The Rock Church

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

Beautiful Compassion

“Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet… He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Lord, do you wash my feet?” Jesus answered him, “What I am doing you do not understand now, but afterward you will understand.” Peter said to him, “You shall never wash my feet.” Jesus answered him, “If I do not wash you, you have no share with me.” Simon Peter said to him, “Lord, not my feet only but also my hands and my head!” Jesus said to him, “The one who has bathed does not need to wash, except for his feet, but is completely clean.”- John 13:5-10a

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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

Prince of Peace

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6

Christmas is upon us! What a wonderful time of year. I love getting to spend extra time with my family — laughing, eating and enjoying all the festivities. But, most of all, the Christmas season is a wonderful opportunity to think of Jesus’ purpose in coming to earth as a baby.

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

Our Father

“But now, O Lord, you are our Father; we are the clay, and you are our potter; we are all the work of your hand.” Isaiah 64:8

As we approach Father’s Day, I was reminded of how much I love being a Dad. It has also made me think of what an amazing Father we have in our God.

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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