Cornerstone Church

Intro Matthew 4:18-19. Others, like seed sown among thorns … the desires for others things come in and choke the word. Desires choke the word but they also choke ourselves and others. 1. Problem of Desires (v1-3) Anger and Murder – Matthew 5:21-22. Do not Covet – the final commandment – Exodus 20:17. Ask in prayer, according to God’s will – 1 John 5:14-15. 2. Problem of World (v4-5) No one can ser...

Intro In this passage James paints a contrasting picture between two types of Wisdom, like that of Solomons writings in Proverbs 9. He puts true Wisdom to the test. v13. Who is Wise and Understanding Among You? If we claim to be wise, then our character reflects good conduct and there is a gentleness and meekness that goes with it. v14-16. Characteristic’s of the Unwise 1. Boast: Arrogance or to h...

Intro James 1:26. Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless. James 3:1. Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly. DIRECTS (v2-4) DESTROYS (v5-6) Proverbs 16:27. A scoundrel plots evil, and on their lips it is like a...

Intro James 2:14. What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? v15-17. Helping people is good – it accompanies our faith. 1 John 3:17. If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? v18-19. Having deeds is good – it shows our faith. D...

Intro What is my relation towards The Word? Admirer? Reader? Listener? Doer? But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, (v22) vv.21-25. Be doers of the word A healthy person looks in the mirror to do something, not just to admire the image. A healthy Christian looks into God’s Word to do something about it, not just to store up facts that he will not put to use. When we look into God’s Law of...

IntroJames drills down on a point of law – a big “no no”believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ must not show favouritism v2-4. The Immediate StoryQuick judgments based on immediate appearances is prejudice1 Samuel 16:7. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looksat the heart. Discrimination – split two ways. v5-7. The Deeper StoryBlessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the...

Intro James – Jesus’ brother and leader of Jerusalem church – wisdom for us! Consider it pure joy … whenever you face trials of many kinds (v2) v2-4. Consider it pure joy Trial & Temptation similar – a Test. Purifying. 1 Peter 1:6-7 Perseverance. Romans 5:3-5 Mature & Complete v5-8. Ask for God’s Wisdom 2 ways to view trials – world or God God is firm – generous You be firm – not doublemin...

Intro The final glorious capstone of the Beatitudes – to be persecuted! Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness (Matt 5:10) v10. Blessed are those who are persecuted Another opposite in our comfort addicted world Proves we are genuine because of righteousness What it is – personally living out your faith – desire for God. What it isn’t – protesting against others not living i...

Intro What is something you appreciate in its most pure state? “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God” (Matthew 5:8) 1. Question: Who can ascend the hill of the Lord? A temple Psalm with enthronement imagery. Psalm 24:1,2 God is Creator overall of creation. Psalm 24:6-7 Who can send the hill of the Lord? Those with clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to fals...

Intro This is the 7th Beatitude that encompasses all the previous beatitudes and is an outward expression of all the beatitudes. 1. What does the word ‘peacemaker’ mean? In Greek it is translated ‘Eirenopoios.’ Hebrew word for peace is ‘shalom’ which means to wish every good thing upon the person. 2. God moved first, and he offers peace through Jesus. Colossians 1:20 “and through him to reconcile...

Intro Where is one area or time you can see the hand of God’s Providence and/or mercy in your life? “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy. (Matthew 5:7) Khesed (Hebrew): Synonyms & Translations include mercy, loving-kindness, steadfast love, loyal love 1. Khesed: Loyal Love Ruth’s behavior and act of loyalty to her mother-in-law is an act of khesed because of her character an...

Intro What is the real state of our appetites and goals? Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness … (Matthew 5:6) 1. A Blessed APPETITE Natural Hunger Spiritual Hunger. Matthew 4:4. Man shall not live on bread alone … also Deut 3:3. Serious Hunger. Psalm 61:1. You, God, are my God, earnestly I seek you. Psalm 42:1-2. As the deer pants for streams of water 2. A Blessed PURSUIT Pers...

Intro What does the word meek mean? The Greek word is translated ‘Praus.’ ‘great strength under control.’ Characteristics of the Meek 1. Considerate of others Romans 12:10 ‘Be devoted to one another in love. Honour one another above yourselves. 2. Sweet tempered Ephesians 4:26-27 – ‘In your anger do not sin; do not let the sun go down on you while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a f...

Intro How can it be blessed to mourn? Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted (Matt 5:4) 1. You are aware of true reality Ecclesiastes 7:2. It is better to go to a house of mourning than to go to a house of feasting, for death is the destiny of everyone; the living should take this to heart. 2. You are aware of God’s comfort Psalm 34:10. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and s...

1. Point 1 Blessing- Greek ‘Makeiros’ meaning Highly favored, rich, satisfied or fortunate. It’s not an external bliss but an inner happiness. Scriptures:- Mary’s song- Luke 1: 48 James 1: 2… ‘pure joy’ John 20: 29- Jesus words to Thomas Consider the idea of ‘how fortunate are you’ together. 2. Point 2 Poor in spirit- Greek ‘Tokos’ meaning someone absolutely destitute, desperately poor, completely...

Intro The most dangerous prayer to pray … Search me, God, and know my heart. (v23) 1. He knows us (v1-6) 2. He is with us (v6-12) 3. He made us (v13-18) The Parentheses – The Wicked (v19-22) The Point – The Search (v23-24)

Intro The first and most important thing we pray for ... Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love. (v1) 1. We need Mercy (v1-2) Mercy: to bend or stoop in kindness to an inferior Transgression: to cross the line / mark in the book Iniquity: to be twisted / warped Sin: to miss the mark/goal 2. We need Responsibility (v3-6) No excuses, rationalizing, blaming - “I know” … “I have”. P...

Intro Do not fret. – the Hebrew word Charah is translated do not burn with anger. It is repeated 3 times in verses 1, 7, 8. 1. 5 elements of trust (v3-8) a. trust in the Lord (v3) b. Take Delight in the Lord (v4) c. Commit your way to the Lord (v5) d. Be still before the Lord (v7) e. Refrain from Anger (v8) 2. Look up and look ahead (v9-11) Sometimes we can become so fixated on the present moment...

Intro We want to be in God’s presence – experience His presence Such is the generation of those who seek him, who seek your face, God of Jacob. (v6) 1. We have His presence (v1-2) The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, for he founded it … established it … An owner cares for their business! 2. We may enter His presence (v3-6) Who may ascend the mountain? … Who may stand in his holy place? T...

Intro Wisdom comes from Revelation – God’s Word The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple (v7) 1. General Revelation – Skies (v1-6) Continuous (v2) Abundant (v2) Universal (v4) Romans 1:19-20. since what may be known about God is plain … For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities - his eternal power and divine nature - have been clearly seen … 2. Special R...

Intro Having a hook in you, when the other person caused the pain. v35. forgive your brother or sister from your heart. 1. Unforgiveness is bondage . Matthew 18:21-35 Context – dealing with grievances among Christians v21-22. How many times forgive? Seven? Seventy Seven. v24,28. 20 years pay; one day’s pay. v25,29. Response identical – knees and patience. v33. Key word – MERCY. “Shouldn’t you have...

Identity | Ephesians 1:3-8 | BRODIE TEOH Ephesians 1:3-8 Exposing negative thought patterns John 8:44, 1 Peter 5:8, 2 Corinthains 10:5, 2 Timothy 3:16, We are Children of God We are NEW CREATIONS 1 John 3:3 See how very much our Father loves us, for he calls us his children, and that is what we are. 2 Corinthians 5:17 “This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old l...

What Jesus has to say about anxiety, and finding peace. “you are worried and upset about many things” (Luke 10:41) SEATED NOT DISTRACTED – Luke 10:38-42 v38. Martha opened her home … v39. Mary … sat at the Lord’s feet listening … v40. Martha distracted … Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work v41-42. Martha, Martha … you are worried and upset about many things but few thing...