March 13 , 2022
Today ➔
Good morning, Cornerstone family! We’re so glad you’ve joined us for worship today, whether it be in-person or online. Todd Nighswonger (elder & lead pastor) is continuing our series through the book of 1 Thessalonians (you can find sermon notes & questions below).
Since the beginning of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on February 24, more than 2 million Ukrainians have fled into neighboring countries, especially Poland and Romania. Cornerstone has long-standing missionary partners in both countries who are seeking to provide food, shelter, and other resources for Ukrainian refugees. Please join us in praying for them and follow the link below to give directly toward their efforts to care for those who have been displaced by this crisis.
Today we have our fifth Membership Ceremony. If you’re new here, our Membership Ceremonies are the final step in our membership process, where we publicly affirm our commitment to be and make disciples together. Click here to learn more about membership, and feel free to grab a membership booklet in the main lobby.
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:
“Hopefulness: The Coming of the King, Pt 2” | Todd Nighswonger, Elder & Lead Pastor
Synopsis: Last week, in 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, Christian showed us Paul’s pastoral heart regarding the confusion that living followers of Jesus had for those who had died prior to Christ’s triumphant return. He was making sure they knew that in their grief, they had hope. They needed to know that the “dead in Christ” won’t miss a thing. This week, we want to explore the return of King Jesus more closely to understand why they could have hope. And from that hope, how they could encourage and exhort one another (4:18) to live in a way that pleases God (4:1).
QUESTIONS (20 Minutes)
All throughout the passage, we see God in absolute control of bringing his purposes and plan to a conclusion through Jesus Christ. God will sovereignly orchestrate all of the events so that history will be brought to his intended end. Why is God’s control important in dealing with grief that followers of Jesus experience? How does that help us urge one another on?
Todd laid out the event of Christ’s coming as a royal return of the King to reign and rule. It will be an event of pomp and triumph in which all of God’s people, living and dead, will be included. How does seeing this event rightly help us deal with grief and spur one another on?
The climax of the passage, for Paul, is that those in Christ, the living and the dead, “will always be with the Lord” (4:17). How does this permanent dwelling with God help us deal with grief and urge one another towards hope, boldness, holiness, and love?
For group discussion guides related to each sermon, please see our community guides below:
Events & happenings ➔
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 – NEXT SUNDAY
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.
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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At Cornerstone, we believe that God has given you talents, skills, and interests for the edification of the church and to contribute to His mission in making disciples. Click below to learn more about volunteer opportunities and different ministries you can get involved in.