power of serving in the House of God... "The journey began with a realization that I wasn't the employee or person I thought I was. I used to be disrespectful, convinced I knew it all, until God started changing me through service. One of the most humbling experiences was writing a letter to the Chief Nursing Officer about management, thinking I knew best. But God, in His mercy, didn't promote me before I was ready. This process taught me that true leadership begins with servanthood, as modeled by Jesus. As I started serving as an usher, God began a profound change in me from the inside out. No task was too small—whether it was picking up trash, unclogging toilets, or dealing with vomit on the floor, I learned that service in God's house is a reflection of our heart's posture. Today, I want to explore how we can all catch this revelation and transform our focus outward, serving God by serving others, just as David's mighty men did through their faithful service to him..."

Déjà vu is a curious phenomenon that often leaves us pondering its meaning and significance. Derived from the French term meaning "already seen," déjà vu occurs when we feel a strong sense of having experienced a situation before, even though we cannot pinpoint when or where. Personally, I have had déjà vu experiences that I believe stem from God given, yet forgotten dreams. As someone who places great importance on dreams and their potential messages from God, I've come to see these moments as more than mere coincidences. Through King David's story, we can uncover deeper insights into the spiritual significance of our own experiences, especially those that seem to repeat themselves, and how we can approach them with wisdom, humility, and trust in God's plan.

In the intimate setting of the Last Supper, Jesus shared profound truths with His disciples, preparing them for the challenges ahead. He promised the Holy Spirit, a Helper, who would empower and guide them. In today's sermon, Pastor Jordan Deal uncovers how the gift of tongues is not just about communication with God, but a divine tool for restoration, reconciliation, and speaking life into the world.

In 1 Samuel chapter 25, we journey alongside David and his mighty men as they navigate the barren terrain of the Wilderness of Maon. This pivotal moment in David's life holds profound significance, offering lessons that resonate with us today. Amidst the harsh landscape, we encounter an intriguing interaction between David and the wealthy Naval, along with his wise wife, Abigail. Their encounter sets the stage for a display of wisdom, humility, and intercession that illuminates timeless truths for us to glean. As we delve into this narrative, we embark on a journey of discovery, exploring the transformative power of humility, the importance of inward beauty, and the dangers of entitlement. Through the contrasting characters of Naval and Abigail, we gain insights into the pitfalls of ungratefulness and the profound impact of choosing humility and grace. Join us as we unravel the layers of this timeless tale, drawing inspiration from David's journey in the Wilderness of Maon and the enduring wisdom it imparts.

In the journey of life, encountering moments of decrease is inevitable. Yet, it's often these very moments that pave the way for remarkable increases and blessings. Understanding the necessity of decrease is paramount for experiencing the incredible increase of the Lord in various aspects of life, including family and future. While the process of decrease may involve difficult and painful moments, it is through these experiences that we are refined, prepared, and ultimately positioned for the remarkable increase that follows. Embracing decrease is not a sign of weakness but rather a testament to one's willingness to undergo transformation for greater purpose and fulfillment. Join me as we explore the transformative power of decrease and its role in paving the path to remarkable increase and blessings in our lives.