February 27 , 2022
Today ➔
Good morning! We’re so glad you’ve joined us for worship today, whether it be in-person or online. Today, Todd Nighswonger (elder & lead pastor) is continuing our series through the book of 1 Thessalonians (you can find sermon notes & questions below).
For information on upcoming events and happenings, please scroll further down.
New to Cornerstone?
If you’re new here to Cornerstone, we would love to connect with you! Feel free to ask any of our ushers or greeters to direct you to our pastors or staff members before or after service. You can also fill out our online connect card below and we’ll do our best to get in touch with you as soon as we are able!
sermon notes & questions:
“Love: Walking in a Way that Pleases God” | Todd Nighswonger, Elder & Lead Pastor
Synopsis: Last week, in 1 Thessalonians 4:1-8, Paul’s major emphasis was holiness, specifically regarding sexual brokenness. The main point was that as God’s holy people, we have been set apart and repurposed for God’s glory. This week, in verses 9-12, we learned how we live as God’s holy people and for God’s glory (or how we reflect God): we love. The main point was that we glorify God most by living out our created purpose of displaying God through loving our spiritual family. And this holy love, which “increases,” soon “abounds” (“spills out”) for our neighbors and enemies to see and experience.
Questions (from this week’s community guide):
Work through the following discussion questions as a Community:
In 1 Thessalonians 3:12 and 4:9, Paul talked about our identity as “God-taught ones,” and more specifically of our ability to love like God loves because we have his Spirit. How would you say your community is doing when it comes to loving one another in an “increasing” and “abounding” way? Make sure to discuss ways in which you see strengths to be celebrated and weaknesses to be addressed. Also, remember that this isn’t simply an individual project, but a group one.
The Thessalonians were to love “more and more” (v 10) by making their love for one another spill over in love for their neighbors and enemies. And the way they loved them was by being a testimony of how God’s people are called to live, or “walk properly” (v 12). Where do you see your love for one another as a community spilling into your relationships with neighbors and enemies? How is your community doing? Make sure to discuss ways in which you see strengths to be celebrated and weaknesses to be addressed.
For group discussion guides related to each sermon, please see our community guides below:
Events & happenings ➔
If you are struggling with illness or feel disheartened, overwhelmed, etc., — we invite you to join the elders so that they can pray over you.
When: 7pm - 8pm [Every second Tuesday of the month]
Where: Cornerstone MPR
Please let us know how we can pray for you by filling out the form below:
”Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praise. Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.” – James 5:13-16
Come join us for a time of worship through song, prayer, and scripture!
Core 4 Intro Classes – Sunday Evenings (once a month) • 6:30-8:30 PM
January 23 – Overview of Core 4 ✓
February 13 – Biblical Story ✓
March 20 – Gospel Transformation
April 10 – Basic Doctrine
May 15 – Mission & Evangelism (Date changed from May 22)
What is Core 4? Core 4 is foundational discipleship for the people of Cornerstone. The four key components are comprised of the Biblical Story, Gospel Transformation, Basic Doctrine, and Mission & Evangelism.
As followers of Jesus, we are always seeking to learn more of God's story, the truth it communicates, how this truth changes us, and how to share it with others. We are inviting you to join us for these foundational equipping classes because Core 4 is an essential part of how we are seeking to BE and MAKE disciples together. We hope you can come!
Visit our Core 4 page below for more information, registration, & class archive.
Monthly rhythms at Cornerstone ➔
Elder Prayer Night • 7:00 - 8:00 PM • every second Tuesday • MPR
[If you are struggling with illness or feel disheartened, overwhelmed, etc., — we invite you to join the elders so that they can pray over you.]
Worship Night • 6:30 - 8:00 PM • every second Wednesday • Main Sanctuary
[Join us every second Wednesday for a time of worship through song, prayer, and scripture]
Gatherings & Meetings ➔
Cornerstone Communities: We have several community groups that gather each week. If you’re interested in joining a group, see our community page for more information. We’d love to connect with you and get you plugged in!
Student Ministries: Impact (Middle School) and The Rock (High School) meet Wednesday nights. Meeting locations vary. Visit our student ministries and events pages for more information on time and location!
Resources ➔
Our Cornerstone Simi Podcast allows you to listen to Sunday sermons and episodes of Beyond Sunday. Learn more and find the podcast archive below.
Need prayer? We would love to know how to pray for you.
Baptism is a physical act and visual representation that communicates the inward change of believers who have come to faith by grace in Jesus Christ. If you’re interested in getting baptized, fill out our form below!
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