teaching

...Adventure! 2022

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In the 1983 moving Never Cry Wolf (based on a true story) an inexperienced government researcher named Farley Mowat was being transported by a bush pilot named Rosie to the Alaskan wilderness. In flight the frozen cold is causing the engine to falter and stall. Rosie startsreaching for a tool box, finding a wrench, begins to open the door of the failing plane. As he dos Rosie looks at Farley and says, “You know what the answer is to boredom?…ADVENTURE!. He tells Fowley to take the wheel and proceeds to hang out the door while hammering on the sputtering engine until it returns to full power. Farley stares in amazement and fear.

Well I am on a new adventure. For some pastors reaching their 60’s comes thoughts and planning of requirement. Or they are happy pastoring where they are at and never pay any mind that there is more for them. Not for this pastor. Over the past few years there has been steps taken to raise up a young man and staff that are mature and capable to lead their ministries. This now has allowed me to begin a new chapter of service to the Lord that has opened to me.

Churches and pastors. This new door includes more travel. I am already assisting a church out of state to get re-established as it has been without a pastor for some time. I am advising and teaching as well as involved in the search for a new pastor. I continue to minister out of the country to pastors and leaders in other lands. but even more and with a purpose to encourage discipleship of their church members for the work of the ministry. I am sure I will be coming along side the missionaries of CC Perris Valley but also supporting others.

Publications; An added focus is the publication of discipleship materials for churches in the USA and those in foreign lands. Presently editing is in the works for my first book that will be translated in Vietnamese, Haitian and Spanish. I have established discipleship classes at CC Perris Valley and previously at CC Moreno Valley that will soon become a workbook for churches and mission teams. I have already had contact with some missionaries who are seeking such a book to send to teams in preparation for short-term mission trips to their country.

So there is a lot going on. It is an adventure. Your prayers are appreciated. If you want to know more Contact Me. If you want to support me in my travel and publication expenses you can Support Me.

Leading like Jesus

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I recall a story of a friend that was the air-conditioning contractor for Calvary Chapel’,s then newly purchased, conference center in Murrietta, CA. He shared how pastor Chuck Smith regularly came with tool belt on hip and dressed in his work clothes to join in the remodeling, restoring and refurbishing  of the historical complex. He was so impressed the example of a pastor who didn’t mind getting his hands dirty with the workers demonstrating the heart to lead by example. 

If we pastors desire to follow Jesus as the leader/shepherd he is we would be spending a great deal more of our time with our people showing them how ministry is done. The Law told God’s people how to behave and act and serve. When Jesus came he did so in “Word and Deed” (Lk 24:19).  He personally demonstrated how to behave, act and serve to his disciples and the world.

I believe the apostle Paul followed this model with Silas, Timothy and others who joined him. They watched and participated with him while receiving instruction and teaching along the way.  he lived out before them the Christian and servant life for them to follow.

A pastor in defending his absence, might refer to Acts 6, where men were chosen to do the practical delivery of food to the widows so that they, apostles, could place their attention to the word and prayer.  But is their absence following the example of Jesus who didn’t only speak of the way but led the way. 

Jesus’ style of discipleship is not a leading from behind but from a position ahead so those following can watch and learn from our word and deed.   So if you are a “pastor” or even a “church leader,” time to show your people how and not just say how. Whether it is going door to door, a mission trip, a hospital visit, or other act of service, remember the clear example of Jesus. AS Paul stated, “Follow me as I follow Christ, (1Cor 11:1).

Blessings
pBob

JESUS Doctrine Series

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Jesus Doctrine - Listen Here

There are plenty of name dropping of Jesus these days from religious philosophers, personal opinions of celebs or the political candidates. Jesus is quoted at best but often referred to as their proponent in some agenda. But what did Jesus really say and what did he mean? Who was he speaking to and why? How does what he said relate to us today? What is wonderful is that his words were recorded for us to read and learn from. The vary purpose of this series is to learn from Jesus what is important to us and to lead s to cut away the fat of personal opinions and perspectives that do not align with him. Hope you are encouraged and built-up as you listen.

pastor Bob

5 part Series on Grace has been uploaded

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Go to Grace

I just completed a five part series on the topic of Grace that I taught at our Wednsesday night Bible Fellowship.  Grace isn't just found in the New Testament but is throughout the Bible narrative.  Grace was shown to Noah and then to Abraham and so the law of grace existed before the law of Moses was given at Mt. Sinai. Grace was understood by David and transformed Saul, the persecutor of the church, who became the apostle Paul.  Grace frees the sinner and empowers the Saint and this grace only comes through a faith in Jesus Christ.  These messages cover this and more and I pray that they encourage and minister to you as much as it did me in teaching them.

pBob