"Rock of Ages"- Pastor John D. Putnam

April 26, 2026

Pastor John D. Putnam

In this week’s POSC Podcast, Pastor John D. Putnam delivers a powerful and reassuring message titled “Rock of Ages.” Drawing from Exodus 33 and the timeless hymn that has echoed through generations, this message reminds us of a foundational truth: in a world that is constantly shifting, God remains unchanging—our firm and faithful Rock. “Rock of Ages” is more than a message—it is an invitation. An invitation to trust God’s goodness, to rely on His consistency, and to find peace in His presence. When everything else feels unstable, there is still a place that will not move—a place prepared by God Himself. To learn more about what God is doing in Sheboygan County and beyond, visit us at posc.church!

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Episode Notes

Main Point: Jesus Christ is the unchanging Rock—our refuge, protection, and foundation—and the only safe place to stand, hide, and trust in every season of life.

The hymn “Rock of Ages” is more than a song—it is a declaration that salvation cannot be earned by human effort, but only received through the grace of God.
Humanity cannot carry the weight of life, fix its own brokenness, or save itself—there must be a place of refuge beyond ourselves.
God reveals Himself as the Rock: unchanging, immovable, reliable, and faithful in a world that is constantly shifting.
Moses’ encounter in Exodus 33 shows both the holiness of God and the mercy of God—He makes a way for man to experience His presence without being destroyed.
The cleft of the rock represents God’s provision: a place of proximity (near Him), positioning (placed by Him), and protection (covered by Him).
Moses didn’t just want God’s power—he wanted God’s presence. Spiritual maturity begins when we stop chasing blessings and start pursuing who God is.
God defines His glory not as terror or distance, but as goodness—revealing that He is for us, not against us.
The cleft of the rock ultimately points to Jesus Christ, whose broken body provides covering, salvation, and access to God.
What Moses could only glimpse, we can fully enter into—through Christ, we are hidden, protected, and secure.
The call of the message is clear: stop standing on your own strength and step into the Rock.

Key Scriptures:

Exodus 33:18–23 – Moses in the cleft of the rock.
Psalm 46:1–3 – “God is our refuge and strength…”
Isaiah 26:4 – “The Lord… is an everlasting rock.”
1 Corinthians 10:4 – “That Rock was Christ.”
Proverbs 3:5–6 – Trust in the Lord, not your own understanding.
Psalm 61:2 – “Lead me to the rock that is higher than I.”

Major Themes:

God Is Unchanging: In a shifting world, God remains constant and dependable.
Presence Over Power: Transformation comes from being with God, not just seeing what He can do.
The Cleft Is Provision: God creates a place where we can safely experience His glory.
Dependence Over Independence: We cannot stand on our own—we must stand on the Rock.
God Is For You: His goodness is the foundation of trust and relationship.
Christ Is the Rock: The cleft ultimately points to Jesus—our refuge and salvation.
Safety in Proximity: Protection is found not in distance from God, but closeness to Him.

Reflection Questions:

Am I trying to stand on my own strength, or am I truly standing on the Rock?
Do I seek God’s hand (what He can do) more than His presence (who He is)?
Where do I need to trust God more fully instead of relying on my own understanding?