November 2014 Newsletter

Our Arrabond
“In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.” –Ephesians 1:13-14

Along with his mark or seal, the Holy Spirit serves as a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance. We understand from the Greek and Roman culture of that day that it was customary to make a deposit, an arrabon as they called it, on the purchase of a possession. The arrabon was a down payment which announced more of the same would be coming – the first installment. Today we often call it “earnest money.” Thus we understand that the spiritual life given to us by the Holy Spirit is an arrabon of what is to come. The celebrated Greek scholar Bishop Lightfoot of Cambridge says, “The actual spiritual life of the Christian is the same in kind as his future glorified self.” It is the same in kind, though immeasurably less in degree. It is a true foretaste.

Imagine the sublimest, most treasured experience of the Holy Spirit we have ever had and then realize they are only a foretaste, the tip of the tongue on the spoon, of what is to come. Remember the release in coming to Christ and knowing you were forgiven? Remember the time when in worship you were smitten with awe? Remember the time you followed the Spirit’s leading and were wonderfully used? Remember the satisfaction of finding the fruits of the Spirit surprising to you with the goodness where you once responded wickedly? Think of all this and multiply it a million-fold. Here on earth we have experienced the first dollar of a million celestial dollars – the earnest. We have the dawning of knowledge, but then we will have the midday sun…

Do you have the arrabon of the Holy Spirit? It is the real thing, but nevertheless just a taste! What will the first five minutes be like when we come into the fullness of our inheritance? The first fifteen minutes? The first hour? The first day – week – month – year – thousand years? We must celebrate our seal or arrabon as his Spirit bears witness with our spirit because that foretaste is going to multiply a million-fold.

-R. Kent Hughes, Ephesians: The Mystery of the Body of Christ

Meet the Students

Meet Danny Snyder, a Sophomore Actuarial Mathematics and Spanish major from Hummelstown, PA (outside of Hershey). Danny has been involved in Cornerstone, thus far, through Freshmen Ministry Team, and I have also had the privilege of discipling him. He is funny, outgoing, and hyper. Read more about him…

1. What is your favorite movie, book, and band/music? These are all tough questions, because I have lots of favorites... I'd say my favorite movie is Star Wars VI: Return of the Jedi. It's just too awesome and action-packed with many feels to not love it! Music is the hardest (I could easily give 10 groups/composers as I like jazz, rock, classical, and indie music) but I'd say Fleet Foxes, they're an Indie band that have some of the most beautiful harmonies and textures I've ever heard. My favorite book would have to be Redwall by Brian Jacques. I loved the whole series as a kid, even it was just about a bunch of forest animals fighting with tiny swords.

2. What has been your involvement in Cornerstone? Since my freshman year (I'm currently a sophomore) I have both participated and now help lead Freshmen Bible Study, which has been a true blessing to my life and my walk with Christ. Additionally, I have played guitar and sang for worship in the past, and plan on continuing leadership in Cornerstone in some manner this coming Spring. I've also gone to Cornerstone events, went to the Dominican Republic last Spring break on one of the mission trips, and have enjoyed participating in outreach events when able (handing out hotdogs Saturday nights is the best!). I sadly haven't been as involved this year due to becoming a Resident Assistant at Pitt which has kept me from being super active.

3. How has Cornerstone helped you during your years at Pitt? Cornerstone has been essential in my continued faith in Jesus. I came to college seeking to find a group to help me grow in Christ and found an INCREDIBLE community! Having so many fellow friends who are Christians and phenomenal leaders (especially my Disciple group leader, who may or may not have three super adorable boys) has changed my life forever! The strength that I've found in my faith and beliefs has been supported by Cornerstone through experiences in reaching out to others and the mission trip to a poverty-stricken society that literally transformed how I perceive life in general. I can't imagine being at Pitt and not being involved in Cornerstone, like seriously...

Financial Update

For the past two months, we have included a financial ask letter to go along with our newsletter. This letter vulnerably explained our current financial state, as well as asked for your help. You all not only responded, but went above and beyond anything we could ever think of. We are so overwhelmed at your kindness and generosity that we are at a loss for words. Thank you for giving, and for following Jesus. We are always in awe how God has used everyone to help support this ministry, and could not do it without God working through you. The journey is not over, however. We could always use financial help to increase our ministry account, so that when those tough months happen we will be prepared. If you are interested in supporting this ministry, I would love to meet with you. Please contact me using using the information on the navigation bar or email me at amoore@ccojubilee.org

Moore News

Benjamin and Josh’s futsal (indoor soccer) league has officially begun. Unfortunately, they got drubbed in the first game 8-0. To be fair, their team had not even had a practice yet. Needless to say, Ben and Josh where not quite adjusted to the speed of the new game, along with the size of their opponents. The second game went a little differently, and we won 4-2. Ben had a beautiful goal in that one as well. He got the ball with a player to beat, and totally juked the kid out of his socks and ended up nutmegging the goalie (when the ball goes between the goalie’s legs). The best part, though, was his celebration. Joshua also did really well, and will be a star (I think) when he adjusts to the speed of the game. He has a lot of offensive skill and is working on being a bit more aggressive defensively. It was really fun to watch them play!

Asher might just be one of the sweetest children in existence. He is very counter-cultural in the fact that he often puts others before himself; often giving and not receiving. It probably also helps that he still has a very sweet “baby” voice, which just melts your heart. Currently he is really into the show Star Wars Rebels, which (being a huge Star Wars fan) brings a joyful tear to my eye.

Emily has been staying busy with the Bellefield Women’s Ministry, even helping to organize a retreat. She has a genuine passion for Christ and loves sharing that passion with friends and family. It has been wonderful to watch Emily and the boys grow spiritually!

We pray that this newsletter finds you well, and that God continues to minister to your lives! God Bless!

In Christ,
Andy Moore