Luke 2:22-35 - The Wait Is Over

In this sermon, Rev. Mike Wenzler looks at Luke 2:22-35 and Isaiah 60:1-3 in conjunction with the Christ Candle. The salvation Jesus brought is played out in His presentation in the Temple. There His conformity to the Law and His complete revelation calls us to account. The music of this season began on a note of reflection in anticipation of the celebration of Christ’s birth. Just as Israel longed for redemption in the midst of darkness, so the advent songs reflected longing for the need of deliverance and redemption. As we moved closer to Christmas Day, the music focused more on the joy and hope realized by Christ’s birth, the deliverance and hope that it brings.

Listen Online: Luke 2:22-35

Read Online: Luke 2:22-35

Luke 2:8-20; Isaiah 9:2-7 - Treasuring Jesus

This Sunday, Rev. Ben Sinnard will look at Luke 2:8-20 and Isaiah 9:2-7 in conjunction with the Angel Candle. This revelation and proclamation from the angels led those who heard it to wonder and treasure up this newborn baby. May we treasure Jesus above all else. The music of this season begins on a note of reflection in anticipation of the celebration of Christ’s birth. Just as Israel longed for redemption in the midst of darkness, so the advent songs reflect longing for the need of deliverance and redemption. As we move closer to Christmas Day, the music focuses more on the joy and hope realized by Christ’s birth, the deliverance and hope that it brings.

Listen Online: Luke 2:8-20; Isaiah 9:2-7

Read Online: Luke 2:8-20; Isaiah 9:2-7

Luke 2:8-20; Isaiah 40:9-11 - Shepherds

This Sunday, Rev. Chris Vogel will look at Luke 2:8-20 and Isaiah 40:9-11 in conjunction with the Shepherd Candle. The music of this season begins on a note of reflection in anticipation of the celebration of Christ’s birth. Just as Israel longed for redemption in the midst of darkness, so the advent songs reflect longing for the need of deliverance and redemption. As we move closer to Christmas Day, the music focuses more on the joy and hope realized by Christ’s birth, the deliverance and hope that it brings.

Listen Online: Luke 2:8-20; Isaiah 40:9-11

Read Online: Luke 2:8-20; Isaiah 40:9-11

Luke 2:1-7; Micah 5:1-5a - Bedlam in Bethlehem

In this sermon, Rev. Chris Vogel will look at Luke 2:1-7 and Micah 5:1-5a, which is in conjunction with the Bethlehem Candle as we reflect on the Messiah’s birth in David’s city. The music of this season begins on a note of reflection in anticipation of the celebration of Christ’s birth. Just as Israel longed for redemption in the midst of darkness, so the advent songs reflect longing for the need of deliverance and redemption. As we move closer to Christmas Day, the music focuses more on the joy and hope realized by Christ’s birth, the deliverance and hope that it brings.

Listen Online: Luke 2:1-7; Micah 5:1-5a

Read Online: Luke 2:1-7; Micah 5:1-5a

Matthew 1:18-23 & Isaiah 7:10-17 - The Promise of God's Presence

In this sermon, Rev. Chris Vogel will look at Matthew 1:18-23 and Isaiah 7:10-17 in conjunction with the Prophecy Candle as we reflect on the promise from ages past in which a virgin will give birth to a son, whose name will be Immanuel, God with us. The music of this season begins on a note of reflection in anticipation of the celebration of Christ’s birth. Just as Israel longed for redemption in the midst of darkness, so the advent songs reflect longing for the need of deliverance and redemption. As we move closer to Christmas Day, the music focuses more on the joy and hope realized by Christ’s birth, the deliverance and hope that it brings.

Listen Online: Matthew 1:18-23; Isaiah 7:10-17

Read Online: Matthew 1:18-23

Read Online: Isaiah 7:10-17

John 1:43-51 - Heaven Is Open To Us

In this sermon, Rev. Chris Vogel preaches from John 1:43-51. Here Jesus calls Philip to follow Him, who in turn invites Nathanael. Jesus continues to build his church, first through the preaching of John the Baptizer, family outreach by Andrew and now friendship evangelism that brings in Nathanael. Jesus’ words to Nathanal takes us to Genesis 28 as God calls the deceiver, Jacob.

Listen Online: John 1:43-51

Read Online: John 1:43-51

John 1:35-39 - What Are You Seeking?

In this sermon, Rev. Chris Vogel preaches from John 1:35-39, where John the Baptist points two of his disciples to Jesus, thus illustrating the role of the preacher: is to point others to the Lamb of God. Jesus then asks these two the probing question, “What are you seeking?” a question which we should ask ourselves as we gather together. This inauspicious beginning of Jesus’ ministry illustrates how Jesus continues to build His Church.

Listen Online: John 1:35-39

Read Online: John 1:35-39

John 1:29-34 - Jesus' Redeeming and Empowering Work

In this sermon, Rev. Christopher Vogel takes us to John 1:29-34. Here we read how John the Baptizer reveals Jesus as the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. Jesus’ identification as the Son of God, revealed by the dwelling of Spirit in the form of the dove pictures Christ’s work in rescuing His people from their sin.

Listen Online: John 1:29-34

Read Online: John 1:29-34

John 1:19-28 - Revealing the Hidden

In this sermon Rev. Ben Sinnard preaches from John 1:19-28. John 1:19-28 directly follows the prologue (1:1-18) and begins the narrative of John's Gospel. On the surface, this looks like a how-to on witnessing, but the deeper concern is blindness. The Christ was hidden from those gathered with John because of their spiritual blindness. No matter how hard they (and we) might try, the "One who comes after John" must be revealed.

Listen Online: John 1:19-28

Read Online: John 1:19-28

John 1:14-18 - Christ: Unique in Grace

In this sermon, Rev. Chris Vogel preaches from John 1:14-18 which highlights the uniqueness of both the glory and the grace of Jesus Christ. This Sunday we will focus on the grace, a word not used again in the Gospel. Nevertheless, the uniqueness of the grace permeates this gospel as we see that Christ is unique in abundant grace, unique in surpassing grace, and unique in revealing grace.

Listen Online: John 1:14-18

Read Online: John 1:14-18

John 1:14-18 - Christ: Unique in Glory

In this sermon, Rev. Chris Vogel preaches from John 1:14-18 which highlights the uniqueness of both the glory and the grace of Jesus Christ. This week we will focus on the glory and look at the grace next week. The uniqueness of Christ’s glory is found in the incarnation, that God took on flesh and made His home among us. What is hinted at in Exodus 25:8 and pictured as a passing shadow in Exodus 33-34 is made real for us today.

Listen Online: John 1:14-18

Read Online: John 1:14-18

John 1:6-13 - True Witness. True Light.

In this sermon, Rev. Ben Sinnard preaches from John 1:6-13. Here we see that God uses human witnesses to make clear the light of Christ (Jn 1:6-8). God uses the witness of humans to peel back the darkness of the world. The response of the world comes in two forms: rejection or reception. The beauty of the Gospel is seen in that God adopts us as his children (Jn 1:9-13).

Listen Online: John 1:6-13

Read Online: John 1:6-13

John 1:1-5 - The Perspective of the Word

In this sermon, Rev. Chris Vogel preaches from John 1:1-5. Here we see that who we are is rooted in what God has done. We exist because the Word, the second person of the Trinity, created us, gave us life and is the light that shines in the darkness (Jn 1:3-5).

Listen Online: John 1:1-5

Read Online: John 1:1-5

John 1:1-2

In this sermon Rev. Chris Vogel takes us to John 1:1-2. John opens his Gospel with the beginning, not with an act of divine creation, as in Genesis 1:1, but the beginning of divine being. The depths of this statement are plumbed not in theoretical abstraction, but in the revealing of a relationship.

Listen Online: John 1:1-2

Read Online: John 1:1-2

The Gospel of John: Introduction & Overview

In this sermon Rev. Chris Vogel begins a new series in the Gospel of John. John’s unique focus on Jesus’ signs in the first half is followed by a detailed examination of Christ’s final week. This perspective is summarized in John 20:30-31 which gives John’s purpose. This Sunday we will be introduced to this book and its key themes.

Listen Online: John 20:30-31

Read Online: John 20:30-31

1 Kings 22:1-38

In this sermon, Rev. Chris Vogel preaches on the conclusion of 1 Kings. We are reminded here of the firm foundation of God’s Word as Ahab seeks to hear only good from God, despite his constant rebellion and God repeatedly offering grace. When the prophet Micaiah foretells Ahab’s impending death, Ahab seeks to circumvent God’s word by disguise only to have a seemingly random arrow pierce his armor. Once again the certainty of God’s Word stands firm.

Listen Online: 1 Kings 22:1-38

Read Online: 1 Kings 22:1-38

1 Kings 21

In this sermon, Chris Vogel discusses King Ahab coveting Naboth's vineyard results not only in sour grapes, but murder (1 Kings 21). Elijah's confrontation details the consequences of Ahab's greedy heart, but also opens the door to God's mercy and Ahab's repentance. That God celebrates the messy, short-lived and questionable heart change of the king gives us hope when our repentances are less than perfect. Nevertheless, the consequences remain.

Listen Online: 1 Kings 21

Read Online: 1 Kings 21

1 Kings 20

In this sermon, Chris Vogel speaks about how King Ahab is confronted by his arch nemesis, Ben-Hadad of Syria (1 Kings 20). Twice God graciously spares His people from defeat so that they know that He is the Lord. Yet in the end, Ahab shows disregard for God’s gracious protection and through the parable of a prophet declares that our obedience is a matter of life or death.


Listen Online: 1 Kings 20:1-43

Read Online: 1 Kings 20:1-43

Mark 4:35-41 - Why Are You Afraid?

In this sermon we are pleased to welcome Rod Mays. Dr. Mays has spent fifteen years as the National Coordinator for Reformed University Fellowship (RUF), the campus ministry of the Presbyterian Church in America now present at over 145 campuses nationwide. Prior to his current position, Rod spent nine years as Senior Pastor of Woodruff Road Presbyterian Church in Greenville, SC. Rod also serves as an Adjunct Professor of Practical Theology at Reformed Theology Seminary.

Listen Online: Mark 4:35-41

Read Online: Mark 4:35-41

1 Kings 19:19-21

In this sermon we return to 1 Kings 19 as Elijah, having come down from Sinai, calls Elisha to follow him as a prophet. The cost of discipleship may be great, but God’s call to serve Him is a call to total commitment. We see this in verses 19-21 as Elisha burns the yokes and sacrifices his oxen.

Listen Online: 1 Kings 19:19-21

Read Online: 1 Kings 19:19-21

Matthew 5:13-16 - Sodium For The Soul

In this sermon, pastor Rob Ilderton discusses salt and light. Images God uses for his people and how our interactions should look. Rob is a missionary with Mission To the World (MTW) in England.

Listen Online: Matthew 5:13-16

Read Online: Matthew 5:13-16

1 Kings 19:9-18

Elijah’s wallowing in self-pity takes him to Mt. Horeb (aka Sinai) where God speaks powerfully but not in the way the prophet would have imagined (1 Kings 19:9-18). Elijah experiences God’s quiet work of drawing people to Himself.

Listen Online: 1 Kings 19:9-18

Read Online: 1 Kings 19:9-18

1 Kings 18:41 - 19:9

Elijah is faced with the reality of life. The change brought about by God was not the change he expected. After the victory of Mt Carmel he feels defeated and deflated. Fleeing (1 Kings 19:1-9) to the place where God made His promise to His people brings Elijah to a clearer picture of grace.

Listen Online: 1 Kings 18:41 - 19:9

Read Online: 1 Kings 18:41 - 19:9

1 Kings 18:20-46

The climactic contest comes as Elijah v. the 450 false prophets cry out to see if Yahweh or Baal is able to answer. 1 Kings 18:20-46 takes us to the top of Mt. Carmel in a dramatic showdown where God’s promise to His people is affirmed.

Listen Online: 1 Kings 18:20-46

Read Online: 1 Kings 18:20-46

1 Kings 18:1-19

We return to 1 Kings where the contest between Yahweh and Baal begins to climax. After three years of drought the prophet Elijah returns to face King Ahab (1 Kings 18:1-19). The question is: who is culpable for the calamity that has befallen Israel?

Listen Online: 1 Kings 18:1-19

Read Online: 1 Kings 18:1-19

Psalm 1 - The Pursuit of Happiness

This Sunday, we are pleased to have Rev. Ben Sinnard, Cornerstone's new Assistant Pastor. Ben, Kara, Maren and Reid come from Lincoln, NE where Ben served as an Assistant Pastor at Redeemer PCA. Ben will look at Psalm 1 this morning and our pursuit of eternal, lasting happiness.

Listen Online: Psalm 1

Read Online: Psalm 1

Mark 9:2-29 - Help My Unbelief

We are pleased to welcome Dan Breed, Church Planting Pastor of Emmaus Road Presbyterian Church in Appleton, WI. While originally from Madison, Dan, Erin and their three (now four) girls moved from Denver, CO late in 2011 and held their first public worship in March of 2013. Dan will look at Mark 9, specifically at the man who calls out, “I believe, help my unbelief.”



Listen Online: Mark 9:2-29

Read Online: Mark 9:2-29

1 Kings 17:1-7

We meet a rising figure in the Old Testament, the prophet. As the kings, especially in Israel to the north, descend into disobedience, God brings prophets like Elijah to pronounce judgment as we see in 1 Kings 17:1-7. God’s use of Elijah as well as His care of him, encourages us, so that, with James, we can say that Elijah was like us (James 5:17).

Listen Online: 1 Kings 17:1-7

Read Online: 1 Kings 17:1-7

Acts 11:1-11 - Peter's Vision

In this message, we are pleased to have Rev. Kyle Ferguson visit from Roanoke, VA. Kyle will take us to Acts 11:1-11 where Peter describes the vision he received which opened up the church to Gentiles.

Listen Online: Acts 11:1-11

Read Online: Acts 11:1-11

1 Kings 16:8-28

We see in 1 Kings 16:8-28 the end that comes when we are bored with God’s plan for our life and pursue our own pleasures. The three wicked kings spoken of in this passage meet sorry ends, so that even if their life‘s accomplishments may impress others, the final commentary on their life says otherwise.

Listen Online: 1 Kings 16:8-28

Read Online: 1 Kings 16:8-28

1 Kings 15:9-24

We at last meet a good king. Asa, King of Judah, changes the course of idolatry set by his father Rehoboam and grandfather, Solomon. In our passage this morning, 1 Kings 15:9-24, we are reminded that by God’s grace lives are changed and the sins of the previous generation need not be replicated in one’s own.

Listen Online: 1 Kings 15:9-24

Read Online: 1 Kings 15:9-24

John 4:31-37, Matthew 9:35-38 - The Harvest

Rev. Ted Powers shares a message on The Harvest. Ted is a seasoned church planter and pastor, having previously planted and pastored a church in the Chicago area. Since 2002 Ted has been the national Church Planting Coordinator for Mission to North America (MNA) where he spends most of his time in the areas of church planter vision-building, prayer mobilization, assessment, strategic planning, recruiting, training, and mentoring.


Listen Online: John 4:31-37, Matthew 9:35-38

Read Online: John 4:31-37

Read Online: Matthew 9:35-38

Psalm 51 - Confessions of a Kingaholic

Mike Wenzler, recently licensed candidate for ordination in the PCA, will walk us through Psalm 51.

Listen Online: Psalm 51

Read Online: Psalm 51

1 Kings 14:1-20

In this message, we are reminded that our attempts at deceiving God will fail. In 1 Kings 14:1-20 judgment against Jeroboam is announced, and that verdict is carried out on his descendants and the nation of Israel. The acts of the one who represents the many reminds us of the bad news in the fall, but the good news of Jesus Christ who brings good to His people.

Listen Online: 1 Kings 14:1-20

Read Online: 1 Kings 14:1-20

1 Kings 13:11-34

We look at 1 Kings 13:11-34 where we are confronted with disobedience by all involved: an old prophet who lies when claiming God’s revelation, a Judean prophet who does not follow through on God’s command and even a lion who kills but does not consume his prey. This very odd and little known story serves to illustrate how often we ignore God’s commands, thus showing our need of a savior.

Listen Online: 1 Kings 13:11-34

Read Online: 1 Kings 13:11-34

1 Kings 12:25-13:10 - Idols That Manipulate

In this message, we return to 1 Kings 12:25-13:10 where Jeroboam seeks to maintain control of the northern kingdom. This is not merely ancient history of deviant idolatry, but gives us a glimpse into our hearts and the extent we will go to ensure our grasp on power over others. There remains, however, the promise of the restorative power of the gospel of grace.

Listen Online: 1 Kings 12:25-13:10

Read Online: 1 Kings 12:25-13:10

John 20:1-18

On this Sunday, we celebrate our risen Savior, Jesus Christ, as we hear from John 20:1-18. The account of the empty tomb and Jesus’ gentle words of acceptance spoken to Mary comforts us. As God the Father raised His Son from the dead, He pours out His affection on us, pursuing us as His children.


Listen Online: John 20:1-18

Read Online: John 20:1-18

1 Kings 12:1-24 - Sacrificial Leadership

1 Kings 12:1-24 portrays a bold reversal to Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem. As Solomon’s son Rehoboam is confronted with the option of serving or being served and Jeroboam leads the people in rejecting the promise God had made to His people, we too are faced with what it means that Christ came not to be served, but to serve.

Listen Online: 1 Kings 12:1-24

Read Online: 1 Kings 12:1-24

Galatians 6:11-15 - The Cross of Christ

We hear the concluding words of the Apostle Paul in his letter to the Galatians, paying special attention to his summary statement concerning the cross of Jesus Christ, and how the lives of Christians should be affected by it.

We welcome this morning Jay Nelson to our pulpit as Chris is out of town. Jay, his wife Vicki, and their children Megan and Joel came to Cornerstone in 2002, and Jay has served as a ruling elder on the Session since 2004.

Listen Online: Galatians 6:11-15

Read Online: Galatians 6:11-15

1 Kings 11:9-25

In this message, we see God’s response to false worship in 1 Kings 11:9-25. As Solomon has turned from God to go after other gods, so God tears the kingdom from Solomon and gives it to his servant. While the nation will endure and God’s promises will not end, the resultant discipline will be seen first in foreign adversaries rising up to challenge God’s people.

Listen Online: 1 Kings 11:9-25

Read Online: 1 Kings 11:9-25

1 Kings 11:1-8 - Idols of the Heart

The downward spiral of Israel’s kings begins. In 1 Kings 11:1-8, the scene shifts from Solomon’s wisdom and great works for God to his insatiable appetite for acquiring wives from the surrounding nations. In his many marriages he soon turned his heart to worship the gods of his wives, breaking his covenant with the Lord God of Israel.

Listen Online: 1 Kings 11:1-8

Read Online: 1 Kings 11:1-8

1 Kings 10:1-13 - The Queen of Sheba

We hear of the Queen of Sheba coming to experience the wisdom of King Solomon (1 Kings 10:1-13). Finding the truth that is in Christ alone is a worthy quest, but while the queen sought it at the feet of an earthly king, we find the wisdom that changes lives at the foot of the cross.

Listen Online: 1 Kings 10:1-13

Read Online: 1 Kings 10:1-13

Mark 5:1-20 - Jesus Loves Beggars

In this message, Tyler Dirks will be sharing from God’s Word. We will be looking at Mark 5:1-20, and see that Jesus Loves Beggars. We must come to grips with our profound neediness and dependency before we are able to understand that Jesus alone can meet that neediness.


The Dirks are with us this morning as they and the Wisconsin Presbytery prayerfully consider planting a church on Milwaukee’s eastside. Tyler is originally from Dodge City, KS. While in college at Kansas State University, Tyler served on staff with Young Life at Crooked Creek Ranch in Fraser Valley, CO where he met his wife Carrie, who is from South Carolina. Tyler graduated with his M.Div. from Reformed Theological Seminary in Charlotte, NC in May of 2007, and took a call to be the Campus Minister for RUF (Reformed University Fellowship) at Johnson & Wales University in Charlotte. Tyler and Carrie are proud parents to Margaret Grace, Henry Lewis and Haven Katelin.

Listen Online: Mark 5:1-20

Read Online: Mark 5:1-20

1 Kings 9:1-9

Some 20 years have passed since Solomon came to the throne. At the beginning of his reign, God came to him, granting him wisdom. Now at the half way point, God again speaks (1 Kings 9:1-9), promising His positive presence where there is obedience and discipline where there is disregard for His Law. This chapter marks the beginning of Solomon¹s great decline and is a warning for us, as well.

Listen Online: 1 Kings 9:1-9

Read Online: 1 Kings 9:1-9

1 Kings 8:22-30, 46-61

With the Temple now complete and all the furnishing in place, Solomon dedicates the Temple by offering not only sacrifices, but prayer (1 Kings 8). Solomon¹s words not only recall God¹s promise to his
father, David, but also remind us of the need of turning from sin and to God. Repentance is critical to finding rest in all God has done for us in Christ.

Listen Online: 1 Kings 8:22-30, 46-61

Read Online: 1 Kings 8:22-30, 46-61

1 Kings 8:1-11

We encounter the centerpiece of the Temple, the Ark of the Covenant. In 1 Kings 8:1-11 Solomon brings the Ark from the Tabernacle to the Temple with the resultant effect of the cloud of God¹s presence, His glory, filling the Temple. This picture of God¹s throne, containing the two tablets of the Law given to Moses, points us to not only God¹s demands, but His solution, given to us in Jesus Christ.

Listen Online: 1 Kings 8:1-11

Read Online: 1 Kings 8:1-11

1 Kings 7:13-14, 40-51 - Temple Furniture, a Picture of Redemption

In this message we examine the furniture that is a part of the Temple as we look at 1 Kings 7:13-14, 40-51. You can know a person by knowing their home; likewise, God’s Temple communicates His character and purpose. The beauty of God’s presence is seen not just on the decorations on the wall (1 Kings 6), but in what the Temple is used for…a representation of redemption.

Listen Online: 1 Kings 7:13-14, 40-51

Read Online: 1 Kings 7:13-14, 40-51

2 Thessalonians 3:2-5 - Final Words

Kyle shares some final words from 2 Thessalonians 3:2-5. Paul’s concluding thoughts serve as a window for us today as we consider God’s faithfulness as we are called to pray for the Fergusons as they pursue God’s calling in their life in Virginia.


Listen Online: 2 Thessalonians 3:2-5

Read Online: 2 Thessalonians 3:2-5

1 Kings 6:14-38 - The Beauty of God

In this message, we return to 1 Kings, looking at the interior of Solomon’s Temple (6:14-38). You can know a person by knowing their home; likewise, God’s Temple communicates His character and purpose. The emphasis on the Temple’s interior ornamentation describes a loving God, calling us to relish in the beauty of creation with an eye to the fullness of redemption.

Listen Online: 1 Kings 6:14-38

Read Online: 1 Kings 6:14-38