Cornerstone Church Kingston podcast

The family at the centre of Genesis 27:1 - 28:9 has it all: lies, betrayal, feuding, bitterness. They're a mess. Yet today, Tom shows us how this broken disaster of a family does everything it can to hijack God's beautiful promises - and fails. There's no mess to messy for God.

As we continue in our series in Matthew's gospel, Tom preaches from Matthew 17:14-23. In this passage, we see Jesus driving a demon out of a boy after the disciples try and fail to do so themselves. They come to Jesus with the burning question ‘why couldn't we drive it out'. We see Jesus' reply, the results of unbelief, and what it all means for us today. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YS43Xka5YUE

Today, Tom shows us one of the most pivotal events in history through Genesis 25: 19-25. In this story, we see the folly of gratifying only the desires of the flesh, the terror of justifying means with ends, and the glory of Christ's inheritance. The event in question: the eating of a bowl of lentil soup.

As we continue our series in Matthew's gospel, Rory preaches from Matthew 17:1-13. In this passage we see Jesus take his three closest followers up a very high mountain, and he is transfigured before them - we see his glory as the Son of God, and what this means for us today. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=53hocd9yuvA

Tom starts a new series going through the book of Genesis and exclusively focusing on the life of Jacob - a man who struggled with God. We can all take encouragement from the life of Jacob in the midst's of our own struggles, knowing that with faith and the grace of God we will overcome.

Tom continues our series in Matthew's gospel, preaching from Matthew 16:13-28. In this passage we see Jesus explaining what will happen to him to his disciples, Peter's reply, Jesus' response to Peter, and the ultimate choice facing all of us. Tom leads us through thinking about what this means for us today. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=crkODyInhJ8

As we continue our series in Matthew's gospel, Rory preaches from Matthew 16:13-20. In this passage we see Jesus talking with his disciples about one of the most important questions we could ever ask, and Rory poses the same question to us - who do you say Jesus is? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O12qysT3dTs

In this final stretch of the book of Ezekiel, Tom shows us the exhaustive measurements of the prophesied temple. Only - this temple was never built. So what is it? Could it be that this temple is not a building at all, but an image of something - or someone - far more glorious?

Behold: Armageddon! The last great conflict between the forces of good and evil...or is it? Today, Pete pulls back the curtain of time through Ezekiel 38, revealing the final battle at the end of days. Who is this fabled Gog? What form will this war take? And how was the battle won before it ever began?

"I'm offended!" Here Tom explores the difficult to parse image of Jesus' conversation with the Canaanite woman. Why did he stay silent? How could he call someone a dog? Observe her lack of offence - her embrace of humility. All she needed was a crumb of faith.

The exiled bones of Israel had been dried up, the land was desolate, but the time had come to return home. Through Ezekiel 36: 1-24, Pete shows us the wonderful story of God's restorative power. Like the exiles, we too have a land prepared for us. Like the exiles, we can come home.

Christ is risen! In this year's Easter message, taken from Acts 2: 14-39, Pete poses a question: what is the background music of your life? For the world, life is a bleak, sorrowful lament; but for the believer, that lament becomes a joyful celebration of a million hallelujahs. What, do you suppose, makes up the difference?

As we return to our series in Matthew's gospel, Rory preaches from Matthew 15:1-20. In this passage we see Jesus questioned by the Teachers of the Law, who travel from Jerusalem to ask him why his disciples don't wash their hands before they eat. However, Jesus turns their question back on them, exposing their rejection of God's law in favour of their own traditions, and teaching us all what true ‘religion' is. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3R-otTyHvi0

This week's special guest speaker, Stuart Davis, takes a look at the familial image of 1 John 2: 3-11. What does it mean to be a part of God's family? What assurances do we have that we truly are adopted sons and daughters? And how might we spot the impostors who talk holy talk - but don't walk a holy walk?

Tonight in this one-off special, our guest speaker Bart, from Hope Church Tolworth, preaches from Mark 11:12-25. In this passage we see Jesus cursing a fig tree, clearing out the temple courts, and explaining the meaning of all this to his disciples and those who would hear - that something greater than ‘religion' (trying to gain access to God through our good deeds) is here. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XQd0R64-mjg

In this special thanksgiving service, Tom shows us the joy of Psalm 100. How often have we coldly turned away from our redeemer and called ourselves "self-made"? How wonderful it is then that we are instead God-made: made intentionally, made to be loved, and made to live in joyful thankfulness with our saviour.

Tonight we have guest speaker Nathan Veall from Grace Church Leatherhead preaching from Psalm 24:1-10. In this passage we see the Psalmist focussing solely on God's character - we see him that He is the Creator God who made and owns everything, that He alone is holy, and that the only appropriate response to this saviour-king is to worship him. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jSzHEEHJOP4

By the time of Ezekiel 36:24 - 37:14, the exiles are crushed. Today, Rory shows us how their hopes were dashed to the dust like the driest bones: lifeless and futureless. Who could restore life to a nation so dead? But our God can raise the dead. Our God can even raise you.

Our series in the book of Matthew coincides with the baptism service of one of our members, Robin. As we celebrate this wonderful occasion, Tom preaches from Matthew 14:13-36, where we see Jesus feeding over five thousand people, walking out to the disciples on the lake in a storm, Peter going out to Jesus before sinking with Jesus catching him, and Jesus healing the sick. We see the great needs of humanity, and how Jesus meets every one of them. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5PRHhCwa5CM

This week, Tom examines Jerusalem's post-mortem in Ezekiel 34: 1-24. The cause of death: negligence and self-interest on the part of their leaders. In the face of this total leadership breakdown, when apathetic shepherds rule unjustly, we need a Good Shepherd who will never, ever let us down.

As we continue in our series in Matthew's gospel, Pete preaches from Matthew 13:53-14:13. In this passage we see Jesus teaching in his hometown, the townspeople's response and King Herod's reaction to hearing this. The very words of the loving God of the Bible are powerful to create, to destroy, to give life and to take it - so we ought to listen! But the reaction of the townspeople and King Herod show a very different response, and we see the consequences of their decisions. How are you doing with listening to the words of God? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v28jPMPrbwo

Tyre: a beautiful, powerful, influential city-state whose wares could be found on every shore. They were unstoppable - or so they thought. This week, Pete shows us how Ezekiel 28 turns away from bleeding Jerusalem and addresses its scoffing neighbours, beginning with wealthy Tyre. How the mighty shall fall.

Chris continues our series in Matthew's gospel, preaching from Matthew 12:46-50. In this passage we see Jesus' family come to speak to him when he's surrounded by a crowd. We see Jesus' (re)definition of ‘family', the amazing contract between an earthly family and God's family, and what it means for us today. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zrm_0HQhWkY

The Christian life is full of ups and downs - rarely in that order. Pete explains in Ezekiel 24 how the prophet became a symbol to the people: a living embodiment of their depravity, deprivation and duplicity. As their hope boils dry, and as despair sets in, the exiles receive a word that changes everything: "until".

As we continue our series in Matthew's gospel, Rory preaches from Matthew 12:38-45. In this passage we see the Pharisees asking Jesus for a sign, but Jesus replies that only one sign will be given to them: the sign of Jonah. As Rory unpacks this passage, we see what Jesus means by the sign of Jonah, what it means for the generation he was in at the time, and what it means for us today. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lbclZnqYRMg

"The parents eat sour grapes, and the children's teeth are set on edge." What did the exiles in Babylon mean by this proverb? Through Ezekiel 18, Tom unpacks the terrible error the exiles had made and the corrective response God provided. The sins of the father need not be the sins of the son, so turn and live!

As we continue in our series in Matthew's gospel, Pete preaches from Matthew 12:22-37. In this passage we see Jesus healing a demon-possessed man, the Pharisees' claim that he uses Satan's power to drive out demons, and we see Jesus' response. What is the ‘unforgivable sin'? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TZNFvQFQaN0

Today, Tom guides us through the compelling imagery at the heart of Ezekiel 17. What could have possessed the people of Israel to turn their backs on the God who nurtured them? What was the vision behind that decision? And yet - don't we make the same mistake ourselves?

Tom continues our series in Matthew's Gospel, preaching from Matthew 12:14-21. In this passage we see Jesus' response to the Pharisee's plot to kill him - and in doing so, his fulfilling the prophecy spoken through Isaiah. We see his character as God's chosen servant, his love for the lost and broken, and what it all means for us today. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a_NEdKPdtEg

In the dark yet profound imagery of Ezekiel 16, God's people are portrayed as an adulterous wife, always running after the lusts of her heart. Pete takes us through every terrible aspect of this graphic image, where we see not only the depth of Man's betrayal, but also the depth of God's love that rises to meet it.

As we continue our series in Matthew's gospel, John preaches from Matthew 12:1-14. In this passage, we see Jesus' encounters with the Pharisees on the Sabbath day - first in a corn field pick corn to eat, and then at the synagogue where Jesus heals a man's shrivelled hand. We see the Pharisee's challenge Jesus and his disciples' rule-keeping of the Sabbath, Jesus' amazing replies to expose their self-righteousness, and what it all means for us today. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q_K6vqY-UqI

Tom continues our series in Matthew's gospel, preaching from Matthew 11:20-30. In this passage we wee Jesus' amazing command to the burdened and weary to come to him for rest - and his incredible promise to those who do. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N_5jdd5qdl4

The traitors are here among the faithful! But who are they? Through Ezekiel 13, Pete examines the importance of truth, the terrible reality of false prophets, and the beauty of our faithful saviour. Find out today how to sift the comforting lies from the life-giving truth.

Have you seen this, son of man? This week, Tom takes us on a tour of the House of God as seen in the vision of Ezekiel 8-9. See the beautiful temple cannibalised into a den of idolatry, watch the priests as they worship defiling things, and listen to the women weep for a false god of pride. How will the God of love respond to all this?

As we continue in our series in Matthew's gospel, Pete preaches from Matthew 11:1-19. In this passage we see John (who is in prison) sending his disciples to Jesus to ask him if he really is the Messiah they were waiting for. Jesus replies to John, and goes on to talk about who the greatest human is. The answer will surprise you! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tZyNkGGgnv4

Through Ezekiel 4 - 5:17, Tom shows us the sobering messages God gave to his servant. These signs and symbols are meant to shock us, grieve us, and present us with a simulation of the reality and consequences of our sin. And yet, we have a sure hope in Jesus: a hope that no famine, sword or exile could ever destroy.


Rory continues our series in Matthew's gospel, preaching from Matthew 10:16-42. In this passage we see Jesus teaching his disciples before they are sent out to proclaim the good news - we see the costs of discipleship, the rewards of following him, and the choice that faces us all today. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sCYerA4IJoI

The recently appointed prophet Ezekiel had a daunting, often harrowing responsibility. Through Ezekiel 2-3, Pete explores the crucial mission given to God's chosen speaker of the era: to be a watchman, a messenger, and a parabolic warning. God's wrath approaches, but so does his saving grace. Are you ready to receive it?

As we continue our series in Matthew's gospel, Tom preaches from Matthew 10:1-20. In this passage we look closer at Jesus's commands to his disciples as he sends them out into the world. We see how they are to go out into the world, who they are to trust in the world, and what it means for Jesus' followers today.

In this new series, Pete invites us to engage with the apocalyptic imagery of Ezekiel 1-2:9. By the rivers of Babylon, a young priest with no prospects receives a glorious vision: one of immense awe, hope, and comfort in times of trouble. Learn today what Ezekiel learned: God is far greater and more wonderful than you think.

Continuing our series in Matthew's gospel, Phil preaches to us from Matthew 10:1-15. In this passage we see Jesus choosing his Apostles to go out and spread the good news - we see his specific instructions to them, the consequences for those who either accept or reject the Apostles and their message, and how this all applies to us today. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=80yeut0Gl-A

Through Matthew 28: 18-20, guest speaker Barry Schutter addresses the grand mission Jesus has given to the churches. Spreading the good news among the nations is so often difficult, but we can be encouraged go out into the world and speak boldly, knowing the assurance of our saviour: "Surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

As we continue our series in Matthew's gospel, Pete preaches from Matthew 9:35-38. In this passage we see Jesus' moving reaction to the crowds of people needing help - we see his compassion for the sick and needy, his heart for those who are lost, and what it means for us today. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Sjd_OyNnhg&t=403s

The joy of Christmas is found not only in Christ's birth, but what he was born to do. Through Hebrews 2: 5-18, Pete examines the great disaster of sin and death that afflicts all humanity. But Jesus was born to die that death itself may die - and all through Him might live.

In our last service of the year, Dean takes us through a brief overview of the start of the four Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John), starting with John 1:1-14, to show us what they all say about Jesus as they begin their accounts of the Good News. We see how John emphasises that Jesus is the author and sustainer of all life, how Matthew shows that Jesus is the Messiah to be worshipped, Luke presses on the certainty of all the things Jesus did and said, and Mark shows that Jesus is with us and we do not need to be afraid. As we enter a new calendar year, we don't know what 2025 will bring, but with Jesus we can know that don't need to be afraid - even of death! As we enter 2025, where does your hope lie? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d9oZWCLjSQY

It was fitting that Jesus should live a human life. Through the lens of Hebrews 2: 5-13, Tom explores the nature of Christ's wonderful character: he became perfect for our sake, seeking to adopt the worst of sinners into his family as new creations free of shame. In every way, the saviour born on Christmas day is the most fitting saviour for us all.

As we continue our series in Matthew's gospel, Rory preaches to us from Matthew 9:9-26. In this passage we focus on Jesus' words to John's disciples, and his actions immediately after, showing his consistency in living out what he was saying about himself and the world we live in. We see him getting his hands dirty with the sick, giving life to the dead, and we look at what it means for us today. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CNWNnkvMWnU

In this special carol service message, Tom explores how although Jesus entered the world as a baby, he did not stay that way. In Revelation 7: 9-17, we see the victorious Jesus gathering his people from across the nations, who have all been empowered to say in every language under the Sun: "Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb."

In the Christmas season, we celebrate the coming of Christ the redeemer - but why did he have to come to us? Rory explores how the unknown writer of Hebrews 2 shows us the problem of sin, the wonder of Jesus, and the crown of glory placed upon his most treasured pinnacle of creation: you.

As we continue our series in Matthew's gospel, Chris preaches from Matthew 9:14-17. In this passage we see Jesus explain why his disciples no longer fast, we see what fasting, patches of clothe and wineskins have in common, and what it means for us today. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cYapWRTQVaQ

Is your future written in the stars? On this first day of Advent, Pete examines the sighting of the new star in Matthew 2: 1-12. When the magi saw the sign, they didn't see the stars speaking into their own small lives; they saw the majesty of creation. Listen in to discover how the heavens declare the glory of God.