Ascend The Hill with Jeremy Austill

War, politics, and faith collide in this deep conversation about how Christians should think about war. In this episode of Ascend the Hill , we unpack the growing global tensions surrounding Iran, modern warfare, and the difficult question many believers are asking: How should Christians respond when nations go to war? The discussion explores historical Christian perspectives including Just War Th...

What does God actually want you to do with your money? In this final message of the INVESTED series, we talk about something deeper than budgeting or debt, we talk about vision, planning, and dreaming with God in your finances. In a world where 78% of Americans live paycheck to paycheck and financial stress impacts marriages and families, Scripture gives us a different path. From Malachi 3 to Matt...

In this message from 1 Corinthians 1:18–2:16 , we explore the Wisdom of God and the Maturity of the Saints . In a culture obsessed with status, intellect, and influence, Paul boldly declares that the message of the cross is still “foolish” to the world—but to those being saved, it is the power and wisdom of God. What does it mean to boast only in Christ? How do we grow from spiritual infancy into...

Why does heaven throw a party over one sinner? In this powerful message from Luke 15, we explore the three parables of Jesus: The Lost Sheep, the Lost Coin, and the Prodigal Son, and uncover the scandalous, relentless mercy of God. This sermon challenges the Pharisee in all of us and reminds us: • Mercy triumphs over judgment • The Shepherd searches until He finds • The Father runs before shame ca...

Cornerstone is officially launching a new church campus: Cornerstone Hendersonville! Pastor Jeremy sits down with Pastor Gunnar for an honest, behind-the-scenes conversation about what it really takes to plant/launch a church. They talk through real fears (failure, capacity, pastor’s kids), the difference between being a staff pastor vs. a lead pastor, how insecurity loses power when you celebrate...

In this message, we explore the life and faith of C. S. Lewis , author of Mere Christianity and The Chronicles of Narnia , and close friend of J. R. R. Tolkien (author of The Lord of the Rings ). From trench warfare to wartime radio broadcasts, Lewis’s journey from atheism to faith shaped a powerful defense of Christianity. We dive into the Cardinal and Theological Virtues, with a focus on “Charit...

Are you serving God… or serving money? In this powerful message from the INVESTED series, we unpack what Jesus meant when He said, “You cannot serve both God and mammon.” Is money evil? What does the Bible really say about wealth, tithing, generosity, and stewardship? This sermon dives deep into: • The true meaning of “mammon” • How money can enslave both the rich and the poor • What Jesus taught...

Why do Christian denominations differ so sharply on hot-button issues and what does that mean for church accountability when scandals hit the news? In this episode of Ascend the Hill, we break down major mainline and evangelical groups (Catholic, Methodist, Lutheran, Presbyterian, Episcopal, UCC, Southern Baptist, PCA, Nazarene, Assemblies of God), highlighting where they often stand on LGBTQ issu...

A month off the mic and we’re back in the middle of a heated cultural moment. We talk through what’s been happening in Minneapolis, the tensions around ICE and “sanctuary city” policy, and why so much of what we see online is designed to spike our emotions. Most importantly: how should Christians process volatile headlines with wisdom, compassion, truth, and self-control without getting radicalize...

In this message, we begin our INVESTED series with a biblical, honest, and pastoral teaching on tithing.  Discover why Scripture speaks so clearly about money, what the tithe really is, and how God invites us to trust Him with our finances. From Malachi 3 and beyond, this sermon unpacks stewardship, heart posture, and the promise of the “windows of heaven” for those who honor God first. Support th...

What does it really mean to be Built Different?  In this message, Pastor Jeremy challenges us to embrace our calling as Kingdom Builders—people who change the world one life at a time. Drawing from Jesus’ words in Matthew 9 and Luke 10, we’re reminded that the harvest is ready, the workers are needed, and we are the answer to the prayer.  As Cornerstone prepares to launch in Hendersonville and bec...

What does it really mean to be BUILT DIFFERENT as a believer? In this powerful sermon, Build An Altar, we explore Genesis 35 and the life of Jacob to uncover why returning to God’s presence changes everything. This message calls believers to stop treating God as an addition to life and instead build their life around Him through prayer, worship, fasting, repentance, and obedience. Just as Jacob re...

Everybody’s fasting in January… but are you doing it in a way that actually changes you? In this episode of Ascend the Hill , we unpack what biblical fasting really is (and what it isn’t), why churches call a corporate fast, and how fasting isn’t just a “breakthrough button," it’s training for what’s ahead. You’ll hear practical tips to make fasting sustainable, what to consume during a fast...

What does it really mean to follow Jesus? In this powerful message, Built Different: Count the Cost, we explore Jesus’ challenging words in Luke 14 about discipleship, sacrifice, and building a life that honors God. As we begin 21 Days of Prayer and Fasting, this sermon calls believers to examine their priorities, mindset, and willingness to pay the price for a fruitful, faithful life. Jesus makes...

As we stand between the end of 2025 and the beginning of a new year, many of us are living in the tension of now and not yet. Prayers unanswered, hopes delayed, and battles that seem ongoing. In this powerful Christmas message, we explore what it truly means to believe, not with perfect faith, but with honest, relational trust in God. Drawing from Mark 9:14–29 and the unforgettable cry, “I believe...

This is the special sermon from our Christmas service honoring the birth of Christ. We hope the Christmas season has been special and meaningful for your family! Support the show

What does “protect and serve” look like for a man of God at home, at church, and on the job? In this Men’s Plant the Flag episode, we sit down with Ramon to talk fatherhood, marriage, integrity, and why true strength is humility + servanthood. Ramon shares real stories from serving warrants, community impact in Memphis, and the inner battles every man must “slay” to lead his family with peace. Sha...

What if the Grinch’s story is more than a Christmas classic, what if it’s a picture of spiritual transformation? In this Christmas at Cornerstone message, we explore how God changes the human heart, using How the Grinch Stole Christmas as a creative lens to unpack the powerful promise of Ezekiel 36:25–27. This sermon dives deep into backstory, belief, behavior, isolation, accountability, and the h...

In this special Christmas episode we're joined by Brooks Till, district youth director for Tennessee and friend as we kick back and enjoy all things Christmas. From favorite Christmas treats, to hot takes on questions surrounding Christmas, it's time for fun and celebration this holiday season! Support the show

In this Christmas message, Heaven on Earth, Pastor Jeremy Austill unpacks Isaiah 9:3–7 and explores how Jesus brings light into a world marked by darkness, brokenness, and spiritual exhaustion. Using themes highlighted by the Christmas classic Elf, this sermon reveals how Christ fulfills Isaiah’s ancient promise of freedom, peace, and a new kind of kingdom. Discover what it truly means that Jesus...

Experience the first message of Christmas at Cornerstone as Pastor Jeremy Austill teaches on Presence, a powerful reminder that Christmas isn’t about the perfect presents, but about the presence of Jesus and being fully present with the people God has placed in our lives. Discover the biblical secret of contentment, learn how to push back against materialism, and refocus your heart on the truth of...

Today’s message continues our series ACTS: The Movement as we walk through the powerful account of Stephen in Acts 6–7 — a moment that became a turning point for the early Church and a defining picture of bold, unshakeable faith. Stephen’s life shows us what happens when faith is tested, when opposition rises, and when we feel misunderstood or pressured by the world around us. Instead of crumbling...

In this message we continue our ORIGINS series by studying the account of Sodom and Gomorrah —their deep wickedness, God’s righteous judgment, and Abraham’s bold intercession. We bring clarity to a passage often misunderstood today, examining what Scripture truly teaches about sin, justice, and God’s mercy. Key Themes: • The sins of Sodom and why Scripture highlights them • God’s judgment and His...

In this episode of Ascend the Hill, we tackle a contentious cultural issue growing in today's American society: Christian Nationalism. What is it? Is it biblical? How do we respond to it? All those questions and more are answered in this in depth look at the heart of this growing movement that seems to have many different definitions. What are your thoughts on Christian Nationalism? Support t...

Today’s message continues our ACTS series, Acts: The Movement, as we look at the powerful origin story of the church in Antioch (Acts 11) and what it teaches us about faith, boldness, generosity, and Spirit-empowered witness. Pastor Jeremy Austill walks us through the scattered believers who refused to be silent, the everyday people God used to launch a global movement, and the Spirit-filled gener...