CPC 1997 Annual Report:
From the Associate Pastor
Rev. Jerome D. Cooper

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What do I really believe about life?

That has been my big question for 1997. And I have tried to raise that question in a number of ways for many of you.

You see, often we say one thing, and we may even think we believe it. But when we truly examine our lives, we see that somehow our actions do not follow from our professed beliefs. This is easy to see in a number of areas of life when we are willing to examine them.

Many of us are like Peter in Matthew 14:26-31. Peter was in a boat with the other disciples sailing across the Sea of Galilee, when Jesus came to them walking on the water. After their initial fear and shock, Peter asks Jesus to call him out onto the water with him. Jesus obliges, and Peter confidently takes his first steps out into the waves. But very soon, Peter takes his eyes off of Jesus and begins to focus on the wind and the waves. As Peter’s fear rises, his feet sink into the dark water beneath him. In desperation he remembers Jesus and cries out to be saved. Jesus reaches out and catches Peter’s hand and helps him back into the boat.

Peter was constantly confessing faith in Jesus. In fact, near the end of Jesus’ earthly life, he claimed to have greater faith than the other disciples. But the reality of Peter’s life often showed that his real view of life was somewhat different than his words. It was quite self-centered and focused on the things that could threaten his security, value or comfort in life.

Of course, the Peter of the gospels is not the Peter of Acts and the rest of the New Testament. Peter is transformed after the resurrection of Jesus. His real view of life is changed, not just on the surface, but deep down inside. He is truly "born again" as he wrote in 1 Peter 1:3

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.

He goes on to say that through Christ we have been "redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your forefathers." (1:18) The problem is that you and I still cling to many of the ways of thinking and believing (and therefore acting) that have been handed down to us through our American culture.

What would happen if you and I were truly "born again" in every area of life, and began to live with a God-Centered View of Life? What if we really believed and lived as if we were not our own, but that we belong to Jesus Christ twice over? First because he created us, and second because he had to purchase us again with his blood on the cross. What would it mean if we put our trust in Christ, and were no longer hampered by fears and anxieties, from within and without, as we took the risk of serving God with all that we are? What if we really used all the resources he has entrusted to us - Time, Finances, Abilities - for his glory and purposes?

As individuals, as families, and as a church, I believe that God has some fantastic things in store for us if we will allow him full reign in our lives. What are the things holding us back?

My prayer is that you and I, together, can grow and learn to give ourselves more fully to our Lord and Savior in this coming year. It is my privilege to walk this road with you as a friend and pastor.

- Jerry