Dear Cornerstone Family,
Two thousand years ago, Paul warned the church about false brothers who were trying to pull Christians away from the true Gospel. In Galatians 2:4-5 (NLT2) we read about some who were trying to add circumcision to the requirements of salvation, “Even that question came up only because of some so-called Christians there—false ones, really—who were secretly brought in. They sneaked in to spy on us and take away the freedom we have in Christ Jesus. They wanted to enslave us and force us to follow their Jewish regulations. But we refused to give in to them for a single moment. We wanted to preserve the truth of the gospel message for you.” We must be vigilant in keeping to the truth of the grace and mercy found in Jesus alone.
Who are false brothers today? I would say, anyone who teaches that you need to add something to a relationship with Jesus, is a false teacher. Jesus plus anything, ruins everything.
In Galatians 3:22 (NLT2) Paul writes, “But the Scriptures declare that we are all prisoners of sin, so we receive God’s promise of freedom only by believing in Jesus Christ.” I hope most of us would agree with that statement, but we need to be careful not to let our preferences become our prejudices.
You see, if we have been attending church for a while, we can get used to doing things a certain way. We may like a specific teacher, song leader, translation, style of music…and, all of that is fine but doesn’t make it essential to following Jesus. We have one Savior who gave His life to redeem us, and our worship and service should be focused on Him. Jesus alone saves!
Following Jesus,
Pastor Ed Turley
Cornerstone Church of Poway
P.S. Check out our mobile-friendly website!
UPCOMING EVENTS
Men’s Retreat:
Guys, want to get away? Need to relax? Want to grow spiritually? Men’s Retreat is coming up Sept. 13-15, at Thousand Pines. There will be fellowship time and activities such as hiking, biking, paintball, ziplining, archery, rock wall, etc. Go relax, have some fun, and enjoy some great meals! Invite a friend too. Cost $195 (cabins with full baths). Scholarships available. Spaces are filling up, so register now! Deadline is Sunday, Aug. 25. Please have your online CampDoc profile & release forms completed by the deadline. See Jim Ellington at the table in the courtyard on Sunday. Email: rvrmn@cox.net, Cell: (858)208-6528.
To pay online: https://www.cornerstonepoway.com/give/
Fill out forms: app.campdoc.com/register/tpcc/poway091319
Wednesday Family Nights:
Join us on Wednesday nights as we gather to worship and grow with one another, beginning Aug. 28, from 5:45-7:30 pm. This is for everyone-young or old, single or married! We will start with refreshments 5:45-6:15 in the café, then worship and break into small groups. The kids will be in age-appropriate groups that will include study and activities. Childcare for ages 0-3 provided. Groups are being formed now; please sign up on your connection card today.
Marriage Conference:
This year’s Marriage Conference, featuring nationally acclaimed speakers Bill & Pam Farrel, will be held October 4 & 5 here at Cornerstone (6-9 pm Friday & 8 am – 12 pm Saturday). You won’t want to miss it! Cost: $129 per couple ($109 Early Bird paid before Sept. 1) includes all materials and meals. Please sign up on your connection card Sunday at church or with Pastor Ed.
You can pay by check or online: https://www.cornerstonepoway.com/give/
Single Moms Life Group:
Are you a single mom (or functioning as a single mom due to deployment, separation, etc.) wanting to connect with other single moms to support and help each other grow spiritually and learn how to raise healthy children? Join our life group that meets at Cornerstone the 2nd & 4th Fridays of every month, 6-7:30 pm, in the Lounge. Co-leaders: Beatrice Morales (619)247-8645 and Karina Magana (619)546-2913.
