Dear Cornerstone Family,
It was a tremendous blessing to sit under the spiritual leadership of Rev. Tony Giles, Rev. Sebastian Bjernegård, and Rev. Drew Abercrombie each week as they led us through the last half of our summer sermon series, “We Believe: The Apostles Creed.” What a gift to have able servants preach “the whole counsel of God” (Acts 20:27) and “rightly handle the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15), so that we might be nourished on “the pure milk of the Word” (1 Peter 2:2). I thank God for the labors of these dear brothers over the course of the summer.
And what a summer it’s been! From record breaking numbers at VBS to a rich women’s Bible study in the minor prophets with Nancy Guthrie, from youth camp in Panama City to stimulating book discussions from the Arts ministry, from max capacity Standing Firm in the Faith men’s gatherings to evangelism training with Christianity Explored—we’ve had a lot happening. That’s to say nothing of the Welcome, Hospitality, Meals, and Expansion teams pouring themselves out for the growing needs of the body. I’m filled with gratitude watching Christ’s people serve Christ’s church with eager joy!
Speaking of gratitude, I’m thankful to be leading once again in worship and to welcome back my dear friend, Dr. Guy Richard, President of Reformed Theological Seminary in Atlanta, to the Cornerstone pulpit today. Through Dr. Richard’s visionary leadership, RTS Atlanta began hosting classes in Nashville a few years ago. Since that time, Cornerstone has helped lead the way for RTS’s presence in Nashville to grow by generously supporting RTS Nashville through our missions giving and student enrollment.
This summer RTS Nashville was named an official extension site, which is great news. Being an official extension site means more RTS classes offered in Nashville and increased capacity to train men and women for ministry locally. But what really gets me excited is the positive effect RTS Nashville’s presence has on the health of local churches. In fact, RTS’s mission doesn’t stop at training men and women for vocational ministry. RTS desires and their classes are designed to equip the church—to help ordinary Christians further their understanding of the Bible, theology, and ministry.
To that end, if you are new to the reformed faith or Presbyterianism, let me strongly encourage you to invest three weekends this fall (Sept. 12-13, Oct. 10-11, and Nov. 7-8) to study Covenant Theology with my friend, Dr. Gabriel Fluhrer. Dr. Fluhrer is a first-rate theologian and an engaging lecturer. Your mind will be sharpened and your heart warmed as you explore the structure of the Bible’s redemptive plotline. Please don’t miss this tremendous opportunity! To learn more, visit rts.edu/extensionsites.
Finally, I’ve been peppered with a single question this week, “What will we be studying this fall as a church?” I’ve managed to shock everyone with the answer: “Leviticus!” Yep, the book that’s single handedly killed thousands of read-through-the-Bible plans is the very book I’ll be preaching this fall. I know what you’re thinking, “Did he lose his mind during his July study leave?” Well, I may have lost my mind, but choosing Leviticus is not evidence for it. I’m convinced that your love for and commitment to the Lord Jesus Christ will grow immensely through our time in Leviticus. Please start praying the Lord would pour out His Spirit on the ministry of the Word this fall as we study Leviticus together!
Your servant,
