The Rock Church

Solar Eclipses

“For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him.” — Colossians 1:16

We are about to begin our study of Colossians (July 11 & 12). In the opening chapter, Paul describes Jesus Christ as the Creator of all things. The Sun, Moon, and stars are a marvelous part of His Creation. And certainly one of the most fascinating examples of that Creation is a total solar eclipse.

My family and I witnessed a total solar eclipse in a field outside Rexburg, Idaho, on August 21, 2017. It was undeniably astonishing.

Posted in A Word from the Pastor by The Rock Church

Colossians Sermon Series

“He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. ¹⁶ For by Him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through Him and for Him. ¹⁷ And He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. ¹⁸ And He is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything He might be preeminent.”  — Colossians 1:15-18

What does it mean for Jesus Christ to be truly preeminent in everything?

Posted in News, Series by The Rock Church

Staying in the Lane

Recently, I was driving our Subaru Outback when I had a small (but memorable) reminder of how easy it is to drift.

Our Outback has a feature called Lane Keep Assist. It monitors the lane markings on the road, and when the vehicle begins to drift, it sounds an alarm. At the same time, it gently pulls the steering wheel back toward the center. On this particular trip, I lost concentration for just a moment. Before I realized what was happening, the alarm sounded, and the steering wheel corrected my direction. It jolted me to full alertness. Thankfully, I stayed safely on the road.

Posted in A Word from the Pastor by The Rock Church

Barn Raising

There was a common practice in rural North America in the 18^th & 19^th centuries. And Amish and Mennonite communities often practice it today. It was a time when the entire community came together to build a barn for a family in their community. 

Neighbors from miles around would show up — farmers, blacksmiths, and merchants. Some brought tools, and others brought food. Skilled workers handled the preparation, the structure, and specialized labor. At the same time, others carried wood, hammered nails, or simply supported when needed. Even women and children participated where they could. 

Posted in A Word from the Pastor by Caleb Yetton

Hope When Everything Is Stripped Away

When I tragically lost my father five years ago, I began a journey through grief that I never would have chosen for myself. And every now and again, I’ve tried to write down some of the things the Lord has patiently taught me along the way. This is the next entry in my journal through the valley of grief.

Grief has a way of stripping life down to what is real.

It can reveal that the things you once leaned on can’t hold you. Also, it often forces you to come face-to-face with things you’ve done everything possible to avoid. Sometimes, it leaves you wrestling with realities you cannot change, explain, or escape. You become desperate to find relief. There must be something to make the aching stop. And when you find yourself there, you ask,

Posted in A Word from the Pastor by The Rock Church

By Whose Power?

The Bible clearly shows that St. Peter was a bit of a hothead. We can relate to him, can’t we? He often acted impulsively. And the events in the Upper Room the night Jesus was arrested show his impulsiveness.

Jesus tells the disciples He’s going somewhere they can’t follow. Peter immediately pushes back — “Lord, why can’t I follow you now? I will lay down my life for you.” In Matthew, he says even if everyone else falls away, he won’t. (Matthew 26:33) In Mark, he insists emphatically. (Mark 14:29) Bold claims, Peter. And Jesus simply tells him the truth he isn’t ready to hear: “Before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times.” (Mark 14:30)

As John MacArthur said, “Vows are easily made in a warm room, with full stomachs and no opposition.” St. Peter was about to face opposition.

Posted in A Word from the Pastor by The Rock Church