Dear Cornerstone Family,

This Sunday we will wrap up our series to Stand Firm in God’s power! Paul closes out his letter to the Ephesians by asking them to be persistent in prayer and to pray for him to speak boldly about Jesus. My first thought was, “Paul, you are bold! You are in prison because of sharing the good news about Jesus.” But then I realized that he was human and in prison. Just like you and me, Paul must have struggled with the reality of pain and discomfort.

Most people pray. We pray about financial needs, physical needs, relationships, our wants, and desires. There is nothing wrong about praying for our needs, but isn’t prayer to be more than just asking for our personal needs? When we look at the prayers of the early church in Acts, we see that they prayed bold prayers. Instead of praying for their own comfort, they prayed for boldness to help further the gospel. Although their circumstances were perilously grave, they placed all their trust in God who created everything and has determined everything according to His plan beforehand according to His will (Acts 4:28).

When they prayed, they didn’t ignore or dismiss the threats around them. They prayed for the strength to speak God’s word boldly to everyone around them – even to those who were trying to imprison them. They clearly understood the danger they were in, and yet they prayed with an attitude of openness to what God wanted to accomplish for His glory. In Acts 4:29-30 (NLT) we read one of their prayers, “And now, O Lord, hear their threats, and give us, your servants, great boldness in preaching your word. Stretch out your hand with healing power; may miraculous signs and wonders be done through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” These believers experienced God’s power in amazing ways because they prayed with an attitude of open hands. God united them into one purpose as they took care of the needs of others and testified about the resurrection of Jesus.

Will you pray to speak about Jesus boldly to your friends and neighbors?

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 and an Easter Egg Hunt for the kids.

Tuesday Family Night-Potluck & Games:
Join us this Tuesday for a special potluck and game night with prizes from 6-7:30 pm. It’s going to be a lot of fun! Bring a friend-all ages welcome. We will meet in the café for dinner, then games in the Worship Center. See you there!

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. 13738 Fairgate Drive, Poway. To rsvp, please email: church@cornerstonepoway.com

Believer’s Baptism:
If you have accepted Jesus as your Savior and would like to be baptized on May. 19, please sign up on your connection card on Sunday or call the church office to schedule an appointment with Pastor Ed.