This year’s Festival has been one of interesting meaning to me personally. It seemed all through this last month and the Festival especially, something was attempting to distract and get my thoughts off the goals set. It took special effort to fight those thoughts and distractions or time wasters and negative approaches. So it seemed appropriate to ask the question: are we letting Satan “get” to us? That indeed is a provocative question but very appropriate for this time frame especially. So let’s check ourselves and see.

For almost eight years now in Arizona, plus where ever we have been, I have tried to challenge, encourage and help members see what we can “do” to ourselves, if, we allow negative thoughts, wrong ideas or even allow others to “get” to us in ways we think can’t happen. The message that God’s faithful ministers, as Dr. Meredith, Mr. Ames, Mr. Apartian (until his recent death) and Dr. Winnail, among many, including your faithful ministers locally, of Mr. Shoquist, Mr. Nork, Mr. Lozano and Mr. Lujan, plus many of your fine teachers, that we are blessed to have here each Sabbath, say, is that they have warned, reminded, encouraged and instructed all of us to remain alert and on track to Satan’s devices. Yet we think it can’t happen to us; but it can, if we let down in our prayer and fasting!

We been so encouraged to have wonderful events happen recently with the four who were baptized on March 31 and more requesting baptism. Be patient we will respond! This is a fine moment to see people willing to yield themselves to the great God. Yet some few are still choosing their own path in spite of numerous warnings to “go forward” onto the path that leads to life. Tomorrow in Tucson and Phoenix we will hear about “going forward” — along with the other messages in the all the Churches, that we need to heed! We will see that “moving forward” takes more than good intentions. Of course those choosing different paths, don’t think they are choosing a wrong way; and I have noticed, that perhaps because of our euphoria over the truths of God being restored and preached in God’s Church again strongly; and or, that we are doing the Work powerfully, some few have missed the realities of Satan’s prime directive.

He wants to destroy YOU! Yes, He wants to “get” at you, to you and in any way he can, to abuse you! We need not fear this – he can’t win, IF we heed the warning of our Father and His Son Jesus Christ, who through the Apostle Peter said: “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. 9 Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world.” (1Peter 5:8-9 NKJ)

Just south of Albuquerque on our way back from a wonderful First Day of Unleavened Bread and Passover service with the New Mexico Churches, we passed by a very large array, one of the world’s premier astronomical radio observatories. These consist of 27 radio antennas in a Y-shaped configuration on the Plains of San Agustin fifty miles west of Socorro, New Mexico. Each antenna is 25 meters (82 feet) in diameter — massive in size. The data from the antennas is combined electronically to give the resolution of an antenna 36km (22 miles) across, with the sensitivity of a dish 130 meters (422 feet) in diameter. For more information you can go on-line to gain a small perspective of how vast this universe is, from the pictures they have taken, which reflects the Father Himself, who is eternal, as these physical heavenly bodies, seemingly go on in an almost endless universe, the deeper we peer into space.

As we prepare for the Last Day of Unleavened Bread, are we really preparing to worship God or be involved in ourselves more so as time goes on? We could think of any number of excuses to not doing right; but are our actions really reflective of “acts of worship” to Him, where Satan is “getting into” us? It is easy to say yes, we are doing right; but are we really pleasing Him, in everything? From our lives, to our homes, cars, on the job, at Church, with our Brethren, with our time, money and endeavors, even our offerings on the holy days or our simple acts of kindness toward each other? In our prayers, our thoughts and in everything, does it reflect God?

Over the years I have realized that true acts of worship toward God are hard for the human individual to do; because it all involves one overriding principle. As Thayer’s says of worship: “to bow down, to depress (ourselves), prostrate oneself before superior in homage, before God in worship.” Yet, this “give” way of life, of putting the other person first, is so unlike most people anywhere, that, could it be, we of all people in God’s Church fail too, in worship of the true God? Yes I know we can all do better; but this worship, does not mean, we “just act” holy or pious before God at Church Services. Instead, it means our lives reflect holy righteous behavior all the time, 24/7.

Arrogance is the opposite trait, of worship toward God. Satan is arrogant (among other things) and he wants you and me to be the same way, insulting, outrageous, unrighteous, involved in self, engaged in selfishness and totally absorbed in what we, think, say and feel. That is, again, the opposite of the “worship of God.” So when we looked up these incredible pictures of what deep space is like (on the internet — technology can be wonderful, even in the middle of “nowhere” from the car), the pictures of what God has created, which is waiting for us, it simply answers any lingering question on whether we should be upset about anything physical in this life. It makes us realize that we are very small indeed. Without this true perspective on humility, we can’t be in that Kingdom of God. God simply can’t have another Satan around to destroy. “For all those things My hand has made, And all those things exist,” Says the LORD. “But on this one will I look: On him who is poor and of a contrite spirit, And who trembles at My word.” (Isa 66:2 NKJ)

Do we tremble in humility, focused fully on what God says to do? This Feast of Unleavened Bread, resolve to stay committed to what God is doing in His Work, Church and among His people. In fact, there is simply no room for the works of the flesh at all in any of our lives! “For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” 15 But if you bite and devour one another, beware lest you be consumed by one another! 16 I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. 17 For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. 19 Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, 20 idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, 21 envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. 24 And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.” (Gal 5:14-25 NKJ)

Therefore, crucify that flesh (spiritually) and if it is obvious that someone else has not done so, you be different and rise above that – set the example, not in arrogance; but in love, truth and humility. Let these days of Unleavened Bread truly bring you into a humble worship of the great God of love, to the Last Day of Unleavened Bread Services and the weekly Sabbath, on April 13th and 14th and beyond, overcoming to the end.

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. 17 “For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. 18 “He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. 19 “And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. 20 “For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed. 21 “But he who does the truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be clearly seen, that they have been done in God.” (John 3:16-21 NKJ)

Regarding Church Services times and locations, please refer to the previous e-mail sent and if you have not sent in your RSVP for the Dinner-Dance and or the Sunday Breakfast Workshop on “Communications” in Phoenix, please do so immediately. We have had a wonderful response so far, thank you! Members are coming from all over the area ,even from Albuquerque! We are planning on 100 to date, for the Dinner-Dance and 60 for the Workshop. We certainly want to include anyone who has not yet responded; so be sure to send in your reservation by just hitting the reply button. Thanks to all who have responded so far and to those serving this weekend to make it grand for all! The overall Activity Fund for this Church Area, does so much to serve you. Thank you for your support.

Have a wonderful remaining Festival of Unleavened Bread and a peaceful Sabbath evening!

Sincerely,

Rodger L. Bardo
Area Pastor AZ-NM
602-910-1086
rlbardo@aol.com

In a later follow up article, by Andrew Thompson on 3/26/12, Mr. Cameron was asked: “What did you make of the backlash after your comments about homosexuality on CNN?” To which Mr. Cameron replied: “What surprised me was that people were surprised by my response.” I think he jests!

Each interview on television news is usually “well-orchestrated” with questions known in advance by the moderator. Clearly however, many today just are not seeking a “right” or Biblical perspective on a subject. They already “know the truth” – their truth – because: “As it is written: “There is none righteous, no, not one; 11 There is none who understands; There is none who seeks after God. 12 They have all turned aside; They have together become unprofitable; There is none who does good, no, not one.” 13 “Their throat is an open tomb; With their tongues they have practiced deceit”; “The poison of asps is under their lips”; 14 “Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness.” 15 “Their feet are swift to shed blood; 16 Destruction and misery are in their ways; 17 And the way of peace they have not known.” 18 “There is no fear of God before their eyes.” (Rom 3:10-18 NKJ)

Very true! A, “hang them first” attitude, similar to another high profile situation, where was heard: let’s put out a “bounty” and catch the guy! Shocking words, as people set themselves above the law!

It seems, I just saw that same “theme” played out in an old movie or a true story, where a western town banded together to lynch first; and did not even ask questions later. Then later, as they all sat on their horses pondering the awful event, the sheriff asked why they hung three innocent men? Amazingly, no one fessed up to the truth.

Responsibility for their actions, to DO what is truly right, they had NONE, just as we are seeing happen more so today! People just “do” something and then move on to the next event in their lives, not even slightly remorseful about the wreckage they have left behind. Truly appalling, when a so-called modern society, breaks down, becomes lawless, the mob then rules, as everyone does what is right in their own eyes (Judges 22:25).

Mr. Cameron also said: homosexuality was “unnatural…it’s detrimental and ultimately destructive to so many of the foundations of civilization…” However, few are really seeking the God of truth on the subject; because the airwaves have been permeated with a standard of morality that completely leaves out the Creator. Again, as I have said so many times, Romans 1 becomes clearer each day we live in the latter days.
“For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness……. 20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse….”

Yes, Brethren, even though people may not know all of God‘s truth, the world is without excuse when it comes to understanding what is “natural” and proper. So, “Professing to be wise, they became fools…” (Verse 23) and you can read the parts I have not put in, since this is the family hour, to verse 25: “…who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.” That is right; mankind exchanged the good things God gave, for a lie. Yes, a LIE! “But [thankfully] God has given us the revelation of these things through his Spirit…” (1Co 2:10 BBE)

One last point on the interview, indeed “lifestyle” changes, as we are seeing today, affect every aspect of society. Marriage, family, children, education, work environs, religion and life in general are all affected. Today, everything from the army, television, amusement parks, to travel, to places to eat, shop, sleep and play, are to one degree or another affected by the changes which we are seeing happen, right now.

That said, it will take a strong well-grounded person in God’s words to weather the storms ahead. This also all brings new meaning to: “But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: 2 For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3 unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, 4 traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!”

“But evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived. 14 But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them, 15 and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man [person] of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (2Tim. 3:1-17 NKJ)

Have a Peaceful Sabbath evening; and don’t miss all the spiritual food prepared for you at Sabbath Services tomorrow. You will need it for the days ahead!

Sincerely,

Rodger L. Bardo
Area Pastor AZ-NM

Many of us in God’s Church can recite why this custom is not found in the Bible and why Christians should not be involved in it. Yet, what should we be “into” this time of the year?

Namely, one of self-examination, as it clearly says in I Corinthians 11. Notice David:

“Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy loving-kindness: According to the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions. 2 Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, And cleanse me from my sin.” (Psalm 51:1-2 ASV)

He asked God to wash him thoroughly, after he accepted full accountability for his sins, which were against God. He pleaded for complete cleansing from sin and finally he cast himself totally upon God, who is the only one who can save!

Now that is, a man after God’s own heart. As we see from verse 2, sin goes completely through us. The Hebrew word “wash” ?????? kabac {kaw-bas’} means to: “to wash (by treading), be washed, perform the work of a fuller, to be washed out.” “A fuller” is a workman who “fulls” (cleans and thickens) freshly woven cloth for a living. You may remember the famous “Fuller Brush” company; and so is the reason for that name. So have we asked God to take a cleaning brush to us?

God in this case is that cleaner of cloth. He wants us to have white garments as He is pure and white. We must also be!  “…and the Ancient of days did sit, whose garment was white as snow, and the hair of his head like the pure wool: his throne was like the fiery flame, and his wheels as burning fire.” (Daniel 7:9 KJV)

Indeed, there are moments in our lives that we need to especially seek God; and before Passover we must be “fully” cleansed from our sins. We must also recommit to God and place His ways, deep into the inner parts of our hearts and minds.

“Yet even now,” declares the LORD, “Return to Me with all your heart, And with fasting, weeping, and mourning; And rend your heart and not your garments.” Now return to the LORD your God, For He is gracious and compassionate, Slow to anger, abounding in loving-kindness, And relenting of evil. 14Who knoweth if he will return and repent, and leave a blessing behind him; even a meat offering and a drink offering unto the LORD your God? (Joel 2:12-14 NAS/KJV)

Tomorrow I plan to speak on this “Major Tool for Christian Growth: of Fasting” in Prescott at 10:30 AM and Phoenix at 3:00 PM. We need to seek God and His ways “fully” as God acts to thoroughly clean us up. So how much of the mind of Christ is in us?

Christ said that when He would not be present in person, then His disciples would fast to draw ourselves closer to Him. Have we fasted recently?

“And they said to Him, “The disciples of John often fast and offer prayers; the disciples of the Pharisees also do 1the same; but Yours eat and drink.” 34 And Jesus said to them, “You cannot make the attendants of the bridegroom fast while the bridegroom is with them, can you? 35 “But the days will come; and when the bridegroom is taken away from them, then they will fast in those days.” (Luke 5:33-35 NAS)

The only way to put sin out and reflect this God of true love is to draw ourselves closer to Him in prayer and fasting. This can’t happen unless we fast and pray often. Let’s seek God while He may be found and draw ourselves near to Him especially in these latter days!

Tomorrow Sabbath Services will be in Tucson at 10:30 AM, Santa Fe at 11:30 AM and in Albuquerque at 3:00 PM. The sermon topic will be a “must play” DVD titled: “Prepare for the Passover by Dr. Doug Winnail.

In Tucson following the sermon, will be a potluck and Bible Study with Mr. Lozano speaking on: Exodus 12 & 13.

The potluck and Bible Study originally scheduled for tomorrow in Prescott, will be next Sabbath, March 24th. Also next week, March 24th in Phoenix, the Bible Study originally scheduled for March 31 will be moved to 1:30 PM Sabbath afternoon in the Phoenix hall. The topic will be on a Prophecy theme.

Saturday evening on March 31 at the Lujan’s home will be more baptisms! Keep the date open and join us to rejoice before God as more commit themselves to God and His service.

Tomorrow evening will be “Widow’s Night out” at the “Dutton’s” Show in the East Valley. There is still space if any would like to go and join all the fun!

Remember all who are sick and in need of pray. Have a peaceful Sabbath evening!

Sincerely,
Rodger L. Bardo
Area Pastor AZ-NM
602-910-1086
rlbardo@aol.com

Rodger L. Bardo
Area Pastor AZ-NM
602-910-1086
rlbardo@aol.com

Many exciting things are happening in the Church. Positive things as the youth camps and groups moving forward in character and scope to bring our young people and adolescents along as an inclusive family church, Living University which has solidly helped many people of all ages on-line to take “Ambassador College” type courses, Feast of Tabernacles registration now more efficient on-line and with more and unusual Feast sites to attend with different exciting things to see and do, successful TWSPs bringing in new people who are attending Church services along to grow in grace and knowledge by leaps and bounds, preparation and plans for the Spring holy Days which is our yearly Passover examination with even more meaning as prophetic events speed up and we get closer to the return of Jesus Christ than ever before, a new church beginning in the El Paso-Las Cruces area and even our local hall changes in several congregations which have helped us to be better able to serve everyone. This is just to name a few of the blessings going on in God’s Work today!

Someone once said, as example that we as God’s Church should not have added Living University as part of our educational arm to educate, warn and witness to this world. How sad that a few still don’t get it!

If the world knows right education, then seek the answers there. Yet you won’t find answers there and that is the plain truth! Instead, Living University is part of our educational arm to feed God’s Church and it also adds to the “package” of an incredible witness going out, on so many different levels, to reach this world. There is television, radio, different publications in various languages, internet, formal education and so on and so forth!

Were mistakes made in the past? Yes, because we don’t overcome this world, at the get go. Does that mean we give up altogether? Ridiculous, in life we know, for anything worth doing, we keep trying to do it better, each time; and grow in grace and knowledge along the way. Another, said that they wished they knew all they know now at age 20; but then life would not have had a real challenge or discovery to it; because at a young age everything is new and exciting!

Or perhaps another way to look at this, if we failed our driving test the first time, do we then just give up? Some do! Yet we need to try again; and so we as God’s people have a responsibility to “restore” even the formal “educational” part of the Work; and like a fine wine or aged cheese, we mature with that age. Would that all, who were taught the right way of life, had followed what was taught. That, is the real point to ponder.

To succeed in this Christian life means we must put the right Bible knowledge to work, each day of our lives. That means plenty of prayer, fasting, study and mediation coupled with an atmosphere of love, faith and forgiveness.

Christ was perfect; yet people tried to murder him; and eventually succeed in doing so. So when trials, problems, hurts, anxieties, frustrations, dashed hopes and dreams seem to occur, do we give up on God and His Church; or get stronger and persevere through it! We do this by forgiving and loving one another, while we have faith in God. By doing good to those who may not do it to us or by serving and knowing we are doing this in God or Christ’s name, as Christ washed the disciples feet.

So when we hear about, healings that people need and so forth, do we immediately get discouraged or do we become more fervent in our prayers? More urgent in every aspect of our lives while we cut people some slack; or cut people off in impatience? The latter is of course not of Christ. It never has been, never will be!

Earlier this week many of you “got it” and it was reflective of the encouraging messages received, from several dedicated members. The following is one such who wrote; and I hope the author will not mind me quoting part of what he said; but it summed up my intent of the sermons these last few months and even this week’s “update” e-mails.

“It was refreshing to check e-mail…….and get your attached message and we thank you for sharing on this medium. It is like a refocus after another day……in the business world. Mr. Goodyear and others certainly have difficult challenges – we need to have in mind daily – rather than allowing our time, which IS ourselves, to be consumed by what is hurled at us by the around.”

Exactly, this person was “refreshed” and that was the intent. Well said. Thank you!

Do we want relief from our burdens? Then let’s help carry someone else’s burden for a while! Indeed, this world, Satan and ourselves “hurls” everything and the kitchen sink, sometimes, at us. We have to be prepared, as it says: “But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation.” (1Th 5:8 KJV)

How is your breastplate and helmet? Secure? My e-mails are to challenge us to remember who we are: Christians first and foremost. We can’t let down for a minute; and when we do, we need to “jerk” ourselves back on point. It is that essential part of our person. Remember, no one wants us “off point” more so than Satan the Devil; and all too easy to allow ourselves the “luxury” of sin for a season.

Moses, who “…choosing rather to share ill treatment with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season…” That takes faith! Faith to trust God implicitly, unconditionally, absolutely or better worded: perfectly. As each of us grows in that perfect faith and relationship with God, remember Moses’ example. Notice: “By faith Moses, when he became of age, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter…”

This took faith. “…esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt; for he looked to the reward.” This took more faith! “By faith he went out of Egypt, not being turned from his purpose by fear of the wrath of the king; for he kept on his way [he stayed ON COURSE], as seeing him who is unseen. “By faith he kept the Passover and the sprinkling of blood, lest he who destroyed the firstborn should touch them.” And a strong unwavering faith! “By faith they passed through the Red Sea as by dry land, whereas the Egyptians, attempting to do so, were drowned.” Total commitment in faith! (Hebrews 11:24-29 NKJ)

How about it? Are we ready for the battle; or battle weary? We had better get ready my friends. Watch and pray, time is short!

Tomorrow in Prescott at 10:30 AM and later in Phoenix at 3:00 PM, Dr. and Mrs. Fall will be with you. Dr. Fall will be guest speaker with a timely main message as we approach the Spring Holy Days. A potluck will follow in Phoenix.

In Tucson, at 10:30 AM, the main message will be on the “Stone of Help” — and in both Santa Fe at 11:30 AM and in Albuquerque at 3:00 PM a “must play” DVD titled “Character: Fulfill Your Calling” by Mr. Richard Ames will be the main message.

Remember next week begins Sabbath Services serving the Southern New Mexico – far southwestern Texas area by our new Church, the El Paso – Las Cruces congregation, which will be meeting (for the present time) in Arrey NM at the Arrey Senior Center, 6:30 PM Friday evening. Those who are able, plan to attend and provide your input on the best time and location to better serve God’s people in the area. Your help is needed and appreciated. Please pray for its success!

As well do not miss a moment of the spiritual food presented tomorrow on God’s Sabbath day in each of God’s congregations! Have a peaceful Sabbath evening.

Sincerely,
Rodger L. Bardo Area Pastor AZ-NM
602-910-1086
rlbardo@aol.com

“The American people aren’t stupid” was just recently “thundered” as the Wall Street Journal reported, regarding today’s gas prices; and whether Americans really aren’t stupid or not, gas prices are rising substantially. Truly my friends, you heard it here; and now, many are speaking of “when” gas is $8 per gallon or more. Look out, as each of us, is being prepared for what will come, unless we as a nation repent. So how have you restructured your life to prepare for these happenings?

Have we, as people of God, looked ahead, to make the changes necessary in our lives (now) to prepare both physically and spiritually for the return of Jesus Christ? For Christ will someday come back to take charge of all this nonsense! Time is getting shorter. If we have begun, then that is wise behavior; and good for you! If not, the time is now, to begin making those changes!

Gas prices were bound to go up for several reasons, for which we won’t go into, here. You can read the entire WSJ’s article, which gives a really good overview on this subject, physically; but in truth God is beginning to allow things to happen, to teach this nation; and the world, some needed lessons. The lessons are small and gentle, at the moment. Are we (as God’s Church) listening though; or are we trying to remain in ignorance or even worse, in an arrogantly defiant attitude?

The point being, when ideas and approaches exist on anything not based in God, we need to use caution. The proverb is correct: “Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own conceit.” (Pro 26:5 KJV) This word “fool” means “stupid fellow, dullard, simpleton, arrogant one” (Thayer’s) and lately we have seen a lot of this, in every walk of life. Arrogance, simpletons and just plain down right stupid behavior.

Ignorance on the other hand means: a “not knowing.” “For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people.” (1Pe 2:15 ESV) This scripture shows that good works put to silence foolish behavior based in ignorance; but when good works do not silence an individual, we usually can look elsewhere for what the foolish behavior is based in.

God has something to say about truth, ignorance and stupidity. Do a search and see. Examine what our Father and His first born Son says on this. As Passover comes closer we need to really call these things to mind: to examine ourselves fully to see where we fall short.

It again reminds me of that statement I mentioned to you some-time ago when my 7th grade geography teacher said: some people are stupid and some ignorant, which are you? Geography was one of my most favorite subjects at the time. Should have been getting A’s — right? Wrong. I knew the information but just would not apply myself because I disliked the teacher, among other things. Frankly that was not smart!

This was one of those “periods” that children seem to have to learn the hard way. We are all like that in one way or another. No one can point the finger. We are all sinners; but any past foolishness SHOULD ALL be behind us. Is it? To say it another way: we each have to work under various situations; and so if we don’t “like” a teacher, kick at him or fight him on every aspect of whatever; or purposely don’t follow directions, going our own ways in arrogance, who does that attitude hurt? Ourselves, especially when we could do better; and don’t. The teacher has done his job.

You would think the answer obvious to everyone! Unfortunately it is not. Equally unfortunate is some will have to learn a hard lesson on who really is the true God. Yet, when we were in ignorance, we had an excuse; but what about now?

We have all come out of the world; so NOW is when we especially need to pay attention to the sign posts in our lives, to not purposely “act foolish” or that just might just lead to an arrogantly foolish action! When we know the truth – “Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If you continue in my word, then are you my disciples indeed […that is right: IF we CONTINUE in His ways] 32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” (John 8:31-32 KJV)

Yes, a strong message for the times we live in. We can’t withdraw or change to other doctrines or go after false gods, and expect truth to make us free, as we imbibe of this world’s approach or ideas. I never thought this ex-marine, turned teacher, would find a validation in a letter to you; but now you see how God works! Can you imagine the expression on his face when I see him again; when he is resurrected? Well, obviously, you listened, he might say; and made some wise choices; because God can use anyone or any circumstance to teach us.

It is amazing what God can do when we yield to His wonderful truths. Not in ignorance (as we once were in) or as arrogant simpletons (as we could become, if we reject God, His love and correction); but as wise Children of God, in harmony with our Father!

Tomorrow in Prescott, the main message will be on the “Stone of Help” — which this world so desperately needs now to put all on track. Services will be at 10:30 AM with a “Potluck-Lunch and Learn (Bible Study) to follow. The study will be on the “Sea of Glass” and please come prepared to sit quietly through the entire presentation. Write down your questions; and if there is time, each will be addressed as appropriate. However, I think most of your questions will be answered by much of the material presented.

In Santa Fe at 11:30 AM and in Albuquerque at 3:00 PM, Mr. Nork will present the main message “How Great is God” Part 5. Church services in Albuquerque will be in our new hall at the Best Western Executive Suites.

In Tucson at 10:30 AM, Mr. Joe Lozano will present the: “Seven Abominations to God.” Remember, Church Services are now at the Residence Inn Tucson Airport, 2660 Medina Road. There will be no potluck in Tucson next Sabbath it is now moved until March 17th.

In Phoenix, a “must play” DVD sermon titled “Rejoice in God’s Sabbath” by Dr. Roderick Meredith will be the main message. Church Services will be at 3:00 PM. Remember, next Sabbath Dr. Jeff Fall will be guest speaker in both Prescott and Phoenix. A potluck will also follow next week in Phoenix.

Finally, recently many of our speakers have been focusing on the subject of “forgiveness.” Each of us needs forgiveness and expects forgiveness from God; and yet at times, some, can be hard-hearted in our attitudes toward others. Just “cutting someone slack” as we might say, could be the helping hand needed to see a resolution to a problem. It means a working together as a team; and not pulling apart from each other. There is no excuse for driving wedges in the form of doubts, anger or bitterness toward anyone, especially among our brothers and sisters in Christ. At times a severe lack of Bible study, fasting and prayer is at the root cause for the reason we are not in tune with God.

At this Passover time, regardless of what someone else does, change into active Christians. Make daily, sufficient time, for connecting with our God, a real part, of our whole being. Have a peaceful Sabbath evening!

Sincerely,
Rodger L. Bardo
Area Pastor AZ-NM
602-910-1086
rlbardo@aol.com