Category Archives: Pastors Corner

Inspirational faith based articles from local Pastors in the Eastvale area.

Seasons Change

Tim Eaton

Tim Eaton

By Pastor Tim Eaton

If you live in Southern California, the weather may not have cooled and palm trees rarely loose their leaves, but there is still a change in the air.

It’s a season of stress:  back to school, sports, dance, scouts, and clubs – they all compete for precious little time as fall gets going.  I know our house has a frightful schedule.  We carefully plot out the calendar, and who is taking whom where and when.  We try to find the ever-elusive balance so we don’t lose our minds.

Recently, though, I was introduced to a revolutionary idea: Seasons – “For everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven,” (Ecclesiastes 3:1).

The trouble with “balance” is that it seems to suggest that the scheduling fiasco and the frantic juggling will never end.  Thus, we have to shoehorn the balance of time into our schedule as well.  But seasons realize this frenzy won’t last forever.

Seasons give us something to look forward to and motivation to work hard for a specific time.  In his book, “Do-Over,” Jon Acuff advocates “30 Days of Hustle.”  Think about that; you could potentially withstand anything for 30 days.  And, you could keep up your intensity, too.

Now I realize that the soccer season is more than 30 days.  So is a semester.  So is your project at work.  But the rest of the country fits four seasons in a year – so maybe your seasons shouldn’t go past three months either.  You need a break; something to look forward to…real rest.

So, if you are in a frenzied season, take heart.  Get out your calendar and put a finish line where the frenzy ends.  Push hard to get there.  And when you arrive, truly enjoy your hard earned rest.  Yes, there are things that won’t get done until then, but then you can finally give them the time they deserve.

If you need a little rest along the way – a taste of the light at the end of the tunnel – join us on Sundays.  And our Women’s Ministry will be doing a quick Bible Study, “Preparing Your Heart for the Holidays,” on Wednesday nights beginning Oct. 28 (its only four weeks long!).

Edgewater Lutheran Church meets Sundays at 10 a.m., worshiping at Harada Elementary, 12884 Oakdale Street, Eastvale, CA, 92880;http://www.EdgewaterLutheran.org.

“Reflectors”

Dennis Morales X-ORIGBy Pastor Dennis Morales

 

“Let your light so shine…” – Matthew 5:16

The Moon at night can offer beautiful displays of light, but its source of light comes directly from the Sun.  Realistically, if there was no Sun, it would be nothing but a dirty rock.  In the Sermon on the Mount Jesus shares the very well known “Be”-atitudes.” What Jesus teaches, certainly isn’t about “world peace,” it’s directed toward our character. The religious leaders in Jesus’ day were so concerned with the minute details of conduct, that they missed the major issue of character. Character goes much deeper than the surface. The way we live our lives flows from our character.  A great preacher once said “Character is who you are when no one is looking.” How is your behavior when no one is around?  If your character is weak, then you will fall to destructive behavior.  If your character is strong, then you will be able to withstand difficult pressures and temptation. What is good character?  The Bible identifies godly character as one that reflects love, joy, peace, kindness, patience, gentleness, goodness, and self control (Galatians 5:22,23).  Do we perfectly reflect this at all times?  Not realistically, but the influences in your life will be reflected by you.  The closer you draw to Jesus, the more His life will be reflected in you.   Our children need good influence in their lives. We are called to influence character in our children’s lives as parents and teachers. Draw close to the source and let your light shine!

Calvary Chapel Eastvale meets Sundays, 10:30 a.m., and Wednesdays, 7:00 p.m. at Clara Barton Elementary School (7437 Corona Valley Ave, Eastvale).  Visit their website at www.calvaryeastvale.org.

Walk The Walk

By Pastor Robert Jewett

Pastor Robert Jewett

Pastor Robert Jewett

“Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ,” (1 Corinthians 11:1).

Which one has a greater impact:  preaching about something or living it out?

Those who preach, but do not practice what they preach, are called hypocrites.  They talk the talk, but do not walk the walk.  On the other hand, those who practice what they preach talk it and walk it.  Their example speaks volumes about the genuineness of what they profess.

The Apostle Paul preached a lot, but he practiced always.  He often wrote about the ways that he lived out his faith before others – giving them an example to follow (1 Thessalonians 1:5-7; 2 Thessalonians 3:7-8).  People could not argue with the godly example that Paul lived.  The evidence of his righteous living served as an encouragement and model to other believers and as a testimony of the power of God to unbelievers.

Paul lived his life imitating Christ.  Jesus set an example of love, humility, and servanthood.  His lifestyle was centered on pleasing the Father.  His drive was fueled by his desire to bring glory to his Father.  Our Lord did not have to speak about his attributes, he lived them.  He is our perfect example that we should imitate.

Many think that Christians are a bunch of hypocrites because of all the people who profess Christ, but do not obey him.  True believers are to walk the walk and live out their faith in Christ by imitating Him through love, humility, and servanthood.

Word of Truth Community Church meets Sundays at 10:30 a.m. and Wednesdays at 7 p.m., at 850 E. Parkridge Ave., #110, in Corona. For more information, visit WordOfTruthCC.com.

Ready, Willing And Able

rob-norris-BW-2x2By Pastor Rob Norris

“The horse is prepared for the day of battle, but victory belongs to the LORD,” (Proverbs 21:31).

On the morning of Sept. 11, 2001, former Staff Sergeant, David Karnes, was watching the horrific events unfold on television at his office in Connecticut. But this ex-Marine – now an accountant – felt more than pain and sympathy. He felt a call to action.

Leaving his office, he proceeded to the barbershop for a “high and tight” haircut. Then he picked up his starched camouflage fatigues at home. Grabbing some basic rappelling gear, he jumped back into his car, swung by his church for prayer with his pastor, and then headed for lower Manhattan.

Despite numerous roadblocks, his military demeanor provided him clear passage right into the heart of Ground Zero. And from there, along with another volunteer, he helped pull the final two survivors from the smoldering wreckage of the World Trade Center.

We can learn a lot from David Karnes about how to deal with the crises that we all face at times in life. First, he was ready. When the time came to respond, he knew where his stuff was. He wasn’t caught careless and unprepared.

Second, he was humble. Despite his warrior mentality, his first response was to pray and to seek God’s direction and strength.

Third, he acted. He threw his courage and convictions into the fight at the risk of his life.

Are you spiritually prepared for what may come ahead? Are you ready to act when the time comes? I believe the great need today is for men and women who are willing to engage real-life issues, instead of doing nothing.

Live It:  While you reflect back, discuss opportunities that may exist around you that may need your help. Talk about your willingness and readiness to step into the life of another.

Pray:  Pray that the Lord will protect our nation and world in the future from such pointless evils as what happened on 9/11. Also pray that He will use you as a couple to touch the lives of others.

Join us for Family Month in September.

The Crossings meets Sundays, 10 a.m., at River Heights Intermediate, 7227 Scholar Way, in Eastvale. For more information, call (951) 847-6836, or visit http://www.atthecrossings.com.

Coexist

Tim Eaton

Tim Eaton

By Pastor Tim Eaton

You have seen the bumper sticker. You likely know someone who believes something different about God than you do. In fact, you probably know lots of different people with lots of different ideas about God, the origin and purpose of life, and how we should live.

The existence of many different answers to life’s biggest questions seems to beg a few more: Who is right (if any)? How do we live together in peace? And, How can we relate to and interact with each other?

History holds for us tragic examples of how not to coexist with people of other faiths. Rather than accept the challenge of deep dialogue and seeking understanding, many have simply tried to eliminate people of other faiths from their vicinity. They shortly answered the question of living in peace with one another with a resounding, “No.”

Jesus, in John, Chapter 4, takes a different tact. He walks right into a place he doesn’t “belong” – Samaria. He seeks a deep conversation and understanding with a woman He meets there. He holds out promise for resolution saying, “Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth…” He is not afraid of discussion – instead He trusts that discussion will lead to resolution.

But how do we live together until that resolution? Jesus has words that challenge us to love what we don’t yet understand. He holds out a standard of love:  “But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you (Matthew 5:44).” By example He shows us that we won’t understand people, and we won’t resolve conflicts with them if we are not willing to begin with love and then seek understanding. That’s exactly what He did when He came to earth; He came to love and help us understand His care for us.

Join us Sundays, as we seek to understand Jesus and others better in a new series, “Coexist,” beginning Sept. 20.  And don’t miss our special guest on Oct. 4 – Dr. Adam Francisco, Assistant Professor of Historical Theology at Concordia University Irvine (whose Doctorate is in Muslim-Christian Relations) – as he teaches on Christian and Islamic relations.

Edgewater Lutheran Church meets Sundays at 10 a.m., worshiping at Harada Elementary, 12884 Oakdale Street, Eastvale, CA, 92880;http://www.EdgewaterLutheran.org.

The Weary Need To Rest

Mark Lee NewBy Pastor Mark Lee

Physical exertion is vital to the success of any athlete.  However, allowing the body to rest is of equal importance.  When we exercise, our muscle tissue is torn and our energy is depleted.  The human body needs the time between workouts to repair and strengthen itself.  For this reason, many athletes build recovery time into their physical regimen.  In fact, pushing yourself too hard can be detrimental to your physical health.

Much like athletes, accomplished artists and musicians fall into a daily routine of intense practice and periods of recuperation.  The truth is that while hard work is definitely a fundamental element of achievement, it is also imperative that we give ourselves regular breaks.   Study after study regarding the habits of office workers, the benefits of vacation, the importance of meditation, and the advantages of spending time outdoors have all revealed that many important mental processes seem to require downtime.

As the summer comes to an end and the kids return to school, many of us find ourselves falling into the pattern of being “too busy.”  Work, technology, family obligations, and household chores eat up much of our time.   In order to fulfill our responsibilities, we fail to take breaks.  Ironically, this can actually reduce our effectiveness.  When we go without rest, our productivity decreases, our ability to concentrate is impaired, and our creativity suffers.

The Bible is not silent about our need for rest.  In Psalms 127:2, David wrote, “In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat – for He grants sleep to those He loves.”  God intended rest to be a gift. When we allow ourselves to occasionally “be still,” life becomes much more enjoyable!

 

VantagePoint Church meets at Roosevelt High School on Sundays at 9:30 and 11:00 a.m.

Forgiveness

Pastor Ed Moreno

Pastor Ed Moreno

By Pastor Ed Moreno

Why is forgiving others so difficult for humans to do?  Forgiving others should be relatively easy for believers to do, because we, of all people, know how much forgiveness has been extended to us through Christ, right?  And, yet, we seem to have just as much trouble forgiving those who have sinned against us as unbelievers do.

Jesus talked a lot about humans forgiving other humans.  Peter thought he got it when he asked Jesus if we should forgive a repeat offender seven times.  This was up from the four times prescribed by the Rabbis, so Peter probably thought he’d get commended by Jesus (Matthew 18:21-22). But Jesus said, “No, seventy-times seven would be more like it.”  By that he meant: Just keep on forgiving.  After all, isn’t this what our heavenly Father does for us?

You know the parable Jesus went on to tell.  He said (to paraphrase), “The President and CEO of a large company found out that one of his V.P.’s embezzled a ‘zillion’ dollars (i.e., an amount he could never hope to pay back).  So, the big boss was going to throw the book at the V.P.  The V.P. knew he was finished.  There was no getting out of this mess.

But feeling the full weight of his wrongs, and the reality of the consequences he deserved and was about to get, the V.P. breaks down and is sincerely remorseful.  In this state he falls to his knees, confesses his guilt, and begs for mercy.

To everyone’s surprise, the big boss feels compassion; lifts the V.P. to his feet; and tells the man that he is going to forgive his entire debt.  The big boss will suffer great personal loss by doing this, but he lets the guy go anyway.

One would think that after being forgiven an unpayable debt, that the V.P. would feel obliged to readily extend such mercy to those who (by comparison) committed minor offenses against him.  But he didn’t.

The big boss found out about this, reversed his decision and held the V.P. accountable for all his offenses (Matthew 18:23-35).

There are many lessons to be drawn from Jesus’ parable.  We’ll just share one:

Mercy is supposed to beget mercy, according to Jesus.  If humans want mercy, we should show mercy.  If we want grace, we should extend grace.  Those who show no mercy, and who are unforgiving, will receive back in like kind – from both God and man.

New Day Christian Church meets Sundays at 9:30 and 11 a.m.  They are located at 7155 Hamner Avenue, at Schleisman Road, next to the Fire Station.  For more information, call (951) 278-8367, or visit http://www.newdaycc.net.

“Well Done”

Dennis Morales X-ORIGBy Pastor Dennis Morales

“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith…” (2 Timothy 4:7).

Paul the Apostle penned these words as he saw his approaching death.  He was able to say that he finished the course of faith God set him on.  His faith in God remained strong in both tribulation and as the end drew near (2 Corinthians 11:23-28).

The Greeks had a race in their Olympic games that was unique.  The winner was not the runner who finished first. It was the runner who finished with his torch still lit.

You are born in this specific generation to fulfill God’s specific plan.  The first step in God’s plan is to trust your life to Christ.  As you trust Him, He will direct you (Proverbs 3:5-6). You have a purpose in this generation, and through “living” that purpose, a message to send to the next generation.   What will your message be?

On July 31, my dad graduated to Heaven. There is no doubt in our hearts that he is in Heaven, because he left a legacy of great faith.  He and his smile were bigger than life, but his faith was even bigger.  His testimony of faith in Jesus Christ will forever resonate with all who knew him.

In his last days, I saw his light burning brighter than ever.  I miss him dearly, but I am grateful for my dad showing me the way of finishing well and accomplishing His purpose.  There is no doubt he heard the Lord say, “Well done good and faithful servant… enter into the joy of the Lord,” (Matthew 25:23).

Let’s finish well.

Calvary Chapel Eastvale meets Sundays, 10:30 a.m., at Clara Barton Elementary (7437 Corona Valley Ave., Eastvale). Visit their website athttp://www.CalvaryEastvale.org.

Coming Home

Tim Eaton

Tim Eaton

By Pastor Tim Eaton

A vacation sounds so great.  We sometimes feel stressed out, overworked, and underappreciated, and have a need to get away from it all. We may dream of joyful times with friends and family, and the fun and relaxation we will have on vacation.

Hopefully time away delivers on most of those promises.  But a funny thing can happen on vacation.  Maybe it’s too many hours in a car or nights spent in a tent, an unfamiliar hotel, or time with the in-laws.  Any one of these things can make home start to sound better than when we left it.

By the end of a vacation, coming home can often feel even better than getting away.  We miss the little things we didn’t notice before we left: the way fresh sheets smell on our own bed, kids’ favorite toys at the ready, the staples in our fridge and pantry, the peace of sitting in a favorite chair.  Returning to these simple things can make coming home the best part of a vacation.

Coming home to church can give us an even deeper peace.  Maybe something made us want to get away from church.  Maybe we drifted away without really noticing.  But this “vacation” can weary us like any other.  The signs are there – we have spent too much time rushing around, traveling through life without effect, and wishing we could find rest and peace.

If you are weary and burdened, you will find rest in Jesus (Matthew 11:28).  Like the prodigal son, we find our Heavenly Father waiting with open arms for us to return home to Him (Luke 15:20).

Edgewater Lutheran Church meets Sundays at 10 a.m., worshiping at Harada Elementary, 12884 Oakdale Street, Eastvale, CA, 92880;http://www.EdgewaterLutheran.org.

Home Fires

Pastor Rob Norris

Pastor Rob Norris

By Pastor Rob Norris

“We will not hide these truths from our children; we will tell the next generation about the glorious deeds of the Lord, about his power and his mighty wonders.”  (Psalm 78:4)

Five grown siblings came together at the event of their parents’ 50th wedding anniversary. When the time came to express their thanks to each parent for the one thing that stood out above all in their memories, each of them – without consulting the others – thanked their father for his leadership in family worship.

One of the brothers said, “The oldest memory I have, Dad, is of tears streaming down your face as you taught us from Pilgrim’s Progress on Sunday evenings. No matter how far I went astray in later years, I could never seriously question the reality of Christianity. I had seen it in you.”

Whenever the subject of family worship comes up, you may feel guilt at your failure in this area. I understand that. Few things seem harder to pull off or easier to put off. But when you consider the impact this one commitment could make in your own children for a lifetime, what could be more important?

It doesn’t have to be tightly preplanned. Take five or ten minutes before school to read a devotional with your children. Schedule one night a week when you’ll all be home to read a story and Scripture, sing (or make a joyful noise) and have some outrageous fun. Watch for those opportunities to practice “sandbox theology,” turning your children’s everyday events into spiritual training moments.

Don’t miss this: Dad and Mom, your ultimate assignment as parents is to introduce your children to God; His Son, Jesus Christ; and His Word. It may be hard to start and a challenge to continue, but it will make a huge difference in how they finish.

Live It:  Talk about what each of you can do to be helpful and encouraging to each other in getting family worship started or in keeping it going.

Pray:  Pray for priorities to firm up in your life, for incidentals to be seen for the waste of time they are, and for God’s Word to recapture each of your hearts.

The Crossings meets Sundays, 10 a.m., at River Heights Intermediate, 7227 Scholar Way, in Eastvale. For more information, call (951) 847-6836, or visit http://www.atthecrossings.com.

He Knows

Dennis Morales X-ORIGBy Pastor Dennis Morales

Matthew 14:14 “…He was moved with compassion for them.”

I was walking through a hospital today and I became moved.  As I saw many people in their rooms suffering from sickness and disease, I was moved to pray for their healing and comfort.   I thought about how Jesus saw the people and had compassion on them.

Compassion is a word which means “to suffer with.”  The Bible also uses the word “sympathize,” which means to “be touched with feeling.”   It’s a sense of feeling what the other person is feeling, and going through it with them.

My dad is currently fighting the battle of his life with cancer.  As with any disease, it hit our family hard and without notice.  But without fail, the Lord seems to put people in my dad’s path who have survived cancer to encourage him.  A survivor once told me that they can immediately recognize anyone who is battling the disease, because they know what it means to have been in the fight.  There is a special encouragement that comes from people who have traveled the road you’re on.

When Jesus passed through the crowds of people, He had compassion on them.  He is able to see past the surface.  He knows what many may try to hide.  The Bible says we have a High Priest who can sympathize with us (Hebrews 4:15).

Whatever the situation, Jesus wants to go through it with you.  But you have to allow Him into your life first.  He endured rejection, pain, and even death so that He may sympathize with you.

Calvary Chapel Eastvale meets Sundays, 10:30 a.m., at Clara Barton Elementary (7437 Corona Valley Ave., Eastvale). Visit their website athttp://www.CalvaryEastvale.org.

There Is Beauty In Our Brokenness

Mark Lee NewBy Pastor Mark Lee

In 2002, a reality show involving dramatic home improvements debuted.  Every week, viewers would tune into ABC’s Extreme Home Makeover to watch as rundown residences were transformed into impressive works of art.  More often than not, the construction crew would have to completely demolish the existing building before an amazing new establishment could be built.

One of the key elements highlighted in each Extreme Home Makeover episode was the reason behind the home’s disrepair.  Even though the featured families were decent human beings, they had fallen on hard times.  Whether it was because of a natural disaster, a financial crisis, or a devastating illness, these unfortunate people had found themselves unable to make the necessary repairs.

In many ways, our lives are similar to home maintenance.  Usually, we don’t have a problem fulfilling our responsibilities, nurturing our relationships, and taking care of our personal needs.  But at some point, we also encounter times of crisis.  Whether caused by something beyond our control or the result of our own poor choices, our lives can suddenly and unexpectedly fall into disrepair.

While it is very hard to embrace these troubles, the reality is that hard times are often necessary.  Just as the construction team on Extreme Home Makeover has to tear down an existing structure before replacing it with a masterpiece, our personal and spiritual brokenness needs to occur before we can transform into stronger, more mature individuals,

Matthew 5:3 tells us, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”  Although it is difficult to navigate a major crisis, there is always beauty in our brokenness.  Sometimes you have to tear down a shack before building a mansion.

VantagePoint Church meets at Roosevelt High School on Sundays at 9:30 and 11:00 a.m.

The Hope For America

Pastor Ed Moreno

Pastor Ed Moreno

By Pastor Ed Moreno

As I’ve watched the news the last several months, it just seems like there are an increasing number of violent crimes, and that the moral decay in American society is steadily escalating.

Add to that the fact that most people seem to have lost their feel for the truth and have no problem lying, deceiving, cheating, stealing, etc.  And all of this, along with corruption at the highest levels of government and business, seem to be resulting in the unraveling of America at its very foundation.

And it dawned on me that this is what our Founding Fathers said would happen if we as a nation did not have morality and religion at the center of our government and educational system.  And by morality and religion they meant Christianity and the morality espoused by the Bible.

Well, as we all know, the God of the Bible and the Bible itself have been systematically removed from the halls of government and from our public schools, and the troubles predicated are increasingly coming about.

As John Adams said, in speaking to our military concerning the importance of Biblical principles in American society, “We have no government armed with power which is capable of contending with human passions (that are) unbridled by morality and religion.  Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It (our Constitution) is wholly inadequate to the government of any other kind of people.”

And as Founding Father Noah Webster wrote, “The moral principles and precepts contained in the scriptures ought to form the basis of all of our civil constitutions and laws.  All the miseries and evils which men suffer from – vice, crime, ambition, injustice, oppression, slavery and war – proceed from despising and neglecting the precepts contained in the Bible.”

The internal restraints of the American citizenry are missing because, by and large, they don’t know what the Bible or what the God of the Bible says, and they do not have the Holy Spirit within to help them restrain their impulses and passions.

The only hope for America is for the American church to make the “Great Commission” (Matthew 28:19, 20) their top priority.  For only those who accept Jesus will receive the Holy Spirit, and only the Holy Spirit can change the condition of people’s hearts.

New Day Christian Church meets Sundays at 9:30 and 11 a.m.  They are located at 7155 Hamner Avenue, at Schleisman Road, next to the Fire Station.  For more information, call (951) 278-8367, or visit http://www.newdaycc.net.

Living The Blessed Life

Pastor Robert Jewett

Pastor Robert Jewett

By Pastor Robert Jewett

In a world of lies and deception, we are blessed to have God’s word to lead us in righteousness.

Since God cannot lie (Hebrews 6:18), every word of His proves true (Proverbs 30:5).  God promises great peace to those who love His word and says nothing can make them stumble (Psalms 119:165). The test of whether one loves God’s word or despises it is simply assessed by whether they obey it or not.

God’s word was given for our good…it is what the Holy Spirit uses to penetrate our hearts with truth.

“For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart,” (Hebrews 4:12).

It is also God’s word that perfects us and equips us for every good work that He has prepared for us.

“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work,” (2 Timothy 3:16–17).

Jesus said, “Blessed … are those who hear the word of God and keep it!” (Luke 11:28).

So grab your Bible and open it up…read it and obey it!

Word of Truth Community Church meets Sundays at 10:30 a.m. and Wednesdays at 7 p.m., at 850 E. Parkridge Ave., #110, in Corona. For more information, visit WordOfTruthCC.com.

Without A Friend

rob-norris-BW-2x2By Pastor Rob Norris

 

“Better is a neighbor who is near than a brother far away,” (Proverbs 27:10).

We’ve never had so many options for connecting with people – mail, email, phone, text-messaging, Facebook. Yet recent findings reported in the American Sociological Review show that the number of people who claim to have no one to confide in on important matters is up from 10 percent to 25 percent – 1 out of 4 – since 1985.

True friendship…what’s happened to it?

Some people, of course, claim to have a multitude of friends. One college student said, “You go on some people’s online profiles, and they say they have a thousand friends. Truth is they probably don’t even know half of them.”

So these days, in this high-tech, low-touch culture, is genuine friendship even necessary? More specifically, once you’re married and settled as a couple, is there still a great need for you to maintain friendships?

Hopefully, your best friend is the person you’re sharing this devotional moment with. That’s the way it’s supposed to be. But husbands and wives both need at least one close Christian friend of the same sex. It’s also important for you to have at least one other couple you can share with; mutual friends you can turn to for fellowship and accountability.

Tami and I have a handful of true friends upon whom we lean on for counsel, advice and balance. We’ve discussed everything from disciplining our children to finances, areas of struggle, managing pressure, and the seasons of life.

As you look at today’s culture of high-tech communication, one of the greatest needs you have is to be connected to some true friends – followers of Jesus Christ who will tell you what you need to hear.  Friends who won’t hesitate to weep with you or bring comfort or encouragement (or even correction) in a time of need.

Live It:  Who are your closest friends? What do you need to do to keep those friendships healthy and vibrant?

Pray:  If you need a close friend to come alongside you, ask God to direct you. Be patient, and expect Him to provide.

The Crossings meets Sundays, 10 a.m., at River Heights Intermediate, 7227 Scholar Way, in Eastvale. For more information, call (951) 847-6836, or visit http://www.atthecrossings.com.

It’s Time To Catch On Fire!

Mark Lee NewBy Pastor Mark Lee

This month, hundreds of thousands of people will commemorate the birth of our nation by enjoying a firework show – or two!  Pyrotechnic displays have become a national tradition, with Americans using them to celebrate their independence for more than two hundred years.  In fact, an article published in a 1777 issue of the Virginia Gazette mentioned a “grand exhibition of fireworks” that left the city “beautifully illuminated.”

While fireworks and the Fourth of July seem practically synonymous, the truth is that people have been using fire to celebrate, intimidate, or entertain for thousands of years.  As early as 200 B.C., the Chinese were using firecrackers to threaten their enemies and scare away evil spirits.  Since then, fire has been used in circus tricks, at special events, and in wilderness survival.  Even the Bible has numerous examples of fire being used to emphasize a point or draw attention.  From Moses and the burning bush to the consecration of Solomon’s Temple, God repeatedly used flames to speak to his people.

Despite its literal meaning, the figurative concept of being “on fire” is extremely positive.  This label is often given to people who are extremely enthusiastic.  Much like a firework display, nothing draws attention more than someone buzzing with excitement or burning with intensity.  When you are enthusiastic about your life, your work, or the pursuit of your goals, those around you can’t help but be inspired.

In Ecclesiastes 9:10, God’s word tells us, “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might.”  While the task may seem menial (when was the last time you were enthusiastic about cleaning a toilet?), tackling it with a positive fervor will not only encourage others – it may also encourage you!

VantagePoint Church meets at Roosevelt High School on Sundays at 9:30 and 11:00 a.m.

Holy-Phobia

Pastor Ed Moreno

Pastor Ed Moreno

By Pastor Ed Moreno

Have you ever coined a word?  I think I have!  At least I haven’t seen this word used anywhere.  The word is “Holy-Phobia.”

I thought of this word about 15 years ago as I watched the historic Judeo-Christian ethics, values, and morality that our great nation was founded upon be attacked, overturned, and generally kicked to the curb.

I thought, “Why are so many people in our country fearful of God’s holy standards?”  Have not His standards of righteousness, godliness, and living in accordance with how He says life is to be lived served us well?

Did God not bless us?  Has this nation not prospered beyond all the great societies that preceded it?  Have we not enjoyed his favor and protection?  Have we forgotten our loving, heavenly Benefactor?

What are “Holy-Phobics” frightened of?  I suppose what they’re frightened of is not being able to do what they want to do to satisfy their own fallen human nature.

Well, it seems clear that “Holy-Phobia” has now overtaken America, and this causes my spirit to deeply grieve.

Now the time is coming, and has actually arrived, when those who are the true followers of Jesus and when those who are the true servants of the living God will become apparent.  They will be the ones who will be saying, “We must obey God rather than men,” (Acts 5:29), just as the early Apostles did when instructed to stop teaching the truth of God.

And like Joshua, it will be the true followers of Jesus and the true servants of God who will be saying (to paraphrase): “I don’t know what the rest of you are going to do, but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord,” (Joshua 24:15).

New Day Christian Church meets Sundays at 9:30 and 11 a.m.  They are located at 7155 Hamner Avenue (formerly “A” Street), at Schleisman Road next to the Fire Station.  For more information, call (951) 278-8367, or visit www.newdaycc.net.

Good Aroma!

Pastor Robert Jewett

Pastor Robert Jewett

By Pastor Robert Jewett

“For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing,” (2 Corinthians 2:15).

Have you ever walked into a place where someone was cooking fish?  The aroma of the fish most likely struck you immediately.  Your response to the fish smell was either positive because you like fish, or negative because you do not like fish. Note:  It did not matter if you liked fish or not, you still smelled it.  Being a fish, it had no choice but to give off the aroma of fish regardless if those present liked it or not.

Being a Christian is, in a way, like that fish.  Wherever Christians go, they leave a fragrance behind.  There are some who like the fragrance and others who hate it.  To those who reject the Lord, the fragrance will be loathsome…but to those who respond to the Lord, or who have already responded, the fragrance will be a pleasant one.

“To one a fragrance from death to death, to the other a fragrance from life to life,” (2 Corinthians 2:16).

There is no time like the present to leave the aroma of Christ wherever we go!  May your life be used during these days to bring hope to others.

Word of Truth Community Church meets Sundays at 10:30 a.m. and Wednesdays at 7 p.m., at 850 E. Parkridge Ave., #110, in Corona. For more information, visit WordOfTruthCC.com.

Summer Is Here!

Tim Eaton

Tim Eaton

By Pastor Tim Eaton

 

It is beautiful outside.  Lots of kids are out of school, and maybe things have slowed down for you, too.

When summer comes, we usually fall into one of two camps: those that have a list a mile long of things they want to do during the summer; and those who don’t have enough to do.  Either way, its trouble.

If you have a list too long, someone is going to get disappointed that you are not doing what they want.  Or, you are going to run yourself ragged trying to squeeze everything into the summer.  On the other hand, not having enough to do means a house full of bored kids – and that is serious trouble!

King Solomon, who saw his fair share of summers and was the wisest man who ever lived, met this problem with wisdom.  In Ecclesiastes, Chapter 3, he notes that, “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven.”

Solomon realized that everything necessary would happen in God’s time.  Instead of being stressed about what he could and couldn’t do, he focused on the quality and purpose of things he was able to do.  He also noted that there is “a time to weep and a time for joy!”  I think he would agree that summer is a time for joy.

Whatever you do this summer, take the time to find joy in it.  At Edgewater, we would love to help.  Bring the kids to our “Everest Vacation Bible School.”  Children 4 to 12 will learn to keep cool during challenges – and you will get some evenings of rest while they enjoy time with friends, free dinners, and a great message.

Edgewater’s VBS is July 20 to 24, Monday through Friday, from 4:30 to 7:30 each night.  Register online at http://edgewaterlutheran.org/#/events/vacation-bible-school.

Find joy this summer at Edgewater!

Edgewater Lutheran Church meets Sundays at 10 a.m., worshipping at Harada Elementary, 12884 Oakdale Street, Eastvale, CA, 92880; http://www.EdgewaterLutheran.org.

Multiple Ways To Heaven?

Pastor Robert Jewett

Pastor Robert Jewett

By Pastor Robert Jewett

 

There are people who hold to a belief that all roads lead to heaven. They believe that as long as one is sincere in his or her beliefs, then they will go to heaven – regardless of what they believe.

The standard for them is not truth, but rather sincerity. No matter how sincere someone is about not succumbing to the force of gravity prior to jumping off a building, they will soon plummet to the ground at 9.8 meters per second.  Although they may have been sincere, the truth prevailed.

The apostle Peter boldly proclaimed that “there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved,” (Acts 4:12).

Those who wish to push aside the claims of Christ are quick to judge Christians as arrogant and narrow-minded. Jesus was not concerned about those who would make such claims about him.  He unashamedly declared, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me,” (John 14:6).

Jesus made it very clear that sincerity in anything other than him would not save anyone.  He alone came to die so that the sinner may live.  He alone rose from the grave to conquer sin and death.  He alone is the way to heaven.

Word of Truth Community Church meets Sundays at 10:30 a.m. and Wednesdays at 7 p.m., at 850 E. Parkridge Ave., #110, in Corona. For more information, visit WordOfTruthCC.com.