Cornerstone Message Podcast

Ever feel like you're in it...alone? Going through something? Trying to accomplish something? You weren't designed to go it alone. We can accomplish more together than we can apart. And those that are in the arena have a lot more fun than those watching from the stands. In this week's episode of In It Together, we'll see how even the Apostle Paul depended upon his coworkers to accomplish his mission. And in the process we'll discover how to breathe new life into our own spiritual journey.

Why is it that there's too often so little difference between the way believers act and approach life compared to their unbelieving friends and neighbors? As we study through the New Testament letter from the Apostle Paul to the Philippian church, we see Paul presenting a vision of what it looks like to be a full-fledged and fully-committed citizen of God's kingdom while living in an outpost of the Roman empire. What is standard conduct for those who rally around the standard of Christ? See how following Jesus makes a real difference in this week's episode of In It Together.

We'd all like to know we're making progress. We don't like making the same mistakes twice. We want nagging problems solved. We want challenging relationships to get better. But how can I be certain that I will keep growing, keep on making progress, and that good outcomes and fresh starts are in my future? When the Apostle Paul wrote a letter to the church he founded in the Roman Colony of Philippi, he had every confidence that the hopeful start he had witnessed would carry on right through to the end. What gave him that confidence? Can we share in that confidence for our own lives?

The Apostle Paul and the churches he founded often encountered opposition. Philippi, a Roman colony in Greece, was no exception. Small in number, sailing against the prevailing cultural winds, and seen as a threat more than a help, the church at Philippi seemed to be in a perilous situation. Paul himself, the congregation's founder, was away and imprisoned because of the Gospel. But in spite of all this, he writes them a letter full of encouragement and joy. Paul found plenty of reasons to rejoice because he and the Philippians were joined together with Christ in the Gospel, and thus had purpose, provision, and partners for life. During this series this fall, you too will discover the joy and camaraderie of being in it together!

It's possible to show up at a church of any size, even a small one, and get lost in the crowd. Nothing is more discouraging than being surrounded by people and feeling alone. But it doesn't have to be that way. Most likely it's a misunderstanding: looking for connection in all the wrong places. What is the context for connection?

Many people come to church hoping to find fellowship and friendship. But even in a small church, not everyone has a lot in common, and those things we share, our common ground, are the usual foundation for relationships. So how does a diverse group become close knit?

Pastor David Denis of our On Site host church, United Baptist, updates us on the story of why ownership of the building is transferring from United Baptist Church to Restoration Foursquare Church. These two of four of the congregations meeting at our location have been talking about this for a while and it's becoming official in October. Practically speaking it means that you'll notice some upgrades and improvements around the building in the future and most importantly it hopefully secures this site for Kingdom of God purposes into the next generation.

You can get skilled at putting things right! Relationships are not always smooth sailing. But if our relationship is on the rocks, can anything be done? There are principles and steps that can set your 'ship right. Learn them and you'll be Master & Commander at putting things right.

Is it possible to miss how God is at work in the lives of the people around us? Sometimes we miss out on the friendships God has for us or the ways God wants to work through us in the lives of our friends because we don't know what to look for, or understand what God has done for us. Stay on target and stay on mission (and see how communion ties in to it all). What you're looking for may be right in front of you!

Are you happy with the number and health of your friendships? What makes for good friends and good friendships, at church and elsewhere? Make more friends and have better friendships: make a connection during the Praxis: Grow series.