Cornerstone Simi Audio Podcast

In this Summer Series on The Great Commission, Todd, Christian, and Spencer focus on Matthew 28:18 where Jesus declares His authority over all things. With Christian taking the lead in the discussion he explains how God uses His power and authority for good in contrast to how our culture frequently uses power and authority wrongly for our own purposes, not the purposes of God. The discussion with Spencer and Todd over the significance that Jesus was “given” His authority connects to God giving authority in the Garden to Adam and Eve before sin enters the world. Quoting from the book, Playing God, by Andy Crouch, Christian explains that like God creating the world, or “making stuff” we too are tasked to create and make things, using our authority or rule to bless the world. Furthermore, like God, who “makes sense” of the world, we too are to please God by helping others make sense of their lives in the context of a holy and righteous Creator. You will find our pastor's discussion both enlightening and motivating to steward your authority and power well!

This inaugural podcast of the Summer ‘22 series on The Great Commission begins with Christian taking the opportunity to introduce us to Matthew 28:16-20. (We encourage you to listen to Christian’s Sunday teaching first as it will enhance your appreciation of this discussion with Todd and Spencer.) The significant emphasis in this particular podcast is on verse 18, where Jesus declares, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.” You will appreciate the pastor’s discussion of when Jesus acquired His authority, and the significance it has today in our lives. Also of interest is that Jesus declares His authority before he gives the command to His disciples to go and make disciples! If you experience timidity in your Christian walk you will also greatly appreciate the discussion on verse 20, where Jesus makes a second declaration that “I am with you always, to the end of the age.” In closing this podcast our pastors discuss the implications of these 2 declarations and our allegiance to Christ first and foremost. You will undoubtedly rethink what you’ve previously believed about The Great Commission and this is a great introduction to the new series!

In this final podcast episode on 2 Thessalonians, Todd, Christian and Spencer discuss the Apostle Paul’s final words to the church in Thessalonica. Paul encourages the young believers to not “grow weary in doing good” but remarkably part of “doing good” is confronting others in the family of God, not in condemnation, but rather in love, to live out their identity in Christ as an image bearer of God. Todd reminds us of the 6 characteristics of good confrontation and our pastors emphasize the point that this practice should be commonplace and normative in the Christian experience. They even make a bold statement that confrontation should be done often enough that it becomes life-giving and even joyful. Listen in on their insightful discussion and consider the implications of confrontation done well in your own life.

Cornerstone Elder Dan Lovejoy joins Todd and Christian this week for a discussion on 2 Thessalonians 3:6-12. Noting that the apostle Paul uses the word “command” three times in these 7 verses, Dan points out that this is really important, what Paul is telling them (and us), and we need to pay attention. Their discussion continues about the importance of work, and that God works, work was a gift in the Garden of Eden, and we will actually also work in Heaven in the new creation. And if you ever used the command, “if you don't work, you don't eat”, out of context you will really enjoy this lively discussion on what this instruction really means. Although this is a lengthy podcast you will benefit greatly by its content and it will shape your thinking to a more biblical approach to work, brotherhood, and working to the glory of God.