Cornerstone Community Church

Being Bold
Guest Speaker: Pastor Walter Troup

We have just passed a significant day last Sunday on the Biblical and Church calendar; Pentecost. For three and half years Jesus had been preparing His disciples for a task. The time frame covered from the resurrection of Jesus, which we celebrated back in April, to the 40 days that Jesus spent with his disciples after the resurrection, to finally His ascension into Heaven. As He was leaving, the message wasn’t ’be well’, it wasn’t ’I’ll see you when you get here’, it was this… ‘you are going to continue here on earth spreading the gospel, but I will not leave you alone, I will send a helper.’ We know today He was referring to the Holy Spirit.

Going back almost 2000 years, Jesus told them to wait in Jerusalem for this promise of the helper and even though He stressed that it was to their advantage that He go and for the Helper to come, the waiting was difficult.

We have been on the mission field in Nigeria for 11 years, since January 2015. God has been so faithful but before we even knew about Nigeria, our hearts were turned to Andre Pardesh, India. My wife Karen had spent 4 months there working with missionary friends who needed an American Couple to come and join them to help with their mission. It was while she was there and I was here working in the local Church that we felt God’s call to step into foreign missions. There was a place to serve, there was an invitation, and God began to open all the doors to leave what was familiar in the culture, to sell everything and move to the mission field in India. Over the course of one year, we were able to raise our support funds through individuals and Churches and finally we were set to go.

The final step was getting visas. Long story, short. Karen got a visa, our daughter Sadie got a visa but they wouldn’t give me one. We tried 3 times… and the answer was still, nope. It became evident that we were not going to India, and if I can be truthful, I felt like, ‘really God, what is up?’ We have stood on stages in Churches across America, we have sat in living rooms of individuals and shared our calling, while the support flooded in (in record time) to get us on the field for YOUR glory God, and now what?

When we got the news we were crushed. I remember sitting in the parking lot of Kohl’s in Lake Worth as I opened the last envelope and saw the word ‘denied’. It was heartbreaking. But after that day of disappointment, Karen and I did what our talents and abilities always drive us to do; we work on fixing it. That second day after we got the bad news, not only did we have a plan, we had already talked to a few people in a foreign country, we had put together a website, made a flier and WE were moving forward with plan B. We were basically telling God, ‘don’t worry we got this.’

Day three I woke up fresh and ready to rollout our new plan but Karen made me pause when she asked… “is it really our job to fix this?” That hit home. So in that moment we decided to be still and to wait on the one who had called us. Three days later someone called us about a mission in Nigeria in a small village called ‘A Place of Hope’. We got still, we waited and God revealed his real purpose for us, His real place for us, but more importantly, He taught us to trust in Him and His timing.

The disciples were also waiting on God’s perfect timing. Acts 2 describes the Day of Pentecost, the event recognized as the birth of the Christian Church. It details how Jesus' followers gathered in Jerusalem were suddenly filled with the Holy Spirit, accompanied by the sound of a rushing wind and visible flames, enabling them to speak in foreign languages. The God they had experienced face to face was now alive and dwelling in them. It was life changing and world changing.

When Jesus died on the cross there was no plan B, or figuring out what was coming next. But now the presence of God living within them gave them confidence, no matter the cost, gave them direction when they could not understand, and gave them BOLDNESS no matter who or what opposed them.

One of my favorite books is ‘After Acts: Exploring the Lives and Legends of the Apostles ’ by Bryan Litfin. There has been a lot of speculation about the lives of the Apostles; where they ended up, are buried, etc.. but what is clear is that the moment they left the upper room and set out to do what they were called to, there was opposition. But no matter what opposition they faced, they all displayed BOLDNESS.

In fact as you look at the actions displayed by the apostles and the early believers in the Book of Acts after the coming of the promised Holy Spirit, BOLD was the word used to explain their thoughts and actions to ensure the message of Jesus Christ would not fall flat. It wasn’t a characteristic they just mustered up themselves, they didn’t just decide, ‘we are going to make this work’, this BOLDNESS was provided by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.

Look at the words of Jesus in Acts 1:8, “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria and to the end of the earth.”

Any ability, and boldness came straight from the power of the Holy Spirit that was given to them in the upper room. Let me show you from scripture how I can say that. In Acts 2, the apostles walk out of the upper room and into the streets of Jerusalem.. there was a buzz. What happened in the upper room had spilled over into the streets. There was a lot of talk about what had happened and people had their opinions but Peter stepped up to make sure the truth was heard. It was in this moment that Peter displayed the power he had received and it was that power that gave him the ability to be a witness. He was able to present the gospel boldly. This was the same guy who had denied even knowing Jesus months before.

We see the word ‘bold’ throughout Acts. Boldness is a major, recurring theme in the Book of Acts, representing the fearless proclamation of the Gospel despite the threat of persecution or imprisonment. It is defined in Scripture as speaking with clarity, frankness, and total confidence. And here is something that is very important for us to understand today, 2,000 years later, the power, the boldness, has not changed. Because of the Holy Spirit that indwells in the people of God, we too can be bold in ways that the world will not understand. This power we have received is for a reason. Jesus said, “you will be my witnesses.”

What are the traits of a bold witness? A bold witness is ready to be led by The Spirit. If you move forward in Acts to the 8th chapter, we see the account of Phillip and the Ethiopian Eu**ch. An angel told Phillip to go to Gaza and meet with him. When he arrives the man is sitting in a chariot reading Isaiah. He didn’t understand what he was reading so he asked Phillip to explain. It was a prophecy about Jesus, so Phillip, beginning with this scripture, told him the good news about Jesus.

Could you do that? Could you in a moments notice be a bold witness for Jesus? If you are a follower Christ, you have the power, it’s just a matter if you will exercise the authority that you have been given. 1 Peter 3:15 says, “but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect.”

I have heard people say, “that’s just not my personality, to engage people in those type of conversations.” However the reality is that it has nothing to do with comfortableness or your personality. Jesus clearly says, you have the power, you have been given the ability, now be a witness. And by the way you don’t need a Masters of Divinity degree to do so. Start by telling what Jesus has done in your life, then after that you can tell them from the Bible why you needed to turn your life over to Him. There are many resources that are available if you will take the time to prepare.

A bold witness is ready to be led by the Spirit and a bold witness understands the breadth of Jesus’ command. In Acts 1:8 Jesus said that the Holy Spirit would bring them power to be a witness, but where? Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.

To put this into context, Jesus and His disciples were in Jerusalem. A city that was at this time filled with a lot of different people. There were Jews, Roman officials, the High Priests, Pharisees, Sadducees, and because of the festival of Pentecost, people were visiting from all over. And what does Jesus say? Be a witness starting here, the place where you are living. So start here, in your Jerusalem, your city. God has placed you here in this community, at this time to be a bold witness for Him.

But His command does not stop here, in your Jerusalem. Jesus calls us to widen our bold witness and to extend our influence. This was not a suggestion from Jesus. He tells us, because of the power of the Holy Spirit that is in you, YOU will be my witnesses to the ends of the earth. We have seen the impact that Churches and individuals have made by being bold witnesses.

Let me introduce you to one of our orphan children in Nigeria, Victor E., called this because we have more than one Victor in the home. He came to us from blind parents, who would spend their days on the road begging. In fact his youngest brother, Wisdom, who was 3 when he came to us, was out on the streets leading his Mom from car to car to beg. That was their home life, no school, no parental oversight. So Victor along with his siblings came to be under the care of our mission, A Place for Hope.

Over the past few years, I have seen Victor E develop a hunger for God’s Word. He has a great passion for the things of God, and mind you in the Nigerian Igbo culture, it’s all about making money. That is the hope these kids have. That when they finish school they will be able to make money, and in some ways it’s a mindset of, ‘get money no matter the means.’ But this isn’t what we see in Victor. So I asked him what he wanted to do after he finished school. Usually when they finish we will set them up to learn a trade, or possibly send them to University. But Victor said, “I want to go to Bible School.” In other words, he wants to spend his life preaching the Gospel.

Do you know how that happened? Do you know how that kid living in a village in Nigeria without consistent electricity or clean water could say, “I want to tell people about Jesus?” It’s because of the boldness of the people of God to be a witness. You may never meet Victor E. but you are being a witness by sending missionaries around the world. Never underestimate the boldness of the Spirit that lives in you or the boldness that it gives you to be a witness. Thank you Cornerstone for sending us and thank you for being a bold witness!

Note: Pastor Walt & Karen Troup arrived at A Place of Hope Africa Orphan and Child Rescue on November 2015, following God's calling on their lives to take the gospel to the nations. Every day, they care for the children by giving them a safe place to stay, nourishing meals, and education at a private school, and most importantly, the children see and hear about the love of Jesus Christ. The Troup's also oversee Glorious God Baptist Church in Opi and Cornerstone Baptist Church in Opi, which Walt pastors and was planted in 2016. In addition, the Troups operate Cornerstone Christian Academy Primary School and Cornerstone Christian College Secondary School in the village of Opi, providing a quality education for over 400 children in the village. For more information on their mission and how you can donate to help them, please visit: Troup Family - Missionaries To Nigeria / Caring for the orphans

Remembrance Day
Lead Pastor Josh Richards

Today is the Sunday before Memorial Day. This weekend is one dedicated to remembering the fallen, the ones who died while serving our nation. It is also Pentecost Sunday. This Holy Day marks when the Holy Spirit descended upon the apostles, empowering them to spread a message of eternal, abundant life.

While the two occasions focus on different realms, one earthly and one spiritual, they frequently align and inspire overlapping traditions. Both observances are fundamentally rooted in the concept of remembrance. While Memorial Day focuses on honoring history and preserving the legacy of those who gave their lives in uniform, Pentecost focuses on bringing the foundational teachings of Christ into the present.

In preparing for today, I came across a story of 4 U.S. Army Chaplains in World War 2. These four men of God chose to sacrifice their own lives during the torpedoing of their troop ship on February 3, 1943. By giving away their own life jackets and praying together as the ship sank, they became a lasting symbol of interfaith brotherhood and selfless courage. In the midst of chaos and panic they brought hope in despair and light in darkness. Survivors stated they could see the four Chaplains with their arms linked, braced against the slanted deck while hearing their voices offering up prayers of courage. That night Reverend Lt. George L. Fox, Rabbi Lt. Alexander D. Goode, Father John P. Washington and Reverend Lt. Clark V. Poling passed life’s ultimate test and in doing so became an enduring example of extraordinary faith, courage and selflessness.

What an amazing story! They faced fear with a faith so strong, that they knew God’s peace was bigger. Can you imagine the emotions of those on the ship, the fear, loss and weariness they had to be feeling? It is in these times we have to be focused on God, and not only that, a strong foundation of faith is imperative. This is not something we can pull off in the moment of crisis. Faith isn't something you simply have; it's a foundation that must be intentionally built. Just like any worthwhile structure, developing strong, unshakeable trust requires the right actions, steady effort, and a willingness to withstand the storms of life. Faith is built through continuous actions, consistent learning and weathering trials.

It’s the devil’s plan to wear you out. He can do this through oppression. Feeling worn out by oppression is a very heavy, exhausting spiritual, mental and physical experience. The intent of such pressure is often to wear down your endurance and force you out of a place of stability. Paul discussed how oppression causes weariness in all its forms.

Weariness of the heart
Galatians 6:9 “And let us not grow weary while doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”

Weariness of the mind.
Hebrews 12:3 “Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”

Weariness of the body.
2 Corinthians 11:27 “I have been in toil and hardship, and have often gone without sleep; I have been in hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked.”

Weariness can be expressed in different ways…
Spiritually, we feel people don’t care.
Mentally, we feel nothing we do matters.
Physically, we feel what good is it?

But in these times God provides for us. We find answers to dealing with our weariness in the Bible. Scripture tells us to…

Be strong.
He gives us strength and perspective to do what you think you cannot do. Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through Him who gives me strength.”

Stay close.
James 4:8a “Come near to God and He will come near to you.”

Wrap yourself in God.
Isaiah 40:31 “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”

Never give up.
Galatians 6:9 “And let us not grow weary while doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”

Rely on the Spirit.
Ephesians 3:16 “I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through His Spirit in your inner being.”

Which brings us to our greatest resource from God, ‘The Holy Spirit’. This is why the day of Pentecost is so important to also remember on this Memorial Day weekend. Both observances are fundamentally rooted in the concept of remembrance. While Memorial Day focuses on honoring history and preserving the legacy of those who gave their lives in uniform, Pentecost focuses on bringing the foundational teachings of Christ into the present.

Pentecost marks the day the Holy Spirit descended on the apostles. Celebrated 50 days after Easter, it is often called the "birthday of the Church." The Holy Spirit is vital because He empowers believers, unites diverse communities, and serves as the Helper promised by Jesus.

Today as we remember and celebrate the lives of those who gave their all, take a moment to also give thanks for the gifts and resources that God has given us. There will be moments of when we are tired of dealing with adversity but we have these gifts to help us through along with the greatest gift, Christ. As believers we have been charged with bringing light to a dark world and we can draw inspiration from the four Chaplains that hope can still be found and given even in the darkest of situations if we have a strong faith. While we cannot show our thanks personally, we can show thankfulness by living a life that is worthy of their sacrifice.

The Power of Purpose
Youth Pastor Ben Hoffman

A purpose is the underlying reason, objective, or intended result for which something is created, done, or exists. It acts as a central motivating force that guides decisions, directs actions, and provides a sense of direction or meaning to endeavors. In relation to God it means being empowered to walk in the purpose God has planned for you.

David was the epitome of this. He knew seeking God was the most important part of his life. Despite being "a man after God's own heart", his life was defined by both triumphs and devastating tragedies. David wasn’t perfect but he knew that when he failed, he didn't need to make excuses; he just needed a humble, repentant spirit to return to what truly mattered. He knew God had a purpose for him.

However, David had to wait. Anointed as king as a teenager, he endured roughly 15 years of running, hiding, and serving before he actually took the throne. His trials shaped his character and prepared him for his destiny. Knowing your purpose transforms waiting from a frustrating delay into a meaningful period of preparation. The wait becomes an active season to grow your capacity, strengthen your resilience, and align with the bigger picture. When we know our purpose we are ok with the waiting and when the storms come we are ready because we know our foundation is strong.

Are you facing giants? Psalm 142 is a heartfelt prayer written by David while hiding from his enemies in a dark, isolated cave. In his deepest distress, David pours out his complaints to God, acknowledges his complete lack of human support, and expresses faithful confidence that the Lord will ultimately rescue and restore him.

Think about David when he showed up to face Goliath. He was technically the only one in the crowd who had enough faith to stand up to him. Your ability to face your giants is completely reliant upon your faith and knowing that God is infinitely bigger than any battle you are facing. No matter how overwhelming your struggles feel, God's strength is greater than your circumstances. Often, when a situation feels too massive to handle on your own, it's because it isn't meant to be your fight in the first place. Instead of relying solely on your own power, you can step back and let God take control.

It’s time to ask yourself if you truly know Him. Do you have a relationship with Jesus? Intimacy with Jesus will lead you to conquer the impossible. Psalms 23:1-6 portrays God as a devoted shepherd who provides for, guides, and protects His people. It offers a message of unwavering trust, assuring believers that God’s presence brings peace through all of life's struggles and promises eternal security. Surrendering your burdens doesn't mean you won't experience challenges, but it does mean you don't have to win them alone. You can trust that the ultimate outcome rests in His hands.

As we honor our graduates' accomplishments this month, I would ask you to share these principals with them. We also ask God to center them in faith, to seek His guidance and show them their purpose. To do this we must see they have mastered the basics of discipleship. It’s our duty to make sure they have transitioned from just learning about Jesus to actively imitating Him and fulfilling the Great Commission. Which involves grounding themselves in the foundational pillars of scripture, prayer, fellowship, and evangelism. As they ponder what their next steps are, standing on the precipice of adulthood, we pray they are empowered to lead in every capacity set before them.

Grab your plate for Wednesday night meals by clicking the link below.

Five Cheese Macaroni Casserole - Cornerstone Community Church Come Support Kidz's Corner and have a night off from having to cook dinner! Meals are served starting at 6pm! 

Our new photo backdrop is ready! Featuring the reminder: “Be still and know that I am God.” — Psalm 46:10

Take a moment this Sunday to be still… then say cheese! 📸😊

Grab a picture with your family, friends, or Sunday crew and make a memory together. We’d love to see your photos—be sure to tag us if you share them!

🌴🦥 Rainforest Falls VBS registration is officially OPEN! 🦜✨

Get ready for an unforgettable adventure filled with fun, games, worship, and exciting Bible lessons! 🐒🌺

Don’t wait — register your kiddos today and be sure to grab a Rainforest Falls theme shirt before they’re gone! 👕⚡ Limited quantities available!

We can’t wait to explore the rainforest with you this summer! 🌿🐆☀️

Rainforest Falls VBS - Cornerstone Community Church Step through the mist into Rainforest Falls, overflowing with wild waterfalls, towering trees, and colorful creatures. Beneath a canopy of chattering birds and howling monkeys, kids plunge into a lifelong adventure of discovering the nature of God. They’ll explore what it means to be rooted in rel...

🎉 Parents, here is this week’s fun challenge for your kiddos!

Take a look at the items in this picture and see if they can guess what we’re talking about tomorrow night 👀🧠

We’ve got something sour with lots of colors, a treat that’s totally cosmic, and a snack that’s out of this world… but what Bible story could it all point to?! 🌈🌙✨💤

Drop their guesses in the comments below ⬇️ and they’ll earn an EXTRA ticket for our drawing! 🎟️✨

Let’s see who can crack the mystery! 🕵️‍♂️💡

Prayer… The Greatest Gift
Karen Richards

Today we honor all the Mom’s for their hard work and dedication. Many of us wouldn’t be where we are today without the determination our Moms put into us. Today we celebrate these incredible women that made such a difference in our lives. As we age I believe we start to realize how much we relied on them and how much credit they deserve for it. So thank you to all the Moms who have loved and cared for us unconditionally.

Josh has been trying to get me to speak on Mother’s Day for the last 19 years and as I was thinking about what I would share, all the examples of Godly women from the Bible came to mind. It’s very difficult to narrow it down because each of them have amazing qualities worth noting. Hopefully in your life you have had a least one or two special women that you consider a Mom, whether it’s in the physical or spiritual sense. I personally, have had the honor of having two very special Moms in my life, one being my actual Mother, who is one of my closest friends. The other is my Mother-in-law, Judy Richards. She has treated me like her own child and has always been such an inspiration and source of help to me. I couldn’t have been a good Mom without her help and I probably wouldn’t be in Church right now if it weren’t for her prayers and faith.

Ever since I can remember, every time we would say goodbye, she has always said, “pray Karen pray.” I will admit there have been times when this was difficult to do, but there were also many times when this reminder to pray made a difference that was life changing for either myself or a loved one. Maybe you have had a situation like this, when you prayed and immediately knew that God had moved on your behalf. And it was directly because of the prayer you made in faith either for yourself or someone else.

You see, a Godly woman is not afraid to pray, especially when it matters and we see this in the many examples in the Bible.

Hannah (1 Samuel 1-2) who prayed for a child.

Deborah, the warrior judge who prayed for the Lord’s enemies to perish (Judges 5:31).

Mary, who prayed and rejoiced when she was told she would give birth to the Messiah (Luke 1:46-56).

Anna, the prophetess who was in her 80’s, prayed at the temple night and day and told everyone who would listen about the redemption of Jesus Christ (Luke 2:36-38).

The widow who Jesus tells us about, who prayed with persistence for justice (Luke 18:1-8). This one is particularly important because it takes persistent faith to pray.

All of these examples show woman praying in moments of fear, barrenness, desperation and praise, directly to God with tremendous impact. So I encourage you to pray like all of them.

Another Godly woman was Esther. She was faced with a very difficult situation but she prayed and challenged her people to pray with her and that simple act of faith combined with obedience, gave her the courage to do what she needed to save their entire nation. She didn’t have a Mother but she understood the power of prayer because she was raised by her cousin Mordecai who taught her to pray. Like her you may not have had a Mother in your life teaching you these things, but God is sill challenging you to pray, because when we pray heaven moves on our behalf, miracles happen and the spiritual realm is affected.

We all know we ‘need’ to pray but it would be helpful if we all knew ‘how to’. I’d like to share some advice I think is helpful. I’m sure you have all known very devout people that are so inspiring when it comes to prayer. It can be very intimidating trying to be like them especially when we can’t quite pull it off. The point is we don’t have to emulate anyone, we can just be ourselves. However we talk to God, He will hear you. God is a rewarder of those who diligently seek him. If you pray, he honors that.

Here are some points to help you.

Point one… remember to use the ‘right door’. Prayer is like being in the drivers seat of your life. Sometimes we may have the right keys but find ourself at the door of the wrong car. Jesus is the right door. We are forgiven and restored to fellowship with God through the blood of Jesus. It was Jesus, it is Jesus and will always be Jesus. He is our access to the throne of God and the Bible tells us to go boldly before the Lord to make our petitions.

Point two… quit trying to pray in ways that you don’t normally communicate. Scripture tells us to ‘pray continuously’ which seems daunting but it doesn’t necessarily mean ‘non stop’. Think about catching up with a close friend you haven’t seen in a while. When you finally meet up with them, you try to remember the most important things to share. Compare this to your conversations with God… you may have an idea of what you think your prayer should be like but that’s not a real conversation, that’s an email. Often times, it can come out reading like a ‘to do list’. You don’t have to conform to a specific prayer formula but you want an encounter that is worthy of building a relationship.

In John 17:6, during the last supper, Jesus prays for his disciples in a sort of show and tell style teaching format. He states His basic request and then expounds on it. From there He repeats His request to God and circles back to something that He had already prayed. Just like you would in a normal conversation with a friend.

Point three… when your mind wanders, bring it back. It’s as simple as that. The Lord knows how easily distracted we are. Distractions do not disqualify our prayers, but the next time you find yourself going off track, ask God what He is maybe trying to show you. Sometimes distractions are actually detours constructed by God. When you get off your normal path you see things you wouldn’t otherwise see. Wandering thoughts can be a blessing in disguise.

Point four… you don’t have to be the last one standing when it comes to prayer. It’s not a competition, praying without ceasing means continually involving God in your day to day happenings and not giving up. Praying without ceasing, means persistence, living with an awareness that God is always with you and actively involving Him in your life. Matthew 7:7 says, “Ask and keep on asking and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and keep on knocking and the door will be opened to you.”

Point five… remember the team God gave you. God has given us the Holy Spirit to help when we don’t know what to pray. In Romans 8:26 the Bible tells us, “Now in the same way, the Spirit also helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groaning too deep for words.” We basically just need to show up with intention, the Holy Spirit makes it perfect for us.

Point six… take a note and free your mind so you can linger in God’s presence longer. This is for all the multitaskers out there. Take notes… jot important things you want to discuss with God down in notebook, back of an envelope or the notes app on your phone… whatever way works best for you. For myself I use sticky notes arranged on my desk. However you do it, if you struggle with freeing your mind when you are trying to focus on praying, make a note of that important thing that keeps interrupting and be free of it. Psalm 139 reminds us that God knows us and nothing about our lives is surprising to Him. So when we stop to take a note with the goal of staying in His presence we are demonstrating our belief that He cares about everything that concerns us.

As a Mom you will do many special things for your children but if you are not praying for them then you are missing out on the best gift you can give them. While mothers provide countless special things for their children like time, love, and instruction many believe that consistent prayer is the most valuable gift a parent can offer. A mother's prayer is often described as impenetrable armor that covers a child's life and future. Children do not need a perfect mother; they need a praying one who takes everything to God.