James 1:19-20; 1:26

We started the book of James here a few weeks ago. Here are just a couple of excerpts:

“So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; For the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God” - James 1:19-20 NKJV

“If anyone among you thinks he is religious, and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this one’s religion is useless” -James 1:26 NKJV

Can’t wait until Mike and Jill get here

Mike Baldwin received a unanimous vote on January 4 to serve as minister to students here at Cornerstone. We’ll be counting the minutes until he, Jill, and daughter Taylor can be here.

Mike Baldwin, candidate for Youth Pastor - This Sunday, Jan. 4

doing church - sunday, January 4, 10:15am

Make a “Fresh Start” with us beginning this Sunday (January 4) here at Cornerstone. The 10:15am message theme is doing church. Also, Mike Baldwin will be here as candidate for youth pastor.

About Herod

“Deceit was ingrained in his very nature” “… as he advanced in age, he made progress also in mental and moral depravity until he was completely ruined”  -W. Hendrikson Th.D.

Break from the Ice - Snowman Cometh

Wow. Seems like God spared us from the worst of the “naughty ice.” In celebration, my neighbors and I were able to build this, deemed by us to be the world’s largest snowman:

Great isn’t it? Here are some more shots:

Well, just kidding. That’s actually the world’s largest snowman as built by some people in Maine. I do think we could “top” them here in southern Iowa, however, especially if we built with both snow… and leaves ; )

Who’s Naughty and Ice?

Up until one year ago this month, I really didn’t know what an “ice storm” was. I do now, and I think I can safely say without reservation that I don’t care too much for them. See you on the other side. If you’re reading this to check on the Thursday “Night at Bethlehem” event - know that it’s been cancelled for this evening. Special thanks to everyone who made last night’s N.A.B. very fun and meaninful : )

-Eric

Have a Jolly Trampled Christmas? (In Case You Didn’t Hear)

It’s the most wonderful time… of the year : ). Well, kind’ve. I still can’t get over people trampling someone to death for sales on major appliances and accessories. I must admit, though, that having worked in a toy section of a department store back in the ’80’s during the “Cabbage Patch” craze - I can certainly see how this could go down. This is consumerism - or even conspicuous consumption - at an all time low. Unfortunately, there are actually many other ways we can “trample” people this time of the year. All it takes is for even professing Christians to leave behind the themes of Christmas for what I sometimes refer to as “Christmas disease” (or if one prefers the PC version “Holiday Disease”).

Virtually nobody is immune to this, and it can certainly infect the professing Christian if he/she isn’t watchful (and prayerful). A number of years ago I came up with some points I thought were helpful for Christians as reminders of what this time of the year is supposed to be about for us. If we really hold to what the Bible says, these truths should be applied to our lives. As Christians, in the very least, we should evidence different attitudes and actions. I’ve decided to print them again right here, and maybe it will serve as a meditative reminder and prevent a few more from being “trampled” (either physically, or relationally) before the new year. Hopefully this can also inspire people to do some simple proactive things in the name of Christ to make a difference in someone’s life:

Some Biblical Reminders for Christmas Survival:

We’re supposed to be celebrating  Jesus’ birthday (Luke 2:10-11)

Jesus matters more than anything or anyone (Matt. 10:37; Luke 14:26; Luke 12:51-53; Matt. 6:33)

People matter more than any “things” (I John 3:16-18; Matt. 12:11-12)

The “things” that matter the most are not determined by price tags (Matt. 2:11; Philippians 4:10-11, 17)

Covetousness is a stepping stone to heartache (Ecc. 2:11; Col. 3:5; Heb. 13:5)

Your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit (I Cor. 6:19-20) (Don’t let your diet and everything else “go” just because of the holiday season)

Even the “royal family” had circumstantial mishap (Luke 2:4-5, 7; Matt. 2:13)

Christ’s presence/love doesn’t end when the “event” of Christmas is over (Luke 2:20; Heb. 13:5b; Romans 8:38-39)

Merry Christ-festival

-Eric

Looking Back - Two Thanksgivings in Iowa

 I just wanted to express a public thanks to God specifically for all the the good people we know here in southern Iowa. It’s hard to believe it’s been two years since we came to candidate for the position here at Cornerstone, Chariton. We’re thankful for all of you and for how we’ve personally grown because of God working through you.

We look forward to God continuing to bless : )

-Eric

Sorry to Former Registrants

My apologies, again, to people who used to be registered here. For the second time since starting this blog, we’ve had to have a… “year of jubilee” reboot and have lost all registrants. This is the result of pornography being spammed to our youth site and the need to update all our church’s sites to be better protected (as some prophetic songsters once declared… “it’s a beautiful world.”  )

Fyodor

“But enough;” (for now) “I don’t want to write more from ‘Underground’”

“Fireproof” Movie Begins Today in Town

Just an encouragement to get out and see the Fireproof film which begins here in town today (Chariton). My wife and I had a chance to see it already in Des Moines and it’s really moving and very much worth checking out. The Christian message is certainly clear, but the story contains many themes which almost any married couple can relate to - and work through with God’s help. Here at Cornerstone, beginning Sunday, January 11, there will be a message series and available small group studies with Fireproof/marriage related themes

-Eric