I have been so blessed to be a part of Rancho Baptist Church since 1993.  There have definitely been some really good times over the years.  Yet, as is the case in any family there have been some tough times too.  I praise God that we have had more good times than bad.  That being said, there is always one area in which we can count on the devil trying to destroy the church from the inside out, and that is in the area of relationships.  Satan always wants to stir up division and destroy unity.

Therefore, we must continually guard against division and be diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.  I love the picture that Paul gives us of the church.

(Romans 12:4-5) “For just as we have many members in one body and all the members do not have the same function, so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.”

(1 Corinthians 12:14-20) “For the body is not one member, but many.  If the foot says, “Because I am not a hand, I am not a part of the body,” it is not for this reason any the less a part of the body.  And if the ear says, “Because I am not an eye, I am not a part of the body,” it is not for this reason any the less a part of the body.  If the whole body were an eye, where would the hearing be? If the whole were hearing, where would the sense of smell be?  But now God has placed the members, each one of them, in the body, just as He desired.  If they were all one member, where would the body be?  But now there are many members, but one body.”

How can a body function properly if the left leg isn’t working in unison with the right?  We are one body, and we are to treat one another with love and respect.  How can we complain about those in the body if we truly understand that God has placed each one of them just as He desired?  We can’t!

One area in particular that I have seen the enemy gain ground and cause some havoc is the issue of cliques in the church.  I am convinced that cliques are not a good thing.  Biblical love for one another would rule out cliquishness in our church family.  But just what is a clique?  The dictionary defines it as “a small, exclusive group of friends or associates.  The word that I want us to focus on is “exclusive.”  An exclusive group is the kind that makes it clear who is “in” and who is “out”.  It’s a group that never let’s anyone into their inner circle, and outsiders readily see that they are never going to be accepted.  It’s a group that is focused on the “us”, and couldn’t care less about the “them.”  These kind of groups are definitely destructive to the church body.

On the other hand, just because a few people get along and spend time together that doesn’t make them a clique.  I often remind people that Jesus had a multitude traveling with Him, but He also had a smaller group of about 70 at times.   Furthermore, we all know about the 12 Apostles that He spent much of His time with, but He also had an even closer relationship with Peter, James and John.  It might even be argued that Jesus had an even closer relationship with John whom Scripture labels as “that disciple whom Jesus loved.” (John 21:7)

All this to say, I hope and pray that everyone here at RBC recognizes that they are a part of the body of Christ and you have been placed here by God just as He desired.  Enjoy the fellowship and the unity with the rest of the body at RBC.  But be on your guard.  Inevitably, there will come a time when you aren’t invited to a party or a get together, and you will feel left out.  I know that can be difficult to swallow because it has happened to me.  As a result, Satan will want me to get easily offended and begin to question friendships.  He will tempt me to become insecure and focus on feelings of rejection.   It is in those times that I have to tell myself that it’s okay.  It’s good for people to get together, and I don’t have to be invited every time someone has a gathering.  I can still praise God for unity and fellowship that my church family has.  I want to encourage friendships to grow whether I’m part of it or not because it’s all for God’s glory.

So may you be encouraged as you grow in your relationship to the Lord and to others here at RBC!

In His Service,

Pastor Erik Keeling

• Adding 1,950 sq. ft. on to the east end of the sanctuary.  The additional space will expand our sanctuary seating capacity from 200 to 430 chairs.  It will also maintain adequate storage space and provide a home for a portable baptistry.

• Adding 220 sq. ft. to our existing sanctuary restrooms as well as completely remodeling them.

• Providing for a dedicated cry room.

• Removing our existing gazebo and adding a 160 sq. ft. permanent Information Center.

  If you would like more information about the progress of our building project, please contact Pastor Lew at 951-676-2911.

Created and produced by Alan Marsala on Vimeo.

A CHURCH THAT TAKES GOD AND HIS WORD SERIOUSLY.

God matters…period. There is no thing and no one that matters more.  He is the all-powerful, all-knowing, omnipresent, infinite, unchanging, sovereign Lord of all.  He does not exist for us.  We exist for Him, and we all have to answer to Him (Heb. 4:13). In light of this, I would make sure that I go to a church that makes much about God and His Son, Jesus Christ.  The worship service (regardless of style) must be God-centered and God-honoring.  The pastor must preach God’s Word, the whole Word, and nothing but the Word.  And among the congregation, there should be a humble and holy reverence for the Lord in all things.

A CHURCH THAT MAKES EVANGELISM AND MISSIONS A PRIORITY.

Before Jesus ascended to heaven, He left His followers with these clear instructions:

Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you.  (Matthew 28:19-20).

This is commonly referred to as “The Great Commission.”  It is a church’s responsibility to continue the work that was started back in the 1st century.  Both near and far, there are millions of people who desperately need to hear the message of salvation that is found in Jesus Christ alone (Acts 4:13).  A faithful church will be careful to spread the good news in its own local community and around the world.

A CHURCH THAT LOVES PEOPLE WHOLEHEARTEDLY.

Jesus said, “By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:35).  One of the marks of a great church is that it truly loves and cares for people of all shapes and sizes and ages and stages.  A church can have dynamic preaching, incredible music, and a ton of programs, but if it does not have love, it has nothing (I Corinthians 13).

My hope is that you find Rancho Baptist Church to be the kind of church as I have described above.  We are committed to following our Lord Jesus Christ, and we want our church to glorify Him in every way.  I invite you to join us for a worship service.  I’m also available to talk.  Please give me a call at the church office (951-676-2911) or drop me an email at matthsieh@yahoo.com.  And thanks for stopping by the RBC Website!

Serving the King,

Pastor Matt

6:15 – 8:00pm

Don’t miss this exciting Children’s program with handbooks, team challenges,  scripture memorization, wild games and awesome lessons.

A puggle is a term for a baby platypus.  In Awana circles, Puggles is an enriching children’s program for 2 year olds.  Puggles learn simple lessons through teaching cards, activities, music and more.  We encourage parents (a Puggle’s first and best teacher) to step in and reinforce the lessons with take-home cards.

Cubbies is for pre-schoolers, ages 3-4.  We  use games, crafts, story time and other activities to reach kids for Christ.  The handbook includes activities for parents to interact with their children at home.

Sparks is for children, K-2nd grade.  Fun and learning are combined to present a clear Gospel message.  Student earn patches, pins, and jewels to add to their uniforms as they progress through their handbooks.  In three years, a child will learn and memorize 107 verses.

Truth & Training is for students 3rd-5th grade.  Each club night includes handbook time, interactive group lessons, and games.  The students add to their uniforms and compete in team challenges as they complete their handbooks.  Students learn and memorize approximately 300 verses.  The goal of this program is to train the leaders of tomorrow today.

*Nursey, Puggles and Cubbies is only available for parents of AWANA workers or parents who attend a weekly Bible study.

Awana Schedule • 2011/2012

November 18-19 • Truth & Training Lock-In

November 23 • No Awana (Thanksgiving Break)

December 21  • No Awana (Christmas Break)

December 28  • No Awana (Christmas Break)

January 4  • Awana Resumes

January 18  • Awana @ Sky High

March 14  • Grand Prix

April 4  • No Awana (Easter Break)

May 23  • Awana Award Night (Last night of club)

Noel Trout – Awana Commander

Nathan Ream – Awana Co-Commander