Dear Cornerstone Family,
Today we welcome Dr. Derek Thomas to the Cornerstone pulpit. Dr. Thomas is a native of Wales. He is the Chancellor’s Professor of Systematic and Pastoral Theology at Reformed Theological Seminary and the recently retired Senior Minister at First Presbyterian Church (ARP) in Columbia, SC.
Before his ministry in Columbia, Dr. Thomas served as the Chairman of the Theology Department at Reformed Theological Seminary (Jackson, MS), the Minister of Teaching at First Presbyterian Church (PCA) in Jackson, MS, and the Robert Strong Professor of Systematic and Pastoral Theology at Reformed Theological Seminary (Atlanta, GA).
While I was a student at Reformed Theological Seminary in Jackson, I had the privilege of studying with Dr. Thomas. I had the further privilege of serving alongside him on staff at First Presbyterian Church.
Dr. Thomas is a prolific author with more than twenty books to his name, including Praying the Savior’s Way, Strength for the Weary, and Heaven on Earth: What the Bible Teaches about the Life to Come. At our staff meetings this fall, we are reading his excellent work on Romans 8 entitled, How the Gospel Brings Us All the Way Home. You will find copies of these books on the Cornerstone Bookshelf in the Fellowship Hall this morning.
Dr. Thomas and his wife, Rosemary (a big Atlanta Braves fan), have two grown children and two grandchildren, as well as two dogs named Luther and Gracie-Spangles, and a somewhat dysfunctional cat named Chloe. Dr. Thomas is passionate about classical music and opera. Ask him about Wagner and the Ring Cycle if you get the chance.
Before I go, several of you queried this week, “How long before season two of our church podcast, Life at the Corner, releases?” I’m pleased to say, the wait is over. Bright and early tomorrow morning the first episode of season two will drop!
If you are not already a Life at the Corner listener, go to wherever you listen to podcasts (Spotify, Apple, etc.) and subscribe to the Life at the Corner podcast. Episodes range from 20-30 minutes, which means you’ll be able to take in a full episode during your morning run or on your commute to school or work.
Over the course of the fall, yours truly will explore a number of important biblical, theological, and cultural matters. I’ll also engage in scintillating discussion and ridiculous banter with a number of surprise guests. So, tell your friends and neighbors and tune in tomorrow and every Monday this fall.
Your servant,
