Get plugged into your Bible

Getting into the Bible is integral to helping you navigate your life as a Christian. The Bible is the primary way we learn about who God is and the plans He has for our lives. The easiest, and perhaps best, place to start is in the Book of Mark. It's in the New Testament (the second half of the Bible) and it tells the story of Jesus. Jesus is the Son of God and is the one our faith is based upon. If you've been coming to Cornerstone, you'll have definitely heard about Him already! Start there and once you've read that, we'd be happy to guide you into further reading.

Reading your Bible is important but it can be daunting. Don't worry though, even a little bit every day (or even every other day... or every other, other day...) will prove to be so helpful and encouraging. If you have any questions or concerns please feel encouraged to talk to one of the pastors; we are here to help you!

Oh, and if you don't have a Bible we would be happy to provide you with one, just ask!!

"All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip His people to do every good work." - 2 Timothy 3:16-17 New Living Translation (NLT)

Check out this page for some great bible resources.

Talk to God & Hear from Him

Just like in a relationship with a close friend, parent, child, or spouse, 2-way communication is the key. Prayer is the way we talk to God and also the way we hear from God.

"Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done." - Philippians 4:6 NLT

Praying doesn't have to be difficult. Just make some time to calm your spirit and talk to God (in your mind or out loud, whatever you're comfortable with). Here's an acronym to help guide you as you learn to pray: A•C•T•S

Adoration - begin by sharing how you love God

Confession - lay out what has caused you to be distant from God in your life

Thanksgiving - thank Him for all He's done in your life and the world

Supplication - a fancy word that means to pray for what we, and others, need

This is an easy way to frame you prayers, but it's important to remember that prayers don't have to follow any format. Just talk with God like you're talking to someone you know cares about you. Also spend time waiting to hear from the Lord – most of the time it comes as a quiet thought or gentle nudge so try and be sensitive to what He might be saying to you. We should note that it's important to evaluate what you think you are hearing from God by talking to other Christians you trust (like a pastor...) and what the Bible says. God will never tell you to do something that He says NOT to do in his Word.

Always remember that God cares about you and like any relationship, it will fall apart if you don't communicate so make prayer a priority.