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2A – Daily News – Saturday, February 26, 2011 Religion Faith&Worship Voices of Faith Aren't some Bible stories fictional? McClatchy Newspapers SCRIPTURE IS INSPIRED The Rev. Betty Hanna-Witherspoon, pastor of Ebenezer A.M.E. Church, Kansas City, Mo.: African Methodists believe all Scripture (including both testa- ments) is inspired by God and useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction and for training in righteous- ness. (2 Timothy 3:16) Scriptures tell the story of the divine relationship between God and humanity that comes to fulfillment in Jesus the Christ. In practice this means that we teach all Scripture is inspired by God in order to grow a relationship between God and believ- ers. African Methodists are asked to study the Bible as God's word and in all things to strive to make God's word the rule of their lives. We do not believe that the categories fiction and nonfiction apply to the stories of the Bible. Every story is designed to convey a divine truth, sometimes about God's character and other times about human character, but always about the developing rela- tionship between God and human beings. We African Methodists search Bible stories not for scientific facts but for insights into the relationship between the Cre- ator and created humanity. Our reading of Bible stories is to ask "What does this story tell us about the charac- ter of God and how are we to behave as a people who believe in this God?" Bible stories are therefore not fiction or nonfiction but inspired Scripture designed to convey God's char- acter and our capacity to evolve into God's people. BIBLE NOT A HISTORY BOOK Rabbi Mark Levin of Congregation Beth Torah, Overland Park, Kan.: The Bible's purpose is to describe the relationship between God and humanity. It's not a history book. Some biblical events are historical. Other sections may be more mythological, poetic or fictional like a short story today. The first eleven chapters of Genesis were never intended to be considered historical. Chapter 1 describes the hierarchy of creation, with an emphasis on the sustainability of the food supply provided by God and for which humanity is responsible. The Gar- den of Eden describes the paradise that was God's intended creation, while the remainder of the Bible often describes the re-creation of paradise in some future time, as in Isaiah 2 or Zechariah 14. The entire- ty of Job, treating why the righteous suffer, or theodicy, is fiction, as is the Book of Esther, describing the per- secution Jews often suffer outside of their own land, and God's redemption. Wisdom literature like Proverbs or Job was pedagogical, while Jonah describes God's love for all creatures, regardless of nation, and God's desire that they repent and thrive. Many genres of liter- ature exist side by side in the Bible. I personally believe, from the archeological evi- dence, that most of Israel's history after the entrance of the tribes into the land of Israel is historical. I do not, however, believe in supernatural events, like Joshua stopping the sun in the Valley of Ayalon. No more grumbling Have you ever noticed that prob- lems seem to "hit you" when you first arise in the morning? Unless you are one of the rare people who awaken, and bound out of bed full of energy and "get up and go," you probably begin your day "in low gear." I’ll be first to admit that, as I’ve aged, mornings are sometimes diffi- cult. For example, this morning I awakened with aches and pains, and before I knew it I was grumbling to the Lord. "Don’t you see me Lord? Don’t you care that I’m hurting like this?" Then came a quick change, for I knew my attitude was wrong. "I’m sorry Lord, please forgive me for grumbling." According to 1 John 1:9, I’m forgiven –"If we confess our sins; He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." (NKJ) Now I was off to a positive start for the new day. I’m glad for the attitude change because I’m so blessed. When we stop and think about our blessing instead of our problems, we can "kick the wrong thoughts out the door." Grumbling is not a word often used today, but we do complain and we are often unthankful. Most of us are guilty of voicing our complaints. Some of us don’t even understand that complaining falls within the realm of sin. "But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boast- ers, proud, blasphemers, disobedi- ent to parents, unthankful, unholy." (2 Timothy 3:1,2 NKJ) The Israelites did a lot of grum- bling after God delivered them from slavery in Egypt. We wonder how they could complain at all, especial- ly since God had parted the Red Sea and saved them. They even com- plained against Moses and Aaron, not believing that God could pro- vide water for them. But, God not only provided water in the wilder- ness, but daily manna (bread). They complained about the manna too, for food from heaven became boring to them. What an unthankful group! We would never be like them, would we? Unfortunately we know that we are just like the Israelites, when it comes to not being satisfied with having our basic needs met. Do we need to guard our own hearts? God’s Word gives us the answer. "Guard you heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life." (Proverbs 4:23 NLT) Grumblers beware, for God cares about your attitude of heart. "Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus"(1 Thessalonians 5:18 NLT). When our life is totally dedicated to Jesus Christ, we can rest in the knowledge that Christ is with us in all circumstances. Even though we do not always understand the cir- cumstances in life, we can always find reasons to continually praise the Lord. Why? Because, He has promised to never leave or forsake us. (See Hebrews 13:5, Romans 8:35-39) Therefore, complaining and grumbling need not be part of our mindset. One way to guard our heart is to recall what is written in Isaiah, chapter 40:12-14. "Who else has held the oceans in his hand? Who has measured off the heavens with his fingers? Who else knows the weight of the earth or has weighed the mountains and hills on a scale? Patricia Martin GodTalk Who is able to advise the Spirit of the LORD? Who knows enough to give him advice or teach him?" (NLT) Or, who thinks it is ok to spend time grumbling against God? If we have made Jesus our Lord and Savior, we are blessed people. But, do we really love Jesus? Do we love Him with all our heart, soul and mind? These are questions that only we can answer. "And you must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind, and all your strength." (Mark 12:30 NLT) So, it seems reasonable to say, "The more we love God, the less we will grumble. If you are living outside the fami- ly of God, a life of peace and God’s blessings is waiting for you. Give yourself to the One who died for you. In Chapter 4 of Acts, you will find that Jesus is the only way to sal- vation. "Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved." (Acts 4:12 NKJ) You will have reason to praise, and not to grumble, each new day. Patricia Martin is a missionary/evangelist and a Recognized Ministry with the Assemblies of God. She is the founder of God's Precious Jewels, Inc., a ministry to Native American children and their families. The ministry began in 2000, and has provided thousands of free Bibles and other Gospel literature in California, Nevada, Arizona, Idaho, and South Dakota. Visit godspreciousjewels.info or email at godspreciousjewels@att.net. LifeChange program coming to Red Bluff Do you struggle with your weight? Do you lack the energy to do what you want to do? Do you struggle to con- trol: your diabetes? blood pressure? Choles- terol? If you answered "yes" to any of these questions, LifeChange may be the answer for you. LifeChange will help you sort through the myths and misinfor- mation out there, to improve your quality of life. For several years, LifeChange has helped hundreds of individuals improve their health, and reduce the need for medications. If you want to spend less time at the doctor's office, or hospital, and more time enjoying life to the fullest, we want to talk to you. Sign up today for a free lecture series, fol- lowed by cooking class- es in April, that will show you how you can make these positive changes at home. Tehama County Church Directory HOYT-COLE CHAPEL OF THE FLOWERS 816 Walnut St. - Red Bluff Red Bluff.... ABUNDANT LIFE FELLOWSHIP — 21080 Luther Rd. — Pastor J.E. Heitman 528-2499 — WORSHIP — Sunday 11AM & 6PM ANTELOPE HOME FELLOWSHIP(SBC) — Berrendos School — 401 Chestnut St 200-4112 — Pastor John Bohrer — WORSHIP — Sunday 10:45AM APOSTOLIC ASSEMBLY — 1321 Nelson Dr., Red Bluff. — 527-8541 Pastor Rudy Cepeda — WORSHIP — Sunday 1:00PM & Friday 7PM BETHEL ASSEMBLY OF GOD — 625 Luther Rd. — 527-0445 Pastor John Christenson — WORSHIP — Sunday 10:30AM & 6PM CALVARY CHAPEL — 12375 Paskenta Rd. — 527-8219 Pastor Gilbert DeLao Jr. — WORSHIP — Sunday 9:00 & 11:00 am CHURCH OF CHRIST — 1605 Park Ave. — 527-3036 Evangelist Gary Dent — WORSHIP — Sunday 11AM & 6:30PM CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS — Antelope-545 Berrendos 529-2506 — Bishop James Beeman — SERVICES Begin Sunday 11:00AM CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS — Red Bluff-545 Berrendos 527-7012 — Bishop Earl Wintle — SERVICES Begin Sunday 9:00AM COMMUNITY BAPTIST CHURCH — 598 Round -Up Ave. 527-4203 Pastor Dr. Paul Wright — WORSHIP — Sunday 9AM & 6PM CORNERSTONE CHURCH OF GOD — Hwy. 36, Jorgenson 527-9210 — Pastor Roy Duggins — WORSHIP — Sunday 10AM & 5PM FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH — 501 Pine St. — 527-4361 Pastor Bruce Cloutier — WORSHIP — Sunday 10:15AM FIRST CHRISTIAN CHURCH — Hickory & Madison — 527-4688 Pastor Dan Woolery — WORSHIP — Sunday 10:30AM FIRST CHURCH OF GOD — Jackson & Luther — 527-5717 Pastor Rod Thompson — WORSHIP — Saturday 6PM & Sunday 10:15AM FIRST CHURCH OF THE NAZARENE — Johnson & Hickory — 527-3361 Pastor Jesse Morris — WORSHIP — 10:30 AM FIRST SOUTHERN BAPTIST CHURCH — 585 Kimball Rd. — 527-5083 Pastor Stan Kolbert— WORSHIP — Sunday 11AM FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH — 525 David Ave. — 527-5754 Rev. Kate O’Leary— WORSHIP — Sunday 11:00AM GATEWAY BAPTIST CHURCH, IND. FUND. — 12830 Glasgow Dr. — 527-2964 Pastor Jeff Eldred — WORSHIP — Sunday 11AM & 6PM GRACE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF RED BLUFF — 22630 Antelope Blvd. —227-3630 Pastor David T. Stark — WORSHIP — Sunday 5PM LAKE CALIFORNIA COMMUNITY CHURCH — Lake Club — 347 6970 Jim Bredow, Pastor — WORSHIP — Sunday 8:30AM-10:15AM LUTHERAN CHURCH, ST. PAUL — Jefferson & Elm — 527-3414 Pastor Dallas D. Dubke — WORSHIP — Sunday 8:30AM & 11AM NEIGHBORHOOD CHURCH — 1625 Johnson St. — 527-8134 Pastor Vern Milliken — SERVICE — 10:00AM NEW HOPE FOURSQUARE CHURCH — 925 Walnut St. — 528-0642 PastorS Steve and Linda Priest — WORSHIP — Sunday 10AM — Youth, Thurs. 6:00 PM NORTH VALLEY BAPTIST CHURCH (Ind.) — 345 David Ave — 527-0543 Pastor Mark Roberts — WORSHIP — Sunday 10:50AM NUEVA VIDA — 11841 Hyw 99W — Red Bluff — Spanish-speaking Pastor Freddie Villasenor — WORSHIP — Sunday 11:00AM Red Bluff.... OPEN VISTAS AWARENESS CENTER — 900 Walnut St. — 529-9285 Rv. Tresha Wing — SERVICE — Sunday 10:00AM PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH — Jefferson & Hickory St. — 527-0372 The Rev. Beth Whittier, Pastor — SERVICES 11:00AM —Sunday School 9:30AM PENTECOSTAL CHURCH OF GOD — 370 Kimball Rd. — 527-6346 Pastor Mike Cox — WORSHIP — Sunday 11:00AM RED BLUFF COWBOY CHURCH — Hampton Inn, Round-Up Room Pastor Coy Huffman — For infomation call 209-559-9965 RED BLUFF GOSPEL ASSEMBLY — 836 Washington St. — 529-9909 Pastor John A. Partsch — WORSHIP — Sunday 1:30PM - Wednesday 7PM SABBATH COMMUNITY CHRISTIAN — 705 So. Jackson St. — 529-1890 Pastor Ron Largent — WORSHIP — Saturday 10:45AM SACRED HEART CATHOLIC CHURCH — 515 Main St. — Father Joyle T. Martinez MASS — Saturday 5:15, Spanish 7PM — Sunday 8:30AM, 10:30AM, Spanish 12PM THE SALVATION ARMY — 944 Walnut St. — 527-8530 Majors Frank & Susan Severs, Pastors — SERVICES — Sunday 10AM & 11AM SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST CHRUCH — 720 S. Jackson — 527-3733 Pastor Jon Spoolman — WORSHIP — Saturday 10:45AM SHEPHERD HOUSE OF PRAYER — 601 Monroe St. 529-5350 — Pastor Brent Kohler — WORSHIP — Sunday 10:00AM ST. PETER’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH — Jefferson & Elm — 527-5205 Rev. Maryly Adair — Sunday 9:30AM, Holy Eucharist Rite II SUNRISE BIBLE FELLOWSHIP — C.B.A. — The corner of Cedar & Jackson — 527-6818 Pastor Byron Shaw, Pat Hurton — WORSHIP — 10:50AM — Bible Study 9:30AM TEMPLE BETH ISRAEL — 8529 Placer Rd., Redding 243-5726 — For service dates & times — 529-9246 TRINITY MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH — 20920 Hampton Rhodes Drive — Cell:925-980-5396 Pastor Jim Williams — WORSHIP — Sunday 10:45AM - Wednesday 7:00PM TRUTH TABERNACLE — 285 Gilmore Road, Red Bluff — 527-5533 Pastor Sam Howard — WORSHIP — Sunday 10:30AM - Sunday School 9:30AM UNION SOUTHERN BAPTIST CHURCH — 1256 Walnut St. Bidwell School Cafeteria — 840-6177 Pastor Robert M. Wheatley — WORSHIP — Sunday 3PM only UNITED CHURCH OF GOD — 645 Antelope Blvd. Suite 13 — 824-3657 Elder Dick King — WORSHIP — Saturday 12:30PM VINEYARD CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP — 738 Walnut St. — 527-2449 Pastor Steve Igarta — WORSHIP — Sunday 10:30AM WALNUT GROVE CHRISTIAN CENTER — RHEMA Bible Church 435 Round Up Ave. — 527-9065 — Pastor Michael Ragsdale — WORSHIP — Sunday 10:30AM ZION CHRISTIAN MINISTRIES — 836 Washington St. 529-1836 — Pastor Joshua John McKim — WORSHIP — Sunday 10:15AM Bowman... COMMUNITY CHURCH — Bowman Rd. & Landes — 347-6130 Pastor Mark Lugg — WORSHIP — Sunday 10AM This directory sponsored by: Los Molinos.... COMMUNITY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH — Sherwood & Josephine 527-3490 — Pastor Kathleen Smith — WORSHIP 11AM MILL CREEK BAPTIST CHURCH — HWY 99E and Taft St., 384-1564 — Pastor Carl DeBiase — WORSHIP — Sunday 11AM & 6PM SPIRIT OF LIFE PENTECOSTAL CHURCH OF GOD — 25235 Orange St. — 384-0100 Pastor Richard Tucker — WORSHIP — Sunday 10:30AM & 6PM Corning... BELIEVERS CHURCH OF GOD — 783 Solano St. — 824-6502 Pastor Dan Steigmn — WORSHIP — Sunday 10:00AM BETHEL CHURCH — 1520 East St. — 824-0175 Ron Cottingham, Pastor — WORSHIP — Sunday 11AM CHURCH OF CHRIST — 1418 South St. — 824-3603 WORSHIP — Sunday — 10:30AM CHURCH OF CHRIST — 1440 Yolo St. — 824-4333 David King, Minister — WORSHIP — Sunday 11AM & 6PM CHURCH OFJESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS — Marguerite & Blackburn — Bishop A. Daniel Drum — WORSHIP — Sunday 10AM CORNING FOURSQUARE — 404 5th Street — 824-5776 Rev. Sue Duffy WORSHIP — Sunday: adults 9:15, 10:30 AM — Tues.10AM prayer meeting FAMILY BIBLE CHURCH — Marin & Pear Sts. — 824-0989 Pastor Joycel — WORSHIP — Sunday 10:45AM & 6PM FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH — 506 Colusa St. — 824-3490 Pastor Chris Fissori — WORSHIP — Sunday 10:15AM — Sunday School 9AM FIRST CHRISTIAN CHURCH — 1421 Marin St. — 824-5739 WORSHIP — Sunday 11AM FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH — 824-5535 — Marguerite & McLane Pastor Howard Sanborn— WORSHIP — Sunday 11AM HARVEST CHRISTIAN CENTER CHURCH OF GOD — 1006 6th St. Corning 824-2091 — Pastor Michael Sharp — WORSHIP — Sunday 10:00AM IMMACULATE CONCEPTION CATHOLIC CHURCH — 824-5879 — 814 Solano St. Father Juan Manuel Ponce — MASS — Sunday 10AM, 12:00PM - Spanish MT. OLIVE LUTHERAN CHURCH — 341 Solano St. — 824-5530 Pastor Dallas D. Dubke — WORSHIP — Sunday 9AM NEIGHBORHOOD FULL GOSPEL CHURCH — 901 South St. — 824-2323 Pastor Ken Killinger — WORSHIP — Sunday 10:50AM & 6PM NEW LIFE ASSEMBLY CHURCH — 824-3426 Pastor J.R. Gonzales — WORSHIP — Sunday 10:00AM - Sunday School 9AM OLIVE BRANCH BAPTIST FELLOWSHIP — 565 1st St. — 824-3661 — SERVICE — Sunday 10:30 AM SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH — West & Butte — 824-2153 Pastor Jose Torres — WORSHIP — Saturday 11AM ST. ANDREW’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH — First & Marin Sts. — 824-4979 Pastor Maryly Adair — CHURCH — Sunday 11AM TRUTH TABERNACLE — 1308 Solano. — 824-4586 Pastor Ed Schaefer — WORSHIP — Sunday 2PM UNITED METHODIST CHURCH — 824-5841 — East & Solano Pastor Ray Watkins — WORSHIP — Sunday 9AM AUTO ELECTRIC INC. 1055 Main St. - Red Bluff 527-5170 Vina... VINA COMMUNITY CHURCH — 5th & D Street — 839-2340 Pastor Larry Peterson — WORSHIP — Sunday 10:30AM & 6PM Cottonwood... ABUNDANT LIFE CHRISTIAN CENTER — 19019 Gaspoint Road — 347-9208 Pastor Doug Hamblin — WORSHIP — Sunday 10:30AM ASSEMBLY OF GOD — Gaspoint Road — 347-3313 Pastor Bob Whitman — WORSHIP — Sunday 10:45AM & 6PM FOURSQUARE CHURCH — 2400 Rhonda Rd. Rev. Paul Shrum — WORSHIP — Sunday 10:30AM & 6PM Dairyville... CONE COMMUNITY METHODIST CHURCH — 11220 Hwy. 99E — 527-2329 Pastor Kathleen Smith —WORSHIP — Sunday 9AM El Camino... COMMUNITY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH — Hwy. 99W — 385-2314 Pastor Nancy Pharis-Curie — WORSHIP — Sunday 9:30AM SHADY REST FULL GOSPEL CHURCH — 7211 Hwy. 99W 385-2155 — Pastor Andrew Dalson — WORSHIP — Saturday 7PM Gerber... BAHA’I FAITH OF TEHAMA COUNTY — 22870 Reno Ave., Gerber 385-1091 FAITH HOPE LOVE MINISTRIES — 21941 Chard Ave. 385-1431 — Pastor Ina Driggers — WORSHIP — Sunday 10:30AM GERBER BIBLE FELLOWSHIP — 301 Samson @ Ventura 385-1718 — WORSHIP — Sunday 10AM Las Flores... LAS FLORES FULL GOSPEL — 9662 San Benito Pastor Rev. Elroy & Martha Lake — WORSHIP — 10:00AM Wed. 6PM Manton... MANTON COMMUNITY CHURCH — Forward Rd. — 474-5156 Pastor Michael Stiener —WORSHIP — Sunday School 9:30 Sun. 10:45 Platina... ST. HERMAN OF ALASKA MONASTERY — Begum Gorge Rd. Abbot Herman — LITURGY — Sunday 8:30AM Rancho Tehama... COMMUNITY CHURCH (Non-Den.) — 585-2526 WORSHIP — Sunday 11AM CHRISTIAN LIFE MINISTRIES — 585-2975 Pastor Don Luke — WORSHIP — Sunday 10:30AM/6:00PM Tehama... ASSEMBLY OF GOD — Third St. — 384-2603 Pastor Walter Bright — WORSHIP — Sunday 10:30AM 11:15 AM & 6PM ST. STANISLAUS CATHOLIC CHURCH — 824-5879 Corner of 4th & D — MASS — Sunday 8:00AM - English RED BLUFF Class will begin at 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 5 at the Seventh-day Adventist Church, 720 S. Jackson St., in Red Bluff. To register call 527- 3733 or 474-3744. LifeChange Program isfree to participants along with handout materials.