March 6 , 2022
Today ➔
Good morning! We’re so glad you’ve joined us for worship today, whether it be in-person or online. Today, Christian Burkhardt (elder & equipping pastor) is continuing our series through the book of 1 Thessalonians (you can find sermon notes & questions below).
This Tuesday, March 8th, is Elder Prayer Night, and Wednesday, March 9th, is our monthly Worship Night. For more information on upcoming events & happenings, please scroll below!
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sermon notes & questions:
“Hopefulness: The Coming of the King, Pt 1” | Christian Burkhardt, Elder & Equipping Pastor
Synopsis: Right after encouraging the Thessalonians to keep growing more and more in brotherly love (4:9-12), Paul shifted to give them hope concerning some of their brothers or sisters who had recently died (vv. 13-18). As they grieve, Paul wanted to make sure they do so with hope—a hope in Christ that sets them apart from those who do not believe (v. 13). Just as Jesus died and rose again, so Christians who die are assured of a future, bodily resurrection like Jesus’ (v.14). But whereas Jesus’ resurrection happened three days after his death, the resurrection of believers will happen when Jesus comes again (v. 16).
It seems that Paul was addressing a concern his readers had that those who died would miss out on the glory and celebration of Jesus’ Parousia – his kingly arrival from heaven. But Paul made it clear that those who die before Jesus’ return won’t miss out. They will be raised from the dead so that they can join the welcoming party first, before those who are still alive (vv.15-17)! All believers, both those who have died and those who are alive, will be reunited together to welcome our long-awaited King, “and so we will always be with the Lord” (v. 17).
Unfortunately, throughout the history of the church (and especially over the last few generations), many Christians have used this passage as fodder for speculation, debate, and even division over how it should be interpreted. It is important to study this passage carefully to understand what it teaches us about the return of Jesus. But as we do, we must remember that Paul’s main purpose in writing these words—and the Spirit’s main purpose inspiring them—was not for us to argue over them, but to “encourage each other” with them (v. 18).
QUESTIONS (20 Minutes)
As we deal with the realities of death as believers, how does this passage help us to make room for both grief and hope? Why is it important to hold these two ideas together? What problems might arise if we focus only on one or the other?
In v. 13, Paul speaks about a hope in death that those “in Christ” have, but that “others” (i.e., unbelievers) don’t have. How does this passage both comfort us when dealing with death as believers and motivate us to share the hope of Jesus with those who do not know him yet?
When thinking about life after death, it is common for many Christians to focus simply on the idea of going to heaven when we die. Indeed, several NT passages give us confidence that after death, we will be with the Lord (Luke 23:43; 2 Cor. 5:6-9; Phil 1:21-23), but that is not the end of the story! As this passage explains, the ultimate hope in death for Christians is a future bodily resurrection—to live with Jesus in renewed bodies, in a renewed creation, forevermore (see also John 5:25-29; 6:39-40, 44; Rom. 8:18-25; Phil. 3:20-21; 1 Cor 15). When you have thought about what it means to find hope in death, have you tended to focus more on the idea of going to heaven when you die or of a future bodily resurrection at the return of Jesus? Why is it important for our hope to be shaped by both realities?
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.
Click on the image for more information.
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.
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