Dear Cornerstone Family,
This weekend we will be looking at the ‘A’ in SHAPE, which is your Abilities. We were shaped to serve God! In Ephesians 4:11-12 we read “(God) has given…pastors and teachers to prepare God’s people for works of ministry, so the body of Christ may be built up.”
Paul gave us a Spiritual Anatomy Lesson in 1 Corinthians 12:1-31. After reading this chapter, see how Paul proclaimed:
- Each member of the Body of Christ has a ministry.
- Each member has a unique function in the Body.
- Each member’s ministry is important to the Body.
- Each member cooperates with all the other members.
In 1 Corinthians 7:7, Paul writes: “Each man has his own gift from God; one has this gift, another has that.” Spiritual gifts are distinctive abilities given to each believer when they receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit, to be used to minister to others and thus build up the Body of Christ. Some of the gifts are supernatural (operated only under the influence of the Holy Spirit), while others are natural abilities enhanced by God’s Spirit. All are important to the Body!
I want to leave you with 3 cautions to be mindful of for when we discuss our abilities and gifts:
- Don’t confuse gifts with natural talents.
- Don’t feel your gift makes you superior, or inferior, to others.
- Realize that using the gifts without love is valueless or empty. God knows our heart!
Where is God leading you to use your abilities for Him? What is holding you back?
Following Jesus with you,
Pastor James Jacobs
Cornerstone Church of Poway
UPCOMING EVENTS
Ministry Fair – This Sunday!
As we continue to learn about our SHAPE, there are many opportunities to serve here at Cornerstone. We have a Ministry Fair going on this Sunday and Sept. 2 & 9 in the courtyard so be sure to take a look at the display boards to learn more. Ministry leaders will be available to talk to you and answer any questions you may have.
Men’s Retreat:
The Men’s Retreat is coming up Sept. 14-16, 2018, at Thousand Pines. For those of you going to the retreat, your online CampDoc registration is due now. Everyone must be registered immediately before the camp will assign our group accommodations. We are excited to go relax, have some fun, fellowship time, and enjoy some great meals! If you have any questions, please contact Jim Ellington at (858)208-6528 or email: rvrmn@cox.net
Life Group – Thursday nights:
Not in a Life Group? Would you like to make new friends, get refueled and refreshed? Come check out our Thursday night worship, group Bible study, and prayer time in the Main Sanctuary at 7 pm. Invite someone, all are welcome!
Marriage Retreat:
The Art Of Marriage Retreat, designed to help couples fully experience God’s design for marriage and strengthen families, will be held Oct. 5 & 6, 2018. $299 Early bird fee by Sept. 10. Per couple. Price includes a one-night stay at the Radisson Hotel in Rancho Bernardo, materials, two catered dinners, and breakfast. Limited space available. To RSVP call the church office (858)748-2327 or email church@www.cornerstonepoway.com.
