Having Faith: The Southwest Voice

Who I am makes a difference (Part 2)

As we take Jesus in our boat (John 6:18-21). He becomes our peace which will guard our hearts and thoughts from todays troubles and anxieties:

*Philippians 4: 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses every man's understanding will guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus.

(Phil 4: 7 Footnote 1) The result of practicing fellowship with God in prayer is that we enjoy the peace of God. The peace of God is actually God as peace (Phil 4:9) infused into us through our fellowship with Him by prayer, as the counterpoise to troubles and the antidote to anxiety (John 16:33)

(Phil 4:7 Footnote 2) Or, mount guard over. The God of peace patrols before our hearts and thoughts in Christ, keeping us calm and tranquil.

(Phil 4:7 Footnote 2) The heart is the source; the thoughts are the issue

* Bible versus/footnotes are taken from the New Testament Recovery Version "Study Bible", if you would like to order your "FREE" NT RcV Study Bible, please visit www.biblesforamerica.org

.....His Word Runs Very Swiftly

Bibles for America ~ Let His Word Run 2008

~ Help us spread the Word of God - a Bible at a tme ~

" ... that the word of the Lord may run and be glorified, even as it is also with you" 2 Th 3:1

"He sends forth His command to the earth;
His word runs very swiftly" Psalms 147:15

To request your FREE copy, please visit www.biblesforamerica.org

Who I Am Makes A Difference

In today's anxious society, we need to turn our being to the only "One" who can understand our situation/condition. We need to take Him into the boat.

*Matthew 6:34 Therefore do not be anxious for tomorrow for tomorrow will be anxious for itself; sufficient for the day is its own evil.

*John 6:18-21 And because a strong wind was blowing, the sea was churning. 19 Then, when they had rowed twenty-five or thirty stadia, they saw Jesus walking on the sea and coming near the boat, and they became frightened. 20 But He said to them, It is I. Do not be afraid. 21 Then they were willing to take Him into the boat; and immediately the boat was at the land to which they were going.

(John 6: 18 Footnote 1) The churning of the sea signifies the troubles in human life.

(John 6: 19 Footnote 2) This signifies that the Lord can overrule all the troubles of human life. He can walk on the troubling waves of human life, and all the troubles are under His feet.

(John 6: 21 Footnote 1) We need to take the Lord into "our" boat (our married life, our family, our business, etc.) and enjoy peace with Him on the journey of human life.

* Bible versus are taken from the New Testament Recovery Version "Study Bible", if you would like to order your "FREE" NT RcV Study Bible, please visit www.biblesforamerica.org

Olive Knolls Church Invites Families to a Jerusalem Marketplace

"This year we're transforming our church into the Bible times city of Jerusalem," says Pastor Debbie Hansen. "Our Jerusalem Marketplace program will provide fun, memorable Bible-learning activities for families. Each day kids and adults will join with a small group that's named after one of the 12 tribes of Israel. These family Tribes will come together for singing and then explore traditional Bible-times family life. They might visit the Synagogue school, play authentic games, or sample Middle Eastern snacks. Families will even explore the Jerusalem Marketplace where they'll become apprentices in the Pottery Shop and make dreidels in the Carpentry Shop."

"Jerusalem Marketplace is an exciting way for everyone to learn more about the amazing things Jesus did, " says Pastor Debbie. "And the best part is that they learn by becoming immersed in authentic Bible-times culture. Kids and adults will witness real-life dramas in the center of town, chat with shopkeepers about what Jesus has said and done, and discover what it was like to live when Jesus did. We hope Jerusalem Marketplace will make God's Word very real to the people in our community."

Jerusalem Marketplace begins on Monday, August 4th and continues through Thursday, August 7th. Meet at Olive Knolls Church, 6201 Fruitvale Ave each day from 6:15 pm until 8:15 pm. For information, call 661-399-3303 or visit https://www.oliveknolls.com.

St. John's Lutheran Church is Proud to Present SonWorld Adventure Park VBS

Kids already saying "I'm bored"? Need a morning break from the kids? Are your co-workers wishing they knew what to do with their kids to keep them busy? Do the neighborhood kids think your house is entertainment central? Planning a family "togetherness trip" for the Fourth of July and need solitude and peace when you return? Look no further: Come to VBS!

Vacation Bible School is a faith-filled, fun week-long adventure with friends, old and new! This year St. John's Lutheran Church Children’s Ministry is proud to present Gospel Light’s SonWorld Adventure Park VBS.

At SonWorld Adventure Park children will:

Learn to make good choices and how to choose Jesus!
Play action games!
Make cool crafts!
Eat yummy snacks!
Watch hilarious skits!
Ride a virtual roller coaster!
Get a FREE SonWorld Adventure Park t-shirt!
Session one –July 14-July 18, 8:30 a.m.-noon
Session two –July 21-July 25, 8:30 a.m. –noon
VBS is free of charge

Hold on to your hats – it is going to be an exciting ride!!!

This amazing VBS is taking place at St. John's Lutheran Church, 4500 Buena Vista Road, for two identical sessions. Choose either session to attend.

Children age 4 (pre-K) through those entering the sixth grade are eligible to attend. As an added bonus, children can download a free sing-along CD from our church website. To enroll your children, please call the church office at
661-665-7815, or visit the Web site at: www.sjlchurch.org

We hope to see you there!

Children’s Ministry Team

Layman’s Corner

Upon leaving the Constitutional Convention at its close in 1787, Benjamin Franklin was asked whether the Founding Fathers had decided on a monarchy or a republic. Franklin responded, “A republic, if you can keep it.”

I think Franklin may have been somewhat of a prophet. A lot is made in the Christian community (of which I am a born-again member) about how the Founding Fathers were Bible-believing Christians. They may have been, but don’t believe for an instant that they were intending to establish a Christian nation. Their intentions were to escape the religious persecution of England. They established exactly what they intended — a democracy, not a theocracy. Freedom of religion is at the core of their beliefs, even freedom from religion if that is what an individual decides. But now religion and politics have somehow forged a very strange alliance.

We question a person’s religion as a deciding factor in whether he or she is fit for office. What that often leads to is a plethora of political speeches ending with, “God bless America” — which almost takes on the tone of nothing more than “Good night and good luck.” George Bush is allegedly a born-again believer. Has that guided him in the best decisions for this nation?

City Councilwoman Jacquie Sullivan spearheaded a campaign that put patriotic posters, including the phrase “In God We Trust” into high school classrooms. Sullivan is a wonderful person and public servant, I know her. But here is the problem. If the intention is to some how get God into the classroom this way, the campaign failed. The only way God will ever get into the classroom is in the hearts and minds of students and faculty. Plus, won’t most Christians say that the God they serve is different than the gods of other religions?

I’m a Christian. I love the Lord. So here’s a motto you can put on a bumper sticker instead of all those “God Bless America” — how about one that says, “America, Bless God”?

Old Ben had the right idea. The great thing about democracy is that people have the freedom to do just about anything they want. The problem with democracy is that people have the freedom to do just about anything they want.

Vacation Bible School starts June 9

"Surfing through the Scriptures" is the theme for the First Congregational Church-UCC Vacation Bible School, June 9-13 at the church at 5 Real Rd. (at Stockdale Highway and Real Road). Classes from 6-8:30 p.m. will include Bible stories and crafts. The fee will be $10 per child. Parents should call Jill Rodriguez at 587-0168 for more information.

Let His Word Run 2008

Bibles for America

~ Spreading the interpreted Word Across America - a Bible at a time ~

- Help us spread the Word - We would like to give over 10,000 FREE New Testament RcV through out Bakersfield by the end of 2008. Currently, we have given away 1,165 FREE New Testament RcV.

To request your FREE New Testament Recovery Version, please visit www.biblesforamerica.org or click here

About Us

The threefold mission of Bibles for America is to (1) disseminate free copies of the New Testament Recovery Version and Christian literature, (2) facilitate home-based gatherings for Bible recipients to fellowship and to study the Scriptures, and (3) educate Bible readers regarding both the fundamental and deeper truths in the holy Word.

Description

Bibles for America's unique gift offer is the New Testament Recovery Version, a Bible that is accurately translated from the original languages into modern, readable English. It features interpretative aids such as over 9,000 extensive footnotes, 13,000 cross-references, maps, charts, and outlines that stress spiritual light and life supply in addition to providing a clear understanding of the divine revelation in the holy Word.

Start Making Your Summer Plans With Christ's Church of the Valley

Yes, seriously, that time of year is already upon us again. The kids have that summer itch and can't wait to get out of school. You are entertaining your annual thoughts of petitioning the school district to change to a year-round schedule, and the summer calendar starts to take shape.

As you juggle the scouting trips, the sports camps, the family vacations and visits from out-of-town relatives, you might want to consider a week of taking it easy. Stay local for a few days. Christ's Church of the Valley invites your children, going into kindergarten through 5th grade, to the "Avalanche Ranch" week of vacation Bible school June 2-6.

Ranchers will be treated to great games, crafts, snacks and friendships, all while discovering God's love on a wild ride through His word. Children will also have the opportunity to support AMOR ministries and feed hungry children in Mexico. Registration begins Sunday, May 4th and will continue through the week of "Avalanche Ranch," as space permits. Spots are limited so don't wait! Contact the church office to register or for more information, if your questions are not answered here:

When: June 2-6 9am - Noon

Where: Christ's Church of the Valley, 13701 Stockdale Hwy, 661-588-2268

Cost: $15 per child/$40 immediate family maximum (Includes, T-shirt, crafts, snacks and fun)

Who: All kids ENTERING kindergarten through 5th grade in Fall 2008

Sudanese children bring music to Bakersfield

First Congregational Church at 5 Real Rd. is hosting the children’s Voices of Sudan International Choir at a concert in the sanctuary of the church at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, April 23. The choir is touring California with the goal of traveling to Sacramento to bring awareness of their homeland and its urgent needs.

There will be opportunities for people attending to sign cards to send to refugee families in Darfur, Sudan and to decorate a refugee tent, which will be on display in the state capitol as part of the Tents of Hope campaign. Decorated tents will then go to Washington, D.C. to be displayed on the National Mall in September. (See tentsofhope.org) Guests may also choose to support the Angels Over Africa Mission.

For more information contact FCC Youth Director Nancy Bacon (327-1609).

Journey to the Cross

Canyon Hills Jr. High students experienced Easter in a very real way this year as they took turns carrying a wooden cross. They journeyed on Thursday night from Canyon Hills Church to California Animal Living Museum (CALM) and back to Canyon Hills for a time of Worship and some games.

Then on Friday morning they started out toward City in the Hills and cross over Highway 178 and headed through the fields to the 3 Crosses at the top of the hill at Kern Canyon Road across from Hillcrest for a time of prayer then return with the cross to Canyon Hills Church for Good Friday Service.

Easter Celebration at Bakersfield First Church

The kids at Bakersfield First Church had a great time at church on Easter. The kids had their traditional Sunday School lessons, then they were treated to some skits with live actors and puppets and then we did some crafts and enjoyed an egg hunt with over 900 eggs!

Some other fun children's activities that are now being planned are:

1st Annual Bekka Potter Basketball Camp taught by Coach Kyle Wylie of South High (June 16-20th),

Vacation Bible School - Theme is: "Son World Adventure Park" and is for ages 4 years thru 6th grade (June 23-27th from 6:30-8:45 pm)

If you do not have a church to call home, we would love to have you come and join us! Sunday service time is 9:15 a.m. and Sunday School is at 11:00 a.m. Please call Bakersfield First Church @ 832-2145 for more information.

Happy Birthday, Pastor Larry Wylie

Pastor Larry Wylie is the Senior Pastor at Bakersfield First Church. He will be celebrating his birthday on April 16th. Happy Birthday Big Lar!

Layman’s Corner

I’ve been a Christian for 19 years now. I became a Christian in December of 1988. It happened about 1 a.m., while watching television. Who says there’s nothing good on TV? I had gotten home after working the late news shift and was doing a little channel surfing. I landed on the Trinity Broadcasting Network, TBN, where a guy named Hal Lindsey was talking about his book, “The Late Great Planet Earth,” about how current events and other things relate to the Book of Revelation. Lindsey was interesting, so I stayed tuned.

After talking about his book, Lindsey gave the invitation, the altar call. I don’t remember his exact words, but the gist of what he said was that we’re all sinners, Jesus died for our sins and you need to accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior in order to get to heaven. So there I was, all alone in my living room at about one in the morning, and I heard a voice, not a still small voice, an audible voice that said, “Rusty, this man is telling you the truth.”

I broke down and started crying, but I didn’t cry tears of joy or tears of sadness. I think I cried tears of relief. I was one of so many people who wondered why am I here, why was I born and where do I go when I die? In an instant, in the twinkling of an eye, all those questions were answered. In an instant, I knew that God was real, that Jesus was real, and that the Bible was true. So I said the prayer with Hal Lindsey, and just to make sure, I called the number at the bottom of the TV screen and said a prayer with the woman who answered the phone. That night I became a Christian. That night I learned the truth.

Comparing true church criterion

The word “church” is from the Greek word “ekklesia.” It’s made from two words “kaleo,” which means called, and “ek,” meaning out. It refers to those who have been “called out.”

There can be only one true church as there is only one Christ. In Matt 16:15 when Peter said “Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God,” Jesus proclaimed that “upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.”

Any “church” built upon a foundation other than “Christ, the Son of the living God,” is not Christ’s church. A 501(c)(3) church is “re-venued” back into the jurisdiction of the prince of this world, and becomes a vassal to the very forces whose goal is to disarm Christ’s church.

Here are the 10 commandments from the federal government, the lord of the 501(c)(3) church:

I. Thou shalt not attempt to influence legislation either directly or indirectly.
II. Thou shalt not talk to legislators about legislation.
III. Thou shalt not engage in activities related to non-legislative decisions.
IV. Thou shalt not make available the results of nonpartisan studies.
V. Thou shalt not respond to requests to testify before legislative committees.
VI. Thou shalt not support or oppose political candidates.
VII. Thou shalt not engage in partisan political campaign activities.
VIII. Thou shalt not distribute partisan “voter education” information.
IX. Thou shalt not attempt to persuade the public on candidates or issues.
X. Thou shalt not allow your facilities to campaign for candidates.

By contrast, a free church is immune from all government-made rules, regulations, codes and statutes!

Luke 16:13 tells us that “No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other.”

A 501(c)(3) “church” has agreed to honor the prince of this world, and his rules. They have removed the armor of a Christian (Ephesians 6) and have turned their swords into plowshares before the victory is won. Unarmed and vulnerable, they are a liability to Christ’s purpose to assault the gates of the enemy.

I’ve heard it said that “healthy sheep reproduce,” but these sheep have made themselves eunuchs in Christ’s flock. Matthew 22:14 says, “many are called, but few are chosen,” and of these it can truly be said that many are cold, and a few are frozen.