Cornerstone Baptist Church - Cornwall Sermons

1 Samuel 28:3-253 Now Samuel was dead, and all Israel had mourned for him and buried him in his own town of Ramah. Saul had expelled the mediums and spiritists from the land.4 The Philistines assembled and came and set up camp at Shunem, while Saul gathered all Israel and set up camp at Gilboa. 5 When Saul saw the Philistine army, he was afraid; terror filled his heart. 6 He inquired of the Lord, but the Lord did not answer him by dreams or Urim or prophets. 7 Saul then said to his attendants, “Find me a woman who is a medium, so I may go and inquire of her.”“There is one in Endor,” they said.8 So Saul disguised himself, putting on other clothes, and at night he and two men went to the woman. “Consult a spirit for me,” he said, “and bring up for me the one I name.”9 But the woman said to him, “Surely you know what Saul has done. He has cut off the mediums and spiritists from the land. Why have you set a trap for my life to bring about my death?”10 Saul swore to her by the Lord, “As surely as the Lord lives, you will not be punished for this.”11 Then the woman asked, “Whom shall I bring up for you?”“Bring up Samuel,” he said.12 When the woman saw Samuel, she cried out at the top of her voice and said to Saul, “Why have you deceived me? You are Saul!”13 The king said to her, “Don't be afraid. What do you see?”The woman said, “I see a ghostly figure coming up out of the earth.”14 “What does he look like?” he asked.“An old man wearing a robe is coming up,” she said.Then Saul knew it was Samuel, and he bowed down and prostrated himself with his face to the ground.15 Samuel said to Saul, “Why have you disturbed me by bringing me up?”“I am in great distress,” Saul said. “The Philistines are fighting against me, and God has departed from me. He no longer answers me, either by prophets or by dreams. So I have called on you to tell me what to do.”16 Samuel said, “Why do you consult me, now that the Lord has departed from you and become your enemy? 17 The Lord has done what he predicted through me. The Lord has torn the kingdom out of your hands and given it to one of your neighbors—to David. 18 Because you did not obey the Lord or carry out his fierce wrath against the Amalekites, the Lord has done this to you today. 19 The Lord will deliver both Israel and you into the hands of the Philistines, and tomorrow you and your sons will be with me. The Lord will also give the army of Israel into the hands of the Philistines.”20 Immediately Saul fell full length on the ground, filled with fear because of Samuel's words. His strength was gone, for he had eaten nothing all that day and all that night.21 When the woman came to Saul and saw that he was greatly shaken, she said, “Look, your servant has obeyed you. I took my life in my hands and did what you told me to do. 22 Now please listen to your servant and let me give you some food so you may eat and have the strength to go on your way.”23 He refused and said, “I will not eat.”But his men joined the woman in urging him, and he listened to them. He got up from the ground and sat on the couch.24 The woman had a fattened calf at the house, which she butchered at once. She took some flour, kneaded it and baked bread without yeast. 25 Then she set it before Saul and his men, and they ate. That same night they got up and left.

Isaiah 6:1-101 In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord, high and exalted, seated on a throne; and the train of his robe filled the temple. 2 Above him were seraphim, each with six wings: With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they were flying. 3 And they were calling to one another:“Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty;    the whole earth is full of his glory.”4 At the sound of their voices the doorposts and thresholds shook and the temple was filled with smoke.5 “Woe to me!” I cried. “I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the Lord Almighty.”6 Then one of the seraphim flew to me with a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with tongs from the altar. 7 With it he touched my mouth and said, “See, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away and your sin atoned for.”8 Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?”And I said, “Here am I. Send me!”9 He said, “Go and tell this people:“‘Be ever hearing, but never understanding;    be ever seeing, but never perceiving.'10 Make the heart of this people calloused;    make their ears dull    and close their eyes.Otherwise they might see with their eyes,    hear with their ears,    understand with their hearts,and turn and be healed.”

2 Samuel 9:1-111 David asked, “Is there anyone still left of the house of Saul to whom I can show kindness for Jonathan's sake?”2 Now there was a servant of Saul's household named Ziba. They summoned him to appear before David, and the king said to him, “Are you Ziba?”“At your service,” he replied.3 The king asked, “Is there no one still alive from the house of Saul to whom I can show God's kindness?”Ziba answered the king, “There is still a son of Jonathan; he is lame in both feet.”4 “Where is he?” the king asked.Ziba answered, “He is at the house of Makir son of Ammiel in Lo Debar.”5 So King David had him brought from Lo Debar, from the house of Makir son of Ammiel.6 When Mephibosheth son of Jonathan, the son of Saul, came to David, he bowed down to pay him honor.David said, “Mephibosheth!”“At your service,” he replied.7 “Don't be afraid,” David said to him, “for I will surely show you kindness for the sake of your father Jonathan. I will restore to you all the land that belonged to your grandfather Saul, and you will always eat at my table.”8 Mephibosheth bowed down and said, “What is your servant, that you should notice a dead dog like me?”9 Then the king summoned Ziba, Saul's steward, and said to him, “I have given your master's grandson everything that belonged to Saul and his family. 10 You and your sons and your servants are to farm the land for him and bring in the crops, so that your master's grandson may be provided for. And Mephibosheth, grandson of your master, will always eat at my table.” (Now Ziba had fifteen sons and twenty servants.)11 Then Ziba said to the king, “Your servant will do whatever my lord the king commands his servant to do.” So Mephibosheth ate at David's table like one of the king's sons.

1 Samuel 3:1-101 The boy Samuel ministered before the Lord under Eli. In those days the word of the Lord was rare; there were not many visions.2 One night Eli, whose eyes were becoming so weak that he could barely see, was lying down in his usual place. 3 The lamp of God had not yet gone out, and Samuel was lying down in the house of the Lord, where the ark of God was. 4 Then the Lord called Samuel.Samuel answered, “Here I am.” 5 And he ran to Eli and said, “Here I am; you called me.”But Eli said, “I did not call; go back and lie down.” So he went and lay down.6 Again the Lord called, “Samuel!” And Samuel got up and went to Eli and said, “Here I am; you called me.”“My son,” Eli said, “I did not call; go back and lie down.”7 Now Samuel did not yet know the Lord: The word of the Lord had not yet been revealed to him.8 A third time the Lord called, “Samuel!” And Samuel got up and went to Eli and said, “Here I am; you called me.”Then Eli realized that the Lord was calling the boy. 9 So Eli told Samuel, “Go and lie down, and if he calls you, say, ‘Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.'” So Samuel went and lay down in his place.10 The Lord came and stood there, calling as at the other times, “Samuel! Samuel!”Then Samuel said, “Speak, for your servant is listening.”

The Tower of BabelGenesis 11:1-91 Now the whole world had one language and a common speech. 2 As people moved eastward, they found a plain in Shinar and settled there.3 They said to each other, “Come, let's make bricks and bake them thoroughly.” They used brick instead of stone, and tar for mortar. 4 Then they said, “Come, let us build ourselves a city, with a tower that reaches to the heavens, so that we may make a name for ourselves; otherwise we will be scattered over the face of the whole earth.”5 But the Lord came down to see the city and the tower the people were building. 6 The Lord said, “If as one people speaking the same language they have begun to do this, then nothing they plan to do will be impossible for them. 7 Come, let us go down and confuse their language so they will not understand each other.”8 So the Lord scattered them from there over all the earth, and they stopped building the city. 9 That is why it was called Babel—because there the Lord confused the language of the whole world. From there the Lord scattered them over the face of the whole earth.

This week's episode of Our Big 5 focuses on worship. Along with the regular sermon, we get to hear from Derek MacDonald. He shares part of his story with us and outlines why worship in the lowest valleys is just as important as when we worship during the highest moments of our lives.Psalm 19:1-41 The heavens declare the glory of God;    the skies proclaim the work of his hands.2 Day after day they pour forth speech;    night after night they reveal knowledge.3 They have no speech, they use no words;    no sound is heard from them.4 Yet their voice[b] goes out into all the earth,    their words to the ends of the world.Romans 12:1 1 Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.Revelation 4:1111 “You are worthy, our Lord and God,    to receive glory and honor and power,for you created all things,    and by your will they were created    and have their being.”Isaiah 40:25-2625 “To whom will you compare me?    Or who is my equal?” says the Holy One.26 Lift up your eyes and look to the heavens:    Who created all these?He who brings out the starry host one by one    and calls forth each of them by name.Because of his great power and mighty strength,    not one of them is missing.

The Good Samaritan | Luke 10:30-3530 In reply Jesus said: “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he was attacked by robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. 31 A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. 32 So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. 33 But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. 34 He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him. 35 The next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,' he said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.'

Romans 12:1313 Share with the Lord's people who are in need. Practice hospitality.Hebrews 13:22 Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.

*The keys that pastor Phil talks about in this episode were handed out to the members of the congregation at the start of the service.*Biblical AuthorityWe believe the Bible is God's unique, inspired, entirely trustworthy written Word. With the Holy Spirit's help, it guides us into a life-transforming relationship with the living God. It shows us how to live in His Kingdom, equipping us with essential wisdom for life and defining the foundations of His divine revelation.

Centrality of ChristEverything we do begins and ends with the person of Jesus15 The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. 16 For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. 17 He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 18 And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy.

1 Thessalonians 4:13-1813 Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. 14 For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. 15 According to the Lord's word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. 16 For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. 18 Therefore encourage one another with these words.1 Thessalonians 5:1-281 Now, brothers and sisters, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, 2 for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. 3 While people are saying, “Peace and safety,” destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.4 But you, brothers and sisters, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief. 5 You are all children of the light and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness. 6 So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be awake and sober. 7 For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night. 8 But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet. 9 For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. 10 He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him. 11 Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.12 Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you. 13 Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other. 14 And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone. 15 Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else.16 Rejoice always, 17 pray continually, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.19 Do not quench the Spirit. 20 Do not treat prophecies with contempt 21 but test them all; hold on to what is good, 22 reject every kind of evil.23 May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it.25 Brothers and sisters, pray for us. 26 Greet all God's people with a holy kiss. 27 I charge you before the Lord to have this letter read to all the brothers and sisters.28 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.

1 Thessalonians 4:1-121 As for other matters, brothers and sisters, we instructed you how to live in order to please God, as in fact you are living. Now we ask you and urge you in the Lord Jesus to do this more and more. 2 For you know what instructions we gave you by the authority of the Lord Jesus.3 It is God's will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; 4 that each of you should learn to control your own body in a way that is holy and honorable, 5 not in passionate lust like the pagans, who do not know God; 6 and that in this matter no one should wrong or take advantage of a brother or sister. The Lord will punish all those who commit such sins, as we told you and warned you before. 7 For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life. 8 Therefore, anyone who rejects this instruction does not reject a human being but God, the very God who gives you his Holy Spirit.9 Now about your love for one another we do not need to write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love each other. 10 And in fact, you do love all of God's family throughout Macedonia. Yet we urge you, brothers and sisters, to do so more and more, 11 and to make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: You should mind your own business and work with your hands, just as we told you, 12 so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.

1 Thessalonians 3:6 But Timothy has just now come to us from you and has brought good news about your faith and love. He has told us that you always have pleasant memories of us and that you long to see us, just as we also long to see you.

1 Thessalonians 2:1-121 You know, brothers and sisters, that our visit to you was not without results. 2 We had previously suffered and been treated outrageously in Philippi, as you know, but with the help of our God we dared to tell you his gospel in the face of strong opposition. 3 For the appeal we make does not spring from error or impure motives, nor are we trying to trick you. 4 On the contrary, we speak as those approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. We are not trying to please people but God, who tests our hearts. 5 You know we never used flattery, nor did we put on a mask to cover up greed—God is our witness. 6 We were not looking for praise from people, not from you or anyone else, even though as apostles of Christ we could have asserted our authority. 7 Instead, we were like young children[a] among you.Just as a nursing mother cares for her children, 8 so we cared for you. Because we loved you so much, we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well. 9 Surely you remember, brothers and sisters, our toil and hardship; we worked night and day in order not to be a burden to anyone while we preached the gospel of God to you. 10 You are witnesses, and so is God, of how holy, righteous and blameless we were among you who believed. 11 For you know that we dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own children, 12 encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into his kingdom and glory.

1 Thessalonians 1:1-101 Paul, Silas and Timothy, To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace and peace to you.2 We always thank God for all of you and continually mention you in ourprayers. 3 We remember before our God andFather your work produced by faith, your labor prompted bylove, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.4 For we know, brothers and sisters loved by God, that he has chosen you, 5 becauseour gospel came to you not simply with words but also withpower, with the Holy Spirit and deep conviction. You know how welived among you for your sake. 6 You became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you welcomed the message in the midst of severe suffering with the joy given by the Holy Spirit. 7 And so you became a model to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia. 8 The Lord's message rang out from you not only in Macedonia and Achaia—your faith in God has become known everywhere. Therefore we do not need to sayanything about it, 9 for they themselves reportwhat kind of reception you gave us. They tell how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, 10 and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead—Jesus, who rescues us from the coming wrath.

John 5:28-2928 “Do not be amazed at this, for atime is coming when all who are in their graves will hear his voice 29 andcome out—those who have done what is good will rise to live, and those who havedone what is evil will rise to be condemned.Philipians 2:12-1312 Therefore, my dear friends, as youhave always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in myabsence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, 13 forit is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his goodpurpose.

What is Jesus doing right now?In this message from our Jesus Is... series, we explore Jesus as the One who ascended into heaven and now resides at the right hand of the Father. While the cross and resurrection are central to the gospel, Christ's work did not end there. Scripture reveals that Jesus continues to intercede for His people, advocate on their behalf, and reign as King.Discover the significance of Christ's ascension, the comfortof His ongoing ministry, and the assurance believers have when facing accusation, doubt, and condemnation. Through God's Word, we are reminded that our hope is not found in our own performance, but in the risen and exalted Savior who lives and works for us today.Join us as we look at the victorious, reigning Christ andthe confidence His presence in heaven gives to every believer.

The ONLY One Raised From the DeadIn this episode, we explore the greatest event inhuman history: the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Looking at Mark 16:1–6, we follow the women who came to Jesus' tomb expecting to find a dead Savior, onlyto hear the life-changing words, “He has risen!”This message examines why Jesus' resurrection is unique, how it differs from every other resurrection recorded in Scripture, and what it means for us today. Discover how the empty tomb provides hope, assurance, and evidence that Jesus has conquered sin and death once and for all.Join us as we celebrate the risen Christ—the only One raisedfrom the dead to live forever—and the hope His victory brings to all who believe.

Matthew 8:18-22The Cost of Following Jesus18 When Jesus saw the crowd around him, he gave orders to cross to the other side of the lake.19 Then a teacher of the law came to him and said, “Teacher, I will follow you wherever you go.”20 Jesus replied, “Foxes have dens and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.”21 Another disciple said to him, “Lord, first let me go and bury my father.”22 But Jesus told him, “Follow me, and let the dead bury their own dead.”

Evan Jusdon walks us through the powerful “I Am” statements of Jesus.

Pastor Phil talks about does Jesus actually see us?

Pastor Hannah points out that while most of us agree love is important, we don't always agree on what it actually looks like in practice.

The end justifies the means" is a controversial principle meaning that if a goal is important enough, any method (even morally dubious or unethical ones) used to achieve it is acceptable. Pastor Phil dives into this teaching as he shares how Jesus was our perfect example.

Revelation 10:9-10 So I went to the angel and asked him to give me the little scroll. He said to me, “Take it and eat it. It will turn your stomach sour, but ‘in your mouth it will be as sweet as honey.' I took the little scroll from the angel's hand and ate it. It tasted as sweet as honey in my mouth, but when I had eaten it, my stomach turned sour.

JOHN 1:1-3IN THE BEGINNING WAS THE WORD, AND THE WORD WAS WITH GOD, AND THE WORD WAS GOD, 2 HE WAS WITH GOD IN THE BEGINNING, 3 THROUGH HIM ALL THINGS WERE MADE: WITHOUT HIM NOTHING WAS MADE THAT HAS BEEN MADE

Pastor Mike joins us this week to explore the hypostatic union of Jesus—how He is fully God and fully man.

LUKE 17:20-21ON BEING ASKED BY THE PHARISEES WHEN THE KINGDOM OF GOD WOULD COME, JESUS REPLIED, "THE COMING OF THE KINGDOM OF GOD IS NOT SOMETHING THAT CAN BE OBSERVED, NOR WILL PEOPLE SAY, HERE IT IS BECAUSE THE KINGDOM OF GOD IS IN YOUR MIDST."

JOHN 1:1-3IN THE BEGINNING WAS THE WORD, AND THE WORD WAS WITH GOD, AND THE WORD WAS GOD, 2 HE WAS WITH GOD IN THE BEGINNING, 3 THROUGH HIM ALL THINGS WERE MADE: WITHOUT HIM NOTHING WAS MADE THAT HAS BEEN MADE

Pastor Phil kicks off our newest sermon series as we dive into what the Bible says about who Jesus is.

Join us this Advent season as we journey to the heart of Christmas through the timeless hymns we know and love. Pastor Phil will lead us in a special series, "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel" exploring the profound theology and deep longing embedded within these familiar songs.This week, we embrace the victorious and universal declaration, "Joy to the World." Moving from last week's announcement of the Incarnation, this message will explore the cosmic scope of a carol that celebrates Christ's mission to heal and restore. Together, we'll discover how this hymn of triumph proclaims the revolutionary truth that Jesus came to reverse the curse of sin, bringing redemption, healing, and joy to every corner of our lives and our world.Prepare your heart for Christmas by rediscovering the story of hope, peace, joy, and love—sung for generations, and waiting to transform our lives today.

Advent Series: O come, O come, EmmanuelJoin us this Advent season as we journey to the heart of Christmas through the timeless hymns we know and love. Pastor Phil will lead us in a special series, "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel" exploring the profound theology and deep longing embedded within these familiar songs.This week, we turn to the triumphant and jubilant proclamation, "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing."Building on last week's theme of expectant prayer, this message will delve into the explosive joy and dense theology of a carol that announces the fulfilled promise. Together, we'll explore how this hymn of celebration captures the glorious truth of the Incarnation—God with us—and what it means to join the angelic chorus in proclaiming "glory to the newborn King."Prepare your heart for Christmas by rediscovering the story of hope, peace, joy, and love—sung for generations, and waiting to transform our lives today.

Advent Series: O come, O come, Emmanuel Join us this Advent season as we journey to the heart of Christmas through the timeless hymns we know and love. Pastor Phil will lead us in a special series, "The Carols of Christmas," exploring the profound theology and deep longing embedded within these familiar songs.We begin with the ancient and hauntingly beautiful plea, "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel." This opening message will unpack the rich history and prophetic power of a carol that captures the raw hope of a world waiting in darkness. Together, we'll discover how this prayerful hymn speaks to our own longing for God's presence, setting the tone for a season of expectant waiting and joyful celebration of Christ's coming.Prepare your heart for Christmas by rediscovering the story of hope, peace, joy, and love—sung for generations, and waiting to transform our lives today.

Parent to Child (Part 2 - Minister Against The Curse)

Parent to Child (Part 1 - As In God, So In Us)

Our relationship with God changes how we date and how we relate to our In-laws (The New Families That Are Formed)

Our relationship with God should change the way we relate to our bosses and our employees

Who are our Neighbours and how do we treat them?

John 15:12-15"12 My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. 13 Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends. 14 You are my friends if you do what I command. 15 I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father, I have made known to you."

Husband & Wife (Part 2 - Minister Against The Curse)Pastor Phil continues our series on how God shapes our relationships. Join us as he delves into Genesis 3 to uncover the origins of broken relationships and God's plan for restoration.

Husband & Wife (Part 1 - As In God, So In Us)

Your Relationships Tell A Story About Your Relationship With God

Kick off our new sermon series, "God Shaped Relationships," Pastor Phil lays down the foundation by uncovering the truth: your view of God directly shapes how you view and treat everyone else. Discover how what you believe about God's character—His love, grace, and forgiveness—is the ultimate blueprint for building healthy, lasting, and fulfilling relationships. Join us and learn how to build connections that are shaped by truth.

This week, Pastor Phil provides biblical answers to questions that were sent to him over the summer.

Pastor Phil concludes our Summer Object Lessons by uncovering Jesus' teaching on the Kingdom of God. It's like finding hidden treasure—so priceless you'd joyfully give up anything to have it. What is this treasure, and how do we find it?Matthew 13:44-46The Parables of the Hidden Treasure and the Pearl44 “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field.45 “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. 46 When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it.

Joel Ninaber reflects on Mark 10, challenging our understanding of what true greatness really means.Mark 10:37-4535 Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to him. “Teacher,” they said, “we want you to do for us whatever we ask.” 36 “What do you want me to do for you?” he asked. 37 They replied, “Let one of us sit at your right and the other at your left in your glory.” 38 “You don't know what you are asking,” Jesus said. “Can you drink the cup I drink or be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with?” 39 “We can,” they answered. Jesus said to them, “You will drink the cup I drink and be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with,  40 but to sit at my right or left is not for me to grant. These places belong to those for whom they have been prepared.” 41 When the ten heard about this, they became indignant with James and John. 42 Jesus called them together and said, “You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them.  43 Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant,  44 and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all.  45 For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

This week, Pastor Hannah shares from Ezekiel 37:1–14, exploring the valley of dry bones and asking a powerful question: How is our hope?

Guest speaker Caden Bryant joins us to share from Matthew 5:38–48, challenging us to reflect on what it truly means to love our enemies. Who is the enemy we're called to love—and are we genuinely hoping for the best in their lives?

Pastor Phil shares from Luke 5:37–39, teaching that while we all begin under the old wineskin of the law, a new life—full of grace and transformation—is available to us through the new wineskin of Christ.

Join us for Week 4 of our Object Lessons summer series as special guest Evan Judson dives deep into one of the Bible's most powerful metaphors—the Word of God as a double-edged sword.

Episode 3: Lessons from the Fig TreeJoin Pastor Phil in this third installment of our Object Lessons summer series as he examines Jesus' teaching from Mark 11:12-21. Through the vivid illustration of the fig tree - a symbol of both judgment and spiritual vitality - we'll discover what Jesus wants to teach us about genuine faith, spiritual fruitfulness, and God's expectations for His people.

Episode 2: Jesus' Object Lesson in John 11In this week's episode of Object Lessons, guest speaker Christopher Higdon explores: Jesus' object lesson in John 11. Through the story of Lazarus, Jesus reveals deep truths about His power, God's timing, and the hope we have in Him—even in life's darkest moments.