West Ridge Church: Blog

My Story: Troy & Lindsey Page

May 13, 2012 - Discussion

Troy and Lindsey Page share their incredible journey through marriage, cancer, and having a baby.

A Little Something For Africa

April 20, 2012 - by Paul Richardson - Discussion

Each of our three locations at West Ridge Church are getting the opportunity to meet John and Betty Arnold right now. They are our next missionaries to Burkina Faso in West Africa. Like all of us their story and calling are unique and provide inspiration to others. They began their tour at our Cartersville location on April 15th, will be sharing at East on April 22nd, and hanging out at West on April 29th.

God has allowed them to raise almost all the funds they need for personal support, but they have a few other things that we wanted to invite everyone to help out with.

John and Betty will be setting up a house and new team center in Burkina Faso so that all of us can take turns going to see them and be a part of transforming this country. They have registered for several household goods that will help them be more successful, and all of you be more successful, when you go to West Africa. They have registered at Target and Walmart on their gift registries. You can go look at what they have registered for by clicking on the links below.

As you might imagine Wal-mart, Target, and Home Depot haven't exactly made it to Burkina yet. It's really important we help them get as many of these things as possible before they leave. We need these items by May 6th so that they can be put into a shipping container headed out over the Atlantic.

If you live in Paulding County they have also registered at Home Depot in Hiram. That list is not available on the internet, but they can pull it for you in the store. If you are a man or woman who loves tools go have a look and purchase something. Then when you come to Burkina you can use your tool to help build a church, school, repair a well, or help in some other way.

You can bring any items you purchase to your West Ridge location from now until May 6th. If you have any questions, please contact stephanied@westridge.com.

You can follow John and Betty's journey at engageburkina.com/blog and at facebook.com/engageburkina

Looking forward to spending time with you in Africa!

Paul Richardson
West Ridge Church

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Five benefits of being adopted as children into God’s family

April 20, 2012 - by Rodney Hunt - Discussion

When we receive Christ by faith, we have the privilege of becoming his children. We are adopted into His family. "But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God." - John 1:12. This refers to the status of all Christians, both men and women. We now enjoy all the privileges, obligations, and inheritance rights of God’s children. Here are some of the benefits and privileges we enjoy from being adopted into God's family.

1. We are able to talk to God and relate to him as a good and loving Father. We may take this for granted, but our Heavenly Father loves us deeply. "See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God" - I John 3:1. We can relate to him as a good and loving Father as a result. He understands us and has compassion on us as his children. "As a father shows compassion to his children, so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear him" - Psalm 103:13. As his children, He promises to take care of our needs."For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all" - Matthew 6:32. He forgives our sins. "I am writing to you, dear children, because your sins have been forgiven on account of his name" - I John 2:12. He gives us many good gifts, especially the Spirit. " If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!” - Luke 11:13. As a loving Father he promises us a great inheritance. "So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God" - Galatians 4:7. Many of the benefits of that inheritance await us in the future. This inheritance includes the new heaven and earth, our glorified resurrected bodies, and residence in his coming kingdom. "But, as it is written, “What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him” - I Corinthians 2:9.

2. We are led by the Holy Spirit. Because of the saving work of Christ, we enjoy the new life of the Spirit. "For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him." - Romans 8:14-17. As his children, the Spirit of God testifies to our spirit that we are his children in a very unique way.

3. God disciplines us as his children. The trials and tests we face in this life prove our sonship. It also requires us to respond with perseverance. " And have you forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons? “My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor be weary when reproved by him. For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives.” - Hebrews 12:5-6.

4. We relate to other believers as members of one family. The church is a family. We relate to other followers of Christ as family members. "Do not rebuke an older man but encourage him as you would a father, younger men as brothers, older women as mothers, younger women as sisters, in all purity." - 1 Timothy 5:1-2.

5. We imitate and honor our Father in heaven. We are to imitate God's holiness in our conduct. "Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children." - Ephesians 5:1. "In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven." - Matthew 5:16. "Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world." - Philippians 2:14-15.

(based on the book "Systematic Theology" by Wayne Grudem.)

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How to pray through the Psalms

April 16, 2012 - by Rodney Hunt - Discussion

If you are wanting to see your prayer life become more effective and powerful, we encourage you to take 30 days to read and pray through the Psalms with us. Using Scripture to guide your prayers is powerful because you know you are praying according to God’s will. “And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us.”- 1 John 4:15. If you are praying in accordance with what pleases God as found in the teaching of Scripture, then you can know for certain that you are praying according to his will. Here are some suggestions for helping you pray in this manner as your read and pray through the Psalms.

1. Begin with prayer. Ask God to reveal himself to you as you read. Ask him to teach you by his Holy Spirit.

2. Read through the Psalm. Read through the entire Psalm so that you can better understand the author’s emotions and thoughts.

3. Take verses in the Psalm and personalize them as you pray them back to God. You can thank God for his character and attributes that are revealed in the Psalm. You can pray for yourself and may find that you share many of the same emotions that the Psalmist had. Pray for others. Let it motivate you to pray for your spouse, your children, family members, friends, church, or co-workers. Starting with Psalm 1, here is an example of how you might use Scripture to direct your prayer time.

Psalm 1:1-2- “Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night.”

Prayer: Father I thank you that your law and word is good. I thank you that you have revealed yourself to us through your word. I ask that you would give me the strength not to walk in the counsel of the wicked. Help me to find my delight and satisfaction in your word. Help me to meditate on your word day and night. Open my eyes that I may understand the power of your word for my life. I also ask that my children would delight themselves in your word as they grow older. I pray that they would walk in the counsel of good friends and not in the way of the wicked. Place good influences in their life. Instill in them a love for you and your word. Thank you God for the blessing and favor that comes as a result of delighting ourselves in your law.

This is just a suggested prayer. The point is to make it personal and pray according to God’s will. Over the next 30 days, take verses from the Psalms as you read and allow them to guide your prayers to God, for yourself, and others.

Download 30 Days in the Psalms.

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30 Days In The Psalms

April 14, 2012 - Discussion

Throughout The Prayer Series, we as a church are diving into the book of Psalms. We have two reading plan options for you:

30 Days In The Psalms: One chapter from Psalms each day | download/print.
Read The Whole Book: If you'd like to read through the whole book of Psalms, you can use the Psalms You Version reading plan.

Open publication

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The Prayer Series - Beginning April 15

April 04, 2012 - Discussion

Does God really hear us when we pray?
And does it really affect things in our lives?

Do you know what to pray when you pray?

And wonder if you are good enough to be heard?

Do you long for a deep connection with God?

And yet still feel distant from him?

You’re not alone.

Whether you pray daily or haven’t prayed in years, make plans to join us April 15th for a brand new teaching series simply called, The Prayer Series. Explore with us what Jesus’ has to say about prayer as we unpack a familiar passage called, The Lord’s Prayer. Come find the answers, motivation, and confidence you need to connect with God in prayer.

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Storm Relief

March 03, 2012 - Discussion

Update 3/6

This coming Saturday, March 10th, the Paulding County Commissioners have asked us to coordinate a workday to continue to help residents of West Paulding. Working alongside our Commissioners office we are coordinating containers be put in around the community in a dozen 'hotspots'. Volunteer groups are asked to check in at Poole Elementary beginning at 8:30 am so that we can evenly distribute volunteer groups who come out.

The work will be centered around debris clean up in the 9 mile stretch that the Supercel storm of March 2nd impacted. Volunteers participating in debris clean up will need to bring wheelbarrows, shovels, rakes, gloves, chainsaws and other items appropriate for removing trees, tree limbs, and trash.

Work is continuing all week long. If someone is looking for specific areas to go serve they can call 678-792-4488. This line has received dozens and dozens of calls from around the Southeast since Saturday including calls from residents who were impacted. They receive priority. Please be patient in waiting for calls back.

Please feel free to edit and use the information in this note to rally volunteers for the residents of West Paulding.

Working alongside local Atlanta media further efforts are being made to encourage the residents of West Paulding on Wednesday, March 14th. We will have contact information for you on that very soon.

Update 3/5

Great news for our West Paulding Location, we received news this morning that we will be able to have service at Poole Elementary this Sunday March 11th. West Paulding's service will be at your normal time of 10:00am.

Update 3/4

We now have a direct line for anyone who would like to volunteer or needs assistance from the storms Friday night. The direct line is 678-792-4488

Update: 3/3 12:30pm

Hi Everyone, We are working to stay current on streets and and neighborhoods in West Paulding and Rockmart that could use help with debris clean up and trees and limbs that have fallen. If you would like to volunteer you can call 770-222-2125 and dial extension 376. We are working to provide containers to collect debris. We could also use volunteers to distribute ice to residents without power. We are thankful that so many were kept safe from harm last night. Please pray for families that have been impacted, those volunteering and our community leaders.

Update: 3/3 11 am

West Paulding Update: We will not be having services tomorrow at Poole Elementary because of the storm damage at the school, but will be gathering together at the East Paulding location. Please plan to attend at 9 or 11am. We'll share the latest updates and ways you can help there. Thank you all for your prayers and support. -Pastor Steve Veale

Update: 3/2 - 11pm
We are aware of the tornado damage that has impacted Poole Elementary School. Poole is where West Ridge West Paulding meets on Sunday. Our West Paulding lead pastor Steve Veale has been communicating with the principal at Poole this evening. Some of our staff will be out there in the morning to assess the damage to Poole and the surrounding area. Please pray for the families in that area that have been impacted by this storm. We will post information as soon as we are able.