Tongue Murderers | Matthew 5:21-26
When it comes to measuring ourselves against God’s Law, particularly the last six of the Ten Commandments (the ones relating to how we are to love our neighbor), while we might see some room for improvement in our lives, many of us would admit that we aren’t guilty of stealing (at least since that one time when we were kids in the candy shop!), committing adultery, and executing a murder, to name a few. But what if the Law isn’t…
Grace Mountain | Matthew 5:1-20
In the Sermon on the Mount, starting with the beatitudes, Jesus teaches his disciples how grace should change the way they view life. In Matthew 5:1-20 grace gives us a new viewpoint four ways: 1) followers of Jesus are surprised by grace; 2) followers of Jesus are seasoned with grace; 3) followers of Jesus shine out grace; and 4) followers of Jesus are successful because of grace. Grace should change who we are, to the very core, because of just how much Jesus…
Jesus is the Son of God | Matthew 3:13-17
The baptism of Jesus Christ in Matthew 3:13-17 teaches us three key truths: 1) God is a Trinity; 2) Jesus is God’s chosen one; and 3) God loves people. Most of all it teaches us one central truth. Jesus is the God who got into the water with us. Download Pastor Jonathan’s sermon outline above (click Save PDF) or the sermon slides below.
Jesus is King | Matthew 2:1-12
The story of the magi in Matthew 2:1-12 teaches us three different ways to respond to the message of Jesus. We can respond as religious people who don’t need Jesus (chief priests), as non-religious people who don’t like Jesus (Herod), or as gospel people who recognize Jesus is king and worship him (magi). Worship king Jesus this Christmas season. You can listen to the audio or download the sermon outline above (Save PDF). The sermon slides are below and you can…
Jesus is God | Matthew 1:18-25
The author Matthew wrote the Gospel of Matthew to early Jewish Christians. Some of them were likely asking, “Can I as a Jew become a Christian?” Matthew tells us that is doesn’t matter if you’re religious or non-religious, anyone can come to know Jesus as their Lord and Savior. Jesus came to change lives. He turned Mary and Joseph’s world upside-down and wants to do the same with yours. Jesus is the God who came to change our lives with…
Outreach | Jeremiah 29:4-7
Outreach – “We serve others and share the gospel.” Our final Core Value is a great way to end the series. It reminds us how important it is to put what we’re learning into action. In Jeremiah 29:4-7, God’s challenge to the exiles also challenges us to live for Jesus no matter what circumstance we’re in. The Judean exiles taken to Babylon were supposed to bring peace, true Shalom, to their city. We’re to care for the physical and spiritual…
Discipleship | Matthew 28:16-20
“Discipleship – We learn to love and obey Jesus and help others do the same.” We find this Core Value in Matthew 28:16-20, as Jesus calls his disciples to reach the world in what we now call The Great Commission. This passage is a story of discipleship, a story of mission, and ultimately, a story of following Christ in the midst of doubt. Christ’s call is simple. Make, mature, and multiply followers of Jesus. Please also see our Matthew 28:16-20…
Love | John 13:34-35
“Love – We receive and share God’s love and grace because Jesus first loved us.” This Core Value comes from the heart of Scripture, and Jesus’ command to love each other as he loves us. This is a new command that’s all throughout the Bible, especially in John’s writings. We can only do this as we abide in Christ. Loving others as God loves you is the true mark of a Christian. Andy Bradshaw preached this sermon on Saturday November 28th.
Thanksgiving for the Promise of His Return | John 14:1-3
In John 14:1-3, Jesus reminds us to be thankful and find comfort in Him this Holiday season, no matter if we’re stressed because we’re lonely or stressed because of family expectations. One Thanksgiving day, Christ will take us home. Pastor Jonathan delivered this brief homily at Immanuel Church during the multi-church Thanksgiving Eve service 2015. Please read his sermon outline as a way to reflect and give thanks this Thanksgiving.
Prayer | Matthew 6:5-15
Prayer – We invite God to work in our lives, church, and town. This Core Value summarizes an important piece of Cornerstone’s DNA. We want to be a praying Church! This comes straight from Matthew 6:5-15 when Jesus preached on prayer during his Sermon on the Mount. He taught the crowds and his followers to not pray outwardly, but inwardly, to not pray impersonally, but relationally. Most importantly, over the course of his ministry, Jesus taught his disciples to pray in him.…
Bible | 2 Timothy 3:14-4:4
“Bible – We study, preach, apply, and share God’s Word.” This Cornerstone Core Value exemplifies what we as a church hold dear, the Scriptures. As read in 2 Timothy 3:14-4:4, we care for the Bible not just because it speaks to our needs, or our everyday life, but because through them God tells us of Jesus Christ, and the way of salvation. The whole story, Old and New Testaments, speaks Jesus’ name. We can’t pick and choose which parts of the story we prefer, because then…
Community | Acts 2:42-47
One of our Core Values at Cornerstone is “Community – We gather together to worship God and welcome new friends.” We see no richer display of loving Christ-centered community than Acts 2:42-47. We form Christian community in the church around loving God through teaching, prayer, and worship, and by loving each other through fellowship, food, and giving. At the heart of Christian community is Christ, and his willingness to experience broken community with his Father so that you and I never…