Dear Cornerstone Family,
On November 20, 2011, Cornerstone was received as a particularized (member) church of the Presbyterian Church of America (PCA). Can you believe it? We are nine years old! To honor the occasion, I took time this week to reflect on those early days, revisiting a few of my journal entries from that year. As I thought and read, I fought back tears. It’s so clear, friends; God has been so kind to us.
Someone asked me this week, “Was planting Cornerstone difficult?” The most honest way I know of answering that question is, “Yes and no.” It was a lot of hard work, and there are many people—staff, elders, deacons, and volunteers—that spent themselves for the establishment of Cornerstone. Since those early days, many more people have thrown their lot in with us, spending untold time, energy, and resources to sustain and grow the ministry of Cornerstone. All of them certainly deserve our appreciation.
Even with that, one thing is clear—God was doing the heavy lifting. God’s sovereign grace was the one constant underneath all these efforts. He is the “secret ingredient” of Cornerstone’s life and impact. Yes, God is pleased to use us, but human beings don’t build the church—only God does that (Matthew 16:18). So, as we gather together in worship, celebrating God’s faithfulness, let’s give credit where it’s due. Let’s thank God for Cornerstone by declaring with one voice, “Not to us, O LORD, not to us, but to your name give glory, for the sake of your steadfast love and your faithfulness!” (Psalm 115:1)
As we pause today and reflect on God’s kindness to us as a church, we’re laying foundations for the season of Advent which begins next Sunday, Nov. 29th. For where is the kindness of God seen more clearly than in the giving of his beloved Son (John 3:16)?
Please be sure to pick up our Advent Devotional, “Christ, Our Certain Hope,” this morning. You’ll find copies in the pew racks and at the entrances to the building. The daily services, readings, and quotes in the devotional have been carefully selected to help you keep pace with the emphases of our Advent sermon series and prepare you for the coming of Christ.
Speaking of the sermon series, this year’s Advent emphasis will focus on the first and second comings of Christ. For the first two weeks, we’ll consider the Old Testament’s anticipation of the Messiah and the fulfillment of Christ’s first coming. In week three and four, we’ll focus on the call to be patient and faithful in waiting for Christ’s second coming and the assurance that God will ready us for that great day. Over the course of the four weeks, we will come to know Jesus Christ as our rock of redemption and a reason for hope.
Christ, Our Certain Hope
Nov. 29 – Jeremiah 33:14-18, “Days are Coming”
Dec. 6 – Romans 15:8-13, “Abound in Hope”
Dec. 13 – James 5:7-11, “Establish Your Hearts”
Dec. 20 – 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24, “Kept for the Coming of the Lord”
Your servant,
