“In Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.” -2 Corinthians 5:19-20
Reconciliation is not something we do, but is something that God has accomplished. The ministry of reconciliation is not telling people to make peace with God, but telling them that God has made peace with the world. The Gospel is not good advice, but good news.
We are not called to make peace with God – that is God’s work. The method of reconciliation is reckoning, for there is reckoning of sins. They are, however, reckoned not to the sinner but to Christ. On the cross Christ took our sins and did not count our sins against us.
“Be reconciled to God.” We must not miss the importance of this passionate plea which is not that we are reconciling ourselves to God, but that God reconciles us. Receive God’s offering of reconciliation, and because of this we will receive his offer of peace and salvation. The atoning substitutionary death of Christ brings reconciliation with God. This promise of peace was made long ago by the prophet Isaiah: “But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed.”
The Gospel is not ‘reconcile yourselves’, but ‘be reconciled by God’. Receive reconciliation from God.
-R. Kent Hughes, 2 Corinthians: Power in Weakness
Cornerstone and Bellfield Update
With a new year, there comes new leadership. This year Cornerstone will be having its largest leadership team. The thought of supervising this many people can seem daunting, but I believe that we have a great crop of students this year. Again, I will be in charge of Outreach, supervising the team and trying to figure out new ways to stop spending as much time at Bellefield, and getting out on Pitt’s campus.
One outreach method that we used is that we go out on campus, in front of the student union, and give out hot tea. We call it SereniTea. Here we have a pretty extensive menu that we go over with the students, featuring teas with rather odd names (i.e. Creation, Fall, Redemption, Restoration) that often lead to questions and spiritual talks. From here, we brew the tea which usually takes a few minutes and gives us the opportunity to chat with the student about anything and everything, and in turn form a relationship with them. When we first started doing the tea, we had to throw it together very quickly and thought it would be disastrous. “No one will show up except two or three Cornerstone students,” I thought to myself. To my amazement we had quite the crowd and even a line of students waiting to get tea. God quickly reminded me that He will show up when he pleases…even in my doubt. SereniTea has been a success not just because of the students running it, but because God shows up. It has been a wonderful experience.
Meet the Students
1. What is your favorite movie, book, and band/music? Favorites are tough for me...but um...movie: I was both shocked and enthralled by I Am Legend. Book: I found The Road to be intriguing when I had to read it in high school. Band/Music: I'm not terribly picky with music. I won't mind listening to pretty much anything. When I listen to the radio I often have it tuned to K-Love (or another Christian music station). On Spotify I find myself listening to bands like Gungor, Tenth Avenue North, Parachute, or ones similar (I often use the radio function so it cycles through similar artists).
2. What has been your involvement in Cornerstone? I've been involved in Cornerstone since my very first day on Pitt's campus. I came to most of the orientation week events and I've been consistently attending Wednesday night fellowship ever since. This past calendar year I was part of the Freshmen Ministry Team, so we (a team of sophomores) led the freshmen Bible study for the first semester, and for this coming year I am the advisor for the new Freshmen Ministry Team.
3. How has Cornerstone helped you during your years at Pitt? Cornerstone has provided a home for me. Like I said, I've been involved in Cornerstone since I got to Pitt. I've dabbled in a few of the other campus ministries, especially during my first semester, but it was in Cornerstone where I was able to develop solid friendships and where I felt most challenged and encouraged to pursue Christ. I am encouraged by the staff who consistently seek God and pour into the students of Cornerstone, and the friends I've made in addition to the staff have been very helpful in supporting my walk with Christ. In times of doubt or stubbornness or feeling attacked, they've been there to pray for me, encourage me, and point me back toward God. They've challenged and developed my understanding of who God is and what it means to be a Christian.
Financial Update
Moore News
Our house is now filled with a variety of Star Wars action figures, various Ninja Turtles toys, Lego, and Nerf guns. There is a whole host of things that the kids have gotten into, which always keeps the house fun and Emily and me on our toes. It is also really fun that the boys are getting into a lot of things that I loved when I was their age (Star Wars, Ninja Turtles, baseball, etc.). It gives us a lot of common interests.
Emily does a great job wrangling three (sometimes four) boys. She continues to spend her spare time reading anything she can get a hold of, watching Downton Abbey or Sherlock, experimenting in baking or cooking, or being actively involved in Bellefield’s Women’s Ministry. In other words: she stays busy.
We thank each and every one of you who reads this letter and has supported us in thought, prayer, or financially. May God Bless you!
In Christ
Andy Moore
