Dear Cornerstone Family,
The Bible warns us about people taking the Word of God out of context or watering it down to salve their conscience. But we must become students of the Word of God and followers who apply it in our everyday lives. We believe this will result in strong families, a healthy church and a blessing to our community. Maturity doesn’t mean you’re perfect, but rather a lifelong pursuit of growth. Maturity is not a destination, but a commitment to apply God’s Word in our daily lives.
In Mark 4:14-20 Jesus gives a parable about the Word of God. In this passage, Jesus teaches us how important it is to take God’s Word into our hearts and apply it in our lives. Jesus said, “The farmer plants seed by taking God’s word to others. The seed that fell on the footpath represents those who hear the message, only to have Satan come at once and take it away. The seed on the rocky soil represents those who hear the message and immediately receive it with joy. But since they don’t have deep roots, they don’t last long. They fall away as soon as they have problems or are persecuted for believing God’s word. The seed that fell among the thorns represents others who hear God’s word, but all too quickly the message is crowded out by the worries of this life, the lure of wealth, and the desire for other things, so no fruit is produced. And the seed that fell on good soil represents those who hear and accept God’s word and produce a harvest of thirty, sixty, or even a hundred times as much as had been planted!”
The four soils represent the four ways people respond to God’s Word. Are you willing to apply His Word in some areas of your life but resist applying it in others? I recently read that Chinese bamboo produces little outward growth for the first four years of its life. Though it’s puny and pitiful, there’s something powerful happening underground. In the fifth year, the tree grows eighty feet! We must cultivate our soul and understand that the root develops before the fruit. Are you developing a habit of studying the Bible where you are able to draw on principles that help you with your everyday life?
What study habits do you need to make to STAND FIRM in the Word of God?
Following Jesus,
Pastor Ed Turley
Cornerstone Church of Poway
P.S. Check out our new mobile-friendly website!
www.CornerstonePoway.com
UPCOMING EVENTS
Easter:
God’s number one characteristic throughout the Bible is mercy. His mercy heals broken hearts, reconciles relationships, restores forgotten dreams, and refreshes tired souls. It’s the cure to every insecurity, worry, and fear. Bring your family and friends for a fresh discovery of Gods life-changing mercy this Easter – it’s a discovery you don’t want to miss! Join us Sunday, April 21, 9:30 & 11:00am. Refreshments between services. The Children’s Ministry is planning a special program for the kids.
Lunch with the Pastor:
Are you new to Cornerstone Church? Would you like to find out more about us? Join Pastor Ed and Karen for lunch at their home on Sunday, Apr. 28 from 1-2 pm. To rsvp, please email: church@cornerstonepoway.com
MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers):
The next MOPS group meeting will be this Sunday, Apr. 7, 12:30-2:00 pm (the group will break for Easter). For more info contact: Sarah Tanner 858.255.9098 or aluv4teaching@yahoo.com.
Family Night:
Come check out Family Night every Tuesday from 6-7:30 pm. Connect and meet some new friends. All ages-everyone welcome! We meet in the café for dinner, worship together, then break into small groups. The kids are in age-appropriate groups that include study and activities. Childcare for ages 0-3 provided.
