This Sunday marks the 20th year anniversary of the inception of our congregation (known as Cornerstone Baptist Church). It was through the extending arm of Calvary Baptist Church that Pastor Howell, and his family, was sent to Bolingbrook, IL, for the purpose of starting a church plant. With just his family, the Lord, God’s Word, the Holy Spirit, a few visitors, and the Lord’s promise of Matthew 18:20, “For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” – a congregation was formed.
From that nucleus of a beginning, the Gospel was shared with the community; souls were saved, baptized and added to this new congregation. Additionally, other likeminded children of God came and united with us. The like-mindedness was based upon the Bible being our rule of faith and practice – and God’s Holy Spirit leading in our journey. From the very beginning of our journey we knew that above all else, we must remain true to the Scriptures, as stated in the following passages.
Ephesians 2:20-22,
“And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.”
Ephesians 4:15-16,
“But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.”
And we are all taught to study and to know the Scriptures, as from the commandment found in 2 Timothy 2:15,
“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”
One of our main missions has been to teach our congregation how to fish – as the Lord taught His disciples.
For Jesus stated in Mark 1:17,
“…Come ye after me, and I will make you to become fishers of men.”
Teaching our congregation this principle of “fishing for men” (as Jesus taught) further assists in the development of an understanding of the Great Commission that Christ gave His Church.
For it states in Matthew 28:19-20,
“Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.”
And from this understanding, we are further enabled to live according to another commandment found in 1 Peter 3:15,
“But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:”.
Over the years, we have met in various schools and homes – searching for land to purchase; such that we would be able to build a worship facility that could be used for all of our church services. In the course of God’s timing, He provided the land. Through the grace of God, and God working through the love of His people and sister churches, the land is completely paid for. We are now raising the funds to build that building – and God is providing each step of the way. (And yes, we are still meeting in a school.)
But it has become abundantly clear over the years, that for us to stay our course in our journey, we must have the mindset of Gideon. Gideon was called upon by God to take a small group of men to fight an innumerable army. Gideon initially had over 32,000 men under his charge.
But in Judges 7:2 we read,
“And the LORD said unto Gideon, The people that are with thee are too many for me to give the Midianites into their hands, lest Israel vaunt themselves against me, saying, Mine own hand hath saved me.”
As you continue reading the Judges passage, you find that the number of men that Gideon was to lead was reduced to 300; but Gideon trusted God. The victory that God gave to Gideon and Israel was through the power of God; not through the power of men. Likewise, all of our success in the journey of our congregation has been through the power of God; and not of any man. May we rejoice in this day marking our 20th year anniversary – for all that God has done for us and through us; and for what the future holds.
