The Rock Church

The Lord Reigns

As another Christmas season winds down, we turn our attention to the fast approaching new year. This week of the year is filled with examining 2018 while looking ahead to and planning for 2019. It can be a time of hope-filled anticipation for all that the next 365 days will hold.

For some of you, the start of a new year doesn’t sound all that bright and exciting. For you, a new year means being reminded of what a grueling year you have just been through. Perhaps it means realizing you’ll have to slog through another tough year of medical trials, family issues, or financial uncertainty? Being in the midst of hardships is so daunting.

Posted in A Word from the Pastor by Caleb Yetton

The Stance of Grace

“The LORD passed before him and proclaimed, “The LORD, the LORD, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness, keeping steadfast love for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin…” — Exodus 34:6-7a

During the past year, I’ve come to know that Grace is a lot like an amazing pair of socks (from a company called Stance). If you have ever worn Stance socks, you know what I am talking about! Can I hear a resounding, “AMEN!”?

For years, I had heard about this particular brand of socks. A few people told me they were the most comfortable socks they had ever owned. Not only that, but they had all sorts of cool designs. I had seen them here and there and even checked out their website; I never bought a pair. Well, everything changed last year.

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Posted in A Word from the Pastor by Caleb Yetton

Burdens to Bear

Last week, I was absolutely crushed to hear of a 30-year-old man who committed suicide in California. I know it is the extremely tragic and unfortunate truth that this sort of thing happens daily, but reading this particular story hit really close to home. This man was very close to my age, he was a husband, a father of three boys, and he was also a pastor at a church. The more I read about his story, the more my heart broke for him, his family, and his church. Thinking about the whole situation has brought to mind some thoughts I’d like to share.

The first thing I’d like to acknowledge is that this life is NOT easy. I don’t think we should sugar coat it. I’m not saying that it’s all bad, but it sure ain’t all simple. The daily pressures of just being a contributing member of society alone can be awfully heavy. Then, on top of those forces of life, we as Christians, have to pick up our cross daily and choose to follow Jesus (against the flow of culture around us). Again, I’m not saying it’s bad, in fact, I’m convinced this is best thing in the world. But, I think we are remiss if we try to brush it off as just a nice stroll in the park.

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Posted in A Word from the Pastor by Caleb Yetton

Be A Barnabas

“Those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed.” — Proverbs 11:25b

Four weeks ago, my 93-year old Nana, went to be with our Lord in eternal paradise. She was a true matriarch of our family who thoroughly enjoyed her crossword puzzles — she completed them faithfully, every day. While preparing for her funeral, my mom asked me to send her adjectives that I thought would describe my grandmother; they wanted to put together a “Nana crossword” in her memory. As I’ve thought about how my Nana will be remembered by us (with such favor), I’ve been asking myself how I think my life will be remembered?

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Posted in A Word from the Pastor by Caleb Yetton

Peace in Patience

“I waited patiently for the Lord to help me, and he turned to me and heard my cry. He has given me a new song to sing, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see what he has done and be amazed. They will put their trust in the Lord.” — Psalm 40:1,3 (NLT)

Waiting is super difficult, isn’t it? In The Information Age we live in, having patience is often no longer required. Whether it is online searches, internet shopping, or convenient access to a nearby superstore, we can usually get most things we really want, right away. Naturally, we apply this immediacy mindset to just about every aspect of our lives. This has become one of the greatest lies of our day.

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Posted in A Word from the Pastor by Caleb Yetton

Good To Me

“Come, everyone! Clap your hands! Shout to God with joyful praise! For the Lord Most High is awesome. He is the great King of all the earth” — Psalm 47:1-2 (NLT)

“Come and hear, all you who fear God, and I will tell what he has done for my soul.” — Psalm 66:16 (ESV)

Amen! I absolutely love worshiping God in music. This past weekend, we celebrated the release of The Rock Music’s newest album “Your Love Remains.” The entire weekend was such a beautiful picture of heaven. God’s people coming together to recount what God has done — to clap their hands and shout joyful praise to the Him. The One who initiated relationship with us. I’m convinced there is nothing on this earth quite like corporate worship. Humble and passionate praise of Jesus, together with the Saints.

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Posted in A Word from the Pastor by Caleb Yetton

Dealing With Disappointment

“We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment.” — Romans 5:3-5a NLT

A great many things in this life can leave us feeling hopeless and disappointed. People, institutions, and other life circumstances can easily seem to betray our hope. We can even have the thought, “It wasn’t supposed to be like this.” What a disappointing thought to have. Whether these offenses are intentional or unintentional, they can send us reeling. What are we to do with this disappointment?

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Posted in A Word from the Pastor by Caleb Yetton

Imperishable

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.” 1 Peter 1: 3-5

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Posted in A Word from the Pastor by Caleb Yetton

Community

“Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity. It is like the precious oil on the head, running on the beard of Aaron, running down on the collar of his robes. It is like the dew of Hermon, which falls on the mountains of Zion! For there the Lord has commanded the blessing, life forevermore.” Psalm 133:1-3

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Posted in A Word from the Pastor by Caleb Yetton