Cornerstone Church Kingston podcast

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.

Have you been caught up in the world's view of self? Rory's look at Romans 11: 33 - 12: 21 presents a radically alternative world view: one where our worship and service is not turned inward, but outward toward the Church and upward toward Christ. We are one body with many gifts - so let us use them.

Dean continues our series in Matthew's gospel, preaching from Matthew 21:1-11. In this passage we see Jesus coming into Jerusalem, to the scene of a somewhat unexpected welcome - we see Jesus' total control over the situation, a rare glimmer of faith from the people, the statements made about who Jesus is, and what it all means for us today.

Are you thirsty? In this look at John 4: 1-38, Rory shows us one of the earliest conversations in Jesus' ministry: a Samaritan woman, lowly and rejected by society, comes to the well of Jacob for a drink of perishable water - and instead finds the inheritor of Jacob with the water of life. Come and meet him.

Pete continues our series in Matthew's gospel, preaching from Matthew 20:29-34. In this passage we see Jesus' interaction with two blind beggars, seemingly the most insignificant and worthless people amongst the huge crowd following Jesus. Yet their words and persistence reveal their understanding of who Jesus is, and Jesus responds to their cries of faith, calling them to himself and asking them the most important and penetrating question that we must all answer. As Pete unpacks this short but moving passage, we see that there is no greater thing to have and desire than Jesus Christ himself.

Tom continues to illustrate the trials of Jacob in Genesis 32, where we find a man on the cusp of change. Jacob uses God's personal name, meets Him face to face, and receives an injury stronger than any plan or power. As a man, he struggled with God - and learned to lean on him.

As we continue in our series in Matthew's gospel, Chris preaches from Matthew 20:17-28. In this passage we see the outrageous request of James and John (through their mother!) to Jesus - we see Jesus' amazing and humbling response, and Chris unpacks what it means for us today.

In Genesis 30: 25 - 31: 55, Tom shows us how twenty years of frustration and trickery finally boil over into Jacob's great escape: one that involves misplaced sheep, a dubious stick trick, and a very uncomfortable cushion. And through all this, the God of deliverance shines through. He will lead us home.

As we continue our series in Matthew's gospel, Tom Smith preaches to us from Matthew 20:1-16. In this passage we see Jesus tell his disciples a parable about a landowner who brings in various people from the streets to work in his vineyard, some coming in the morning, some in the evening - but all receive the same pay! The ones who worked for longer grumbled, but Jesus' next words are astounding. As Tom unpacks this section of God's word, in light of the previous passage about the rich young man, we see Jesus's generosity to all people, the true position of man before a Holy God, and what it all means for us today.

Jacob's family did not worship idols - consciously. Through Genesis 29:31 - 30:24, Tom shows us a wife who sought love, another who sought progeny, a husband who sought peace, and the central problem afflicting them all. What are you seeking if not the God who seeks you?

Phil continues our series in Matthew's gospel, preaching from Matthew 19:16-30. In this parable we see a rich man ask Jesus what he must do to get eternal life - we see Jesus' response to the man, the man's reaction, and Jesus' astonishing words for us today. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W8z_W8xdggQ

How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news! Here Pete explores the great calling and assurance of Romans 10: that we have ears to hear the word, feet to walk the whole Earth, and a mouth to echo Jesus' own voice. Will you bring the Good News to those who need it?

As we continue in our mini-series of ‘littleness' in Matthew's gospel, Pete preaches from Matthew 19:1-15. In this passage we see Jesus questioned by some Pharisees about divorce. As we look at Jesus' reply, Pete unpacks the sensitive, deeply-felt and often hurt-filled subjects of marriage, divorce and re-marriage - we see what Jesus says about these issues, and the applications for us today. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3k39nExzqk

As Tom continues Jacob's story in Genesis 29: 1-30, we find our un-heroic hero experiencing God's providence. And yet, that providence isn't all wellsprings and brides as he'd hoped. How does one transform a trickster? Trick him back - and see what lessons he learns.

In our series in Matthew's gospel, Pete continues our ‘mini-series' on ‘littleness', preaching from Matthew 18:1-35. In this passage we see Jesus teaching his disciples about what it means to be ‘little', through a mixture of direct instruction and parables. As Pete takes us through the practical implications of Jesus' words, we see what being little in God's eyes looks like for Jesus' followers today. We apologise that the reading is not available on this recording. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K6VumnShgpE

As we continue in our series in Matthew's gospel, Pete preaches from Matthew 18:1-14. In this passage we see the disciples ask Jesus who the greatest will be in the kingdom of heaven. We see Jesus' upside-down, back-to-front reply, how this looks in reality, and what it means for each of us today. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Ozaxz769ns

By Genesis 28: 10 - 22, the taker known as Jacob finds himself all alone in a physical and spiritual wilderness. And yet, as Tom shows us, a great staircase descends from the heavens, not to dispense judgement or impose religious legalism, but to save the taker with a gift.

Are you still sleeping? Through Matthew 26: 36 - 46, Ben shows us the poignant image of Jesus at the garden of Gethsemane. Christ prays for us: sweating drops of blood, he intercedes for us, beseeching the Father on his knees for our sake. Will you join him - or are you still sleeping? Wake up!

Rory continues our series in Matthew's gospel, preaching from Matthew 17:22-26. In this passage we see Jesus' bizarre miracle of producing a two-drachma coin from the mouth of a fish. We see the reason for this miracle, what it teaches us about Jesus, and what it means for us today. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JlgU7JsFoto

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