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Cornerstone-pres.org

Newsletter August 14, 2015

Pastor's Corner
 
Dear Friends,

It has a been a joy and blessing to study and preach through the Sermon on the Mount these past few months. I love preaching God's Word to you and I love being a part of a church that loves God's Word. Let's keep going!  We now turn our attention to the Old Testament for our next sermon series as we look at The Gospel According to Hosea.

I have studied Hosea a few times over the years and have loved its message. At the time of Hosea's ministry, the kingdom of Israel was split in two: the northern kingdom (Israel or often referred to as Ephraim) and the southern kingdom (Judah). Most of Hosea's ministry is prophecy against the idolatry and unfaithfulness of Israel which in turn has much application for the church today. This was a very "turbulent and trying time" in the history of Israel as their troubles would eventually lead them to captivity.

There are many themes that we will address in our study of Hosea. Many of these themes are quite frankly R-rated. Throughout this series there will be some terms and phrases read from the Scriptures that you may have never discussed with your children. I would invite you to read ahead and pray through how you might answer any questions that your children may have. For instance, Hosea writes of Israel being like a whore or practicing whoredom. In my preaching, I will simply refer to these terms as Israel being unfaithful to God and the Lord was upset with their lack of loving Him. Again, I will strive not to explain in explicit terms what these things mean. I will strive to explain them in light of how Israel was not loving God with all their heart and how we are called to love God with all our heart and remain faithful to Him. Hosea will describe Israel's unfaithfulness using other images from family and nature of which you will need to be aware. There are other terms and phrases that you will be able to discern for yourself, but please be prepared. 

Ultimately, through this study we will see the Gospel. We will learn that even though Israel is a harlot and constantly runs away from God, this is not enough to cause Yahweh God to stop pursuing His people and love them with a redeeming love. I'm looking forward to this study as we look for the Gospel-implications in our every day lives. Hosea was prophesying to a people and to a place that is not much unlike our own time and situation. 

As I hope you know, Cornerstone is committed to preaching the whole counsel of God and learning from all of Scripture. We believe "the law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul" (Psalm 19:7 ESV) and that "the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart."  (Hebrews 4:12 ESV) Therefore, we gladly look forward to the challenges that will be presented to us through our study of Hosea and the hope for deeper discipleship with Jesus Christ who loved the Old Testament. 

Your friend and pastor,

Wilson 

Worship Notes: August 16, 2015

Remember, announcements are now given at the beginning of the service. Please plan to arrive each week by 8:55am for the Prelude and announcements.

This week Daniel Cohee, brother to Frank Cohee and missionary to Taiwan will be preaching on The Holy and Merciful King from Isaiah 6:1-8.

In preparation for the sermon, James Boice and Philip Ryken in their book The Doctrines of Grace describe this scene in Isaiah 6: “This is what happens when we see God on His throne: by seeing him as he really is, we see ourselves as we really are.  We stop comparing ourselves to others and start comparing ourselves to God.  Thus a true vision of God’s sovereign majesty always includes a painful awareness of our own radical depravity.  The more we see of God’s glory, the more we recognize our need for His grace.”

A hymn for the week: Revelation Song

Click here for this week's bulletin. 

We are podcasting! Catch up on sermons on iTunes.

 

Wilson's Weekly

Many of you know that one of my heroes in the faith is Dr. Martin Lloyd-Jones. I recently came across this story about his affect on the founding of the PCA - I had no idea! Read the story here

Russell Moore, President of the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention, gives encouragement in this video on Thoughts on the Planned Parenthood videos.

I continue to be thankful for the moral clarity for which Ross Douthat in the New York Times expresses in his writing. Please read this article

Prayer Concerns

Pray for healing - Betty Carter (Dee Petcher’s mother), Bill Baldwin, Ann Keown

Pray for those serving overseas:
Jake Davis - Afghanistan
 (nephew of Paul DuPre’)

Pray for our Nation - Moral and biblical clarity as we face challenges.

Pray for sister PCA church - Decatur Presbyterian Church - Decatur, AL

Pray for Missions - Reformed University Fellowship

Pray for CPC Ministry - Pray for college students returning/starting school.


 

Please send your prayer requests to Cynthia Keen at office@cornerstone-pres.org or call the church office.

In-Focus Ministry UAH

InFocus Kickoff picnic will be held for the international students on August 22 (12:00 - 3:00 PM) at SE housing of UAH for the new academic year. Please pray for a good weather and for many students joining and enjoying the picnic. If you have a gently used bicycle for donation as a door prize at the picnic, please contact to Dr. Earl Wells at wellsbe@uah.edu.

YBL’s Young Professional Forum Luncheon

Date:          Wednesday, Sept. 2nd
                       11:30am to 12:50pm
 
Location:  Dynetics
                      (The Solutions Building)
                      1004 Explorer Blvd.
                      Huntsville, AL 35806
Presenter:  Lt Col (Retired) Steve Kreipe
Program Theme:  “Living Out Life
           Priorities- With an Eye on Eternity" 

Cost: $5/ ea. (complete BBQ lunch from Little Paul’s BBQ)

RSVP is Required by Aug. 30th:  by calling or emailing the YBL office at (256)-882-6003 or bob@yblhsv.org.

For more information, click here.

Announcements

New Fall Sermon Series - “The Gospel According to Hosea”

Men’s Steak Dinner - Sunday, August 23rd, 6pm. Our speaker, John Hinson, will present “One Man’s Journey.” Tickets are on sale for $10 in the narthex or the church office. Teenage sons and guests are invited.  ***Get your ticket this Sunday after church.  Deadline for registering is Wednesday, August 19th, through the church office.***

Cornerstone Youth Parent Info Meeting - This Sunday, August 16th immediately following Sunday School in the sanctuary.

Cornerstone Youth - The Youth Group Kick-Off Event is August 30th. All junior and senior high students (and their friends) are invited.

Fall Communicant’s Class - A communicant’s class for children interested in joining Cornerstone will be offered this Fall beginning Sunday, August 23rd.  The class will be on Sundays, 4-5pm, and use a workbook, entitled Understanding the Faith. The class is open to all children who meet the following requirements:  1) they must be interested in becoming a communing member, 2) be 4th grade and up and 3) parents and children must read and sign the class brochure. Children 4th grade and under desiring to take the class may request in writing to the Session.  At least one parent must attend the class with their child. Please register your child by picking up a brochure in the narthex and submitting it to the church office.

                        

Fall Women's Bible Studies - Come join us beginning September 1st to study Nancy Guthrie’s “Seeing Jesus in Genesis”.  Registration cards are available in the narthex and church office.  Nursery provided for morning session.  Consideration for an evening session will be given based on commitment. For more information, please contact Debbie Jones at cwj@knology.net or 256-489-4904.

 

 

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