Dear Cornerstone Family,
When Moses is preparing the people of Israel to enter the land of Canaan, he tells them the key to their future blessing is remembering God’s faithfulness in the past (Deuteronomy 8:2). He reminds them that God did not let them go hungry in the wilderness. He gave to them manna to eat every morning. He did not let them die of thirst. He gave them water from a rock. Amazingly, in 40 years of wilderness wandering, their clothes did not wear out nor did their feet swell from walking. God was faithful every step of the way.
Forgetfulness is one of the besetting spiritual struggles of God’s people throughout the ages. In biblical history, forgetfulness is tied to doubt, disobedience, even idolatry. The checkered history of the book of Judges is a case in point of this. The Israelites did evil in the eyes of the Lord because “...they forgot the Lord their God and served the Baals and Asherahs” (Judges 3:7). Before we wander from the Lord, we’re first forgetful of Him and His benefits (Psalm 103:2).
We have to fight spiritual dementia and amnesia by actively engaging our memories with God’s Word and work. Our spiritual progress depends on what one scholar calls, “walking backward into the future.” In other words, spiritual advance comes when our memories are stirred with the wonder of redemption. Through remembering, we are equipped for the fight of faith, energized to finish the race (2 Timothy 4:7).
As we prepare for a big anniversary in the life of Cornerstone Presbyterian Church, we’re laying hold of this critical biblical instruction. As hard as it is to believe, we will celebrate TEN YEARS as a congregation in November! In these ten years, we’ve seen God do amazing things in and through this little outpost of heaven, and it’s time for us to remember afresh what God has done and give Him the praise He deserves.
Toward this end, the month of November will be a dedicated time of remembrance and celebration at Cornerstone. We’ve invited two amazingly gifted preachers to join us on November 7th and 14th to encourage and challenge us from God’s Word. I asked them both to ponder this question, “What from God’s Word would you want to say to a church celebrating ten years of ministry?” They are choosing specific texts and crafting messages tailored to renew and bless our hearts during this special time. I can’t wait to hear what God lays on their hearts!
Then, on November 21st, we have rented out Liberty Hall at The Factory in Franklin for the whole day! We will have ONE worship service at The Factory at 10am that morning. It will be a special Thanksgiving Service. Then, at 5:30 p.m., we will regather at The Factory for a rip-roaring celebration with amazing food, a concert, special guests, and more. Lord willing, it will be a day we will remember for many years to come!
Trust me, you will not want to miss one minute of what’s in store throughout November at Cornerstone. Registration will open next Sunday, October 17! Please mark your calendars now! We want ALL of Cornerstone present for the month of November as together we give thanks to God for the great things He has done.
Your servant,
