Looking for a good book to read?
I’ve never done a year-end ‘top ten list’ (or ‘top eight’, for that matter), but I thought it would be fun (and hopefully edifying) to join the rest of the critical crowd, so below I’ve offered my favorite publications of 2008. While I certainly don’t agree with every statement made by every author, these books have challenged, provoked, educated, and frustrated me—but I’ve come away from each one with greater clarity and conviction. Here goes:
8. The Reason for God by Timothy Keller With the wisdom that comes from two decades of ministry experience in the heart of New York City, Keller carefully responds to the sincere objections of postmodern critics of Christianity.
7. I Walked the Line by Vivian Cash Granted, this book is only for the true Johnny Cash enthusiast, but as one who has virtually every known recording of the Man in Black, I found the (sometimes maudlin) memoirs of his first wife to be enlightening, as the rockabilly pioneer’s heart and hurts were exposed.
6. A Passion for God: The Spiritual Journey of A.W. Tozer by Lyle Dorsett How about the story of an unassuming, socially awkward spiritual giant for encouragement? The devotion and tirelessness of this influential yet lonely preacher proved to be a blessing to me.
5. Why We’re Not Emergent (By Two Guys Who Should Be) by Kevin DeYoung and Ted Kluck. An ESPN veteran and an outspoken (yet thoughtful) young pastor address the claims of emergent leaders that are capturing the interest of postmodern seekers. They also coin my favorite new phrase: ‘maybe’ is the new ‘yes.’ I loved this book.
4. Christless Christianity by Michael Horton From the very outset, this book by the venerable professor, Horton, is captivating. Once you pick it up, you may just carry it with you wherever you go. But be warned: Horton calls to task some of America’s most popular preachers, even the ones whose books grace our coffee tables.
3. Don’t Stop Believing by Michael Wittmer Conservative Christians regularly stress the importance of believing the right things. Emergents say it’s what you do that counts. Wittmer tries to offer a biblical balance. And does so beautifully, while answering tough and controversial questions like: are homosexuals any worse than the people who torment them?
2. Young Restless and Reformed by Collin Hansen Once I initially plunged into this journalist’s detailing of the sharp rise of Calvinism among twentysomethings I could hardly put it down. A fascinating glimpse into the sociological, theological, and relational leanings of young, tattooed Jesus-followers.
1. ESV Study Bible Since it was published in October 2008 (and I picked one up on day it was released) I have not ceased to be impressed by the comprehensiveness of this masterpiece. Incredible notes. Insightful historical analysis. Beautiful maps and charts. Spend the forty bucks and get one.
Monday, December 29, 2008
Monday, December 22, 2008
A Better Man
Knowing the Difference / Living the Difference
Becoming “A Better Man”
In the movie As Good As It Gets, Jack Nicholson’s character is asked by his soon to be girl friend to say what he saw in her that was valuable. His response “You make me a better man”. She “melted” at that point. I heard what he said and thought, “Ok, but what’s the big deal”. But to Helen Hunt’s character, these were precious words; words that penetrated to meaning far beyond the words themselves.
Last weekend several men were together for some early morning fellowship. As we discussed the things of scripture and how our present reading was impacting us, one man commented that being in fellowship with the other men there made him a better man – he lived differently when he stayed immersed in fellowship with other men who shared his values of scripture and challenged him to live a life different that the life he was challenged to live by his job, his neighbors, his friends in civic work, and so forth.
It seems to me that God is at work in our lives challenging us to be better men. The indwelling of His Holy Spirit, fertilized by regular reading of the scriptures and a life of prayerful conversation with God all build together to create a “better man”. In Exodus 33, God has indicated to Moses that he (Moses) has found favor in His sight. Moses’ seemingly immediate response is recorded in verse 13, . . . if I have found favor in Your sight, let me know Your ways that I may know You, so that I may find favor in Your sight. I find it very interesting that Moses, upon understanding that He was in God’s favor, nevertheless, wanted more of God – He wanted God to reveal more of Himself to him because he knew that in knowing more of God, he would have more of God’s favor.
Wise men do still seek Him. In seeking Him, our goal is to know more of Him that we may glorify Him and be men who, in knowing Him and the difference he makes (the better men He makes of us) can then live lives that are truly different. As I look at Moses life, He was looking for an upward spiral – a knowing that led to different living that led to more knowing that led to different living and on and on.
I want to be a better man. My strong belief is that all Christian men want to be better. Like Jack Nicholson, we need someone to make us better men. God’s word, prayer and the fellowship of other believers are the resources we have. Are you using these fully to know the difference so you can live the difference? Become a “better man”.
Becoming “A Better Man”
In the movie As Good As It Gets, Jack Nicholson’s character is asked by his soon to be girl friend to say what he saw in her that was valuable. His response “You make me a better man”. She “melted” at that point. I heard what he said and thought, “Ok, but what’s the big deal”. But to Helen Hunt’s character, these were precious words; words that penetrated to meaning far beyond the words themselves.
Last weekend several men were together for some early morning fellowship. As we discussed the things of scripture and how our present reading was impacting us, one man commented that being in fellowship with the other men there made him a better man – he lived differently when he stayed immersed in fellowship with other men who shared his values of scripture and challenged him to live a life different that the life he was challenged to live by his job, his neighbors, his friends in civic work, and so forth.
It seems to me that God is at work in our lives challenging us to be better men. The indwelling of His Holy Spirit, fertilized by regular reading of the scriptures and a life of prayerful conversation with God all build together to create a “better man”. In Exodus 33, God has indicated to Moses that he (Moses) has found favor in His sight. Moses’ seemingly immediate response is recorded in verse 13, . . . if I have found favor in Your sight, let me know Your ways that I may know You, so that I may find favor in Your sight. I find it very interesting that Moses, upon understanding that He was in God’s favor, nevertheless, wanted more of God – He wanted God to reveal more of Himself to him because he knew that in knowing more of God, he would have more of God’s favor.
Wise men do still seek Him. In seeking Him, our goal is to know more of Him that we may glorify Him and be men who, in knowing Him and the difference he makes (the better men He makes of us) can then live lives that are truly different. As I look at Moses life, He was looking for an upward spiral – a knowing that led to different living that led to more knowing that led to different living and on and on.
I want to be a better man. My strong belief is that all Christian men want to be better. Like Jack Nicholson, we need someone to make us better men. God’s word, prayer and the fellowship of other believers are the resources we have. Are you using these fully to know the difference so you can live the difference? Become a “better man”.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
It's Christmastime at Cornerstone!
One of the great Christmas blessings that we have during this time of the year is to experience the fruit from months of hard work and preparation of well over 100 of our brothers and sisters here at Cornerstone. Yes, I am talking about our Christmas production, "A Royal Cornerstone Christmas".
Rather than take the enormous amount of space that it would require to thank them all by name, rank and serial number (they ARE an army!), what I would rather do is to reflect back on the story that these loving, hard working, tirelessly dedicated people shared through their craft of singing, drama and pageantry.
The story of "Everyman" truly is the story of the human condition: the reality of Death's pending appointment and the search to fill the God-shaped vacuum in each of our lives with something or someone other than the Creator. Surely, each of us who know and love the Christ of Christmas know people like this, possibly a co-worker, a neighbor, or even perhaps in our own families, whether immediate or distant.
Everymans come in all shape and sizes, from every economic status, from both genders and in every possible ethnicity. They are your employers or employees, your next-door neighbors; the people you pass on the street and highway. Believe it or not, one of them (or maybe more) may even sit next to you during Sunday services. Do not forget this nugget of truth: Everyman's plight was not just a worship of recreation, friends, family and riches...he also thought that his own good deeds might be able to get him through Heaven's gates. Churches are filled with people that only give intellectual ascent to the reality of Jesus, only to believe that, in the end, their good works will somehow merit favor with God.
Beloved, what was shared this past weekend to well over 800 people was more than just an evening of fine dining and music; so much more than the spectacle of pomp and pagaentry and talent. It was more than an evening of carols and the celebration of good over evil.
It was a mirror.
A mirror for all of us, believer and non-believer, in which we should take a look:
Friendship, family, riches, good deeds...all end where death doth reign.
It was a message.
A message for those who love Christ to proclaim:
Death ends where Christ doth reign!
There has been a Gift given for everyman that gives us hope beyond the grave. This Gift was announced by angels and wrapped in LOVE as it was delivered in a filthy cattle stall. This Gift lived a perfect life. This Gift stretched His arms out on a tree to show you and me the extent of His love. This Gift came back from the grave after 3 days so that we could have the ultimate gift...an eternity with the Gift Giver.
This isn't a gift you can purchase at a store, from a catalog or over the internet...it's already been purchased for you. All you can do is share it with someone else. More than carols of the season, more than good food and fellowship, more than sentimental memories of days gone by, it is by far the most significant gift that anyone could ever conceive of receiving.
"For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life." - John 3:16 (NIV)
Everyman, Everywoman, Everyboy and Everygirl, it's Christmastime at Cornerstone...and time to share the gift.
JOY TO THE WORLD!
Rather than take the enormous amount of space that it would require to thank them all by name, rank and serial number (they ARE an army!), what I would rather do is to reflect back on the story that these loving, hard working, tirelessly dedicated people shared through their craft of singing, drama and pageantry.
The story of "Everyman" truly is the story of the human condition: the reality of Death's pending appointment and the search to fill the God-shaped vacuum in each of our lives with something or someone other than the Creator. Surely, each of us who know and love the Christ of Christmas know people like this, possibly a co-worker, a neighbor, or even perhaps in our own families, whether immediate or distant.
Everymans come in all shape and sizes, from every economic status, from both genders and in every possible ethnicity. They are your employers or employees, your next-door neighbors; the people you pass on the street and highway. Believe it or not, one of them (or maybe more) may even sit next to you during Sunday services. Do not forget this nugget of truth: Everyman's plight was not just a worship of recreation, friends, family and riches...he also thought that his own good deeds might be able to get him through Heaven's gates. Churches are filled with people that only give intellectual ascent to the reality of Jesus, only to believe that, in the end, their good works will somehow merit favor with God.
Beloved, what was shared this past weekend to well over 800 people was more than just an evening of fine dining and music; so much more than the spectacle of pomp and pagaentry and talent. It was more than an evening of carols and the celebration of good over evil.
It was a mirror.
A mirror for all of us, believer and non-believer, in which we should take a look:
Friendship, family, riches, good deeds...all end where death doth reign.
It was a message.
A message for those who love Christ to proclaim:
Death ends where Christ doth reign!
There has been a Gift given for everyman that gives us hope beyond the grave. This Gift was announced by angels and wrapped in LOVE as it was delivered in a filthy cattle stall. This Gift lived a perfect life. This Gift stretched His arms out on a tree to show you and me the extent of His love. This Gift came back from the grave after 3 days so that we could have the ultimate gift...an eternity with the Gift Giver.
This isn't a gift you can purchase at a store, from a catalog or over the internet...it's already been purchased for you. All you can do is share it with someone else. More than carols of the season, more than good food and fellowship, more than sentimental memories of days gone by, it is by far the most significant gift that anyone could ever conceive of receiving.
"For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life." - John 3:16 (NIV)
Everyman, Everywoman, Everyboy and Everygirl, it's Christmastime at Cornerstone...and time to share the gift.
JOY TO THE WORLD!
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Ostrich Ethics?
According to legend, the ostrich is said to stick its head in the sand at the first sight of danger. (For the record: no one has ever actually confirmed this occurrence, despite the popularity of this myth.)
A couple of years ago, I was riding in a windowless jeep in Africa when an 8-foot tall, wild ostrich began rapidly encroaching upon our vehicle (think more Godzilla than Big Bird), and the fear-inducing stare of this flight-challenged, yet mean-spirited bird left me wandering why an animal so well-equipped for handling conflict would cower in the face of it.
Then I came to realize that this is the way that we often are when it comes to confronting sin. Just the thought of pointing out to someone else the error of his way is debilitating. There’s no doubt about it: confronting sin is hard. But have we unwittingly embraced ostrich ethics?
Now I realize that there’s a fine line between being caring and being judgmental, but shouldn’t we love each other enough to encourage AND confront? Below are five biblical reasons that we should be willing to lovingly confront those we love:
1. The “wounds of a friends” bring healing (Pr. 27:6). Our words may sting at first, but they will, in the end, be appreciated—and facilitate the spiritual renewal that God desires.
2. We all have “blind spots” (Pr. 14:12). We all have areas in our lives that we just don’t see things clearly. That’s why God has not left us alone on this spiritual journey, but given us each other.
3. Genuine love is truthful (Gal. 4:12-16). Anyone can tell someone what they want to hear. That’s easy. But a real friend tells the truth. Even when it’s hard.
4. God may use us to bring about change (1 Pt. 4:7-10). Certainly God can get someone’s attention through a car accident or major tragedy, but he rarely does. Instead, he uses US as the “administers of his grace”.
5. We may just save someone’s life! (Jam. 5:20). How many people have fallen spiritually or emotionally because no one was willing to confront them on their sin? Why not love enough to say, “What you’re doing is wrong, and because I love you, I want to help you stop!”
May God give us the courage to confront sin and the humility to respond with grace when we're confronted.
A couple of years ago, I was riding in a windowless jeep in Africa when an 8-foot tall, wild ostrich began rapidly encroaching upon our vehicle (think more Godzilla than Big Bird), and the fear-inducing stare of this flight-challenged, yet mean-spirited bird left me wandering why an animal so well-equipped for handling conflict would cower in the face of it.
Then I came to realize that this is the way that we often are when it comes to confronting sin. Just the thought of pointing out to someone else the error of his way is debilitating. There’s no doubt about it: confronting sin is hard. But have we unwittingly embraced ostrich ethics?
Now I realize that there’s a fine line between being caring and being judgmental, but shouldn’t we love each other enough to encourage AND confront? Below are five biblical reasons that we should be willing to lovingly confront those we love:
1. The “wounds of a friends” bring healing (Pr. 27:6). Our words may sting at first, but they will, in the end, be appreciated—and facilitate the spiritual renewal that God desires.
2. We all have “blind spots” (Pr. 14:12). We all have areas in our lives that we just don’t see things clearly. That’s why God has not left us alone on this spiritual journey, but given us each other.
3. Genuine love is truthful (Gal. 4:12-16). Anyone can tell someone what they want to hear. That’s easy. But a real friend tells the truth. Even when it’s hard.
4. God may use us to bring about change (1 Pt. 4:7-10). Certainly God can get someone’s attention through a car accident or major tragedy, but he rarely does. Instead, he uses US as the “administers of his grace”.
5. We may just save someone’s life! (Jam. 5:20). How many people have fallen spiritually or emotionally because no one was willing to confront them on their sin? Why not love enough to say, “What you’re doing is wrong, and because I love you, I want to help you stop!”
May God give us the courage to confront sin and the humility to respond with grace when we're confronted.
Monday, October 6, 2008
Thinking as Worship
It has always intrigued me that when Jesus recited the Deuteronomic Shema in Matthew 22 he replaced the word ‘strength’ with ‘mind.’ “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.”
Well, we could easily make too much of this, and thus ignore the fact that all these elements together constitute a person’s whole being. But the inclusion of the word ‘mind’ does appear to be intentional by Jesus. (Wasn’t everything he did intentional?) R.T. France says this change perhaps emphasizes the need for our “intellectual commitment” to the Lord.
Loving the Lord our God is an intellectual exercise.
While it may sound pious and deeply spiritual to say, “I don’t know anything about God; I just know that I love Him,” this is hardly pleasing to the God who tells us to “take great pains” to garner his approval through the careful treatment of his word.
Likewise, the Apostle Paul tells us that “physical exercise is of some value but godliness has value for all things.” Godliness only comes as we wrestle with, agonize over, meditate on, and ponder the Scriptures, the grand story of redemption in which God was pleased to reveal himself to us on every page.
May God give us the grace to think. May we at Cornerstone be a thinking church, as we worship God by our songs, praises, gifts, obedience and intellectual commitment.
Well, we could easily make too much of this, and thus ignore the fact that all these elements together constitute a person’s whole being. But the inclusion of the word ‘mind’ does appear to be intentional by Jesus. (Wasn’t everything he did intentional?) R.T. France says this change perhaps emphasizes the need for our “intellectual commitment” to the Lord.
Loving the Lord our God is an intellectual exercise.
While it may sound pious and deeply spiritual to say, “I don’t know anything about God; I just know that I love Him,” this is hardly pleasing to the God who tells us to “take great pains” to garner his approval through the careful treatment of his word.
Likewise, the Apostle Paul tells us that “physical exercise is of some value but godliness has value for all things.” Godliness only comes as we wrestle with, agonize over, meditate on, and ponder the Scriptures, the grand story of redemption in which God was pleased to reveal himself to us on every page.
May God give us the grace to think. May we at Cornerstone be a thinking church, as we worship God by our songs, praises, gifts, obedience and intellectual commitment.
Monday, September 8, 2008
(Answers Not Included)
In his brand new book, Preaching to a Post-Everything World (2008, Baker Books), Zack Eswine says the nature of our times demands that preachers embrace a more dialogical approach to exposition. Which doesn’t imply preaching where parishioners are invited to stand up and interject during the sermon (that could get dicey!) but it does refer to preaching that anticipates questions and doesn’t attempt to resolve every tension.
Well, our five-week series on the church (Isn’t She Beautiful!) definitely sparked some dialogue. And some superb questions. (Man, I love this church family!) So, in light of those questions, let me attempt to briefly respond (while leaving, I’m sure, plenty of questions unanswered).
In the last few weeks, we've talked about the purpose of the church, and we’ve observed from Scripture that the primary reason that we gather together as a group of believers is not to win the lost but to edify and equip one another so that we would be spurred on to faithful service and more effective Christian witness.
In at least 33 different ways, the Scriptures implore us to do the ‘one-anothers’. But that inward focus represents a huge paradigm shift for many of us, especially those of us who grew up in a church which emphasized "inviting people in" as the essence of true biblical evangelism.
So...
1. Should we invite unbelievers to church? This is a great question. And let me respond this way: there’s clearly a benefit for unbelievers who attend a worship celebration. First, they are exposed to the unparalleled community and oneness that we enjoy as followers of Christ (they see first-hand what it means to truly love each other.) And second, they’re confronted with the Living God through the life-piercing Word of God. So there’s value for them being here. And so-called seekers should feel welcome and respected should they decide to join us on a Sunday. Having said that, though, since church is by definition a group of believers or ‘called out ones,’ our focus on Sundays has to be equipping one-another and not winning the lost. There’s a reason that there’s only one reference in the Bible to an unbeliever ever being in church (I Cor. 14). It was the exception, not the norm. After all, Jesus never told anyone, “Come to church," he said, “Come to me.” True biblical evangelism is not bringing people in, it’s going to where they are with a message of redemption.
2. Do I have to be a church member to be a Christian? Absolutely not. Although, the question is valid. When I said a couple of weeks ago that your salvation depends on your involvement in a local church, my point was not that membership saves anyone, but that we desperately need each in order to thrive spiritually. (Just last week I had someone approach me after the sermon who was totally despondent and hopeless—with a real spiritual struggle. And the first thing I asked this person was, “Are you around other believers who can help you carry your burden?” The answer was ‘no,’ and I said that’s what you need. We were never intended to walk alone on this spiritual journey. This idea of a Christian not being part of a church would have been absolutely foreign to the first followers of Jesus. As I said last week, it never would have crossed their minds. Because without each other, they would never have survived in the midst of real hardship and persecution.
3. If the primary purpose of our gatherings is edification of believers, what about worship? NT scholar extraordinaire John Frame says in his book Worship in Spirit and Truth, “It is true that the NT does not describe early Christians as meeting for “worship”. When I first read that I thought, What!? Are you kidding me? What did the early Christians do, then, when they got together? Well they met for prayer, teaching and the sacraments. They publicly pronounced church discipline on unrepentant sin and they received gifts for those in need. There was intentionally a horizontal focus. But does this mean that we shouldn’t worship God when we come together. Certainly not. Throughout redemptive history, we see God drawing near to his people in a special way when they willingly gather together. And there’s a precedent established in the OT that when God visits his people in such a way, it should incite their praises and corporate adoration. And even though all of life is worship, there something special about our gatherings. When God visits us, the majesty of his presence demands our praise.
Well, our five-week series on the church (Isn’t She Beautiful!) definitely sparked some dialogue. And some superb questions. (Man, I love this church family!) So, in light of those questions, let me attempt to briefly respond (while leaving, I’m sure, plenty of questions unanswered).
In the last few weeks, we've talked about the purpose of the church, and we’ve observed from Scripture that the primary reason that we gather together as a group of believers is not to win the lost but to edify and equip one another so that we would be spurred on to faithful service and more effective Christian witness.
In at least 33 different ways, the Scriptures implore us to do the ‘one-anothers’. But that inward focus represents a huge paradigm shift for many of us, especially those of us who grew up in a church which emphasized "inviting people in" as the essence of true biblical evangelism.
So...
1. Should we invite unbelievers to church? This is a great question. And let me respond this way: there’s clearly a benefit for unbelievers who attend a worship celebration. First, they are exposed to the unparalleled community and oneness that we enjoy as followers of Christ (they see first-hand what it means to truly love each other.) And second, they’re confronted with the Living God through the life-piercing Word of God. So there’s value for them being here. And so-called seekers should feel welcome and respected should they decide to join us on a Sunday. Having said that, though, since church is by definition a group of believers or ‘called out ones,’ our focus on Sundays has to be equipping one-another and not winning the lost. There’s a reason that there’s only one reference in the Bible to an unbeliever ever being in church (I Cor. 14). It was the exception, not the norm. After all, Jesus never told anyone, “Come to church," he said, “Come to me.” True biblical evangelism is not bringing people in, it’s going to where they are with a message of redemption.
2. Do I have to be a church member to be a Christian? Absolutely not. Although, the question is valid. When I said a couple of weeks ago that your salvation depends on your involvement in a local church, my point was not that membership saves anyone, but that we desperately need each in order to thrive spiritually. (Just last week I had someone approach me after the sermon who was totally despondent and hopeless—with a real spiritual struggle. And the first thing I asked this person was, “Are you around other believers who can help you carry your burden?” The answer was ‘no,’ and I said that’s what you need. We were never intended to walk alone on this spiritual journey. This idea of a Christian not being part of a church would have been absolutely foreign to the first followers of Jesus. As I said last week, it never would have crossed their minds. Because without each other, they would never have survived in the midst of real hardship and persecution.
3. If the primary purpose of our gatherings is edification of believers, what about worship? NT scholar extraordinaire John Frame says in his book Worship in Spirit and Truth, “It is true that the NT does not describe early Christians as meeting for “worship”. When I first read that I thought, What!? Are you kidding me? What did the early Christians do, then, when they got together? Well they met for prayer, teaching and the sacraments. They publicly pronounced church discipline on unrepentant sin and they received gifts for those in need. There was intentionally a horizontal focus. But does this mean that we shouldn’t worship God when we come together. Certainly not. Throughout redemptive history, we see God drawing near to his people in a special way when they willingly gather together. And there’s a precedent established in the OT that when God visits his people in such a way, it should incite their praises and corporate adoration. And even though all of life is worship, there something special about our gatherings. When God visits us, the majesty of his presence demands our praise.
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Isn't She Beautiful!
19 years ago (yesterday) I received the most precious gift from Lord I will ever receive outside of salvation itself. She came into the door of the small chapel with purity (but not perfection), beautifully clothed (in a borrowed dress), and a smile of joyful anticipation (knowing that happily ever after would have many bumps along the way). Not only has Alicia been my companion, help-meet, and the object of my affection, she's been my best friend and my soul-mate. I say soul-mate because of all the things God had used to mature me, no human relationship has been more important in my own spiritual journey. Alicia, you are the gift I'll never deserve. The only thing better than 19 years with you is ... 20!
It just so happened that I was blessed to be asked to perform a wedding ceremony 2 days before our anniversary. Having had several conversations with the bride-to-be before the wedding, I knew just how much preparation had gone into the preparations for the wedding. The invitations were ordered, the programs printed, the dress picked out and sized, the rings found and purchased, the reception planned, and I could go on and on! The point is this, the beauty of the bride and the beauty of the wedding were not accidental! Brides are beautiful not just because of their facial features and wedding dresses. They are beautiful because of the tireless preparations they've made, the seriousness with which they are addressing their up-coming marital relationship, and because of their dedication to becoming the wife that their husband is hoping for!
This wedding not only served to remind me of how blessed I am as a husband of 19 years, but it also reminded me that Jesus is referred to as the bridegroom (John 3:29) and the church as his bride (Ephesians 5:25-27). And as a part of his bride, the church, we must do our best to be connected in fellowship, committed to service, awestruck in worship, dedicated to discipleship, and eager to evangelize! These are the things that make the church beautiful and fully engaged in our relationship with the Lord Jesus as his bride!
We all know that the media and others in our culture don't look to favorably on the local Christian church. Yes it's true that throughout history the church hasn't been perfect, has made mistakes, and has even misrepresented Christ at times. But we know that Christ has promised to make her holy and blameless (Eph. 5:27) and to equip her to be all she (we) is designed to be through fellowship, service, worship, discipleship, and outreach.
So regardless of what the world says... isn't she beautiful?*
*The Church: Isn't She Beautiful! A Sunday teaching series of Cornerstone Bible Fellowship. Sunday's, August 10 through September 7, at 9:00 & 10:15 a.m.
It just so happened that I was blessed to be asked to perform a wedding ceremony 2 days before our anniversary. Having had several conversations with the bride-to-be before the wedding, I knew just how much preparation had gone into the preparations for the wedding. The invitations were ordered, the programs printed, the dress picked out and sized, the rings found and purchased, the reception planned, and I could go on and on! The point is this, the beauty of the bride and the beauty of the wedding were not accidental! Brides are beautiful not just because of their facial features and wedding dresses. They are beautiful because of the tireless preparations they've made, the seriousness with which they are addressing their up-coming marital relationship, and because of their dedication to becoming the wife that their husband is hoping for!
This wedding not only served to remind me of how blessed I am as a husband of 19 years, but it also reminded me that Jesus is referred to as the bridegroom (John 3:29) and the church as his bride (Ephesians 5:25-27). And as a part of his bride, the church, we must do our best to be connected in fellowship, committed to service, awestruck in worship, dedicated to discipleship, and eager to evangelize! These are the things that make the church beautiful and fully engaged in our relationship with the Lord Jesus as his bride!
We all know that the media and others in our culture don't look to favorably on the local Christian church. Yes it's true that throughout history the church hasn't been perfect, has made mistakes, and has even misrepresented Christ at times. But we know that Christ has promised to make her holy and blameless (Eph. 5:27) and to equip her to be all she (we) is designed to be through fellowship, service, worship, discipleship, and outreach.
So regardless of what the world says... isn't she beautiful?*
*The Church: Isn't She Beautiful! A Sunday teaching series of Cornerstone Bible Fellowship. Sunday's, August 10 through September 7, at 9:00 & 10:15 a.m.
Monday, July 14, 2008
Family Reunion
Several years ago my wife and youngest son flew to the Nashville area for a surprise weekend visit with my sister and her family. And when they got home, Jenine told me about a situation that occurred on the plane before takeoff. She said that Luke, who was three-years-old at the time, had taken his seat on the plane (his first adventure in flight) and was excitedly swinging his legs when he accidentally kicked the back of the man’s chair sitting in from of him. The man then turned around and angrily yelled at my son, telling him to “knock it off,” to “behave,” and to “sit still.”
Well, that’s certainly not a big deal, but upon hearing this, my ire went up. I thought, “How dare that curmudgeon chastise my little boy.” Now, perhaps I was biased in my response, but it’s natural for us to protect and defend those we love. In fact that’s how it ought to be in a family. We look out for one another.
As Jenine and I reflected yesterday on our first official day at Cornerstone, the way that people have looked out for us, and the efforts that so many have made to welcome and embrace us, we both concluded the same thing:
This is our family.
We don’t have any parents or siblings in town, but we recognized experientially what Jesus said in Mark 3 (and I’m paraphrasing): “My true family is made up of those who do the will of the Father.”
See, in his brief earthly ministry, Jesus radically redefined family. Jesus de-centered biological family and instead emphasized the family of the Kingdom. Jesus roundly debunked the popular notion that “blood is thicker than water.”
As Rodney Clapp says in his excellent book, Families at the Crossroads, “the blood that most significantly determines our identity and character is not the blood of biological family, but the blood of the Lamb.”
The Apostle Paul recognized this. He was relentless with his familial language. The phrase "my brothers" appears more than 65 times in his letters. The church Paul knew met in households and they depended on one another. Here's the point: as believers in Christ, we're not extended family. We're family. Period.
And we want to thank you, our family, for looking out for us during this life-transition, and for making our first day at Cornerstone memorable. We’re looking forward to making many more memories together. By God's grace and for a long time.
John
Well, that’s certainly not a big deal, but upon hearing this, my ire went up. I thought, “How dare that curmudgeon chastise my little boy.” Now, perhaps I was biased in my response, but it’s natural for us to protect and defend those we love. In fact that’s how it ought to be in a family. We look out for one another.
As Jenine and I reflected yesterday on our first official day at Cornerstone, the way that people have looked out for us, and the efforts that so many have made to welcome and embrace us, we both concluded the same thing:
This is our family.
We don’t have any parents or siblings in town, but we recognized experientially what Jesus said in Mark 3 (and I’m paraphrasing): “My true family is made up of those who do the will of the Father.”
See, in his brief earthly ministry, Jesus radically redefined family. Jesus de-centered biological family and instead emphasized the family of the Kingdom. Jesus roundly debunked the popular notion that “blood is thicker than water.”
As Rodney Clapp says in his excellent book, Families at the Crossroads, “the blood that most significantly determines our identity and character is not the blood of biological family, but the blood of the Lamb.”
The Apostle Paul recognized this. He was relentless with his familial language. The phrase "my brothers" appears more than 65 times in his letters. The church Paul knew met in households and they depended on one another. Here's the point: as believers in Christ, we're not extended family. We're family. Period.
And we want to thank you, our family, for looking out for us during this life-transition, and for making our first day at Cornerstone memorable. We’re looking forward to making many more memories together. By God's grace and for a long time.
John
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
A Day of Teamwork...and Fun!
A great choir, like a great church, knows that nothing great is accomplished without total commitment to teamwork. People working together, each pulling their own weight for the greater good of the team. Our Celebration Singers Student Choir knows this first-hand, and week after week it is taught, yes even drilled, into their heads and hearts. With every song they sing and every concert they give, it is teamwork and interdependency on each other that has caused them to rise above the mediocre expectations of the norm ("that's too hard") to the extraordinary heights of excellence and possibility ("we CAN do this!"). It is teamwork that causes them to know how to trust each other, to hold each other accountable, to lift each other up in the valleys and to celebrate with each other on the mountaintop. It is teamwork that allows them to create together what they cannot create on their own...harmony.
Today, we had the incredible opportunity to go whitewater rafting on the Arkansas River...yes, the ARKANSAS RIVER in Colorado. A few of us even "called the Hogs" as we set off on our course! If you are able to listen closely, you might hear the echo as far as Little Rock! And, in rafting the river, we were able to experience the beauty of teamwork.
Some say that our kids are too young to understand what this means. I beg to differ, and have multiple hundreds of examples to dispute that claim. Too often, we sell our kids much too short of their God-given potential...but I am here to tell you as an eye witness many times over: they are smart enough to do what we as adults are smart enough to teach them to do. Today they worked as teams, from the youngest to the oldest, boys and girls, young men and young women...they proved to themselves and to the world that, if given a chance, they can and will conquer the challenges before them: from beautiful sacred music filled with complex harmonies to the roaring rapids of the Arkansas River; from the difficulties they face in their educational settings to meeting the needs of hurting people: if you serve a big God, expect big things, dream big dreams and work "with all your heart, as unto the Lord" (Colossians 3:23), mountains can be taken like Caleb did, giants can be slain like David did, battles can be won like Joshua did...
and rivers can be rafted, like we did.
If you attend one event this entire year, be with us this coming Sunday night for their return home concert at 6:00 pm...and be inspired once again by the beauty of teamwork in the body of Christ.
Monday, July 7, 2008
Students Fly High at the USAF Academy
Eddie and choir are shown here as they prepare to sing in front of the beautiful organ in the USAF Academy chapel. The choir sang during the protestant service yesterday and sounded as beautiful as the chapel looks! (One of the chaplains who conducted the service told us that she had many people come and ask her if CD's of this magnificent choir were available.) After the service, we were escorted into a full tour of the chapel (including the catholic and Jewish chapel's) and then we were treated to a short personal orientation to the Academy by former CBFer Major Jim Pedersen. (The picture below is of Jim speaking to our students at an overlook of the Academy.) You probably recall that Jim and his daughter Ashley recently moved to Colorado Springs to be nearer to grandparents and other family members following the loss of Jim's wife Carrie and son Lucas in a car accident. The choir dedicated a beautiful rendition of "Here I am" to Carrie and Lucas during the service. It moved us all, especially Carrie's family in attendance.
Jim spent the afternoon with us at the home of Brian Little (former CBF elder) where we enjoyed a cookout, games, and relaxation. We were then on to Grande Vista Baptist church (Carrie's parents home congregation) where once again the Choir sang with passion and conviction. This loving church family then fed us home made lasagna! After 5 fast food days, this meal really hit the spot!
A good nights rest and today we're off to tour the "Garden of the gods", the US Olympic training center, and then to Focus on the Family for a tour and a concert for the staff and leaders of FOTF (rumor has it that Dr. Dobson will be there to listen as well!)
Thanks for your continued prayers. This trip has been everything we had prayed for, and then some. Enjoy a few more pictures from the trip. God bless you all!
Thursday, July 3, 2008
Celebration Singers Choir Tour 08 Gets Rolling!
We take it for granted. Believe me when I tell you that no one else does! In three concerts in the first two days I'm reminded again how incredible our Celebration Singers Student Choir ministry really is. The responses from 2nd Baptist church in Liberty, the
Immaculate Conception Cathedral in KC, and the Beautiful Savior Nursing Home in south KC, MO have been nothing short of amazement. The Lord has once again used Eddie and his team to prepare not only the students voices, but their hearts as well as they have represented CBF and the Lord extremely well here through day 2 of this 10 day journey. I've never heard our students sound as beautiful as they did in the IC Cathedreal in beautiful downtown KC. Nor have they served so beautifully as they did at the nursing home. Don't ever forget how blessed we are as a church family to have such an incredible ministry to, and through, our students. 
Oh, and the stories of fun and fellowship have surely begun to stack up as well. Yes, we've already had to have one of our team chase down the bus as it pulled away from a stop. No, it wasn't your kid, it was one of the experienced adult sponsors! (Don't worry, we count the students at every stop, it's the adults that are on their own :-)
Tomorrow we celebrate the 4th of July as a CS family (yes, there's no doubt these students relate to one another as a true family) at a great KC amusement park. The 5th we hit the road again for the long trip west to Colorado! Please continue to pray for our safety and ministry for these students and those of us blessed to be with them. If the next 8 days can rival the first two, there's no doubt that this will be a trip of wonderful ministry and memories.
Click the article title above to go to the official CS tour blog for additional pictures and updates and a note from Worship & Arts Pastor Eddie Airheart.
Love to you all. Wish you were here.
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Kids Music & Drama Bigger & Better than Ever!
I can hear them singing and crafting and snacking right through my office walls as I write this! This is not a complaint about thin walls, but rather a praise that 142 kids (the most ever in the history of M&D Camp at CBF) are super excited to be here and are having a great time! Not only are they preparing for Friday nights program (are you coming?) but they're learning God's word in a fun and exciting way. They're also making new friends, welcoming visitors, and deepening the relationships they came in with. Eddie Airheart and Eric Day and a host of adult and student leaders are leading the best M&D Camp to date. As a dad and uncle with 3 in my house who are attending this camp this week, I can attest to the full effort these kids are giving. It's the only week so far this summer where they have wanted to go to bed early!
Don't miss the exciting production from this year's Music & Drama Camp this Friday night in the Cornerstone Worship Center. (Come early, remember the access road in front of the property is now one-way heading south so you may need to leave a little early. Also, as you know from years past, every seat will be taken, so come early to be sure you don't have to be a part of the "standing room only" crowd :-)!
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All of the student helpers at this year's camp are also a part of our student ministry choir ("The Celebration Singers"). This group leaves next Wednesday for thier Mission Choir Tour through Missouri, Kansas, & Colorado. Saturday and Sunday are opportunities for you to support this group financially as they host a car wash (Saturday) and a bake sale (Sunday). Please be generous and help them get over their last financial hump before the bus pulls out next Wed. morning! And please pray for the trip and all of us who are leading it.
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The I AM teaching series on Sunday mornings has been very challenging and encouraging to me. I've been blessed to see the first two messages be used by God in powerful ways. Personally, I think this is a great series to invite someone who's never been to Cornerstone before to come and experience a Celebration Service with us. Please pray for this week's message as we study from John chapter 10 as Jesus shows us all just exactly how and why his is the door.
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
FIREFALL '08
Brothers and sisters,
Hebrews 12: 28-29 says, “Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our “God is a consuming fire.””
God is on the move, and He is looking for those whose hearts are hot after Him.
We need revival. We need a fresh touch.
We need the fire to fall again.
I want to personally invite you to a church-wide worship event that, I pray, will become an annual gathering of God’s people here at Cornerstone. FIREFALL…a night of prayer, praise, testimony and refreshing…when we pour out our love and our request for revival to our great and gracious God, and where the only agenda is to see Him glorified.
Featuring our own Cornerstone PraiSingers Choir, our Sounds of Praise Band and members of the acclaimed Jubilation Jazz Band, FIREFALL will be a one-night only live worship event and a time to recharge, refocus and recommit as a church family…to say “Thanks” for all our Great God has done, both in our individual lives and the life of our dear Cornerstone family.
You will not want to miss this special night when we all assemble under one roof and together raise a voice of praise!
I look forward to sharing and worshipping with you at FIREFALL. Until then, keep the faith and walk in a manner worthy of the Lord Jesus.
Your brother in Christ,
Eddie Airheart
Col. 3:23
Hebrews 12: 28-29 says, “Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our “God is a consuming fire.””
God is on the move, and He is looking for those whose hearts are hot after Him.
We need revival. We need a fresh touch.
We need the fire to fall again.
I want to personally invite you to a church-wide worship event that, I pray, will become an annual gathering of God’s people here at Cornerstone. FIREFALL…a night of prayer, praise, testimony and refreshing…when we pour out our love and our request for revival to our great and gracious God, and where the only agenda is to see Him glorified.
Featuring our own Cornerstone PraiSingers Choir, our Sounds of Praise Band and members of the acclaimed Jubilation Jazz Band, FIREFALL will be a one-night only live worship event and a time to recharge, refocus and recommit as a church family…to say “Thanks” for all our Great God has done, both in our individual lives and the life of our dear Cornerstone family.
You will not want to miss this special night when we all assemble under one roof and together raise a voice of praise!
I look forward to sharing and worshipping with you at FIREFALL. Until then, keep the faith and walk in a manner worthy of the Lord Jesus.
Your brother in Christ,
Eddie Airheart
Col. 3:23
Out of this World!
Since the beginning of the school year, my daughter Mikaila and I had been saving and planning for our journey to Space Camp in Hunstville, AL with her 5th grade class from Indian Hills Elementary.
Two weekends ago we made the trip and had a great time! I had wanted to go to Space Camp ever since I was a kid so it took very little time for me to agree to tag along as an parent sponsor.
I had childhood dreams of being an astronaut. I was a "trekkie" from an early age. Then when "Star Wars" came out in 1977, my yearning for travelling among the stars went supernova! Traveling to Space Camp is probably the closest I'll ever get to traveling through outer space, at least this side of eternity.
"I know I could fly this Apollo thing!"
As I read and studied the artifacts, explored the museum displays, and watched the IMAX films on space travel, I couldn't help but wonder what had inspired these space pioneers to reach for the stars. Movies had inspired me, but before movies, comic books of space travel, and Jules Verne novels, what had inspired them? I concluded that it had to have been the profound beauty of the heavens themselves. The moon on a clear night, and the stars on a moonless night, have no problem declaring the praises of the artist of the sky.
I talked about the beauty and awesomeness of all we had seen and how the early dreamers and explorers must have been motivated to enter into space much like someone admiring a great painting dreams of escaping into the art itself. I then read the following verses from Psalms:
8:3-4 "When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him?"102:25 "In the beginning you laid the foundations of the earth, and the heavens are the work of your hands."
I reminded all who were listening about the great distances between the earth and the moon, between the earth and the other planets, and between our solar system and other systems that we had all studied over the weekend.
I then shared that as awesome as it would be for one of them to travel to these very stars, it's even more awesome that the creator, the artist of the heavens, has a love for each one of us that goes beyond all of these great distances!
I then read again from Psalms:
103:11 "For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him;"108:4 "For great is your love, higher than the heavens; your faithfulness reaches to the skies."
I then concluded with this challenge: "It's great to admire the art, but it's much greater to have a relationship with the artist. So keep studying and reaching for the stars, but whether you ever go there or not, reach out to the maker of the stars because He loves you, has gone to great lengths to show it, and he wants you to know him."
Do you know him?
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Ignite Student Ministry at CBF
The Student Ministry at CBF (ignite) is a critical part of our church family! Here's a few exciting things happening in it:
* The Wednesday night youth meeting ("Ignite Wed. Night") is an exciting time of worship and Bible study. This past week we had 86 students plus around 20 adults and sponsors. The ignite worship band is doing a great job of leading worship and we've been blessed to have several great teachers come and present messages from God's word.
* The summer calendar has been printed and distributed to students and parents! If you know of a student not plugged in, help us by sending us their name and we'll send them a calendar and an invitation to get involved!
* The search has begun for a new Director of Student Ministries. The elders are seeking a man with at least 5 years of full-time Youth Ministry experience, a completed bachelor's degree (with work toward or a completed Master's degree), and ideally someone in their 30's. We're praying the Lord will fill this position for us before the fall of this year.
* The Celebration Singers Student Choir is gearing up for their 2008 Choir Tour. Fundraisers are in full-swing so get ready to buy that cake, donate that garage sale item, and get that car washed!
* This Sunday we will honor our graduating high school seniors in both services! Don't miss it!
A special "thanks" goes out to all of our adult student ministry volunteers and sponors. It's their hard work that keeps this ministry running year after year.
* The Wednesday night youth meeting ("Ignite Wed. Night") is an exciting time of worship and Bible study. This past week we had 86 students plus around 20 adults and sponsors. The ignite worship band is doing a great job of leading worship and we've been blessed to have several great teachers come and present messages from God's word.
* The summer calendar has been printed and distributed to students and parents! If you know of a student not plugged in, help us by sending us their name and we'll send them a calendar and an invitation to get involved!
* The search has begun for a new Director of Student Ministries. The elders are seeking a man with at least 5 years of full-time Youth Ministry experience, a completed bachelor's degree (with work toward or a completed Master's degree), and ideally someone in their 30's. We're praying the Lord will fill this position for us before the fall of this year.
* The Celebration Singers Student Choir is gearing up for their 2008 Choir Tour. Fundraisers are in full-swing so get ready to buy that cake, donate that garage sale item, and get that car washed!
* This Sunday we will honor our graduating high school seniors in both services! Don't miss it!
A special "thanks" goes out to all of our adult student ministry volunteers and sponors. It's their hard work that keeps this ministry running year after year.
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
A Special Day of Thanks and Remembering
I’ll never forget this moment that happened about 3 years ago. I hit “play” on the answering machine and listened to the message my mom had left. Her first two words were “Happy Anniversary”. My blood instantly drained from my face. I knew Alicia was behind me and I slowly glanced down and checked the date on my watch. Yep. July 28. Exactly 16 years to the day since we said our “I do’s”. Embarrassed and ashamed I slowly turned to face my beautiful, but surely hurt, bride. To my surprise and relief, the color had drained from her face too! Praise the Lord…she had forgotten too!!
This past Sunday we had a service dedicated to remembering! We paused our normal routines and schedule’s to celebrate our church’s 25th Anniversary! We remembered all that God has done in the life of CBF over 25 years, recommited to living by His grace in the present, and thanked Him for all He’s going to do in our future.
Hebrews 13:8 says that “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” Thanks to God and to all of you who were here to help celebrate all that God has done, is doing, and will do through CBF. And a special word of thanks for all of you who came together in common commitment to Christ 25 years ago and launched this beautiful congregation of the body of Christ!
This past Sunday we had a service dedicated to remembering! We paused our normal routines and schedule’s to celebrate our church’s 25th Anniversary! We remembered all that God has done in the life of CBF over 25 years, recommited to living by His grace in the present, and thanked Him for all He’s going to do in our future.
Hebrews 13:8 says that “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” Thanks to God and to all of you who were here to help celebrate all that God has done, is doing, and will do through CBF. And a special word of thanks for all of you who came together in common commitment to Christ 25 years ago and launched this beautiful congregation of the body of Christ!
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
John 3:16 CBF Stories
As you probably know, we started a teaching series on John 3:16 the week before Easter. We taught on this theme on Good Friday and on Easter Sunday and it continues for another 3 weeks.
What you may not know is how God is using this "gospel in miniature" to encourage, convict, and spread the good news!!
Check out these stories that have been shared with the staff and elders recently:
From a CBF wife: "My husband walks at lunch downtown and often goes by the River Market. A couple of people approached him and asked if he would mind answering some questions. They began by asking if faith and politics would affect how he would vote in this year’s election. He said it would. After discussing moral issues, faith and other things they asked him so what does it mean to you to be a Christian. He said that immediately the John 3:16 exercise we did in church came to his mind and so he shared with them his version of the passage. Short and concise. He was able to share the gospel. He didn’t realize that he was being filmed until the conversation was almost over and he later learned they were students working on an assignment." -- WOW! The gospel was shared not only with these two, but with however many others will see the video!
From an AWANA leader: "I wanted to give you (an AWANA leader) kudos for you idea to challenge the AWANA kids to pass out the John 3:16 fliers!! Sometimes I put my fear of rejection onto the kids and don't think to challenge them with outreach projects. But, through this challenge these kids have reminded me once again that children do not have the same perspective as we adults. They don't care about someone saying, "No thanks.". They don't care if someone who isn't a Christian comes to church and is uncomfortable with the Truth. Children do it because they love God, and they want to share Him with the World. Both my boys accepted your challenge. They were chattering the entire way home from AWANA about who in school they were going to hand out their fliers to... They came home from school the next day and gave me a report of who they asked and what happened. I gave them praise and told them I was proud of their willingness to tell others.Well, Sunday while I was picking one of my son's up from the Kid's Corner a lady came up to me and introduced herself. She said ... her son received a 3:16 flyer from my son and actually gave it to his mom and they came on Sunday. She so enjoyed the service and I let her know what service we attended so our boys could be in class together. I told her I would look for her next week.I was so amazed at God's hand in your challenge to the kids! I honestly didn't think any info would get to the parents, only because I know how my kids are with school papers. I am so anxious to come to AWANA next week to hear all of the other success stories."
From a New Believer who has been studying the Gospel of John with a CBF Member: "... Each Sunday we would meet at her house and she would explain the sermons to me, following the notes taken during the message. As time passed, I began to understand a little more about what the Bible was saying... On Good Friday when I was picked up to go to the service, she explained to me the meaning of faith. She said to receive the gift God was promising, we must receive His gift. She picked up her water bottle and handed it to me. She said if I took it, I had received the gift; if I refused it, she would put it back in the holder. She explained that my receiving the gift was my believing what Christ was offering. I told her I understood. That night at the service, I heard the music and saw the crucifixion on the screen and I began to cry. She put her arm around me and asked me if I was ready to receive the gift? I shook my head 'yes.' When we left that night I said, "I want to say something. I have always known that you loved me. Now, I know God loves me and has forgiven me." I now believe I am a Christian because I received His gift of salvation. I understand he died for me."
From a couple of first time visitors from Easter Sunday:
"I have been searching, for quite some time now, to find a church that felt good both spiritually and socially. I was so moved by your service that I got 'goose bumps' several times! The music was familiar, but with a good modern touch. I will be coming back this Sunday & will be bringing my mother this time. I can't wait to hear what the message will be!!"
"We are going to commit to the 4 more weeks that you asked for on Easter Sunday. My wife and I have been searching for a church, and really enjoyed Cornerstone... Thank you so much for your service; I was truly moved."
One small verse...one big God!!
(Have your own John 3:16 Series story? We'd love to hear it!!)
P.S. Maybe you've seen the 3:16 book by Max Lucado at your local Christian book store. Our gratitude goes out to his publisher for letting our church use his artwork and publicity ideas for our series on this passage.
What you may not know is how God is using this "gospel in miniature" to encourage, convict, and spread the good news!!
Check out these stories that have been shared with the staff and elders recently:
From a CBF wife: "My husband walks at lunch downtown and often goes by the River Market. A couple of people approached him and asked if he would mind answering some questions. They began by asking if faith and politics would affect how he would vote in this year’s election. He said it would. After discussing moral issues, faith and other things they asked him so what does it mean to you to be a Christian. He said that immediately the John 3:16 exercise we did in church came to his mind and so he shared with them his version of the passage. Short and concise. He was able to share the gospel. He didn’t realize that he was being filmed until the conversation was almost over and he later learned they were students working on an assignment." -- WOW! The gospel was shared not only with these two, but with however many others will see the video!
From an AWANA leader: "I wanted to give you (an AWANA leader) kudos for you idea to challenge the AWANA kids to pass out the John 3:16 fliers!! Sometimes I put my fear of rejection onto the kids and don't think to challenge them with outreach projects. But, through this challenge these kids have reminded me once again that children do not have the same perspective as we adults. They don't care about someone saying, "No thanks.". They don't care if someone who isn't a Christian comes to church and is uncomfortable with the Truth. Children do it because they love God, and they want to share Him with the World. Both my boys accepted your challenge. They were chattering the entire way home from AWANA about who in school they were going to hand out their fliers to... They came home from school the next day and gave me a report of who they asked and what happened. I gave them praise and told them I was proud of their willingness to tell others.Well, Sunday while I was picking one of my son's up from the Kid's Corner a lady came up to me and introduced herself. She said ... her son received a 3:16 flyer from my son and actually gave it to his mom and they came on Sunday. She so enjoyed the service and I let her know what service we attended so our boys could be in class together. I told her I would look for her next week.I was so amazed at God's hand in your challenge to the kids! I honestly didn't think any info would get to the parents, only because I know how my kids are with school papers. I am so anxious to come to AWANA next week to hear all of the other success stories."
From a New Believer who has been studying the Gospel of John with a CBF Member: "... Each Sunday we would meet at her house and she would explain the sermons to me, following the notes taken during the message. As time passed, I began to understand a little more about what the Bible was saying... On Good Friday when I was picked up to go to the service, she explained to me the meaning of faith. She said to receive the gift God was promising, we must receive His gift. She picked up her water bottle and handed it to me. She said if I took it, I had received the gift; if I refused it, she would put it back in the holder. She explained that my receiving the gift was my believing what Christ was offering. I told her I understood. That night at the service, I heard the music and saw the crucifixion on the screen and I began to cry. She put her arm around me and asked me if I was ready to receive the gift? I shook my head 'yes.' When we left that night I said, "I want to say something. I have always known that you loved me. Now, I know God loves me and has forgiven me." I now believe I am a Christian because I received His gift of salvation. I understand he died for me."
From a couple of first time visitors from Easter Sunday:
"I have been searching, for quite some time now, to find a church that felt good both spiritually and socially. I was so moved by your service that I got 'goose bumps' several times! The music was familiar, but with a good modern touch. I will be coming back this Sunday & will be bringing my mother this time. I can't wait to hear what the message will be!!"
"We are going to commit to the 4 more weeks that you asked for on Easter Sunday. My wife and I have been searching for a church, and really enjoyed Cornerstone... Thank you so much for your service; I was truly moved."
One small verse...one big God!!
(Have your own John 3:16 Series story? We'd love to hear it!!)
P.S. Maybe you've seen the 3:16 book by Max Lucado at your local Christian book store. Our gratitude goes out to his publisher for letting our church use his artwork and publicity ideas for our series on this passage.
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