Tag Archives: Pastor Rob Jewett

It’s Time for Our Biblical Resolution

By Pastor Robert Jewett 

Pastor Robert Jewett Word of Truth Community ChurchCan you believe it is 2017?  It seems to me that the older I get, the faster the years go by.  This causes me to slow down and consider how I should be living every moment of every day.  With the New Year comes many newly made resolutions…or recommitments to previously failed resolutions.  A recent poll determined that about 60% of Americans make a New Year’s Resolution.  I’m sure you’re not surprised to hear that polls also show that only about 8% of Americans succeed at fulfilling their resolution.

So, where do we start? Should we start exercising and eating healthier? Should we start a new budget and see if we can live without using any credit? Or should we commit to less screen time and more time with people face-to-face?  While each of these are worthwhile to strive towards, there is still a greater resolution that would fuel the success of each of these resolutions.

Scripture encourages us “to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God” (Colossians 1:10). What if we focused our attention on fully pleasing God? Think about how many different areas of our lives would be affected?  The great news is that when you strive to bring God glory, it “is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure” (Philippians 2:13). Thus, our resolution is empowered by God and we no longer have to be part of the 8% success rate.

This New Year, resolve to bring God glory in all you think, say, and do!  For a more in depth biblical study on this topic, visit our webpage and listen to our New Year’s teaching.

Lakeshore City Church meets Sundays at 10:00 a.m. at Circle City Center (formerly Fender Museum), 365 N. Main St. in Corona. For more information, visit lakeshorecitychurch.com.

 

 

 

Help Me O Lord My God

Pastor Robert Jewett Word of Truth Community ChurchBy Pastor Robert Jewett

Have you ever been to the point where you just felt like giving up? Did it seem like no matter what you did, you were mistreated anyway? Perhaps you threw your arms up and said, “I can’t do this anymore!” Take heart, the Lord is faithful to help His children.

King David was completely overwhelmed by his enemies. No matter what he did, they intended to do him harm (Ps. 109:4-5, 26). He would demonstrate love, but they would hurl insults at him. He would do good unto them, but they would do evil unto him. David knew that when his heart was overwhelmed, he needed to go to the Rock (Ps. 61:1-2). At his breaking point, David cried out, “Help me, O Lord my God! Save me according to your steadfast love!” Apart from the Lord’s intervention, David was headed down a treacherous road to disaster. God’s amazing steadfast love is such that he never leaves us nor forsakes us (Heb. 13:5). At that point of despair, he is right there waiting for us to call upon him: “Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (Heb. 4:16).

Next time you are contemplating throwing in the towel, cry out to Jesus wholeheartedly like David, “Help me, O LORD my God! Save me according to your steadfast love!” As you do, God in his faithfulness, will respond to you and help you walk through the storm.

Lakeshore City Church meets Sundays at 10:00 a.m. at Circle City Center (formerly Fender Museum), 365 N. Main St. in Corona. For more information, visit lakeshorecitychurch.com.

Doing Right In A Wrong World

 

Pastor Robert Jewett

Pastor Robert Jewett

By Pastor Robert Jewett

Is it possible for a person to do what is right even if the example they grew up witnessing was always wrong? Let’s examine the life of Josiah to investigate this question. Josiah came from two generations of very wicked men. His grandfather, Manasseh, did more evil in the sight of the Lord than the pagan nations that God destroyed (2 Kings 21:9-10).

Manasseh even burned one of his sons as an offering to a pagan god (2 Kings 21:6). Josiah’s father, Amon, followed in his father Manasseh’s footsteps. He abandoned the Lord and served the same idols that his father served (2 Kings 21:20-21). Josiah, however, even with the evil examples and influences of grandpa and dad, did was right in the eyes of the Lord.

If the wisdom of this world was correct, Josiah could not have escaped his horrible upbringing. He would have been a product of his environment and destined to do evil in the sight of the Lord. This view leaves no opportunities for hope. God, however, offers every person hope. Hope for freedom from sin (Rom 6:17-18); hope for a new start and new identity (2 Cor 5:17); hope of eternal life (John 3:16); and hope to endure through all of life’s difficulties (1 Cor 10:13, Rom 8:28-29). All one must do is repent and trust in Christ.

Instead of excusing sin based upon your circumstances, know that there is forgiveness and freedom from sin offered through Jesus. Rejoice in the fact that your fate is not in the hands of your circumstances, but in the hands of God.

 

Lakeshore City Church meets Sundays at 10:00 a.m. at Circle City Center (formerly Fender Museum), 365 N. Main St. in Corona. For more information, visit lakeshorecitychurch.com.

 

The Lord God Almighty

Pastor Robert Jewett

Pastor Robert Jewett

By Pastor Robert Jewett

I will ponder all your work, and meditate on your mighty deeds. Your way, O God, is holy. What god is great like our God? You are the God who works wonders; you have made known your might among the peoples. Psalm 77:12–14

When was the last time that you sat still and said nothing while communing with God?  Perhaps you have tried to do so and your mind just runs wild with all the things that need to be done.  God tells us to be still and know that he is God (Psalm 46:10).  It is vitally important that we remember who God is…the Lord God Almighty.

As the Lord God Almighty, he is the one who made the heavens and the earth. (Genesis 1:1) As the Lord God Almighty, he is our Maker and the one whom we are to worship and bow down. (Psalm 95:6) As the Lord God Almighty, he is the Alpha and Omega, who is and who was and who is to come. (Revelation 1:8)  As the Lord God Almighty, he has promised to never leave you nor forsake you. (Hebrews 13:5)  When we stand in awe of his holiness and greatness, our prayers are filled with thanksgiving and much of our prayers are focused on loving him and loving others. “…Hallelujah! For the Lord our God the Almighty reigns. Let us rejoice and exult and give him the glory…” (Revelation 19:6–7).

Friend, I encourage you today to stop and ponder God’s work and to meditate on his mighty deeds.  The Lord God Almighty is forever faithful so trust and rest in him!

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

Empowered for Resolution

Pastor Robert Jewett Word of Truth Community ChurchBy Pastor Robert Jewett

As we begin a new year, many of us will set out to make changes in our lives.  After enjoying much feasting from Thanksgiving through New Year’s, it is typical to resolve to change our eating habits and setup some serious exercise routines.  Fitness gyms love this time of year because memberships spike.  The mindset is, “I am going to get healthy this year!”  While I certainly share these sentiments, I also understand that my spiritual health is even more important than my physical health.

Changing eating habits and committing to exercising regularly takes self-discipline and a time commitment. To plan out meals, shop for specific foods, and then prepare healthy meals takes dedication.  Adding a new exercise routine takes even more energy and time.  While many will make a resolution to start these habits, not all will successfully accomplish them.  If you happened to make this resolution, I encourage you to press on and not give up.

Beyond your physical bodies, however, I want to encourage you to “train yourself for godliness; for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come” (1 Tim. 4:7-8).  Training for godliness begins by repenting from sin and placing all your trust in Jesus Christ.  Much like eating a healthy diet and exercising, your spiritual diet includes regularly reading the Bible and then doing what it says.  Your ongoing spiritual training occurs daily as you express your love for God by obeying him and by loving others.  The beauty of your spiritual training is that since it is ultimately for the glory of God, it is God who empowers your resolution to get spiritually fit: “for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure” (Phil. 2:13).

Let the training begin!

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

Overcoming Burdens

Pastor Robert Jewett

Pastor Robert Jewett

By Pastor Robert Jewett

“Cast your burden on the LORD, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved.” -Psalm 55:22
Nobody likes to have burdens but they are a common part of life. Some people hold to a false belief that once they respond to God’s love by abiding in Christ, they will no longer have burdens. This is not a Biblical view and will only lead to defeat and disillusionment in that person’s life. Scripture not only tells us that we will have burdens. It also tells us how to endure, deal with, and overcome all burdens that life will bring.

Burdens come in all sorts. They may be physical, relational, financial, etc. What is a burden in my life may, or may not, be a burden in your life. What is common in our burdens, however, is that God can use all of them to draw us closer to him. Paul expressed how he, along with Timothy, were utterly burdened with afflictions so severely that they despaired of life itself, but that the sufferings made them rely not on themselves but on God (2 Cor. 1:8-10).
Much like Paul and Timothy learned, we too will experience burdens that are meant to get us to rely not on our own strength but upon God’s. These burdens are meant to remind us to keep our hope in God and not in anything else. Remember, if God is for us, who can be against us (Rom. 8:31).
Word of Truth Community Church meets Sundays at 10:30 a.m. at 850 E. Parkridge Ave., #110, in Corona. For more information, visit WordOfTruthCC.com.

The Cost Of Discipleship

Pastor Robert Jewett

Pastor Robert Jewett

By Pastor Robert Jewett

And a scribe came up and said to him, “Teacher, I will follow you wherever you go.” And Jesus said to him, “Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head,” (Matthew 8:19–20).

It has become commonplace to make the call of discipleship appealing to the natural man.  The truth about discipleship has been replaced with a “better you” mantra.  The importance of man has been elevated, instead of the importance of God.  As a result, the gift of God is no longer received with gratitude, but instead expected as some type of entitlement.

Jesus’ call to discipleship was far different than what is often taking place today.  Jesus always laid out the cost of discipleship.  Popular opinion today says, “Laying out the cost of discipleship is not good church-growth practice.”

It is believed that such truth would discourage individuals from following Christ.  If Christ is our example, why would we present discipleship any different from him?  After all, it is God who adds to the church those who are being saved (Acts 2:47).

Are we more concerned with the number of attendees than we are with those who are being saved?  God help us if this is the case!  Christ was concerned with truth.   Jesus said, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:31-32).  The truth is… discipleship has a cost.

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.

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.

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.

2015? Seriously?

By Pastor Robert Jewett

 

Pastor Robert Jewett Word of Truth Community ChurchCan you believe it is 2015? I remember watching The Jetson’s cartoon when I was a child. The setting of the cartoon was 2062, and one thing that amazed me as a child was when George Jetson’s boss, Mr. Spacely, appeared on a screen and they communicated face-to-face. Although this seemed far-fetched back then, such technology is commonplace today. Such advancements in technology are sobering reminders that we are getting older.

Although each new day brings newer advancements in technology, it also brings us one day closer to meeting our Maker. For those of us who have placed our hope and trust in Jesus, we rejoice that our salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed (Romans 13:11). But for those of us who have never placed our trust in Jesus, the Day of Judgment is drawing nigh.

The Bible warns that “no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account” (Hebrews 4:13). Our God is love and desires that we receive his grace and mercy by turning to Him.

May we all live each passing day with the hope and expectancy of eternal life.

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.

Unopened Gift

By Pastor Robert Jewett

2 Corinthians 9:15 – Thanks be to God for his inexpressible gift!

Pastor Robert Jewett Word of Truth Community ChurchEvery year Christmas comes and goes like a season. While many celebrate the festive occasion with gift giving, Christians gather to celebrate an even greater gift, Jesus our Savior. The greatest gift of salvation was given to mankind through Jesus Christ (Romans 6:23, Ephesians 2:8-9).

With much of the attention on shopping and gift giving, the remembrance of Christ has slowly faded from the “holy-day.” Families gather to exchange gifts and a meal together but often forget the greatest gift of all. While they may enjoy receiving the latest gadget or trendy clothing, they neglect the gift that won’t break or go out of style.

Although the season of Christmas may come and go, Christ’s gift of eternal life is available 24/7/365. There is no greater love, no greater gift than someone laying down his life for another. Jesus has done this for you!

May this gift not go unopened this Christmas! Remember, Jesus is the reason for the season. Merry Christmas!

We invite you to join us for Christmas Eve Service at 7 p.m.

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.

 

Eastvale: Why Go to Church?

BY PASTOR ROBERT JEWETT

Pastor Robert Jewett Word of Truth Community ChurchWhile many people go to church for varying reasons, many others do not go to church for just as many reasons. Biblically speaking, it is the body of believers who are the church…not the building where they gather. This begs the question, “Why should anyone go to church?”

While many will argue, “I don’t have to go to church to be a Christian,” the reality is that going to church should strengthen our faith and encourage us to walk as Jesus walked. The Bible says, “Let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near,” (Hebrews 10:24-25). Hence, going to church is about being built up in the Lord.

Going to church gives opportunity for individual believers to be encouraged and to encourage others. With all the cares of this world, it is easy to get our minds focused on anything but the Lord. By going to church, we are instructed in God’s Word, encouraged by fellow believers, and refocused on what truly matters.

For more information about Word of Truth Community Church, visit http://www.wordoftruthcc.com.

Desiring God?

BY PASTOR ROBERT JEWETT

Pastor Robert Jewett Word of Truth Community ChurchSearch me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting! (Psalm 139:23–24).

David, a man whom God declared was a man after His own heart (1 Samuel 13:14), desired to live righteously before God. With his eyes fixed on the Lord, David welcomed God’s correction in his life. David understood that God knew every detail about him and that there was nothing that he could hide from the Lord (Psalm 139:1-16). Thus, he willingly opened himself up for correction and discipline from the Lord.

Correction and discipline are never a pleasant experience: “For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it,” (Hebrews 12:11). We are instructed not to “despise the Lord’s discipline or be weary of his reproof, for the Lord reproves him whom he loves, as a father the son in whom he delights” (Proverbs 3:11-12).

In response to the Father’s love, pray today and ask Him to search you and know you, to reveal any wicked way in you, and to lead you in the way everlasting.

 

Pastor Rob Jewett is with the Word of Truth Community Church. For more information about Word of Truth Community Church, visit http://www.wordoftruthcc.com.

 

Be Ready

BY PASTOR ROBERT JEWETT

Pastor Robert Jewett Word of Truth Community ChurchThe Bible is very clear that we need to “be ready” for Jesus’ return, as there will be no time upon His arrival to “get ready” (Matthew 24:37-39, 25:31-46). Upon His arrival, those who are living in obedience to Him will receive eternal life, but those who are living a life of disobedience to Him will receive his wrath and fury (John 3:36, Romans 2:6-8). We also know that he is coming at an hour that we do not expect, like a thief in the night (1 Thessalonians 5:2, 2 Peter 3:10). Thus, his coming could be at any time, so it is paramount that we know what it means to “be ready”.

The foundation to being ready is that we have repented from our sins and have placed our faith in Jesus as Savior and Lord (Mark 1:15, Acts 2:38, Romans 10:9-10). Once we have done that, we must understand that we are no longer darkness, but are now light in the Lord.  So we must begin to walk as children of light (Ephesians 5:8). The Bible gives much practical instruction on what it looks like to be walking in the light.

Please consider joining us as we continue to study through the book of Romans and looking at this practical instruction. For more information about Word of Truth Community Church, visit http://www.wordoftruthcc.com.

 

Eastvale: Absolute Truth

BY PASTOR ROB JEWETT

Pastor Robert Jewett Word of Truth Community ChurchSince God is love (1 Jn. 4:8), his attributes are absolutely wonderful.  David described God this way, “The LORD is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. The LORD is good to all, and his mercy is over all that he has made” (Ps. 145:8-9).  One way God has demonstrated these amazing qualities is by giving us his word…the Bible.

God’s word is truth and endures forever:  “The sum of your word is truth, and every one of your righteous rules endures forever” (Ps. 119:160). Since God’s word is truth, all of his precepts are trustworthy (Ps. 111:7).  In a world dominated by relativism, it is absolutely critical to realize that absolute truth still exists.  God’s truth does not change based upon people’s opinions or emotions.  It remains firmly fixed forever (Ps. 119:89).

In response to God’s absolute truth, we should cherish his word…study his word…and abide in his word!  As a result, our lives will be lived out in faithfulness and uprightness and will be pleasing to the Lord.  Please consider joining us as we study God’s word verse by verse together.

For more information about Word of Truth Community Church, visit wordoftruthcc.com or call (909) 235-WORD.