Felton Bible Church

Thoughts on the Lord’s Table

Church — Sun, 04 May 2008 16:30:24 +0000

This first Sunday of Pastor Randy’s sabbatical month was devoted to extended worship and to celebrating the Lord’s table. Dr. George Walter gave us some brief thoughts on the Passion week and communion.

Holy FOB, Batman!

Pastor Randy — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 17:25:50 +0000

I FIRST ENCOUNTERED F.O.B. while attending the Camper in Leadership Training (C.I.L.T.) program at Mount Hermon Christian Conference Center’s Redwood Camp. The acronym F.O.B. stood for Flat on Back or Flat on Bunk. It described the time, right after lunch, when all campers were required to take a period of rest. In retrospect I came to see that it was a time more for the counselors, than for the campers. But whatever the underlying motive, its direct purpose was to get everybody to stop, rest, and get ready for the fun-filled (and often exhausting) afternoon events at Redwood Camp. Whoever designed F.O.B. should get a medal!
God, in His divine wisdom, created a F.O.B. for His children. In the Scriptures, it’s called Sabbath. The Heavenly Father knew that we, His children, would need regular “time-outs” lest we live lives that would lead us to a God-imposed time-out in the corner. God’s creation of Sabbath, as our Lord Jesus Christ pointed out (Mark 2:27) was for our own good. It was something that we all need on a very regular basis. Sabbath is not a curse, it is a celebration of God’s provision, peace and presence.
This week begins a month-long Sacred F.O.B. for me, but this very graciously offered sabbatical is more than just a month of hammock swinging F.O.B. It is designed to be a time for consciously, consistently sitting at the feet of the Master. (Luke 10:38-42) It is a time for long periods of prayer and study. A time, like the F.O.B.’s of Redwood Camp, will hopefully prepare me for the exciting and exhausting days of ministry which lay ahead. Thank you for allowing me this very important time with the Lord.
Speaking of rest, you can rest assured that in my absence the work of the Kingdom will continue on here at FBC. God has provided some great brothers and sisters to carry on the work, to preach His Word, and to minister to your need. Rest in His provision and enjoy both His peace and presence.
And as we said in the 70’s, “I’ll see ya, Here! There! Or in the Air!”

Church — Sun, 27 Apr 2008 16:30:10 +0000

A parting message on the Sabbath from Pastor Randy as he prepares to leave us for a month’s sabbatical.

Youth Ministries

Church — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 23:01:21 +0000

Sunday Mornings 6th-12th Grade in the Hut
at Felton Bible Church 11-12pm

Sunday Night 12th grade-30 ish for R.A.W. (real authentic worship) at the small Mt. Hermon Chapel on Conference Drive in Mt. Hermon. 7-8pm

Monday Nights for Young Life 7:31-8:30pm
174 Nelson Rd. Scotts Valley

Tuesday Nights 6th-8th grade in the Hut
at Felton Bible Church 6:30-8pm

Wednesday Nights 9th-12th grade in the Hut
at Felton Bible Church 6:30-8:30pm

Monday Afternoons 6th-8th grade Girls Small Group at Felton Bible Church 3-4pm

Felton Bible Church is located at
5999 Graham Hill Road
Felton, CA

For more information
call
831.335.3418
email
trinity@feltonbiblechurch.org

Vacation Bible School

Church — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 18:54:04 +0000

Come join us as we seek out the great Supernatural Treasure and search for Truth this summer at Felton Bible Church!

Vacation Bible School is a FREE program for children ages 4 years to 6th grade. We’ll be doing all sorts of cool crafts, groovy games, super-duper songs, sensational stories, scrumptious snacks, and more!
This summer VBS will run from 9:00 am to Noon, June 16th through the 20th.
All activities will take place at Felton Bible Church, 5999 Graham Hill Road (at the Zayante, Graham Hill intersection), Felton, CA 95018.

REGISTER: Electronic forms are available on the Home Page for Felton Bible Church or feel free to call us at 831.335.3418.

A Man of His Word

Pastor Randy — Sun, 20 Apr 2008 23:11:44 +0000

HONESTLY, who wouldn’t want to be known as a “man, or woman, of their word?” It is one of the highest forms of honor to be known as a person of your word.
This past week a dear brother, Bruce Rinkert, passed away. Bruce was a man of his word. Or maybe it is better written, Bruce was a man of His Word. From the time I met Bruce, more than 30 years ago, I have only known him to be a man who loved the Lord, and loved the Lord’s Word. Bruce was the first “real live Gideon” I ever met. I had heard about those faithful men who passed out Bibles and who made sure hotel bed stands contained a copy of the Holy Word, but Bruce was the first I had the pleasure to met face-to-face.
Bruce loved to not only make sure the Word of God got “placed,” but that the Word of God got shared as well. You could not have been in Bruce’s presence long before he was lovingly sharing of the love of God. Whether it was to the youth at the detention facility on Graham Hill Road, or at a restaurant, or in his own hospital room, he lived to tell the old, old story, in the newness of every moment.
Bruce’s life, as of late, was not an easy one. But to spend time with him was not to hear of his troubles, but to hear him ask about your life, and the members of your family. Bruce cared, and Bruce prayed. Like Moses, if you took time to notice, you could see that he had been to the Mountain of the Lord. Even in the aged brokenness of his body, the radiance of God shown.
I shall miss Bruce. His stories, his concern, his love for God, his prayers. I am thankful to have known Bruce, a man of His Word. Oh, that we would all continue his legacy.

How The Body Works #2 - Acts 2:42-47

Church — Sun, 20 Apr 2008 16:30:18 +0000

Message #15 in the series It’s Hard to Believe.

Hot April Nights

Pastor Randy — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 03:09:31 +0000

WHEN THE TEMPERATURE COOLS to a balmy 95 degrees in the late evening, it’s time to move your sleeping gear outside. This is what my daughter, Krista does on those hot April nights in Burkina Faso. During the day the thermometer stretches to 110 in the shade, and then “cools” to the 90’s in the evening. When this happens Krista grabs her screen tent, sleeping pad and headlamp and settles down under her “hanger.” (think of a thatch-covered porch) It is a more comfortable way to sleep, but it’s not without its problems. Such was the case this past week.
In the middle of the night, while her head was filled with dreams of a pool-side retreat and an In-N-Out burger, she was awakened by a munching sound (and it was not her eating the burger). Peering into the darkness she made out the form of a huge bull. (Think Texas Long-Horn) It was enjoying her hanger as a midnight snack. (In-N-Out Burger Drive-thru, Bilam Perga style) Desirous of not frightening the evening intruder and becoming a dance floor for some crazed Burkinabe bull she made some rustling noises in hopes of discoursing her new roommate from any more evening consumption of her home. All turned out well.
So, what’s the lesson for us? (I haven’t the foggiest idea, but it’s a great story.) Truthfully, Krista’s midnight encounter reminds me of 1 Peter 5:8. “Your enemy, the Devil prowls around like a roaring lion seeking someone to devour.” Since this is true, Peter implores us to keep alert…to sleep with one eye open, as it were. And if we hear him munching away at our home we are called to resist him, by standing firm in our faith.
Remember this truth; often just when we are finally resting, the danger comes. So stay alert!

How the Body Works - Acts 2:42-47

Church — Sun, 13 Apr 2008 16:30:25 +0000

Message #14 in the series It’s Hard to Believe.

Walking with a Friend

Pastor Randy — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 18:06:17 +0000

WALKING WITH LINDA is one of the things I love most. It doesn’t matter too much where the walk takes place, though we both prefer traipsing through countryside that is less dominated by man-made structures. We can walk underneath the Redwoods, along West Cliff, or alongside a coastal meadow, it really doesn’t matter, it’s just the joy of walking together.

Sometimes we talk about work or family, sometimes we chat about life in general, and sometimes we just stroll together in quietness, soaking in both the silence and the scenery. Of course there are the moments of, “Hey, did you see that?” or “Take a look at this,” or “Why must people drop their trash!” Walking together allows us to see and learn in ways that would not be possible if we were to walk alone.

As disciples of Jesus Christ we are also on a walk, a journey if you like. A journey on which we do not travel alone. It is a journey in which we walk with the Spirit of God. Sometime the walk takes us through very mundane places, while at other times we meander through gorgeous countryside, and every once in awhile we traverse some dangerous places, but we never travel alone.

When we walk with the Holy Spirit we may travel in silence, or we may have a rip-roaring conversation. We may talk about life, or He might just point out the life that surrounds you.

Whatever it is, as we walk with the Spirit, our journey will become one God-sighting after another. As we travel the road before us, with the Spirit within us, we will often hear Him declare, “Hey, did you see that? That was God!”

Anyone care to take a walk?

The War Against Terrorism - Galatians 5 & 6, Ephesians 5:18

Church — Sun, 06 Apr 2008 16:30:52 +0000

Message #13 in the series It’s Hard to Believe.

DIDYASEEIT?

Pastor Randy — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 20:30:38 +0000

UNLESS YOU KNEW TO LOOK you would have missed it. Even knowing to look was no guarantee that you would see it. But, there it was, floating across the night sky, a small pinkish light, quite unassuming really, the International Space Station, in all its glory.
Wednesday evening, after our men’s Bible Study, we were conversing in church parking lot when someone said, “Hey, there it is.” Looking upward we all focused upon that tiny illuminated dot hurling across our portion of the night sky at a approximant speed of 17,500 miles per hour. Had we not been alerted to its potential arrival over our area (thanks, Duane) and had we not been gazing heavenward at the correct time, we would have missed it. Sure there wasn’t much to see, but the “cool factor” was still pretty high.
Jesus was once having a discussion about the final days, the days which would usher in God’s kingdom in its fullest measure. He told His followers to be alert, to be watching, for the “signs of the times,” and when they saw these “signs” to lift up their heads and look toward the heavens for their redemption would be drawing near. (Luke 21)
Jesus has made it clear to us, His followers, that He is returning, and that there would be evidences that would point to His return. He said there would be time for Bible study, and time for chatting in the parking lot, but we should also be keeping an eye to the sky, anticipating His promised return, and unlike the International Space Station, His return will not be just some momentary passing across a star-lit sky.
As we study and chat, wait and wonder, we are given the task of telling of Christ’s promised return. We have been given the charge to help direct eyes heavenward, in eager expectancy of the coming King of kings.
Are you looking up?

He Ain’t No Ghost - John 16

Church — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 16:30:42 +0000

Message #12 in the series It’s Hard to Believe.

DO-OVERS

Pastor Randy — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 16:55:50 +0000

THE CALL STILL ECHOES ACROSS THE PLAYGROUND, “I call Do-Overs!” It’s that magical phrase one utters when they have served the ball badly in games like four-square. Many a game has been saved through the declaration of those power-infused words.
Two-thousand years ago another set of power-infused set of words were uttered, words that would forever change the course of not only history, but time itself. Those words were, “He is not here, He has risen!” In some sense it was the God injected “Do-Over.” In, and through, the resurrection of Jesus, the Messiah, from the dead, God was declaring that we were given the grace-filled opportunity to start over again from all the previous bad starts.
Through the death of Jesus Christ upon the Cross the penalty of our sin was paid, and through His resurrection we have been granted new life. Jesus Himself has proclaimed, “Because I live, you too shall live.” (John 14:19) For those who place their faith, trust, hope, belief in the Person of Jesus a divine “do-over” is granted. The blessed gift of God’s grace is bestowed, and a new life is started. The Apostle Paul wrote, “Therefore if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” (2 Corinthians 5:17)
Are you in need of a “Do-Over” in your life? God’s gracious gift is still offered to you. There is no better day than today to receive that gift and begin anew.
The ball is in your court.

To Life! - Gospel of John

Church — Sun, 23 Mar 2008 16:30:37 +0000

For this Resurrection Sunday, L’chai-im! To life!

FOG

Pastor Randy — Sun, 16 Mar 2008 23:52:15 +0000

LIVING IN A FOG is not always a bad thing.
When a fog settles down upon our little valley a unique event takes place. Trees, usually lost among the forest, now stand in singular relief against the gray curtain of early morning mist. That which was once not seen, is now noticed. Though we often understand fog as that which obscures our sight, in reality it can help us to see.
A fog can also settle upon us emotionally. Our spirits feel damp and sullen, we move forward unsure of that which lies before us. We find ourselves living somewhere between the light of a new morning and the lingering night. But, just like the shroud that sometimes settles upon our valley, a spiritual and emotional fog can help us to see things in new relief.
The foggy days of our lives are times for us to focus upon that which we can see rather on that which we cannot. It is an opportunity for us to search more intently and to listen more carefully, for it may be during these times of shadow that we experience the closeness of God. It is often in the darkened gardens of prayer that the assurance of God’s presence can be felt most distinctly. As our Lord Jesus taught us through His prayers in the Garden of Gethsemane, calling out to God from the darkness and doubt of our lives allows us to see in stark relief that which was hidden in plain sight.
When faced with an encompassing fog, allow it to quiet your spirit, refocus the eyes of your heart, and see the God who is there.

The Man Who Is King - Gospel of John

Church — Sun, 16 Mar 2008 16:30:01 +0000

For this Palm Sunday, message #11 in the series It’s Hard to Believe.

A BRAND NEW PARK

Pastor Randy — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 16:24:57 +0000

CRESTING THE HILL ON QUAIL HOLLOW road I was amazed to see the green expanse of grassy parkland in the distance. Bright, beautiful, rising terraces of spring-time green, this park-like setting beckoned me on. But wait! That’s no park, that’s the dump! (Now euphemistically referred to as “The Ben Lomond Transfer Station.”)
Underneath those verdant hills lay years of garbage. Some of it mine. The sculptured seeded somewhat appealing scene may have looked inviting on the surface, but the death and decay which lie beneath could no doubt make your toes curl. You can dress it up, rename it, but it’s still the dump.
As I pondered this uneasy reality I wondered if the landscape before me was a picture of my own life. On the surface things look almost park-like, while underneath garbage abounded. Not a pretty thought, and not unlike the Lord Jesus’ comments to the Pharisees about being white-washed tombs full of dead man’s bones. (Matthew 23:27) Yet, there is a grand and wonderful difference between the Ben Lomond Transfer Station and myself; it is the all-sufficient sacrifice of Jesus Christ upon the Cross. The Word of God reminds us that the blood of Jesus cleanses us from all sin, not just the surface stuff, but down to the dredges! (1 John 1:7-9) What a glorious truth!
It is this deep, from the inside out, cleaning, that allows us to flourish. The garbage of sin is replaced by the growth-causing presence of the Holy Spirit. The work of Christ was not just to make us look better, or to dress us up, but to completely, radically change us from deep within. We are a new creation! (2 Corinthians 5:17)
Now, there’s a reason to celebrate!

The Gospel - Isaiah 53:1-12, Romans 3:21-26

Church — Sun, 09 Mar 2008 16:30:25 +0000

Message #10 in the series It’s Hard to Believe.

Relative Speed

Pastor Randy — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 18:41:57 +0000

ONE WOMAN’S SLOW IS another man’s fast. This was brought home to me this past week at the first early morning gathering of the “Runners Club” at the National Pastor’s Convention in San Diego. As we gathered to stretch and pray and set out on the morning’s course, our fearless leader told us that she was not a fast runner and the pace would be something we could all handle. I should have known better. As I sized up my group of fellow runners, of which I was one of the oldest and roundest, I should have known that her idea of a slow pace and mine were minutes apart.
In the cool of that San Diego morning we took off at a conversational pace, that is as long as you only wanted to speak a word every ten seconds or so while sucking much needed air into your lungs. Thankfully, as the group of rabbits pulled away from this plodding pastor I was joined by another “conversationally-challenged” pastor-runner. Together we plodded on, sharing of our individual ministries between gasps for breath and prayers of help.
As we shared together we noticed that our other brothers and sisters were no longer insight, so much for looking out for the “weaker brother.” Being left behind can be a lonely place, thankfully, though left, I was not alone. Together we persevered, encouraging each other in the course before us. Such as it should be in the walk of faith, for all do not move at the same speed, and that’s OK.