Equip - Cornerstone Church of Ames

What does it mean to keep the Sabbath today? In this episode, Mark and Emily explore the fourth commandment and what it teaches us about God's design for rest. They talk about how the Sabbath command is fulfilled in Christ yet still calls us to rhythms of renewal, worship, and delight in God.Mark also shares his own weekly patterns of rest and how Sabbath practices shape his life as a pastor, husband, and father. In a culture of hurry, constant emails, and endless activity, this conversation invites us to see rest not as weakness but as worship.Episode Highlights:00:00 — Introducing the Sabbath commandment05:15 — How Sabbath is fulfilled in Christ yet still needed today12:00 — Why rest is part of God's design for human flourishing18:45 — Mark's weekly rhythms of Sabbath and rest25:30 — Practical ways to resist hurry and embrace delight in GodResources:Cornerstone Church Sermons: Listen online

We're wrapping up the first month of the Fall Spiritual Workout Plan—so how's it going? In this bonus episode, Mark Vance and Emily Jensen pause to answer common questions about the SWP, share how it began, and offer encouragement for staying consistent as we reach the middle stretch of this 18-week journey.They remind us that the plan isn't about perfection or performance, but about building daily habits that draw us closer to Christ. Whether you're just getting started or already five weeks in, this episode will help you see the bigger picture of why daily prayer, Scripture, and reflection matter for a growing faith.Episode Highlights:00:00 — What the Spiritual Workout Plan is and how it started04:45 — Why daily rhythms shape long-term spiritual growth10:30 — Common challenges and encouragement17:20 — How both students and adults can engage with the SWP22:40 — Looking ahead: endurance for the full 18 weeksResources:Fall Spiritual Workout PlanGet Weekly Reminders: Text 'WORKOUT' to 515-329-3343Weekly Memory ScreensCornerstone Church Sermons: Listen online

What happens when you give Mark Vance an open mic and no idea what's coming? In this special episode, Emily Jensen puts Mark on the spot with a series of surprise questions—ranging from technology and AI to fasting and current events.This “Ask Mark Anything” episode is lighthearted, thought-provoking, and a unique peek into how Mark processes culture and faith as a pastor.Episode Highlights:00:00 — Why we're taking a break from the Ten Commandments series03:10 — Reflections on Baptism Sunday07:45 — AI, technology, and the Christian life15:20 — Faithfulness in a rapidly changing culture22:30 — Fun rapid-fire questions with Mark28:40 — How to stay rooted in Christ when the world feels chaoticResources:Cornerstone Church Sermons: Listen online

Taking the Lord's name in vain is about more than just speech. Mark Vance and Emily Jensen unpack the Third Commandment and show how it's about more than avoiding certain words—it's about living as representatives of God in the world.Together, they discuss how God's people carry his name, what it means to bear that name well, and how this commandment speaks directly into everyday life—from the words we speak to the way we act as his witnesses.Episode Highlights:00:00 — Introducing the Third Commandment04:20 — Why it's about more than just “not cussing”10:45 — Bearing God's name as His representatives17:30 — Everyday examples of carrying God's name in our lives24:50 — How this commandment shapes our witness todayResources:Cornerstone Church Sermons: Listen onlineThe Unseen Realm by Michael Heiser

Pastor Mark Vance reflects on the assassination of Charlie Kirk and helps us think biblically about how to posture our hearts in a time of political violence. Mark calls Christians to pray, to speak with wisdom, and to embody Christlike character in our public and private conversations.

Does watching The Chosen violate the Second Commandment? In this episode, Mark Vance and Emily Jensen continue their journey through the Ten Commandments by digging into the second commandment.They discuss how this command calls us to worship the true God in the true way, what it means in a culture filled with media and art, and why our hearts are so easily drawn toward substitutes. Along the way, they reflect on The Chosen, Christian media, and how to discern what helps or hinders genuine worship.Episode Highlights:00:00 — Introducing the second commandment03:20 — The conversation about The Chosen and Christian media09:45 — What “graven images” meant in the Old Testament context15:30 — How images and idols distort true worship21:50 — Where Christian art can serve faith versus distract from it28:40 — Practical ways to keep God at the center of worship todayResources:Cornerstone Church SermonsTim Keller, Counterfeit Gods

What is an idol, really? In this episode, Mark Vance and Emily Jensen continue the Ten Commandments series by looking at God's command to have no other gods before him. Together, they unpack what idolatry means, why it's more than statues or images, and how it shows up in the everyday loves and pursuits of our lives.Drawing from Scripture and voices like Tim Keller, they discuss how easily good things become ultimate things, why our hearts are prone to wander, and how God calls us to a better love—a love rooted in Him alone.Episode Highlights:00:00 — Introducing the commandment against idolatry04:30 — What an idol really is: taking the verbs of life away from God11:10 — How good things become “god things”17:45 — Insights from Tim Keller's Counterfeit Gods on modern idolatry24:20 — How God's commands redirect our love back to Him30:00 — Practical ways to identify and confront idols todayResources:Cornerstone Church SermonsTim Keller, Counterfeit GodsElyse Fitzpatrick, “Idols of the Heart”

How can something so old speak with so much power today? In this conversation, Mark and Emily look at the heart behind the current teaching series at Cornerstone, why God gave these commands, and how they point us toward a life of freedom with him. Together, they talk about connecting God's truth to everyday life and share how this series is meant to shape us as a church family.Episode Highlights:(00:00)  Cornerstone is focusing on the Ten Commandments this fall(04:15) The greater discipleship plan behind the series(10:40) How the Ten Commandments reveal God's character and design for life(18:05) Why these “ancient words” are still essential for today's world(25:30) How Equip will help you dive deeper each weekResources:Cornerstone Church Sermons: Listen onlineRisen MotherhoodEmily's Books

What does it look like to be deeply rooted in Christ in a world of cultural chaos? Pastor Mark Vance is joined by Emily Jensen, the new co-host of the Equip Podcast, to share her story and introduce a new season of Equip focused on the Ten Commandments.Show Notes:In this conversation, Emily shares her journey of faith—from growing up in church, to walking away during college, to surrendering her life to Christ in a Starbucks. She also talks about meeting her husband Brad, raising five kids, and the surprising ways God has provided for their family.Together, Mark and Emily reflect on the story behind her podcast, Risen Motherhood, and why connecting biblical truth to everyday life matters. They also preview Cornerstone Church's fall teaching series on the Ten Commandments and how Equip will dig deeper each week: asking the practical questions that come up in the car ride home.Highlights in This Episode:(04:55) Emily's journey of faith and the pivotal moment she cried out to God(09:59) The story of moving to Ames and raising five kids(15:42) How Risen Motherhood began and reached moms around the world(20:39) Why the Ten Commandments are more than “rules”—they reveal God's heart and design for freedomResources & Links:Learn more about Emily Jensen and purchase her books here.Connect with Cornerstone Church Online at cornerstonelife.com. Subscribe to our "Sermon" and "Equip" podcasts on iTunes and Spotify and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

Episode 288 - 21 Days of Prayer: Fasting, hosted by Mark Vance.From 8/3-8/24, Cornerstone Church is setting aside 21 Days devoted to Kingdom Centered prayer. Fasting and Prayer are deeply connected in Scripture and in the practice of the church. What is fasting? Why do we fast? How do we fast?This podcast is designed to help you live a faithful and fruitful life where Jesus has called you. Connect with Cornerstone Church Online at cornerstonelife.com. Subscribe to our "Sermon" and "Equip" podcasts on iTunes and Spotify and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

Episode 287 - 21 Days of Prayer: Prayer Boosters, hosted by Mark Vance. From 8/3-8/24, Cornerstone Church is setting aside 21 Days devoted to Kingdom Centered prayer. In this podcast, we cover several prayer boosting tools that can help to focus and sharpen your time in prayer. This podcast is designed to help you live a faithful and fruitful life where Jesus has called you. Connect with Cornerstone Church Online at cornerstonelife.com. Subscribe to our "Sermon" and "Equip" podcasts on iTunes and Spotify and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

Episode 286 - 21 Days of Prayer: What is Intercessory Prayer?, hosted by Mark Vance.From 8/3-8/24, Cornerstone Church is setting aside 21 Days devoted to Kingdom Centered prayer. What is "intercessory" prayer? What are the key principles that can shape our prayers for God's Kingdom work?This podcast is designed to help you live a faithful and fruitful life where Jesus has called you. Connect with Cornerstone Church Online at cornerstonelife.com. Subscribe to our "Sermon" and "Equip" podcasts on iTunes and Spotify and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

Episode 285 - Liberal Christianity is NOT Christianity, hosted by Mark Vance.We often see churches who claim Christ, but teach very different doctrines and moral values. Where did the "liberal" church in North America come from and what can we learn from its departure from historic Christianity?This podcast is designed to help you live a faithful and fruitful life where Jesus has called you. Connect with Cornerstone Church Online at cornerstonelife.com. Subscribe to our "Sermon" and "Equip" podcasts on iTunes and Spotify and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

Episode 284 - Bitterness and Family Brokenness, hosted by Mark Vance.How can a necessary reflection on generational sins of our family avoid the trap of getting stuck in bitterness?This podcast is designed to help you live a faithful and fruitful life where Jesus has called you. Connect with Cornerstone Church Online at cornerstonelife.com. Subscribe to our "Sermon" and "Equip" podcasts on iTunes and Spotify and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

Episode 283-  How much should I work out physically?, hosted by Mark Vance.1 Timothy 4:8 says bodily discipline is of some value... but how much is too much?This podcast is designed to help you live a faithful and fruitful life where Jesus has called you. Connect with Cornerstone Church Online at cornerstonelife.com. Subscribe to our "Sermon" and "Equip" podcasts on iTunes and Spotify and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

Episode 282- Can I be Patriotic as a Christian?, hosted by Mark Vance.How do we balance our love for our earthly country with our citizenship in God's eternal Kingdom?This podcast is designed to help you live a faithful and fruitful life where Jesus has called you. Connect with Cornerstone Church Online at cornerstonelife.com. Subscribe to our "Sermon" and "Equip" podcasts on iTunes and Spotify and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

Episode 281- Spiritual Workout Plan: Coaching at the Halfway Point, hosted by Mark Vance.We are almost halfway through our summer spiritual workout plan. Mark shares helpful coaching on Bible reading, prayer, accountability and more. This podcast is designed to help you live a faithful and fruitful life where Jesus has called you. Connect with Cornerstone Church Online at cornerstonelife.com. Subscribe to our "Sermon" and "Equip" podcasts on iTunes and Spotify and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

Episode 280- Strategic Generosity 3: Where and how should I give?, hosted by Mark Vance.This podcast is designed to help you live a faithful and fruitful life where Jesus has called you. Connect with Cornerstone Church Online at cornerstonelife.com. Subscribe to our "Sermon" and "Equip" podcasts on iTunes and Spotify and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

Episode 279- Strategic Generosity 2: How much should I give?, hosted by Mark Vance.This podcast is designed to help you live a faithful and fruitful life where Jesus has called you. Connect with Cornerstone Church Online at cornerstonelife.com. Subscribe to our "Sermon" and "Equip" podcasts on iTunes and Spotify and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

Episode 278- Strategic Generosity 1: Gospel Motivations, hosted by Mark Vance.This podcast is designed to help you live a faithful and fruitful life where Jesus has called you. Connect with Cornerstone Church Online at cornerstonelife.com. Subscribe to our "Sermon" and "Equip" podcasts on iTunes and Spotify and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

Episode 277- Dying Well: Financial and Legal Concerns, hosted by Mark Vance.This crash course explores five critical areas to deepen our understanding of living and dying well in light of eternity: medical decisions, funeral planning, legacy building, financial preparedness, and spiritual reflection. Taught by Mark Vance with guest panelists.Full Episode: Crash Course: Dying Well Other Resources:Blueprint Story handoutCornerstone's GriefShare ministryMcFarland Hospital's Advanced Medical Directive handout and conversation resource pageEstate Planning Inventory handoutFuneral Planning Guide handoutResources on Health and Aging handoutThis podcast is designed to help you live a faithful and fruitful life where Jesus has called you. Connect with Cornerstone Church Online at cornerstonelife.com. Subscribe to our "Sermon" and "Equip" podcasts on iTunes and Spotify and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

Episode 276- Dying Well: Aging and Medical Decisions, hosted by Mark Vance.This crash course explores five critical areas to deepen our understanding of living and dying well in light of eternity: medical decisions, funeral planning, legacy building, financial preparedness, and spiritual reflection. Taught by Mark Vance with guest panelists.Full Episode: Crash Course: Dying Well Other Resources:Blueprint Story handoutCornerstone's GriefShare ministryMcFarland Hospital's Advanced Medical Directive handout and conversation resource pageEstate Planning Inventory handoutFuneral Planning Guide handoutResources on Health and Aging handoutThis podcast is designed to help you live a faithful and fruitful life where Jesus has called you. Connect with Cornerstone Church Online at cornerstonelife.com. Subscribe to our "Sermon" and "Equip" podcasts on iTunes and Spotify and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

Episode 275- Dying Well: Sharing Your Gospel Story, hosted by Mark Vance.This crash course explores five critical areas to deepen our understanding of living and dying well in light of eternity: medical decisions, funeral planning, legacy building, financial preparedness, and spiritual reflection. Taught by Mark Vance with guest panelists.Full Episode: Crash Course: Dying Well Other Resources:Blueprint Story handoutCornerstone's GriefShare ministryMcFarland Hospital's Advanced Medical Directive handout and conversation resource pageEstate Planning Inventory handoutFuneral Planning Guide handoutResources on Health and Aging handoutThis podcast is designed to help you live a faithful and fruitful life where Jesus has called you. Connect with Cornerstone Church Online at cornerstonelife.com. Subscribe to our "Sermon" and "Equip" podcasts on iTunes and Spotify and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

Episode 274- Meet a New Staffer: Tony Lee, hosted by Mark Vance and Tony Lee.This podcast is designed to help you live a faithful and fruitful life where Jesus has called you. Connect with Cornerstone Church Online at cornerstonelife.com. Subscribe to our "Sermon" and "Equip" podcasts on iTunes and Spotify and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

Episode 273- Spiritual Workout Coaching: Foundational Bible Reading, hosted by Mark Vance.This podcast is designed to help you live a faithful and fruitful life where Jesus has called you. Connect with Cornerstone Church Online at cornerstonelife.com. Subscribe to our "Sermon" and "Equip" podcasts on iTunes and Spotify and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

Episode 272- Why is Baptism So Important?, hosted by Mark Vance.This podcast is designed to help you live a faithful and fruitful life where Jesus has called you. Connect with Cornerstone Church Online at cornerstonelife.com. Subscribe to our "Sermon" and "Equip" podcasts on iTunes and Spotify and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

Episode 270- What is a Resurrection Body Like?, hosted by Mark Vance.This podcast is designed to help you live a faithful and fruitful life where Jesus has called you. Connect with Cornerstone Church Online at cornerstonelife.com. Subscribe to our "Sermon" and "Equip" podcasts on iTunes and Spotify and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

Episode 271- Did Early Christians Believe Jesus was God?, hosted by Mark Vance.This podcast is designed to help you live a faithful and fruitful life where Jesus has called you. Connect with Cornerstone Church Online at cornerstonelife.com. Subscribe to our "Sermon" and "Equip" podcasts on iTunes and Spotify and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

Episode 270-  What is a Resurrection Body Like?, hosted by Mark Vance.This podcast is designed to help you live a faithful and fruitful life where Jesus has called you. Connect with Cornerstone Church Online at cornerstonelife.com. Subscribe to our "Sermon" and "Equip" podcasts on iTunes and Spotify and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

Episode 269-  A Gospel Theology Workout, hosted by Mark Vance.This podcast is designed to help you live a faithful and fruitful life where Jesus has called you. Connect with Cornerstone Church Online at cornerstonelife.com. Subscribe to our "Sermon" and "Equip" podcasts on iTunes and Spotify and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

Episode 268-  Parenting and Spiritual Disciplines, hosted by Mark Vance.This podcast is designed to help you live a faithful and fruitful life where Jesus has called you. Connect with Cornerstone Church Online at cornerstonelife.com. Subscribe to our "Sermon" and "Equip" podcasts on iTunes and Spotify and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

Episode 267-  Parenting and Purity, hosted by Mark Vance.This podcast is designed to help you live a faithful and fruitful life where Jesus has called you. Connect with Cornerstone Church Online at cornerstonelife.com. Subscribe to our "Sermon" and "Equip" podcasts on iTunes and Spotify and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

Episode 266-  Lent and Ash Wednesday Services hosted by Mark Vance.This podcast is designed to help you live a faithful and fruitful life where Jesus has called you. Connect with Cornerstone Church Online at cornerstonelife.com. Subscribe to our "Sermon" and "Equip" podcasts on iTunes and Spotify and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

Episode 265-  Sam Allberry's Testimony hosted by Mark Vance.This podcast is designed to help you live a faithful and fruitful life where Jesus has called you. Connect with Cornerstone Church Online at cornerstonelife.com. Subscribe to our "Sermon" and "Equip" podcasts on iTunes and Spotify and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

Episode 264-  What is Lent? - hosted by Mark Vance.This podcast is designed to help you live a faithful and fruitful life where Jesus has called you. Connect with Cornerstone Church Online at cornerstonelife.com. Subscribe to our "Sermon" and "Equip" podcasts on iTunes and Spotify and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

Episode 263-  Gospel Grit - hosted by Mark Vance.This podcast is designed to help you live a faithful and fruitful life where Jesus has called you. Connect with Cornerstone Church Online at cornerstonelife.com. Subscribe to our "Sermon" and "Equip" podcasts on iTunes and Spotify and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

Episode 262-  Truth, Compassion, and Same Sex Attraction with Sam Allberry - hosted by Mark Vance and Sam Allberry.Cornerstone's Equip Weekend with Sam Allberry is happening February 21st & 22nd, 2025. More information is found at https://cornerstonelife.com/equipping/#weekend .This podcast is designed to help you live a faithful and fruitful life where Jesus has called you. Connect with Cornerstone Church Online at cornerstonelife.com. Subscribe to our "Sermon" and "Equip" podcasts on iTunes and Spotify and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

Episode 261- Where's the Ending of the Lord's Prayer? - hosted by Mark Vance.This podcast is designed to help you live a faithful and fruitful life where Jesus has called you. Connect with Cornerstone Church Online at cornerstonelife.com. Subscribe to our "Sermon" and "Equip" podcasts on iTunes and Spotify and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

Episode 260- Sermon on the Mount: Jesus and Divorce - hosted by Mark Vance and Alex Tuckness.This podcast is designed to help you live a faithful and fruitful life where Jesus has called you. Connect with Cornerstone Church Online at cornerstonelife.com. Subscribe to our "Sermon" and "Equip" podcasts on iTunes and Spotify and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

Episode 259- The Ambivalent World - hosted by Mark Vance. To read the full article by Seth Troutt - visit World Magazine's website at https://wng.org/opinions/the-transition-to-ambivalent-world-1733225254This podcast is designed to help you live a faithful and fruitful life where Jesus has called you. Connect with Cornerstone Church Online at cornerstonelife.com. Subscribe to our "Sermon" and "Equip" podcasts on iTunes and Spotify and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

Episode 258 - The Discipline of Daily Worship ExplainedThis podcast is designed to help you live a faithful and fruitful life where Jesus has called you. Connect with Cornerstone Church Online at cornerstonelife.com. Subscribe to our "Sermon" and "Equip" podcasts on iTunes and Spotify and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

Episode 257- Salt Company Conference 2025 Highlights - Clips from sermons by Solomon Rexius and Christian Gracia. To Find more from the Salt Company Conference - visit saltcompanyconference.comThis podcast is designed to help you live a faithful and fruitful life where Jesus has called you. Connect with Cornerstone Church Online at cornerstonelife.com. Subscribe to our "Sermon" and "Equip" podcasts on iTunes and Spotify and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

Episode 256- Tell Some Stories -- with Mark Vance.This podcast is designed to help you live a faithful and fruitful life where Jesus has called you. Connect with Cornerstone Church Online at cornerstonelife.com. Subscribe to our "Sermon" and "Equip" podcasts on iTunes and Spotify and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

Episode 255- Intentional Generosity with Mark VanceThis podcast is designed to help you live a faithful and fruitful life where Jesus has called you. Connect with Cornerstone Church Online at cornerstonelife.com. Subscribe to our "Sermon" and "Equip" podcasts on iTunes and Spotify and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

Intentional Advent - Episode 254- hosted by Mark Vance. This podcast is designed to help you live a faithful and fruitful life where Jesus has called you. Connect with Cornerstone Church Online at cornerstonelife.com. Subscribe to our "Sermon" and "Equip" podcasts on iTunes and Spotify and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

Episode 253 - Blessed are Those Who Mourn... Ongoing Pains of Life... This podcast is designed to help you live a faithful and fruitful life where Jesus has called you. Connect with Cornerstone Church Online at cornerstonelife.com. Subscribe to our "Sermon" and "Equip" podcasts on iTunes and Spotify and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

Episode 252- Blessed are Those Who Mourn at Thanksgiving...with Mark Vance.This podcast is designed to help you live a faithful and fruitful life where Jesus has called you. Connect with Cornerstone Church Online at cornerstonelife.com. Subscribe to our "Sermon" and "Equip" podcasts on iTunes and Spotify and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

Episode 251 - Gospel + Safety + Time, hosted by Mark Vance.This podcast is designed to help you live a faithful and fruitful life where Jesus has called you. Connect with Cornerstone Church Online at cornerstonelife.com. Subscribe to our "Sermon" and "Equip" podcasts on iTunes and Spotify and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

This episode was recorded at our recent Equip Weekend at Cornerstone Church. To get more resources from Cornerstone Equip Weekend go to cornerstonelife.com/podcasts. To see more of Gavin Ortlund's YouTube Ministry - visit him at truthunites.orgEpisode 250- Gavin Ortlund on Assurance of SalvationThis podcast is designed to help you live a faithful and fruitful life where Jesus has called you. Connect with Cornerstone Church Online at cornerstonelife.com. Subscribe to our "Sermon" and "Equip" podcasts on iTunes and Spotify and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

Episode 249 - Hopeful Church in an Anxious Age with Mark VanceThis podcast is designed to help you live a faithful and fruitful life where Jesus has called you. Connect with Cornerstone Church Online at 

Episode 248 - Gavin Ortlund on Church HistoryCheck out more from Gavin at www.truthunites.orgThis podcast is designed to help you live a faithful and fruitful life where Jesus has called you. Connect with Cornerstone Church Online at cornerstonelife.com. Subscribe to our "Sermon" and "Equip" podcasts on iTunes and Spotify and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.