March 20 , 2022
Today ➔
Good morning, Cornerstone family! We’re so glad you’ve joined us for worship today, whether it be in-person or online. One of our leaders, Bob Kreycik, is continuing our series through the book of 1 Thessalonians (you can find sermon notes & questions below).
Several of you are aware of the crisis happening in Eastern Europe. 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.
Our next Core 4 Intro Class (on Gospel Transformation) is tonight from 6:30 - 8:30 PM in the Main Sanctuary. We'd love to have you join us in person, but if you're unable to make it, it will be live-streamed and available online at a later time. You can find more information below!
New to Cornerstone?
If you’re new here to Cornerstone, welcome! 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 3” | Bob Kreycik, Leader
Synopsis: Even though our passage is dealing with one topic – the Day of the Lord – there is much going on “behind the scenes.” The Day of the Lord was first described in the O.T. prophets. Its emphasis was on the actions in history by God, the Divine Warrior, going into battle against His enemies and defeating them on behalf of His people. This is the expression of His goodness and justice, not the irritation or arbitrary emotional outburst of uncontrolled anger that we see among humans. “The Day of Yahweh” in the O.T. has become “the Day of our Lord Jesus Christ”; the Lord Jesus, the God-man, has been given the divine right of all judgment by the Father, and Jesus will ultimately raise all of the dead for that judgment.
Even though the Day of the Lord ultimately refers to the final judgment of the entire human race, God in His justice does not withhold all judgment until the very end, but has both executed and is still executing judgments upon the evils perpetrated by individuals, people groups and nations once they have “filled up the measure of their sins” in history – for which we can be very grateful. Each of these instances of the Day of the Lord is a foretaste of the final day of judgment yet to come. Plus, since God is acting “on behalf of His people,” those who have suffered unjust afflictions by the wicked both have been and yet will be delivered or saved. All of this means that those who truly follow Jesus have reason to rejoice in HOPE!
The question asked by the Thessalonians was when the Day of the Lord would come, with its promised resurrection and judgment. Though that is a pertinent question to ask, Paul’s answer – like a thief in the night – suggests an unknown time, suddenness, and unexpectedness to those who are not prepared. This echoes the words of Jesus, who reminded His listeners of the unwelcome surprise of the flood to the world of Noah’s time. The point is to be aware and prepared, not leaning on the fleeting promises of “peace and security” offered by human leaders, but on the certainty that our God offers as the Prince of Peace and our strong tower. When is God’s business; ours, according to Jesus, is to be His gospel witnesses to all the earth!
QUESTIONS (20 Minutes)
Discussion of the Day of the Lord and final judgment is often seen as a “scare tactic”, but it is serious business that requires personal attention, even more than a medical diagnosis of cancer would. Have you given this question the attention it deserves, both for yourself and those in your sphere of influence? Are you and they prepared?
Did this message’s portrayal of the justice of God alter your attitude towards the seeming contradiction that exists between His goodness and His righteous judgment? Does He now seem more frightening and threatening to you, or more amazing and glorious in the perfect harmony of all His attributes?
Read Jesus’ words in Acts 1:6-8. Have you, now or in the past, become engrossed in the temptation to pursue the times and the seasons of Jesus’ return? What is your reaction to Jesus’ “redirection” of His followers to what we should really pursue?
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 – TONIGHT
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.