Friday, October 08, 2010

This is an exciting and busy time of year around Cornerstone and with so much happening, we wanted to touch base with you and keep you informed of all that God is doing at Church.  There are many opportunities for you to be a part of God's amazing work in this community, and we hope that you will take time to pray and ask God how He wants to use you.


Above all things, we desire to be known as the church in our community that is focused on God.  Though we feel that great preaching, great music and community involvement are important, we do not want to be known for anything less than a laser focus on God.  In this series we will see how the Bible helps us define and refine our focus on God.

Directing KiDS each week with the goal of understanding and loving Christ!  Each week, KiDS will interact and participate to bring the stories of the Bible to life. Some weeks we will rehearse, other weeks we will film and produce.  In the end, everyone will learn the Bible, and be able to share it through video via our online KiDS NETWORK.  We need adults who can write scripts, run video cameras, direct, edit and produce.  If you want to be a part of this exciting new network, then reply and let us know!

Last year we worked and planned for 400 people to come to our annual Trunk-or-Treat. 
By night's end, we saw just short of 1,500 souls come through.  God's abundant blessing last year has taught us to be ready this year!  In preparation for 1,500 people we need all hands on deck. We need over 100,000 pieces of candy, 50-75 people to decorate their trunks and pass out candy, we need volunteers for the parking, registration, bounce houses and refreshments.  Every person who comes to Trunk-or-Treat is given a gospel tract, along with information about our church.  Then, everyone who does not indicate a church home is followed up with and invited to attend Cornerstone. 
 

Wednesday, September 08, 2010

Religious Freedom

In a country that truly values religious freedom no one would bat an eye at 30 people burning a Koran out in woods.  It would not be cause for a fire permit, it would not be cause for checking driver’s licenses, it would not make even page 5 of the local paper, it would not be tweeted.  

The fact that we are even talking about this event tells me that the idea of religious freedom is only lingering. Just like the scent that remains even after the one wearing perfume has left the room.  The rubber is meeting the road.  Religious freedom is being tested, will we allow them to build the Mosque at Ground Zero, will we allow this Church to burn a Koran or will we regulate it, manage it, control it?

Friday, August 06, 2010

Sinning to Death

This weekend we wrap up our study in the book of James with his admonishment to the church to confess trespasses, pray for one another and even be willing to confront the wayward.  As I worked this week to wrap my mind around this concept and its implications, I was reminded of the fact that to do this requires that I give up the hope of a "normal" life.  What normal person confesses to another person,  what normal person makes it a habit to confront sin?  Normal people don't interfere with someone else's private life, normal people don't whip out the sandwich boards and bullhorns. To live the Christian life, we are to be peculiar.

Someone reminded me of this earlier this week as they related the sentiments of a co-worker that said "You Christians hate everybody."   The reality is that what is often seen as hate is the most self sacrificing form of love. It would be so much easier to pretend to love you by patting you on the back and encouraging your sin, or patting you on the head and making light of your ignorance.  I don't want to be seen as a hater.  I don't want to stand out as the nut-case Christian.  I don't want others to see me, and groan.  I am tempted to sit still and be quiet.  I am tempted to mind my own business.  I am tempted to live and let live.

But I am called to make a difference.  I am called to love people as I love myself.  To place my love for God and His Gospel above all that this world has to offer.  God's word teaches that there is a sin that is unto death.  It is possible for a person, a culture, or a nation to sin itself to death.  We are called to confront a world gone wrong.  We must accept that what is seen as love is actually hatred, and what is loving will be at first seen as hatred.  The doctor who gives the vaccine, or sets the broken arm, know this very well.  The momentary pain and "hatred" they inflict is for the long term good.  In fact, inflicting pain is the most loving thing they can do.  The man on the side of the road screaming at the cars driving by is seen as a lunatic, until the driver learns that the bridge is out.

We must be willing to love.  We must understand that our friends and family are sinning themselves to death and that God has placed us where we are to shine as lights in the darkness.  Harsh, is the unfortunate reality.  Hatred is the perception. But love is the responsibility for every one who claims to know the Truth.

James 5:19

19Brethren, if anyone among you wanders from the truth, and someone turns him back, 
20let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save a soul from death and cover a multitude of sins.

Thursday, July 22, 2010

Land Celebration Video


Tuesday, July 20, 2010

Land Purchase

This past weekend the church voted to move forward with the purchase of three acres of land in the Cagan Crossings Development.  This property will provide a great location for the church as many people already frequent the town center for shopping at Wal-Mart, Lowes, and Starbucks, as well as use it as a community center with the presence of the library.  We are excited to "book-end" the library  (Pun intended) on the south of the development and believe that God will greatly use us to reach this community with His love.

It is our goal to pay for the land in advance of building any buildings on the property and the church is actively working to raise the remainder of the funds that it will take to complete the sale.  In the mean time, we are working out the final detail with the Cagan Management Group and look forward to sharing more news in the future.  Until then, enjoy the pictures and keep us in your prayers.





Friday, June 25, 2010

Property Announcement



Eight years ago, God began a work in this community through the birth our church here in Four Corners. We have seen God grow us in amazing ways over these years while meeting in rented facilities.  This weekend we will present a peice of property that may become the future home of Cornerstone.  As with any next step, there are details which will be discussed and revealed in the days/months to come, it is clear to our leadership team that Our Place is Here, but we want everyone to be on board before we take this important step.  We will be voting on this incredible opportunity on the weekend of July 11th. This weekend you will receive a flyer with details of the property location, price, and other important aspects.  Be sure to be in your place this weekend, and begin praying right now for God to do miracles in our midst! We truly believe Our Time is Now!

Sunday, June 13, 2010

Tamara Lowe at Christ Fellowship

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

An Open Letter to the Friends of Cornerstone:

In 2002 God led us to Four Corners to stat a church in a brand new community here on the back side of Disney.  What was once an orange grove is now a town much like the ones that you and your family live in.  Many of you were here along the way, stopping in for a time as Four Corners was a step along the path rather than God’s destination for you.  To you friends of Cornerstone, I write this letter.

By God’s grace, and your prayers and investment, the church continues to grow.  We are running over 250 each week in Worship attendance, and God has seen fit to bless our youth group with 30 teens, and our Awana has had a high of 66.  Small group attendance is way up, and the number of groups is multiplying.

Many of you know that last Easter we were able to move from the small 30’X 50’ lunchroom, over into the middle school room that can seat 300.  We purchased 200 new “pew-chairs” and had over 500 in attendance that day.  At times we seem to be overwhelmed with the potential of this growing community.

Along the way, many have told us that we needed to buy land before the price went up.  Yet, along the way it seemed to be just out of our reach.  It was cheaper when we ran 40, but 40 people could not afford it, and the same was true for 170, and so on.  There were times that we were close, even once to a vote, and a second time to a meeting with the county, but each time God closed the door.

The recent downturn in the economy and the growth of the church has brought us to a unique place where we really believe that “Our Time is Now!”  This month we have been holding a campaign at the church to raise $400,000 for this project.  We have been focusing on each member seeking God, and asking Him what role He would have them to play.

Many of our people are retired, or work for Disney, so ours is not a wealthy church by any stretch, but it has been inspiring to see God lead people to make extraordinary sacrifices.  Although every story has not yet been told, we are seeing lives changed by conscious decisions to put God and His work first.

On March 21st our people will be making 3 year commitments to this campaign and on March 28th we will receive our “First Fruits” offering.  The First Fruits offering is a way to kick off our giving by bringing as much of our commitment as possible on the front end, so that we can move quickly toward the next step.

I am writing you, to extend the First Fruits offering out for your consideration.  I believe that many of you, if you knew, would want to take a part in this offering.  Obviously, many of you are scattered literally all over the world, from Canada, to Europe to the Middle East.  We have set up a special place on our www.cbclife.net website for this purpose.  If you click the “Give Online Tab” you will be directed to a page where you can give to the Building Fund.  Obviously you can mail it in as well.

Ultimately your prayers are more important than your money.  We realize that this will be God’s project as this is His church.  Please pray for our church during this time, pray that we will be unified, that we will be full of faith, and that God will be glorified.

Together in Christ,
Joel Johns
Pastor

Wednesday, March 03, 2010

Our Time to Pray!

One of the things that I have learned in my Christian life and is more apparent than ever during this campaign, is the fact that the work of God cannot be accomplished apart from the power of God!  God’s power is what will provide for our church as we step out and buy land.  It will be His provision, and His guidance that brings it all together. 

Knowing this, it is imperative that we seek Him in prayer.  Last weekend we stressed the fact that if we are to succeed in this campaign it will be a result of each member and attender at Cornerstone seeking God, and asking Him what they should do.  I do not want this to be about our church or our community or myself.  I want everyone to pray.  We are doing everything we can to encourage our members and attenders to pray, but at the end of the day, it is up to you. 

Once the disciples came across a difficult demon that they were unable to cast out, and Jesus said to them, some of these do not come, but by prayer and fasting.  Literally, there will be some things in our life that cannot be accomplished apart from praying and fasting to God.  It is my prayer that we will all go to this place in prayer so that we can get to that place of blessing.

Thursday, February 18, 2010

Our Time is Now!



Eight years ago, God began a work in this community through the birth our church here in Four Corners. We have seen over those years the purpose of meeting the specific needs of the people of this community.  Today, we take the next step in this process as we announce the beginning of a campaign that will result with the purchase of land for a future Multi-Purpose Worship Center.  As with any next step, there are details which will be discussed and revealed in the days/months to come, it is clear to our leadership team that Our Time is Now, to take this important step.  We will be sharing this incredible vision in the weeks ahead and it is our goal for everyone to have a part of this campaign.  Begin praying right now for God to do miracles in our midst! We truly believe Our Time is Now!

Tuesday, January 26, 2010

How to Pray for our Nicaragua Team


In less than a week we will be taking our 2010 team to our Hope Center in Tecolostote Nicaragua.  We will be working with some of our national pastors, doing some Evangelistic Work, and Children's Ministry.  Here is a quick list of some ways that you can be praying for us while we are gone.

1. Pray for God's favor
Without God's blessing, our efforts are nothing.  Pray that God would make our path straight and that he would help us to follow the leading of the Holy Spirit as we travel, minister and share.
2. Pray for people to respond to the gospel.
Nicaragua is a religious and Christian country, but many Nicaraguans lack the personal relationship with God in Christ.  Pray that they will see the difference between religion and relationship.
3. Pray for Pastor Bruce as he preaches on Tuesday night
Last year, we had measurable amounts of opposition from other religious institutions in the city.  Pray that God would give him the words to speak and that people would not be dissuaded from coming out to the service.
4. Pray for the national pastors to be encouraged

We will be training in the areas of Leadership, Counseling, and music.  We want to not only provide them with training and materials, but we want to give them the encouragement they need as well.
5. Pray for the health of our team.
As our trip is only one week long, pray now that everyone on our team will be at their best for every day of the trip.  It is vital that spiritual work is not hampered by physical ailments.
6. Pray for the safety of our team.
Traveling out of the country presents its challenges, and we ask that you pray for our transportation both in the air and on the ground.
7. Pray for the spiritual growth of those on our team.
One of the most amazing spiritual experiences is to take a missions trip.  As we take this trip pray that our team will realize new levels of spiritual growth in their relationship with God.  Pray that they will come back with a renewed sense of God's work in their lives.