Cornerstone Church

The story of Jacob.

The character of Joseph.

This series examines characters in the book of Genesis. This week, we look at the life of Abraham.

Mary Meets Elizabeth Luke 1:39-45

Intro Last message – sharing vision for the church. 1 Peter 2:5. you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house 1. Jesus our Cornerstone (v4,6) 2. Being built together (v5) Also Ephesians 2:19-22; 4;16 3. Offering and declaring (v5,9) 4. You are (9-10)

Intro Sometimes life can be extremely busy, it is interesting how filled our lives can be without making room to be filled by the Holy Spirit. 1. The Holy Spirit points to Jesus John 14:26 “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you. ” 2. Submit Daily to His Leading. Being filled with...

Intro Last messages – coming back to the heart and vision of the church. Mark 1:17. “Come, follow me,” Jesus said … 1. REPENT (small finger) Matthew 7:14. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it. 2. REMAIN (ring finger) John 15:4. Remain in me, as I also remain in you. John 17:3. Now this is eternal life: that they know you … 3. LEARN (middle finger) Ma...

Intro Prayer should be our first and focussed response. James 5:13. Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. 1. We pray in all circumstances of life (v13) Galatians 5:19-20. speaking to one another with … songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks … Colossians 3:16. singing to God with gratitude in your hearts… 2. We pray and act for healing...

Intro If we have pressure and tension, and then get poked ... James 5:7. Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming. 1. WAITING – is good (v7-8) Patient. macro / anger or burn – having a long fuse. Lord’s coming. Parousia – presence or arrival of the King. Stand Firm. Establish your hearts. Galatians 5:22. the fruit of the Spirit ... 1 Peter 4:7-8. The end of all things is nea...

Intro Two ways to assemble a wardrobe from Ikea: Submit to the instructions or resist them! How do we relate to the will of God in our life? Marks of a True Follower of Jesus Walk in the light, confess our sins, keep God’s commandments, Love one another, do not love the world (1 John 1 & 2) Do the will of the Father (1 John 2:17). For whoever does the will of God, he is my brother and sister a...

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...