1 John 1:1-4 - The Incarnation - A Physical Presence With Us

We begin our Advent series focusing on passages that discuss the incarnation of Christ. In this sermon, Rev. Ben Sinnard will be spending time in 1 John 1:1-4, the prologue of 1 John. We are a physical people, a people that use our senses to experience this world. God the Son took on human flesh and walked among us to appeal to our physical, human, created selves. This physical presence of Christ among us offers us great hope in this life as we await the renewal of all things.



Read Online: 1 John 1:1-4

Philippians 2:19-30 - God's Definition of Success

In this sermon, Rev. Chris Vogel looks at Philippians 2:19-30. Paul brings into focus how our serving others is the marker of success, a gauge often lacking for many, and draws to a close his instruction in how our lives are to evidence Christ’s humiliation and exaltation as we are committed to serve others. Instead of complaining about giving up our rights, Paul points to Timothy and Epaphroditus as those who showed compassion and courage in service.



Read Online: Philippians 2:19-30

Philippians 2:14-18 - Whine or Shine

In this sermon, Rev. Chris Vogel looks at Philippians 2:14-18. When we are called to obey, especially for the sake of others, setting aside our rights for theirs, we may do so, but not without expressing our displeasure. In Philippians 2:14-18 we are called to shine, not whine. In light of our being in Christ, we are enabled to obey our calling and worship our God as we hold our tongues and quiet our hearts when we are tempted to complain.




Read Online: Philippians 2:14-18

Philippians 2:12-13 - Changing

In this sermon, Rev. Chris Vogel continues our series in Philippians. As Philippians 2 calls us to set aside our self-interests and pride in light of Christ’s humiliation and exaltation, Paul explains this further in Philippians 2:12-13. In our passage this morning we hear that change comes by God’s command to work out our salvation as well as God’s causative power as he work in us both to will and to work for His good pleasure. Here God’s sovereignty and our responsibility come together.



Read Online: Philippians 2:12-13

Philippians 2:1-4 - Joy in Oneness

In this sermon, Rev. Ben Sinnard continues looking at Paul’s letter to the church in Philippi by focusing on chapter 2 verses 1-4. Flowing from 1:27-30 Paul calls the Philippians to complete his joy through oneness in mind and love, his goal (2:2). This is appealed to through the four-fold grounds (2:1): encouragement of Christ, comfort from love, and participation in the Spirit, and also through Paul’s shared bond of affection and sympathy with the Philippians. This carries application of humility and other-centeredness, the grind of the appeal (2:3-4). Through the ground, the goal, and the grind we too are called to oneness, humility and joy through the finished work of Christ on the cross. How does the work of Christ shape our oneness at Cornerstone? How does the unearned grace of the gospel propel us to humility?



Read Online: Philippians 2:1-4

Philippians 1:27-30 - Living as Worthy Citizens

In this sermon, Rev. Chris Vogel will be looking at Philippians 1:27-30 as we continue our sermon series in Paul's letter to the Philippian church. In this passage we see Paul calls us to consider our conduct, how we live as citizens of heaven here on earth. Our citizenship reflects the work of the Son, the unity of the Spirit and the grace of the Father. The grace that we have as believers entails not only the gift of faith in Christ, but also the call to suffering.



Read Online: Philippians 1:27-30

Philippians 1:18b-26 - Whether By Life or By Death

In this sermon, Rev. Ben Sinnard will be looking at Philippians 1:18b-26 as we continue our sermon series in Paul’s letter to the Philippian church. In this passage we see Paul continuing his thoughts from last week as he wrote about his imprisonment and the spread of the gospel message. Through this passage we see a beautiful vision for life, a motivating truth to cling to that “to live is Christ, and to die is gain” (v21). For Christians there is real, legitimate tension between living and dying, knowing that upon death we gain all, Christ. For Paul living unafraid to die (because in death is gain) frees him to live for Christ. Is Christ more precious to you then your life? Do you really believe that death is gain? Whether by life or by death Christ will be honored.



Read Online: Philippians 1:18b-26

Philippians 1:12-18a - Circumstances, Celebration, and the Powerful Message of Christ

In this sermon, Andrew Whitaker looks at Philippians 1:12-18a as we continue our sermon series in Paul's letter to the Philippian church. In this passage we see Paul as imprisoned and writing to the Philippian believers to let them know that God is very much at work amidst his circumstances and hardships. Through this passage we see a rich reminder that whenever we see the Gospel advancing that is cause for celebration. The message of Christ is powerful and is not bound by our limitations or notions of effectiveness. Do we rejoice when we see the Gospel at work among our church or other churches or we do we have a cynical or nearsighted view that finds it hard to rejoice? This the question this text helps us wrestle with.



Read Online: Philippians 1:12-18a

Philippians 1:3-11 - Partnership, Partaking, and Prayer

In this sermon, Rev. Ben Sinnard continues looking at Paul’s letter to the church in Philippi by focusing on chapter 1 verses 3-11. This section is described as one of Paul's most personal, affectionate pieces of Scripture. His love for the Philippians is without question and he gives thanks for their partnership in and partaking of the Gospel of grace. What do we thank God for and what are our prayers like? Are our affections moved toward God and others, those who partner and partake of the Gospel? A Gospel focus shapes our prayers, our thanksgiving, our partnerships, and our affections.



Read Online: Philippians 1:3-11

Philippians 1:1-2 - Servants, Saints and Salutations

In this sermon, Rev. Chris Vogel looks at Philippians 1:1-2 where we delve into Paul's letter to the church in Philippi. A letter's salutation may seem perfunctory, but this glimpse into Philippians' authors, recipients and greeting helps us set the tone for the theme of joy in the face of tough circumstances.



Read Online: Philippians 1:1-2

Acts 16:22-40 - How Do You Respond?

In this sermon, Rev. Chris Vogel begins a new series, looking at Paul’s letter to the church in Philippi, asking the question, “Where is your joy?” Before we delve into Philippians, we will look at the background to that letter, Acts 16:22-40, where we see how Paul and Silas, after they were beaten for healing a slave girl in the city, demonstrated a response to suffering, sin and salvation with faith in Christ. A response of faith in Christ to life’s circumstances brings us into community with others, we call, the Church.



Read Online: Acts 16:22-40

Psalm 1 - Taking God's Advice

In this sermon, Rev. Chris Vogel wraps up our summer series on wisdom. Having spent our time in Proverbs, we will conclude with a Wisdom Psalm, Psalm 1. This introduction to the psalter juxtaposes two individuals, the wise man and the wicked. Wisdom’s permanence is found in its foundation in God’s Word. The perennial question for us is: “what does it mean for us, who struggle with sin, to be the wise man or woman God desires?”



Read Online: Psalm 1