Simeon's Nunc Dimittis - Luke 2:22-35

We conclude our Advent series, focusing on the songs in Luke, as we consider Simeon's Nunc Dimittis. As Jesus and Mary meet the law's demands of purification in Jerusalem, they encounter Simeon, who awaits Israel's comfort. Upon Seeing Jesus, he announces that now the Sovereign Lord may dismiss him. Luke 2:22-35 calls us to wait patiently as Christ's coming reveals both God's salvation and our rejection. However, we can rest in Christ as the light of our salvation.



Read Online: Luke 2:22-35

Shepherd's Song Luke 2:8-21

Today in Worship – we continue our Advent series, focusing on the songs in Luke, hearing the Angel’s Gloria, from Luke 2:15-21.  This scene directly follows the frightening, but gloriously peaceful message of the Angels to the Shepherds in the field that a baby has been born who is Christ the Lord.  So what will the shepherds do with this message?  Is this message for them to hoard or is this message to be given?  The good news received is never stagnant, but rather good news received is active and always working.  Three responses are shown as some wondered, Mary treasured, and the shepherds exalted.  



Read Online: Luke 2:8-21


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Mary’s song of praise (Luke 1:39-56)

Today in Worship – we begin our Advent series, this focusing on the songs in Luke. For many, the Christmas season is about music and for Luke, there are a series of songs, from Mary’s Magnifcat (magnify), Zechariah’s Benedictus (blessed), Angel’s Gloria (glory), Shepherd’s Praise, and Simeon’s Nunc Dimittis (now dismiss). This morning we begin with Mary’s song of praise (Luke 1:39-56), as she magnifies the Lord by confessing her need of His provision, power, and promises.



Read Online: Luke 1:39-56

Angel's Gloria - Luke 2:8-14

Today in Worship – we continue our Advent series, focusing on the songs in Luke, hearing the Angel’s Gloria, from Luke 2:8-14.  During this scene, directly following the birth of Jesus, heaven breaks through the normal everyday events of earth.  Heaven breaks through to some shepherds.  Understandably, fear struck the shepherds, but joy followed.  The birth of Jesus was an event that brought heaven to earth and resulted in an angelic choir’s glory to God!



Read Online: Luke 2:8-14

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Glory to God Alone Revelation 4:1-11

   Today, we conclude our five-week series looking at the Five Solas of the Reformation. In light of the 500^th anniversaryof the Reformation begun by Martin Luther, we will consider these foundational elements, the solas, in which the Church has pronounced that these aspects must stand alone.  This morning we examine Soli Deo Gloria, that it is Glory to God Alone or To God Alone Be the Glory. The chief end of man is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever.  It is God and God alone alone who is to receive the glory for the wonders of His work of creation and of redemption. We will see this in Revelation 4:1-11 this morning.      


Read Online: Revelation 4:1-11

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Faith Alone Galatians 2:15-21

Today in Worship – we continue on our five-week series looking at the Five Solas of the Reformation. In light of the 500^th anniversary of the Reformation begun by Martin Luther, we will consider these foundational elements, the solas, in which the Church has pronounced that these aspects must stand alone.  This morning we examine solus Christus, that it is Christ alone. Scripture teaches that Christ’s work on our behalf is both sufficient and exclusive. For that reason Christ Alone is said to be the glue of all five solas. We will see this in 1 Timothy 2:5-7 this morning.    

Read Online: Faith Alone Galatians 2:15-21

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Faith Alone- Galatians 2:15-21

In this message,we continue on our five-week series looking at the Five Solas of the Reformation. In light of the 500th anniversary of the Reformation begun by Martin Luther, we will consider these foundational elements, the solas, in which the Church has pronounced that these aspects must stand alone. This morning we examine sola fide, that it is faith alone, not any works of our own, that is the foundation for our justification. This is well seen in Galatians 2:15-21 which we will examine this morning.




Read Online: Galatians 2:15-21

Grace Alone - Ephesians 2:1-10

We continue on our five-week series looking at the Five Solas of the Reformation. In light of the 500th anniversary of the Reformation begun by Martin Luther, we will consider these foundational elements, the solas, in which the Church has pronounced that these aspects must stand alone. This morning we examine sola gratia, that it is grace alone, God’s unmerited favor, is the foundation of our salvation. This is well seen in Ephesians 2:1-10 which we will examine this morning.

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Read Online: Ephesians 2:1-10

God's Word Alone 2nd Timothy

Today in Worship – we begin a five-week series looking at the Five Solas of the Reformation. In light of the 500^th anniversary of the Reformation begun by Martin Luther, we will consider these foundational elements, the solas, in which the Church has pronounced that these aspects must stand alone.  This morning we begin with sola scriptura, that Scripture alone and not the traditions of the church are the basis on which we base our faith.

Read Online: 2nd Timothy 3:10-16


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Our Reception by the Resurrected Christ- Acts 7: 51-60

   Today, we come to the conclusion of Stephen’s message to the leaders in Israel. His call to repent is met with fierce anger and a hail of stones. In Acts 7:51-60 we are given a glimpse, with Stephen, to see the risen and ascended Christ who is our judge, intercessor and advocate.

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Seeing Our Need in Worship- Acts 7:35-53

   Today, we continue with Stephen’s speech before the Jewish court, the Sanhedrin, giving a defense that their rejection of Jesus as Messiah is par for God’s people throughout the centuries. Having shown that the Gospel does not deny the authority of God’s Law given through Moses, so also Jesus does not destroy, but fulfills the function of the Temple. In Acts 7:35-53 we see our need for true worship.     

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Read Online: Acts 7:35-53

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Philippians 4:4-9

In this message, we welcome Rev. Mike Wenzler to preach at Cornerstone. Mike will be preaching on Philippians 4:4-9. What does our anxiety say about our true belief in God, our resting in God? How does God being the God of peace alter how we stress about life and the worries of the world?




Read Online: Philippians 4:4-9

Unexpected Grace - Acts 7:1-8

Stephen, brought before the Sanhedrin, Israel’s court, on charges profaning the Temple, offers his defense. In Acts 7:1-8, Stephen begins with God’s unexpected grace in calling of Abraham. We are likewise challenged to see God’s gracious hand in bringing people to Himself, but often through unexpected means and toward a goal that is not fully realized in our own lives.



Read Online: Acts 7:1-8

Today in Worship – We will be looking at Acts 16:6-15. The Apostle Paul and his companions find closed doors as they attempt and reattempt to spread the Gospel in the provinces of Asia. But as they wait, the Lord opens door to plant the very first church in Europe. It is easy to get frustrated and discouraged when our plans just don’t seem to work out! But this passage reminds us that the discouragements of what it may seem as a closed door are not dead-ends, but are pathways to new directions as long as we are in alignment to God’s will. This passage also reminds us that the Lord is at work and He invites us to join Him where He is at work! 

Read Online: Acts 16:6-15

The Danger of Counterfeit Goodness - Acts 5:1-11

In this message, we see played out what author George MacDonald said, “Half of the misery in the world comes from trying to look, instead of trying to be, what one is not!”. Acts 5:1-11 we briefly meet Ananias and Sapphira who lied to the Holy Spirit, claiming a devotion to the church they did not honor. Their sudden death brought fear to the church, as it should to our hearts when we are faced with our own hypocrisy.



Read Online: Acts 5:1-11

Encouragement Flowing From the Cross Acts 4:32-37

Today in Worship – we see how the Gospel shapes us to encourage others. In Acts 4:32-37, the early church was characterized by unity, so much so that they shared what they had. In this passage we meet Joseph, also called Barnabas, a name which means son of encouragement, who sold his land and gave it to the Apostles. In the midst of this passage about giving and helping those in need, we are reminded that the resurrection of Jesus was at the heart.

Read Online: Acts 4:32-37


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Powerful Prayer Acts 4: 23-32

Today, we are reminded of the One to whom we go in prayer and what we must seek. In Acts 4:23-32, God’s people gather to pray to our Sovereign Lord, asking for boldness to proclaim the good news of Christ’s death and resurrection. We, like the early church, must understand God’s gracious control of His universe, and that He works His world for His glory. With this rooted in our hearts, we can move forward boldly.   

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Read Online: Acts 4:23-32

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Today in Worship – we encounter the tension we all face in confessing our faith in a world that does not see life through the lens of the resurrection. In Acts 4:13-22, Peter and John are brought before the Sanhedrin, Israel’s Supreme Court, and are told to cease speaking of Jesus. Their response guides our thoughts today as to how we are to think and speak in today’s world.

Read Online: Acts 4:13-22


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The Power of a Name Acts 4:1-12

We return to our series in Acts picking up on the repercussions of the healed man (from Acts 3) as we tackle Acts 4:1-12.  Today we will see a strong inquiry from the Sadducees to Peter and the others, “By what power or by what name did you do this (healing)?”  Peter not only responds factually but preaches the good news.  We often bolt when persecuted, buckle under pressure, or boast in self promotion over powerfully resting in the name of Jesus.  There is power in one name, Jesus Christ, who saves us physically and spiritually, redeeming our need for self-protection, self-worth and self-focus.  What name do you claim?

Read Online: Acts 4:1-12

God's Celebration Over His Deniers- Zephaniah 3:14-20

In this message, We welcome guest preacher Michael Vogel who will be preaching on Zephaniah 3:14-20. We as God's people have often denied him. Today we will see how he gathers together and draws near to the very people who have denied him. He doesn't draw us together to drop his judgment down on us, but rather he comes into our midst with a surprising spirit of rejoicing.



Read Online: Zephaniah 3:14-20

God's Restoration of Brokenness - Acts 3:11-26

After the healing of the lame man, the crowds were astonished at what they saw. Peter, in Acts 3:11-26, connects the restoration of health of the lame man with the restorative power of the Gospel. The renewal in our lives comes as we see our own brokenness and need for spiritual health and then looking to Christ for the refreshing for which we so long.




Read Online: Acts 3:11-26

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From Lame to Leaping -Acts 3:1-10

    Today, we will be looking at an encounter with Peter and John and a lame beggar.  As we read this encounter there is great need but also great provision (healing) as we see the lame man begin leaping.  As we wrestle with this passage we are left asking who do we see ourselves as in this narrative?  Am I the beggar?  Am I the leaping man?  Am I Peter the healer?  What we’ll see is that we aren’t just one, but rather all three.  We are lavished as lame beggars that in our leaping we may proclaim the healing name of Jesus to all who are sick, needy, and themselves a beggar.

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Read Online: Acts 3:1-10

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The Spirit Filled Church Acts 2:42-47

Acts 2:42-47—We will be looking at a glimpse of the Spirit-filled church after Pentecost—how they lived and worshiped together after many came to saving faith. We will be applying what it looks like to be a modern day Spirit-filled church, where we too have the common bond of life in Jesus.

Read Online: Acts 2:42-47

Changed by the Gospel- Acts 2:37-41

In this message, In Acts 2:37-41 those gathered at Pentecost are cut to the heart by knowing that their sin crucified their Messiah. As they realized their need for change, Peter offers them hope: “Repent and be baptized…” Hope comes as change is offered in totality by God’s grace.



Read Online: Acts 2:37-41

God's Grace in Christ's Humiliation and Exaltation - Acts 2:22-36

In Acts 2:22-36 Peter transitions from God’s work in sending the Spirit to a bold proclamation of the Heavenly Father’s grace in Jesus’ humiliation and exaltation. What happened to Jesus on the cross was not only prophecied centuries before, but was a part of God’s definite plan. This plan also included the resurrection and ascension of God’s Anointed One. The crucified One is now the exalted One, seated at the Father’s right hand.



Read Online: Acts 2:22-36

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The Spirit and Salvation Acts 2:14-21

Today in Worship –  In Acts 2:14-21 we see the beginning of one of the greatest sermons ever preached. This sermon, preached by Peter, who just a number of days ago was denying Jesus, is now boldly proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ.  In quoting Joel 2:28-32, Peter is proclaiming the Spirit’s outpouring as the explanation for the strange behavior of the believers but also as the ushering in of the new age, an age marked by signs and wonders, visions and dreams, and salvation.  Salvation which is being granted to all who call on the name of the Lord. For in Jesus alone is salvation and hope.

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The Gift of the Holy Spirit - Acts 2:1-13

In Acts 2:1-13 we encounter the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. While for the past century, this unique event has cause much discussion and division in the western church, it is written to encourage us to better grasp the powerful gift of the Holy Spirit in the life of the Church today. Here we are challenged to see that all Christians, even Presbyterians, are Pentecostal.

Read Online: Acts 2:1-13

God's Building Blocks For The Church- Acts 1:12-26

In this message, In Acts 1:12-26 we see the first steps of the church following the ascension of Jesus Christ. With Christ at the right hand of the Father, the disciples build the church on prayer, God’s Word and the foundation laid by the apostles. Despite the uncertainty they faced following the death of Judas and while waiting for the promise of the Holy Spirit, they laid the foundation of the Church.



Read Online: Acts 1:12-26

Ascended Confidence - Acts 1:9-11

In this message, we behold the last glimpses of Jesus’ earthly ministry in Acts 1:9-11.  The disciples gaze intently into heaven waiting for their Savior to return, but their eyes should be fixed elsewhere now.  To be Jesus’ witnesses (1:8) in the world is to have eyes fixed not on what has happened but what is and will happen.  We look forward to what is to come, the return of the Messiah, Jesus Christ, the Ascended King!  We live with eyes set on mission in this world seeking to bring his kingdom to every nook, cranny, street, people, and neighborhood as we cling to the promises and live through the benefits applied to us of the ascended and reigning King Jesus!

Read Online: Acts 1:9-11

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Power for the Powerless - Acts 1:1-8

Today in Worship we hear the parting words of Jesus before He ascends. While the disciples remain fixated on the kingdom that they envision will give them the power they crave. Instead, in Acts 1:1-8, Jesus promises them power from the Holy Spirit so that they will be God’s witnesses throughout the world.  

Read Online: Acts 1:1-8

The Ultimate Sequel- Acts 1:1-3

  Today we embark on a new journey in The Acts of the Apostles. The book of Acts serves as the sequel to Luke’s Gospel, filling out the implications of the death and resurrection of Christ for His people. We begin this journey in his prologue, the first three verses, where Luke reminds his reader his gospel gives what Jesus began to do and to teach. Now, with the ascension soon to come, what will God’s people do with the Good News? 

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Read Online: Acts 1:1-3
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I Am The Resurrection and The Life - John 11:17-37

As we  celebrate our resurrected Lord, we will consider John 11:17-37, where Jesus consoles grieving Martha and Mary with His presence and promise, that He is the resurrection and the life. This final I Am in our series brings us the comfort we long for, that our hope for eternal life is rooted in the person of Jesus Christ.

Read Online: John 11:17-37

I Am the Way, and the Truth, and the Life - John 14:1-7

In this message, We will be looking at John 14:1-6 which includes another of Jesus’ I AM statements— “I am the way, and the truth, and the life.” This statement from Jesus comes as he addresses his disciples’ fear and unrest of what will happen in the coming days as He departs them. This text addresses us as well as we face our own doubts, uncertainties, and unrest. We, like the disciples, want to know the Way.



Read Online: John 14:1-7

I Am The True Vine - John 15:1-11

In this message, to live is to change, and yet, change is something very hard for all of us. We struggle when change comes upon us and struggle when we know we are not what we should be. In John 15, Jesus offers us the root of all change in our connection to the Vine. When Jesus announces that He is the vine and that in Him we have hope of bearing fruit, we see how being transformed by Christ is our only hope.

Read Online: John 15:1-11

I Am the Good Shepherd- John 10:1-21

Today, we continue our sermon series looking at the I Am statements from the Gospel of John as we lead up to Resurrection Sunday.  This morning we are focusing on I Am the Door/Good Shepherd from John 10:1-21.  The shepherd and sheep motif in the Bible is one that is repeated time and again, because we are so prone to wander and are dependent upon our Good Shepherd for all we need.  Jesus as the Good Shepherd commits to lead, protect and provide for His sheep, the human sheep of His pasture. 

Read Online: John 10:1-21

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I Am the Bread of Life John 6:22-40

We spend our lives seeking satisfaction in so many places, but often hunger for more. Jesus identifies Himself as the Bread of Life. In John 6:22-40, as the people had just received a miraculous feeding on the shores of Galilee, Jesus points them and us to what will truly satisfy, feasting on Him alone.

Read Online: John 6: 22-40

I Am the Light of the World John 8:12-20

"In this message, we are reminded that though we walk in darkness so much of our lives, Jesus is the light of the world. In our series of the I Am’s in John, we hear Jesus say, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.” (John 8:12)





Read Online: John 8:12-20

I Am John 8:43-59

Today in Worship – In the weeks leading up to Resurrection Sunday, April 16^th, we will examine the six I Am statements in John’s Gospel. In each of these settings, Jesus provides for us a glimpse into how He provides for us, culminating on Easter Sunday, that He is the resurrection and the life. This Sunday we begin with John 8:58 wherein Jesus clearly states His divinity and, in so doing, sets for us how we are to understand our identity in Him.

Read Online: John 8:43-59


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Repentance Leading to Reform Ezra 9

Ezra ends on a disturbing note of unfinished business. While the good hand of the Lord guided the Israelites back to Jerusalem to rebuild the Temple, Ezra sees the repeated pattern of acquiescing to the culture. Once again, leaders of the people were adopting the patterns of prevailing culture, rejecting biblical mandates. Ezra 9 reminds us of the need for personal and corporate repentance in the face of our bent to be molded by our world.

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The Activity of Trust Ezra 8: 15-36

Today, having finally met Ezra in chapter 7 and hearing King Artexerxes’ letter granting passage and provisions for the trip, we now get to see Ezra in action as he leads many to return to Jerusalem. Ezra 7 ends with “I (Ezra) took courage, for the hand of the Lord my God was on me…” and we’ll see this morning how knowing the comfort of God’s hand upon us leads to activity.  It’s really the activity of trusting, the activity of resting in God, but the result is worship.  Ezra is preparing the people, the priests, and the provisions for temple worship. 

Read Online: Ezra 8: 15-36

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A Heart for God's Word Ezra 7:1-10

   Today we finally meet Ezra, three quarters of the way through the story, seventy years later. Ezra 7 introduces us to the priest, whose role as a scribe sets the tone for Judaism and, later Christianity, for the leader who is committed to studying, obeying and teaching God’s Word.  

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Read Online: Ezra 7:1-10
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Ezra 6:16-22 Captivated by Joy

In this message, in Ezra 5-6 the Temple is now complete, despite objections by other peoples in the land. Following its dedication, Passover is finally celebrated in the completed Temple. In Ezra 6:19-22 Israel once again looks back to the great event in their history, the Exodus from Egypt. As their ancestors in the past, they replay the passing over by the angel of death, as they eat the sacrificial lamb. What was a somber event, gives way to joy and celebration for God’s gracious freedom.





Read Online: Ezra 6:16-22

Deceptive Appearences - Ezra 4

As often happens in life, what begins with good intentions and great expectations gets bogged down in the messiness of life. God’s people begin biblical worship anew in Jerusalem with joy and weeping, but as progress is made, opposition comes. In Ezra 4, inhabitants in the land offer their help to build and worship with Israel, but are met with a quick rebuff by Zerubbabel. Appearances of aid are deceptive, as the offer to help quickly morphs into fierce opposition that lasts fifty years. We too, live in a world where we must discern between inclusion and opposition. 

Read Online: Ezra 4

Ezra 3 Worship Priorities

   Today, we discuss how God’s people make their trek from Babylonia to Jerusalem in 538BC, returning home from generations of captivity, they express an important priority in their life by their actions. Soon after arriving, they set the altar in its place and began the worship as God had prescribed through Moses. Ezra 3 sets before us the importance of priorities in life, not just in how worship is prescribed, but our perspective in worship as well.



Read Online: Ezra 3:1-13

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Ezra 1 - When God Brings Us Home

We begin a journey out of Captivity back into the Promised Land wherein we have the privilege to worship our God who keeps His promise. We are launching an eight week study of Ezra, the story of the small remnant of Judah who returned to Jerusalem in 538 BC to reestablish the Temple. While centuries and culture may separate us, we are joined with our ancestors in the faith with the high calling to worship our redeeming God in the midst of a confusing world.



Read Online: Ezra 1

Psalm 2 "The song of the Anointed"

In this message – This morning we are taking a week to look at Psalm 2. This Psalm is one of the most frequently quoted in the NT and shows the picture of the rule and reign of the Messiah who was to come from the family of King David. We will see how God’s Anointed King will be ultimately fulfilled in Jesus.  He will rule over all nations and in the end will be the one before whom all others will bow and in whom we can take our refuge!

Read Online: Psalm 2

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Zephaniah 3:14-20

Today in Worship – This morning we look at Zephaniah 3:14-20.  Judgment is not something that we love talking about because we don’t like being judged.  Judgment brings all of our faults before us and often creates in us a sense of shame.  How can one even stand under the judgement of God?  Zephaniah describes the Christian’s approach to the Day of the Lord as one not to be marked by shame but rejoicing, not fear but confidence, and ultimately to be hidden in Christ.

Read Online: Zephaniah 3:14-20