West Point Presbyterian Church (PCUSA): Jerry's Blog

What Church Membership Means...

Thu, 24 Sep 2009 10:26:10 -0500

What Membership Means... 1. Membership means, "I belong here." In turn God says that believers belong together (Hebrews 10:23-25). If you sense that God wants you here at West Point Presbyterian Church at this time in your life, and you want to make a public declaration that you're committed to God's work through this church, membership is the next step. 2. Membership means, "We share the same ministry goals." God says that believers are to be committed to one another in a community for the sake of spiritual impact (Ephesians 4:6). If you believe that Jesus has a work to do through the West Point congregation and you are willing to commit with others to see that it gets done, membership is the next step. 3. Membership means, "I accept that I am part of a community within the family of God." God wants you to belong (Galatians 6:1,2,10). If you want to be part of a caring network of people, sharing one another's joys and sorrows, helping one another grow, being comforted and strengthened, membership is the next step. 4. Membership means, "I am accountable to the local community of faith for my walk with God." God warns against spiritual autonomy (Matthew 18:15-20). If you don't want to be alone in your stand for Jesus Christ, and want to receive the guidance, equipping, and teaching necessary to stay on target, membership is the next step. 5. Membership means, "I will submit to the leadership God has placed over me." God directs, that this is the correct thing to do (Hebrews 13:17; 1 Corinthians 16:15,16). If you want to join with the West Point Presbyterian Church leadership in the building up of this local church, membership is the next step.

Volunteers are Priceless

Mon, 14 Sep 2009 09:29:35 -0500

"Whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God." 1 Corinthians 10:31b Volunteers are seldom paid; not because they are worthless, but because they are PRICELESS! And the fact of the matter is, volunteers make up the vast majority of workers within the church and most nonprofit organizations. Be they elders, deacons, Sunday school teachers, food closet personnel, or ministry team members of every conceivable description, volunteers make up the backbone of everything we attempt to accomplish. In fact, if it were not for men and women of faith who are willing to give of their time, talent and treasures, the work of the Kingdom would go lacking! Of course, in the business world, if a task needs to be accomplished, someone is hired to meet the need. The employer (or "boss") offers to pay a reasonable salary for reasonable work... and "the boss" expects the job to be done... period. And if the work of the employee fails to meet minimal expectations, they get a pink slip! But, in the Ministry we understand that as volunteers fill the void, and help accomplish the mission and ministry of Christ, they do so out of the overflow of time and resources. Most volunteers work "full-time" secular jobs, which means they're vocational calling is beyond the "four-walls" of ministry. So when they offer to work in the ministry they're offering what's left... not "left-overs" or second quality effort, but simply what is left of their time and talents and expertise AFTER faithfully meeting the needs of their GREATEST calling; their family! Not that this provides an excuse for poor effort and poor-quality ministry. For even in our non-vocational callings, we are challenged by God's Word: "Whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus" (Colossians 3:17) and "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men" (Colossians 3:23). It becomes the calling of the professional man or woman in ministry to gently encourage and support those who've volunteered to work for the Kingdom. We do so by equipping those under our care with the tools they need to efficiently and effectively carry out their share of the Kingdom duties. In the business world one may speak of keeping their "thumb" on their employees. In other words, the "boss" says do it my way or it's the highway! But in the Kingdom, we touch in a different way. Gently nudging others (especially volunteers in ministry) through encouraging words and deliberate prayer to do their VERY BEST for the glory of God. After all, it's little things done in big love that make the greatest difference in our world. I thank God for the volunteers in ministry that support and help carry the hope of Christ's love, grace and mercy into the darkness of our world. May God help those of us called to "full-time ministry" effectively equip those who volunteer in ministry, to be all they can be for His glory! Amen.

The Life-Cycle of a Church

Sat, 29 Aug 2009 15:05:28 -0500

Interesting article I found online by W. Frank Walton... "So the church throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria enjoyed peace, being built up; and going on in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, it continued to increase" (Acts 9:31). Luke describes the church in Palestine (brethren in the aggregate) as experiencing dynamic growth. In general, they had their spiritual priorities in place, with a reverent attitude toward the Lord and reliance on the promises and guidance given by the Holy Spirit. God's people doing God's work in God's way will reap God's blessing. How many of us are bearing "much fruit" (John 15:5) to the Lord's honor and glory? In a local church, as in our individual lives, we often pass through different stages in our spiritual development. The church at Thyatira was improving, though plagued with false teaching (Revelation 2:19). The church at Sardis was past its prime (Rev. 3:1-3). The church at Corinth has some good points and spiritual talent (1 Cor. 1:4- 7, 11:2; 2 Cor. 8:7), yet they were plagued church problems due to carnality (1 Cor. 3:1-3) and a failure to follow through on their promises (2 Cor. 8:7,10-11; 9:2-5). Paul teaches that the ideal path of a church is ever onward and upward: "Be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain" (1 Cor. 15:58). A vibrant life-cycle in the church comes from the renewal of firm commitment to the Lord and to the spiritual mission to which we have been called. The Lord's soul-saving work is the most important work in the world. It deserves and demands our best effort, both individually and collectively. Those who study organizations of people have observed that most organizations go through 3 stages in its life-cycle: (1) risk-taking stage, (2) caretaking stage, (3) undertaking stage. Let's see how this might apply to the life-cycle of a church. 1. Risk-Taking Stage. A new or small congregation often struggles. Yet, everyone must pull their own weight to not pull others down. Members are willing by faith to take risks to advance the cause of Christ, or as Jesus put it, to "launch out into the deep" (Luke 5:4). The adventure of faith means commitment to work hard and sacrifice to build up the local church in doing the Lord's work. Such characterized the church at Philippi in zealously supporting gospel preaching (Phil. 4:15- 16). The Lord's church in Rome was widely known for their active, aggressive and encouraging faith (Romans 1:8,12). The churches of Macedonia were materially poor but rich in dedication and sacrifice that even the apostle Paul marvelled (2 Cor. 8:1-5). In this stage of growth, members gladly volunteer their involvement. Members are active and aggressive in evangelism and inviting others to church, like the newly planted church at Thessalonica (1 Thess. 1:8). Launching out in this daring faith means a church has the willingness to face the possibility of failure, problems, rejection or difficulty in doing the Lord's work. The Thessalonian church had this bold devotion for Jesus, because of their idealist, vibrant spiritual traits: active faith, loving service, and steadfast hope in the Lord's second coming (1 Thess. 1:3). This is why the gospel grew and was glorified among them (2 Thess. 3:1). 2. Caretaking Stage. The church at Laodicea thought they had "arrived." They smugly thought that we "have need of nothing" (Rev. 3:17). Yet the Lord evaluated them accurately, "You are lukewarm" (Rev. 3:16a). His sobering warning of "repent!" (Rev. 3:19) or else would apply to all churches today who are smug and self- satisfied. Lukewarm churches that are content to putter along make the Lord sick!: "I will spit (or vomit) you out of my mouth" (Rev.3:16b). The caretaking church loses it vision of ever expanding growth, thereby missing its sense of mission and spiritual urgency. After a church has grown, it is easy to drift into a "comfort zone." A nice building is built. They hire a good preacher who will do their work for them. There's usually enough members now that things that have to be done will eventually get done. Maintaining the status quo becomes a rut. This church seeks to "hold its own." Members become weary of work and sacrifice. Religion becomes more of convenience instead of conviction. Is the church where you attend satisfied with the "status quo" and "holding your own."? 3. Undertaker Stage. If a church remains in the caretaker stage long enough, it will soon be ready for the undertaker. The Lord said of Sardis, "You are dead" (Rev. 3:). They were existing on their past reputation: "You have a name that you are alive" (Rev. 3:1). This rut has become "a grave with both ends knocked out." Someone at such a church may say, "The church here is at peace." This means someone needs to come preach their funeral so they can "rest in peace." There's not enough life to cause a stir about anything, either good nor bad. A church in the undertaker stage lives in the past. Or, they may think they're a good church because they have much potential that one of these days could be developed, if they really put their mind to it. Also, they think they are a sound church mainly because they have good intentions and theoretically stand for the truth on all the important issues. As a member of a local church, how do YOU fit into that church's life-cycle? Make sure that you help the local church to renew itself by the Word of Christ in following Christ. Then by "speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him" (Eph. 4:15).

I Want to Be Like Jesus

Wed, 19 Aug 2009 05:34:28 -0500

I have one deep supreme desire, That I may be like Jesus. To this I fervently aspire, That I may be like Jesus. I want my heart His throne to be, So that a watching world may see His likeness shining forth in me; I want to be like Jesus. Oh, perfect life of Christ my Lord, I want to be like Jesus. My recompense and my reward, That I may be like Jesus. His Spirit fill my hung'ring soul, His power all my life control; My deepest pray'r, my highest goal, That I may be like Jesus. I Want to Be Like Jesus Thomas O. Chisholm

Seeing, Recognizing, and Expecting

Wed, 12 Aug 2009 08:26:17 -0500

Lloyd Ogilvie, former pastor of the First Presbyterian Church of Hollywood, California, and former chaplain of the United States Senate, tells of the time earlier in his life when he was involved in a serious accident that required a year-long period of recovery. As he recovered, bedridden, he couldn't help but wonder if he would ever walk again. He began to feel lonely and became quite depressed, when seemingly "out- of-the-blue" a letter arrived from an old friend. This friend had been going through some of her mother's belongings after her mother's death, and among those belongings she found a photograph her mother had taken one Sunday morning outside the church. It was a picture of the church sign. This particular church always posted the sermon title on the sign each week, and the sermon title that week was "God Never Forgets." Below the title was the pastor's name - Lloyd Ogilvie. But when Ogilvie saw the photograph, he read both lines together: "God never forgets Lloyd Ogilvie." It was exactly what he needed at that moment in his life, and a reminder that God was with him. He had, in fact, never been alone! Jesus said, "And surely I am with you always, even to the end of the age." (Matthew 28:20) God's presence is a major part of His provision and blessing to those who call Him Lord. Brian Wren is a famous composer of modern hymns, and a Reformed Pastor. He was leading a worship workshop at a church that ended with communion on Sunday morning. The worshipers came to the front of the sanctuary and tore off tiny bits of bread and daintily dipped them in the cup. Except for one little girl who came forward. She tore off a big chunk of bread, gave it a good dunk in the cup, and stuffed it in her mouth, to the horror of her parents and the disapproving looks of church members. But Wren had an entirely different take on it. He said that she was the only one who admitted her hunger, and the only one who expected to be fed. It's strange how God's promises and provision only satisfy those who "see the signs," recognize God's presence, and expect to be blessed. May we be among those who see, recognize, and expect! Amen.

Article by Rebecca MacArthur - a good friend.

Wed, 08 Jul 2009 19:20:16 -0500

LaGrange Daily News Rebecca MacArthur July 7, 2009 I recently received an email from a close friend who felt as if a colossal part of her youth had packed a suitcase and fled into the night with the deaths of Michael Jackson and Farrah Fawcett. Emerging from that same generation, I could almost sympathize with her despair except I never owned a single Michael Jackson album or watched Charlie's Angels so their living and dying had little effect on my own sense of nostalgic balance. Honestly, in a memorable week of celebrity deaths, I was a infinitely more cut up over the loss of pitchman, Billy May because it reminded me that I've been asking various members of my intimate family for one of those slider-burger-maker-things for months now. I'm kidding. Well, not really. There is something, though, that in reminiscing about my own bicentennialized, toe-socked youth- for the record, I'm forty-four- that I have begun to miss deeply. No, it isn't Michael or Farrah, or Richard Nixon or even episodes of Little House on the Prairie which I can now watch every single day of the week on the Hallmark channel if I should feel so inclined. What I am beginning to miss the most, are the days when profanity was much more of a cultural, public rarity. I am not a saint or a sociologist or a linguist. I am also not a prude. As a writer, I'm on board with responsible free speech and if I was being tortured by frogs in bonnets, I'd admit, yes, the end of Gone with the Wind would not be as rousing without Clark Gable and that big, big, D. But the language line seems to have been progressively forsaken since Farrah popped up in her red bathing suit. A few months ago I attended a middle school basketball game that was overflowing with parents and teachers and sat beside a group of children (if you're 11 or 12, sweetie, you're a child) who were passing the F-word between them like it was a bag of Doritos. What gave me pause is that they didn't appear to be experimenting with obscenity as kids often do when they get to middle school, nor were they the least bit concerned who heard them. In another example, I was at Wal-Mart at ten o'clock in the morning and standing by the entrance with a toddler strapped in a cart was an attractive young mother talking on the phone, using almost no intelligible language except profanity and the appalling thing was, she wasn't angry. She was simply chatting ( loudly) as people walked around her yet she displayed not one jot of apprehension. I have had neighborhood children from middle class families stare at me with enough incredulity to stop a shuttle launch when I told them I have never, not once, cursed in front of my five children and neither has their father. Ever. The sky would be dashed to the earth if we did. And we're people. We get mad. We have bad days. They're kids. They do stuff. We've fished cell phones out of the toilet and discovered our bathroom painted with enough red nail polish to make it a crime scene. But the thing is, not cursing in front of them is really not hard. Running five times around Lafayette Square is hard.. For that matter, with my knees, and okay, other parts of my body, running across the yard is hard. Putting anything in savings right now is impossible. But not swearing in front of a child or in a public place? That's nothing! Someone reading this will point immediately at the television and various other mainstream media outlets as the primary culprit in all this vulgarity and they'd be partially right. If we could all be wrung out from the profanity we soak up in a single day from bumper stickers to television to our own conversations and private frustrations, we'd still be sopping wet. But that's not all of it. Somewhere in this, we've misplaced both a healthy shame and a high regard for the words we choose to speak to each other. If adultery, as someone put it recently in a Time article, is about "how little we mean to each other," perhaps profanity is too.

Worshiping a Sovereign God... Psalm 24

Wed, 08 Jul 2009 13:41:03 -0500

After reading the 24th Psalm for what must be the thousandth time, "The earth is the Lord's and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it," I'm reminded of why it's one of my favorite passages of Scripture. It's a beautiful, worshipful statement for faith, that calls to mind the majesty and omnipotence of God! But despite it's beauty and poetic verse, it doesn't really seem to carry the weight it once did! After all, we modern folk know of things much larger and grander than the Earth! We're explorers of space! We've come to know of other solar systems and galaxies! Space exploration, and images from the Hubble space telescope have broadened our view of creation. We no longer worry about falling off the edge of the earth or reaching it's limits! Instead, we ponder the limits of the universe. Of course, when Psalm 24 was written it was the very best expression the psalmist could imagine concerning the vastness of God's sovereignty. God owned everything that was know - the earth and everything on the earth! But today, we can imagine so much more, and the earth seems so insignificant. Yet, for the psalmist, the grandeur of God was adequately expressed in His domain of all the earth. And this left the psalmist with nagging questions! "Who may ascend the hill of the Lord? Who may stand in His holy place?" Now if you think about it, those are pretty good questions! After all, who is worthy to stand before the greatness of God? We're all just tiny little creatures on a speck of dust circling a puny little star! Who among us could ever be good enough to ascend to the holy place of the God who created all we see and know? Who are we to dare worship Him? Well, for the psalmist, the answer was obvious... only those with clean hands and pure hearts could dare ascend the holy hill of God. But that raises a new question! Who can factually claim to have clean hands and a pure heart? If following the "rules" (or Law) - and keeping all the rituals and traditions are what it takes to be "pure" - I for one, fail! There are only 10 Commandments... at least that's what we're told! I can sometimes claim to do pretty good in regards to those! After all I haven't killed anyone, or committed adultery or stolen anything. But... the only problem is 10 Commandments led to 20, and 50 and 100! And before long there were over 600 laws - all aimed at making one worthy of worshiping God! And if you break one, you've broken them all... therefore, no one is worthy. Christ made it clear - none of us are perfect - and no one can remain worthy by keeping the law. For even if we manage to keep the "letter of the law" outwardly, Jesus says if we so much as hate our neighbor we have killed. If we've lusted in our heart, we've committed adultery. If we've been jealous of our neighbors, we've stolen in our hearts! Who among us can claim innocense? No one! Maybe this is why so many people in our world just don't bother! They stay home on Sunday. They don't give the corporate worship of God a second thought, because it's easier to ignore God, than engage Him. It's easier to claim unworthiness as an excuse, than to seek-out reasons to participate in the worship of the Almighty. Of course, all this talk of our unworthiness to worship God does present a quandary - a dilemma. We're forced to admit that we're not worthy to worship God... yet He desires our worship! In fact, He calls us to worship! He invites us come... The solution: Jesus Christ! God sent His Christ, knowing that we're unable and unworthy to approach Him. So He came to us. We couldn't ascend to God... so God descended to us! We are unworthy to worship... so God sent the One who is worthy to prepare us, and through Christ... and only through Christ, we are provided a way to approach the throne of God and worship on His holy hill. The world is still the Lord's - in fact, the universe is His, and all that is with it! That'll never, ever change! And it's still true - only those with clean hands and pure hearts can dare approach God. But the good news of the Gospel is... Christ has made us pure! When we accept Christ and chose to live for Him, He washes the dirt from our hands, and purifies our hearts and souls. May it be so... Amen.

Who is this King of Glory?

Wed, 10 Jun 2009 08:11:48 -0500

The All Seeing Eye

Tue, 09 Jun 2009 10:15:09 -0500

After reading 1 Samuel 16:1-13, the biblical affirmation that there's really nothing new under the sun has been reaffirmed - at least for me! People always have, and maybe always will, judge other's by their outward appearance. We often judge others by the beauty of their face... or their height, or the quality of their clothes. We often make sudden judgments, or assumptions, of others based on their physical condition (the fact they're in a wheelchair, or walk with a cane...) instead of the merit of their training and experience. Sometimes, even in the 21st century, we judge others by the color of their skin. We notice when someone's light or dark or yellow or red - and without much consideration, we decided whether or not that person would be a good friend, a good co-worker... a good domestic servant. Or that person would make a better athlete, or has better rhythm or is smarter, or is more ambitious. Sometimes we even let outward appearances influence our judgments of people's moral character. Some people would even refuse to eat with others because they are the wrong color, or their clothes indicate that they're too poor, or even too rich. But God doesn't see as we see. In fact, God sees, what we can't always see... for God sees the heart. God knows whether a person is righteous or unrighteous. The "All Seeing Eye" of God isn't influenced by the beauty of a face, or the height of ones stature, by one's disabilities, or even by the color of one's skin, or by the quality of one's clothes. God is influenced only by the faith that lives in one's heart. And if God sees Christ in our hearts, He has seen enough. It doesn't matter what you look like, you are welcome in God's House. Here all differences of nationality, ability, wealth and race are washed away by the cleansing blood of Christ. And even though most people judge by what they see on the surface - you and I are not most people. We're Christians. Like Samuel we are followers of the One true God who knows all and sees all. And just as God sees through outward appearance to what really matters... we've been called thru the Spirit of Christ to do the same.

Cool Presbyterian Church Ad...

Mon, 08 Jun 2009 19:23:41 -0500