Category Archives: Pastors Corner

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

The Importance Of Rest

Pastor Ed Moreno

Pastor Ed Moreno

By Pastor Ed Moreno

In Mark 7:24, 31 we read something very interesting.  These verses tell us: “Jesus left that place and went to the vicinity of Tyre.  He entered a house and did not want anyone to know it…Then Jesus left the vicinity of Tyre and went through Sidon, down to the Sea of Galilee and into the region of Decapolis.”

What Jesus is doing here can be missed if one does not know the historical context and geography of Jesus’ little trip.

Jesus had been healing and ministering to people; the Jewish religious leaders had been causing conflict in an attempt to mess up Jesus’ ministry; and so Jesus is tired.  He needs a break.  He needs some rest.  And so Jesus takes a vacation.

That’s right!  Jesus took a vacation.  When Jesus goes to the vicinity of Tyre, this is the very first time Jesus leaves Israel.  He goes to where he thinks no one knows him and, apparently, rents a house.

Tyre is a coastal town.  It sits on the Mediterranean.  They have beautiful Sunsets there.

At this juncture Jesus wants to go unnoticed and to keep his identity and presence a secret.   And when he leaves Tyre and makes his way back to Israel, he takes the long scenic route.   That is, Jesus took the 120 mile route rather than the 30 mile route.  And he does no ministering along the way.

The point is this: “Sometimes the most sacred thing you can do is rest.”

Look, to be good for the long haul in ministry or our secular occupation, rest must be scheduled into our weekly, monthly and yearly rhythm.

I just got back from a two-week vacation.  During that time I took no phone calls, and I did not read any texts or emails.  Does that mean I do not care for the people I serve at New Day?  No!  It means that I do care and want to be there for them for the long haul.  And to accomplish that, I must make sure I get rest.  Are you including down time in your life?  Jesus did!

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.

Where Do You Find Your Hope?

Mark Lee New

Pastor Mark Lee

By Pastor Mark Lee

In many ways, this time of year is all about hope.  Whether you are preparing to graduate, planning a wedding, or simply anticipating a vacation, this month is full of promise.  Because of this, June has the ability to turn everybody into school kids anxiously awaiting the start of summer.  After all, who doesn’t like to have something to look forward to?

It is common for people to believe that something better is on the horizon.  In fact, it can actually be beneficial.  Research indicates that hopeful individuals experience higher levels of achievement.  In scientific studies, athletes, college students, and test takers all performed better when they were optimistic about the future.

The problem, however, is that it is not always easy to be optimistic.  We expect our vacations to bring us freedom, our graduations to bring us wealth, and our weddings to bring us companionship. But what happens when our vacations are over, our job hunts are unsuccessful, and we are fighting with our spouses?

As humans, we have a tendency to believe that specific people, events, or accomplishments will fix our problems.  We put our hope in these things, expecting that they will improve our lives.  But, this doesn’t always happen.  And, when it does, the results are often temporary.  Those things that once brought us hope can often leave us feeling hopeless.

For a guaranteed and permanent solution, we have to look beyond this world. In Psalms 25:3, David wrote, “No one whose hope is in you will ever be put to shame.”  Unlike the people and things in our lives, God is all-powerful and ever-present.  If we place our hope in Him, we will never be disappointed.

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

“Legacy”

Pastor Dennis Morales

Pastor Dennis Morales

By Pastor Dennis Morales

“As for you, my son Solomon, know the God of your father, and serve Him with a loyal heart and with a willing mind; for the LORD searches all hearts and understands all the intent of the thoughts. If you seek Him, He will be found by you; but if you forsake Him, He will cast you off forever,” (1 Chronicles 28:9).

David instructs Solomon to “serve God with a loyal heart.”  These are instructions of a father on his death bed to his son.

On a personal level, I have been given the greatest gift in my dad, which is a legacy of faith and loyalty to the Lord.   He has not ceased to reflect Christ in his every action.  He never misses a morning to pray with my mom or to make her favorite toast with honey and peanut butter.  He often shows Jesus in the little things he does.  It’s an honor to see my dad serve faithfully in my church.

Some fathers think that fatherhood means that they should be waited on all the time, but the Bible indicates a father should be quick to serve.  “The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many,” (Matthew 20:28).

God has placed parents as the authorities in the life of the child.  In many ways, as fathers, we represent God to our children.  Often as men, we think about the mark we will make in this world.  I believe the greatest mark we can leave is the legacy we pass on as fathers, not an inheritance or a good name.  It is the spiritual heritage that we give to our children.  So pass it on, Dads!

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

Conquer It With Him

Tim Eaton

Pastor Tim Eaton

By Pastor Tim Eaton

As we go through life, the challenges we face are often the things we want to happen least of all.  Many of us will live life trying to sidestep and avoid every challenge that comes our way.  Even if you are the adventurous type who loves “A Challenge,” these tend to be in superficial areas.

Maybe you have completed a marathon, or climbed Mt. Whitney.  Those are tough challenges, but somehow they seem much more pleasant than the ones life throws at us.

It’s the challenges we don’t choose that truly test what we are made of.  Maybe it’s the loss of a job, the infidelity of a spouse, the illness of a child, the loss of a loved one – or even the chance of a lifetime.  These challenges may demand more from us than we ever could have imagined or trained for.

The only thing we can be certain of is that these challenges will come.  Very few of us will finish life without encountering challenges bigger than ourselves.

So, what do we do?  How do we face them? Do we buckle down and man up?  Do we find wisdom and solace in friends?  Absolutely.  But often, that just isn’t enough.  When challenges are bigger than us, we need help that is bigger than us!

Psalm 46 gives hope: “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble, therefore we will not fear.”

When praying for personal strength, the apostle Paul heard from God, “My grace is sufficient for you, My strength is made perfect in weakness,” (2 Corinthians 12:9).

Help your children discover God’s strength at Edgewater’s Everest Vacation Bible School:  Conquering Challenges With God’s Mighty Power.  This event will be held July 20 to 24, at Ramirez Middle School.  For more information and to register online, visit http://edgewaterlutheran.org/#/events/vacation-bible-school.

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

Down But Not Out

Pastor Rob Norris

Pastor Rob Norris

By Pastor Rob Norris

“We have troubles all around us, but we are not defeated. We often don’t know what to do, but we don’t give up,” (2 Corinthians 4:8).

Have you been through a period of life when everything looked bleak? When it seemed everything around you was coming unraveled? When you hoped the phone wouldn’t ring for fear it would be more bad news?

During seasons like that, I’m often reminded of this story:

Karl, a Norwegian fisherman, had taken his two teenage sons out for a day of fishing. The morning had been beautiful when they started out, but the afternoon turned nasty in a hurry – catching them too far at sea to beat the incoming storm to shore. The wind-whipped ocean began to work into a frenzy, until Karl and his sons were battling for their lives. As darkness fell on their frantic efforts, even the steady beacon of the seaside lighthouse was suddenly extinguished by a terrific bolt of lightning. Hope seemed lost.

But things were actually worse than Karl knew. Lightning had also struck his home and the structure quickly erupted into a fireball. So when Karl and his sons finally staggered ashore, exhausted, he was met by his wife with the bad news.

Strangely, Karl seemed unfazed, much to his wife’s frustration. As he stroked her tear-lined face with his tough, leathery hands, he said, “Don’t you understand, sweetheart? When the lighthouse went out, the glow on the horizon became my compass. The fire that destroyed our house guided us home.”

Tami and I and our family have certainly gone through times when there were “fires” burning. But we’ve also discovered that during these times, these crises have guided us “home,” because they’ve forced us to hunker down in faith, crying out in absolute dependence upon God.

“Lord God, You know what You are doing! We don’t know what You are up to, but we trust in You.”

Live It:  What is an example of a trial you’ve experienced that turned out to have a good consequence from an eternal perspective?

Pray:  That you will face the fires together and that your faith in Christ will grow stronger as you go through them.

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.

Pursuing The Holy Life

Pastor Ed Moreno

Pastor Ed Moreno

By Pastor Ed Moreno

A few weeks ago a young man came up to me following a Sunday morning service and asked if he could speak with me.  His heart was heavy because his sincere desire was to live righteously before God, but he found himself coming up short.

This young man is about 19 or 20 years old (let’s call him Tony); he accepted Jesus this past year, and was baptized just a few months ago.  I understood what he was feeling.  I, too, gave my life to Jesus when I was 20 and was very earnest about living a holy life, but found myself coming up short.

In a nutshell, I told this young man that God does want us to pursue a holy life.  And, theoretically, we should be able to because the Holy Spirit comes to dwell in us when we accept Jesus.  But the reality is that we will find ourselves coming up short for our entire earthly life.

To be sure, if we are seeking to become like Jesus (which is God’s will for us) we will sin less, but we will never become sinless while we are here on earth.

Now, once we are in heaven, it will be a different story.  There, we won’t be tempted to sin, nor will our old sinful nature be in tow to drag us down anymore.  But what do we do betwixt and between?

Well, one of the things we can do – and that I shared with Tony – is to memorize and call upon the truth and promise of I John 1:8, 9.

What’s particularly helpful to remember is that these words were written to those who were already Christians.  In these verses, the Apostle John tells us, “If we say that we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves, and the truth is not in us.  If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

Jesus paid for all our sins, folks – past, present, and future.  We are saved by grace, and we stay saved by grace.  Aren’t you glad?  I know I am!

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.

“Our Everything”

Pastor Dennis Morales

Pastor Dennis Morales

By Pastor Dennis Morales

“The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; My God, my strength, in whom I will trust; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold,” – Psalm 18:2.

David, the author of this Psalm, writes eight titles referencing God and His reliability.  David experienced God’s hand of protection and deliverance from his enemies and now he is worshipping God for His faithfulness during battle.

I’m sure David sang often in battle.  I heard it said of a young boy who was trying to pull a large weed from his front yard.  Suddenly, the weed came out, root and all, and the boy was thrown back and fell in the process.  A man happened to be passing by and said to the young boy, “That sure was a hard pull!”

The boy replied, “It sure is tough when you have the whole world pulling against you.”

We can all feel what this boy said at times.   But the cares and concerns of the “pulling world” have a way of fading away in God’s presence.  Pressures, demands, deadlines, and failures are no match for the reliability of God.   He strengthens you when you are at your weakest point (2 Corinthians 12:9).

David rejoiced that God was everything he needed to get through the most difficult of situations.   When the battle rages or the world pulls, it takes strong faith to worship.  But as you worship, you will find the One supplying the strength to worship is your “stronghold.”  God is closer than you think and He is “able to supply all your needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”  (Philippians 4:19).

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

 

 

Number Your Days

Pastor Robert Jewett

Pastor Robert Jewett

By Pastor Robert Jewett

“So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom,” Psalm 90:12.

 

What does it mean to number our days?  The reality is that life is short and no man can boast in seeing tomorrow (Psalms 103:15-16; 1 Peter 1:24).

So, to number our days means to live rightly before the Lord today because we do not know if it is our last day.

Jesus gave a great example of this when he told a parable about a rich man.  The rich man’s crops produced plentifully, but he had nowhere to store all the crops, so he decided to tear down his barns and build bigger ones.  He then said to his soul, “Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, be merry” (Luke 12:19).

Then God said to him, “Fool! This night your soul is required of you, and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?” (Luke 12:20).

This man could have used his surplus to bless others, but instead he hoarded it for himself.  He boasted that he had plenty stored up for many years…but he did not live through the night.  This man did not learn to number his days.

May you choose to live today in a manner that pleases the Lord and blesses 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.

Superheroes In Our Midst

Pastor Mark Lee

Pastor Mark Lee

By Pastor Mark Lee

Earlier this month, one of the year’s most highly anticipated movies was released.  Since then, people across the country have been flocking to theaters to see the Marvel franchise’s latest installment, “Avengers:  Age of Ultron.”  The film’s box office success is not surprising.  From Captain America to Wolverine, superheroes have been appealing to audiences for decades.

There are many theories about why society is drawn to these types of characters.  Some say it is because we have a deep desire for someone to help us tackle our toughest problems.  Others believe it is because superheroes are marked as special, which is something we all want for ourselves.  Whatever the case may be, the idea of a single individual possessing the power to change the world is extremely appealing.

So, what exactly makes someone a superhero?  The answer may lie in one of the genre’s most popular characters.  Batman, or Bruce Wayne, is just a regular guy who uses his resources for the greater good.  He may not have special powers, but he is determined to do the right thing and help his fellow man.

The month of May is dedicated to real-life people who do just this.  Not only is this “National Military Appreciation Month,” but there are also days and weeks set aside to honor teachers, nurses, and police officers.  And, of course, who could forget Mother’s Day?  The truth is that our community is filled with everyday superheroes that are committed to making a difference.

In Mark 9:35, Jesus said “Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all.”  You see, it doesn’t take a Batmobile to be a superhero.  It simply takes a selfless heart.

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

Child-Like Faith

Tim Eaton

Tim Eaton

By Pastor Tim Eaton

As parents, we are faced with many dilemmas in raising our children.  Where should they go to school? Which sports should we encourage or allow them to play? How much time should they spend with technology?  The list goes on and on.  One of the biggest questions may be:  What do we teach our children about faith, the afterlife, and religious beliefs?

Whether you have faith or not, this is a question worth pondering.  First, let’s consider the benefits of having a faith.  Many people say religion is for the weak.  But in that very sentence there is an admission that religion makes us stronger.

Personally, I drink protein every day – because I was physically weak.  It has made me stronger, not weaker.

Believing that we are created by a loving God also improves our self esteem: “We are God’s Masterpieces” (Ephesians 2:10).  All people – children in particular – need this strength and self esteem.

Perhaps a bigger issue is that of free choice.  We often say we want our children to choose for themselves, particularly in the area of faith.

Consider this verse from Proverbs 22:6, “Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.”

It outlines both our responsibility as parents and a truth about our children; they do what we teach them.  Regardless of whether we teach our children about faith or let them discover it on their own, we are making a de facto choice for them.

During Jesus’ time on earth, many people brought their children to Him so He might give them a blessing.  Unfortunately, many of his followers turned them away.

“But, when Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these,’” (Mark 10:14).

Consider giving your child a foundation in faith at Edgewater’s Vacation Bible School this summer.

Our theme this year is, “Everest: Conquering Challenges with God’s Mighty Power.”

Join us Monday through Friday, July 20 to 24, 4:30 to 7:30 p.m., at Ramirez Middle School, (with dinner included daily).   Edgewater’s Vacation Bible School is a free event, available to children ages 4 to 12.  We hope to see you there!

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

Dreaming Dreams

Pastor Rob Norris, The Crossings

Pastor Rob Norris, The Crossings

By Pastor Rob Norris

“So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all people,” – Galatians 6:10.

I think one of the greatest needs in the Christian community is for individuals to dream some dreams about how they can use their talents to impact people’s lives for Christ.

Let me tell you about a family that is making a difference. A small family ministry called Standing with Hope provides prosthetic limbs for below-the-knee amputees, not only in the United States, but also in Ghana, Africa.

The process of adding a “skin” covering to make a prosthetic look real can cost thousands of dollars – far too costly for an outreach whose goal is to help as many people as possible be able to walk again.

That’s where the family’s 15-year old son, Grayson Rosenberger, comes in. While noodling over an entry idea for a nationwide science contest, Grayson came across one of his mom’s old, discarded prosthetic legs. He found that by wrapping it in a very common household item, he could give the mechanical limb a realistic shape.

His inexpensive solution? Bubble wrap. Total cost for application? About one dollar.

No, it doesn’t look like skin. But with the right hose or stockings, the prosthetic leg can be made to look real. And for poverty-stricken adults and children in Africa who are often ostracized and teased for the primitive, bare-bones appearance of a fake leg, this is a confidence-creating alternative.

Bubble wrap. Who’d have thought?

Could it be that there is a right-under-your-nose opportunity to make a difference in people’s lives?  Could it be that, if you slowed down and set your mind on seeking God for a way you could really serve Him, He might lay out an idea that’s so simple, you’ll be shocked you didn’t think of it earlier?

Just think. Bubble wrap.

Live It:  Every person and every couple has an assignment from God – a ministry. What’s yours?

Pray:  Express your availability to God, and ask Him to show you the best way to serve.

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 www.atthecrossings.com.

Bringing It Home

“Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her,” Ephesians 5:25.

By Pastor Rob Norris

Pastor Rob Norris, The Crossings

Pastor Rob Norris, The Crossings

On Valentine’s Day 2005, Arkansas Governor, Mike Huckabee, and his wife, Janet, restated and renewed their wedding vows along with 4,000 other couples gathered in Little Rock’s Alltel Arena. It included husbands and wives of all ages and backgrounds, celebrating the lifelong commitment of covenant marriage.

One of the most touching stories of the night, however, happened not in the crowded arena, but in a nearby home where a couple was listening to the proceedings on the radio.

At one point, the husband became so moved by the significance of the moment that tears began to well in his eyes. Soon they were streaming down his face. His little son, surprised by what he was seeing, crawled into his father’s lap and asked, “What’s wrong? Why are you crying?” No explanation seemed to satisfy the young boy’s curiosity, so he kept asking his father, “Why are you crying, Daddy?”

Finally, the man pulled his son up close and whispered something into his ear. The boy then crawled down quickly and ran to his mom, who was sitting across the room. He took her by the hand, looked into her eyes and explained, “Daddy said he’s crying because he loves you so much.”

We have a generation of children today who desperately need to look into the eyes of Mom and Dad and see two people deeply in love with each other, committed to one another for life, and honoring God in their relationship. If God has blessed your life with children, make sure your children know and see your love regularly. Make the marriage they see in you the same type of relationship they’ll want one day for themselves.

Remember Jesus loves you and wants the best for your marriage.

Live It:  If your children were asked to describe your relationship, what would they say? Why not ask them.

Pray:  Pray that your children see real love between two real people for a lifetime.

April Series:  “Legendary” (Make Life Count)

**Join The Crossings for Easter Sunday with an Egg Hunt following the service.

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 www.atthecrossings.com.

See For Yourself

By Pastor Ed Moreno

Pastor Ed Moreno of New Day Christian Church, Eastvale

Pastor Ed Moreno of New Day Christian Church, Eastvale

Have you ever been to a funeral where the deceased stepped out of the casket?  No?  Neither have I.  But did you know that over 500 people saw Jesus alive again after three days of a confirmed biological death?

Jesus told his followers several times that he would resurrect after being killed, but they didn’t believe him – that is until he did it!

What about you, do you believe in the resurrection?  No? Why not?  If it could be shown that the historical evidence overwhelming demonstrates that Jesus did rise, would you believe in Him and follow him?

Well, guess what, the historical evidence does overwhelmingly demonstrate that he rose!

In fact, did you know that if one could disprove that the resurrection occurred, Christianity would virtually disappear overnight?  Why?  Because the resurrection of Jesus is the very foundation upon which the Christian faith stands or falls.

Listen, instead of just taking some uninformed professor’s or loved one’s word for it to the negative, why not personally check out the claims of Jesus and the evidence for his resurrection?

I mean, why risk where you’ll be spending your afterlife (and there is one, you know)?  Don’t you think eternity would be a long time to have to regret not coming to know and accept Jesus while you had the chance?

Easter Sunday is on Apr. 5.  Please consider this my personal invitation for you to come to New Day to begin that journey of checking out Jesus’ claims and the evidence for the resurrection yourself.  I’m certain that you’ll be glad you did.

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 http://www.newdaycc.net.

Rise and Shine

By Pastor Tim Eaton

pastor -tim-eaton-edgewater-lutheren

Pastor-Tim-Eaton-Edgewater-Lutheren

My mother used to wake me every morning in a very chipper voice, “Rise and shine!”  Then she would open the drapes and the room would fill with blinding light.  I couldn’t stand it! (I wasn’t a morning person back then).  It seemed such a shame that a peaceful night’s sleep was so abruptly ended.

The only exception to my mother’s call to “rise and shine” was Saturday.  On Saturdays I would practically jump out of bed hours before anyone else, because it was my day to play!

Some of us struggle to get out of bed because it just feels so nice to be snuggled up in the sheets.  Even being awake isn’t the end of the world, as long as we can lay there and enjoy the comfort.

But there may also be days that getting up seems impossible, maybe it even sounds like a death sentence; we just want the world to go away.  As the pupils of our eyes contract and adjust to the piercing light, we sometimes get up because we have to.  And although we are up, we are not truly awake.  We go through the day – and even life – like a zombie.

If you are not one to rise and shine, you probably know the reasons why.  Is something weighing heavily upon your mind?  Was it a mistake for which you can’t forgive yourself?  Did someone wrong you and you can’t move forward.  Has a dream come to an end?  Have you suffered a loss which seems to have stopped time for you, but the world demands that you march on? Perhaps you can’t put your finger on a reason, but life seems to be missing “life” itself.

“Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you,” (Isaiah 60:1).

Your day to rise, shine and truly live is here.  Easter is a wonderful reason to rise!  Not only did Jesus rise from death to life on Easter morning, but His hope is for you arise as well.  Easter is a reason to rise from whatever is holding you down and shine again.

“Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you,” (Ephesians 5:14).

Find your reasons to shine at Edgewater:  Good Friday Service, April 3, 7 p.m.; Easter Sunday “Rise” Service, April 5, 6:30 a.m.; “Shine” Services, April 5, 8 and 10 a.m. – all at Harada Elementary.

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

An Empty Foundation

By Pastor Dennis Morales

Pastor Dennis Morales Calvary Chapel CrossBridge

Pastor Dennis Morales

“And certain of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said; but Him they did not see,” (Luke 24:24).

There was a city where a building wall collapsed because the foundation caved into an empty tomb; it was unknown and hidden when they built it.

Now if the men intentionally built a building with a hole as a foundation they would be fools.  When we look at God and His ability to “hang the earth upon nothing,” we think differently.

The church, as we know it, has a foundation that is, in fact, the empty tomb.  If His tomb hadn’t been emptied, there wouldn’t have been any hope.  The empty tomb gives us assurance that Jesus is who He said He is.

Jesus “was declared the Son of God with power by the resurrection from the dead,” (Romans 1:4).  The empty tomb is proof of acceptance of Jesus’ sacrifice for all mankind (Romans 5:18).

The empty tomb means death is defeated.  There is now no death for those who are in Christ Jesus!

“Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?” The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ,” (1 Corinthians 15:51-57).

Because of the empty tomb, you and I, by faith in Him, have life today and life forever.  He is Risen!

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

Children of God

By Pastor Robert Jewett

Pastor Robert Jewett Word of Truth Community Church“But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God,” (John 1:12–13).

In the opening chapter of his gospel, the apostle John testifies to a truth that is both mysterious and marvelous:  mankind can become children of God.

Not only is it possible for mankind to become children of God, it is a work of God himself (John1:13, 6:65).   Mankind’s only responsibility is to receive and believe. The one who receives Christ and believes in his name is the one who repents from his sin and follows Christ at any cost (Mark 1:15, Luke 14:25-33).

As children of God, we have peace with our Maker (Romans 5:1).  Our sins are forgiven and we can now live victoriously through our Lord.  Christ not only took the penalty of our sins upon himself, he rose from the dead and conquered sin and death.

He has risen…he has risen indeed (1 Corinthians 15:20)!

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.

A Season of Renewal

By Pastor Mark Lee

Pastor Mark Lee of Vantage Point in Eastvale

Pastor Mark Lee of Vantage Point in Eastvale

Although Eastvale residents may not notice much of a change, some individuals living in other parts of the United States are currently celebrating the official end of winter.  At the same time California has been experiencing temperatures in excess of 90 degrees, New England and parts of the northeast have seen record snowfall. Needless to say, people all over the country are welcoming spring with open arms.

However, you don’t have to immerse yourself in freezing temperatures to appreciate the beauty of the season.  After all, this is a time of growth and promise.  Everywhere you look, the world is emerging from darkness and new life is appearing.  The ice is melting, the clouds are receding, and the days that lie ahead are full of possibility.  Spring brings hope, optimism and new beginnings.  What could be more beautiful?

Perhaps the most wonderful thing about this time of year is that this sense of renewal isn’t limited to nature.  It is not uncommon for people to be inspired by the beauty of the season and use it as an opportunity to initiate changes in their own lives.  Whether this means recommitting to a resolution, improving a relationship, or pursuing a goal, spring gives us the opportunity to start all over again with a clean slate.

Isaiah 40:31 says, “But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.”

If you are planning to use spring as an opportunity to recharge and refresh your life, I encourage you to include God in that plan.  With Him on your side, success is inevitable.

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

Death Halted

Pastor Dennis Morales Calvary Chapel CrossBridge

Pastor Dennis Morales

By Pastor Dennis Morales

“Then He came and touched the open coffin, and those who carried him stood still…” – Luke 7:14

There is no arguing that one of the most painful occurrences in life is losing a loved one.  Jesus came upon a widow who had just lost her only son.  According to old Jewish custom, the women would precede a funeral procession because women were believed to have brought death into the world in the line of Eve.  This widow would be the first person He would see, and He looked at her with compassion (Luke 7:13).

It was custom for family members and friends to come and touch the coffin, which would halt the procession, and say a few words of comfort to the survived. Then the procession would continue.

According to custom, Jesus stood at the procession and touched the coffin.  Jesus tells the woman, “Do not weep.”  He then tells the young man in the coffin to get up, “So that he who was dead sat up and began to speak,” (Luke 7:15).

What Jesus did was unprecedented.   Under normal circumstances the funeral procession would have continued.  But when Jesus stopped the funeral procession it never continued!  Jesus essentially stopped death in its tracks.

This is what Jesus has done for all mankind.  He has halted the effect of sin and eternal death upon all those who believe in Him (John 3:16).  Jesus’ death on the Cross defeated sin and He further punctuates this by His Rising from the dead.  In this is the Easter message (1 Corinthians 15:21-22, 55-57).

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

Home of the Tender Hearts

If McDonald’s is known the world over as “Home of the Big Mac,” The Lord’s Church has to be known as “Home of the Tender Hearts.”

I say this, because there are three Greek words, and their derivatives, that are used in the Bible approximately 500 times that are translated into English as “Compassion,” “Mercy,” and the like.

There are few topics or virtues that are addressed in Scripture FIVE HUNDRED TIMES. So when we come upon one of those topics or virtues, such as Compassion or Mercy, we should probably pay extra special attention to it because it is obviously ultra-important to God that we get this, understand it, and do whatever he says we are to do in relation to it.

In describing God’s own nature, King David tells us repeatedly that the Lord is compassionate (see Psalm 103:8). The great Apostle Paul tells us that God is the originator of compassion, and that compassion characterizes God (see 2 Corinthians 1:3). And so it should come as no surprise that God wants his people to emulate this virtue as well (see Zechariah 7:9).

And the kind of compassion that is to be practiced by God’s people is the same kind that Jesus practiced. It’s the kind that doesn’t just “feel” deeply at the sight of human suffering, but the kind that then “acts” to do something about the situation.

When Jesus saw the poor widow of Nain suffering over the recent loss of her only son (and probably her only child), Jesus’ heart was wrenched inside of him to the point that he acted to relieve her suffering (see Luke 7:11-17).

I’m willing to admit that my heart isn’t always tender like Jesus’ – but I want it to be.

What’s the condition of your heart?

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

Who Needs Luck?

By Pastor Mark Lee

Pastor Mark Lee of Vantage Point in Eastvale

Pastor Mark Lee of Vantage Point in Eastvale

For a single day this month, nearly everyone I know will be Irish.  While St. Patrick’s Day began as a religious holiday honoring the life of the man credited with bringing Christianity to Ireland, it has since become a cultural phenomenon celebrating the people, culture, and folklore of this beautiful European country.  And, from four-leaf clovers to wearing green, many of the holiday’s traditions revolve around the pursuit of good luck.

Whether or not you believe in their effectiveness, the appeal of lucky charms is understandable.  After all, who doesn’t want to be on the receiving end of good fortune?  The problem with luck, however, is that it is a philosophy based purely on chance.  Webster’s dictionary defines it as a “purposeless, unpredictable and uncontrollable force.”  In theory, when you place your faith in this ambiguous power, the outcome is never certain.  It can either be positive, or it can be negative.

Divine providence, on the other hand, is always benevolent.  Defined as “the sovereignty of God over the events in life,” divine providence is the belief that God governs creation as a loving father.   For human beings, this sovereignty may seem just as unpredictable and uncontrollable as luck.  The truth, however, is that God allows us to choose our own direction in life.  If we decide to place our faith in Him, He assures us that our needs will be met.   Even when tribulations arise that are hard to understand, solace can be found in this promise.

Romans 8:28 tells us, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.”  With this kind of guarantee, who needs luck?

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