Hello Ladies

I am so excited about the upcoming year of small groups at Cornerstone Church. I haven't had the opportunity to participate in a small group for the last two seasons. I tried a little half heartedly this summer, but failed miserably. I was disappointed in myself and for a moment had that I never finish anything...I'm such a loser feeling as I put the study book in the pile of all of the other started but not completed Bible study guides. Am I the only one who ever feels that way? Feel free to tell me that I'm not. I remembered, however, that my Jesus doesn't love me based on the stacks of completed versus incompleted books. I can't tell you exactly why He loves me. It's a question that I often ask, but I do know that His word says that He does and that's enough knowledge for me. So, I'm relinquishing all regret over past studies and moving on.

As Christians, we all ask "who am I that You are mindful of me?" It is beyond comprehension how an Almighty Holy God can love yucky ol' me - warts and all. While we may not be able to give an answer to why He loves us, we are called in 1 Peter 3:15 to be able to give an answer for our hope, for our love for Him. What we believe is important, but more important than what we believe is why we believe? Nonbelievers have tough questions and we are called to give them an answer. I can't wait to get into the Word with each one of you and examine the history of many of these issues, the arguments for the varying viewpoints, and to simply stretch and grow together in our faith.

Each week we will encounter two traditional evangelical debates and the arguments for and against the varying views. Our goal will be to discuss these, understanding the implications of each view, and come out on the other side better equipped to encounter these questions in the world. The goal is not to sway one another's beliefs, but to more firmly establish our own.

Again, I am really excited about this journey. Thank you all for being a part of it. I will be praying for each of you in the days and weeks ahead, knowing that God is preparing our hearts for a deeper understanding of His great truth and love.

Love to you all,

Tonya