The Rock Church

Recall Who He Is and What He Has Done

I don’t know about you, but I need reminding often. I forget things so quickly. They go in one ear and out the other. Do you struggle with that? I think we certainly all do in our human nature. And I believe the writers of the New Testament knew that as well. Paul and Peter both wrote to tell the early Church to recall God’s truths. (2 Peter 1:12-13, Romans 15:15)

The disciples also knew they needed reminding. They spent three years physically walking with Jesus, and it’s clear they always required a lot of reminders from our Lord. They knew what Jesus had taught them; they could indeed repeat it. However, many times throughout their days, He reminded them. It’s almost like they needed a good shake to recall His teachings.

Pastor Bill has shared this quote from Samuel Johnson several times, and I think it applies. “People need to be reminded more often than they need to be instructed.”

Amen to that. If you have kids, you know this is true.

Many things during our days (especially our smartphones) distract us from the truth, and we naturally think about other things.

Reminders in Life

Peter and Paul encouraged their readers that we all need reminders.

Reminders of God’s goodness are critical when life is hard. We also need reminders of God’s grace and forgiveness when we stumble. Equally important, we need reminders of His holiness when we are sinful idiots.

We certainly need reminders of God’s provision when finances are tight. Without a doubt, we need a reminder of God’s faithfulness when we are sinned against. And surely, we need a reminder of His peace when anxious. 

We absolutely need reminders of God’s closeness when we are lonely. At the same time, we need reminders of God’s care when we grieve and God’s promises when we doubt. 

Ways to Recall His Goodness

Simply put, we must recall who God is and what He has done.

So, how do we do that? How do we remind ourselves? This isn’t an exhaustive list, but these are some ways to recall God’s truth.

Read God’s Word (Psalm 143:8; Deuteronomy 6:8-9)

Let’s dig into God’s Word and decrees. As Deuteronomy 6 says, we should also plaster them around our houses and lives. They’ll remind us daily. 

Pray (Hebrews 4:16; Psalm 3:4)

We can pray, cry out, and commune with the Holy Spirit. As a result, it reminds us that we can (and should) “approach the Throne of Grace with confidence” (as Hebrews 4 says).

Meditate  (Psalm 63:5-8; Psalm 1:1-2)

We should meditate on God, His Word, and His faithfulness in our lives. In the morning, in the day, in the night. It helps us to recall His truth.

Be in Fellowship  (Hebrews 10:25; Colossians 3:16)

Fellowship with Believers should be a priority in our lives. Being with the Body of Christ allows us to be reminded of and spurred on by truth.

Serve Others (Acts 20:35; Proverbs 11:25) 

Taking our eyes off ourselves reminds us of Jesus’ example. Serving others turns our attention from ourselves to God’s ways. 

May we remember, like Asaph, to recall all that the Lord has done. (Psalm 77:11-15)

Grace and peace, 

Caleb

Posted in A Word from the Pastor by Caleb Yetton

Reflections From Europe

Recently, my family and I returned from a 10-day trip to Croatia. While we called it a mission trip, in most ways, it was more of a serving trip. My family (and our team of 18) provided childcare for European missionaries so they could fully engage in a conference taught by Pastor Bill. They also got some much-needed relaxation. We watched over a lot of kiddos, swam, and played night games. Not to mention, we also got to eat good food and gelato. Consequently, I’d like to share a few reflections from the trip. 

Posted in A Word from the Pastor by Caleb Yetton

Don’t Be Troubled

John 14:1 “Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me.”

In John Chapter 13, Jesus gave His disciples shocking news. He informed them that He would be betrayed by one of their closest friends. Additionally, He would soon leave them and go where they couldn’t follow. 

Posted in A Word from the Pastor by Caleb Yetton

His Mercies Are New Every Morning (and Every Year)

“But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope. The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” — Lamentations 3:21-23

It’s almost hard to believe that another year has come and gone. Every year, I seem more surprised by how quickly the calendar year moves. The new year always feels like a mixed bag of emotions. While January 1 can seem to give the appearance of a clean slate for goals, resolutions, and moving forward, it’s really no different from December 31.  

Posted in A Word from the Pastor by Caleb Yetton

Saved by Grace

The Rock Music recently released a new single, “Saved By Grace (Live Acoustic Performance).” Additionally, we released a new live performance on our YouTube channel. It’s certainly a blessing and an honor to participate in these new TRM projects. I invite you to listen to the song on your preferred streaming platform and also watch the new video. Thank you for your support and encouragement with all the new music we have put out this year.  

Posted in A Word from the Pastor by Caleb Yetton

Credited

“David also speaks of the blessing of the one to whom God counts righteousness apart from works: ‘Blessed are those whose lawless deeds are forgiven, and whose sins are covered; blessed is the man against whom the Lord will not count his sin.’” — Romans 4:6-8

Grace is indeed a gift we could never earn. At the same time, our sin has given us an incredible debt before God. And no amount of good works could pay our debt. But the truth is that the Believer is given a credited righteousness straight from Jesus. The word “credited” (in the Bible) is a financial term for transferring a balance to our account — more specifically, a negative account.

Posted in A Word from the Pastor by Caleb Yetton

“My” Gospel??

In Romans 2:16, rather than say “God’s gospel” or “the Gospel of Jesus,” the Apostle Paul said, “my gospel.” This has naturally confused some people as they first read it.

Throughout Paul’s many epistles, he writes the phrase “my gospel.” Additionally, he also notes “the Gospel of God” numerous times — including in Romans 1:1. In that verse, Paul said He was an Apostle of the Gospel of God.

Posted in A Word from the Pastor by Caleb Yetton

Blessed By Believers

Oftentimes we can take the body of Christ for granted. With some, the busyness of life can cause them to miss opportunities to be together. For others, the fear of judgment, admonishment, or conviction can lead Christians to keep others at arm’s length. Honestly, I can get very distracted with ministry life. Because of this, I miss the true beauty and benefit of being in the same room with Believers; I don’t savor the fellowship we share and the Holy Spirit. But, we read in Psalm 133 that we experience a true blessing from God when we lovingly and humbly “do life” with one another.

Through many circumstances, I have recently experienced how much I need to be with others living for God’s Kingdom. Firsthand, I have seen Saints walk in obedience, “encouraging each other daily” (Hebrews 3:13). I have also witnessed discipleship in action as Believers have instructed those in the faith (Romans 15:14). What is more, while walking through family trials, God has allowed me to experience our “burdens being shared” (Galatians 6:2) and “others stepping into our weeping and rejoicing” (Romans 12:5). 

His Good Plan for Believers

Being with other Believers is God’s intention for our Christian walk. Without a doubt, it supplies so much good for us. Being connected with God’s people offers protection and accountability in our struggles (James 5:16). Additionally, it gives us support when we are discouraged or in need (Galatians 6:2). Community always provides endless opportunities to “die to ourselves” by loving and serving our brothers and sisters (John 13:15). Indeed, that is our most remarkable testimony to a lost world that we are followers of Jesus. His truth definitely changes us (John 13:35). Possibly the most freeing thing of all is being connected to other Christians — it surely allows us to be who God made us to be. God has specifically given me my gifts, talents, and passions to be the perfect, complimenting piece to the rest of the body around me (1 Corinthians 12).

I thank God for you, the Church,

Caleb

Posted in A Word from the Pastor by Caleb Yetton

Do Not Fear

“Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” — Isaiah 41:10 (NASB)

What an absolutely beautiful promise from our Father! 

When my oldest son was just a few years old, my family and I went to Lake Havasu for a boating trip. As we stopped in some coves while riding the boat, I took my son Abel into the water to swim with me. He had always been pretty hesitant when it came to water. After I put on my life jacket, I grabbed a floating swim noodle. Then, I picked up my cautious son (in his life jacket) and gently got into the lake. Abel safely floated in my arms with his head high above the water.  

Posted in A Word from the Pastor by Caleb Yetton

It is Good to be Near God

Our purpose is to live a life of worship. To know and be known by God. We are to walk in His grace and be changed by it. This means understanding who we are in God’s presence — that our life is not ours. When gripped by grace, we experience abundant life. And then comes humility, obedience, and worship. Indeed, it is good to be near God.

A desire to be in God’s presence naturally fuels an authentic life of worship. It’s coming to a place where our hearts say, “God, everything else out there is a mirage. Only in Your presence is there life and fullness of joy.” 

Posted in A Word from the Pastor by Caleb Yetton