West Ridge Christian Community Church

Today we worshiped at West Ridge Christian Community Church, 100 Gorwood Drive, Coraopolis, PA 15108, 724.695.7500, www.westridge.cc, Pastor John Goebbel.

Scripture –

James 5:7-12 – NKJV

Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, waiting patiently for it until it receives the early and latter rain. You also be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.

Do not grumble against one another, brethren, lest you be condemned. Behold, the Judge is standing at the door! My brethren, take the prophets, who spoke in the name of the Lord, as an example of suffering and patience. Indeed we count them blessed who endure. You have heard of the perseverance of Job and seen the end intended by the Lord—that the Lord is very compassionate and merciful.

But above all, my brethren, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or with any other oath. But let your “Yes” be “Yes,” and your “No,” “No,” lest you fall into judgment.

Matthew 9:11-13 NKJV

And when the Pharisees saw it, they said to His disciples, “Why does your Teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?”

When Jesus heard that, He said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy and not sacrifice.’ For I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.”

1 Corinthians 6:9-11 MSG

Don’t you realize that this is not the way to live? Unjust people who don’t care about God will not be joining in his kingdom. Those who use and abuse each other, use and abuse sex, use and abuse the earth and everything in it, don’t qualify as citizens in God’s kingdom. A number of you know from experience what I’m talking about, for not so long ago you were on that list. Since then, you’ve been cleaned up and given a fresh start by Jesus, our Master, our Messiah, and by our God present in us, the Spirit.

Bob’s thoughts:

Sometimes the more convoluted our trip to church becomes, the more it confirms that is where God wants to meet with us.

We were welcomed by a number of people and enjoyed an interesting décor and lighting. My only disappointment was the lack of a cross.

The sermon dealt with the Supreme Court legislation on gay marriage rights and the Biblical church’s response. It was stressed that any response should be Christian. We must show Jesus’ love to all as we are all hopeless sinners without His sacrifice.

He brought up a point later in the message that often what we feel so important comes to mean nothing. Before coming to Christ, tools were my god. I had to have the new, shiny, far-beyond-my-needs tools. The tool man smiled as he backed into my drive. But when Christ claimed me, the luster faded. The devil still dangles that lust before me sometimes, but he’s no match for Christ, Who continues to rescue me.

Jan’s thoughts:

After an emotional week, I prayed God would lead us to a place where I could truly worship Him, and after a bit of wandering, He answered my prayer.

Unfortunately we arrived late and the music was well underway. The usher kindly led us to seats toward the front, but we had to decline and asked to sit farther back. A gentleman sitting nearby overheard the situation and thoughtfully gave us his seat in the back so we could sit together.

This contemporary service is set in a lovely worship space boasting numerous design elements I’ve seen nowhere else. I’m hoping to return to see it again. The ceiling is open with joists showing and beige material covering (presumably) ductwork all the way across then draped to the floor on both sides. The same material was beautifully arranged on the back wall of the stage but with an opening showing the drummer and the acrylic barrier in front of him. It was the most attractive arrangement I’ve seen. On the side walls at intervals a few feet apart were strips of colored lights that added just enough light to see. The lobby area was attractive and led directly into a café and fellowship space. The children’s rooms were each a different bright color with a large white animal silhouetted on one wall.

A member of the church shared his amazing testimony of God’s provision and grace in his life. His story spoke to me and I was grateful to have heard him speak.

The message was part of a series called “Basic Elements” and spoke to the issues of character and integrity.

The pastor began by addressing this week’s Supreme Court ruling, reiterating to the membership this church’s stance and beliefs. He urged everyone to use this opportunity to point to Christ, and stressed care in what is said, done, and posted on social media. He reminded that Jesus is the only judge and the best example and no Christian should be hurting or condemning anyone. Instead, grace and truth should be the watchwords in dealing with people.

I cannot help but think that every word he spoke was just as applicable before last Friday as it is now.

After the service the pastor was kind enough to take time for conversation and prayer with us, which I greatly appreciated.

Our prayer for this church:

Lord, may You continue to bless this pastor and church and may Your Word remain fresh in their minds. Amen.