Last month, Pastor Matt asked all of us to consider how we are doing in our personal times with the Lord.  As Pastor Matt indicated, these times alone with Him are a critical part of growing in the likeness of Jesus.  The Apostle Paul certainly believed this and taught the church inCorinth:

“But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as from the Lord, the Spirit.”  (2 Corinthians 3:18)

Dwelling in the Lord’s presence, as He reveals Himself in the pages of Scripture, brings about transformation into His likeness.  We are transformed from one degree of glory to another by the Spirit of God.

In order to provide some helpful direction for spending time alone with the Lord, click on the link below to download a format for an extended time in the Lord’s presence.  Instructions on how to use it are included.

Extended Time with the Lord (doc)

As a pastoral staff, we regularly use this format (or something similar) and spend 3 to 4 hours alone with the Lord.  We have found that spending extended time in the Lord’s presence, allowing Him to speak through His word, causes the things of this world to recede into the background.  He exposes sin in our lives, refreshes us, and fills us full of His joy.  Truly, in His presence is the fullness of joy (Psalm16:11)!

I would challenge each of you to set aside 2-3 hours one day this month.  Find a quiet place where you will not be interrupted or distracted, take your Bible, a pen, a notebook, and the attached guide.  Then spend an extended time with the Lord.  I believe you will be surprised how the Lord will meet you and minister to you.  If you have any questions or desire further help, feel free to contact me at church.

May you find, as David did, that “…in the shadow of Your wings I sing for joy.”  (Psalm 63:7b)

Pastor Lew

• 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

November 11-13 • Alpine Camp & Conference Center   $150

CALLING ALL MEN!!  Come and join us up in the mountains for a time of spiritual growth and renewal.  We are tackling the important topic of humility.  Let’s break down those walls of pride and pursue God with a broken and contrite spirit.

Activities:  Flag Football, High Ropes Course, Disc Golf, Hiking, Mountain Biking, Reading, Sleeping, Eating, etc.

What to Bring:  Sleeping bag, warm clothes, bathroom supplies, $$, tasty snacks, bible, pen, pillow, cleats for flag football, flashlight, play clothes, favorite board game, cans of Dr. Pepper, and anything else you want  (NO LINENS ARE PROVIDED).

Registration is now open.  For more info, contact Pastor Erik Keeling at 676-2911 or erik_keeling@hotmail.com.

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