July 31, 2022
Welcome!
If you’re new here to Cornerstone, we would love to connect with you! You can fill out an online connect card and someone on our team will reach out to you as soon as they are able! If you need a Bible, please feel free to ask any of our ushers for one or head over to the information table in the main lobby.
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 Jesus, we’d love to talk with you!
Coming up ➔
On Saturday, August 6th, Cornerstone will be hosting a food packing event in partnership with Children’s Hunger Fund.
This will take place in the main church parking lot, from 9am-11am (or until all the food packs are complete).
Our missionary partners, Viorel & Beni Cruceru, oversee one of CHF’s food distribution networks in Slatina, Romania. Through this network, they supply local churches with food to distribute to families in need in their region. Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February, the Cruceru’s and their partners have also taken several trips to the Ukrainian border and into Ukraine itself to supply food and other essentials to people affected by this conflict.
Cornerstone has an amazing opportunity to participate in this important work by packing 2,380 food packs to fill a shipping container, which will be sent to Romania this fall. This will help our partners continue to serve and care for their neighbors in Jesus’ name. Please join us in meeting this need! It will be a great opportunity to serve together as a church family. All ages are welcome, and feel free to invite your friends and neighbors too!
We will need around 25 early volunteers who can arrive at 8:30am, and who can be stationed throughout the packing area to give people instructions on how to put each item in the box. We would love your help if you’re able to come early!
You can also participate by donating to help with the food and shipping costs. To donate, please click the link below.
SERMON NOTES ➔
Todd Nighswonger, Elder & Lead Pastor
The Means: Baptism in “The Name”
Series: The Great Commission
Synopsis: Packed into the command to make disciples is one aspect of how we are to do it, “baptizing.” This week, we explored the five crucial components of baptism from the Gospel of Matthew, spending time understanding how each of them is important to understand what it means to be a disciple who makes disciples.
Community Group Discussion QUESTIONS:
The first crucial component of baptism that Todd talked about was “Living for Jesus.” Those who desire baptism believe the life Jesus is offering them is far better than the life they have been living, and desire to make his life and work their life and work. Talk about this component as a group, including how each of you are doing living out this desire. Remember...it isn’t perfection but direction. Are you on the right trajectory?
The second crucial aspect is “Turning to Jesus.” Those who desire baptism understand that they haven’t been pursuing Jesus’ life and work as their own (they are sinners), but they want to turn and embrace it (repentance). Talk about this component as a group, including how each of you are doing living out this desire.
The third crucial aspect is “Following Jesus.” Those who desire baptism understand, even if it is an infant understanding, that longing for Jesus’ life and work, and then turning from their vain pursuits to his is important, but the practice of actually following Jesus is essential. Talk about this component as a group, including how each of you are doing living out this desire.
The fourth crucial aspect is “Family’ing with Jesus.” Sure, “family’ing” isn’t a word, but Todd’s point is that those who desire baptism have begun to see God as their Father, Jesus as their firstborn brother (Rom 8:29), the Spirit as the One who bonds the family together, and their spiritual family as their forever family. In other words, we aren’t alone on this mission of making disciples. Talk about this component as a group, including how each of you are doing living out this desire.
The final crucial aspect is “Standing with Jesus.” Those who desire baptism are at the beginning of understanding that the mission Jesus has set in front of them is one that cannot fail because God cannot fail, and God will be with them in it. Talk about this component as a group, including how each of you are doing living out this desire.
For weekly group discussion guides related to each sermon, please see our community guides below
Gatherings ➔
Cornerstone Community Groups: 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) meets weekly on Tuesday nights and The Rock (High School) meets weekly on Wednesday nights. Visit our student ministries and events pages for more information on time and location!
Resources ➔
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!