May 29, 2022
Welcome!
If you’re new here to Cornerstone or if you’re longing to know who Jesus is, and 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 & Community Group Questions ➔
Bob Kreycik, Leader | “God’s Eternal Plan to Save His People”
Synopsis:
Paul obviously felt that the struggling Christians at Thessalonica still needed more encouragement. Their faith was shaken by the suggestion that they had already missed the coming of the Day of the Lord, and Paul had just finished explaining that they must not let themselves be deceived by anyone or anything. Certain events must occur before Jesus’ return, including that many would be deceived by the power of the “man of lawlessness”, for refusing to receive the love of the truth! The believers must have felt somewhat foolish and vulnerable (“Are we like them?”), and Paul wanted to address any doubts they may have had about the stability and genuineness of their faith.
His answer? “Pull back the curtain” and reveal that their faith was not just a random, recent experience, but a reason we ought to thank God! It is the inevitable outworking of the eternal choice of the Lord who loved them and chose them for Himself from the beginning. The almighty Spirit’s sanctifying work would bring about their faith in the truth as His plan unfolded in history. And the result was their salvation as they responded to the gospel – including the future hope of attaining the glory of the Lord Jesus! Instead of focusing on their weakness and questioning their faith, they can take comfort in the plan of God to save them, from eternity past to eternity future. They need to stand firm in their confidence in the truth, as learned from Paul. And his prayer for them, based on what the Father and Son have already given them, is that their hearts will be comforted and the living out of their faith will be firmly established in light of His grand plan.
QUESTIONS:
This passage deals with some deep and sometimes controversial truths; we put forth our most earnest effort in presenting challenging truths as simply and accurately as possible. Was this the first time you have heard God’s choice (election) discussed? If so, what is your reaction to it? If you have heard it discussed, do you think this explanation was satisfying, confusing, troubling, or challenging? Why?
Paul wasn’t just in the mood to talk about God’s eternal plan; he was trying to solve a very practical issue. How can God’s eternal choice of His people provide comfort and stability to Christians who are struggling with their faith?
Let’s personalize the issue that the Thessalonian Christians faced: Have you as a believer ever been faced with very discouraging circumstances, causing doubts about the Christian faith, or about the reality of your faith in Him, or your desire or ability to serve Him? If so, where did you turn for comfort and resolution? To the strength of your own faith? Or to God and His eternal promises, as the objects of your faith? Or somewhere else?
For weekly group discussion guides related to each sermon, please see our community guides below
Upcoming Events & happenings ➔
Visit our Church Calendar for more events, gatherings, and happenings within Cornerstone!
VBS will be June 13-16, from 10 AM – 12:15 PM. Additionally, on Sunday, June 19th, we will also be wrapping up our week of VBS with worship, a message, and our final skit during our Sunday Service (10 - 11:15 AM) that we would love for you and your kids to join us for. After the service, we will be having an All-Church BBQ/Party as we celebrate the culmination of VBS and all that the Lord has taught us throughout the week!
Child Registration closes June 1st (depending on when slots are filled)
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
June 9-12 • Thousand Pines Christian Camp
July 22-26 • Lake Don Pedro
$340 (early bird price available until June 16)
$380 (normal price after June 16)
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 ➔
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.