Every year around this time, we pull out the same pictures in our minds.

Mary in the garden. The empty tomb. That quiet, beautiful moment when Jesus says her name and she just knows. Or maybe it's the upper room, disciples locked inside and terrified, and suddenly Jesus is just there. Peace be with you.

Those moments are real. They're true. And they're worth celebrating every single year.

But what if that's only part of the story?

What if there's a version of the resurrection that almost never makes it into the conversation, one that might actually be the version you need most right now?

Thirty Years Later

Here's something worth sitting with. Thirty years after the empty tomb, the apostle John, one of Jesus' closest friends, someone who walked with him, gets a visit.

And what he sees is so overwhelming, so completely beyond anything he can process, that he falls down like a dead man.

Same Jesus. Completely different encounter.

John isn't in a temple when this happens. He's not leading a worship service or on some quiet retreat. He's on Patmos, a Roman prison island, exiled for preaching about Jesus. He's old. He's isolated. He's suffering. And that's exactly where Jesus shows up.

Which tracks. Moses was hiding in a desert when the bush started burning. Elijah was burnt out in a cave. Paul wrote some of the most hope-filled words in Scripture from a prison cell. God has always had a habit of showing up in the hard places.

What John Actually Sees

The description John gives us in Revelation 1 is breathtaking, and every single detail means something.

Robes and a golden sash. Authority. Not just moral authority or spiritual influence. All authority. Jesus said it himself after the resurrection: all authority in heaven and earth.

Hair white as snow. Not age. Eternity. This one has always been. Always will be.

Eyes like fire. Nothing hidden. No corner dark enough. No secret buried deep enough. And here's the other side of that: the God who sees everything still isn't turned away by what he sees.

Feet like bronze refined in a furnace. Jesus went through the furnace of the cross, the full weight of God's judgment against human sin, and came out the other side. Unmovable. Undefeated.

A voice like a waterfall. The kind that surrounds you completely. You can't have a conversation over it. You can't hear yourself think. When he speaks, nothing else gets through.

The church held in his right hand. Not floating nearby. Not loosely held. In his hand. And that grip doesn't slip.

A face like the sun at full strength. You can't look directly at that. John got the full, unfiltered version and it put him on the ground.

Three Words

That glorified, reigning King reaches down and touches John.

And he says: Don't be afraid.

What follows those three words might be the greatest statement about the resurrection anywhere in Scripture.

I am the First and the Last. I was dead, but look, I am alive forever and ever. And I hold the keys of death and Hades.

He was before everything. He'll be after everything. History isn't random, isn't spinning out of control. It's held in his hands. He went all the way down into death, came back out, and took the keys on the way.

Not death. Not the enemy. Not your worst moment or your heaviest shame or whatever it is that wakes you up at 3am. He holds the keys.

This Sunday

If you're carrying something heavy right now, a grief, a fear, a situation with no clear ending, this message is for you.

If you've been circling faith for years, showing up occasionally, never quite committing, this message is for you too.

Because this isn't a sentimental story about a good man who died for what he believed. This is a living, reigning, glorified King who was dead and is alive right now, and who still reaches down to broken people in the worst seasons of their lives and says the same three words.

Don't be afraid.

Join us this Sunday as we walk through Revelation 1 together. Because the resurrection isn't just something that happened 2,000 years ago. And it isn't just a tradition we pull out every spring.

It's an invitation. And it's open.

1. John received this vision while exiled on a prison island — not during a peaceful moment. What does that tell us about when and where God shows up in our lives?
2. Think of a time God met you in a hard or unexpected place. What was that like?
3. Of the eight details in John’s vision, which one hits you hardest — and why? (robe, white hair, eyes of fire, bronze feet, voice like water, stars in hand, sword from mouth, face like the sun)
4. The eyes of fire mean Jesus sees everything about you and still isn’t turned away. Is that comforting, unsettling, or both?
5. Contrast the gentle Easter pictures you’ve seen with this overwhelming vision. How does seeing both change how you understand who Jesus is?
6. “Don’t be afraid” — three words spoken to a man flat on the ground. What is something in your life right now where you need to hear those words?
7. Jesus says “I hold the keys of death and Hades.” How should that truth change the way you think about death — your own and people you love?
8. The sermon ends: “Will you believe it? Will you let it change everything?” What would it look like daily to actually live like the risen Jesus is reigning right now?
9. Today’s lesson speaks to three types of people: the longtime follower, the person circling the faith, and the person carrying something heavy. Which one describes you right now?
10. What is one specific thing from this sermon you want to carry with you this week?

Those Serving
CALL TO WORSHIP/PRAYER
Jim Rutter
SONG LEADER
Chris Terrian
LEAD LORD'S SUPPER
Paul Braden
ASSIST LORD’S SUPPER
Wes Grushon
Robert Zehring
Mike Rosato
James Johnson
SCRIPTURE READING
Brayden Grushon
Revelations 1:9-18
PREACHING
Matthew Allen
CLOSING PRAYER
Tommy Ray
CLOSING COMMENTS
Rich Walker
WELCOME CENTER
Tina and Rich Jacobs
USHERS
Daniel Spargo // Justin Spargo
COMMUNION PREP
Stephanie Braden
CLOSING THE BUILDING
Rich Jacobs

There's a question worth sitting with for a moment.

What's the one thing you can't take away from Christianity and still have Christianity?
Not what's important. Not what matters to your particular tradition or the church you grew up in. The one thing — if you stripped everything else away — that makes this whole enterprise actually the thing Jesus started.

It's a harder question than it sounds. Because if history teaches us anything, it's that religious people are remarkably good at making secondary things primary. At drawing lines in places, the New Testament never drew them. At mistaking loyalty to a brand for loyalty to a Lord.

In the early 1800s, a frontier preacher named Raccoon John Smith learned that lesson the hard way. He buried his children, buried his wife, and eventually buried his entire religious identity — before arriving at a conviction forged in genuine loss. There are a thousand opinions, he said, and one faith. And we can never unite on opinions. Only on the faith that centers in Christ.

Nearly two thousand years before Smith rode twenty miles on a borrowed horse to find something real, the apostle Paul wrote it down in a single paragraph. Seven declarations — not goals, not ideals, not things to work toward someday. Declarations about what is already true of every person who belongs to Christ.

One body. One Spirit. One hope. One Lord. One faith. One baptism. One God and Father of all.

Not seven things to achieve. Seven things that are already true.

And if that's right — if the oneness is already given and not built — then the only question left is whether the people of God will stop acting like strangers and start living like what they already are.

This Sunday, we wrap up our March series, Lord, Make Us One, with a look at Ephesians 4:4–6. We've spent this month asking hard questions about unity — what kills it, what Jesus prayed for, what the hard work of peace actually looks like. This week, we land on the simplest and most challenging answer of all.

One faith. One people. Not because we all see everything the same way. Because we all belong to the same Lord.

We'd love for you to join us this Sunday at Cornerstone Church of Christ, 5051 Wilmington Pike in Centerville. Bible classes begin at 9:30 AM, and worship begins at 10:30 AM. If you can't make it in person, you can join us online at cornerstone-coc.com. Either way — you're welcome here!

Those Serving
CALL TO WORSHIP/PRAYER
Matthew Ringle
SONG LEADER
Chris Terrian
LEAD LORD'S SUPPER
Jeremy Price
 ASSIST LORD’S SUPPER
Benjamin Baker
Dan Dekoski
Gary Stewart
Patrick Newbill
SCRIPTURE READING
Billy Robbins
Ephesians: 4:4-6
PREACHING
Matthew Allen
CLOSING PRAYER
Roger Robins
CLOSING COMMENTS
George Wacks
WELCOME CENTER
Kathy Downey
USHERS
Bob Hoopes // James Passmore
COMMUNION PREP
Marilyn Sims
CLOSING THE BUILDING
Josh Childers

Most of us have a moment, a situation, a place, or a specific set of circumstances when we're most likely to act completely out of step with who we say we are.

For me, it's driving.

A couple of summers ago, I was heading north on 675 approaching US 35. Traffic was backed up in the right lane. And then a little Prius came flying past me on the shoulder and squeezed in right in front of my truck. I still don't know how he didn't hit me.

Something took over. I put my one-ton diesel right on his bumper. Followed him around the on ramp. Got an opening, opened it up, let out some black smoke. Passed him. Glared over.
And he rolled down his window and pointed at the cross hanging from my rear-view mirror.
One finger. Pointed at a cross. I had nothing.

That moment has stayed with me. Because that Prius driver wasn't pointing at a piece of wood. He was pointing at a calling. And in that moment, I had forgotten what it meant to live like it.

That's exactly where Paul begins in Ephesians 4.

"I urge you to walk worthy of the calling you have received."

The word worthy, axios in Greek, is a scale word. Picture a balance with two sides. On one side, everything God has done for you in Christ: chosen before the foundation of the world, adopted, redeemed, forgiven, sealed with his Spirit. On the other side, it's Monday, Tuesday, and your drive to work.

The question Paul is asking isn't whether you're perfect. The question is whether your daily life is starting to match the weight of what God has already placed on the other side of those scales.

And then Paul gets specific. Walking worthy looks like humility, which costs you your ego. It looks like gentleness, which costs you your first reaction. It looks like patience, which costs you your timeline. And it looks like bearing with one another, which costs you your preference. Every single one of them costs you something.

But Paul doesn't stop there. He calls us to make every effort; to pursue peace the way you chase something that keeps slipping away. Not keeping the peace. Making it. There's a difference. Keeping the peace means not starting anything. Making peace means you cross the room. You initiate. You go first. Even when, especially when, it costs you.

And the reason it's worth it? Because look at what you already share. One body. One Spirit. One hope. One Lord. One faith. One baptism. One God and Father of all. Seven times, Paul says one. You are not strangers searching for common ground. You already have it. The unity isn't something you manufacture. It's something you've been given. Your job is to protect it.

The foundation underneath all of it? Paul said it two chapters earlier: "For he himself is our peace." Not that he taught peace. Not him. He modeled peace. He is our peace. The common ground has a face. The unity has a name. And he already paid the cost, all of it.

This Sunday at Cornerstone Church of Christ, 5051 Wilmington Pike in Centerville, we're continuing our series, Unity in the Church, with this message from Ephesians 4:1–6. We'd love for you to join us. Services begin at 9:00 and 10:30 AM.

The calling is real. The common ground is real. Come walk like it with us.

1.  Where in your daily life are you most likely to act out of step with who you say you are, and what does that reveal about the gap between your calling and your conduct?
2.  Of the four virtues Paul names in verse 2 — humility, gentleness, patience, and bearing with one another — which one costs you the most, and why?
3.  What is the difference between keeping the peace and making peace, and which one do you find yourself defaulting to when a relationship gets difficult?
4.  When you consider the seven "ones" in verses 4–6 and realize you already share that common ground with the people around you, how does that change the way you think about doing the hard work of unity?
5.  Because he himself is our peace, where do you need to go first this week — what room do you need to cross, what conversation do you need to start, or what person do you need to carry?

Those Serving
CALL TO WORSHIP/PRAYER
Jason Schofield
SONG LEADER
Drumand McLaughlin
LEAD LORD'S SUPPER
Dave Pennington
 ASSIST LORD’S SUPPER
Marvin Lewis
Josh Childers
James Passmore
Andrew Cain
SCRIPTURE READING
Brayden Grushon
Ephesians 4:1-6
PREACHING
Matthew Allen
CLOSING PRAYER
Colby Grushon
CLOSING COMMENTS
George Wacks
WELCOME CENTER
Wes Grushon
USHERS
Daniel Spargo // Richard Jacobs
COMMUNION PREP
Sadonna Schofield
CLOSING THE BUILDING
Mike Rosato

On January 1, 1832, a rough-edged, self-educated frontier preacher named Raccoon John Smith walked into a room full of people who disagreed with him.

Not on small things. On things that mattered — theology, philosophy, church practice. Real differences that had kept two movements apart for years.

He stood up anyway. Drew his words from a prayer Jesus prayed in John 17. And said something that changed everything.

"There are a thousand opinions among us, but there is only one faith. We can never unite on opinions. We can only unite on the faith that centers in Christ."

Barton Stone walked onto the stage, took Smith's hand, and called for union. The room erupted. A hymn broke out spontaneously. They called it the handshake that shook the frontier.

It all started because one man believed Jesus meant what he prayed.

This Sunday at Cornerstone, we're going to sit with that prayer.

In John 17:20-23, Jesus is hours from the cross. Judas is already moving through the dark toward Gethsemane. And in that moment — with everything pressing down on him — Jesus prays for his followers. Not just the eleven in the room. He prays for every person who would ever believe in him.

He prays that we would be one.

Not uniform. Not in lockstep agreement on every point. One — the way the Father and Son are one.

That's a staggering standard. And it raises an honest question most of us quietly wonder about: why is it so hard? Why do people who love the same Jesus, trust the same Bible, and share the same communion table end up divided?

This Sunday we're going to talk about that honestly. About the difference between unity and uniformity. About what it actually costs to bear with one another. And about why Jesus' prayer for our oneness was never just about internal church harmony — it was always about our witness to a watching world.

Here's what I've come to believe: a group of people who have every reason to be divided, choosing each other anyway — that's something the world can't explain apart from God. And that explanation is exactly what Jesus was praying for.

We'd love for you to join us this Sunday at Cornerstone Church of Christ. Bible classes begin at 9:30 am and worship at 10:30 am. We're located at 5051 Wilmington Pike, Centerville, OH 45440.

Can't make it in person? Watch our live webcast Sunday at 8:00 am at Facebook.com/cornerstonechurchcenterville or YouTube.com/cornerstonechurchofchrist.

You can also find us on Roku, Apple TV, and the Cornerstone App.

We're not a perfect church. But we're a community of people trying to answer the prayer Jesus prayed — one Sunday at a time.

We hope to see you this week.

Those Serving
CALL TO WORSHIP/PRAYER
Richard Jacobs
SONG LEADER
Mark Ringle
LEAD LORD'S SUPPER
Titus Sullivan
 ASSIST LORD’S SUPPER
Greg Morrison
Reggie Johnson
Billy Robbins
Patrick Newbill
SCRIPTURE READING
Drew Triplett
John 17:20-23
PREACHING
Matthew Allen
CLOSING PRAYER
Bob Hoopes
CLOSING COMMENTS
George Wacks
WELCOME CENTER
Kathy Downey
USHERS
Jeremy Price // Mike Rosato
COMMUNION PREP
Emily Cain
CLOSING THE BUILDING
Benjamin Baker

I can be one of the most impatient people when preparing to leave and go somewhere. When I’m ready to go, I’m ready to go! It doesn’t matter if others aren’t ready—I am eager to hit the road. Perhaps you can relate to this feeling in some way. Whether it’s waiting for someone to get dressed or waiting for an appointment to start, impatience can quickly take over. This struggle isn’t limited to everyday situations; it often creeps into our spiritual
lives. Learning to wait on God can be difficult, especially when things are out of our control. But why is it so important to remember this patience?

Humility Through Trials (2 Corinthians 12:7)
In 2 Corinthians 12:7, Paul shares that a "messenger of Satan" was given to keep him from boasting. Paul had many reasons to feel prideful—he was an apostle, established numerous churches, baptized countless believers, and even performed miracles. These experiences could easily have led Paul to think highly of himself. But the trials he endured,
including his "thorn in the flesh," kept him humble.

Humility is essential for anyone seeking godliness. James 1:2-4 reminds us that trials can serve a greater purpose—they remind us of our limitations and our need for God. Problems have a way of refining our focus, helping us see that although we may be capable of great things, God is ultimately greater. Have you ever had a thorn in the flesh? We all have. These challenges help us realign our priorities and remind us that we need God’s guidance in every part of our lives.

Dependence on God (2 Corinthians 12:8)
Paul pleaded with God three times to remove his affliction. His repeated prayers show his deep faith and recognition that only the Lord could provide relief. Though his request was not granted in the way he hoped, Paul’s persistence demonstrated his reliance on God.

We all face moments in life when only God can help us. Sometimes, no matter how much we pray or plead, God doesn’t promise to remove our struggles immediately. Psalm 130:5-8 tells us to wait for the Lord, for in Him, we find redemption. Life will never be without its storms, but we are promised safe passage through them. It’s comforting to know that God cares for us and hears our cries, even when the answers don’t come as quickly as we’d like.

Trusting God’s Grace (2 Corinthians 12:9)
Despite his hardships, Paul learned to trust in God’s grace. God’s response to Paul’s pleas was simple: “My grace is sufficient for you.” Paul came to understand that through his weaknesses, God’s strength was made perfect. This grace—unmerited favor—sustained Paul through his trials and allowed him to grow in faith.

We don’t have to face our challenges alone. Whether battling sickness, dealing with anger, or facing financial struggles, the same grace extended to Paul is available to us. Often, it is through these hardships that we learn to become better people. Colossians 3:1-2 reminds us to set our hearts and minds on things above, using our struggles as opportunities for growth.

Remembering Our Purpose (2 Corinthians 12:10)
Paul found contentment in his trials because they brought honor and glory to God. He recognized that his suffering was insignificant compared to what Jesus endured for humanity’s sake. As Paul grew stronger through his trials, he understood that the true purpose of life was to glorify God in all things.

We, too, exist to glorify God. We obey His commands, love one another, and treat people respectfully and kindly. Becoming the person God wants us to be is a journey, not an instant transformation. This is why it’s crucial to allow God to work in His own time, not ours.

Waiting on God
Learning to be patient and trust God’s timing is one of our hardest lessons. But it’s also one of the most rewarding.

Are you waiting on Him today?

Mark 1:41-42 is only two verses. But don’t let the brevity fool you—there’s a lifetime of teaching packed in there.

When the leper came to Jesus, he was breaking the law. Mosaic law required him to keep his distance, to shout “unclean!” as a warning. He wasn’t supposed to be anywhere near people, let alone pressing through a crowd toward a rabbi. But here he is. And what does Jesus do?

He doesn’t ask questions. He doesn’t pull back. He doesn’t start a theological discussion about how the man ended up this way. He reaches out and touches him.

Think about what that meant. This man hadn’t felt a human hand in years. Maybe decades. And Jesus—who could have healed him with a word from across the street—chose to touch him first. That’s not accidental. That’s a statement.

Here’s something else worth noticing. After the healing, Jesus told the man to go show himself to the priest and follow the requirements of the law (Matthew 5:17). Jesus wasn’t tearing the system down. He was fulfilling it. Compassion, power, and wisdom—all three, working together in about thirty seconds of ministry.

What Does This Mean for Us?

There’s a reason Matthew, Mark, and Luke all include this story. All three. It’s not just about one desperate man who crashed through every social barrier to get to Jesus. It’s about what Jesus does when the desperate show up.

No one is outside His reach. That’s the point. The leper had every human reason to give up—and yet his faith pushed him forward anyway. He’d heard about Jesus. He believed. And that belief moved him. Theological knowledge matters, don’t get me wrong—doctrine is important and growth in Scripture is required. But we can never drift too far from the
foundation: faith in the person and power of Jesus Christ.

And Jesus wants to help. If the early manuscripts are right that He was moved with indignation when He saw this man (some translate it that way), then we’re seeing Jesus go on offense against the suffering Satan inflicts on people. We’re each responsible for our own sin—that’s true. But we’re also flesh. Weak flesh, constantly targeted by an enemy who has declared war on the sons and daughters of God. Jesus came to undo all of that. “The Son of God appeared for this purpose, to destroy the works of the devil” (1 John 3:8).

Here’s the hard part for us, though. We will never impact the people around us until we’re willing to reach them—really reach them. Not hand them a tract from a safe distance. Not invite them to a program.

Lay a hand on some rotting flesh.

In your neighborhood. In the corporate towers. In the slums. People don’t care what you know until they understand how much you care. And sometimes one moment of genuine contact does more than a year of solid theology.

This is what a church is supposed to be.

Remember the dress?

Back in 2015, a mother of the bride posted a photo online asking a simple question — was this dress appropriate to wear to her daughter's wedding? What nobody expected was that people couldn't even agree on what color it was. The daughter saw white and gold. The mother saw blue and black. Within 24 hours, 10 million tweets. BuzzFeed crashed. Taylor Swift weighed in. NASA scientists were asked to explain it.

One dress. Millions of people. Completely certain they were right.

That's exactly how we opened Sunday's sermon — because honestly? The church has a dress problem too.

We look at the same Bible. We worship the same Lord. We've been saved by the same blood. And somehow, we end up in factions, certain we're right, genuinely baffled that anyone sees it differently. Sound familiar? It should. It's been happening since the first century.

Paul's Already Been Here

Romans 15:5-7 finds Paul writing to a church he's never visited — Jewish and Gentile Christians grinding on each other over food laws, feast days, and who's doing it right. Real conflict. Not small stuff to them. And his answer isn't figure out who's correct and make the other side comply. His answer is essentially: don't let what you eat destroy someone Christ died for.

That should stop us cold.

Those we draw lines against. Christ died for them. The person whose worship style drives you crazy, whose opinions you can't stand, whose conclusions on that passage you find baffling. Christ died for them. Paid the same price He paid for you. Had the same purpose in mind.

Three Things Killing Our Unity

Sunday's message dug into three honest diagnoses.

First — we've confused unity with uniformity. Somewhere along the way we decided unity means everyone arrives at the same conclusions, worships the same way, and reads the same books. That's not unity. That's cloning. And it's impossible. Paul wasn't asking Jewish Christians to stop being Jewish or Gentiles to start keeping the Sabbath. He was asking them to receive each other — the way Christ received them.

Second — we've made secondary things primary. The stuff we argue about most fiercely is usually not the stuff that holds us together. One mind about Christ. One voice proclaiming Him. That's the goal. Not identical conclusions on every passage.

Third — we've forgotten what we're for. Romans 15:6 says the goal is to glorify God with one mind and one voice. That means our division isn't just an internal church problem — it's a witness problem. When we're fragmented, the world doesn't see Jesus. They see us. And we don't always give them much to look at. As Jesus prayed in John 17, our unity — or our lack of it — is an evangelistic issue.

The Word That Changes Everything

Verse 7: "Welcome one another, just as Christ also welcomed you."

That word — welcome — means to take someone fully into your fellowship. Not tolerate them. Not put up with them until they come around. Receive them. Grant them access to your heart. Take them into friendship. And here's the part that hits: when you genuinely accept someone, you're changed by that act. It costs you something. It transforms you.

How did Christ welcome you? Did He wait until you had it all figured out? Did He check your theology before He went to the cross?

He accepted us when we were still a mess. And He's calling us to do the same.

Oh — and the dress? It was always blue and black. Never actually in question. Scientists confirmed it. Which means millions of people were certain about something they were completely wrong about.

Worth sitting with.

Come Join Us This Month

We're just getting started. The whole month of March we're walking through Unity in the Body — and it's going to be the kind of series that challenges you, encourages you, and maybe steps on your toes a little. In the best way.

If you're looking for a church home in the Centerville area, we'd love to have you at Cornerstone. We gather Sunday mornings at 9:30 for Bible class and 10:30 for worship. Wednesday nights at 7:00 as well.

We're not a perfect church — not even close. But we're a group of people trying to take Romans 15:7 seriously. Come see what that looks like.

Cornerstone Church of Christ 5051 Wilmington Pike | Centerville, OH 45440
937.434.8481 | cornerstone-coc.com

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Those Serving
CALL TO WORSHIP/PRAYER
Eric Renegar
SONG LEADER
Jason Schofield
LEAD LORD'S SUPPER
Justin Spargo
ASSIST LORD’S SUPPER
Jim Rutter
Matthew Ringle
Colby Grushon
SCRIPTURE READING
Dan Dekoski
Romans 15:5-7
PREACHING
Matthew Allen
CLOSING PRAYER
Billy Robbins
CLOSING COMMENTS
George Wacks
WELCOME CENTER
Kathy Downey
USHERS
Nathan Armstrong // Roy Pyle
COMMUNION PREP
Yvonna Robins
CLOSING THE BUILDING
Daniel Spargo

It didn’t take long. Just a few weeks out of Egypt, and Israel was already complaining.

That’s worth sitting with for a second. These are the same people who watched the Red Sea open up. They walked through on dry ground. They saw Pharaoh’s army swallowed up behind them. And now? They’re standing in the wilderness looking at Moses like, We were better off as slaves.

I’ve been preaching for over thirty years, and I’ve watched good people do the exact same thing. God delivers them from something real: a bad marriage, an addiction, a pit they couldn’t see the bottom of, and two months later, they’re romanticizing the very thing God pulled them out of. It’s not hypocrisy. It’s fear. And fear has a terrible memory.

Here’s what I love about this passage. God doesn’t blast them for complaining. He just... provides. He says in Exodus 16:4, I’m going to rain bread from heaven for you. But don’t miss this: He adds a condition. They can only gather enough for one day at a time.

That was the whole point. God wasn’t being stingy. He was teaching them something they’d never learned in Egypt: how to trust someone other than themselves.

You know what it looks like when someone tries to stockpile the manna? Verse 20 tells us. It rotted and bred worms. The thing they grabbed out of fear became the very thing that fell apart in their hands.

I’ve seen that too. People spend so much energy trying to control their future, working three jobs, manipulating every outcome, refusing to rest, and they still wake up anxious. Because control is never the answer. Dependence is.

Jesus knew this. When He taught His disciples to pray, He didn’t say Give us this year’s bread or even this month’s bread. He said, Give us this day our daily bread (Matthew 6:11). One day. That’s the unit of measurement God works in when He’s trying to build trust.

Maybe you’re in a wilderness season right now. Maybe the pantry feels empty, not just literally, but emotionally, spiritually. Maybe you can’t see how it’s going to work out.

Here’s what I want you to hold onto: the same God who rained bread from heaven hasn’t changed. He still provides. But He does it one day at a time, because He wants your eyes on Him every single morning, not on your stockpile.

That’s not cruelty. That’s relationship.

My purpose is to finish my course and the ministry I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of God's grace. (Acts 20:24)

One sentence. That's Paul’s whole life right there. And what surprises me is that Paul already knew what awaited him in Jerusalem. Chains. Persecution. Suffering. He wasn't walking into it blindly. He knew. And he went anyway. Want to talk about resolve?

You’ve probably met someone who said they'd do anything for God… until it cost them something. A friendship. A promotion. Their reputation. Suddenly, the mission becomes unclear. We’re likely guilty too. We can start negotiating with God like He's a contractor and we're trying to get a better deal. But Paul? He had already settled the question. The moment he met Christ, he gave up the right to control his own life. Everything after that was simply obedience.

What made Paul so hard to stop was his perspective. Prison didn't silence him; he preached to the guards. A shipwreck didn't break him; he encouraged the crew. Opposition didn't shut him down; he reasoned with his accusers. You can't derail a man whose eyes are fixed on something beyond the present moment.

He explains why in Romans 8:18: I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is going to be revealed to us. He's not dismissing the pain; he's outweighing it. There's a difference. I think that's where many of us get stuck. We feel the cost of obedience, but we lose sight of the reward. So fear wins. Convenience wins. Comfort wins. And the mission gets put on hold indefinitely.

But Paul never delayed or hesitated. Near the end of his life, after beatings, shipwrecks, imprisonments, and betrayals, he could write from a cold Roman prison: "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." (2 Timothy 4:7). That's not arrogance. That's a man at peace. He did what God called him to do, and nothing in this world could take that away from him.

His life challenges every one of us to ask the hard question: What am I actually living for?

When Christ becomes your highest goal, not comfort, safety, or what others think of you, you discover a strength you didn't realize you had. The cost is temporary, but the reward lasts forever. Like Paul, we just need to decide what matters most.

The Lord’s work is changing hearts. That sounds inspiring or maybe even miraculous, until we realize what this entails. Change and growth are not always comfortable. In fact, one of the primary tools God uses to change us and grow our faith is facing our fears.
 
Romans 5:3-5 teaches that tribulation produces perseverance, perseverance produces prove character, and proven character produces hope. This progression does not happen miraculously or come with ease. It begins with tribulation. Fear. Uncertainty. Pain. Yet Paul says we can “exult” in those moments because we know how God works. Through testing and purifying fire we can grow in faith but only if we lean on God.
 
James 1:2-5 reminds us of this same thing. The testing of our faith produces endurance. If we lack wisdom, we are told to ask God. But wisdom often comes through experience. Those experiences are often difficult seasons where we walk with God instead of running from difficulties. Fear, when faced with faith, becomes a training ground to equip us for battle.
 
The patriarchs illustrate this for us.
 
Abraham left home not knowing where he was going (Hebrews 11:8-1). That required faith. But famine came (Genesis 12:10). Fear followed. He told Sarah, his wife, to say she was his sister because he was afraid for his life (Genesis 12:11-13). Abraham repeated this mistake later in his life (Genesis 20:11-13). Yet God did not abandon him. Through repeated fears and failures, Abraham’s faith matured. When asked to offer Isaac (Hebrews 11:17-19), he trusted that God could even raise the dead. The man who once feared losing his life now trusted God with his son’s life. God had put Abraham in situations that grew his faith through fear.
 
Isaac had a godly father (Genesis 18:19), but inherited faith is not the same as tested faith. When Isaac faced danger, he repeated his father’s fear driven deception (Genesis 26:7). Isaac had to learn personally that God refines faith through trials (1 Peter 1:6-7).
 
Jacob may be the most dramatic example. A deceiver and manipulator, he lived in constant conflict. When Jacob feared meeting Esau, his prayer revealed a humble heart: “I am unworthy… deliver me… for I fear him” (Genesis 32:9-12). Fear broke his self reliance and drove Jacob to God’s promises.
 
Joseph later capture this idea in a single sentence: “you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good” (Genesis 50:20). Fearful and painful circumstances became the very means by which God preserved life.
 
Fear is not the enemy when it drives us toward God. When we cling to His promises instead of withdrawing. Fear can be used to strengthen endurance, deepen character and anchor hope.
 
God is still growing faith through fear today. Will you allow Him to grow you through it?

It’s easy to assume that the most important work in the church is the most visible work. The preaching. The singing. The teaching that happens out front on a Sunday morning.

But Scripture tells a different story.

In Romans 12, Paul reminds us that the church is not built on a few visible roles, but on many faithful people serving together, often in ways few notice. Like a body with many parts, each member has a role, a function, and a purpose. Some parts are seen. Many are not. But all of them matter.

That truth is especially important in a time when many Christians quietly wonder if what they do really makes a difference. Parents raising children in the faith. Servants who show up week after week behind the scenes. Those who pray, give, encourage, clean, prepare, and care for others without recognition.

God sees that work.

Hebrews 6:10 reminds us that God is not unjust—He does not forget the love shown in faithful service. And Romans 12 shows us that this kind of quiet faithfulness is not accidental. God has placed each believer where they are for a reason, equipping them to help hold the body together.

This Sunday’s sermon will build on that encouragement. We won’t be talking about doing more or trying harder. We’ll be talking about belonging, faithfulness, and the kind of everyday obedience God uses to build something strong. If you’ve ever wondered whether your service matters—or if you’ve been quietly carrying weight no one else sees—we hope this lesson will encourage your heart.

Join us this Sunday as we continue our February series, Every Member a Minister, and open God’s Word together in Romans 12:3–8. What you’re doing matters. And God is still at work through faithful people.

Those Serving
CALL TO WORSHIP/PRAYER
Wes Grushon
SONG LEADER
Jason Schofield
LEAD LORD'S SUPPER
Andrew Cain
 ASSIST LORD’S SUPPER
Marvin Lewis
Chris Terrian
Gary Stewart
Bob Hoopes
SCRIPTURE READING
Brayden Grushon
Romans 12:3-8
PREACHING
Matthew Allen
CLOSING PRAYER
Reggie Johnson
CLOSING COMMENTS
Daniel Spargo
WELCOME CENTER
Emily McDonald
USHERS
James Passmore // Mike Rosato
COMMUNION PREP
Stephanie Braden
CLOSING THE BUILDING
Benjamin Baker

Faithfulness doesn’t always feel exciting. Most days, it feels ordinary.

It looks like showing up again. Doing what needs to be done. Serving when no one notices.
Giving when it costs. Praying when you’re tired. And if we’re honest, there are moments when even faithful Christians quietly wonder: Is this really making a difference?

That question sits at the heart of this Sunday’s sermon.

This February, our congregation is beginning a new series titled Every Member a Minister. But before we talk about roles, structure, or how everything fits together, we’re starting where Scripture starts—with encouragement. Sunday’s sermon is titled God Sees Your Faithfulness, and it’s meant especially for those who keep serving quietly and steadily.

Hebrews 6:10 reminds us, God is not unjust to forget your work and the love you have shown for his name by serving the saints—and by continuing to serve them. That promise tells us something powerful: faithfulness done for God is never forgotten by God.

Much of what the Lord uses most deeply doesn’t happen in dramatic moments. It happens in patterns of steady obedience, consistent love, and ordinary service over time. Parents raising children in the faith. Older saints who continue to encourage and give even when it’s hard. Teachers, helpers, and servants who pour themselves out week after week. Deacons who quietly shoulder responsibility because they love Christ and His church.

Scripture assures us that God is at work beyond what we can measure. Even when we can’t see immediate results, even when the sacrifice feels heavy, God is doing more than we can see—“above and beyond all that we ask or think” (Ephesians 3:20).

This sermon isn’t a call to do more. It’s a reminder that what you are already doing matters. If you are tired but still faithful, this message is for you. If you feel unseen but committed, this message is for you. If you’ve wondered whether day-to-day obedience really counts, Scripture has a clear answer.

We invite you to join us this Sunday as we begin February by recognizing the quiet faithfulness God is already using—and by resting in the assurance that God sees your faithfulness.

1.  Which part of the sermon resonated most with you, and why? 
2.  Romans 12:6 speaks of “the grace given to us” in our differing gifts. How does understanding this grace as God’s enablement for service (not saving grace) change the way you view your own role in serving others?
3.  Why do you think it is easy to underestimate day-to-day faithfulness? What pressures or assumptions cause us to value visible results more than steady obedience?
4.  Hebrews 6:10 assures us that God does not forget faithful service. How does that promise help when you feel tired, discouraged, or unseen in what you do?
5.  What is one area of your life where you need to trust that God is at work beyond what you can measure? 

Those Serving
CALL TO WORSHIP/PRAYER
Luke Powell
SONG LEADER
Drumand McLaughlin
LEAD LORD'S SUPPER
John Key
ASSIST LORD’S SUPPER
Benjamin Baker
Matthew Ringle
Jeremy Price
James Passmore
SCRIPTURE READING
Colby Grushon
Hebrews 6:9-12
PREACHING
Matthew Allen
CLOSING PRAYER
George Wacks
CLOSING COMMENTS
Daniel Spargo
WELCOME CENTER
Kathy Downey
USHERS
Richard Jacobs // Paul Braden
COMMUNION PREP
Sadonna Schofield
CLOSING THE BUILDING
Mike Rosato

Every church reaches moments when it needs to pause; not to slow down, but to make sure it’s moving in the right direction.

Over the past several weeks, we’ve been intentional in our teaching at Cornerstone. From December through January, the focus has been clear: Christ equips His people for service. But when a congregation covers a lot of ground, it’s easy to lose sight of the bigger picture. That’s why this Sunday’s message is about reorientation—not change for change’s sake, but clarity of purpose.

The New Testament never presents preaching and teaching as religious routine. Teaching exists for a reason. According to Ephesians 4:11–16, Jesus Himself gave teaching to the church, not to create spectators, but to equip saints for the work of ministry and to help His people grow into maturity.

That distinction is important.

Church is not meant to be something we merely attend. Scripture describes the church as a living body—designed by Christ, nourished by truth, and strengthened when every part participates. Teaching is one of the primary ways Jesus prepares His people to live faithfully, serve joyfully, and stand firm in a confusing world.

This Sunday’s sermon will step back and ask an important question:
Why does Christ give teaching to the church at all?

We’ll look at how:

• Teaching flows from Christ’s authority, not human preference
• Equipping is about preparation, not busyness
• Maturity—not comfort—is the goal of discipleship
• Growth happens when every believer engages, not just a few

This message is about understanding what Jesus is doing among His people and how each of us fits into His design.

Whether you’ve been part of the church for decades or you’re still finding your footing, this sermon will help you see your faith—and your place in the body of Christ—with fresh clarity. It’s an invitation to move from listening to living, from attendance to participation, and from routine to purpose.

If you’ve ever wondered why we emphasize certain themes, why growth sometimes feels stretching, or how your life truly matters in the work of the church, this message is for you.
Join us this Sunday at Cornerstone as we return to Scripture, refocus our hearts, and remember this simple truth:

Christ equips His church on purpose—and He equips every member.
We’d love for you to be with us.

What role does Christ play in shaping and equipping the church?
How does remembering this change the way we view preaching, teaching, and leadership?
2.  What does “equipping” look like in everyday Christian life—not just in formal church roles?
3.  In what ways can comfort keep us from spiritual growth? How have you seen growth come through challenge?
4.  What are some ways every Christian—regardless of age or role—can contribute to the health of the body?
5.  As we move forward as a church, what is one area where you personally sense Christ calling you to grow, serve, or engage more fully?

Those Serving
CALL TO WORSHIP/PRAYER
Justin Spargo
SONG LEADER
Eric Renegar
LEAD LORD'S SUPPER
Rich Walker
 ASSIST LORD’S SUPPER
Drew Triplett
Josh Childers
Jeff Livingston
Mike Rosato
SCRIPTURE READING
Billy Robbins
Ephesians 4:11-16
PREACHING
Matthew Allen
CLOSING PRAYER
Roy Pyle
CLOSING COMMENTS
Russ Robins
WELCOME CENTER
Emily McDonald
USHERS
Jim Rutter // David Williams
COMMUNION PREP
Gwen Price
CLOSING THE BUILDING
Mike Rosato

Many people assume that spiritual growth happens automatically. Attend worship regularly. Listen to good preaching. Read your Bible. Over time, maturity will just take care of itself.

But Scripture tells a more honest—and more demanding—story.

In Acts 18:24-28, we are introduced to Apollos, a man who looks like the kind of Christian every church hopes for. He is knowledgeable, passionate, eloquent, and sincere. He speaks boldly and teaches accurately what he knows about the things of God.

And yet, Luke tells us something crucial: Apollos knew only the baptism of John. He was faithful—but incomplete.

That detail matters because it reminds us of an important truth: sincerity is not the same as spiritual formation. A person can love God deeply and still need to grow. Zeal and knowledge, while good, are not substitutes for discipleship.

What happens next reveals how God equips His people.

Rather than correcting Apollos publicly or sidelining him, God uses two faithful disciples—Aquila and Priscilla. They listen to him. They respect him. And then they take him aside and explain the way of God more accurately. Quietly. Personally. Relationally.

This is discipleship as Jesus taught it.

Jesus did not merely preach to crowds; He walked with people. He corrected His disciples patiently. He shaped them over time through relationships, conversation, and shared life. Aquila and Priscilla are simply living out the way of Jesus.

And the result is powerful.

After being discipled, Apollos becomes more effective, not less. His teaching is strengthened. His ministry expands. He becomes a great help to believers and boldly proclaims Jesus as the Messiah. Discipleship does not limit him—it equips him.

That is a lesson we still need.

We live in a time when information is abundant, but formation is rare. It is easy to attend, listen, and remain isolated. But Jesus never called people to follow Him alone. He calls us into relationships where we learn, grow, and help one another mature in faith.

At Cornerstone Church of Christ, we are committed to being a church that follows the way of Jesus—not only in what we teach, but in how we help people grow. We believe every Christian is still being formed and has a role in helping others grow.

Discipleship is not just for leaders. Growth is not just for beginners. And following Jesus is not a one-time decision: it is a lifelong walk. If you are looking for a church where Scripture is taken seriously, where Jesus remains central, and where people are encouraged to grow together in faith, we invite you to join us.

Come worship with us this Sunday at Cornerstone. Come hear God’s Word. Come walk with us as we follow the way of Jesus: together.

1. What does Apollos teach us about the difference between being sincere in faith and being fully formed as a disciple of Jesus?
2.  Why was it important that Aquila and Priscilla took Apollos aside rather than correcting him publicly?
3.  How did Apollos’ willingness to be taught affect his usefulness in God’s work?
4.  What does this passage show us about the role everyday Christians play in discipling others?
5.  What is one practical way you can either help someone grow in Christ or allow someone to help you grow this week?

Those Serving
CALL TO WORSHIP/PRAYER
Boyd Hastings
SONG LEADER
Chris Terrian
LEAD LORD'S SUPPER
John Key
ASSIST LORD’S SUPPER
Nathan Armstrong
Richard Jacobs
Rich Walker
Jim Rutter
SCRIPTURE READING
Jeremy Price
Acts 18:24-28
PREACHING
Matthew Allen
CLOSING PRAYER
Wes Grushon
CLOSING COMMENTS
Russ Robins
WELCOME CENTER
Kathy Downey // Tina Jacobs
USHERS
Roger Robins // Billy Robbins
COMMUNION PREP
Hannah Walker
CLOSING THE BUILDING
Josh Childers

Most people assume that being close to Jesus is enough.

Close enough to know His teachings.
Close enough to admire His character.
Close enough to speak respectfully about Him.
Close enough to call Him “Lord.”

But in Luke 6, Jesus shatters that assumption with a question that still unsettles religious people today: “Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and don’t do the things I say?”

He wasn’t speaking to atheists.
He wasn’t confronting skeptics.
He was addressing disciples—learners who followed Him, listened to Him, and were fascinated by Him.

They were as close to the truth as anyone could be.

And Jesus tells them it isn’t enough.

Sunday’s sermon will take us to the closing moments of Jesus’ sermon in Luke 6, where He draws a sharp line between admiration and obedience, between hearing and acting, between a faith that looks solid and a faith that actually lasts.

To make His point, Jesus gives an unforgettable picture: two houses, one storm, and only one that stands. The difference isn’t appearance, activity, or sincerity. The difference is the foundation.

One life is built on obedience to His words. The other hears—but never acts.

And when the storm comes, the collapse is sudden and devastating.

That’s uncomfortable language—but it’s loving language. Jesus isn’t trying to frighten people away; He’s warning people before it’s too late. He refuses to let religious people settle for shallow faith, borrowed confidence, or verbal allegiance that never reaches the heart.

That’s why this message matters so much—especially in a church culture where it’s easy to confuse activity with obedience and closeness with conversion.

This month we are focusing on Equipped for Service. But before God equips us to serve Him publicly, He calls us to submit to Him personally. A life that is not anchored in obedience cannot endure pressure, and it cannot faithfully represent Christ.

This Sunday is not about trying harder or doing more. It’s about digging deeper—into repentance, humility, and a faith that rests fully on Christ.

Those Serving
CALL TO WORSHIP/PRAYER
Matthew Ringle
SONG LEADER
Russ Robins
LEAD LORD'S SUPPER
Patrick Newbill
 ASSIST LORD’S SUPPER
Daniel Spargo
Paul Braden
Colby Grushon
Andrew Cain
SCRIPTURE READING
Dylan Schofield
Luke 6:46-49
PREACHING
Matthew Allen
CLOSING PRAYER
Bob Hoopes
CLOSING COMMENTS
Russ Robins
WELCOME CENTER
Emily McDonald
USHERS
Rich Walker // Mike Rosato
COMMUNION PREP
Vicki Mullins
CLOSING THE BUILDING
Benjamin Baker

A new year always invites reflection. We think about priorities, goals, and the direction our lives are headed. But before we ask what we want to do in the coming year, Jesus presses a more searching question: Why do we do what we do?

In Mark 10:42–45, Jesus confronts a way of thinking that feels natural to all of us. The world defines greatness by power, position, and control—by how high someone rises and how many people answer to them. That mindset was common in the first century, and it’s just as common today. What makes this passage so uncomfortable is that Jesus addresses it not in outsiders, but in His own disciples.

With a single, decisive statement—“It is not so among you”—Jesus draws a clear line between the values of the world and the values of His kingdom. In God’s kingdom, greatness is not measured by status, visibility, or recognition. It is measured by service. Jesus does not eliminate the desire to matter or make a difference; He redirects it. True greatness, He says, is found in becoming a servant and even a slave to others.

The heart of the passage comes in verse 45, where Jesus grounds this call to service in the gospel itself. The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many. Christian service is not driven by guilt, pressure, or the need to prove ourselves. It flows from grace. We serve because we have been served first—at the cross.

This Sunday’s sermon, “Why We Serve,” launches our January focus on Equipping for Service. Before we talk about how God equips His people, we must first understand the heart behind service. Following Jesus reshapes our definition of greatness and gives our lives a new direction—outward, humble, and purposeful.

If you’ve ever felt tired, overlooked, or unsure why service matters, this lesson speaks directly to that struggle. It invites us to lay down the world’s way of measuring importance and rediscover the joy of living in the footsteps of a Savior who gave everything for us.

Join us as we begin the year by listening again to Jesus—and allowing Him to redefine what it truly means to live a great life.

1. What definition of greatness do we most often see in the world, and how does Jesus’ definition in Mark 10:42–45 challenge it?
2.  Why do you think Jesus said, “It is not so among you”? What happens when the church adopts the world’s view of power and importance?
3.  Jesus does not eliminate the desire to be great—He redirects it. What does pursuing greatness through service look like in everyday life?
4.  How does Jesus giving His life “as a ransom for many” shape our motivation for serving others? How is grace-driven service different from guilt-driven service?
5.  What attitudes or obstacles (such as pride, comfort, or self-protection) can quietly keep us from serving as Jesus describes, and how can we begin to address them?

Those Serving
CALL TO WORSHIP/PRAYER
Luke Powell
SONG LEADER
Jason Schofield
LEAD LORD'S SUPPER
Russ Robins
 ASSIST LORD’S SUPPER
Brayden Grushon
Josh Childers
Gary Stewart
Reggie Johnson
SCRIPTURE READING
Colby Grushon
Mark 10:42-45
PREACHING
Matthew Allen
CLOSING PRAYER
George Wacks
CLOSING COMMENTS
Mark Ringle
WELCOME CENTER
Judy Hickey // Kathy Downey
USHERS
Paul Braden // Justin Spargo
COMMUNION PREP
Sadonna Schofield
CLOSING THE BUILDING
James Passmore

As one year comes to a close and another stands before us, it’s natural to reflect. We think about what we’ve endured, what we’ve learned, and what we hope might be different in the year ahead. But Scripture consistently presses us to look forward—not with anxiety, but with purpose.

This Sunday’s sermon, “Prepared for Good Works,” is drawn from Ephesians 2:8–10, one of the most beloved passages in the New Testament. We often quote these verses to celebrate God’s grace—and rightly so. Salvation is a gift, not something we earn. But Paul doesn’t stop with forgiveness. He takes us one step further.

Grace doesn’t end the story. Grace begins it.

Paul reminds us that we are God’s workmanship—carefully crafted in Christ Jesus—and that God has prepared good works ahead of time for us to walk in. That means our lives in Christ are not accidental, unnecessary, or aimless. God saved us on purpose, and He saved us for a purpose.

This sermon will help us reset our thinking as we move into a new year. It’s not about doing more or feeling overwhelmed. It’s about understanding why God saved us in the first place and how He equips His people to serve with joy rather than guilt.

During the lesson, we’ll explore how this calling takes shape in everyday ways within our church family—through generosity, teaching, hospitality, care for widows and widowers, mentoring young people, and quiet acts of compassion that often go unseen but matter deeply to God.

You’ll be encouraged to ask one simple question as the year begins: “Lord, what is one good work You want me to walk in?”

Not everything.
Not forever.
Just one faithful step.

As we prepare to begin 2026 under the theme Knit Together in Love, this sermon serves as an on-ramp—helping each of us see how the body of Christ is strengthened when every member walks in the purpose God has already prepared.

If you’re tired, uncertain, or wondering where you fit, this message is for you. Grace does not burden us; it equips us. And when God calls us to serve, He walks with us every step of the way.

Join us this Sunday as we end the year not just grateful for grace—but ready to live it out.

Prepared for good works. Let’s walk in them—together.

1.  Why is it important to understand that we are saved by grace but created for good works?
2.  Paul says we are God’s “workmanship.” What does that word tell us about our value and our role in the body of Christ? 
3.  God has prepared good works ahead of time for us to walk in. What are some ways we might recognize the works God has already placed in front of us?
4.  Which of the ministries mentioned in the sermon resonates most with you, and why?
5.  What is one practical step you could take in the coming weeks to begin walking in a specific area of service? Who could you talk to or pray with to help you follow through?

Those Serving
CALL TO WORSHIP/PRAYER
Richard Jacobs
SONG LEADER
Drumand McLaughlin
LEAD LORD'S SUPPER
Jason Schofield
 ASSIST LORD’S SUPPER
Brayden Grushon
Josh Childers
Gary Stewart
Reggie Johnson
SCRIPTURE READING
Justin Spargo
Ephesians 2:8-10
PREACHING
Matthew Allen
CLOSING PRAYER
Nathan Armstrong
CLOSING COMMENTS
Boyd Hastings
WELCOME CENTER
Emily McDonald // Tina Jacobs
USHERS
Jeremy Price // Bob Hoopes
COMMUNION PREP
Stephanie Braden
CLOSING THE BUILDING
James Passmore

This time of year, we talk a lot about gifts.
We give them.
We receive them.
And we’re reminded—rightly—that generosity is woven into the Christmas story.

But as meaningful as gifts can be, there is something they can never replace.

Presence.

You can give generously and still be distant.
You can provide what someone needs and still not truly be with them.
And that reality helps us understand why Christmas is not ultimately about what God gave—but who God gave.

The heart of Christianity is captured in a single name: Immanuel.

“God with us.”

That name is not decorative. It is not sentimental. And it is certainly not incidental. It is the theological center of the gospel.

When Isaiah first spoke the Immanuel promise, it was not into a peaceful or faithful moment. It was spoken into fear, failure, and unbelief. King Ahaz was afraid. The nation was trembling. Leadership had failed spiritually. And instead of promising better circumstances or stronger defenses, God promised His presence. The message was clear: before God would fix what was broken around them, He would address the distance between Himself and His people.

Centuries later, Matthew tells us that this promise was fulfilled in Jesus. The angel announced not a plan, a movement, or a philosophy—but a person. Jesus would save His people from their sins, and His name would be Immanuel. God did not remain distant. He did not send instructions from heaven. He entered our condition, took on flesh, and lived among us.

That truth matters—not just at Christmas, but for the life of the church.

We often talk about the gifts Christ gives His people: leaders, Scripture, ministry, and mission. All of those matter. All of them are necessary. But they are not the greatest gift. The church exists, not because it has the right tools or the right plans, but because Christ Himself is present with His people.

The church is not sustained by strategy alone.
It is sustained by a present Lord.

And the promise of Immanuel did not end at the manger. Matthew begins his Gospel with “God with us,” and he ends it with Jesus’ words: “I am with you always, to the end of the age.” The same Christ who came in humility remains with His church today—filling it, guiding it, and strengthening it as His people worship, serve, and move into the future.

This Sunday, we will step back from the busyness of the season and reflect on the foundation beneath everything else we do.

The greatest gift the church has ever received is not a vision plan, a ministry role, or a calling.

It is Immanuel—God with us.

We invite you to join us as we open God’s Word and remember why the church exists at all—and why we never walk alone.

1. Why is it important to remember that the Immanuel promise in Isaiah was spoken into fear and failure rather than comfort and faith?
2.  In Matthew 1:21–23, why does Matthew connect Jesus’ saving work from sin directly to the name “Immanuel”?
3.  Christ Himself is the church’s greatest gift—not just the things He gives. In what ways can churches or individuals rely on plans, tools, or programs while quietly assuming Christ’s presence instead of depending on it?
4.  How should Jesus’ promise, “I am with you always” (Matthew 28:20), change the way we approach worship, service, and ministry today?
5.  What area of your life most needs the reminder that “God is with us,” and how would living in that truth change your perspective or actions this week?

Those Serving
CALL TO WORSHIP/PRAYER
Jason Schofield
SONG LEADER
Jim Grushon
LEAD LORD'S SUPPER
Greg Morrison
 ASSIST LORD’S SUPPER
Roy Pyle
David Williams
Shane McLaughlin
Luke Powell
SCRIPTURE READING
James Passmore
Matthew 1:21-23
PREACHING
Matthew Allen
CLOSING PRAYER
Drew Triplett
CLOSING COMMENTS
Boyd Hastings
WELCOME CENTER
Pam Grushon // Kathy Downey
USHERS
Billy Robbins // Jim Rutter
COMMUNION PREP
Gwen Price
CLOSING THE BUILDING
Richard Jacobs

As we move toward a new year, many people are asking the same questions: How do we grow? How do we stay grounded? How do we prepare for what lies ahead? Scripture gives a clear and steady answer. God equips His people through His Word.

This Sunday, we’ll continue our December sermon series with a message from 2 Timothy 3:14–17 titled “Equipped by the Scriptures.” In these familiar verses, the apostle Paul reminds Timothy—and us—that the Bible is not simply a book to be studied, but God’s chosen tool for shaping lives and preparing His people for ministry. Scripture is God-breathed, powerful, and sufficient to equip us for every good work.

As a church, Cornerstone has committed itself to growth that is rooted in Scripture—not driven by trends, personalities, or programs. Before the church can serve effectively, it must be shaped deeply. Before ministry can flourish, God’s Word must dwell richly among His people.

On Sunday, we’ll explore why Scripture forms who we become, why its divine origin gives it lasting authority, and how God uses His Word to prepare ordinary Christians for meaningful service. We’ll also look ahead to how our upcoming classes and studies are designed to help every member grow, mature, and step confidently into the work God has prepared.

If you’ve ever felt unsure about where you fit, how you can serve, or how spiritual growth really happens, this message is for you. God has not called His people to a task without providing the tools—and His Word remains the foundation of all true equipping.

We invite you to join us this Sunday as we open God’s Word together and look ahead with faith, purpose, and confidence—equipped by the Scriptures and ready for the work God has placed before us.

Join us at 5051 Wilmington Pike in Centerville. Morning classes begin at 9:30 am and our worship begins at 10:30.

1.  What are some ways our faith can drift if we are not intentionally anchored in Scripture? What helps you personally stay rooted in God’s Word?
2.  In what practical ways have you seen God’s Word shape your thinking, attitudes, or behavior over time?
3.  How does viewing Scripture as “God-breathed” affect the way we listen to it, study it, and submit to it — especially when it challenges us?
4. What are some “good works” you see God calling ordinary Christians to do in the life of the church or community?
5.   What is one area where you feel God may be preparing you to serve or grow in 2026?

Those Serving
CALL TO WORSHIP/PRAYER
Benjamin Baker
SONG LEADER
Roy Pyle
LEAD LORD'S SUPPER
Paul Braden
 ASSIST LORD’S SUPPER
Richard Jacobs
Marvin Lewis
Chris Terrian
Bob Hoopes
SCRIPTURE READING
Reggie Johnson
Timothy 3:14-17
PREACHING
Matthew Allen
CLOSING PRAYER
Andrew Cain
CLOSING COMMENTS
Boyd Hastings
WELCOME CENTER
Emily McDonald // Jim Grushon
USHERS
Rogers Robins
COMMUNION PREP
Hannah Walker
CLOSING THE BUILDING
Daniel Spargo

Discovering How Jesus Has Equipped Every Believer for Ministry

This Sunday, we kick off our Vision 2026 theme: Knit Together in Love. For the next twelve months, our congregation will walk through Ephesians 4 and learn how Christ forms His people into a unified, serving, maturing body.

And it all starts with a single truth:

Christ has already given His church everything it needs.

Our first sermon of the series, Christ’s Gifts to His Church (Ephesians 4:7–11), will remind us that Jesus never calls His people to a task without first equipping them for it. The risen Lord—who conquered sin, death, and darkness—has poured out His grace on every Christian. He has placed unique gifts in each of us, and He has given spiritual leaders to help equip the church for ministry.

What does that mean for us?
It means you matter to God's mission.
It means you have a place in the church's work.
It means your gifts were measured and given by Christ Himself.
It means this entire year will be about learning how to use those gifts for God’s glory.

We want every member to see the beauty of Christ’s design for His body. The church is not an audience. It’s not a set of programs. It’s not a handful of people doing everything. It is a community Christ has equipped—person by person, gift by gift—to build one another up in love.

On Sunday, we will explore:

• Why Christ gives grace to each believer
• How His victory earned Him the right to equip the church
• Why He gave gifted leaders for teaching, shepherding, and evangelizing
• What it means for Cornerstone as we step into a year of growth, unity, and service

This sermon is foundational to everything we will discuss in 2026. If you want to understand the heart behind Vision 2026—why it matters, why it is needed, and why it is so hopeful—this is the Sunday to be here.

Join us this week at 10:30 AM.

Come ready to worship.
Come ready to learn.
Come ready to see what Christ has already given His church…
and what He has already given you.

We hope to see you Sunday as we begin this journey together.

Those Serving
CALL TO WORSHIP/PRAYER
Paul Braden
SONG LEADER
Chris Terrian
LEAD LORD'S SUPPER
Jeremy Price
 ASSIST LORD’S SUPPER
Drumand McLaughlin
Dan Dekoski
Gary Stewart
Billy Robbins
SCRIPTURE READING
Colby Grushon
Ephesians 4:7-11
PREACHING
Matthew Allen
CLOSING PRAYER
Roger Robins
CLOSING COMMENTS
Boyd Hastings
WELCOME CENTER
Judy Hickey // Kathy Downey
USHERS
Mike Rosato // Jim Grushon
COMMUNION PREP
Marilyn Sims
CLOSING THE BUILDING
Josh Childers

We’ve spent 2025 learning what it means to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness. Week after week, we’ve opened our Bibles and asked what it looks like to put Christ first in our homes, our choices, our relationships, and our priorities. And now, as we come to the final Sunday of our 2025 curriculum, we’re going to look at the moment when the kingdom reaches its full and final beauty.

This week’s sermon is called “All Things Made New.” Our text will be Revelation 21:1-5 and 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18. These passages lift our eyes beyond the struggle of the present and show us the future God has promised for His people. John sees a new heaven and a new earth. He sees God dwelling with His people. He sees the day when every tear is wiped away, and death is defeated forever. Paul tells us that when the Lord returns, the dead will rise and we will be with Him always.

This is not fantasy. This is not a pleasant thought to make us feel better. This is the future God has guaranteed. And it is the reason kingdom living matters today.

Every step of obedience…
every moment of sacrifice…
every prayer you’ve prayed…
every act of love done quietly for the Lord…
every battle fought against sin…

— none of it is wasted. The kingdom we seek now will be the kingdom we inherit forever. God will finish what He started. He will renew what is broken. And He will bring His people home.

If you are tired, discouraged, or simply longing for hope, this is a message you need to hear. And if you’re new to Cornerstone or have been away for a while, this Sunday is the perfect time to come. We will gather together in worship, lift up our eyes together, and remind our hearts that the King we serve is the King who will make all things new.

Sunday, November 30
Bible Class 9:45 am | Worship 10:45 am
5051 Wilmington Pike, Centerville

You are welcome. You are wanted. You are invited.

Those Serving
CALL TO WORSHIP/PRAYER
Nathan Armstrong
SONG LEADER
Chris Terrian
LEAD LORD'S SUPPER
Richard Jacobs
 ASSIST LORD’S SUPPER
Greg Morrison
Matthew Ringle
Shane McLaughlin
Billy Robbins
SCRIPTURE READING
Rich Walker
Revelation 21:1-5
PREACHING
Matthew Allen
CLOSING PRAYER
Paul Braden
CLOSING COMMENTS
George Wacks
WELCOME CENTER
Emily McDonald // Drumand McLaughlin
USHERS
Randy Mullins // Jim Grushon
COMMUNION PREP
Wes Grushon
CLOSING THE BUILDING
Benjamin Baker

We live in a world where much of the good we do often goes unnoticed. You serve, help, pray, love — and sometimes it feels like no one sees it. But Scripture offers a very different perspective. Hebrews 6:10 states, “God is not unjust; He will not forget your work and the love you showed for His name.” This means every act of kindness, every moment of obedience, every quiet sacrifice made for the Lord is remembered. Nothing is wasted. Nothing is ignored.

This Sunday, we'll discuss the faith that God remembers. Not the loud or public moments — but the small, steady, hidden ones that show our love for Christ. Malachi 3 tells us that God keeps a “scroll of remembrance” for those who honor Him. That’s a beautiful promise. Heaven notices even when no one else does.

As we start Thanksgiving week, this message is just what many of us need. Some of us are tired, some discouraged, and some wonder if what we do even matters. God’s Word says it does. Your service matters, your love matters, your perseverance matters, and God will honor those who stay faithful.

If you need encouragement…
If you need hope…
If you need a reminder that God sees you…

Join us this Sunday at Cornerstone.
Let’s gather to worship, open God’s Word, and be encouraged by the truth that those who dedicate their lives to the kingdom today will rejoice when their record is revealed tomorrow.

Sunday, November 23
Bible Class 9:45 am | Worship 10:45 am
5051 Wilmington Pike, Centerville

We’d love to have you with us.

Those Serving
CALL TO WORSHIP/PRAYER
John Key
SONG LEADER
Russ Robins
LEAD LORD'S SUPPER
Bob Hoopes
ASSIST LORD’S SUPPER
Robert Zehring
Drumand McLaughlin
Mike Rosato
Gary Stewart
SCRIPTURE READING
Benjamin Baker
Hebrews 6:10-12
PREACHING
Matthew Allen
CLOSING PRAYER
Richard Jacobs
CLOSING COMMENTS
Rich Walker
WELCOME CENTER
Pam Grushon // Tina Jacobs
USHERS
Daniel Spargo // Matthew Ringle
COMMUNION PREP
Stephanie Braden
CLOSING THE BUILDING
James Passmore

The Quiet Sin That Tears Us Apart
Scripture speaks plainly about the destructive power of gossip. Proverbs 18:6–8 warns, “A fool’s lips lead to strife… A gossip’s words are like choice food.” Proverbs 16:28 adds, “A gossip separates close friends.” These verses are not exaggerations. Many friendships, families, and congregations have been damaged because someone repeated words that should never have been spoken.

Every one of us has been the target of gossip at some point. We know the sting. Words spread quickly, often twisted and enlarged. And once they spread, they are nearly impossible to pull back. This is why the Bible strongly condemns gossip. Scripture calls the gossiper a talebearer, whisperer, busybody, or slanderer. The New Testament tells Christians to put away falsehood (Ephesians 4:25). Sin does not travel alone, and gossip often walks beside strife, jealousy, and malice (2 Corinthians 12:20; Romans 1:29–30).

What Gossip Does
Gossip wounds people deeply. Psalm 41:7 describes how enemies whisper together, plotting harm against the one they talk about. Gossip may sound casual, but it is often intended to hurt. Psalm 56:5 says the thoughts behind such words are evil; they aim to damage another’s reputation, peace, or relationships.

Gossip also finds eager listeners. Proverbs says gossip is like “choice food”—tasty, tempting, and easy to swallow. The problem is not only with those who speak it, but also with those who crave it. Many enjoy hearing “some new thing,” especially when it concerns someone else’s trouble. We must guard our hearts. Delight in gossip is a sign of spiritual immaturity.

Gossip separates friends. Proverbs 17:9 teaches that love covers offenses, but gossip exposes them. Many relationships have been ruined by needless talk. Sometimes the wisest thing a person can do is say nothing. Gossip sows strife. Proverbs 16:27 describes someone who “digs up evil,” a person who uncovers or exaggerates faults to stir trouble. Their words scorch and burn. They create problems with their tongues, and others pay the price.

Gossipers also fail to keep confidence. Proverbs 20:19 warns that a gossip reveals secrets. If someone says, “I’m telling you this in confidence…,” they have already broken trust. If they repeat someone else’s secret to you, they will repeat yours to someone else. Worst of all, gossip destroys the soul of the one who spreads it. Proverbs 18:7 says a fool’s mouth becomes his own ruin. The very words meant to hurt others become the means of his own condemnation.

What Gossip Is Not
Not all conversations about others are sinful. We talk about people because we care, and many good works depend on sharing information. But talk becomes gossip when it becomes harsh, exaggerated, or careless—when we assume motives, enlarge details, or spice up information to make it more dramatic. Even truth can become sinful when used to harm.

Practical Help
Before repeating anything, stop and ask: Is it true? And what good will come from saying it? Will it help someone grow? Lead someone to repentance? Warn someone of danger? Allow someone to help? If the answer is no, the conversation should end with you.

A Better Way
Proverbs 26:20 reminds us that “without wood, fire goes out; without a gossip, conflict dies down.” Jesus warns that we will answer for every careless word (Matthew 12:36). Let’s make sure our words heal rather than harm—and let gossip die at our feet, not spread from our lips.

Hebrews 12:3 urges us to “consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, so that you won’t grow weary and give up.” Those words remind us that Jesus is not only our Savior. He is also our example. He shows us how to finish well when the race is long and the struggle is real.

To “consider” Jesus means to think carefully about Him. It means to slow down and focus your mind on His endurance, His patience, His self-control, and His obedience in suffering. He faced hatred, lies, betrayal, mockery, and violence. Yet He never lost heart. When He suffered, He entrusted Himself to His Father’s will (1 Peter 2:23). Following Jesus means running the same kind of race. We follow with endurance, humility, and trust. God never promised an easy path, but He did promise His presence. Jesus has gone before us, and He walks beside us. Every time we feel like quitting, Scripture calls us to look again at Him—His strength, His patience, His faithfulness.

The early Hebrew Christians were under pressure. Their faith was costing them. Some were thinking about giving up. The writer reminded them that Jesus endured far greater hostility. If He could endure the cross, they could endure their trials. And if they stayed faithful, they would share in His joy. Jesus did not only begin the race. He finished it. He endured the cross, rose from the grave, and “sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Sitting down means the work is complete. Redemption is accomplished. The race is run. From that place of honor, He now intercedes for us. He gives strength to all who follow Him in faith.

To follow His example means more than admiring Him. It means copying Him. It means meeting hardship with faith, treating opposition with love, and trusting that every step brings us closer to the joy set before us. The same endurance that carried Him through the cross can carry us through our trials. We can be faithful to the finish because He has already finished for us. He has paved the path, provided the power, and secured the victory. Our task is simple: keep running. Don’t grow weary. Don’t give up. When you feel worn down, remember the One who endured for you. When you feel like quitting, remember the One who never quit. The finish line is closer than you think. And Jesus stands there, waiting with open arms.

How We Endure
Keep your eyes on Jesus. The Christian life is full of distractions. Focus gives endurance. Jesus is the beginning and the end of our faith. Fixing our eyes on Him keeps us steady when the path gets hard.

Endure with joy. Jesus faced the cross with joy—not because the pain was small, but because the purpose was great. Our suffering is never wasted. God uses it to shape us and strengthen us.

Follow His example to the finish. He endured hostility and shame and never quit. His victory guarantees ours. The strength that sustained Him is the strength He gives us.

Conclusion
The message of Hebrews 12 is simple: stay in the race. Don’t look back. Don’t give up. Keep your eyes on the One who finished His course in perfect obedience. Because He endured, you can endure. Because He overcame, you will overcome. Faithful endurance is not about running fast. It is about running focused. Keep your eyes on Jesus, and you will finish strong.

I  recently landed on a television show about Death Valley. It’s the hottest place in North America—134 degrees on record—and yet, beneath the surface are deep, water-filled caverns. One of them, called Devil’s Hole, drops 500 feet and holds a rare species of fish found nowhere else on earth. But that tiny population is almost gone. Scientists don’t know why.

I thought about what it means to be endangered. To be on the verge of extinction. To be fragile and uncertain of tomorrow. Sometimes life feels like that—when discouragement closes in, when you feel forgotten, when your faith wavers under pressure.

David knew that feeling. In Psalm 62, he describes being surrounded by enemies who treated him like “a leaning wall, a tottering fence.” But instead of giving in to fear, David turns to God and finds peace. He doesn’t pray for revenge. He doesn’t panic. He quietly trusts. “I am at rest in God alone,” he says. “My salvation comes from him.”

That phrase—God alone—is the heartbeat of this psalm. In Hebrew, it appears six times in the first nine verses. David is driving home one point: Only God is worthy of trust. Not God plus someone else. Not God plus wealth, power, or human approval. Just God.

It’s easy to say we trust God. But often, we trust Him and something else. We lean on our savings, our reputation, our friends, or our plans. James Boice once said, “To pretend to trust God but not to trust him only is like having one foot on a rock and another on something that’s moving away.” That’s how many of us live—half on the rock, half on shifting sand.

David learned the peace that comes when you stop straddling the line. “He alone is my rock and my salvation, my stronghold; I will never be shaken.” His calm wasn’t denial; it was surrender. The storm hadn’t passed, but his heart was steady because it rested on something unshakable. In verses 5-8, David’s faith deepens. He begins by saying he will not be greatly shaken. Later, he says, I will not be shaken at all. Trust grows when you keep walking with God through the storm. Each day you survive becomes another reason to trust Him again tomorrow.

Then David turns outward: “Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts before him. God is our refuge.” This is not just his testimony—it’s his invitation. What David found in God, he wanted others to find too.

And that’s what the church is—a gathering of people who have fled to God for refuge. You’re surrounded by people who have been where you are: in the valley, under pressure, fighting fear. Some have failed, repented, and started over. Some are still in the storm. But all have found mercy and strength in the same place—in God alone.

If you’re looking for peace, you’ll never find it by adding one more thing to your list of securities. You’ll find it when you stop striving and rest in the only One who cannot fail. He alone is your rock. He alone is your salvation. Trust in Him at all times. God is our refuge.