Our Pastor and Co-Leaders
Leadership is best seen in service, as Jesus exclaimed "if you want to be great, learn to be a servant to all"(Mark 10:44). He went on to say, "for the Son of man came not to be served but to serve, and give His life a ransom for many." That is part of the heart of our leadership; we have four elders who meet and share a meeting of the minds for GOD'S people. There are those serving as deacons, and because we are a coastal community, some of our strangest contributors come from out of town. Leaders, who aspire to such, are approached according to Biblical criteria, are assigned and approved by the body, as opposed to election or popular opinion. It's a running experiment, of sorts, but it works out here, while we seek to maintain continuity of ministry in Ocean Park.
Confident of this, He who began a good work in you will complete it until the Day of Jesus.
(Philippians 1:6)
I recently participated in a memorial for one of our guys, from Men of the Cross. His tribute picture program was accompanied by a theme song “Where your Treasure Is!” which continues “there your heart will be, also.”(Matthew 6:21) It causes pause, and beckons the believer to rely on eternity, and not so much this fleeting world; it implores us to know the everlasting GOD and His agape love, as He has revealed Himself in Scripture. As I look around at an unstable world, I am that much more confident GOD knows our days.
For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works,
which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.
(Ephesians 2:10)
It would be too easy to say I don’t do anything. Ten years ago I may have wanted to sound like I was authoritative; perhaps I would keep score regarding the activities in which I was invested. Yet, as a mature walk with Jesus develops me, I find myself in a position never anticipated. I have become a servant, enslaved by the love of God which I have a passion to radiate. You can find me serving at Men of the Cross breakfast each week, bussing tables and serving coffee; and participating with the worship team, helping others enter into meaningful Spirit filled worship as we encounter the presence of the Lord together. Giving God the glory, I hope to see you soon!
He [God] made Him [Christ] who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, that
we might become the righteousness of God in Him.
(2 Corinthians 5:21)
Both Vickie and myself came to the Lord Jesus 1967 and 1968 respectively. But it has taken us all these years to grow in the Lord and we are still growing. The Lord Jesus has never stopped loving us. It is such an awesome thought to think that He would choose us, out of all the members in our families and people we know, to be one of His children. The Lord Jesus said to His disciples, “You did not choose Me, but I chose you, and appointed you, that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain” (John 15:16). He is still bearing fruit in and through us. One of my favorite verses is 2 Corinthians 5:21, “He [God] made Him [Christ] who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” It’s hard for us to imagine the truth of that verse
Former Elders Who Remain In Our Prayers
In Latin, emeritus was used to describe soldiers who had completed their duty. It is the past participle of the verb emereri, meaning "to serve out one's term," from the prefix e-, meaning "out," and merēre, "to earn, deserve, or serve." (Merēre is also the source of our word merit.) Our Elders Emiritus haven't yet completed their duty, but they have moved onto other mission fields.
I have been young, and now am old; Yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken,
Nor his descendants begging bread.
(Psalm 37:25)
The Scriptures have always been an important guide for me. The two most special to me are Hebrews 10:14, which says, “for by this one offering, He has perfected forever those who are being sanctified”. The second is for my family: “Once I was young, Now I am old; I have never seen the righteous forsaken, nor his children begging bread.” (Psalm 37:25). God’s promises have always given me a special secure knowledge of the awesome love of my Heavenly Father.
Instruct the wise and they will be wiser still; teach the righteous and they will add
to their learning.
(Proverbs 9:9)
Cheryl and I have seen God do amazing things.
Probably the most amazing things are the changes He has brought about in us: changed attitudes, changed hearts and most of all changed focus! We’ve served in many ways, but the role I am now taking very seriously is that of teaching the adult Bible Study. It’s not always an easy task but God has made it one of the most fulfilling ones. Not only do I get to share revealed truths, but God’s Word can mold our character if we just let Him. Those same words encourage me to a much more enthusiastic attitude and walk with God. We truly enjoy the fellowship, the love and the grace God grants, and take every opportunity to share the love, wisdom and grace God bestows on all who believe in Him. So come, fellowship and believe with us that Jesus truly is the Son of God and His love is beyond measure!
P.S. Don’t believe the lie that God wouldn’t forgive you for all you’ve done! Come and see how much He loves you!