Cornerstone Church Kingston podcast

Last week brought a grave warning, but here in Hebrews 10: 19-39, Pete delivers the apostle's encouragement to those who heed it. To all who feel distant in their relationship with God, who face persecution for speaking truth, the Father offers his almighty hand. Your future is secure; stay the course.

As we continue our evening series in Matthew's gospel, Joshua preaches from Matthew 27:32-44. In this passage we see the crucifixion of Jesus, as he carries - with help from Simon - and is then nailed to the cross he will eventually die on. As Joshua unpacks this passage, we see the physical weight of the cross isn't the only thing Jesus is carrying, and we consider what it means for us today.

Rory continues our evening series in Matthew's gospel, preaching from Matthew 27:1-31. In this passage we see Jesus stand trial before Pilate, and the verdict reached on his fate: to crucify him. As Rory unpacks this passage of scripture, we see Jesus' utter beauty and innocence, the guilt of the perpetrators, an unexpected but glorious outcome for the accused, and what it all means for us today.

Preaching to us from Hebrews 10: 19-31, Pete delivers a truly terrible warning to God's people. Is it possible for a believer to lose their salvation? What does it mean to commit apostasy? Fearful as the answers may be, the faithful should remember: the Lord's sheep know his voice; they shall never perish.

Psalm 55 and Hebrews 10: 1-25 contain a simple and effective recipe for the best kind of Christian life: just pure God, with no harmful additives or deceptive sweeteners. Pete prepares this recipe for us, showing us three essential, life-giving ingredients that every believer needs in their diet. Let us draw near.

As we continue our series in Matthew's gospel, Chris preaches from Matthew 26:69-27:10. In this passage we see two stories of two men who were very close to Jesus, but who ultimately take two very different paths. As Chris helps us look at the day from both their perspectives, and learn from both their stories, we're faced with the ultimate question: what will you do with your sin?

As we continue our series in Matthew's gospel, Tom Smith preaches from Matthew 26:57-68. In this passage we see Jesus taken before the Chief Priests and the whole Sanhedrin to face the accusations against him. It seems they all have Jesus right where they want him, but in fact it is Jesus who is where he wants to be - standing in the place of rebels as the true King of the universe, ready to face an unjust trial, false accusations and vicious mockery so that God's salvation plan might be fulfilled.

What does it mean to have true repentance and faith? To illustrate, Tom shows us two powerful stories in this month's Mix: one greedy man with all the world against him and Christ ahead of him, and one powerful leader who humbled himself before God. (Featuring special guest Deanicus of Rome's IV Legion.)

Where will you run to? Through Hebrews 10: 1-18, Pete shows us that the sinner cannot flee from the judgement of sin, nor can they justify themselves with the trappings of religion. Where fight and flight both fall short, the courts of Heaven offer a third option: 'Here I am,' says He.

Pete continues our series in Matthew's gospel, preaching from Matthew 26:36-56. In this passage we see the encounter between Jesus and Judas in the garden of Gethsemane, as Judas comes to betray Jesus. We see the horror of this act of betrayal, the reaction of Jesus' followers, Jesus' surprising words for them all, and what it all means for us today.

Rory continues our series in Matthew's gospel, preaching from Matthew 26:31-46. In this passage we see Jesus predict the disciple's denial of him, and his intense yet moving time of prayer in the garden of Gethsemene. As Rory unpacks the mental, emotional and spiritual trauma Jesus is going through on his way to the cross, we gaze at his motive for pressing on, his perfect obedience to the Father, and how deep the love of Christ is for his people.

In this look at Hebrews 9: 11-28, Tom gives us a challenge and a comfort. If death is a certainty, and if judgement is unavoidable, what can we do about it? There is one who faced both death and judgement and triumphed over both for our sake. You may die once, but in Him, you may live eternal.

No, we're not masochists! While Christians don't actively seek to be persecuted, it is an uncomfortable reality for Jesus' followers and will continue to be until He comes again. However, even though Christ's followers will face ridicule, mocking and even death for believing in Jesus, the Bible itself tells us so and shows us that even though the cost may be high, the treasure of knowing and belonging to the living God is far, far superior and the hope of heaven more than a balm for the persecuted believer. As we reflect on a visit from a missionary friend working with Christians in a very dangerous place to even be a Christian, Pete unpacks 10 reasons why persecution isn't just an inconvenience - we need it.

This week in our Hebrews journey, Tom takes us through the wondrous truths of chapter 9: 1-14. The old system of atonement merely cleaned the outside, and so God's people needed a greater, grander sacrifice. Come and see how the blood of Christ not only cleanses us from sin, but also offers us true, everlasting joy.

As we continue our series in Matthew's gospel, Rory preaches from Matthew 26:14-30. In this passage we see Jesus celebrating the Passover with his disciples, on the eve of one of them betraying him to death - we see Jesus' sovereignty over the preparations, his awareness of what is about to happen, and we are challenged to examine our own hearts and ask the question: am I right with Jesus?

This new year's Mix brings us a crucial reminder of the character of God. Through the medium of a very helpful catechism, a musical interlude and two bottles of fizzy water, Pete shows us what it really means to know the king who serves, saves and loves His people.

In this Hebrews tangent centring on Exodus 25 - 27, Rory tours the Tabernacle of old. This not-so-simple tent is a bounty of symbolism, offering us a picture of the one who 'tabernacles' with us and makes His home among His people. We can all, finally, come home.

Merry Christmas! This year, through the medium of fateful hats, gravy, and blended sprouts, Tom shows us four stories from the very first Christmas, each with its own message on how we can (and sometimes don't) approach the new king born this day. O come, let us adore Him!

As we celebrate Christmas and reflect on the coming of the Lord Jesus, Tom preaches from Luke 2:1-21. In this passage we see Luke's account of the birth of Jesus - with the journey to Bethlehem for the census, the angel appearing to Mary and the incredible good news proclaimed to her - and the world. As we delve into the details of this extraordinary time in world history, we see how what happened 2000 years ago should prompt one response: to come, behold, and adore.

In Hebrews 8 once more, Tom offers an eye-opening comparison between the old covenant and the new. The People of God in ancient times were often able to know about God, but so seldom capable of truly knowing God. If you really want to know Him, reach deeper than the surface level of your life. Let Him change your heart.

In this powerful look at Hebrews 8, Toms cuts to the 'pith' of the matter. The early Hebrew Christians had a habit of chasing after religious shadows, so comfortable were they in familiar customs, and thus almost missed the glorious reality entirely. This is the same reality you have today. Come and see the real deal.

Beginning with the launchpad of Hebrews 7, Pete shows us the qualifications of Jesus expressed throughout the entire biblical narrative. What is it about Jesus that makes him uniquely capable of representing us before the Father? How can he be both priest and king? And who on Earth is Melchizedek?

Rory continues our series in Matthew's gospel, preaching from Matthew 26:1-16. In this passage we see the Jewish leaders plotting to kill Jesus, Judas' betrayal of Jesus for a few silver coins, and in-between an amazing scene of a woman pouring very expensive perfume on his head! As Rory unpacks the passage, we see the immense value the woman put on Jesus - showing her love for him - compared with the minute value that Judas puts on him, and we look at the penetrating question: What is Jesus worth to you?

At this high point on the rollercoaster of Hebrews 5: 11 - 6: 20, Pete acquaints us with our assurance. Do we need grand, Pentecostal demonstrations of the Holy Spirit to prove that we are saved? Or are the signs of saving faith so much simpler? God himself took an oath to bring us home; he'll never let us down.

With this challenging yet encouraging look at Hebrews 5:11 - 6:12, Tom asks us to get off the baby food. How is your spiritual growth? Have you solidly grasped the fundamentals of faith and nurtured them into a fruitful life? Here are hard truths, but also great assurances. Come and grow in Christ.

This may be the most important thing you ever hear. Your eternal destiny depends on it. As Pete preaches our next section in Matthew's gospel - Matthew 25:31-46 - we see Jesus describing what will happen when he comes again in His Father's glory, and calls each and every person - you and me - to account for what they have done with their lives. The big question is: will you come to Jesus, or will you go from him?

Bringing God's word to us from Hebrews 4:14 - 5:10, Tom reintroduces us to a saviour who feels as we feel and suffers as we suffer. Our high priest is no tin man: he has known every grief, triumphed over every sin, and now remains our advocate forever. How shall we respond to this depth of feeling? Approach Him with confidence.

Tom Smith continues our series in Matthew's gospel, preaching from Matthew 25:14-30. In this passage we see the parable of the Talents (sums of money), as Jesus gives another illustration of what the kingdom of God will be like. It can be easy to think that we need to do as much as we can to please God, or to view Him as an unfair ruler, but nothing could be further from the truth - as Christians we serve God in the context of His grace, and are called to be faithful with what he has given us. As Tom unpacks this passage, we look at the actions of the three servants, the master's verdict, and what it all means for us today.

What on Earth is wrong with Earth? In the third instalment of The Mix, Tom addresses this question and brings us to some unpleasant truths. The world is not as it should be; sin through doubt crept in, disrupting our relationship with God and taking us far from him. If only we had a representative to win the war for our souls...

This week we take a break from our evening series in Matthew's gospel, as Tom takes us on a deeper dive of Hebrews 3:1-19, to further develop some thoughts on the practical command to ‘encourage one another daily', in this book of the Bible that was written to Christians. Sin is deceitful and hardens us towards God and towards one-another, which is why it's all the more important that strive to meet together and encourage one another in the faith.

Josh continues our evening series in Matthew's gospel, preaching from Matthew 25:1-13. In this passage Jesus tells the parable of the ten virgins (or bridesmaids, in those days) all of whom are waiting for the bridegroom to arrive, but not all of them are really prepared. As Josh unpacks this passage of scripture, we see how the ten virgins profess to be ready for the bridegroom's arrival, how only half of them are really ready, the consequences of this, and what it all means for us today. How ready are you to meet Jesus?

This is a weary age. Through Hebrews 3: 12 - 4: 16, Pete presents us with one of the most oddly difficult aspects of the Christian's life: rest. Contrary to popular belief, true rest is not idleness, nor is joy found in dreams. There is only one treatment for the weary heart, and one saviour who provides it free of charge.

There is a heart disease affecting our generation. Through Hebrews 3: 1 - 4: 2, Tom shows us the symptoms and underlying cause of this heart condition, characterised by a pervading coldness and hardness that brings insensitivity to God's love. Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your heart to it. Let Him work in you.

Pete continues our evening series in Matthew's gospel, preaching from Matthew 24:36-51. In this passage we see Jesus explaining to his disciples about how they will know that he has come back, and how they are to be prepared. Although no-one except God the Father knows when Jesus will return, his return will be unmistakable to everyone, and we should all be ready for it. In this passage we see Jesus' illustrations for how we are to be prepared today.

Here is a calling for holy brothers and sisters as Tom brings us this crucial reminder from Hebrews 3: 1 - 6: fix your eyes upon Christ. Jesus is not an addendum to life, or a curiosity to be taken out of the box every Sunday, but the absolute focus of all thought, truth and life. Do as Moses did, and keep Him always in your thoughts.

As we continue our series in Matthew's gospel, Rory preaches from Matthew 24:1-35. In this passage we see Jesus explain to the disciples the destruction of the temple, the signs of the end times, and what it all means for us today.

Pete continues our series through the gospel of Matthew and takes us through the whole of chapter 23. While the temptation to don a religious mask to hide behind might be tempting, we are pointed to the perfect example of Jesus who is never hypocritical.

This month in The Mix, Tom presents us with the reality of a God who is not silent, but a God who has spoken clearly to all of us. Under his law, old cycles of hate and anger are broken, trust is possible again, and the enemies of God can finally reconcile. How wonderful is the law of love!

What is wrong with our world? Through Hebrews 2, Pete shows us how human beings were meant to rule this broken world, not be ruled by it - and yet there is one human being who can do what we cannot. Why? Because of two words that change everything. Would you like to know what they are?

Chris continues our series in Matthew's gospel, preaching from Matthew 22:34-46. In this passage we see Jesus being asked the question ‘what is the greatest commandment' - we see Jesus' response, his own question to the Pharisees, and Chris unpacks what it means for us today.

Strange as it is for us to imagine, the early church sometimes drifted into worshipping angels instead of Christ. But Tom shows us in Hebrews 1:1 - 2:4 that the Son of God is so much greater than even the most magnificent angel. To which of today's inoffensive, nebulous, comfortable idols did God ever say, 'You are my Son'?

As we continue our series in Matthew's gospel, Tom Smith preaches from Matthew 22:23-33. In this passage we see the Sadducees try to trap Jesus with a question, Jesus' amazing response using scripture to back it up, and what it means for us today.

In this new series debut, Pete begins with the unknown writer's powerful opening in Hebrews 1: 1-4. The readers of this letter were in terrible danger of forgetting Christ, latching onto the old covenant with its laws and regulations. Why cling to the shadow when the reality is right there? Come back to Christ: the personal, final redeemer.

In this newest iteration of The Mix, Tom explores the idea of creation. What do we mean when we say "Creator God"? The God of creation is no cold architect from long ago who stepped back from His work, but a loving Father who sustains us every day. We were created to know and glorify Him right now.

As we continue our series in Matthew's gospel, Pete preaches from Matthew 21:33-46. In this passage we see Jesus telling the Pharisees the parable of the tenants - we see Jesus' remarkable story telling, his question to the Pharisees, their reply that condemns them, and what it all means for us today.

In this second look at the lesser-known prophet, Phil expounds upon the uncomfortable message of Malachi 1: 6-14. The people of Israel were bringing their sacrifices as they ought, but were their whole hearts fully committed? Or had they - as we often do - turned the worship of the Lord of Hosts into a banal, everyday drudgery? It's time to track down the other half of your heart.

Time for a spiritual temperature check. How are you feeling? If Phil's look at God's people in Malachi 1: 1-5 is of any indication, it is easier to cool down than you might think. Let us not be so comfortable that we forget Him, nor so jaded that we miss His blessings. Those blessings are poured out upon you today - come and see how.

Tom continues our series in Matthew's gospel, preaching from Matthew 21:23-32. In this passage we see Jesus telling the Pharisees and teachers of the law the parable of the two sons - we see Jesus' message to the Pharisees, the implications for them before God, and what it means for us today.

How is your hearing? Pete's look at Mark 7: 24 - 37 shows us an isolated man whose sense of sound has left him - and that is where Jesus meets him. Only Christ's compassion can open deaf ears, but we must also have a desire to use them. Can you hear him calling you?

Here in Genesis 47: 27 - 48: 22, Tom shows us Jacob's life nearing its end. By most accounts, this former swindler's life was a mess, yet here he is facing death without fear. How did he reckon with his many mistakes? Where did he place his hope? The answer is the same for you as it was for him.

As we continue our series in Matthew's gospel, Rory preaches from Matthew 21:12-27. In this passage we see Jesus entering the temple courts, turning over tables and driving out everyone buying and selling, cursing a fig tree so that it never bears fruit again, and teaching in the temple courts. The Pharisees and teachers of the law are indignant - ‘who does he think he is!' As Rory unpacks the Word of God to us, we see Jesus' fulfilling of scripture, his love for his people, his ultimate authority, and what it all means for us today.