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.
(more…)Posted in A Word from the Pastor by Caleb Yetton
“The servant girl at the door said to Peter, ‘You also are not one of this man’s disciples, are you?’ He said, ‘I am not.’” — John 18:17
Imagine how disappointed in himself Peter must have been the second those words left his lips.
(more…)Posted in A Word from the Pastor by The Rock Church
“Lord, you alone are my inheritance, my cup of blessing. You guard all that is mine. The land you have given me is a pleasant land. What a wonderful inheritance!” — Psalm 16:5-6
Have you ever wondered where your life might be apart from knowing Jesus as your Savior? If not, spend a moment pondering what that might have looked like.
It certainly doesn’t take long to realize how richly blessed we are to be His children. It always goes far beyond the material blessing of His provision. We no doubt find that in our homes or aligning with our interests. Looking deeper, however, we also see a life filled with grace, forgiveness, purpose, hope, and beauty.
(more…)Posted in A Word from the Pastor by The Rock Church
Every day, I read from Milton Vincent’s book, “A Gospel Primer.” It has a 31-part section that fits nicely into my daily devotional routine. This phrase always catches me each time I read it (on the 14th of the month). He refers to a “grief-stained joy.” That idea resonates with me deeply when contemplating life. Especially today, as I write this, about ten steps away from my wife Jeanne’s hospital bed — it’s awkwardly positioned in our bedroom. This verse specifically comes to mind as I search for solace.
“If your instructions hadn’t sustained me with joy, I would have died in my misery.” — Psalm 119:92
(more…)Posted in A Word from the Pastor by The Rock Church
“Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.” — Isaiah 41:10
I recently turned these verses into the most ridiculous-sounding song.
Imagine the corniest-sounding game show theme song ever. Okay, you’re now almost close to the tone of this silly tune. Don’t sing with a sweet-sounding voice. Instead, it should be loud and (dare I say) as annoying as possible.
I’ve been reading through Isaiah in my quiet times. While doing so, I’ve deeply appreciated the truth in this promise from the Lord.
(more…)Posted in A Word from the Pastor by admin
“If you, O LORD, should mark iniquities, O Lord, who could stand? But with you there is forgiveness, that you may be feared.” — Psalm 130:3-4
The fear of God (or the fear of the Lord) is definitely a big theme in the Bible. But, when we think of fear, we often think of, you know, FEAR — or being afraid. Like the fear of spiders or the fear of clowns. Other times, fear is why we don’t do certain things. For example, you might fear flying for fear that the plane might crash. And the reason you didn’t eat the boss’s last donut was for fear of being caught. However, all this is to say that this is not what it means to fear God.
(more…)Posted in A Word from the Pastor by admin
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).
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,
Posted in A Word from the Pastor by Caleb Yetton
Do you realize that God could have chosen any time in history for you to live? Not only that, but He could have placed you in any geographical location to live your days. However, in His perfect sovereignty, He chose to put you right here, right now, for a specific reason.
In Acts 17:26 (ESV), Paul tells the deep-thinking Greeks that God “made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place.”
(more…)Posted in A Word from the Pastor by admin
The Rock Music has released another new single, “Every Heartbeat.”
This peaceful song resounds with quiet joy, speaking to the comfort found in God’s sovereignty. As a heartfelt prayer, it ushers listeners into an experience of worship for who God is, as well as gratitude in all seasons of life. Inspired by Psalm 139, “Every Heartbeat” focuses on God’s provision in life’s triumphs and trials; it encourages a confident resolve to always praise Him.
(more…)Posted in News, The Rock Music by The Rock Church
Is the Word of God something you take delight in?
I’ve recently been thinking quite a bit about the word “delight”. We are currently in a sermon series at church (through Psalm 119) called “Delighting In God’s Word.” I take delight in naps, cats, and iced Americanos. I take great pleasure in the joy of Disneyland with my wife and children. But the thought of delighting in God’s Word strikes a chord that goes much deeper. Of course, I enjoy the goodness of God in the good times. But what about the times when I need the promises of God to minister to me in a more profound way? How can I delight in God’s Word when walking through pain, suffering, and loss?
(more…)Posted in A Word from the Pastor by admin