May 1, 2022
Welcome!
Good morning, Cornerstone family!
Whether you’re new or you’ve been a part of Cornerstone for a while, welcome! We are a multi-ethnic, multi-generational community of disciples, who are seeking to learn from Jesus, trust Jesus, become like Jesus, and help others do the same.
Our mission is to give every individual an accurate picture of God by helping those who believe become fully devoted followers of Christ.
If you’re longing to know who Jesus is, what he has done, and is doing in our lives, we would love to connect with you. And if you need a Bible, please feel free to ask any of our ushers or head over to the information table in the main lobby.
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 possible!
SERMON NOTES & Questions ➔
Christian Burkhardt | “Worthy of the Kingdom”
Synopsis: This Sunday, Christian kicked off our study of 2 Thessalonians, which Paul & his companions likely wrote within a year of 1 Thessalonians. Paul started this second letter by encouraging the believers in Thessalonica that they are still on the right track, even though they were experiencing an increase in persecution and suffering. In spite of their hardships, they were growing in faith, in love, and in steadfastness (or endurance).
Paul assured the Thessalonians that their suffering was not a sign of God’s punishment or displeasure with them. Quite the contrary! The way that they were flourishing in spite of their suffering was evidence that God’s judgment was already at work in their lives—with the result that they will be considered worthy of the Kingdom of God when it comes in its fullness, because they were already learning to live under God’s good rule in their present lives.
QUESTIONS:
In v. 3, Paul said that “the love of every one of you for one another is increasing.” In other words, there weren’t just a few shining examples of love in the Thessalonians church. The church had a reputation for loving one another well because every person got in the game. Consider your group—and your personal involvement in your group: how are each of you seeking to love and serve each member of your group? Are there ways you can demonstrate love for one another this week (needs to meet, ways to pray for each other, spend time together, etc.)?
In v. 4, Paul encouraged the Thessalonians for how they were enduring in the midst of their suffering. When we encounter difficulty or trials, it is normal to want to escape—to look for a way out, or to only focus our hope on when the trial will end. But scripture is clear that teaching us to persevere through trials is one of the most powerful ways that God refines and grows our character to make us more like Jesus (see Rom. 5:3-5; James 1:2-4; 1 Pet. 1:6-7). Are there any situations in your life right now in which you need encouragement to persevere? Take time to pray for one another for steadfastness and growth in the midst of trials.
Christian described the Kingdom of God as an “already, not yet” reality: By repentance and belief in Jesus, we can already begin to live under the good, life-giving rule of God (Mark 1:15), even as we await the fullness of God’s kingdom to come in the future (Rev. 11:15-18). Where do you want to see the good rule of Jesus come to bear today (in your life or in the broader world)? What excites you most about the fullness of God’s kingdom in the future?
Upcoming Events & happenings ➔
Visit our Church Calendar for more events, gatherings, and happenings within Cornerstone!
GriefShare is for people grieving the death of a family member or friend. GriefShare is a friendly, caring group of people who will walk alongside you through one of life’s most difficult experiences. You don’t have to go through the grieving process alone.
Please feel free to contact Sandra at the number listed below if you have any questions. The class will meet consecutively for 13 weeks unless an emergency comes up and we have to reschedule. You can join in at any time during the 13 weeks so don't hesitate to join if the sessions have already started.
Cost: $22 (includes workbook)
Dates: Every Thursday through July 21st
Time: 6:30pm - 8:30pm
Location: South MPR (4364 Valley Fair St)
Contact
Sandra Schmid, Facilitator
Phone: 805-990-4543
Join us for this opportunity to pray together as a church on National Day of Prayer this Thursday, May 5th from 12:00pm - 1:00pm.
We will meet at the flagpole in front of City Hall & Simi Valley Library.
Invite family and friends as we pray for our community, state, and nation.
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:
Come join our monthly worship night for a time of worship through song, prayer, and scripture!
WHERE: Main Sanctuary
WHEN: 6:30pm — 8pm [Every second Wednesday of the month]
Core 4 Intro Class: Mission & Evangelism – May 15 • 6:30-8:30 PM
Core 4 is foundational discipleship for the people of Cornerstone. Visit our Core 4 page below for more information, class registration, & class archive.
Gatherings ➔
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!
Click here to learn more about why we give. To give directly online, click the button below!
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.