Cornerstone Message Podcast

Having seen how God gives forms and then fills our lives with good things by examining this pattern in the creation narrative, in Part Two of Reboot we're seeing how this pattern plays out practically in our lives when it comes to our schedule, our sexuality, and our finances.

See your faith from a fresh perspective.

Jesus includes people who wouldn't normally be included, and blesses them beyond what could be expected. Now that we've seen how Jesus' habit was to include outsiders and outliers, we'll see what he gives to them as he makes them the ultimate insiders in part two of "Included."

We all want to be included. It feels good. But it becomes meaningless if everyone is included. So our world looks for ways to draw lines and build walls to clarify who's in and who's out, who's special and who's not. The people of Jesus' day did the same thing. But how are Jesus' people, his followers, supposed to treat the outsider and the outlier? From the very start of the story, the Nativity, we get the answer.

How do we handle differences without causing division? Jesus' followers have been unified in him; our job is to protect and maintain that unity. Even though there will always be people who are divisive, it doesn't have to divide the church. The Apostle Paul gives Titus a clear, simple process for dealing with division and divisiveness. And in this message we'll see what unifies believers everywhere.

Note: Brian wishes you to know that he does know that "done" is spelled d-o-n-E despite the evidence of this message. "It's a silent e; a very silent e."

Pastor Brian explains the Advent season is a season of waiting and anticipation.

Does it seem as though there are always some people screaming for our attention about things that distract and divide? Do I need to pay attention? Will I miss out if I tune out? You can know what is important and what can safely be ignored with the criteria laid out in today's Scripture passage. Don't be derailed by fruitless arguments or man-made rules. The fruit will tell you all you need to know about the root.

How do you handle passages in the Bible that seem to be outdated, out of touch, or simply wrong? Believe it or not, there are logical, helpful , and consistent answers to the challenge of difficult passages. Overcome objections. Understand what the Bible is really saying. Learn how to apply ancient prescriptions to today's situations. The key? To apply, use R.O.I.

What qualifies a person for leadership? In our study of the New Testament letter to Titus, the church was in danger of taking their cue for what was acceptable from the average person around them rather than from the standard of Jesus and the Gospel. How can we be sure to take our cue from Jesus and the Gospel, and surround ourselves with people who will "spur us on toward love and good deeds"?

Listening to this message qualifies as attending "NEXT–Welcome to Cornerstone Community Church" and prequalifies you for membership at Cornerstone for the 2022-2023 ministry season. // Get clarity about what it means to participate in the life of our church, and how God wants to include you in what he's doing in the world today.