The Unchanging Church

If you are a believer, then you and I make up a vast part of the universal body of Christ. However, we have been divinely directed of the Lord to take part in a local fellowship(church) for such a time as this. This is not really for our benefit, but for the simple reason of discovering our place to serve in the church. Barnabus was full of the Holy Spirit so God lead him to Antioch to minister to not only the Jews, but to the Gentiles as well. Has God lead you to a church? If so, the primary purpose is that He desires for you to find out what gifts you have so they can be utilized to serve His people. We often think the church is for serving us and meeting our needs. There are moments when we do ask the church to hold us up in our time of need. We should take on the attitude of Christ, for “He came not to be served, but to serve.” Christ is the head of the church and we are members of His body. We must function within our capabilities and be willing to help and serve one another. I believe Cornerstone is a church who loves to help meet the needs of one another, families and the community. God and His Word never changes, therefore we should not change in whom we know and believe. I read a quote several years ago that has been life changing in my ministry-“We can do much more together than we can alone.” Be the church throughout this week and look for opportunities to serve people. When you do, you will reflect the image and example of Jesus Christ.

Giving Honor

Sunday was a beautiful time to reflect and acknowledge the ministry of Orville and Linda Robinson. For 31 years Pastor Robinson has given much of his life, devotion and calling to the body of Christ at Cornerstone. During the service Sunday morning, one of the speakers expressed recognition that Pastor Robinson is a leader that demonstrates “commitment.” After pondering over this word, it occurred to me that we can be the most talented, gifted and have the look of a leader, but if we do not fulfill our calling and ‘commit,’ it will never benefit the church, our family or those around us. Jesus committed himself all the way to Calvary, surely we can fully commit ourselves to serve in His kingdom. I trust you are committed to the purpose and plan that God has for your life. Thank you, Orville and Linda for setting a wonderful example of what true commitment is suppose to be about. May the Lord reward you for your willingness to serve.

God is Sovereign

Just like Joshua told the people of Israel, “The Lord is holy, and He is a jealous God” (Joshua 24:19), we tend to overlook areas of our lives that keep separation from a Sovereign God. He has created us to worship and serve His name, and His name only. God cannot give all He desires to release until you surrender and give your all to Him. He is jealous for your love, devotion and service to His kingdom. What are the idols you worship that is keeping you from honoring the one true sovereign Lord? Is it the god of comfort and stability? Is it the god of self satisfaction? Is it the god of my way or no way? Is it the god of self-confidence, forgetting to ask God about it? Is your job standing between you and God? Is your children standing between you and God? Is your bank account standing between you and God? It would do us well to re-examine what God we are following. If you or I created something, wouldn’t we want that creation to honor and worship us only? We always want our children to honor and obey us, simply because we are the reason they are here. It would disturb us if they started to follow and adore somebody else’s parents. It might cause us to become jealous of their love and loyalty. Remember, God is jealous for you, which is why you were created in the first place. He longs to hear our praise, He invites us into His presence, He blesses His children when they fully lift Him up with their life. Why not recognize He is a holy God and is jealous for our full commitment to serve and follow Him all the days of our lives. Our sovereign God is manifesting Himself at Cornerstone in various fashions. He wants to wrap His loving arms around your need and remind you that He has created a wonderful image of Him, and that image is you. What a mighty God we serve!

Declaration of Liberty

America just celebrated her 232 year of Independence as a nation. Over 2,000 years ago, Jesus gave us our “Declaration of Liberty” when He bore the sin of our sorrow and unrighteousness on the cross. Not only do we enjoy the freedom of being a United States citizen, but more importantly, we have been liberated through the spirit to be free from the bondages of sin. Our freedom in Christ as a child of God allows us to “proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord” which is favor with God for now, and all of eternity. Sunday evening, the Cornerstone church united together with other Churches of God for “a night of prayer and praise for our nation.” God moved on us as we lifted up our national, state government, local communities and church leadership in prayer. What you make happen for others, God will make happen for you. May God bless you and your family this week, and looking forward to seeing you at Cornerstone Church of God.