The Cross of Christmas Galatians 4:4-7

Today we celebrate the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ.  Our text is Galatians 4:4-7, which ushers us into a story, a true story, of the history of God’s redemptive plans culminating with the birth of Christ, but not stopping there.  Christmas is Christ’s first step to the cross.   We can’t separate them from each other.  At the heart of the Gospel is an adoption.  One pays the cost that the adopted could never pay, but in so doing the adopted is welcomed into a new family with full rights as heirs.  This is the family of God and our identity is radically shaped through Christ’s birth, born of a woman, born under the law, and his purpose, to redeem those under the law, that we might have adoption as sons. 

Read Online: Galatians 4:4-7

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Longing For Light - 1 John 1:5-10

This morning our service, and especially the preached word, will be centered on what it means to embrace Christ as the Light who broke into our darkness. This is a central theme of the Advent season. In our passage in 1 John 1:5-10 we will be learning more what it means to have fellowship with a God who is light and in turn to live in the light as those united to Christ and cleansed by His blood!

Read Online: 1 John 1:5-10

"Longing For Joy" Habakkuk 3:17-19

Today in Worship – This morning we remain in the season of Advent.  Advent calls the church and her people into a season of waiting with the purpose of developing within us an acute recognition of God’s purposes and work in this world, specifically sending His Son, Jesus Christ into the world, the Incarnate Word made flesh.  But we also look forward to what is to come, the return of Christ, the renewal of all things.  This morning we focus on Joy, as we look at Habakkuk 3:17-19.  Joy is not simply an emotion, but an inner, settled, confident rest in God that doesn’t allow circumstances to rob or increase my experience of it.  Joy is praising God in all of life, regardless of circumstance, regardless of situation, regardless. 

Read Online: Hab.3:17-19

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"Do you want peace forever ? Then be willing to lose it now. " Matthew 10:34-39

Today in Worship – This morning we begin the season of Advent.  Advent calls the church and her people into a season of waiting with the purpose of developing within us an acute recognition of God’s purposes and work in this world, specifically sending His Son, Jesus Christ into the world, the Incarnate Word made flesh.  But we also look forward to what is to come, the return of Christ, the renewal of all things.  This morning we focus on Peace as we look at Matthew 10:34-39.  Earthly peace can be elusive but eternal peace is ours already in Christ and will be fully enjoyed when all things are made new. 

Read Online: Matt.10:34-39


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Living as Hopeful Exiles 1 Peter 5:5-14

We conclude our Fall sermon series in 1^st Peter looking at the final verses 1 Peter 5:5-14.  Peter brings the book to a conclusion by tying together God’s care for his people, the battle with sin, and the restoration and renewal of Christ in that he will restore, confirm, strengthen and establish us.  For those scattered in the Dispersion, and even for us today, leaning on the promises of God and resting in the peace of Christ is crucial for living well. 

Read Online: 1 Peter 5: 5-14

Living as Exiles: Shepherds and Sheep 1 Peter 5:1-5

In this message - We continue in our series in 1^st Peter looking at Chapter 5:1-5. Peter is continuing his final words to the elect exiles now as he hones in on the leadership of church.  The church's leadership, the elders/shepherds, is to be a radically counter-cultural position and to expend themselves quite different compared to the leaders around them.  The Elders have a call to shepherd as examples to the flock and the church is to be subject to the elders, clothing themselves in humility.  Living in light of 1 Peter 5:1-5 allows the church to be a refuge for the needy, sick, and lost while also advancing the mission of the gospel..]



Read Online: 1 Peter 5:1-5
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Living as Exiles: Suffering as a Christian - 1 Peter 4:12-19

We continue in our series in 1st Peter looking at Chapter 4:12-19. Peter begins his final words to the elect exiles here as he looks at suffering. Being a minority voice, an exile will most certainly mean suffering. Peter lays out a brief theology of suffering in these 8 verses speaking to the meaning of suffering, the response in suffering, the reason for suffering and finally how to withstand suffering. To suffer well one must be fully convinced both intellectually and relation-ally that of God’s character and his goodness.



Read Online: 1 Peter 4:12-19

Watch Online: Living as Exiles

Living In Love: Stewards of God's Grace 1 Peter 4: 1-11

We continue in our series in 1st Peter looking at Chapter 4:1-11. Peter outlines what it looks like to live in light of Christ’s suffering and his return. Once again we see Peter giving us instructions for faithful Christian conduct — conduct that is rooted in love, hospitality, and service. The question before us is this: In light of Christ’s abundant sacrifice and love for his children, how shall we live and steward God’s gifts in this present age? 

Read Online: 1 Peter 4:1-11

The Good Outsider 1 Peter 3: 8-22

We welcome Rev. Matt Grimsley who will be preaching through 1 Peter 3:8-22 and looking at the calling of the church to be a community of love, hope, and faith.  We are called to bless and to be a blessing, being zealous for what is good, and longing for the righteousness of Christ given to us through his suffering.     

Read Online:1 Peter 3: 8-22

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Living as Exiles: Beautiful Submission 1 Peter 3:1-7

We continue our sermon series looking at 1 Peter 3:1-7.  Flowing from the previous verses, Peter further elaborates on submission as it relates to the home, in particular between husbands and wives. The picture that Peter lays before his readers and before us is that of a beautiful and loving submission ultimately rooted in the humility and submission that Christ demonstrated for us!

Read Online: 1 Peter 3: 1-7

Living as Exiles: Radical Submission 1 Peter 2:13-25

 "In this message...We continue our sermon series looking at 1 Peter 2:13-25.  Peter now delves into specific areas that 2:11-12 can be applied, human institutions (government) and masters (workplace).  Submission is the calling in these passages, submission in a similar manner as Christ displayed through his persecution, crucifixion and death.  We submit to these things not because they are perfect (or even sometimes good), but because we long to be Christ-like and as he was marked by submission, so ought we, entrusting our very lives to our good, faithful, strong Shepherd and Overseer."



Read Online: 1 Peter 2:13-25

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Living Out Our True Identity 1 Peter 2:4-12

Today in Worship We continue our sermon series looking at 1 Peter 2:4-12.  We are reminded here that we are being built together as a spiritual house, with Christ as the Cornerstone, yet the stone the builders rejected.  But the people of God are different— God is making us into a unique and special people for a specific purpose, mainly, “that they may see your good deeds and glorify God.”  Our identity as a people shapes our mission as God’s people.  

Read Online: 1 Peter 2:4-12

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Listen: 1 Peter 2:4-12

1st Peter 1:22-2:3 Faithfulness In Our Times

Today in Worship We continue our sermon series looking at 1 Peter 1:22-2:3.  We are called to holiness expressed in brotherly love, loving one another earnestly from a pure heart.  This being so, because we have been born again through the living and abiding word of God.  The word of God is sure and lasting, it doesn’t wither or fall away.  Through it we grow up in the faith, like children learning to walk, talk and develop.  The word of God is to grow us in our holiness, our love for one another, and ultimately our tasting that the Lord is good. 



Read Online: 1 Peter 1:22-2:3

Video:

Living as Exiles 1 Peter 1:13-21

We continue our sermon series looking at 1 Peter 1:13-21.  Peter concluding his discussion and presentation of salvation, our inheritance, guarded in heaven by God’s power, now says that we are to have exceptionally settled, firm hope and to be holy in all ways.  We are to be holy because God is our Father and because Christ is our Redeemer.  These truths are to fuel our holiness.  Living as exiles was never intended to be easy, but with hope that anchors our souls we can know and experience true stability and peace, resting in the promises of God. 

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A Settled Hope for Unsettled Exiles 1 Peter 1:1-12

 "In this message, We begin our 11 week sermon series in 1^st Peter.  This series will take us up to Advent.  1^st Peter, written by the Apostle Peter, opens with a greeting and was written to a whole group of places and people.  One commentator says this is the new Diaspora, scattered in the world, but chosen by the Father, sanctified by the Spirit and cleansed by the sprinkling of Christ’s blood.  A good descriptor of God’s work in us as well.  We are elect exiles, even here, even now, and Peter has a lot to inform us about how then should we live.  Living as Exiles, a study and lesson we all need to hear." 

Read Online: 1 Peter 1:1-12

In this message, We welcome Kurt who serves in London, England as a missionary.  Kurt and his wife Jill have been “International Staff” at Cornerstone for a number of years and it is our privilege to hear from Kurt during our worship service.


Read Online: Mathew 5:43-48

Watch online: Matthew 5:43-48 Everyday Missions

From Sabbath to new Beginnings

Today in Worship We wrap up our time in 2 Kings…by looking at 2 Chronicles 36:15-23. These two accounts give the final days of the kingdom of Judah, our passage offers us more background as to God’s work with his people, which includes not only his anger toward their sin, but the hope of his mercy as their exile will last but 70 years and their return to Jerusalem shall come. This end will usher in a new beginning.

Read Online: 2 Chronicles 36: 15-23

Pursuing Peace And...

In this message, reverend Paul Cornwell will be preaching on Hebrews 12:12-17 and looking at what it means to pursue peace in accord with the Gospel. How might pursuing peace lead us further into sanctification, the grace of God, and other aspects of the Christian life?

Read here: Hebrews 12:12-17

Listen to the sermon here:

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"In this message King Josiah continues his reforms. In 2 Kings 23, despite the certainty of Jerusalem’s impending destruction and the promise of his peaceful death, Josiah reads Moses’ Law to the people and cleanses the land of idolatry. National repentance demanded not only the removal of that which was false, but re-instating the true, namely the Passover."



Read Online: 2 Kings 23:1-15, 21-25

Watch Online: 2 Kings23:1-15,21-25

2 Kings 22 Finding The Word of God

In this message we meet the last good king in Judah, Josiah in 2 Kings 22. While repairing the Temple, the Book of the Law is discovered, having been neglected for some time. Josiah’s remorse and repentance opens the doors for more reforms, which we will see next week. Here we see the foundation of God’s Word as our only hope upon which we can build our lives.



Read Online: 2 Kings 22

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2 Kings 19:14-37 Sovereignty on Display

Today in Worship we continue looking at the Old Testament narratives in the book of 2 Kings. Following from last week, we are looking at the account of King Hezekiah’s reign in Judah during an impending Assyrian invasion. We see God’s sovereign, preserving grace at work in the lives of Hezekiah and the remnant of Judah. A key question for us all to consider in light of this passage is this: who or what in our lives do we seek to give us a sense of security or control?

Read Online: 2 Kings 19:14-37

Video:

What Keeps A King Up At Night 2 Kings 18

Today in Worship we welcome Reverand Mike Wenzler, campus minister with RUF at University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. "Life is often filled with joys and sorrows; 2 Kings 18 is no different. King Hezekiah was a great king yet still he faced challenges that would give many of us nightmares for years. His faith was challenged and yet God was still at work. We should all be encouraged to see God's faithfulness despite the many fears that challenge our faith. Pay attention to two key ideas: "trust" and "deliverance." 

Read Passage Here

Fear and Following the Lord (2 Kings 17: 34-41)

Today in Worship…we are reminded of the necessity to not only worship the right God, but to worship God rightly. In 2 Kings 16-17 we see the northern kingdom, Israel, exiled into Assyria due to their idolatry. In Judah to the south, there is a form of worshipping the God of Abraham, but they do not fear the Lord and do not follow his statues. In 17:34-41 we have a summation that could apply to today, how generation after generation worship is corrupt.

Read Online: 2 Kings 17: 34-41

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2 Kings 12:1-16 Repairing God's Temple

In this message...while king after king in the north fails to honor God, there is a king in Judah, who “did what was right in the eyes of the Lord.” Jehoash, under the tutelage of Jehoiada the priest, engages in a Temple restoration project in 2 Kings 12:1-16. After years of the false worship of Baal, the nation of Judah joins together to focus on true worship. However, the writer of 2 Kings notes that all is not perfect, the people still went to the high places to make sacrifices. Godly influences are vital, but a personal commitment to right worship if vital.



Read Online: 2 Kings 12:1-16

Today in Worship…we see God’s protective power for His people as He reveals what is not seen. In 2 Kings 6 gives back a lost axe head, saving his prophet from financial ruin and gives sight to see God’s spiritual defense of His people. All the while, those arrayed against God and His people are blind and confused.

Read Online: 2 Kings: 6

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Today in Worship…we see God’s great restorative power at work in the unlikely candidate of Namaan. In 2 Kings 5, Namaan, a Syrian general, stood in great regard among God’s enemies to the north, for the Lord gave the Syrians victory on the battlefield. Yet Namaan was struck with a debilitating skin disease. Word came to the mighty general from a young servant girl, an Israelite that Elisha could cure him. Through this chapter we read of the gracious humiliation of the mighty general, who then worships the God of Israel…and the arrogance of Elisha’s servant, Gehazi, who seeks to profit as a prophet.  

Read Online: 2nd Kings 5

Today in Worship…we continue with the life of Elisha, as he continues in the line of the Prophet, of whom Moses spoke, pointing to the prophet who was to come…Jesus Christ. In 2 Kings 4, the land has the stench of death. Famine reduces a widow to sell her sons into slavery, another boy goes to help his father with the harvest, but dies, and when the sons of the prophets gather to eat during the famine, their meal has the stench of death. Into this morbidity, comes Elisha, a forerunner of Jesus, bringing freedom to the captive, life out of death and satisfies our deepest hunger.

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Read Online: 2 Kings 4:8-37

A New Leader...The Same God

[In this message we return to the time of the Kings in Judah and Israel, a time of turmoil as the nation is divided both politically and in religious affection. 2 Kings opens with the conclusion of the Elijah’s story. The day has come for his disciple, Elisha, to take on his mantle. As Elijah is taken up in the whirlwind and seen no more, the spirit of Elijah now rests on Elisha. In the midst of social chaos, God’s sustaining power is seen working through His prophet bringing healing to the land.]



Read Online: 2 Kings 2:1-25

Video: 2 Kings 2:1-25

Go and Be Reconciled Mathew 5:21-26

Today in Worship…we continue our series in preparation for a seminar this summer and new community group studies in the autumn. Each of the four weeks in May we will examine the 4 G’s of Peacemaking as we look at the four passages listed below.  This outline, as well as the seminar August 20 and the studies in the fall, are taken from Ken Sande’s book, The Peacemaker. This Sunday we will look at the the 4^rd G: Go and Be Reconciled as we examine Matthew 5:21-26.

Read Online: Mathew 5:21-26

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Today, we continue our series in preparation for a seminar this summer and new community group studies in the autumn. Each of the four weeks in May we will examine the 4 G’s of Peacemaking as we look at the four passages listed below.  This outline, as well as the seminar August 20 and the studies in the fall, are taken from Ken Sande’s book, The Peacemaker. This Sunday we will look at the the 3^rd G: Gently Restore as we examine Galatians 6:1-5 along with other passages.

Read Online: Galatians 6: 1-5

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Get the Log Out of your Eye- Matthew 7: 1-6

   Today, we continue our series in preparation for a seminar this summer and new community group studies in the autumn. Each of the four weeks in May we will examine the 4 G’s of Peacemaking as we look at the four passages listed below.  This outline, as well as the seminar August 20 and the studies in the fall, are taken from Ken Sande’s book, The Peacemaker. This Sunday we will look at the the 2^nd G: Get the Log Out of Your Own Eye as we examine Matthew 7:1-5.

Read Online: Matthew 7: 1-6

Watch the sermon here:

1 Corinthians 10:31-33 Glorify God

 Today in Worship…we begin a new series in preparation for a seminar this summer and new community group studies in the autumn. Each of the four weeks in May we will examine the 4 G’s of Peacemaking as we look at the four passages listed below.  This outline, as well as the seminar August 20 and the studies in the fall, are taken from Ken Sande’s book, The Peacemaker. This Sunday we will look at the the 1^st G: Glorify God as we examine 1 Corinthians 10:31.


Read Online: 1 Corinthians 10:31-33

Signs That Call for Faith John 20:30-31

Today in Worship…we wrap up our journey through John’s Gospel by ending where we began. In John 20:30-31, the disciple whom Jesus loved offers the reason for his book, that the signs contained therein were given that we might believe Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God and by believing we may have eternal life. This morning we will be reminded once again of the significance of Jesus’ work in John and to what those signs pointed. The call of this book is to place one’s absolute trust in Jesus.

Read Online: John 20:30-31

Watch Video Here: https://youtu.be/HL_mGX38Wfc

John 21:15-19, Lives of Restoration

Today in Worship…we will be looking at the text of John 21:15-19. Following from last week, we see Jesus’ last moments on earth being poured into his disciples. This passage focuses specifically on Jesus’ restoration and reinstatement of Peter as an Apostle and shepherd of the sheep. We see the heart of the Gospel in Jesus’ restoring Peter to the office of Apostle and also among the community of disciples. Peter is restored, recommissioned, and charged to follow Christ.

Read Online: John 21:15-19

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John 21: 1-14 Jesus' Provision for the Church

   In this message, we wind down Jesus’ time on earth, as he meets the disciples on the shores of the Sea of Galilee. In John 21:1-14 Peter and many of the other disciples spend a night of fruitless fishing. Jesus’ words of instruction supply them with a bountiful catch. In this final chapter we see the twofold appendix to John’s Gospel, highlighting Jesus call to be fishers of men and shepherds to the sheep. This commission of evangelism and discipleship explain how the resurrection of Christ is the ongoing story of the Church.

Read Online: John 21:1-14

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John 20:19-23 Peace Be With You

Today in Worship…Christ risen on the first day of the week, having commissioned Mary Magdalene, He then speaks with the disciples who are hiding in fear for their lives. His first words to them are that of peace and then He commissions them to go, empowered by the Holy Spirit, with a message of forgiveness. In John 20:19-23, the words to the disciples ring true for us, having the peace of Christ pronounced to us, the resurrected Christ sends us out telling others of His forgiving grace.

Read Online: John 20:19-23

Video

John 20:1-18 Running Away To Home

Today in Worship… Today, 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.
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Read Online: John 20:1-18

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John 18:28-40;19:1-16 Pilate's Trial

Today in Worship… we encounter Jesus not in Triumphal Entry, as may be expected on Palm Sunday. Instead, as we walk through John’s Gospel, we are in John 18:28-19:16, as Jesus stands before Pilate. Here the one on whom judgment falls, becomes the Judge. Jesus’ authority is pronounced while the religious and state authority is found wanting. This passage gives us great hope to engage our world, knowing that Christ’s kingdom is not of this world. We behold the man (19:5) and king (19:14) who will be judged for us, all the while, we, like the crowds, clamor for another one to rule over us.

Read Online: John 18:28-40;19:1-16
                      John 19:1-16

Video: 

John 18:15-18;25-27 The Rooster's Crow

Today in Worship… we remain in the scene of the Jesus trials before Annas and Caiaphas, but instead of focusing on the trial John bounces from the trial scene to the courtyard scene with Peter.  Jesus stands trial with strength and courage while Peter, no longer with sword in hand, stands trial with fear and denial.  These scenes are reminders that we are called to bear witness of Jesus’ life, death and resurrection, but even more that Jesus stands as our only security in this life and the next because we are weak, lured by the culture, and not the Hero of our story.    

Read Online: John 18:15-18;25-27

video: 

John 18: 12-14, 19-24, The Bound Sacrifice

Today in Worship…we come to Christ’s Passion as He is arrested and interrogated by Annas, the prior High Priest. John recalls Caiaphas’ claim in John 11, that an exchange of one life for many is necessary.  In John 18:12-14, 19-25 we see how Jesus, bound as a lamb to be slain, stands firm for His disciples, ready to be sacrificed for us.

Read Online: John 18:12-14,19-24


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John 18:1-12 Passion of Christ

Today, we come to the Passion of Christ passages.  This morning we are brought to the Garden of Gethsemane where Jesus is betrayed and bound by his enemies.  But even in the midst of His arrest Jesus continues to care and show concern for his Church.  He’s still in control, knowing all things that are before him and yet He gladly accepts His cup which the Father has given Him.  In response we are left asking the question that Jesus poses to His betrayers, “Whom do you seek?”    

Listen to the sermon here:

Read Online: John 18:1-12

John 17: 1-26 Your Word Is Truth

Today, we hear Jesus pray for His disciples as He prepares to lay down His life for those He loves. John 17:1-26 has been called Jesus’ High Priestly prayer where our Lord’s concern for God’s glory and the preservation of His people is seen. Here we see that we will be kept from the evil one by means of the consecrating power of God’s truth, found in Christ.

Read Online: John 17:1-26

Listen to our Podcast John 17: 1-26 Your Word Is Truth John 17:1-26 Your Word is Truth

God Provides Ruth 1:1-22

Ruth 1:1-22 We look today at the book of Ruth and how God Provides.



Read Online:   Ruth 1:1-22

Overcoming the World 16:25-33

Overcoming the World John 16:25-33



Read Online: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John.16.25-John.16.33&version=ESV

For What Are You Asking? John 16:16-24 Rev. Chris Vogel

We return to John’s Gospel as Jesus, gathering in the Upper Room with His disciples, prepares them for his impending death and resurrection. In John 16:16-24 sorrow will give way to joy, which leads to Jesus’ promise that “whatever we ask in the Father’s name, He will give it to you.” What is Jesus offering here? What is the ask for which we are to ask? The answer lies in what confuses the disciples and us…Jesus being gone and being seen.



Read Online: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John.16.16-John.16.24&version=ESV

Philippians 4:10-23 Contentment In Living

We come to Paul’s farewell address to the church in Philippi in Philippians 4:10-23. Paul address the Philippians need to rest in God’s portion as they continue in partnering for Gospel’s expansion, holding fast to the promise of God’s supply. Portion, partnership, and promise. Paul concludes with a reminder that his letter was much more then simple information transfer, it was given to a people, dearly loved, for God’s glory and their good.



Read Online: Philippians 4:10-23

Philippians 4:2-9 - God's Gift of Grace

We come to Paul's concluding thoughts for the church in Philippi in Philippians 4:2-9. He applies the call from chapter 2 to look to the interests of others by calling on the church to see that reconciliation takes place between two women in conflict. Peace between these two individuals necessitates peace among the church as a whole. That peace is an expression of the inward peace that is ours only as we look to Christ in prayer.



Read Online: Philippians 4:2-9

1 John 1:2-28 - The Roadblock to Abiding in Him

In this message, Paul Cornwell discusses peacemaking, and our roadblocks to abiding in Christ. Paul works with Crossroads Resolution Group and is a conciliator with Peacemakers.



Read Online: 1 John 1:2-28

Philippians 3:10-14 - Pursuing the Prize

In this sermon, Rev. Chris Vogel returns to Paul’s letter to the church in Philippi, picking up in 3:10-14. There Paul, having trashed his resume…sets aside his credentials so as not to promote himself, but rather wants to know the power of Christ’s resurrection and share in His sufferings. Our calling in this life is to pursue the prize that is found being in Christ.



Read Online: Philippians 3:10-14