February 2011 Minister's Message
Created on Monday, 14 February 2011 11:21
Dear Friends,
Alison and I enjoy going to the cinema and in the last month we have been privileged to see two great films which both dealt with a similar theme of perseverance in the face of challenge. First we saw 127 hours, the true story of Aron Ralston an outdoor enthusiast who gets trapped by a rock in a ravine in Colorado and spends 127 hours trying to survive and get free. Secondly we saw The King’s Speech, the story of Bertie, the Duke of York, who became King George VI and his struggle to overcome a severe speech impediment.
Both films reached deep into the human experience and challenged me as to how I deal with the challenges that come my way. There are many things in life that we can feel trapped by and in need of freedom and release. At the heart of the Christian message is the freedom that we are offered in Jesus Christ. That is not to say, however, that there are no further challenges along the way of following Jesus. What we do have is a wonderful hope which should cause us all to press on.
January has been a busy month (aren’t they all?) and February will see some of our number being baptized upon confession of faith and there is a personal thrill for me as this includes our precious daughter Martha. We will also have the opportunity to get together as a church family to share and discuss hopes and dreams for the next phase of our life here at Cornerstone. Homegroups are also considering this and there is also a personal discussion starter for you to use. I give thanks for all that God has done, is doing and will do in our midst.
As we have been praying and listening – we have been encouraged to trust God, to be strong against the evil one who stands against all the good things that God wants to do, we need to be faithful in prayer for one another and for this community that we will see revival in our time.
So friends
Hebrew 10:36 says “You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised“.
And Psalm 85:6-7 says “Will you not revive us again, that your people may rejoice in you? Show us your unfailing love, O LORD, and grant us your salvation”.
With best wishes to you this month
Yours in Christ
Eddie
