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?

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

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?

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

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?

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

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

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?

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

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?

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

​​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

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

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

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