Cornerstone Church

When Thoughts Skip the Filter | Weapon of Mass Destruction Pt.1

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 17:03:48 +0000

Social media has erased the space between thought and speech. What used to be filtered through wisdom, prayer, and relationship now goes straight from the heart to the screen. Our darkest, most reactive thoughts no longer have to mature before being shared. With the press of a button, they’re public and permanent—doing more damage than we know.

I Told You So | Easter at Cornerstone

Tue, 07 Apr 2026 19:23:18 +0000

If you were Jesus—what would you have done first thing on Easter morning all those years ago? Most likely your answer and my answer would both look a whole lot different than what Jesus decided to do. But it’s those first actions Jesus took after the Resurrection that tell us so much about the heart of God—and the implications affect all followers of Jesus today.

Make Way For the King | Invitology Pt. 5

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 19:25:38 +0000

When people respond to God with open hearts? Jesus moves among them. So our role as His followers is to prepare the way for others so they can encounter Him for themselves. Every invitation and every gesture towards Jesus creates space for life-changing encounters—clearing the way to the Cross so people can encounter Jesus for themselves.

Every Moment Holy | Invitology Pt. 4

Tue, 24 Mar 2026 15:56:17 +0000

Following Jesus isn’t confined to a singular moment—it truly is a way of life. All interactions and each space we occupy can be a mission field. Our schools, our workplaces, our communities…they are the harvest fields. We must shake ourselves out of the mundane and live with intention—seeing every day as an opportunity to point others toward Jesus.

My Story Matters | Invitology Pt. 3

Tue, 17 Mar 2026 15:59:04 +0000

Here’s an all-important truth to remember—you don’t need all of the answers to impact someone else’s life. Our personal experiences and testimony? They carry immense power. When we courageously share how God moves in our lives, our experiences can illuminate the way for others, breaking through barriers that logic and words alone cannot reach.

The Art of Invitation | Invitology Pt. 2

Tue, 10 Mar 2026 14:35:24 +0000

Sharing the Gospel doesn’t require complex strategies—in fact? Sometimes it all begins with just two words: “Come & See!” There is incredible power in a personal invitation. We see that lives are changed when we step out and extend an authentic, simple call to encounter Jesus. It’s these small acts that open doors and lead to total transformation.

A Heart Like His | Invitology Pt. 1

Tue, 03 Mar 2026 15:57:50 +0000

The relentless love and pursuit of our Heavenly Father is drawn to those who are apart from Him. That’s why evangelism begins with compassion, not guilt—and when our hearts align with His? We begin to see people as He does...worthy of pursuit, care, and hope. When we experience God’s love for the lost? It alters everything about how we see and reach others.

The Weight of "Yes"

Tue, 24 Feb 2026 16:44:43 +0000

In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus felt the full weight of His calling—and He still said yes. Some moments in life come with an unmistakable heaviness, not because God has left us, but because He’s inviting us into something costly. Obedience isn’t easy, but it’s holy. And feeling the weight of the moment? It looks like embracing a cross before you see a crown.

Hidden In Plain Sight | The Weight of the Moment Pt. 3

Tue, 17 Feb 2026 23:03:44 +0000

Jesus wept over Jerusalem because the God they followed had arrived in their midst, but they didn’t recognize Him. It’s possible to be surrounded by the activity of God and still miss it. Spiritual blindness and distraction can keep us from noticing what God is doing right in front of us. Refuse to let busyness or unbelief rob you of the moments that matter most.

Holy is Heavy | The Weight of the Moment Pt. 2

Sun, 08 Feb 2026 18:59:17 +0000

When God shows up, it’s never lightweight. His presence always carries significant weight—the glory that humbles, stills, and transforms us. To live aware of that glory means not treating God casually but responding with awe and reverence. Feeling the weight of the moment begins when His greatness replaces our indifference, and His presence puts everything in its place.

While You Were Sleeping | The Weight of the Moment Pt. 1

Tue, 03 Feb 2026 20:35:01 +0000

We live surrounded by divine moments—but many of us sleep through them. Jacob didn’t recognize God’s presence until after the encounter was over. Waking up spiritually means learning to see that God is already in our midst. The first step to feeling the weight of the moment is realizing that this moment—the moment you’re in right now—is holy ground.

The Power of Perspective | Rethinking my Resolution Pt. 4

Tue, 27 Jan 2026 15:19:51 +0000

The way you SEE determines the way you LIVE. Two people can face the same situation and see completely different possibilities. Perspective turns obstacles into opportunities and pressure into purpose. As we head into the new year, we must remember that we can’t always change our circumstances, but we can let God change how we see and face them.

Small is the New Big | Rethinking My Resolution Pt. 3

Tue, 20 Jan 2026 21:06:13 +0000

Big changes don’t come from big moments. Big changes come from small, consistent steps. There is spiritual power in rhythms and repetition. What you do daily? It determines who you become permanently. Scripture calls it faithfulness. Modern language calls it discipline. Either way, habits are holy ground—it’s our habits that shape the life God is building in us.

First Things First | Rethinking My Resolution Pt. 2

Sun, 11 Jan 2026 19:45:42 +0000

You can’t do everything—but you can do the right things. It’s our priorities that either drive our growth or drain it. When everything matters, nothing does, and most of us are running hard in the wrong direction. Jesus said: “Seek first the kingdom” because order determines outcome. So if you want to make this year your year? It starts with putting first things first.

Name It, Don't Claim It | Rethinking My Resolution Pt. 1

Sun, 04 Jan 2026 18:24:14 +0000

Everyone wants a better year, but few of us stop to define what “better” actually means. So what actually makes a year great? And not in our eyes—but in the eyes of the One who matters most—God’s eyes? Spoiler: it’s not comfort or ease. It’s alignment with Him. Before we set goals, we need to set direction. A great year starts when we let God write the story.

The Darkness is Different | Into the Night Pt.4

Tue, 23 Dec 2025 16:06:14 +0000

The birth of Jesus is the embodiment of God’s love—selfless, sacrificial, and unfailing. This love changes everything...calling us not only to receive it but also to reflect it in how we live. Jesus came into the night to show us that God’s love—when properly understood— compels us to go into the night ourselves...shining His light in a world desperate for love.

Smile All the While | Into the Night Pt. 3

Tue, 16 Dec 2025 22:46:04 +0000

Because of Jesus’ arrival into our night, we can have joy—a true and deep satisfaction—that transcends pain, disappointment, and waiting. Joy from God doesn’t depend on our own situation...it flows from the unchanging goodness of God. We can know the joy Jesus brings when He steps into our situation...turning waiting into rejoicing and sorrow into worship.

Why Don’t You Get Some Rest? | Into the Night Pt. 2

Tue, 09 Dec 2025 22:05:53 +0000

Amid the chaos—God’s peace breaks through. That’s what happened over 2,000 years ago when Jesus came into the night…He brought peace to a restless world. A deep and lasting calm that comes from knowing we are held by God. And it’s that peace that comes only from King Jesus that can guard our hearts, calm our fears, and transform our relationships.

The Dawn Is Coming | Into the Night Pt. 1

Tue, 02 Dec 2025 21:23:38 +0000

Hope is more than wishful thinking—it’s the ability to see past our darkest moments. And that’s exactly what Jesus enters into our night to bring us—hope. The confident expectation that God’s promises are actually true and that no matter how dark the night gets, His light will not be overcome. Advent is a season of waiting with hope, trusting that God is at work.

Business As Usual | Vision & Victory Pt. 3

Tue, 25 Nov 2025 21:08:44 +0000

This is the moment. Not to play it safe or sit on the sidelines. It’s the moment to rise up and move forward in bold, audacious faith. God is calling Cornerstone to take ground—not for our name, but for His Kingdom. We’re stepping out, believing big, and claiming territory in our city. Our neighborhood belongs to King Jesus—and we’re here to make that fact known.

The Price of Purpose | Vision & Victory Pt. 2

Tue, 18 Nov 2025 22:04:08 +0000

Vision without any kind of sacrifice is simply a dream. So the honest truth is that anything worthwhile—especially expanding the Kingdom of God—always costs something...our time, our comfort, our resources, our convenience. If we want to see victory in our spheres of influence—we’ve got to be willing to put skin in the game. How far will we be willing to go?

Seeing How God Sees | Vision & Victory Pt. 1

Mon, 10 Nov 2025 19:52:06 +0000

Before we can take ground? We have to see the ground. We want God to open our eyes—to see our city the way He sees our city. The brokenness, yes—but also the potential, the people, the purpose. Our vision shouldn’t just be about our future as a church—it should be about the future of our city. So the question is: “Are we ready to see how God sees?”

The Lord Works in Many Ways

Tue, 04 Nov 2025 15:40:12 +0000

For many of us the phrase “The Lord works in mysterious ways...” has become a default explanation for everything from the confusing to the tragic. It’s what we’re told when we don’t get the job, when a friend passes away, or when a relationship ends. In those moments, we need help and clarity—but…our God only works in obscurity? But what if that wasn’t true? What if God isn’t trying to be mysterious? What if He actually wants His children to know His voice, sense His direction, and walk confidently in His will? While God may work in many ways, He is not distant or cryptic. He speaks through His Word, His Spirit, His people—and He wants you to hear Him. Don’t settle for mystery when you can get clarity.

Ghost Busters & Demon Hunters | There's a Monster Under My Bed Pt. 5

Mon, 27 Oct 2025 18:23:06 +0000

Are ghosts real? What about demons? Do we live in a world filled with spiritual forces beyond what we can see? In this message, we’ll tackle the supernatural and explore how the Bible teaches us to understand and respond to the unseen world—without fear.

To Hell & Back | There's a Monster Under My Bed Pt.5

Tue, 21 Oct 2025 20:31:38 +0000

Hell is a topic most people avoid. Why? Well, it’s obvious—because it feels too harsh, it’s too mysterious, and it’s way too terrifying. But Jesus didn’t avoid the subject. In fact, Jesus regularly warned us about Hell with compassion. Scripture shows us that it’s vital to know what Hell is, why it matters, and how God’s justice and mercy intersect in powerful ways.

Welcome to the Black Parade | There's a Monster Under My Bed Pt. 3

Tue, 14 Oct 2025 15:32:56 +0000

Death is the Great Unknown—the thing we avoid thinking about, but cannot escape. “What happens when we die? Is it really the end? What’s it feel like to pass away?” All good questions…and honestly? We don’t get a ton of clear, specific answers. So what can we truly know about death—and most importantly—how can we lose fear of the Great Unknown?

This Is the End | There's a Monster Under My Bed Pt. 3

Mon, 06 Oct 2025 21:13:31 +0000

Every generation has wondered if they're living in the end times. From Nostradmus to the Mayans—we’re obsessed with and terrified at the concept of the end of the world. But what does Jesus actually have to say about the end of the world? By studying His words we can see how we can live with peace and purpose no matter what the future has in store.

I’m a Little Stitious | There’s a Monster Under My Bed Pt. 1

Tue, 30 Sep 2025 19:08:15 +0000

We may laugh at superstitions, but many of us keep rituals or habits…just in case. Whether it’s horoscopes, lucky numbers, or avoiding black cats—superstition creeps in when we feel out of control. But God offers something far better—a life rooted in Christ and not in fear. And it’s faith and confidence in Jesus that frees us from the need to control the Unknown.

Revisionist History

Tue, 23 Sep 2025 21:08:09 +0000

We’ve all heard the phrase: “History is written by the winners.” But what happens when the Enemy tries to rewrite your story? Satan works to spin a version of your past that keeps you stuck in shame, guilt, and fear. He’s the Ultimate Revisionist—twisting truth, accusing relentlessly, and convincing us that our identity is forever defined by our worst chapters. But God sees your story differently. In Jesus, your past is redeemed, your identity is rewritten, and your future is safe. You’re not who you were. You’re who God says you are.

Leading With a Limp | Work Your Weakness Pt. 2

Tue, 16 Sep 2025 16:29:04 +0000

Jacob spent his life on the run—from people, from conflict, and from his own brokenness. But one night, alone and desperate, he wrestled with God—and walked away with a limp. It was in that weakness that he was renamed and reshaped. Did you know that your greatest leadership may not come from your strength—but from the place you’ve been wounded?

My Problem Is My Platform | Work Your Weakness

Mon, 08 Sep 2025 16:40:30 +0000

Paul had something in his life that he wanted gone—a thorn in the flesh. He pleaded with God to remove it, but God’s response was clear: “My power is made perfect in weakness.” What if we stopped resenting our weaknesses and started partnering with God in them? The very thing that you think disqualifies you may be what God reveals His power through.

The Definition Dilemma | Looking for a Loophole Pt. 2

Wed, 03 Sep 2025 14:20:05 +0000

Sadly, Christians have been experts in giving love that looks and sounds like everything but love. We create a definition of love that justifies coldness, distance, and cruelty. But the love Jesus modeled was full of both grace and truth—not one at the expense of the other. We must confront our distorted definitions of love and rediscover what true love looks like.

Where’s Your Willingness? | Looking for a Loophole Pt. 1

Mon, 25 Aug 2025 19:58:46 +0000

Here’s the truth of the matter—following Jesus will cost you something. And oftentimes? It’s a cost we’re not willing to pay. Honestly...are you willing to be misunderstood? To love people who may never love you? To put your preferences aside so others can meet Jesus? Or will you settle for a faith of loopholes—a faith only going as far as your comfort zone?

In the Midst of a Moment | Banner Year Weekend

Wed, 20 Aug 2025 14:09:07 +0000

Something is happening at Cornerstone. You can feel in worship services. You can see it in our groups. You can hear it in our stories. We’re experiencing a moment—God is at work, and His moves are undeniable. So what now? How do we manage this moment and partner with God to turn it into a movement—one that will help advance the Kingdom in our city?

Nothing to Nitpick | When in Rome pt. 6

Wed, 13 Aug 2025 17:07:54 +0000

At the end of his letter, Paul gives more than just farewells—he gives a charge: “Guard the unity of the Church.” His warning? Division and false teaching are real threats. Unity doesn’t mean uniformity—it means staying rooted in truth, loving one another well, and refusing to let secondary issues divide what Jesus died to unite. Unity isn’t optional. It’s mission critical.

Walking In the Spirit 101 | When in Rome Pt. 5

Tue, 05 Aug 2025 20:37:15 +0000

What does a Spirit-led life actually look like? Paul gives a portrait of a life that is not about rigid rule-keeping, but about a transformed heart that overflows with love, humility, and grace. Living by the Spirit means offering ourselves as living sacrifices, serving others with joy, and overcoming evil with good. And it means letting love—not law—shape our lives.

Promises & Plans | When in Rome Pt. 4

Mon, 28 Jul 2025 19:29:30 +0000

When it looks like the story isn’t going as planned, we can wonder: “Has God changed His mind?” But Paul reminds us that God doesn’t forget His promises or abandon His people. He is not random or reactive. He is intentional, faithful, and sovereign. What He starts, He finishes. His promises don’t expire, and His plans don’t fail. Our God always keeps His word.

It Ain't Adam | When in Rome Pt. 3

Tue, 22 Jul 2025 14:39:12 +0000

In Adam, we’re stuck—slaves to sin, bound by the law, and headed for death. But in Jesus? Everything changes. We have freedom to live how we were meant to live—as true image bearers of God, filled with the Holy Spirit, walking in victory, and secured by grace. No more chains and no more regret. It’s a new day, and we’ve got a new identity—and it ain't Adam!

How We’re Right In His Sight | When in Rome Pt. 2

Wed, 16 Jul 2025 18:24:29 +0000

Salvation isn’t something that we earn—and neither is the transformation that follows. Paul makes it clear...righteousness doesn’t come by effort, heritage, or performance. No—right standing with God comes by faith. That means that there’s no room for boasting in the Gospel—only room for us to agree with what Jesus says is true and to trust in His work.

Scriptures

Romans 3 & 4

Pot, Meet Kettle | When in Rome Pt. 1

Wed, 09 Jul 2025 17:11:05 +0000

In the opening chapter of Romans, Paul paints a picture of a world spiraling into sin—and the religious crowd who nods along in agreement. They see the World and say: “It’s those people who are the problem.” Now here we are—2,000 years later with the same mindset. But what if the problem that lies in the World also happens to live within each of us, too?

Scriptures

Romans 1 & 2

To Be Continued... | The Story of Scripture Pt. 5

Wed, 02 Jul 2025 15:12:37 +0000

The Church is the ongoing chapter of the Story of Scripture where we get to play a part! We are now the body of Christ, called to spread the Gospel, love one another, and bring God’s Kingdom. Though we’re living in the "now" of God’s story, the work isn’t finished. Each of us has a role to play in advancing God's purpose until the final, glorious chapter of restoration.

Scriptures

Matthew 16:13-18

All Things New | The Story of Scripture Pt. 4

Wed, 25 Jun 2025 16:47:17 +0000

Jesus of Nazareth—the climax of God’s plan of redemption. In Jesus, all of God’s promises, prophecies, and hopes of the Old Testament find their fulfillment. Jesus is the long-awaited Messiah, the perfect Son of God who came to save humanity from sin and death. Jesus is the turning point of the story where God’s rescue operation meets its powerful conclusion.

Scriptures

Jeremiah 31:31-34 & John 1:1-5

The Turning of the Tide | The Story of Scripture Pt. 3

Wed, 18 Jun 2025 13:15:30 +0000

After the Fall, God chose a people to reveal His heart and His plan for redemption—Israel. Through this nation, God would demonstrate His faithfulness, show the world His holiness, and foreshadow the coming of the Savior. Israel’s journey points to the ultimate hope: a Messiah who would bring true freedom and restore mankind’s split relationship with God.

Scriptures

Genesis 12:1-3

When Everything Broke | The Story of Scripture Pt. 2

Wed, 11 Jun 2025 14:31:02 +0000

The Fall...the moment everything broke. Humanity was created to rule with God, but in a tragic act of rebellion, we chose sin over Him. That choice shattered creation, bringing separation from God. But even in the Fall, there was a whisper of hope—a promise that one day, a Rescuer would come to crush evil, break our chains, and restore what was lost.

Scriptures

Genesis 3:1-13

I’m Battling Bitterness | Confessions of a Pastor Pt. 5

Wed, 28 May 2025 14:21:52 +0000

Betrayal, criticism, and unspoken expectations can take a toll on pastors. And if we’re not careful, resentment creeps in. We’re called to forgive, but some wounds are hard to let go. And bitterness is a poison that doesn’t just affect pastors—it affects anyone who lets unresolved issues fester. But Jesus offers a better way—of not holding on, but of letting go.

Scriptures

Colossians 3:8 & 12-13

I’m a Sinner | Confessions of a Pastor Pt. 4

Wed, 28 May 2025 14:19:33 +0000

It’s easy to put pastors on a pedestal...but the truth? We struggle with sin just like everyone else. We fight pride, impatience, and unhelpful thoughts we wish we didn’t have. The title “pastor” doesn’t make us immune to temptation or failure. But the good news is, our hope isn’t in our own righteousness—it’s in Jesus. None of us is excluded…we all need His mercy.

Scriptures

Romans 3:10-24

I’m Terrified of Failure | Confessions of a Pastor Pt.3

Mon, 12 May 2025 01:39:47 +0000

Pastors feel the weight of expectations—preach well, lead well, shepherd well. But beneath it all lurks a fear: What if I mess up? What if I let people down? What if I’m not enough? Does that sound familiar? Of course it does! And the truth is, we will fail at times. But our calling from God isn’t to be perfect—it’s to be faithful. God doesn’t see our success the way we do.

Scriptures

Psalm 37:23-24 & Psalm 40:1-5

I Feel Like I'm Alone | Confessions of a Pastor Pt. 2

Mon, 05 May 2025 17:49:17 +0000

Pastors are surrounded by people...yet there are times when we feel completely isolated. The expectation to be strong, to have the answers, to always be “on” can be overwhelming. Admitting struggles can feel very risky, so it’s easier to keep them hidden. But loneliness

thrives in silence. And the truth is, none of us were meant to carry burdens by ourselves.

Scriptures

Hebrews 4:15-16 & Isaiah 53:2-5

I Struggle With Doubt | Confessions of a Pastor Pt. 1

Wed, 30 Apr 2025 15:22:39 +0000

Pastors are expected to have unshakable faith—but the truth is, we wrestle with questions, too. There are moments when God feels distant, prayers seem unanswered, and we wonder if we’re getting it wrong. But doubt isn’t the enemy of faith—unchecked doubt is. When we bring questions and doubts to Jesus? We find out He always meets us with grace.

Scriptures

John 20:24-29

The God Who Fights for Me | Easter at Cornerstone

Wed, 23 Apr 2025 15:54:00 +0000

The Cross of Christ wasn’t just a sacrifice—it was a showdown, a rescue mission, and the greatest liberation effort in history. Through the death and resurrection of Jesus, we don’t just escape sin—we get to step into a new life, a new kingdom, and a new promised land!

It’s Easter Sunday, and the Enemy has been defeated! The path to freedom is now open!

Scriptures

Exodus 3:7-8 & John 16:33

Many Men (Wish Death) | Hostile Takeover Pt. 4

Mon, 14 Apr 2025 20:51:22 +0000

Paul arrives in Rome—a prisoner in the heart of enemy territory—yet the gospel keeps advancing. Shackles couldn’t silence him, obstacles couldn’t deter him, and suffering couldn’t stop the fire of revival. God’s will may not happen overnight, but in the end? God wins. No prison, persecution, or power of Hell can stop His Kingdom from taking over.

Scriptures

Acts 28

How to Start a Fire | Hostile Takeover Pt. 3

Wed, 09 Apr 2025 18:26:35 +0000

As the gospel exploded across the world, a crucial question arose—did Gentiles need to follow Jewish law to be saved? The Jerusalem Council settled it: Salvation is by grace alone. With that decision, the wildfire of revival burned even brighter. And the same is true today—the Kingdom advances when we stop adding burdens and start pouring out grace.

Scriptures

Acts 15

The Legacy of My Yes | Hostile Takeover Pt. 2

Mon, 31 Mar 2025 18:34:10 +0000

Saul was an enemy of the Church—until he took a fateful trip to Damascus. In an instant, his life was transformed, and the man who once persecuted Christians became Paul, the greatest missionary in history. And it’s his obedience to God that shows us no one is beyond redemption and that one life surrendered to Christ can make an eternal impact.

Scriptures

Acts 9

From Cowards to Conquerors | Hostile Takeover Pt. 1

Mon, 24 Mar 2025 21:18:00 +0000

Just weeks earlier, the disciples were hiding in fear, uncertain and afraid. But when the Holy Spirit fell at Pentecost, everything changed. These once timid followers became bold preachers, standing in the streets proclaiming Jesus with power. And what’s incredible is that the same Spirit who turned cowards into conquerors is available and alive in us today.

Scriptures

Acts 2

The Problem With My Pace | American Gods Pt. 3

Mon, 17 Mar 2025 19:05:05 +0000

The God of Busyness tricks us into believing that worth is found in constant activity. We serve it when we fill every moment—equating hustle with purpose while neglecting rest, relationships, and God. But we neglect the toll this false god takes on our life—asking more and more of us…fooling us to believe that our true happiness is found in our busyness.

Scriptures

Matthew 11:28-30

Too Close to Comfort | American Gods Pt. 2

Mon, 10 Mar 2025 20:26:29 +0000

The God of Comfort promises us ease and security, lulling us into complacency. We give in when we prioritize convenience over calling—avoiding risk, sacrifice, or anything that makes us uncomfortable. But Jesus calls us to something totally different...to deny ourselves, to take up our cross, and to step into a faith that challenges and stretches us.

Scriptures

John 21:15-19

There is no Them | American Gods Pt. 1

Mon, 03 Mar 2025 22:30:57 +0000

The God of Tribalism feeds on division—demanding our loyalty to groups over grace and truth. It whispers that "Us vs. Them" is just the way that the world is, convincing us to see others as enemies rather than fellow image-bearers of God. We serve this false god when we let politics, social circles, or ideologies define us. It’s time for us to tear this idol down.

Scriptures

John 17:20-23

I’m Getting Better | Never Been Better Pt. 3

Wed, 26 Feb 2025 16:00:16 +0000

Here’s one of the best definitions for humility: “To see yourself in a truly accurate light. Not any more than you are, and not any less.” That second part? The “not any less?” That is massively important. If we’re going actually to become better for the long haul, we have to be able to recognize change and see wins. We have to be able to say: “I’m getting better!”

Scriptures

John 17:20-23

Breaking Through to Better | Built for Better Pt. 2

Mon, 17 Feb 2025 20:36:11 +0000

You ever heard the phrase: “It’s going to get worse before it gets better?” There’s a lot of truth in that statement. Oftentimes before we can take significant strides in life, we’re forced to endure a significant setback or two. And unfortunately, it can be debilitating to those of us who are actively trying to improve our lives—but it doesn't have to be that way!

Scriptures

John 15:1-5

Built For Better | Never Been Better Pt. 1

Wed, 12 Feb 2025 17:12:23 +0000

Why should we pursue “better” in our life? It’s actually pretty simple—because we all were made for better! Our efforts to improve in life aren’t to get into God’s good graces. We’re already there because of Jesus! No—our efforts to improve are because God had created us with unbelievable purpose, design, and potential that our world around us badly needs.

Deep down, we all long for something more—something better. But how do we wake up to this calling and pursue growth and change? In this sermon series, we’ll discover that we were created for better—not to earn God’s love, but because He has designed us with purpose and potential that the world badly needs. We’ll wrestle with the reality that sometimes things get worse before they get better, and setbacks can actually set us up for growth. And we’ll explore the breakthroughs we need to step into in life, breaking free from old habits and embracing a new way of living. Are you ready to become who you were made to be?

Scriptures

Ephesians 2:4-10

I'm Doing Better | Vision Weekend

Mon, 03 Feb 2025 19:48:07 +0000

We’re done measuring our progress through comparison. We’re over the notion that if we just try hard enough, we can do it all exactly right. We’re used to the fact that we’re not perfect...and that’s just fine with us. Because this year? We’re committed to kicking “perfect”—an unreachable and unsustainable goal—to the curb in lieu of something better.

Scriptures

Philippians 3:10-14

Simplify the System | Hacking the New Year Pt. 4

Tue, 28 Jan 2025 21:45:09 +0000

When a computer has too much—too many photos, applications, files—what happens? It crashes. We’re not so different. Too many things happening can very quickly become an unbearable load. And generally, at the start of the year, we sign ourselves up for too many things. We’d all do well to simplify—to identify the essentials in life and give them our focus."

Scriptures

1 Corinthians 7:25-31

Connect to the Cloud | Hacking the New Year Pt. 3

Mon, 20 Jan 2025 18:34:44 +0000

We all have noble, lofty goals to start the New Year. We want to become the best version of ourselves—physically, emotionally, mentally, relationally, spiritually. But the sad, sobering fact of the matter? We are under-equipped for the task at hand. We don’t have the needed capabilities to change things on our own…luckily for us? We’re not on our own this New Year!

We’re kicking off the New Year with a twist! This January, our facility is undergoing the start of some significant renovations—so much so that we’ll be holding all our Sunday services online. While it’s difficult that we can’t gather together onsite, we’ve decided to embrace this digital season with enthusiasm. In the spirit of “online-only”, we’re diving into a series called “Hacking My New Year” for the next four weeks. We’ll explore how to break free from the outdated systems of resolutions and upgrade to something better for 2025. Get ready to start the year with fresh insights and a renewed focus. We’ll see you online, Cornerstone!

Scriptures

Philippians 4:8-13

Control + Alt + Delete | Hacking the New Year Pt. 2

Mon, 13 Jan 2025 20:10:34 +0000

“I’m going to start working out! I’m going to start reading more books! I’m going to start a new hobby!” Often, our emphasis at the start of the year is just that—a start. But what if one of the major keys to hacking our New Year isn’t what we start but what we end? What if we decided to once and for all leave unhealthy habits, mindsets, and relationships behind?

Scriptures

Ecclesiastes 3:1-11

Reboot My Resolution | Hacking the New Year Pt. 1

Mon, 13 Jan 2025 19:55:57 +0000

They say that insanity is doing the same thing over and over again, but expecting different results. Is there any more perfect example of this than our New Year’s Resolutions? Every year? We say that we’re going to make a change. And yet every year? Things never change. Something is obviously wrong with how we approach the New Year. It’s time for a reboot!

Scriptures

Romans 7:21-25 & Romans 8:1-6

Don’t Stop Seizin’ | 600 Hours Pt. 4

Mon, 13 Jan 2025 19:46:11 +0000

Christmas is such an incredible time of year...so why stop at simply seizing the 25 Days of Christmas? We want to keep this thing going 24/7/365! What we’ve learned about taking advantage of the holiday season is relegated simply to the holiday season. We can become people who take the joy, hope, and optimism of Christmas along with us into the New Year!

It’s that time of year again—it’s the holiday season! And if you’re even remotely like most people, you’re hoping and believing that this Christmas will be the best Christmas yet. So let me start with the good news—that can be the case for you! This really can be a Christmas for the record books! But here’s the not-so-fun news…it’s not just going to happen. You’re not going to simply fall into the best holiday of your life—you’re going to have to do the work to make it great. We’ve all got the same 600 hours each holiday season…so what’s the difference? What’s the “secret sauce” for how some people are able to seize the 25 Days of Christmas while the rest of society seems to simply squander it?

Scriptures

Luke 1:39-55

Become Less & God Bless | 600 Hours Pt. 3

Thu, 19 Dec 2024 18:58:22 +0000

Here’s a solid saying to remember each and every holiday season: “Christmas is the best when I become less.” It’s true...the more I focus on giving myself to those around me? To blessing my family and friends? To helping serve my community and church family? The more I find that I am living out what I was intended to do and who I was created to be...

Scriptures

Luke 1:5-22

Limitations On My Expectations | 600 Hours Pt. 2

Mon, 09 Dec 2024 22:06:56 +0000

So here’s the truth of the matter: you can plan, you can schedule, you can make lists—and stuff is still going to go wrong. No matter how bad you want this Christmas to be the perfect Christmas...it’s still going to fall short of the idealized version in your head. And guess what? It’s OK! Your Christmas can actually be better than your daydream version—it can be real…

Scriptures

Matthew 1:18-25

Hustle for the Holidays | 600 Hours Pt. 1

Tue, 03 Dec 2024 23:30:34 +0000

Have you ever noticed how life tends towards the crazy and chaotic? The natural tendency isn’t towards structure, that’s for sure. And that’s why if you want to have a great Christmas—you have to be intentional about it! Don’t let the holiday season happen to you. Take time to plan and prioritize the things you know God wants to bless you with this year!

Scriptures

Matthew 2:1-12

Break the Jar | Vision & Victory Pt. 3

Tue, 03 Dec 2024 22:15:42 +0000

Cornerstone Church is different in all the best ways. Our Ministry Partners, our culture and DNA, our methodology for how we live out the Kingdom of God…it’s just different. And honestly? We think Northeast Ohio could use a whole lot more “different.” That’s why we have a vision to see the influence of our church grow exponentially. We want more and more people to experience how Jesus changes everything. We want to help our families and friends make a mark and build a fulfilling life. We want to witness victory after victory as we take over the city of Akron for the Kingdom of God. But here’s the rub—the influence that we need? It won’t come without investment. As John Maxwell says: “If your vision doesn’t cost you something, it’s a daydream.” Vision always comes with sacrifice. So how far are we willing to go for our vision? How far are we willing to go to see victory in our city?

The saying “go for broke” means: “to risk everything in an all-out effort.” And when it comes to helping people find the Father, a family, and a fulfilling future? We must be willing to go for broke. We must be willing to do anything to take over the city of Akron for the Kingdom of God. We must be willing to answer the question: “What sacrifices does God ask of me?”

Scriptures

Mark 14:1-9

Pursue the Prompting | Vision & Victory Pt. 2

Mon, 18 Nov 2024 19:36:11 +0000

God wants to fulfill His work and His victory through people. Which is quite a risky play on His part—isn’t it? Working through people who could decide to say “No” and opt out of His plan? Cornerstone…let that never be said of us. May we be a people sensitive to the Holy Spirit and His work. May we be a people who perceive and pursue the promptings of God.

Scriptures

Acts 20:18-24

Steward the Story | Vision & Victory Pt. 1

Tue, 12 Nov 2024 19:04:01 +0000

Cornerstone is a House of Miracles. We have been witnesses to an incredible move of God over the years. And if we want to continue to see victory after victory? We have to continue to tell story after story—encouraging ourselves in the faithfulness of our God! It’s our stories of God’s goodness yesterday that empowers us to confidently step into tomorrow.

Scriptures

Joshua 4:1-9 & Judges 2:6-10

The Right & Left Side of History

Mon, 04 Nov 2024 19:44:01 +0000

Our culture is filled with political tension and division, and it’s so easy to get caught up in the noise. But as followers of Christ, we have to rise above it. We must remind ourselves that Jesus is our true King, and He has ushered in a new kingdom—the Kingdom of God. That truth? It should shape the way we view leadership, voting, and our unity during this season. Followers of Jesus—we need to be the light this election season! We must engage responsibly in the political process while keeping our eyes on the hope we have in Christ.

Scriptures

John 18:28-37

Speak of the Devil | Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark Pt. 5

Mon, 28 Oct 2024 17:36:17 +0000

Gather in close and draw near to the flame,

For the shadows whisper a secret name!

In the darkness deep the truth takes flight

From the Holy Book, to go haunt the night!

We'll speak of tales where fear resides,

In silent rooms where evil hides!

Of temptations and tombs and ghouls and ghosts;

of a valley filled with a decaying host!

These stories are old and from ancient days;

They hold warnings deep, in a darkened haze!

And for those who seek the whispered remark,

Hear the Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark!

Join us for worship…if you dare!

There is no story in Scripture that feels more ripped out of the pages of a scary story than the account found in Acts 19—”The Seven Sons of Sceva.” These “would-be exorcists” give it their best shot to expel a demon from an oppressed man—but the evil spirit refuses to go quietly. In fact, the Seven Sons are given a scare (and a beating) that they’ll never forget.

Scriptures

Acts 19:11-20

Dead Man Walking | Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark Pt. 4

Wed, 23 Oct 2024 14:51:04 +0000

Gather in close and draw near to the flame,

For the shadows whisper a secret name!

In the darkness deep the truth takes flight

From the Holy Book, to go haunt the night!

We'll speak of tales where fear resides,

In silent rooms where evil hides!

Of temptations and tombs and ghouls and ghosts;

of a valley filled with a decaying host!

These stories are old and from ancient days;

They hold warnings deep, in a darkened haze!

And for those who seek the whispered remark,

Hear the Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark!

Join us for worship…if you dare!

It’s one of the most well-known tales in all of Scripture—the Raising of Lazarus. But the fact that it is so well-known kind of makes us overlook something...the fact that this would be a full-on terrifying moment to experience! Lazarus is dead for four days…but suddenly his tomb is opened and he walks out—grave clothes and all? It’s the epitome of a scary story!

Scriptures

John 11:1-45

I See Dead People | Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark

Tue, 15 Oct 2024 19:24:43 +0000

Gather in close and draw near to the flame,

For the shadows whisper a secret name!

In the darkness deep the truth takes flight

From the Holy Book, to go haunt the night!

We'll speak of tales where fear resides,

In silent rooms where evil hides!

Of temptations and tombs and ghouls and ghosts;

of a valley filled with a decaying host!

These stories are old and from ancient days;

They hold warnings deep, in a darkened haze!

And for those who seek the whispered remark,

Hear the Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark!

Join us for worship…if you dare!

Is there a more haunting setting than the vision the prophet Ezekiel receives? Ezekiel sets the stage for his vision from God: He finds himself in a large valley…a valley of decayed human bones. But here’s the thing—they don’t stay decayed. As Ezekiel starts to follow God’s commands, the bones rattle and reanimate. Who knew the Bible had zombie stories?

Scriptures

Ezekiel 37:1-14

The Devil Went Down to Judea | Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark

Mon, 07 Oct 2024 22:11:05 +0000

Gather in close and draw near to the flame,

For the shadows whisper a secret name!

In the darkness deep the truth takes flight

From the Holy Book, to go haunt the night!

We'll speak of tales where fear resides,

In silent rooms where evil hides!

Of temptations and tombs and ghouls and ghosts;

of a valley filled with a decaying host!

These stories are old and from ancient days;

They hold warnings deep, in a darkened haze!

And for those who seek the whispered remark,

Hear the Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark!

Join us for worship…if you dare!

You’re out in the wilderness. You have no food and no water. And you’re alone...or so you think. It sounds like the description for a scary story—even more so when you find out the new guest ending your isolation is the Devil himself! Now, this isn’t just a scary story—this is the reality that Jesus faced at the start of His ministry...going face-to-face with the Enemy.

Scriptures

Luke 4:1-13

Careful What You Witch For | Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark

Mon, 30 Sep 2024 16:10:01 +0000

Gather in close and draw near to the flame,

For the shadows whisper a secret name!

In the darkness deep the truth takes flight

From the Holy Book, to go haunt the night!

We'll speak of tales where fear resides,

In silent rooms where evil hides!

Of temptations and tombs and ghouls and ghosts;

of a valley filled with a decaying host!

These stories are old and from ancient days;

They hold warnings deep, in a darkened haze!

And for those who seek the whispered remark,

Hear the Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark!

Join us for worship…if you dare!

You thought that witches were only for “Hocus Pocus” or “Wicked?” Not so fast! One of the most terrifying tales in all of Scripture centers around King Saul seeking out the ghoulish guidance of the Witch of Endor. And what does King Saul want from this witch? For her to conjure the spirit of a long-dead prophet! Does it get any more “classic horror” than that?

Scriptures

1 Samuel 28:1-25

Why It’s Not Over Until It’s Over | This is Not a Test

Wed, 25 Sep 2024 16:25:02 +0000

The Apostle Peter—one of Jesus’ closest friends and first disciples—knows his time is short. He is living in Rome, and Peter knows that the authorities have it out for him. With his days numbered, Peter decides to send out one, final letter to the churches he’s been leading. And, in the words of the Emergency Broadcasting System? “This letter is not a test.” Peter is writing about matters of spiritual and physical life and death—matters of eternal importance. The message of 2 Peter is one of urgency and vigilance for followers of Jesus. And when we study this letter we see that Peter’s final warning is not just applicable to the churches of Asia Minor 2,000 years ago…it’s a well-timed warning to us today.

False Teachers who trip up Christians into false ways of living? I mean—why does God allow any of this? If these tactics of the Enemy can fool followers of Jesus...why even give the Devil an opportunity? As Peter points out—it’s not just the Enemy with opportunities. It’s people far from God. It’s not over yet because God isn’t done with the people He loves yet.

Why It’s Not Over Until It’s Over | This is Not a Test

Wed, 18 Sep 2024 18:32:55 +0000

One of the things that makes the stakes so high? We’re not living life in a vacuum. As we work to build our life around Jesus, forces beyond ourselves are pushing back—putting work in to deny or distort the ways of God. And these false teachers and ways of life will not go down without a fight...we must be prepared to identify and reject the ways of the Enemy.

Scriptures

2 Peter 2:1-9, 13-14 & 17-19

Building a Fool-Proof Faith | This Is Not a Test

Mon, 09 Sep 2024 15:08:55 +0000

When the stakes are high? The preparation must meet the moment. Peter goes to great lengths to let his audience know: “This is not a test. The stakes in life couldn’t be higher.” That means that followers of Jesus must be making every effort to invest in faith—to build on their walk with Jesus. Without that solid footing? Chances are we could fall for anything.

Scriptures

2 Peter 1:1-11

Burdened for a Blessing | The Blessing Paradox

Sun, 01 Sep 2024 22:12:21 +0000

Our faith contains countless paradoxes—things that seem at odds with one another. You want to save your life? Lose it. You want to be the greatest? Become the least. You want knowledge? Approach God like a child. This “paradoxical” nature is a unique aspect of the Christian faith. And there’s one paradox in Scripture that is very unique because it is true from two seemingly-contradictory perspectives. The idea at hand? Blessings. So, check this out...God’s Word shows us that we don’t deserve the blessings of God because of our actions; yet, He graciously gives them to us. But God’s Word also shows us that if we want God’s blessing, there are certain things we have to do. Two seemingly contradictory statements—that somehow are both true! If we want the blessing of God on our life, we need to become well-acquainted with recognizing the tension of blessing.

God graciously gives us His mercy...even though we don’t deserve it or reach for it. But make no mistake! There are limits to the degree of blessings we will receive if we don’t reach. Some blessings require prayer, fasting, and sacrifice. Some blessings will require that you wrestle with God all night. Some blessings—the best ones—require a burden.

Genesis 32:22-31

Blindsided By a Blessing | The Blessing Paradox

Mon, 26 Aug 2024 16:04:49 +0000

We don’t deserve blessings—but God pours out grace and mercy abundantly. He has made promises to those who put their trust in Him…so even in the worst of times? Even the moments we’ve hit rock bottom? Even when we think there’s no possible way God would meet us where we’ve fallen? Even there we can find ourselves blindsided by a blessing.

Genesis 28:10-17

Shameless Persistence | Banner Year Weekend

Mon, 19 Aug 2024 17:09:45 +0000

It’s August 1980 in South Akron. A small-but-growing group of Jesus-followers call themselves “Cornerstone Church.” They rally behind the mission of helping people find the Father, a family, and a fulfilling future. And that’s exactly what they do...day after day, week after week, month after month, year after year. But as Cornerstone advanced the Kingdom of God, a perfect storm of opposition sought to snuff it out, culminating in the COVID-19 pandemic that brought the world—and many churches—to a halt. In fact, the average lifespan of a church is 40 years. August 2020 could’ve been our swan song. But that’s not where the story ends. It’s where the story begins again. August 2020 now marks the launch of renewed ministry at Cornerstone, and a re-establishment of our mission to help people find the Father, a family, and a fulfilling future. It’s the start of what we believe will be banner year after banner year, seeing God moving in our midst. It’s a brand new day—but it’s a lot like our first day...

We’re four years into renewed ministry at Cornerstone Church—and we have seen God move in mighty ways! But we’re by no means content. With God being our help, we want to take over the city of Akron for the Kingdom of God—emphasis on God being our help. We will approach God’s throne with shameless persistence, begging Him to move in our midst.

Scriptures

Luke 11:1-10

The Steeple & The People | Believe It Or Not

Sun, 11 Aug 2024 17:22:30 +0000

There is no organization on Earth quite like the Church. We’re all a part of the same body of believers, and yet individual local churches can be so wildly different. How is it supposed to be? What are we supposed to do? What did Jesus really have in mind for the Church when He started it 2,000 years ago? Believe it or not—what we believe about the Church matters.

The Bible. A collection of 66 books composed and compiled over 2,000 years by 40 authors on three different continents. There is no more consequential compilation of works. And yet, there is so much misunderstanding around the Bible…and those misunderstandings have led down very dark paths. Believe it or not—what we believe about the Bible matters.

How We See The B-I-B-L-E | Believe It Or Not

Sun, 04 Aug 2024 19:07:15 +0000

Our beliefs shape our world. What we think about different things—relationships, work, money, health, friendships—eventually manifests in how we act. This fact is never more evident than when it comes to our faith. What you believe about God? It matters. What you believe about the Bible? It matters. What you believe about the Church? It matters. All of those beliefs will eventually mold and shape the way that you live out your faith and your walk with Jesus. So with that in mind, we want to make sure we do everything we can to come into a proper perspective on what we believe about God, the Bible, and the Church.

John 5:31-47

Getting to Know God | Believe It Or Not

Tue, 30 Jul 2024 18:30:04 +0000

Pew Research Polls show that almost 90% of people in the U.S. believe in God. But how’s that working for us as a country? Simply believing in “The Man Upstairs” isn’t going to transform anyone. But coming to know God in all His fullness as Father, Son, and Spirit? That’s a recipe for transformation. Believe it or not—what we believe about God matters.

John 1:1-16

I'm Supposed To Be Stuck | Sticky Situations

Sun, 21 Jul 2024 17:03:20 +0000

Have you ever heard the phrase: “There are two sides to the same coin?” This expression hits on the idea that the same coin isn’t exactly the same coin…one side is different from the other. It’s no secret why this is such a well-known phrase—because we all know how accurate it is! You can experience a situation and walk away feeling frustrated and encouraged at the same time. And so it is with getting stuck in life. We all endure “sticky situations” where we feel stuck. Those seasons can be good…or they can be bad. So how do we know if the side of the coin we’ve landed on is the good side or not? How can we tell if we've been stopped by God or stopped by sin? How do we navigate our sticky situations?

Why Did You Stop? | Sticky Situations

Sun, 14 Jul 2024 17:27:14 +0000

No one wants to feel stuck. Others are making progress with their career and relationships while you seem to be living “Groundhog Day” over and over again. But what if you’re not stuck so much as you’ve stopped? Life is going to bring sticky situations—it’s on us to break free of the sin and situations that try to keep us stuck and take the next step in our lives.

Exodus 14:10-16

The Benefit of the Doubt | If I Knew Then What I Know Now

Mon, 08 Jul 2024 15:54:12 +0000

Every now and then, a question pops up on viral social media posts: “Would you rather get $10 million now—or go back to being a kid, but with all the knowledge you’ve gained so far?” It’s amazing how many people would forgo the money for a chance to instead “...know then what I know now.” It just goes to show, you can’t put a price on wisdom—especially when it comes to some of the most difficult-to-navigate areas of life. And while we may not be able to go back into our past, we can seize God’s wisdom now to make life better in our present.

Deconstruction is a scary journey. What you once thought to be true—crumbling all around you? It can challenge the very core of who you are. But doubt and deconstruction don’t have to be the end of your faith journey. In fact, doubt can be a doorway to a deeper faith. The truth is Jesus isn’t afraid or upset at your doubts...He meets you in the midst of them.

Mark 9:14-27

A Peace of Mind | If I Knew Then What I Know Now

Sun, 30 Jun 2024 16:53:16 +0000

God is not confined by time or culture. The issues we deal with today? God has something to say about them. And one of the most crucial issues in our culture? An issue where we need God’s help like never before? Mental health. Anxiety, depression, panic attacks…we can’t just “pray away” these things. They are deep issues that require a deep conversation.

2 Timothy 1:6-7

A Lesson In Letting Go | If I Knew Then What I Know Now

Sun, 23 Jun 2024 17:07:01 +0000

Anger. Bitterness. Hurt. You can’t live any amount of time without walking through these emotions. And these feelings? They don’t rise up out of nowhere…they’re responses to something that’s happened to us—or to be more precise, to someone that’s happened to us. But the choice is up to us: will we allow bitterness or forgiveness to rule in our lives?

Ephesians 4:31-32

Too Content to Compare | If I Knew Then What I Know Now

Thu, 20 Jun 2024 20:01:49 +0000

In today’s social media-dominated world, you can’t help but know what other people are up to. We seemingly know everything about everyone, making it unbelievably easy to fall into the trap of measuring our worth against others. But this comparison trap only leads to feelings of inadequacy and a striving for validation. There just has to be a better way, right?

2 Corinthians 10:12-17

My Trauma Isn’t My Truth | If I Knew Then What I Know Now

Thu, 20 Jun 2024 19:58:51 +0000

You don’t have to learn to get hurt. Life is going to take care of that lesson all by itself! And we’re not talking about skinned knees or broken bones—but the truly deep cuts and wounds of traumatic experiences. Trauma marks us…but it doesn’t have to define us. We can learn to process trauma, overcome its debilitating effects, and find lasting restoration for our souls.

2 Corinthians 1:2-7

The Blessing of Boundaries | If I Knew Then What I Know Now

Thu, 20 Jun 2024 19:09:23 +0000

If you’re like most people, you’ve got a lot going on in your life—demands and relationships and responsibilities that constantly tug at your time and energy. And if you’re like most people, you wish you knew how to establish healthy limits...that you could say “No” when necessary. The good news? It’s never too late to initiate healthy boundaries in your life.

Luke 5:15-16

The Wall // Into the Wild

Tue, 04 Jun 2024 20:51:37 +0000

What if Jesus’ words were serious? “Those who lose their life will find it.” Everything in culture tempts us to hold too tightly to what psychologists have called our “Ego” – and in the process of holding tightly to our inner life, we miss out on a life more rich with meaning and purpose than we even knew awaited with us. Jesus said, “The way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it.” Often, it’s the injuries and trauma we face that signifies the pathway to our transformation. So, most avoid the journey. This transformative pathway was always cast as “the wilderness” in epic Bible tales. Without the wilderness, leaders like Moses and Elijah would not have become who they were destined to be. It’s through the pathway of the wilderness that God reveals our true selves. In this two-part series, we’ll learn about that path and how walking it is one the scariest, most important things we can do as Jesus-followers. So, get ready to go “Into The Wild.”

Many people in the American Church are taught to have a biblical worldview and how to practice what they have been taught…but what happens when we hit the proverbial wall in our spiritual life? Often what we learned in earlier stages of faith formation doesn’t work anymore once we hit the wall, so we do one of two things: get stuck or start the journey all over again. In this sermon, we will learn why the wall is a natural part of our faith formation, and how to make it through instead of being stuck or starting over.

Matthew 16:24-26, Matthew 7:13-14

The "S" Word // Dreams, Lions, & Fire

Tue, 04 Jun 2024 20:42:40 +0000

One of the wildest books in Scripture is the Book of Daniel. Inside its 12 chapters, we get a taste of almost every genre the Bible has to offer—prophecy, history, poetic discourse—it’s all there. And while it was written over 2,500 years ago, it deals with issues and situations that are as timely today as they were in the days of the Babylonian Empire. God still has something to speak to us through the dreams, the lions, and the fire in the Book of Daniel.

It’s easy to view Jesus’ sacrifice as something that simply frees us from the consequences of sin in the future, when we die. But Jesus taught that what he did on the Cross actually freed us from the control of sin in the present! We don’t have to be stuck in our old patterns of life. And in the account of Daniel in the Lion’s Den, we find exactly how we can break free.

Daniel 6:6-24

Putting Our Past In the Past // Dreams, Lions, & Fire

Tue, 04 Jun 2024 20:34:26 +0000

Many of us are haunted by our past. It seems like we can’t help but dwell on our life before Jesus—our sins, our regrets, our mistakes. But we’re never going to live out the present and the future God has in mind if we can’t get past our past. And as we look at the defining moment in the life of King Nebuchadnezzar, we get an answer for how we can move on.

Daniel 4:1-9, 19-25 & 28-37

I Thought Better Of It // Toxic Thoughts

Tue, 04 Jun 2024 20:26:25 +0000

It’s terrifying to realize that the scariest place in the world is a place you can’t escape. And what “place” is that exactly? Your mind. Some of the most effective horror movies over the years are the ones where the villain is unseen for the majority of the film. That’s because the villain we project in our mind is worse than any villain Hollywood can cook up. Crazy, right? Our thoughts are powerful—more than we realize. So what do we do with this reality? How do we handle the fact that the worst battles we’ll face of our own making in our mind? How do we get control of toxic thoughts before they get control of us?

Identifying the issue with our thoughts is a great first step to overcoming toxic mindsets. But it’s just that: a first step. We can’t simply know we’ve been believing lies; we have to actively start telling ourselves the truth about our situation. About who God is and who we are. Every stronghold in our mind needs to be torn down with the truth of God’s Word.

Romans 12:1-2 & Philippians 4:6-9

What’re You Thinking? // Toxic Thoughts

Tue, 04 Jun 2024 20:18:36 +0000

The life you’re living today is a reflection of the life you’ve been living in your thoughts. And for many of us, that explains a whole lot! Our thought lives are dominated by toxic patterns of thought. And if we’re ever going to break these deadly ways of thinking, it starts by identifying lies of the Enemy and the toxic mindsets we’ve allowed to grow in our thoughts.

Romans 12:1-2; 2 Corinthians 10:3-5; Jonah 1:1-3 & Jonah 4:1-2

The Rhythm of Resurrection

Tue, 04 Jun 2024 20:05:38 +0000

Every Empty Tomb starts with an Occupied Cross. There will be mountains in life, and there will be valleys in life. And learning to ride the rhythm of those highs and lows emotionally and spiritually is one of the most valuable skills you can master. Luckily for us, God speaks to this issue. And as we follow His ways, we’ll be able to walk in the Rhythm of Resurrection.

While It Was Still Dark // Easter at Cornerstone

Tue, 04 Jun 2024 19:57:39 +0000

How is it possible that the situation you've prayed for—the one you dreamed and hoped for—seems more like a lost cause than ever? Many of us have faced this reality... praying for a child, for a marriage, for an opportunity—and yet it seems like it will never come to pass. But it’s in those moments that we can take heart, because God does his best work while it’s still dark.

Dealing With My Doubt

Tue, 04 Jun 2024 19:47:31 +0000

In less than one week’s time, people went from confidently praising Jesus as the Messiah on Palm Sunday to completely questioning everything they knew about him on Maundy Thursday. Does that sound familiar? The truth is that there is nothing new about having doubts. And there is nothing new when it comes to how we should deal with our doubt.In less than one week’s time, people went from confidently praising Jesus as the Messiah on Palm Sunday to completely questioning everything they knew about him on Maundy Thursday. Does that sound familiar? The truth is that there is nothing new about having doubts. And there is nothing new when it comes to how we should deal with our doubt.

Why I'm Not Growing

Tue, 04 Jun 2024 19:36:08 +0000

No one wants to remain totally static in life—never changing, never improving, never growing. Yet for so many of us, that’s exactly what happens. We don’t see the growth we hope to experience. And this can be especially frustrating for Christians. I mean, didn’t Jesus say he offered “life to the full” for his followers? So how do we address our issues and finally start to see growth?

Judges 7:1-8 & John 15:1-8

The Weight of Unfinished Business // “Here & Now” Building Our Future In the Present

Tue, 04 Jun 2024 19:24:50 +0000

“The best is yet to come!” This statement has often been a popular rallying cry, especially for the Church. It’s a declaration rooted in the belief that God has great things in store for his people just beyond the horizon. And it’s a sentiment we’ve shared and stated here at Cornerstone...but, not anymore. Of course, we still believe the future is bright. But who has time for what’s to come when we’re too busy being blessed by what is? You see, the best isn’t just “yet to come”—it’s here and now! God is on the move, and he is doing a new thing now, in the midst of our present circumstances. Instead of focusing on the future, we’re determined to fix our attention and follow God’s lead, right here and right now.

God has begun a work in our midst—both in the people of Cornerstone and at our current property. And we believe He is just getting started. There is unfinished business in our church, and unfinished business at 2445 S. Arlington Rd. And we won’t be content until we actualize our specific calling and see the work of God through to its incredible completion.

Season of the Sticks // “Here & Now” Building Our Future In the Present

Tue, 04 Jun 2024 19:16:10 +0000

“The best is yet to come!” This statement has often been a popular rallying cry, especially for the Church. It’s a declaration rooted in the belief that God has great things in store for his people just beyond the horizon. And it’s a sentiment we’ve shared and stated here at Cornerstone...but, not anymore. Of course, we still believe the future is bright. But who has time for what’s to come when we’re too busy being blessed by what is? You see, the best isn’t just “yet to come”—it’s here and now! God is on the move, and he is doing a new thing now, in the midst of our present circumstances. Instead of focusing on the future, we’re determined to fix our attention and follow God’s lead, right here and right now.

In the Northeast, there is a period of time after Halloween and before the holidays when leaves are off the trees, it gets dark earlier…it’s just gloomy. This is what is referred to as the “Season of the Sticks”...a valley-like period in between two mountain top moments. And it’s in these seasons of life that we have to cling to God’s faithfulness like never before.

1,099 Days Later // “Here & Now” Building Our Future In the Present

Sun, 25 Feb 2024 14:00:00 +0000

We’ve seen God’s faithfulness on full display over the years at Cornerstone. Jesus has taken our hopes and dreams and turned them into reality. So before we take one more step forward into what God has in store for us, we want to take a moment to look back and thank Him for how faithful and how good He has been up to this point. Thank you, Jesus!

Philippians 1:3-6; Matthew 4:17; Mark 1:15, Luke 17:20-12

Why You Can’t Hustle Holy // Fake (Good) News

Tue, 27 Feb 2024 16:33:13 +0000

Has anyone ever told you they have good news—but then they start talking? And as they do, you realize this “good news” isn’t actually that GOOD. That’s what happened 2,000 years ago at a church in the city of Galatia. The Good News of the Gospel message was being distorted and mangled into something different—something that was not the Gospel. In an effort to fight this fake news, the Apostle Paul wrote that church a letter, calling them back to the true Gospel…a letter we know as the biblical book of Galatians. Now here we are 2,000 years later, and Paul’s call back to the centrality of the Gospel is as timely today as it was then—a much-needed reminder of why the Gospel is Good News.

Have you ever auditioned for a role? Tried out for a team? Interviewed for a job? If so, you know you had to meet requirements to land the position, to get the spot, or to be hired. But when it comes to salvation in Jesus, the traditional “try harder” mindsets are no more. We don’t pursue holiness to get accepted—we pursue it because we’re already accepted!

Galatians 5:5-6, 13-25

https://www.cornerstonechurch.info/fake-good-news

You Have Arrived at Your Destination | Fake (Good) News

Tue, 27 Feb 2024 15:38:57 +0000

The Law of God. 613 commands given to Moses for the people of Israel to follow. And not just them, but all of God’s people…right? Do we follow the Law or did Jesus fulfill the Law? This is one of the biggest and oldest debates in the Christian faith. And how we answer this question determines whether we will experience the Good News or the Fake (Good) News.

Galatians 2:19-21; Galatians 3:1-4, 10-14, 19-25 & Galatians 5:1-4

https://www.cornerstonechurch.info/fake-good-news

Putting the “Good” In “Good News” | Fake (Good) News

Wed, 07 Feb 2024 15:26:10 +0000

If you add a wheel to a bicycle, you suddenly don’t have a bicycle anymore—you now have a tricycle! The process of addition is a process of transformation…and the same is true to Jesus’ Gospel message. The second we begin to add—or take away—from the Good News, we have transformed it into something different, and what we’re left with is not the Gospel.

Galatians 1:6-9 & Galatians 2:1-16

https://www.cornerstonechurch.info/fake-good-news

After Further Review // Come Hell or High Water

Tue, 30 Jan 2024 17:40:04 +0000

Did you know that every single New Year, almost every person on Earth believes it’s “going to be their year?” But take a guess at how many people actually get to midnight on the next December 31 happy with where they are? Yeah, not many. And the difference between the people who seize their year and the people who squander their year can really be summed up in one word: Nevertheless. Those who seize the year to come are steadfast and persistent. A bad experience, a difficult person, a rough financial patch—they don’t allow it to throw them off course. And that’s good news for all of us! It means winning in 2024 is completely in my hands, because winning in 2024 is about a mindset. It’s time for us to settle in and buckle up, trusting that no matter what comes our way, God is going to do something amazing in us and through us this year—Come Hell or High Water.

When the ruling on the field looks questionable in an NFL game, coaches are able to throw a Challenge Flag—telling the officiating crew that in spite of the call, they want to appeal their case. In Jesus Christ, we have a Mediator who makes our appeal for us—and in the Holy Spirit? We have a Guide who can help turn our negative calls into game-winning plays.

Romans 8:35-37 & John 11:17-26

https://www.cornerstonechurch.info/come-hell-or-high-water

It’s Always a Winning Hand // Come Hell or High Water

Sun, 21 Jan 2024 14:00:00 +0000

Ready for a hard truth? Someone else out there is winning with the same hand you’ve been dealt. Ouch…I know. But it’s true. Someone out there in the world has a similar family with similar history in a similar town with similar setbacks...but they’re winning. And guess what? You can, too. It doesn’t matter what hand you’re dealt. You can find a way to win.

Romans 8:35-37 & Luke 14:15-24

https://www.cornerstonechurch.info/come-hell-or-high-water

You Do You, I’ll Do Me | Come Hell or High Water

Sun, 14 Jan 2024 14:00:00 +0000

There’s one variable that will be more unpredictable than any other this year. Any guesses on what it is? Or should I say—who it is? You see, the biggest obstacle to “Nevertheless Faith” will be the people in your life—their words, their actions. So how will you respond to the people in your life? Decide it today: “I won’t let who they are determine who I’ll be.”

Romans 8:35-37 & Genesis 49:1-2, 22-25

https://www.cornerstonechurch.info/come-hell-or-high-water

The Necessity of Nevertheless | Come Hell or High Water

Sun, 07 Jan 2024 14:00:00 +0000

“This is going to be my year!” I know, you’ve said that before…but things went south and the year fell flat...or did it? Maybe the year didn’t fall flat—your persistence fell flat. But it’s a new year and it’s a new day. Don’t let the lows of 2024 dictate what kind of year it’s going to be. It’s time to develop “Nevertheless Faith”—a faith that stays strong, come Hell or high water.

Romans 8:35-37 & John 16:31-33

https://www.cornerstonechurch.info/archiveblog/the-necessity-of-nevertheless

The Point of Purpose // How to Survive a Christmas Movie

Sun, 17 Dec 2023 14:00:00 +0000

It’s that time of year once again—Christmas time! Baking cookies, shopping for presents, listening to Christmas music...it’s our traditions that truly make this time of year magical.

Cindy Lou Who is on a mission—a mission to find the true purpose of Christmas. Is it about gifts? Is it about lights and decorations? Or does Christmas mean a little bit more? And what about ourselves—what’s our purpose in all of this? Do we have any deeper meaning than just going to school or going to work? What purpose does God have in store for each of us?

https://www.cornerstonechurch.info/archiveblog/the-point-of-purpose

Isolation Issues // How to Survive a Christmas Movie

Sun, 10 Dec 2023 14:00:00 +0000

It’s that time of year once again—Christmas time! Baking cookies, shopping for presents, listening to Christmas music...it’s our traditions that truly make this time of year magical.

And is there any Christmas tradition more nostalgic and magical than watching a classic Christmas movie? “Home Alone” and “Christmas Vacation”...we all have our favorites because we all enjoy watching the craziness of a Christmas movie play out on screen. But, more often than not, that same craziness can end up playing out in our own lives—we struggle with things like identity and purpose—and suddenly it’s not so entertaining! So how do we survive the holidays when our world starts to play out like a Christmas movie?

All Kevin McAllister wanted for Christmas was to be left alone—until he got his wish. Faced with the true nature of isolation, Kevin started to change his tune…all he wanted now? His family back with him. But unfortunately for many of us, Christmas is a time of crippling loneliness and isolation that we can’t wish our way out of. How do we handle it?

https://www.cornerstonechurch.info/archiveblog/isolation-issues

Identity Crisis // How to Survive a Christmas Movie

Sun, 03 Dec 2023 14:00:00 +0000

It’s that time of year once again—Christmas time! Baking cookies, shopping for presents, listening to Christmas music...it’s our traditions that truly make this time of year magical.

“Who am I?” That’s the question at the heart of the movie “Elf.” It’s a story about an elf named Buddy who travels to New York City in search of his father. Sound a little familiar? Of course! We all have moments of identity crisis in our lives…wondering who we truly are. And the good news is that God has already answered our question! He’s spoken the truth of who we are in Him.

https://www.cornerstonechurch.info/archiveblog/identity-crisis

What Did You Expect? // How to Survive a Christmas Movie

Thu, 30 Nov 2023 18:56:22 +0000

It’s that time of year once again—Christmas time! Baking cookies, shopping for presents, listening to Christmas music...it’s our traditions that truly make this time of year magical.

Poor Clark Griswold...all he wants is a picture-perfect family Christmas where nothing goes wrong and everyone is happy. Is that too much to ask for? Many of us are exactly like Clark—setting up unrealistic expectations that no relationship or event can ever live up to. How can we start to temper and manage our expectations in a truly healthy and godly way?

https://www.cornerstonechurch.info/archiveblog/what-did-you-expect

Horseshoes & Hand Grenades // Opposition Research

Sat, 25 Nov 2023 21:48:26 +0000

November is the culmination of the political season in the United States, as votes are tallied for various candidates up for election. Many will cast votes, passionately believing they’re endorsing the right person…the right thing. But what many will fail to acknowledge is how often their interpretation of the right thing is influenced by one thing: Opposition Research. It’s the term given to the in-depth investigation of a political opponent in an effort to dig up dirt, discrediting the person now for what they said or did then. And it’s not a tactic that is reserved simply for the political realm. Our Enemy—the Accuser—uses the exact same strategy to keep us out of the future God is calling us towards. So how do we fight against the facts of who we were and what we did so that we can become who God has in mind?

If you’re like most people who are trying to follow God, then chances are you’ve struggled with this thought before: “I’m not who I used to be...but I’m not who I should be!” You’ve gotten to a better place—but the Enemy wants you to think you’re still closer to who you were than who you’re becoming. Is the Enemy right? How do we fight against this thought?

https://www.cornerstonechurch.info/archiveblog/horseshoes-hand-grenades

Foreign Faithfulness // Opposition Research

Sun, 12 Nov 2023 14:00:00 +0000

Sometimes the greatest hindrance to seeing God’s faithfulness in the present is because it doesn’t look the same as it did in the past. The Enemy is cunning enough that He’ll recall God’s work in your past—but only so that you will compare it to what you’re experiencing in your present. We need to be grateful for how God worked, but ready to trust a foreign way.

https://www.cornerstonechurch.info/archiveblog/foreign-faithfulness

There is a New Version of This Post // Opposition Research

Sun, 05 Nov 2023 14:00:00 +0000

November is the culmination of the political season in the United States, as votes are tallied for various candidates up for election. Many will cast votes, passionately believing they’re endorsing the right person…the right thing. But what many will fail to acknowledge is how often their interpretation of the right thing is influenced by one thing: Opposition Research. It’s the term given to the in-depth investigation of a political opponent in an effort to dig up dirt, discrediting the person now for what they said or did then. And it’s not a tactic that is reserved simply for the political realm. Our Enemy—the Accuser—uses the exact same strategy to keep us out of the future God is calling us towards. So how do we fight against the facts of who we were and what we did so that we can become who God has in mind?

Our Enemy knows what He’s doing, and He’s more cunning than any political strategist. In fact, that’s why He focuses on our past...because He knows we can’t change it. What we did or what happened to us? It’s already written in stone. But while you can’t control what has happened then, you can control how you handle it now. It’s time to reclaim your past!

https://www.cornerstonechurch.info/archiveblog/there-is-a-new-version-of-this-post

How to Fight Your Fear // Something Wicked

Sun, 29 Oct 2023 13:00:00 +0000

It’s coming…something wicked. A dark shadow—lurking just around the corner—waiting for the right moment to attack. And no, it’s not a monster or a ghost...it’s something far more sinister—Fear. Fear is the killer that comes for us all, looking to rob us of our joy, confidence, and hope for the future. And whether or not fear succeeds in its wicked ways is up to you. So…will you choose to fight or to forfeit? Will you choose faith over fear?

Fear isn’t a pushover. You can’t wish or hope it away—fear must be driven out of your life. It requires work to banish fear from your life…but it’s worth it! The future God has in store for you is dependent on your willingness to work with the Holy Spirit. And as you do, you will see the grip of fear lose ground; giving way to hope and confidence.

https://www.cornerstonechurch.info/archiveblog/how-to-fight-your-fear

How to Fight Your Fear // Something Wicked

Thu, 26 Oct 2023 15:10:29 +0000

https://www.cornerstonechurch.info/archiveblog/fears-best-seller

Fear's Best Seller // Something Wicked

Wed, 18 Oct 2023 19:22:08 +0000

Fear isn’t just wicked—it’s clever. Fear knows exactly how to strike at your soul—bringing your hope and confidence to shambles. And each and every blow from fear is built on the same foundation: “What If?” It’s the paralyzing phrase that keeps us from the fulfilling future God has in store. To fight it, we must work with God to wrestle our “What If?”

https://www.cornerstonechurch.info/archiveblog/fears-best-seller

Scary Stories // Something Wicked

Wed, 18 Oct 2023 18:14:57 +0000

Society has a love/hate relationship with scary stories. We enjoy the thrill they deliver one moment…and then find ourselves terrified the next. What’s crazy? Most of us still continue to tell ourselves scary stories to this day—but ones that truly instill fear in our hearts. What about you? Are you telling yourself stories that feed your faith or your fear?

https://www.cornerstonechurch.info/archiveblog/scary-stories

Know Fear & No Fear // Something Wicked

Mon, 09 Oct 2023 19:12:14 +0000

Sun Tzu, the sixth-century Chinese general, famously said: “Know your enemy and know yourself. In a hundred battles, you will never be in peril.” That’s good advice. You’re more equipped to fight a monster when you truly know what you’re dealing with. And when it comes to the wicked warrior of Fear, you need to know exactly what you’re up against.

The Why of Worship // Cornerstone College

Mon, 09 Oct 2023 19:06:13 +0000

It’s fall once again, and you know what that means—class is back in session! And we’re embracing “school spirit” at Cornerstone as we introduce “Cornerstone College”—a new teaching series studying the basics of doctrine and theology on some not-so-basic topics. We believe the better we know the core of who God is and what He desires, the better our relationship with God will get. While we may not be able to know God exhaustively, we can know Him accurately. And during this four-week series, we aim to do just that. So wear your cGear, grab your sermon notes notebook, bring your Bible, and enroll with us at Cornerstone College!

Despite the modern attempt to individualize faith, Christianity is a communal faith that is designed to be lived out in fellowship with other followers of Jesus. We need each other, and we need the specific giftings with which God has designed us. So when we withhold our presence and potential from our church, we limit what God wants to do in our lives.

https://www.cornerstonechurch.info/archiveblog/the-why-of-worship

Fasting & Prayer 101 // Cornerstone College

Sun, 17 Sep 2023 13:00:00 +0000

https://www.cornerstonechurch.info/archiveblog/foundational-fellowship

Foundational Fellowship // Cornerstone College

Sun, 17 Sep 2023 13:00:00 +0000

https://www.cornerstonechurch.info/archiveblog/foundational-fellowship

A Study of the Sacraments // Cornerstone College

Tue, 12 Sep 2023 03:24:30 +0000

Baptism and Communion are two sacraments of the Church. A sacrament is an “outward sign of God's gift of inward grace, to which humans have a responsibility of an outward response.” In our relationship with God, these two sacraments are a way of seeking God’s blessing over our life—receiving His grace and mercy alongside our community of faith.

https://www.cornerstonechurch.info/archiveblog/a-study-of-the-sacraments

Banner Year Weekend

Sun, 27 Aug 2023 13:00:00 +0000

It’s August 1980 in South Akron. A small-but-growing group of Jesus-followers, led by a husband and wife pastoral team, call themselves “Cornerstone Church.” They rally behind the mission of helping people find the Father, a family, and a fulfilling future. And that’s exactly what they do...day after day, week after week, month after month, year after year. But as Cornerstone advanced the Kingdom of God, a perfect storm of opposition sought to snuff it out, culminating in the COVID-19 pandemic that brought the world—and many churches—to a halt. In fact, the average lifespan of a church is 40 years. August 2020 should’ve been our swan song. But that’s not where the story ends. It’s where the story begins again. August 2020 now marks the launch of renewed ministry at Cornerstone, and a re-establishment of our mission to help people find the Father, a family, and a fulfilling future. It’s the start of what we believe will be banner year after banner year, seeing God moving in our midst. It’s a brand new day—but it’s a lot like our first day...

When God calls you, you can expect adventure—and opposition. If it’s worthwhile, it’s work. At Cornerstone, we’ve experienced this truth first hand. And what determines your experience is what voice you listen to and what perspective you choose. This year and every year, we choose to listen to the voice of God that calls us to conquer, not cower.

https://www.cornerstonechurch.info/archiveblog/banner-year-weekend

That You May Believe // Without Any Doubt

Thu, 24 Aug 2023 03:44:41 +0000

God doesn’t want us to hold to a blind faith. God wants us to have a “without any doubt” faith. A faith that can stand up to any power of Hell or scheme of man. And such a faith can be built. You don’t have to throw away your logic or intellect to put your confidence in Jesus. As John remarks, his account is written so that we may believe—without any doubt.

To the Very End // Without Any Doubt

Thu, 24 Aug 2023 03:36:07 +0000

John 13 is a hingepoint in the Gospel of John—a scene that both sets up and recaps the beauty of Jesus, his ministry, and his destiny...facing his own death at the Cross. And the overriding force behind all of it? Self-sacrificing love. It’s the message of Jesus. It’s the message of the Cross. And it’s the message for his Church to embrace and live out today.

Prophet, Priest, & King

Thu, 24 Aug 2023 03:28:37 +0000

A major theme in the Book of John is how Jesus fulfills the entirety of God’s Law on our behalf. So yes, Jesus is our Lord and Savior—but he’s even more than that! As we study the Scriptures, we see themes of God’s goodness at work in the ministry of Jesus with new eyes. We see Jesus not just as our Lord and Savior, but as Prophet, Priest, and King.

The Artist Formerly Known As // Without Any Doubt

Thu, 24 Aug 2023 03:23:18 +0000

Jesus didn’t claim to simply be a teacher or rabbi. His claim was far more scandalous and ground shaking—Jesus claimed to be one with Yahweh. And if any of the authors of the Gospels go to far lengths to stress this claim, it is the Gospel of John. In its 21 chapters, Jesus continually points back over and over to the truth of his identity: that he is Lord.

Allow Me to Reintroduce Myself // Without Any Doubt

Thu, 24 Aug 2023 03:14:26 +0000

No one’s ever been more misunderstood than Jesus. The crowds to whom he ministered, the religious leaders he debated—even his closest friends and family—all misunderstood Jesus. And the reason for the misunderstandings? Projecting their own idea of what Jesus “should” look like onto him. And unfortunately, 2,000 years later we often do the same...

Better Late Than Never // Killing Time

Thu, 24 Aug 2023 03:10:58 +0000

No matter how hard we wish it were otherwise—once time has passed, it’s gone forever. We can’t create more time, but we can take advantage of time. Seizing the moments ahead of us is the closest we can get to having a time-machine; a way to redeem the decisions and missed opportunities of the past to advance us confidently into the future.

Dead Reckoning // Killing Time

Wed, 12 Jul 2023 00:02:35 +0000

There’s a term used in navigation called “dead reckoning.” It’s the process of calculating one's position by estimating the direction and distance traveled. You find out where you are by looking at where you’ve been. And if you want the second half of the year to be better than the first half, you need to evaluate the direction in which you’ve been living.

Roller Coasters & Airplanes

Fri, 07 Jul 2023 07:42:27 +0000

The average roller coaster ranges in height from 150 to 250 feet at its highest point, and travels 60 to 70 miles per hour. The average commercial airplane flies at 35,000 and travels 550 miles per hour. Yet a higher percentage of people are more nervous about a trip to Cedar Point than they are to Cleveland Hopkins Airport. What’s the deal? It all comes down to one word—desensitization. It doesn’t feel like you’re going that fast or up that high when you’re in an airplane, but it does on a roller coaster. Which is why they induce so much fear...but, it’s also why they inspire so much fun. Did you know your walk with God should feel more like going over the edge on a 300-foot coaster than a routine red-eye to Boston? It’s time for believers to REsensitize our faith and step out in risk. Because when you’re protected from the elements, you’re also protected from the thrill.

The Hurry in Our Worry

Fri, 07 Jul 2023 07:16:33 +0000

We live in some wild times. We’re available 24/7 on our smartphones. We have little to no work/life balance as a result of remote work. We know everything about everyone due to social media…I mean, is it any wonder why we’re anxious and worried? The good news is it doesn't have to stay that way if we follow the non-anxious and unworried way of Jesus.

The Purpose in the Pressure

Fri, 07 Jul 2023 07:04:29 +0000

It was Winston Churchill who stated: "Never let a good crisis go to waste”—meaning that even in a horrific situation, you can find opportunities in the obstacles. That’s good advice, especially when it comes to our fear and worry. Even in the midst of the harshest pressures of life, we can know God will walk with us to bring purpose out of the pressure.

You Should Be Scared // The Sunday Scaries

Tue, 13 Jun 2023 22:23:36 +0000

What’s the scariest thing that you encounter the most often? Your imagination! It’s crazy how quickly we can freak ourselves out over trivial issues. But...sometimes the fears are justified. The worry is legitimate. And in that case? The worst thing we can do is brush off the fear. In fact, anxiety may actually be an indicator calling us to take action in our lives.

Eyes on the Prize // The Verse After The Verse

Thu, 08 Jun 2023 04:12:54 +0000

God likens living out our faith to the running of a race—a metaphor that overflows with connections to the Christian life. We see this analogy at play in Hebrews 12:1, but the analogy doesn't stop there. Every athlete knows that to win a race, you need a winning training regimen. And in the verse after the verse, that’s exactly what God gives to us.

The Point of Prayer // The Verse After The Verse

Thu, 08 Jun 2023 03:13:20 +0000

Jeremiah 29:11 reminds us the truth: “God has a plan.” But those words don’t exactly inspire confidence in many people. “Is my cancer God’s plan? Does God even take my prayers into consideration if He already has a plan?” If you’ve ever wondered what’s the point of prayer if God already has His plan, it’s time to read the verse after the verse.

Let Me Rephrase That // The Verse After The Verse

Thu, 08 Jun 2023 02:49:04 +0000

John 3:16…the King of Bible verses. Almost everyone knows it by heart. Sadly, the verse after the verse doesn’t hold the same recognition. As we keep reading, we see Scripture doesn't just emphasize the message of salvation—but the message of no condemnation. Jesus’ mission was to save, not to judge. And now it’s time for the Church to follow suit.

Faith for the Fire // Dreams, Lions, & Fire

Tue, 04 Jun 2024 20:48:33 +0000

It’s easy to have a faith that works when everything is going right. It’s a bit more difficult to have a faith that works in the midst of the worst moments—faith even when it looks like God isn’t going to come through how we hoped He would. Daniel’s friends knew about that kind of faith—and we can learn from their example how to cultivate our own “Even If” Faith.

Daniel 3:1-7 & 13-28

Peace In My Problems // The Verse After The Verse

Thu, 08 Jun 2023 02:26:32 +0000

Jesus’ promise in Matthew 11:28 is beautiful—it’s a promise to give rest to all those who come to Him. But Jesus’ idea of “rest” isn’t about taking away the problems of life. It’s about making us stronger and content in Him, despite our circumstances. It’s about the peace that comes when we realize that if our rest is found in God, nothing can disturb it.

Friends In Low Places // The Verse After the Verse

Sun, 07 May 2023 13:00:00 +0000

It’s not a stretch to say that some Bible verses loom larger than others. They’re the ones we have hanging on our walls or tattooed on our arms. They’re the verses of Scripture that we love, we memorize, we cling to. But have you ever stopped to consider: “What about the verse after the verse?” I mean, there’s Scripture that immediately follows all of our favorite, most well-known verses. And in many cases, the verse after the verse grants us a deeper understanding of the context and meaning of these well-known passages, and how they apply to our lives. It’s time we stop settling for a sliver of Scripture, and open our minds and spirits to the fullness of God’s message to us through his Word.

Outside of John 3:16, there may not be a more memorable verse than the one found in Philippians 4:13. Paul writes: “I can do everything through Christ who gives me strength.” It’s a wonderful declaration about the power of God. But as we continue reading, we find out that help doesn’t just come from God above us—help comes from friends around us.

https://www.cornerstonechurch.info/archiveblog/friends-in-low-places

Faith to Move Forward // Here & Now Building Our Future In the Present

Sun, 30 Apr 2023 12:00:00 +0000

“The best is yet to come!” This statement has often been a popular rallying cry, especially for the Church. It’s a declaration rooted in the belief that God has great things in store for his people just beyond the horizon. And it’s a sentiment we’ve shared and stated here at Cornerstone...but, not anymore. Of course, we still believe the future is bright. But who has time for what’s to come when we’re too busy being blessed by what is? You see, the best isn’t “yet to come”—it’s here and now! God is on the move, and he is doing a new thing now, in the midst of our present circumstances. Instead of focusing on the future, we’re determined to fix our attention and follow God’s lead, right here and right now.

We’ve taken huge leaps of faith to get where we are today as a church. But those steps of trust in God won’t take us where we need to go next. New moments require new miracles, and we’re going to need to trust God to come through for us. The good news? God has delivered on His word time after time, and we can trust that He will do it again.

https://www.cornerstonechurch.info/archiveblog/faith-to-move-forward

God Bless the Broken Road // Here & Now Building Our Future In the Present

Sun, 23 Apr 2023 12:00:00 +0000

“The best is yet to come!” This statement has often been a popular rallying cry, especially for the Church. It’s a declaration rooted in the belief that God has great things in store for his people just beyond the horizon. And it’s a sentiment we’ve shared and stated here at Cornerstone...but, not anymore. Of course, we still believe the future is bright. But who has time for what’s to come when we’re too busy being blessed by what is? You see, the best isn’t “yet to come”—it’s here and now! God is on the move, and he is doing a new thing now, in the midst of our present circumstances. Instead of focusing on the future, we’re determined to fix our attention and follow God’s lead, right here and right now.

It’s an amazing thing to witness a “What If?” transform into a “What Is…”—and we’ve lived this experience at Cornerstone. We’ve seen God take our dreams and turn them into reality. But the truly incredible thing is that we know He’s just getting started! God’s doing abundantly more than we could imagine, and we can’t wait to see what He has in store!

https://www.cornerstonechurch.info/archiveblog/god-bless-the-broken-road-here-now-building-our-future-in-the-present

What If, What Is & What’s Coming // Here & Now Building Our Future In the Present

Wed, 19 Apr 2023 15:32:23 +0000

“The best is yet to come!” This statement has often been a popular rallying cry, especially for the Church. It’s a declaration rooted in the belief that God has great things in store for his people just beyond the horizon. And it’s a sentiment we’ve shared and stated here at Cornerstone...but, not anymore. Of course, we still believe the future is bright. But who has time for what’s to come when we’re too busy being blessed by what is? You see, the best isn’t “yet to come”—it’s here and now! God is on the move, and he is doing a new thing now, in the midst of our present circumstances. Instead of focusing on the future, we’re determined to fix our attention and follow God’s lead, right here and right now.

https://www.cornerstonechurch.info/archiveblog/what-if-what-is-whats-coming

Easter at Cornerstone // No More Myrrh

Sun, 09 Apr 2023 13:00:00 +0000

The Resurrection of Jesus Christ is the ultimate turning point in history—and not just on a grand, worldwide scale...but on a personal level, as well. All of our fears, doubts, worries, cares, and anxieties? None of them should look the same now that we are living on the other side of Easter Sunday. Jesus has put death to death, and now all that remains is life!

https://www.cornerstonechurch.info/archiveblog/no-more-myrrh-/-easter-at-cornerstone

Jesus Saves (But Wait—There’s More!) // Already, But Not Yet

Sun, 02 Apr 2023 13:00:00 +0000

Followers of Jesus live in a constant tension—it’s an ”Already, But Not Yet” state of being. We’re already saved in Christ (Ephesians 2:8), but not yet saved in Christ (Romans 5:9). We’re already sanctified in Christ (1 Corinthians 1:2), but not yet sanctified in Christ (1 Thessalonians 5:23–24). Confusing? Join the club! There is no doubt that this can be a tricky and difficult concept to understand, but we need to understand it. If we don’t embrace the truth of the “Already, But Not Yet” state of tension in the Christian life, we will inescapably misread Scripture—and misread Scripture results in a misled life.

One of the most common statements in the Christian faith? “I’m saved!” But did you know that we aren’t just “saved” in a past tense, but we are also saved in the present and in the future to come? Salvation is a concept—that, while beautifully simple, also offers us deep complexity into what exactly Jesus did, is doing, and will do through His work of salvation.

https://www.cornerstonechurch.info/archiveblog/jesus-saves-but-wait-theres-more

Saints & Sinners // Already, But Not Yet

Sun, 26 Mar 2023 13:00:00 +0000

Sanctification—becoming more like Jesus—is a fundamental component of the Christian faith. When we put our trust in the work of Jesus, Scripture says that “...the old is gone, the new has come!” But it doesn’t always feel like the “old is gone”—does it? In fact, it feels like we make the mistakes we’ve always made. How do we handle the disconnect?

https://www.cornerstonechurch.info/archiveblog/saints-sinners

Better Things // Better: A Study of the Book of Hebrews

Sun, 19 Mar 2023 13:00:00 +0000

The Bible is God’s Word—from Genesis to Revelation. It is inspired, trustworthy, and just as applicable to us today as it was when it was written. But did you know that when Jesus appeared on the scene, it wasn’t just a new chapter in the same story Scripture had been telling? There’s a reason for the split between Malachi and Matthew. From the moment Jesus’ first cry was heard in Bethlehem, it all changed. The life, death, and resurrection of Jesus were all the end of one story and the start of a better one—with a better covenant based on better promises, leading to a better relationship with God. And the promise that Jesus offered still stands: a promise to change lives for forever and for the better.

Jesus wants to change our lives for forever and for the better. And while Christian books, Bible studies, and theology podcasts are nice—they actually aren’t the main way our life starts to get better. Our new covenant faith in Jesus actually activates the most when we act like Jesus the most—investing our time, talent, and treasure in the people around us.

https://www.cornerstonechurch.info/archiveblog/better-things

Once And For All // Better: A Study of the Book of Hebrews

Sun, 12 Mar 2023 13:00:00 +0000

No one has ever hit the mark of God’s ideal. As Scripture tells us, “...we’ve all fallen short of God’s glory.” And unfortunately, we can fall into a line of thinking that believes that’s all that faith is about: a constant reminder of our fallen nature. But what Jesus offers is something better—not to remind us of sin, but to once-and-for-all redeem us from sin.

https://www.cornerstonechurch.info/archiveblog/once-and-for-all

Out With the Old, In With the New // Better: A Study of the Book of Hebrews

Sun, 05 Mar 2023 14:00:00 +0000

Jesus wasn’t just another chapter in the story that God was telling. Jesus is the hingepoint of history, changing everything for forever and for the better. He brought the Old Covenant and the old way of relating to God to its completion, and He launched the New Covenant with power—based on better promises and a better relationship with God.

https://www.cornerstonechurch.info/archiveblog/out-with-the-old-in-with-the-new

You Ain’t Seen Nothing Yet // Better: A Study of the Book of Hebrews

Sun, 26 Feb 2023 14:00:00 +0000

Old Testament Scripture is a revelation of God—we see Him in the pages of Genesis, the Law, and the Prophets. But it’s not a perfect revelation of God. In fact, we don’t see God in full—until Jesus. And in Jesus, we see an exact, better representation of God than anywhere else. So if you’ve ever wanted to know what God is really like, just look at Jesus.

https://www.cornerstonechurch.info/archiveblog/you-aint-seen-nothing-yet

The Way to God’s Will // Mindset Masterclass

Sun, 19 Feb 2023 14:00:00 +0000

Trust me—you can’t trust your mind. You think it’s rational and wise. You think it can be trusted. But that’s just because you aren’t paying enough attention to what’s going on upstairs. You see, many aspects of your day-to-day thinking are controlled by automatic mindsets. Your active mind is consumed with navigating a plethora of high-level problem-solving, so your automatic mindsets kick into gear to handle the rest. That’s where the mistrust of our mind comes into play, because most of our automatic mindsets are a mess! And allowing these messed up mindsets to manage decisions in our life will only lead to frustration and confusion. What we need is a Mindset Masterclass; life-changing knowledge straight from God’s Word that will shift our perspectives and transform our mindsets.

Question: “How do you see God’s will for your life?” Is it an ever-elusive piece of knowledge that you can’t seem to get your hands on? If that sounds about right, you’re not alone. Many people move towns, start businesses, get married—all chasing after God’s will for their life. But the good news is that when we walk in the ways of God, we are always in the will of God.

https://www.cornerstonechurch.info/archiveblog/the-way-to-gods-will

I’ll Be the Judge of That // Mindset Masterclass

Sun, 12 Feb 2023 14:00:00 +0000

A terrible place to find yourself this year? On a high horse. Nothing can rob the relationships in our life like a judgmental, critical, “better-than” spirit. Sadly, we can easily fall into this mindset—and to make matters worse—feel like we’re doing it with God on our side. So how do we avoid the pitfalls of judgmentalism and start to see others through the eyes of Jesus?

https://www.cornerstonechurch.info/archiveblog/ill-be-the-judge-of-that

The Montage Mirage // Mindset Masterclass

Sun, 05 Feb 2023 14:00:00 +0000

“The Breakfast Club”, “The Karate Kid”...every “Rocky” ever made—they all have one thing in common: montages! And these montages show incredible progress occurring in an incredibly short period of time. Funnily enough, we seem to think this same “movie magic” works in real life. But the truth of the matter? A montage mindset never leads to the future God has for you.

https://www.cornerstonechurch.info/archiveblog/the-montage-mirage

Compare & Despair // Mindset Masterclass

Sun, 29 Jan 2023 14:00:00 +0000

Depression—primarily in young girls—skyrocketed in 2012. You know what else skyrocketed in 2012? Smartphones and the use of social media. Suddenly, with a tap and a scroll, you could compare your behind the scenes footage to everyone else’s highlight reel. And not much has changed the last decade, including how we fight the deadly mindset of comparison.

https://www.cornerstonechurch.info/archiveblog/compare-and-despair

The Secret of Self-Care // Mindset Masterclass

Sun, 22 Jan 2023 14:00:00 +0000

We live in a culture that emphasizes the priority of Self more than any point in human history. We love us some US! We’re encouraged to engage in “self-care”—spoiling ourselves with all our wants, needs, and desires. But what if what we call “self-care” is actually self-destructive? What if true self-care has little to do with spoiling ourselves and lots to do with serving others?

https://www.cornerstonechurch.info/archiveblog/the-secret-of-self-care

Jesus Isn’t First… // Mindset Masterclass

Sun, 15 Jan 2023 14:00:00 +0000

It’s the start of a new year, and with the new year comes plenty of well-meaning resolutions. A big one for lots of us? “Put Jesus first.” While the sentiment is noble, it’s a little off. Jesus’ call to his followers was never to be put first. Jesus’ call to us was always more radical than that—and when we see his call for what it actually is, everything else falls into place.

https://www.cornerstonechurch.info/archiveblog/jesus-isnt-first

I’m Better Under Pressure // Mindset Masterclass

Sun, 08 Jan 2023 14:00:00 +0000

Pressure. Pushing down on me. Pressing down on you.

For real—we’re all under pressure. Stress over our situations, worry over our next moves...it can be unbearable. And if we give into it, pressure will blind us, making us helpless. But if we allow the Holy Spirit to change our thought process, we will see God use the very same pressure to produce power in our life.

https://www.cornerstonechurch.info/archiveblog/im-better-under-pressure

“Keep Eyes On the Killer” // How to (Always) Survive a Horror Movie

Tue, 04 Oct 2022 16:57:37 +0000

It’s October and at Cornerstone that means one thing: It’s “How to Survive a Horror Movie” time once again! But this isn’t simply another sequel. No—we’re dealing with the concluding chapter of a trilogy. And as Randy Meeks, the horror film fanatic from the “Scream” franchise, stated, “Trilogies are a rarity in the horror field, but they do exist, and they’re a force to be reckoned with.” We couldn’t agree more. So we’re tying up this terrifying trilogy in style, as we take one last look at what to do when the movie of our life becomes a horror flick. Are you ready for a frightfully good time? Then lock your doors, grab some popcorn, turn off the lights, and join us as we find out how following Jesus always helps us survive the deadly mistakes and wrong turns in life.

Out of all the fatal mistakes that are made in horror movies, losing track of the killer may be the worst. How do you take your eyes off the thing that’s intent on killing you? Well believe it or not, we do it every day. We lose sight of our sins and weaknesses. And if we’re not careful to get our focus back where it needs to be, we’re living on borrowed time.

https://www.cornerstonechurch.info/archiveblog/keep-eyes-on-the-killer

“You Are Your Past” // Discussion with the Devil

Fri, 30 Sep 2022 17:35:47 +0000

Do you ever talk to yourself? If so, don’t worry! It’s totally normal. In fact, a recent poll found that 97% of people admitted to self-talk. We talk to ourselves to debate a decision, to think through ideas, to give ourselves a pep talk. Some people actually engage in self-talk to create a “presence” around them—something that makes them feel like they aren’t alone. But...what if we’re not alone? What if there is a “presence” around us, but not one that we created? You see, sometimes the voice that we hear isn’t “self”, but something more sinister. Scripture tells us that our Enemy is the Father of Lies—and he is not an idle opponent. He is an active force, feeding us falsehood after falsehood to disrupt God’s work in our lives. But we’re not helpless in our discussion with the Devil. We can answer every lie that the Enemy throws our way with timeless truth from God. We can combat the fear, shame, and hopelessness at every turn. And we can make sure that the Devil never gets the last word.

We all have a past. We all have mistakes. We all have regrets. And what the Devil tries to do is get us to fall into the mindset that those things define us—that who we were before Jesus is who we still are. But the good news of the Gospel is that those who are in Christ are new people with a new lease on life. And because of that, our past—no matter where we’ve been or what we’ve done—can actually be redeemed and used to the glory of God!

https://www.cornerstonechurch.info/archiveblog/you-are-your-past

“You’re the Only One” // Discussion with the Devil

Wed, 21 Sep 2022 17:59:27 +0000

One of the most hopeless feelings in the world? Isolation. So naturally, that’s exactly what the Devil wants to foster in a discussion: Isolation. He wants us to buy into the lie that we’re all by ourselves—that we’re the only one who sins, the only one who struggles, the only one who fears, and the only one who doubts. But thanks to God, we never have to feel isolated! God has given us Himself and His Church to ensure we never face life alone.

https://www.cornerstonechurch.info/archiveblog/oure-the-only-one

“God Hates You” // Discussion with the Devil

Tue, 13 Sep 2022 19:11:55 +0000

Let’s not sugarcoat it—life is hard. Health issues, relationship struggles, work problems. All of these situations pop up time and time again. And every time they do, the Devil whispers in our ear, “The amount of problems you have is linked to the amount of love God has for you.” Our Enemy wants us to believe God hates us, God is mad at us, God wants nothing to do with us. But the actual truth? Nothing could be further from the truth. God loves you!

https://www.cornerstonechurch.info/archiveblog/god-hates-you

“It’s All About You” // Discussion with the Devil

Sun, 04 Sep 2022 16:11:29 +0000

Life’s all about you, right? Aren’t you the main character? After all, when you leave a room, the camera follows you! When the Devil starts a discussion, one of the first things he does is put a spotlight on us...he wants us to believe life is all about US. And if we fall into his trap and believe his lie, we miss the meaning of life—living for something outside self.

https://www.cornerstonechurch.info/archiveblog/its-all-about-you

“Did God Really Say?” // Discussion with the Devil

Sun, 28 Aug 2022 16:06:37 +0000

It all started back in the Garden. The original lie from the Devil that sent the human race on a downward spiral of sin and shame. And that original lie still manifests itself today: “Did God really say?” Our Enemy wants us to question everything from God. His goodness, His love, His character. But as we trust in the Holy Spirit to guide us in truth, He will do just that—and in the process, He will help us refute one of the most tempting lies of the Devil.

https://www.cornerstonechurch.info/archiveblog/did-god-really-say

Build the Altar, Bring the Ark // Banner Year Weekend

Sun, 21 Aug 2022 18:32:03 +0000

It’s August 1980 in South Akron. A small-but-growing group of Jesus-followers, led by a young husband and wife pastoral team, call themselves “Cornerstone Church.” They rally behind the mission of helping people find the Father, a family, and a fulfilling future. And that’s exactly what they do...day after day, week after week, month after month, year after year. But as Cornerstone advanced the Kingdom of God, a perfect storm of opposition sought to snuff it out, culminating in the COVID-19 pandemic that brought the world—and many churches—to a halt. In fact, the average lifespan of a church is 40 years. In many ways, August 2020 should’ve been to be our swan song. But that’s not where our story ends; it’s where our story begins again. August 2020 now marks the beginning of renewed ministry at Cornerstone Church, and a reestablishment of our mission to help people find the Father, a family, and a fulfilling future. It marks the start of what we believe will be banner year after banner year, seeing God move mightily in our midst. As we celebrate Year Two of fresh ministry at Cornerstone, it’s a brand new day - but it’s a lot like our first day.

At Cornerstone, we believe every year is a banner year. We praise God for His goodness in our past, and we advance with confidence into our future. We echo the words of Samuel the prophet: “Thus far, the Lord has helped us.” And today, as we mark Year Two of renewed ministry, we believe we’re barely scratching the surface of what God will do in our church.

https://www.cornerstonechurch.info/archiveblog/build-the-altar-bring-the-ark

Work While You Wait // Come & See

Wed, 17 Aug 2022 21:23:07 +0000

Have you ever experienced something that left you speechless? Something so incredible and so amazing that you didn’t know what to say? In those rare moments—when words fail—the most apt description of what we experienced often isn’t an explanation, but an invitation: “You gotta see it for yourself.” Now what if I told you those rare, speechless moments don’t have to be so rare? Consider this your invitation. Your invitation to come and see the move of God happening every week at Cornerstone. We’re seeing mindsets renewed, addictions broken, relationships restored—people once far from God finding the Father, a family, and a fulfilling future. We’re seeing miracles. But don’t take our word for it. You gotta see it for yourself.

There tends to be two strategies when it comes to extending the “Come & See” invitation. It’s either “Push Jesus in the conversation!” or “Pray for Jesus to ‘pop up’ in the conversation!” But what if it’s not “either/or?” What if it’s “and?” The fact is that God wants both. So while we wait for opportunities to testify to God’s goodness, we work as a witness to God’s goodness.

https://www.cornerstonechurch.info/archiveblog/work-while-you-wait

The “I” In Testify // Come & See

Wed, 17 Aug 2022 21:16:49 +0000

In legal proceedings, a witness is called to testify to the facts of a case. They’re instructed not to speculate, but to simply give an account for what they’ve experienced. Did you know the same is true for followers of Jesus? We don’t need to argue for God, because God doesn’t need an attorney. God will handle the arguments for Himself—all He asks is for our account.

https://www.cornerstonechurch.info/archiveblog/the-i-in-testify

Hope Because He Hears // Summer Mixtape: A Playlist of the Psalms

Wed, 03 Aug 2022 16:41:28 +0000

The Early Church regularly used the Book of Psalms as an unending source of insight for the Christian life—to inspire faith, to praise God, and to encourage one another. This summer, we’re going to do the same thing at Cornerstone. We’re making a playlist of some of the Psalms greatest hits, compiling a mixtape that we believe will help inspire you and motivate you during the dog days of summer.

We all face struggles, challenges, and opposition in life. And even with a good support system in place full of family and friends, it can still feel like we face these things alone. But what confidence we can take in the fact that our God isn’t a passive bystander in our life, but an active force who hears our prayers and petitions and makes all things work together for our good.

https://www.cornerstonechurch.info/archiveblog/hope-because-he-hears

A Quiet Place & A Quiet Pace // Summer Mixtape: A Playlist of the Psalms

Wed, 27 Jul 2022 16:16:59 +0000

Scripture says, “Truly my soul finds rest in God.” It’s a beautiful concept in theory—to rest in God—but in reality? It sounds so abstract. What does it actually look like to find rest in God? Can I even afford to rest in today’s fast-paced culture? The answers to these questions point us to the truth that there’s more to it than just finding a quiet resting place in God, but learning a quiet resting pace from God.

https://www.cornerstonechurch.info/archiveblog/a-quiet-place-a-quiet-pace

Better Than Bitcoin // Summer Mixtape: A Playlist of the Psalms

Mon, 18 Jul 2022 00:31:37 +0000

Have you ever made a bad investment? Put your trust and faith in something that just didn’t pan now? Of course you have…we all have. A career, a relationship—we invest our time, talent, and treasure…and then the bottom falls out. But the good news is that here is an investment we can make that will never give a bad return. And we can start today.

https://www.cornerstonechurch.info/archiveblog/better-than-bitcoin

Olly Olly Oxen Free // Summer Mixtape: A Playlist of the Psalms

Tue, 12 Jul 2022 20:47:58 +0000

Where do you run when you need safety? Who do you go when you need refuge? When the hard times come, we all go to somewhere or to something. But what if we started going to Someone? How would our life change—especially the challenging moments—if God truly became our source of refuge?

https://www.cornerstonechurch.info/archiveblog/olly-olly-oxen-free

Thanksgiving In July // Summer Mixtape: A Playlist of the Psalms

Wed, 06 Jul 2022 19:19:54 +0000

We may be in the middle of summer, but it’s never too early to start celebrating Thanksgiving! And no, we’re not talking about turkey, pumpkin pie, and football. We’re talking about cultivating an attitude of gratefulness. Thanksgiving shouldn’t stem from a date on the calendar, but on a realization of all that God has done.

https://www.cornerstonechurch.info/archiveblog/thanksgiving-in-july

Smokes, Shots & Substances // Talking Elephants & Tipping Cows

Fri, 01 Jul 2022 19:16:27 +0000

You know those topics that are taboo? The topics that polite conversations avoid? The topics that we’re all thinking about it, but we’re not talking about—especially at church? Yeah...we’re going there. Politics, sex, alcohol, suicide, hell, suffering. We’re talking about all of these “Elephants in the Room” and we might even tip some “Sacred Cows” that have been built up in the process. Now you might be thinking: “This is going to be uncomfortable.” You’re right. It’s going to be uncomfortable...and eye-opening, healing, necessary. There is no better, safer place to discuss these topics than church. So with that in mind...can we talk?

Alcohol, marijuana, painkillers, The Opioid Epidemic. We ignore substance abuse to our own peril, and often until it is too late and addiction has set in. We don’t want church to just be a place where people come to heal from substance abuse. We want church to be a place where we help substance abuse never start in the first place. And it all begins with a conversation...

https://www.cornerstonechurch.info/archiveblog/smokes-shots-substances

My Own Worst Enemy // Talking Elephants & Tipping Cows

Wed, 22 Jun 2022 18:16:04 +0000

Suicide, depression, and self-harm are not “edge issues” that affect a few, select people. For you or someone you know, these so-called “edge issues” have sadly become their own worst enemy—the voice of depression or self-hate drowning out all else. How in the world do we address it? Does God’s Word give us any help, or are we alone with this pain that is getting worse with every passing day?

https://www.cornerstonechurch.info/archiveblog/my-own-worst-enemy

Sex (And Everything but the Kitchen Sink) // Talking Elephants & Tipping Cows

Tue, 14 Jun 2022 15:54:23 +0000

Marriage, sex, relationships, divorce, masturbation, dating, singleness—we’re hitting on all of it! But isn’t the Bible kind of outdated when it comes to this topic? What can we learn about sex, love, and dating in 2022 from a book that was written over 2,000 years ago in the ancient Middle East? The answer may surprise you—and tip over a few sacred cows along the way.

https://www.cornerstonechurch.info/archiveblog/sex-and-everything-but-the-kitchen-sink

When Everything Hurts // Talking Elephants & Tipping Cows

Wed, 08 Jun 2022 18:19:32 +0000

What’s the oldest objection to the Christian faith? The Problem of Evil. This “problem” is actually a philosophical question—and a good one at that. “How do we reconcile the existence of evil and suffering with an all-powerful, all-loving, all-knowing God?” I mean—can we? Can the Christian faith make a compelling explanation for why there is such pain and tragedy in the world?

https://www.cornerstonechurch.info/archiveblog/when-everything-hurts

Hell? Yes! Hell? No! // Talking Elephants & Tipping Cows

Wed, 01 Jun 2022 19:03:25 +0000

Thanks to AC/DC, hopping on the “Highway to Hell” after you die has become a trendy option for the afterlife. But that’s just because lots of people don’t truly believe in Hell—no one would want to go there if it’s really how the Bible describes it. I mean, is there even a “there” to go to? Is Hell a real place? Where people will be forever? Punished for all eternity? I mean...really?

https://www.cornerstonechurch.info/archiveblog/hell-yes-hell-no

Politics In the Pews // Talking Elephants & Tipping Cows

Wed, 25 May 2022 19:41:40 +0000

Is there anything more divisive than politics? Political views turn brothers into enemies quicker than almost anything else. Obviously, that shouldn’t be the case. But what’s the appropriate, Christian approach to politics? How do we best engage in public policy, voting, and political discourse? How do we hold political beliefs, honor Jesus, and love others at the same time?

https://www.cornerstonechurch.info/archiveblog/politics-in-the-pews

Rebuilt Religion // Help! I'm Losing My Religion!

Wed, 18 May 2022 01:00:28 +0000

Help! I’m Losing My Religion! A Discussion on Deconstruction

In a world where things change minute by minute, one thing is consistent—we’re losing our faith. Every year, the percentage of people identifying as “Christian” drops lower and lower. People just aren’t buying what the Christian faith is selling...maybe you aren’t buying it. Maybe it’s the Church’s treatment of people groups. Maybe it’s your own past trauma. Maybe it’s the injection of politics into the pulpit. Whatever the reason, the Christianity you knew began to crumble, and so did you. But if you’re walking this difficult path, there’s good news—God is not afraid of your deconstruction. In fact, your deconstructing faith could be the doorway to a deeper faith. One richer, stronger, and more profound than you could ever imagine.

When a house is beyond saving in its current form, it is “deconstructed”—taken down to the studs. This is done so that a new house can rise in its place. A house that is firmly set on a proper foundation. The same is true of a deconstructed faith. Don’t leave your faith hanging in the most exhilarating part of the process—the new construction! See it through!

https://www.cornerstonechurch.info/archiveblog/rebuilt-religion

The Call is Coming From Inside the House // Help! I'm Losing My Religion!

Thu, 12 May 2022 14:24:27 +0000

Help! I’m Losing My Religion! A Discussion on Deconstruction

Research in the mid-2010’s asked people to use word association with the word “Christian.” The main responses? “Bigoted”, “judgmental”, “hypocritical.” Yikes. It seems the biggest obstacle to the Church has been the Church. It’s true there are plenty of wonderful Christians, but it’s also true that many professing the name of Jesus have hurt untold amounts of people. So how do we process and move past the hurts and damaged witness of the Church itself?

https://www.cornerstonechurch.info/archiveblog/the-call-is-coming-from-inside-the-house

Old Testament, New Doubts // Help! I'm Losing My Religion!

Wed, 04 May 2022 17:32:15 +0000

Help! I’m Losing My Religion! A Discussion on Deconstruction

How do we wrestle with the idea that one of the biggest drivers of deconstruction is the Bible? The violence in the Old Testament, the examples of slavery and polygamy...these are difficult to reconcile. When you were little, someone telling you, “...because the Bible says so…” may have been good enough. Not anymore. Now you’re a grown up with grown up doubts—and those grown up doubts deserve grown up answers.

https://www.cornerstonechurch.info/archiveblog/old-testament-new-doubts

When the Faith You Knew Isn’t True // Help! I'm Losing My Religion!

Tue, 26 Apr 2022 21:25:48 +0000

Help! I’m Losing My Religion! A Discussion on Deconstruction

Deconstruction is often a terrifying journey. The faith that you thought you knew crumbling around you? It disrupts and challenges the very core of what you believed was true. But what if the faith that you knew isn’t the faith that is true? What if your faith was actually built on a counterfeit version of Christianity? And what if deconstruction is a doorway to a deeper faith?

https://www.cornerstonechurch.info/archiveblog/when-the-faith-you-knew-isnt-true-/-help-im-losing-my-religion

Gold From Golgotha // How God Became King

Wed, 20 Apr 2022 15:23:26 +0000

Are you ready for a bold statement? Here goes: Our God, Jesus Christ, is the King of the World. And no—not in some spiritual, theoretical, or “far off future” sense. He is currently enthroned, ruling the world with grace and truth. That’s the truth. And that truth should change everything for us. Which brings us to a second bold statement: Most Christians don’t know or don’t live like this is the case. You see, when we realize the full weight of the fact that Jesus is King—how it happened and what it means—we will never see our faith the same way again.

Jesus routinely sought out the outcasts—prostitutes, pagans, tax collectors. And something amazing happened when he did…instead of their sin making Jesus unclean, his presence brought them healing. And King Jesus is still doing the same today. He is drawing our sin onto himself, conquering it, and providing us with new, purpose-filled life. Long live the King!

https://www.cornerstonechurch.info/archiveblog/2022/3/6/gold-from-golgotha-how-god-became-king

It's Not What It Looks Like // How God Became King

Tue, 12 Apr 2022 17:41:27 +0000

Here’s the fact of the matter—Jesus is King. Right here, right now. His coronation isn’t off in the distance, one day when “every knee will bow and every tongue confess.” He’s already inaugurated and initiated his Kingdom…and he did it in the most unexpected way imaginable.

https://www.cornerstonechurch.info/archiveblog/2022/3/6/when-you-come-for-the-king-how-god-became-king

Friendly Fire & Collateral Damage // How God Became King

Wed, 06 Apr 2022 22:24:30 +0000

As the Kingdom of God advances forward, an Enemy is constantly attempting to snuff it out. And that Enemy is not people who vote or think differently than you. In fact, our Enemy isn’t flesh and blood at all. And the sooner we realize that, the better off our relationships will be.

https://www.cornerstonechurch.info/archiveblog/2022/3/6/friendly-fire-collateral-damage-how-god-became-king

Eyes On The Throne // How God Became King

Wed, 30 Mar 2022 17:18:35 +0000

If God is our King and we’re living in his Kingdom, that means all other “kings” and “kingdoms” must be exposed for the imposters they are. We need to rid our lives of unworthy things competing for our hearts. So how do we stay focused on Jesus and build a Kingdom mindset?

https://www.cornerstonechurch.info/archiveblog/2022/3/6/eyes-on-the-throne-how-god-became-king

The Return of the King // How God Became King

Thu, 24 Mar 2022 17:58:05 +0000

Remember meeting your significant other’s family for the first time? How it gave you more context and clarity into who they are? The same is true of Jesus. We don’t appreciate the fullness of his identity until we realize that he is the culmination of an ongoing story between the God of the Universe and the people that he loves.

https://www.cornerstonechurch.info/archiveblog/2022/3/6/the-return-of-the-king-how-god-became-king

EMOC MODGNIK RUOY // How God Became King

Fri, 18 Mar 2022 18:33:55 +0000

The phrase “The Kingdom of God” is one of the most spoken in all of Scripture. Which makes it all the more confounding that it’s also one of the most misunderstood ideas in all of Scripture. So what is “The Kingdom of God” that Jesus initiated, and what does it mean for us?

https://www.cornerstonechurch.info/archiveblog/2022/3/6/emoc-modgnik-ruoy-how-god-became-king

Between The Cradle & The Cross // How God Became King

Sun, 06 Mar 2022 17:24:50 +0000

Christmas and Easter. The big Christian holidays. They celebrate what Jesus accomplished on Earth—birth, death, resurrection. But what about his life? How would things change if the years between the cradle and cross mattered just as much to the understanding of our faith?

https://www.cornerstonechurch.info/archiveblog/2022/3/6/between-the-cradle-amp-the-cross-how-god-became-king

People, Not a Place // Here & Now: Building Our Future in the Present

Sun, 27 Feb 2022 17:22:11 +0000

“The best is yet to come!” This statement has often been a popular rallying cry, especially for the Church. It’s a declaration rooted in the belief that God has great things in store for his people just beyond the horizon. And it’s a sentiment we’ve shared and stated here at Cornerstone...but, not anymore. Of course, we still believe the future is bright. But who has time for what’s to come when we’re too busy being blessed by what is? You see, the best isn’t “yet to come”—it’s here and now! God is on the move, and he is doing a new thing now, in the midst of our present circumstances. Instead of focusing on the future, we’re determined to follow God’s lead, right here and right now.

Our new facility will be a dream come true—but not because of the aesthetics or design. You see, what’s so great isn’t the place, but the people. The people this building will help us become. The people this building will help us welcome. We’re building for a you, not a view.

https://www.cornerstonechurch.info/archiveblog/2022/2/27/people-not-a-place-here-amp-now-building-our-future-in-the-present

We're (Not) Enough // Here & Now: Building our Future in the Present

Sun, 20 Feb 2022 20:12:05 +0000

“The best is yet to come!” This statement has often been a popular rallying cry, especially for the Church. It’s a declaration rooted in the belief that God has great things in store for his people just beyond the horizon. And it’s a sentiment we’ve shared and stated here at Cornerstone...but, not anymore. Of course, we still believe the future is bright. But who has time for what’s to come when we’re too busy being blessed by what is? You see, the best isn’t “yet to come”—it’s here and now! God is on the move, and he is doing a new thing now, in the midst of our present circumstances. Instead of focusing on the future, we’re determined to follow God’s lead, right here and right now.

Our vision is pretty big—bigger than anything we could accomplish through our own skill and willpower. So thanks be to God we don’t have to achieve it on our own! When we partner our obedience and resources with God, our natural means can produce supernatural returns.

--https://www.cornerstonechurch.info/archiveblog/2022/2/13/from-concept-to-concrete-here-amp-now-building-our-future-in-the-present-rxp2r

From Concept to Concrete

Sun, 13 Feb 2022 21:29:57 +0000

“The best is yet to come!” This statement has often been a popular rallying cry, especially for the Church. It’s a declaration rooted in the belief that God has great things in store for his people just beyond the horizon. And it’s a sentiment we’ve shared and stated here at Cornerstone...but, not anymore. Of course, we still believe the future is bright. But who has time for what’s to come when we’re too busy being blessed by what is? You see, the best isn’t “yet to come”—it’s here and now! God is on the move, and he is doing a new thing now, in the midst of our present circumstances. Instead of focusing on the future, we’re determined to follow God’s lead, right here and right now.

“A vision without a plan is a hallucination.” We have big dreams for our new facility—what it will look like, how it will expand our ministry. But they must be more than dreams. Church, we have to believe and move the vision God has given us from rough draft to reality.

https://www.cornerstonechurch.info/archiveblog/2022/2/13/from-concept-to-concrete-here-amp-now-building-our-future-in-the-present

The Road So Far // Here & Now: Building Our Future in the Present

Mon, 07 Feb 2022 00:52:19 +0000

“The best is yet to come!” This statement has often been a popular rallying cry, especially for the Church. It’s a declaration rooted in the belief that God has great things in store for his people just beyond the horizon. And it’s a sentiment we’ve shared and stated here at Cornerstone...but, not anymore. Of course, we still believe the future is bright. But who has time for what’s to come when we’re too busy being blessed by what is? You see, the best isn’t “yet to come”—it’s here and now! God is on the move, and he is doing a new thing now, in the midst of our present circumstances. Instead of focusing on the future, we’re determined to follow God’s lead, right here and right now.

We’re not foreigners to the faithfulness of God. Jesus has delivered us through obstacles and trials time and time again. And that faithfulness needs to be celebrated! So before we take a step into the future, we will stop in the present and praise Him for His faithfulness in the past.

Making the Miracle // Permission Slips

Sun, 30 Jan 2022 21:34:34 +0000

The last couple of years have been anything but easy. A worldwide pandemic, tumultuous elections, racial and social tensions…it’s been quite a ride. Now generally, January is a time of optimism—people are hopeful, believing the best about the future. But all of that craziness we’ve endured has led to an understandable unease about the upcoming year. You may be one of the millions who are wondering: “Will 2022 really be any different? How can I be confident about my future in the middle of so much uncertainty?” The good news? You don't have to limp into the new year with anxiety. God has given you permission—permission to hope, dream, and believe in the new year. No matter what comes…this year will be your year!

When you get a permission slip, it acts as a form of consent—it’s an “OK” to take action. And when it comes to this year being your year, that’s exactly what you have to do: act! That’s the way to make 2022 your year: by making it your year. Take action! Make the choices, make the decisions, and make the sacrifices you know will lead to a fulfilling future this year!

https://www.cornerstonechurch.info/archiveblog/2022/1/29/making-the-miracle-permission-slips

Worry & “What If’s?” // Permission Slips

Sun, 30 Jan 2022 21:04:38 +0000

After what we experienced the last two years, it makes sense to expect the worst to happen. COVID-19, inflation, job losses…everyone is worried. So what do you do with your worry and your “what if’s?” this year? How do you stay confident while at the same time recognizing the reality of the world? The answer may scare you and surprise you—but also give you hope that even the worst this year throws your way cannot shake your confidence and optimism.

https://www.cornerstonechurch.info/archiveblog/2022/1/22/worry-amp-what-ifs-permission-slips

Consider The Source // Permission Slips

Sun, 16 Jan 2022 18:04:40 +0000

So why should we be so confident about the future? It’s simple. Our “why” for our confidence is actually a “Who”—Jesus is the sole reason for our optimism! You see, our permission slip to view the future with hope is signed and validated by Jesus himself. We can boldly and confidently step into the future, knowing that Jesus himself goes before us preparing the way.

https://www.cornerstonechurch.info/archiveblog/2022/1/15/consider-the-source-permission-slips

Yes, You May (Always Been Yes) // Permission Slips

Mon, 10 Jan 2022 02:42:21 +0000

Remember being young and asking for permission to leave the classroom? And then hearing those magic words that granted your request? “Yes, you may.” How would things change in your life if you believed that Jesus has granted you permission to live life to the full? That in fact, Jesus has always led with Yes—not No? God is saying that it’s time to regain your confidence and dream again, because in Jesus, God’s promises are always “Yes and Amen!”

https://www.cornerstonechurch.info/archiveblog/2022/1/8/yes-you-may-always-been-yes-permission-slips

The Call is Coming From Inside the House // Help! I'm Losing My Religion!

Tue, 10 May 2022 17:50:50 +0000

Help! I’m Losing My Religion! A Discussion on Deconstruction

https://www.cornerstonechurch.info/archiveblog/the-call-is-coming-from-inside-the-house

The Wilderness // Into the Wild

Tue, 04 Jun 2024 21:10:08 +0000

When we break through the wall, the journey isn’t done. God must un-form the malformed parts of our soul; and often, that looks like disorientation and a word we are becoming more familiar with in American Christianity: deconstruction. What if what we think is the end of many people’s spiritual story is only the middle? But we must beware. We can get stuck in the fourth stage of spiritual formation: the wilderness. It’s not enough to get through the wall; we must travel through the wilderness to be fully formed people. This message will help us learn to traverse the scariest part of our faith formation without losing our faith.

Exodus 15:22-18:27

Too Good to Be True // Of Promise And Prophets

Tue, 04 Jan 2022 02:18:49 +0000

Sin ruined everything. With one bite—one choice—it separated us from God, setting mankind on a path towards dysfunction and death. The days turned dark and evil...and the days turned into months, then years, then centuries. The glorious plan of a loving, faithful relationship between God and man seemed to be nothing more than a long, forgotten memory. Yet in the midst of the silence sin created, prophetic voices called out with a promise of hope. A hope that God hadn’t forgotten his people, and that He was crafting a bold, beautiful rescue operation to save the world from its sin. And the truly amazing thing? The same voices of hope beckon to us today—that no matter our sin, no matter our rebellion—we too can experience deliverance.

Every promise of God spoken through the prophets finds fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. He is the embodiment of every dream and every hope. And that Savior and King who was spoken of through prophets now speaks for Himself to every heart. King Jesus is ready to crush the Enemy in your life, fulfill every promise He has made, and usher you into a new reality of peace and hope that you never knew possible.

Confident Hope In a Faithful God // Of Promise & Prophets

Fri, 17 Dec 2021 21:50:29 +0000

Kings, judges, presidents...thousands of men and women have held power over the centuries. They’ve all made promises of the good they’re going to do, and they’ve all failed. And who can blame them? They’re not God. They are fallen people - just like us! Jesus is the only wise King worthy of our trust and devotion. And when we trust in Him, we will never be let down.

https://www.cornerstonechurch.info/archiveblog/2021/12/11/confident-hope-in-a-faithful-god-of-promise-amp-prophets

God of the Underdog // Of Promise & Prophets

Sat, 11 Dec 2021 07:34:38 +0000

Prophets foretold of the coming Messiah, but still—no one really expected Jesus. Instead of entering the world in a large palace in a major city, the King of Kings was born in a lowly manger in the tiny town of Bethlehem. In this moment, God was sending a message and fulfilling a promise—no matter how small or insignificant you may feel, God chooses you.

https://www.cornerstonechurch.info/archiveblog/2021/12/4/god-of-the-underdog-of-promise-and-prophets

Yesterday, Today, & Forever // Of Promise & Prophets

Fri, 03 Dec 2021 20:16:29 +0000

“God with us.” There may not be a more beautiful three-word sentence than that. The birth of Jesus proved once and for all that God isn’t distant and God isn’t far. He’s near. And no matter what we’ve done—the rebellion in our heart, the promises we’ve broken, the sin in our past—it doesn’t change His love for us. Jesus Christ is faithful to the end.

He is with us.

https://www.cornerstonechurch.info/archiveblog/2021/11/27/yesterday-today-amp-forever-of-promise-amp-prophets

I May Not Like It, But I Need It // The Upside Of Down

Fri, 26 Nov 2021 20:59:07 +0000

Polls have shown time and time again that the fear of failure is one of the most common and crippling threats we face. And we do face it...all of us. We’ve all encountered failure before, whether personally or professionally. Ways that we’ve not quite lived up to our expectations. Ways that we we’ve let ourselves down...or let God down. Failure is an awful feeling—but it doesn’t have to be. God wants us to see the truth, that there is an upside to every down. For every cross, there’s an empty grave! We don’t have to fear failure. We can embrace it. So the question is: “Will we choose to see that truth and allow it to reinvent the way we see failure?”

What if the difficulties that you face—the letdowns, the missed opportunities, the failures—are actually a critical piece of the story God is telling in your life? What if the thing that you hate is an essential building block of your faith? There are certain things we can only learn through pain, and there are certain things we can only learn about God through failure. And in the midst of those moments, we can find the miracle that God can bring out of every single failure.

https://www.cornerstonechurch.info/archiveblog/2021/11/21/i-may-not-like-it-but-i-need-it-the-upside-of-down

The Prevention Paradox // The Upside of Down

Wed, 17 Nov 2021 20:28:28 +0000

Did you know the likelihood of a severe injury is higher in football than in rugby? Even though football players wear padding and helmets and rugby players don’t? That is what we call The Prevention Paradox. The more we do to prevent injury and failure, the more susceptible we become. In fact, many safety measures we use often make failure more likely. That’s because failure has never been something we were supposed to avoid. And when we try to do so, we find out it just makes our life and problems worse.

https://www.cornerstonechurch.info/archiveblog/2021/11/14/the-prevention-paradox-the-upside-of-down

Fail-osophy 101 // The Upside of Down

Tue, 09 Nov 2021 20:26:31 +0000

We’ve all taken classes at the School of Hard Knocks. Life has a way of knocking us down a peg or two...or ten. We fail and we fail often. And one of the worst aspects about that failure is how final it feels. Like this letdown is going to mark you for life. So how do we handle it when failure leaves us hopeless? By clinging to the foundational truth that our failure isn’t fatal. Our failings don’t surprise or scare God. In fact, God knew and has already made a way through.

https://www.cornerstonechurch.info/archiveblog/2021/11/7/fail-osophy-101

Fight, Not Flight // How To (Still) Survive A Horror Story

Sat, 06 Nov 2021 03:36:54 +0000

Randy Meeks, the horror film fanatic from the movie Scream, declared that “The horror genre was destroyed by sequels.” And while he may have a point (we’re looking at you, Friday the 13th: Jason Takes Manhattan), we beg to differ! Because sometimes a horror movie sequel breaks new territory, pushes its story into uncharted places, and, on rare occasions, is superior to the original. And that’s why this #SpookySZN, we’re creeping into our own scary sequel; once again learning what to do when we find out the movie of our life has become a horror flick. So grab some popcorn, turn off all the lights, and join us as we find out how following Jesus can help us survive the deadly mistakes and wrong turns that have taken the lives of so many others.

Running from the killer never goes well. The protagonist falls down, they get cornered, they hurt themselves—and in the end, the killer always catches up. So what if the best way to survive a horror movie is to face the killer head on? You see, it’s time to stop running away from the battle. God has not given us a spirit of fear, but a spirit of power. The same God who raised Jesus from the dead is alive and He is empowering you—it’s time to start acting like it!

https://www.cornerstonechurch.info/archiveblog/2021/10/3fight-not-flight-how-to-still-survive-a-horror-movie-rd3p7-ar3j4-dj8s4-6fw4bight-

Beware Where You Build // How To (Still) Survive A Horror Movie

Thu, 28 Oct 2021 05:45:53 +0000

Almost every other haunted house movie has the same premise. A house was built on a cemetery or a sacred burial ground. Which begs the question: “What in the world were the builders thinking?” We all know that the foundation of a house is it’s most crucial component...Speaking of which—where are you building the house of your life? Are you building on a solid foundation, or one that will lead to hauntings and “horror movie moments” of your own?

https://www.cornerstonechurch.info/archiveblog/2021/10/3/dont-trust-the-realtor-how-to-still-survive-a-horror-movie-rd3p7-ar3j4-dj8s4

Don't Trust The Realtor // How To (Still) Survive a Horror Movie

Thu, 21 Oct 2021 00:10:08 +0000

Common Horror Movie Trope: Family moves to a house in the country looking for a fresh start. And the deal always sounds incredible, doesn’t it? “A gorgeous Victorian purchased for a third of the appraisal value.” But there is always a catch. Something terrible happened in that house, and the deal is inevitably too good to be true. And so it is with sin. Sin always over-promises and under-delivers, hiding the true cost of your transaction. If you want to avoid this “horror movie moment” in your life, remember: Never take the deal, no matter how tempting it appears.

https://www.cornerstonechurch.info/archiveblog/2021/10/3/dont-trust-the-realtor-how-to-still-survive-a-horror-movie-rd3p7-ar3j4

Watch What You Say // How To (Still) Survive A Horror Movie

Mon, 11 Oct 2021 02:47:03 +0000

Scary movies like Candyman, and spooky urban legends like “Bloody Mary,” suggest that pure evil can be invoked by nothing more than the power of our words. And in a sense, how true that is! Scripture tells us time and time again that the power of life and death is found in the tongue. We can make someone’s day with a small compliment, or we can ignite insecurity with a snarky comment. So how are we using our words? Are we bringing life or death to those around us?

https://www.cornerstonechurch.info/archiveblog/2021/10/3/watch-what-you-say-how-to-still-survive-a-horror-movie-rd3p7

Give Yourself A Tuneup // How To (Still) Survive A Horror Story

Sun, 03 Oct 2021 22:11:14 +0000

Randy Meeks, the horror film fanatic from the movie Scream, declared that “The horror genre was destroyed by sequels.” And while he may have a point (we’re looking at you, Friday the 13th: Jason Takes Manhattan), we beg to differ! Because sometimes a horror movie sequel breaks new territory, pushes its story into uncharted places, and, on rare occasions, is superior to the original. And that’s why this #SpookySZN, we’re creeping into our own scary sequel; once again learning what to do when we find out the movie of our life has become a horror flick. So grab some popcorn, turn off all the lights, and join us as we find out how following Jesus can help us survive the deadly mistakes and wrong turns that have taken the lives of so many others.

—

Have you ever noticed how cars in horror movies never work when they need to? Chances are the “Check Engine” light had been on for months, but the protagonist just kept putting off that trip to the mechanic. Honest question...do you do the same with your faith? Neglect it, but then hope it holds up under the pressures of life? If we want a faith that will survive, we need to be strengthening it before the killer is at our front door.

https://www.cornerstonechurch.info/archiveblog/2021/10/3/get-yourself-a-tuneu-how-to-still-survive-a-horror-movie

What's Your Measuring Stick? // The Prison of Comparison

Sun, 26 Sep 2021 13:00:07 +0000

Devil does is wake us up - then we take it from there! And in our day and age, there’s one specific way we shoot ourselves in the foot time and time again: Comparison. We live online, sharing the highlights (and lowlights) of our lives. We’re more aware than ever who our literal and metaphorical neighbors are, what they have, and exactly how we fall short or outshine them. Comparison may seem harmless, but it’s a serious threat. It’s a prison that will rob us of the life we were made to live. So it’s time for a jail break! It’s time to get freedom from Comparison’s toxic mindset! It’s time to start seeing ourselves and others as Jesus intended!

Comparison may have a bad reputation, but not all comparison is negative. What matters is what and who you are comparing yourself to. How you measure success. Are you using the standard that the world and culture has set? If so, you’ll learn soon enough that you’ll fall short every time. Instead, we need to learn to measure ourselves by God’s standard and see how we can measure up where it matters most.

The Doppelganger Distraction // The Prison of Comparison

Sun, 19 Sep 2021 22:13:03 +0000

It’s shocking how often our suffering is self-inflicted. In fact, sometimes the worst thing the Devil does is wake us up - then we take it from there! And in our day and age, there’s one specific way we shoot ourselves in the foot time and time again: Comparison. We live online, sharing the highlights (and lowlights) of our lives. We’re more aware than ever who our literal and metaphorical neighbors are, what they have, and exactly how we fall short or outshine them. Comparison may seem harmless, but it’s a serious threat. It’s a prison that will rob us of the life we were made to live. So it’s time for a jail break! It’s time to get freedom from Comparison’s toxic mindset! It’s time to start seeing ourselves and others as Jesus intended!

There are some people in the world who seem to have everything going for them. They’re attractive, witty, successful...they’re just so perfect. And if you were just like them, you’d be perfect, too...right? Wrong! Trying to become a duplicate of someone else is a disservice to the unique person God created you to be. And the sooner you identify and ditch The Doppelganger Distraction, the sooner you’ll make the difference in the world you were designed for.

https://www.cornerstonechurch.info/archiveblog/2021/9/19/the-doppelganger-distraction-the-prison-of-comparison

Thank God I Am Not Like You // The Prison of Comparison

Mon, 13 Sep 2021 03:32:47 +0000

https://www.cornerstonechurch.info/archiveblog/2021/9/9/thank-god-im-not-like-you-the-prison-of-comparison

I Will Go... Even Though // Silent Symphony

Thu, 09 Sep 2021 19:55:11 +0000

The Book of Esther is one of only two works in Scripture that never mentions God. In fact, there doesn’t appear to be a single recorded miracle in the book—no moment where God steps into the narrative to save the day. That makes Esther one of the most relatable books in the biblical canon. Chances are, you’ve had moments in your life when God seemed to disappear from your story—and just when you need him the most. But just as Esther discovered, God’s sovereignty doesn’t take a single day off of work. And in the midst of the supposed silence, God is conducting a symphony in your life. All you have to do? Trust Him

Here’s a thought—maybe God is “silent” because he’s waiting for you to speak? Maybe God is “still” because he’s waiting for you to act? God wants what we want...for His goodness and mercy to show up in our life in apparent ways. But for His goodness and mercy to follow us, we have to go where He leads, even if it takes us through the valley of the shadow of death.

https://www.cornerstonechurch.info/archiveblog/2021/9/5/i-will-goeven-though-silent-symphony

Is That You, God? // Silent Symphony

Mon, 30 Aug 2021 02:01:15 +0000

A symphony is defined as “...an elaborate musical composition for a full orchestra.” And there lies the beauty of a symphony—that it incorporates all aspects of the orchestral suite: strings, woodwinds, brass, and percussion. God works in a similar way...He incorporates all aspects of His creation to speak. So when we think God is quiet, He in fact may be He speaking to us through a way—or through a person—that we never would’ve expected.

https://www.cornerstonechurch.info/archiveblog/2021/8/29/is-that-you-god-silent-symphony

Silent, Not Absent // Silent Symphony: When God Goes Quiet

Wed, 25 Aug 2021 21:15:04 +0000

Why is God so quiet? He parted the Red Sea, rained fire from the sky, and raised people from the dead. So why can’t he mend my broken relationships? Fix my financial struggles? Heal my dysfunctions? Questions like these may lead you to wonder if God is even there at all. As we struggle in the silence, there’s a truth we must remember: Silence doesn’t mean absence. So no matter how quiet things may seem in your life, God is with you.

https://www.cornerstonechurch.info/archiveblog/2021/8/22/silent-not-absent-silent-symphony

The Good Infection // Under New Management

Sun, 15 Aug 2021 04:03:41 +0000

For many, Christianity is an exercise in behavior modification. God gives us a list of “To Dos” and “To Don’ts”, and it’s our job to do and don’t them as best we can—right? Wrong! Actually, being a follower of Jesus isn’t about a change in behavior…it’s about a change in identity! Christians are people under new management. We’re not who we used to be. So why do so many of us struggle with our new identity? Why is it hard to believe God when He says we’re loved, chosen, and blameless? It’s time to address the gap between who we think we are and who God says we are, and see what it really means to be under new management.

C.S. Lewis wrote in his classic work, Mere Christianity, “Jesus came to this world and became a man in order to spread to other men the kind of life He has—by what I call ‘good infection.’ Every Christian is to become a little Christ.” That is exactly what God has in mind for each of us—to become like Jesus. So how do we know if we’re catching the good infection?

https://www.cornerstonechurch.info/archiveblog/2021/8/15/the-good-infection-under-new-management

Whatchamacllit // Under New Management

Sun, 08 Aug 2021 16:12:11 +0000

Often we let a “what” define us instead of a “Who.” Rather than listening to who God says we are, we follow the “whats” for our identity: what we experience, what they said, what we think. But the fact is that who I am is more important than what I experience. And when I have my identity set by God, I don’t shift and shake with the changing circumstances in my life.

https://www.cornerstonechurch.info/archiveblog/2021/8/8/whatchamacallit

It's Not Me, It's You // Under New Management

Tue, 03 Aug 2021 21:40:32 +0000

“Righteous. Loved. Holy. Blameless.” If you follow Jesus as King, then that is who God says you are! But if we’re honest, there’s a gaping divide between what God says about me and what I see in me. And bridging that divide seems impossible. Luckily, God has given us what we need to close the gap between who we feel like we are and who He says we are.

https://www.cornerstonechurch.info/archiveblog/2021/8/1/its-not-me-its-you-under-new-management

Meet The Manager // Under New Management

Mon, 26 Jul 2021 01:23:06 +0000

Legendary theologian A.W. Tozer once said, “What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us.” Our view of God—the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit—affects every area of our life, especially our identity. Is God great and good? Or is He distant and apathetic? If we want to have a correct view of our identity, it starts by having a correct view of God. So who is God and how does His identity change and shape my identity?

https://www.cornerstonechurch.info/archiveblog/2021/7/25/meet-the-manager-under-new-management

Software Update Now Available // Hack The Wayback

Mon, 19 Jul 2021 23:56:10 +0000

The Wayback Machine is an online digital library, holding over 580 billion web pages. It works by storing original source code so that previous versions of web pages are accessible—even if the page no longer exists. Did you know the Enemy has crafted his own Wayback Machine? Your past—regrets, sins, mistakes—are all archived, and He is working at a feverish pace to make sure you visit them again and again. But through the Holy Spirit, we have a way out. We can Hack the Wayback, turning the Enemy’s greatest weapon against him.

One of the most insidious features of the Enemy’s Wayback Machine is what it wants you to believe. Not simply that your past defines your present - but that it dictates your future. If He can make you believe your future is already determined, then why bother. The good news? While we can’t change our past, God can change our future. We just need to trust and follow Him!

https://www.cornerstonechurch.info/archiveblog/2021/7/15/software-update-now-available

CTRL+ALT+FRGV+APLGZ

Sun, 11 Jul 2021 20:23:34 +0000

Our words, thoughts, and actions aren’t the only things archived in The Wayback Machine. The Enemy works hard to catalogue every hurt we’ve caused and every pain we’ve endured. The end goal is resentment, bitterness, and self-loathing. But we have a way out. We can destroy the Enemy’s program with two simple, powerful words—Forgive and Apologize.

https://www.cornerstonechurch.info/archiveblog/2021/7/8/ctrlaltfrgvaplgz

More Than Your Search History // Hack The Wayback

Tue, 06 Jul 2021 18:57:03 +0000

The Wayback Machine exists to tell you who it thinks you are. Your words, your actions, your thoughts—everything you’ve ever done—are all on display. And the Enemy wants you to think these things define you. But when we Hack the Wayback, we see our past in a new way. Instead of shame at how sinful we were, we are in awe of how loving God is.

https://www.cornerstonechurch.info/archiveblog/2021/7/1/more-than-your-search-history-hack-the-wayback

Dr. Feel Good’s Medical Malpractice // eMOODjis

Tue, 29 Jun 2021 18:59:57 +0000

Emojis have changed communication. With a single keystroke, we can boil down complex emotions or moods to one digital image. All too often we repeat this oversimplification in life outside our phones as well. Analyzing and articulating my emotions? Hard work! Letting my moods dictate my day? Easy! But the truth is, life according to “eMOODjis” comes at a cost. Your life will turn into a rollercoaster ride, making you a hostage to fleeting feelings. That’s no way to live. And luckily, we don’t have to. God has given you the ability to control your “eMOODjis” before they take control of you. It’s work, but it’s worth it!

One of the few uniting themes across humanity is that we all want to feel good. We want our emotions and moods to be those of joy, fulfillment, and happiness. It’s not just us—God wants us to have life, and have it to the full! We have to be careful, though, because our Enemy is looking to take that godly desire for joy and give us a problematic prescription for how to get there. In the process, we end up looking for joy, fulfillment, and happiness in the wrong ways.

https://www.cornerstonechurch.info/archiveblog/2021/6/17/dr-feel-goods-medical-malpractice-emoodjis

Gaurd Your Heart, Mow Your Lawn // eMOODjis

Mon, 21 Jun 2021 01:12:44 +0000

—

It’s crazy what we’ll spend our time and money to guard. Our cell phones, our cars, our lawn. We put so much time and effort into making sure these things are protected and safe. But when it comes to our heart—our emotions, moods, and feelings—we seem to constantly drop the ball. Why do we spend so much time guarding non-essential things in our lives, yet we seem to repeatedly miss the mark when it comes to defending and guarding our heart?

—

https://www.cornerstonechurch.info/archiveblog/2021/6/17/keep-your-gloves-up-emoodjis

em(OWN)tions // eMOODjis

Mon, 14 Jun 2021 00:23:46 +0000

Have you ever said “It’s not my fault I feel this way...”? Of course you have. We’ve all said it—blaming other people or circumstances for how we feel. The problem is that when we do this, we take on the role of perpetual victim with no hope of escape. Think about it: if your emotions aren’t under your control, why bother? But on the flip side, if emotions can be owned, then it means that, like anything else that belongs to you, they are yours to manage.

https://www.cornerstonechurch.info/archiveblog/2021/6/10/emowntions-emoodjis

In My Feelings // eMOODjis

Sun, 06 Jun 2021 17:46:07 +0000

Why are we talking about feelings? Isn’t that topic more apt for a self-help seminar instead of a sermon? Well, the fact is feelings can be either the greatest help or the greatest hindrance in our walk with Christ. Faith doesn’t live in a vacuum, and unchecked emotions and moods will stall maturity. The sooner we realize our faith should inform our feelings, the better life will become

https://www.cornerstonechurch.info/archiveblog/2021/6/3/in-my-feelings-emoodjis

The 3 MPH God In a 65 MPH World

Sun, 30 May 2021 21:14:18 +0000

In our nonstop world, efficiency and production are king. This Kingdom of Production has creeds and statements of belief like, "I'll sleep when I'm dead!”, "Go hard or go home!" and "Good things happen to those who hustle!" But in the Kingdom of God, King Jesus invites us to step away from this lie that can't deliver and step into a new way of being—Sabbath rest.

https://www.cornerstonechurch.info/archiveblog/2021/5/27/the-3-mph-god-in-a-65-mph-world

Start the Scroll

Sun, 23 May 2021 20:40:02 +0000

You know the best way to get to know someone? By spending time with them. And if there’s anyone that we should want to get to know better, it’s God. The good news? We can! God has revealed himself through the gift, His inspired word, the Bible. And as we read, study, and meditate on the inspired Word of God in print, we find ourselves getting to know the life-giving power of the Word of God in person—Jesus Christ—even better.

—

https://www.cornerstonechurch.info/archiveblog/2021/5/13/start-the-scroll

Stop The Scroll

Sun, 16 May 2021 18:43:31 +0000

75 feet. That’s the distance the average person scrolls on their phone every single day. The biggest chunk of the 75-foot scroll? Distractions. Scrolling through Instagram, checking Facebook, seeing what’s trending on Twitter or TikTok...we kill time with every swipe. And the longer we scroll, the more disconnected we get—from reality, relationships, and God’s purpose for our lives. Let’s stop the scroll, put distractions in their place, and fight for our attention.

https://www.cornerstonechurch.info/archiveblog/2021/5/13/stop-the-scroll

Practice Makes Perfect // Follow Your Heart and Other Awful Advice

Sun, 09 May 2021 17:20:03 +0000

“Some things are better left unsaid.” Have you ever heard that piece of advice? It’s a good one. Especially when it’s applied to other bits of advice we often hear. Phrases like “Follow your heart!” or “Speak your truth!” sound helpful on the surface. But when you actually apply this awful advice in your life, you’ll see the results are not what you hoped they’d be. The good news is, there’s a better way to a better life—far better than living by one-sentence slogans that don’t actually work. Behind every piece of awful advice we can find a timeless truth from God that, when lived out in practice, will change our lives for the better.

We can practice, we can train, we can work. But no matter how hard we try, we will never reach perfection. So, thank God perfection is not the goal! The sooner that we realize perfection is impossible, the better off our life will be. When we understand this, we are freed from a life of endlessly pursuing an unattainable goal. Instead, God calls us to a life of better—taking steps towards him and the future he has in mind for us.

https://www.cornerstonechurch.info/archiveblog/2021/4/8/speak-your-truth-follow-your-heart-and-other-awful-advice-xnnn4-rp3gb-x8bst

Follow Your Heart // Follow Your Heart

Sun, 02 May 2021 17:14:18 +0000

Humans are not intellectual beings with emotions. We’re emotional beings who happen to have an intellect! Most of the time, we allow our feelings and emotions to guide our life. But when that happens, we end up making decisions on momentary, fleeting feelings. The good news is we don’t have to settle for this way of living—God has given us something better than our heart to follow when it comes to making decisions.

https://www.cornerstonechurch.info/archiveblog/2021/4/8/speak-your-truth-follow-your-heart-and-other-awful-advice-xnnn4-rp3gb-s8xdw

No Pain, No Gain // “Follow Your Heart” And Other Awful Advice

Mon, 26 Apr 2021 00:17:56 +0000

It’s not a secret that everything worthwhile in life lives uphill—a healthy body, healthy finances, healthy relationships. You have to work to build a fulfilling life for yourself. So does that mean that life is a constant slog of pushing through pain to get something good? Not at all. In fact, when you start making God-honoring decisions, they tend to create momentum that propels you toward the life God has in mind for you.

https://www.cornerstonechurch.info/archiveblog/2021/4/8/speak-your-truth-follow-your-heart-and-other-awful-advice-xnnn4-rp3gb

If It Ain't Broke, Don't Fix It // Follow Your Heart And Other Awful Advice

Sun, 18 Apr 2021 19:40:23 +0000

“Some things are better left unsaid.” Have you ever heard that piece of advice? It’s a good one. Especially when it’s applied to other bits of advice we often hear. Phrases like “Follow your heart!” or “Speak your truth!” sound helpful on the surface. But when you actually apply this awful advice in your life, you’ll see the results are not what you hoped they’d be. The good news is, there’s a better way to a better life—far better than living by one-sentence slogans that don’t actually work. Behind every piece of awful advice, we can find a timeless truth from God that, when lived out in practice, will change our lives for the better.

Routine is fantastic. It provides us with guardrails—a type of structure and purpose for our lives. That said, routine packaged in a “that’s how we’ve always done it” mindset can become a prison. If we’re not careful, we will start living on autopilot. But, there are moments in life when will God call you out of your normal routine and into something greater. Will you be willing to break the routine and fix your eyes on the uncertain future where God is calling you?

https://www.cornerstonechurch.info/archiveblog/2021/4/8/speak-your-truth-follow-your-heart-and-other-awful-advice-xnnn4

Speak Your Truth // Follow Your Heart And Other Awful Advice

Sun, 11 Apr 2021 19:41:16 +0000

Everyone in the world is unique, and with that uniqueness comes unique experiences, insights, and world views. But there’s something else that is ultra unique and one of a kind: Truth. It stands on its own. No personal experiences, insights, or world views can alter it. And the most amazing thing? Truth has a name. The sooner we learn it, the better our life will be.

https://www.cornerstonechurch.info/archiveblog/2021/4/8/speak-your-truth-follow-your-heart-and-other-awful-advice

Put to Death, Brought to Life // 613 Ghosts

Sun, 04 Apr 2021 18:07:35 +0000

Brace yourself for an unsettling, terrifying truth: You’re being haunted. I know. You’ve never seen a ghost, and you aren’t even sure they exist. But they do. In fact, you’re being followed by 613 ghosts at this very moment. Don’t be scared! You’re in good company. In fact, every Christian who has ever lived—including Jesus’ disciples—has been haunted by these same 613 specters. Who are they? What do they want with us? Why do they single out Christians to haunt? And how can we deal with them so we don’t have to be haunted anymore?

The old is gone, the new is here! Jesus has conquered sin and death, fulfilling the requirements of the Law once and for all. In its place, we have a new life-giving command. Instead of a burden, it’s a blessing. And as we follow it, we breathe life and bring resurrection to every situation. It’s time, Church. Time to let the dead rest in peace, and time step into the power of the new, life-giving law that Jesus has put in place.

https://www.cornerstonechurch.info/archiveblog/2021/3/18/resist-the-resurrection-613-ghosts-c5l8f-gp7dx

Better Promises // 613 Ghosts

Sun, 28 Mar 2021 18:35:40 +0000

This may shock you, but it’s the truth: the Bible—God’s word—specifically calls another part of the Bible “obsolete.” In fact, it says that it is “...outdated and will soon disappear.” You see, Christians have been living haunted lives for no reason. The ghosts of the old covenant don’t get to haunt us anymore—unless we allow them to. And that’s because we’ve been given something better. God has replaced the death of the Law with something better—new life in Christ!

https://www.cornerstonechurch.info/archiveblog/2021/3/18/resist-the-resurrection-613-ghosts-c5l8f

Resist the Resurrection // 613 Ghosts

Sun, 21 Mar 2021 15:06:17 +0000

Christians, we’re haunted. Ghosts lurk around every corner, and the thing is—we’ve brought this haunting upon ourselves! For years, we’ve mixed elements of the old covenant Law with the new covenant of Jesus. In the process, we have unintentionally invited specters to torment and burden us with something terrifying—something we’ve never been able to handle.

https://www.cornerstonechurch.info/archiveblog/2021/3/18/resist-the-resurrection-613-ghosts

Nothing Given, Everything Earned

Sun, 14 Mar 2021 15:53:00 +0000

“The best is yet to come!” This statement has often been a popular rallying cry, especially for the Church. It’s a declaration rooted in the belief that God has great things in store for his people just beyond the horizon. And it’s a sentiment we’ve shared and stated here at Cornerstone...but, not anymore. Of course, we still believe the future is bright. But who has time for what’s to come when we’re too busy being blessed by what is? You see, the best isn’t “yet to come”—it’s here and now! God is on the move, and he is doing a new thing NOW, in the midst of our present circumstances. Instead of focusing on the future, we’re determined to follow God’s lead, right here and right now.

We’ve looked to the future, we know it’s on us, and we have confidence that God will provide. That leaves us with just one more thing to do as we build our future in the present—move! The time for preparation is over. A fulfilling future won’t be handed to us on a silver platter. As a famous native son of Northeast Ohio once said, “Nothing is given, everything is earned.” Do we truly want the blessings that God has for us? They can be ours—and not “someday” off in the distant future—but right here and now. All we have to do is move.

https://www.cornerstonechurch.info/archiveblog/2021/3/11/nothing-given-everything-earned-here-amp-now

The Weight of Unfinished Business // “Here & Now” Building Our Future In the Present

Tue, 04 Jun 2024 19:19:00 +0000

Ravens, Oil, Fire, & Food // Here & Now

Sun, 07 Mar 2021 18:53:48 +0000

"The best is yet to come!” This statement has often been a popular rallying cry, especially for the Church. It’s a declaration rooted in the belief that God has great things in store for his people just beyond the horizon. And it’s a sentiment we’ve shared and stated here at Cornerstone...but, not anymore. Of course, we still believe the future is bright. But who has time for what’s to come when we’re too busy being blessed by what is? You see, the best isn’t “yet to come”—it’s here and now! God is on the move, and he is doing a new thing NOW, in the midst of our present circumstances. Instead of focusing on the future, we’re determined to follow God’s lead, right here and right now.

Trusting God in the here and now is easier said than done. That’s because God isn’t the only one that requires my present attention. Hectic schedules, mounting bills...how can I give God my time, talent, and treasure in the here and now - and still have anything left in the here and now? If I step out in audacious faith and give generously, will God see me through—not just in some distant future—but in the midst of my present sacrifices?

https://www.cornerstonechurch.info/archiveblog/2021/3/4/ravens-oil-fire-amp-food-here-amp-now

No One Else Is Coming // Here & Now

Sun, 28 Feb 2021 19:34:14 +0000

The best is yet to come!” This statement has often been a popular rallying cry, especially for the Church. It’s a declaration rooted in the belief that God has great things in store for his people just beyond the horizon. And it’s a sentiment we’ve shared and stated here at Cornerstone...but, not anymore. Of course, we still believe the future is bright. But who has time for what’s to come when we’re too busy being blessed by what is? You see, the best isn’t “yet to come”—it’s here and now! God is on the move, and he is doing a new thing NOW, in the midst of our present circumstances. Instead of focusing on the future, we’re determined to follow God’s lead, right here and right now.

Most fairy tales follow the same narrative—a princess locked in a tower, a dragon imprisoning her, and a brave hero coming to save the day. In those stories, the princess doesn’t need to do anything. Just sit back and wait. But what if there was no prince coming to the rescue? What if her freedom and future rested in her deciding to take action? In our lives, more often than not, there is no one else coming. It’s on each of us to take charge of ourselves and act, trusting that God will be with us as we fight for our future.

https://www.cornerstonechurch.info/archiveblog/2021/2/25/no-one-else-is-coming-here-amp-now

On Your Mark // Here & Now

Sun, 21 Feb 2021 19:25:28 +0000

https://www.cornerstonechurch.info/archiveblog/2021/2/18/on-your-mark-here-amp-now

We'll Save You A Seat // This is How We Change The World

Sun, 14 Feb 2021 13:49:49 +0000

Nothing worthwhile happens by accident—especially the most worthwhile thing: Helping people find the Father, a family, and a fulfilling future. Living each day with Kingdom-minded purpose takes intention and dedication. We must be clear about who we are and what we value if we wish to change the world. At Cornerstone, we know who we are. We rally behind our core values that give us clarity, purpose, and an identity.

This is how we change the world.

Pastor Andy Stanley says, “We can’t make you fall in love with Jesus. But we can set you up on a date.” That is our heart. We clear the way to the Cross—no exceptions. Every sincere seeker can belong and become as part of our family. We’re making room, and we’re saving you a seat.

https://www.cornerstonechurch.info/archiveblog/2021/3/14/well-save-you-a-seat-this-is-how-we-change-the-world

Empty Tomb Confidence // This Is How We Change The World

Sun, 07 Feb 2021 16:06:28 +0000

This is how we change the world.

Jesus tells us that “...in this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” We believe that is true and so we see every obstacle as an opportunity for God to show off. In faith, we are confident in our grave-robbing God—no matter the circumstances.

https://www.cornerstonechurch.info/archiveblog/2021/2/7/empty-tomb-confidence-this-is-how-we-change-the-world

Pearls, Sheep & Coins // This Is How We Change The World

Sun, 31 Jan 2021 21:12:56 +0000

We all have preferences, and there is nothing wrong with that.

The issue is when preferences become our primary instead of people.

Just look at Jesus. He sacrificed his privilege and preference to pursue us.

We as a Church will do the same as we pursue people far from God.

Workers, Not Watchers // This is How We Change the World

Sun, 24 Jan 2021 20:12:29 +0000

This is how we change the world.

Our culture is obsessed with consuming.

Consuming products, consuming content, and even consuming church.

But church is not meant to be “consumed.” It’s meant for Contribution. Fulfilling God’s purpose only comes from working on the field, not watching from the sidelines.

https://www.cornerstonechurch.info/archiveblog/2021/1/24/workers-not-watchers-this-is-how-we-change-the-world

Second-Mile Generosity // This is How We Change the World

Sun, 17 Jan 2021 19:33:49 +0000

The Church of Jesus Christ should be the most generous group of people on Earth. We will follow the example of our King, who held back nothing to rescue us. Our time, talent, and treasure are cheerfully given to expand the Kingdom of God and to impact our communities.

https://www.cornerstonechurch.info/archiveblog/2021/1/17/second-mile-generosity-this-is-how-we-change-the-world

Unity is Our Calling Card // This is How We Change the World

Mon, 11 Jan 2021 01:02:07 +0000

Jesus is our King, and everything we do flows out of that truth. It’s not about us. It’s about him. We’re here to make Jesus famous and be coworkers in helping the Lord’s Prayer come to fruition: “Your Kingdom come, Your will be done on Earth as it is in Heaven.”

Long live the King.

https://www.cornerstonechurch.info/archiveblog/2021/1/10/unity-is-our-calling-card-this-is-how-we-change-the-world

Long Live The King // This Is How We Change The World

Sun, 03 Jan 2021 18:22:02 +0000

This is how we change the world.

Long live the King.

This is (Not) The End

Sun, 27 Dec 2020 17:51:20 +0000

Well, we made it. It’s the last Sunday of 2020. This stressful, anxiety, fear-filled year is coming to an end. And at the same time...it’s not. You see, nothing magical happens just because the calendar flips to January 1, 2021. The dysfunctions, sins, and bad habits that drug you down in 2020 don’t know that the calendar changed, and they don’t care. Life is marathon, and we must be diligent in our discipline day-by-day, running our race with purpose and intention.

https://www.cornerstonechurch.info/archiveblog/2020/12/24/this-is-not-the-end-this-is-not-the-end

Accepted is Expected // Divine Detours

Sun, 20 Dec 2020 17:32:25 +0000

Everyone has expectations.

Expectations for ourselves, our kids, our bosses, our family & friends—even, and especially, expectations for God. But expectations often don’t translate into reality. And when that happens—when our expectations don't match our experiences—frustration enters the picture, along with anger, depression and hopelessness. But what if we saw our edited expectations as “Divine Detours?” What if we embraced them as opportunities for God to show up in bigger and better ways than ever before?

We know that we put expectations on other people, and they put expectations on us. And we know that we put expectations on God...but does he put expectations on us? You may be thinking, “If so, he’s going to really need to edit his expectations, because I know I can’t live up to whatever he has in mind!” However, what if what God expects isn’t for us to be flawless, but to simply be faithful?

https://www.cornerstonechurch.info/archiveblog/2020/12/19/accepted-is-expected-divine-detours-1

He Had To Go // Divine Detours

Sun, 13 Dec 2020 17:08:22 +0000

Everyone has expectations.

“Isn’t God supposed to come through for me? This isn’t what I expected.” We’ve all been here before—wondering why things are so hard and why God isn’t delivering like he should. But when we put our faith in God, we can trust that the detours he leads us on are divinely inspired, and that they will ultimately lead to the outcome we would choose if we knew what he knows.

https://www.cornerstonechurch.info/archiveblog/2020/12/11/he-had-to-go-divine-detours

The "Mess" in Messiah

Mon, 07 Dec 2020 02:05:00 +0000

Everyone has expectations. Expectations for ourselves, our kids, our bosses, our family & friends—even, and especially, expectations for God. But expectations often don’t translate into reality. And when that happens—when our expectations don't match our experiences—frustration enters the picture, along with anger, depression and hopelessness. But what if we saw our edited expectations as “Divine Detours?” What if we embraced them as opportunities for God to show up in bigger and better ways than ever before?

You don’t have to live very long to realize that other people will have expectations for you. They will expect you to look, talk, act, and live a certain way. And if you’re not careful, you may find yourself adjusting your life to live up to other’s expectations. But true fulfillment is not found by editing your life for the approval of others, but by living life for an audience of One.

https://www.cornerstonechurch.info/archiveblog/2020/12/5/the-mess-in-messiah-divine-detours

Maury and Joseph // Divine Detours

Mon, 30 Nov 2020 01:31:52 +0000

Everyone has expectations.

We have expectations for the people around us—that they will react a certain way, that they will build us up, that they will fulfill our needs. But of course, no one can actually live up to all the lofty expectations we set. And when they don’t, relationships get ruined. So, what can we do to edit our expectations to find true fulfillment in our relationships?

https://www.cornerstonechurch.info/archiveblog/2020/11/28/maury-and-joseph-divine-detours

Gratitude and Gains // Thank It To The Bank

Mon, 23 Nov 2020 01:02:53 +0000

Fred De Witt Van Amburgh, an early twentieth century author and poet, wrote that "Gratitude is a currency that we can mint for ourselves, and spend without fear of bankruptcy." Gratefulness and thankfulness are some of the most precious, prized commodities we can give to others and give to God. And the incredible thing is that as we generously “mint and spend” gratitude, we will find ourselves becoming richer than we ever could’ve imagined.

As we “mint and spend” the currency of gratitude to God and to the people in our life, we see a miracle take place. Not only do we never go bankrupt—we become richer! God takes our spirit of gratitude and works with it to transform the way we see everything in our life, giving us a priceless outlook that no amount of money in the world can buy. That is the power of gratitude.

Quid Pro Quo // Thank it to the Bank

Sun, 15 Nov 2020 16:48:02 +0000

Gratitude isn’t thank you notes or fruit baskets. It’s not something that we can check off a to-do list. It’s a way of life that is birthed by recognizing all God has done for us. But do we recognize God’s goodness by just “paying him back?” No! Like any good father, God wants us to “spend” our love and show our gratitude to his children—the people he’s placed in our lives.

https://www.cornerstonechurch.info/archiveblog/2020/11/14/quid-pro-quo-thank-it-to-the-bank

You, Not a View // A Better Country

Mon, 09 Nov 2020 05:00:46 +0000

After more than a year of build-up, it’s finally here—Election 2020. Unfortunately, this election cycle has become one of the most polarized, vitriolic, and hate-filled in our country’s history. We “cancel” each other over our candidate of choice, and we ruin relationships over political slogans and hashtags. Yes, that includes self-professing followers of Jesus. How can that be? Aren’t we citizens of the Kingdom—strangers in a foreign land, longing and living for “a better country”—a heavenly one? What if we started living out that truth? And if we did, how could it change our country and our relationships for the better?

“Republicans are racist! Democrats are criminals!” Elections are all about labels and identities. But the fact is, as citizens of the Kingdom, we aren’t Democrats or Republicans. We’re followers of the King. And Jesus’ kingdom ethic gives us our true identity, and it points us to the common ground we have with brothers and sisters on the other side of the political aisle.

For the message notes, follow this link!

Long Live the King // A Better Country

Mon, 02 Nov 2020 20:19:50 +0000

C.S. Lewis once said, “If you read history, you will find that the Christians who did most for the present world were just those who thought most of the next.” Peace, justice, equality...none of these things will be delivered by a Democrat or a Republican. You see, if we want a better country, it won’t come from fixating on “our” candidate—it will come from following our King.

For the message notes, follow this link!

Kill the Killer (And Make Sure He's Dead!) // How to Survive A Horror Movie

Mon, 02 Nov 2020 20:04:27 +0000

We’re the stars of our own lives and we all have a genre we’d prefer the script to follow. Rom-Com, Action/Adventure, Comedy...all experiences we’d like during a well-rounded life. But what happens when the script takes an unexpected turn down a foggy, deserted road? A road that leads to an abandoned hotel or a haunted cabin in the woods? What do we do when we find out the movie of our life has become a horror film? How can we survive the deadly mistakes and wrong turns that have claimed so many others? How can we make it out alive?

It’s all led up to this—you’re face to face with the killer. You think you have the upper hand. A candlestick over the head and he’s down for the count, right? Not so fast. The killer never stays dead. Just ask Jason, Michael, or Freddy. No, killing the killer is daily work. As the Reverend John Owen once said, “Cease not a day from this work. Be killing sin or it will be killing you.”

For the message notes, follow think link!

Avoid the Attic // How to Survive a Horror Movie

Sat, 31 Oct 2020 21:33:21 +0000

I mean, this is a no-brainer, right? Nothing good ever comes from going to the attic. It’s a place that’s haunted—not by ghosts, but by our past. The attic is a place where we store personal items and relics from a time gone by. And if we want live life to the full, we can’t get there by staying in the attic—dwelling on regrets, mistakes, and things we can’t change.

For message notes, follow this link!

It’s Never ‘Just the Wind’// How to Survive a Horror

Mon, 12 Oct 2020 15:40:40 +0000

What’s the worst thing you can do in a terrifying situation? Pretend you’re not in a terrifying situation. It’s never “just the wind” making noise—it’s always a monster! And as former Admiral Jim Stockdale says, “You must never confuse faith that you will prevail in the end—which you can never afford to lose—with the discipline to confront the most brutal facts of your current reality, whatever they might be.”

For message notes, follow this link!

Let’s Stick Together// How to Survive a Horror Movie

Mon, 05 Oct 2020 19:33:45 +0000

That never happens in a horror movie. Instead you hear, “OK everybody, let’s split up.” As soon as those words are uttered, you know someone is as good as dead. Why face whatever’s out in the dark by yourself? There’s strength in numbers, and there’s power in community. We can survive the most horrifying situations that life can throw our way—as long as we’re not facing them alone.

For message notes, follow this link!

Listen to the Old Timer// How to Survive a Horror Movie

Wed, 30 Sep 2020 14:30:08 +0000

Don’t you feel for the people in horror movies? They find themselves in absolutely terrifying situations—and without warning! Or...were they warned? More often than not there’s an old-timer, a sign, or a legend that’s clearly telling people to stay away. The same is true for us. We could save ourselves a scary ordeal simply by looking for and listening to wise counsel.

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Under Sell, Over Deliver // Milk & Honey, Giants & Wolves

Tue, 22 Sep 2020 22:09:00 +0000

God has empowered his people to boldly take ground and further His Kingdom in the world. He promises success—but that doesn’t mean there won’t be struggle. Walking into the land of milk and honey means wrestling with giants and wolves. Are you up for the fight? Are you prepared to step into the promises of God? Then bring on the conflict and the challenge—if God be for us, who or what can stop us!

Something amazing happens when we take God at His word and follow him—we find His promises to be truer and better than we ever could’ve imagined. God consistently over delivers on His word, and as we take steps to trust Him, we will see success like never before.

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Arrested Attention// Milk & Honey, Giants & Wolves

Tue, 22 Sep 2020 14:20:44 +0000

Giants and wolves lurk around the Promised Land, but there’s something even more insidious on the prowl—US. Often, the greatest threat to living in God’s will is our ability to lose focus on His will. It’s on us to listen to Him, no matter what conflict or challenge competes for our attention.

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It's Not Supposed to be Easy// Milk &Honey, Giants & Wolves

Tue, 08 Sep 2020 19:15:01 +0000

We tend to think the “Promised Land” is where things are easy, and life is good. But in reality struggle and opposition are precisely what we should expect to find as we step into God’s promises for our life. Giants and wolves, not ease and comfort, are the indicator that we’re on our way to the land of milk and honey

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Check Your Connection// Milk& Honey, Giants & Wolves

Tue, 01 Sep 2020 20:30:21 +0000

Too many people follow a God of complete power yet live a life of crippling paralysis. We allow fear of conflict and challenges to stop us from following God’s will for our lives. To change that, we need to focus on who God is and the power He has given us. If we’re going to step into the promises of God, we must tap into the power of God.

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Stand Your Ground- Keep Shooting // The Last Arrow

Mon, 24 Aug 2020 15:52:25 +0000

Imagine doing everything you were meant to do with your life. Imagine coming to the end of it all knowing that you shot every arrow in your quiver and you never gave up too soon. To do that is costly. You will face great risks. There is no backup plan. Everything is required, even your last arrow. Yet it is the only way to pursue life’s deepest joys and greatest battles—with a full heart and an empty quiver.

Opposition comes to everyone. But if you are going to live a life that pleases God and never settles, you will have to stand your ground and keep shooting with the arrows you have been given. There is never a time to stop and say, “I gave enough.” If you keep shooting your arrows, risking all the way, opting to live until you have nothing left to give, you will outlast your own life.

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Find Your People // The Last Arrow

Mon, 17 Aug 2020 14:43:49 +0000

The true genius behind sustained greatness is finding your people and establishing a team. You need people who believe in you and in the dream God has given. There are very few lone survivors.

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Act Like life Depends On It // The Last Arrow

Tue, 11 Aug 2020 18:11:50 +0000

You will never fulfill your life mission and dream until it becomes urgent. Everyone wants to have a great life and matter in some way. But time is always short. You must become urgent.

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Don't Stop Until You Are Finished // The Last Arrow

Mon, 03 Aug 2020 18:08:14 +0000

When you come to the end of your life, you will not measure your life event by event. All of these will blur into a single memory called life. What will matter is that you lived life with relentless ambition, a heart on fire, giving it all you have. We all begin this life with a quiver full of arrows. The choice is yours. Will you shoot them all?

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Distraction Danger // Wisdom

Mon, 27 Jul 2020 15:40:02 +0000

Most decisions in life aren’t about which is the “right” choice, but which is the “wise” choice. Wisdom goes beyond right and wrong, and illuminates which choice is best based on the complex realities of life. Join us as we seek and gain wisdom that benefits every area of our lives. You will learn the thinking processes that are an effective filter for all your decisions!

We all have distractions and temptations that come our way. They appeal to our emotions. Caving to the emotional draw may cost us our dream. How can we stay strong and focus on the big goal?

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Pause and Purpose// Wisdom

Tue, 21 Jul 2020 17:38:15 +0000

We all have decisions to make that are difficult and make us feel uneasy. Pausing to get clarity and consider a greater purpose will regret-proof our lives. We are God’s.

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An Honest Story // Wisdom

Mon, 13 Jul 2020 17:25:35 +0000

We all are skilled at lying to ourselves. But you write the story of your life one decision at a time. Tell yourself the truth so you can make regret-free decisions and tell the story you are proud to tell.

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Direction, Not Intention // Wisdom

Mon, 06 Jul 2020 14:39:18 +0000

Bad decisions made with good intentions are still bad decisions. It’s not intentions that matter; it’s actions. We are what we do and say, not what we intend. Our direction, not intentions, hopes, dreams, prayers, beliefs, intellect, or education, determines our destination. We all end up somewhere in life. Why not end up somewhere on purpose?

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Get Wisdom // Wisdom

Wed, 01 Jul 2020 18:49:53 +0000

“Life is hard. It’s harder when you’re stupid.” Rough language, but true. All through history and his relationships with people, God urges us to get wisdom. How can we? How will we recognize it when we see it? Knowledge is the accumulation of facts. Wisdom knows what the facts mean and how to apply them. You could be the smartest person in the world and still be a fool. Anyone can gain knowledge, but only God can give you wisdom.

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Part Two // Jars of Clay

Tue, 23 Jun 2020 14:56:56 +0000

We are vessels to be broken so that Christ's glory can shine through us.

We are the jars of clay with a treasure.

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Part One // Jars of Clay

Mon, 15 Jun 2020 20:00:40 +0000

We are vessels to be broken so that Christ's glory can shine through us.

We are the jars of clay with a treasure.

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How We Know// Better Than the Bible

Mon, 08 Jun 2020 20:06:26 +0000

Are you ever afraid someone will ask you why you believe what you believe? Do you fear someone might question what you believe? Responding to people's questions and challenges can get complicated. But what if you were confident you had the answer to the most important question about your faith? What if you could actually share a convincing faith in a cynical world? Our faith is solidly based on so much more than you might think! Let’s figure it out together!

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Reliable Source // Better Than the Bible

Tue, 02 Jun 2020 15:54:57 +0000

If you’re a Christian, you want to be able to defend your decision to follow Christ. You want to be able to share your confidence in Christ with confidence. But there has to be more to say than “the Bible tells me so”, right? YES! It’s even better than that…

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And the answer is // Better than the Bible

Tue, 26 May 2020 17:43:24 +0000

One of the most frustrating things about being a Christian is the questions people ask about what you believe. Especially if it is a skeptic. Especially if they already have an argument prepared. What are you supposed to say in just a few seconds? How do you defend your faith without losing your mind and credibility? Can you actually make an impact?

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What Does it Mean to be Filled and Led by the Holy Spirit? // Wildfire

Mon, 18 May 2020 19:24:09 +0000

The Message Bible refers to the Holy Spirit’s arrival and the spread of the gospel as “...like a wildfire.” Originally called the Holy Ghost because of his unseen nature, Jesus promised His Spirit would come and gift us the power to live like Him and share the life-changing message of the resurrection with the world. This two-part message series asks the questions: Who is the Holy Spirit? Why do we need Him? How can we be filled and led by Him? Join us Sundays for the answers!

Being filled with the Spirit is what empowers me to be authentic and attractive. It is not a suggestion but a command that informs and defines all my relationships, my wisdom, and my ability to live purely. When I am inhabited by the Holy Spirit I am able to accomplish what I never could do on my own.

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Who is the Holy Spirit and Why Do I Need Him // Wildfire

Mon, 18 May 2020 19:16:33 +0000

The Holy Spirit is the third person in the Trinity, the gift of Jesus to believers. He is the Helper, a person, not an “It.” I need him to empower me to live purposefully, effectively, and impact the world.

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