Have you ever felt like you’re all alone? Like nobody understands what
you’re going through – or maybe even that nobody cares? Life takes us
there sometimes. David wrote about that in Psalm 34. He was a fugitive
in enemy territory – he was supposed to be the next king of Israel, and
yet he can’t even live in his own country because he’s being hunted by
the current king. And in that season of isolation, David writes Psalm
34. Here is one verse from that Psalm: “The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”
(v18) David came out of that season with praise on his lips. He no
longer felt alone. If you can relate, maybe Psalm 34 would be a good
one for you today.
Just something God brought to my mind as I prepare for Sunday’s message.I hope you find encouragement and strength in Jesus’ love for you today.
Nate
Church as God intended
Built on the resurrection, we are witnesses Youversion Link Why do people go to church? (Why do YOU?) Jesus’ commitment: “I will build my church , and the…
Youversion Link Two healthy things we can do when we're waiting for God to act: Pray Focus on what you CAN do My Next Step with God is to...…
Youversion link Questions: What is the Holy Spirit’s JOB? Do you think the Holy Spirit is as active at Cornerstone as He could be? When the Holy Spirit came in…
Youversion Link 5 Elements of good Christ-centered teaching: It starts where they are. Acts 2:14-16 It’s rooted in biblical history. Acts 2:16-21 It directs people’s attention to Jesus' provision. Acts…
Youversion Link I am currently devoted to _________________. The early church was devoted to: The Apostles teaching The Fellowship The breaking of bread Prayer Church as God intended: A…
Youversion Link "What makes a day 'Good'?" Three different reasons people suffer: People suffer for BEING STUPID People suffer for PERSONAL GROWTH People suffer for THE NAME OF JESUS …
Youversion Link Three indicators that caring for widows is NOT inferior to the apostles' ministries of prayer and the ministry of the word: They addressed the need IMMEDIATELY They…
This Week’s Devotional
As part of our Anticipate series please work through the below handout this week to prepare for next week’s sermon.
Anticipate
Youversion Link The ugly realities of the fall of mankind Evil entered the world The creation was cursed Our relationship with God was broken The beautiful promise of God after…
Youversion Link Week 2 Discussion Time We hope the time of discussion today inspires your faith and fills you with hope. We will face ups and downs in life,…
Youversion Link When you look back on your life, what comes to your mind as one of the more meaningful ways you have known God is with you? During…
“How good is your memory?” Who remembers something you got for Christmas last year? What are they key points in Israel’s history we’ve talked about? (Eden, Egypt, Exile) Last…
Who has something to give thanks for from this past week? We’ve seen a lot of history the last few weeks. From the tragic fall of mankind away from God…
Finding Balance
Youversion Link We live in a rapidly changing world The faster things change the more likely you are to become off balance in response to those changes. Two crucial lenses…
Youversion Link The most important message of the Bible: How can my relationship with God be made right? What is the difference between “good advice” and “good news”? Good…
Legalism or License Youversion Link Romans 1:1-2:24 Legalism says "You Better" License says "Whatever" Romans 3:19-28 “The gospel transforms our hearts and our thinking and changes our approaches…
Youversion Event What comes to your mind when you think about the things that are most important to God? The gospel is the environment out of which all God-pleasing…
Three awe-inspiring ways the gospel can change you: The gospel can bring you near to God. Ephesians 2:11-13 The gospel can forge peace in your relationships. Ephesians 2:14-22 The gospel…
Youversion Link What’s WRONG with our culture? What’s GOOD about our culture? “Contextualizing” = Connecting your message with your people. Why should I take the time to…
Youversion link What is a CITY? A city is a social form in which people physically live close together to one another.” Center Church, 135. Cities are like magnets. Cities…
“Resist the temptation to disappear into the safety of the Christian subculture” Jesus doesn’t want us to feel stuck in the world; He wants us to feel sent into…
Difference Maker
Youversion Link “For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to Him.” 2 Chronicles 16:9 YOUR POTENTIAL TO BE…
Youversion Link You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl.…
Youversion Link How do you overcome your guilty past to become a difference maker for God? Shame=the painful emotion caused by our consciousness of guilt Romans 3:10-24 Justified = I…
Youversion Link Obstacles that prevent me from becoming a difference maker for God: Fear, shame, and Indifference "I care too much about ______________ which leaves less for me to…
Culture Shock
Starting July 7th.
Sermon 1 in the series "Culture Shock: A Biblical Response to Today's Most Divisive Issues."
Youversion Event What does God say about the environment? The earth belongs to God - Psalm 24:1-2 We are to Honor God's creation. Genesis 1:1 God appointed mankind "Dominion" over…
Youversion Notes We all operate under PRESUPPOSITIONS... Society’s View Christian View I was born this way! It’s not genetic. We’re ALL born in sin Romans 3:23, 6:23 10% of the…
God is very much Pro-Sex. 4 Reasons God made us sexual creatures: Physical Pleasure - Proverbs 5:18-19, Song of Solomon 2:3 Procreation - Genesis 1:28 Relational Intimacy - Genesis 2:18-225…
Youversion Event Are followers of Jesus supposed to be active in politics? Or are we supposed to focus on strictly spiritual matters? 4 Biblical Absolutes: There are two kingdoms in…
Youversion Notes What would you say to a believer who says they “need an abortion?” What is the history of abortion in the world? What were Planned Parenthood’s arguments for…
Youversion Notes Let’s be careful not to confuse the movement with the people. 6 ways we can reduce the distance between us and the transgender community: See them as people.…
Youversion Notes “Racism” = the belief that racial differences produce an inherent superiority of a particular race. (merriam-webster.com) TRUTH: There is no race that is superior to another. Galatians 3:26-29…
Insomnia
Youversion Event A principle to help me find peace in a messed up world: Attention drives emotion When overwhelmed with life… …we can look Around “I envied the arrogant when…
Youversion Event WHAT CAN I DO TO GIVE MY KIDS WHAT THEY NEED TO SUCCEED? Make sure God and I are working off the same blueprints. Psalm 127:1 “Effective…
Youversion Event WHAT AM I WORTH TO GOD? God knows every single detail about me. Psalm 139:1-6 I can’t escape God’s searching eye. Psalm 139:7-12 In spite of all my…
Youversion Event The Process That Takes Me From Guilty to Forgiven Conviction - Psalm 32:1-4 Confession - Psalm 32:5 Cleansing - Psalm 32:5, Luke 2:10-11, 2 Corinthians 5:21 Change -…
Lest We Forget
Must we be Trained only by our own Failures, or can we learn from the failures of others?
What sets off your PANIC button? Exodus 13:17-14:31 What has God told us about His plan for us that could turn our PANIC into PRAISE? Ephesians 1:3-4 Philippians 1:6…
Yahweh Rapha = "The LORD is our healer" A test: "Will you trust me?" An Object Lesson: "Just as I healed the water, so I will heal you." My…
Which word most accurately describes the pace of my life? □ hectic □ slow □ just about right “I typically set aside a 24 hour day for rest every…
Exodus 17:1-7 “Is the LORD among us or not?” Why do I sometimes feel far from God? God isn’t giving me what I want. I’m ignoring Him or rebelling against…
Background: Exodus 24:15-18 Exodus 32:1-35 Is it ok with me that God is described as "jealous"? Jealousy is the angry side of love. My NEXT STEP with God Ask…
Week #2: Have I replaced God in any way? Even good things can become bad things when they become ruling things. Modern-Day Idols: FOOD__ ACCEPTANCE __ SEX __ …
THE TRUTH ABOUT COMPLAINING NUMBERS 11:1-35 Complaining is Natural. Numbers 11:1-3 Complaining is usually inaccurate. Numbers 11:4-6 Complaining is Contagious. Numbers 11:10 Complaining is an Insult to God. Numbers 11:10,18-20…
Two Accusations (against Moses): Moses married a Cushite Moses has too much authority Two Reasons (why we think Miriam is the instigator): Miriam’s name comes first Miriam is the one…
APPLYING ISRAEL’S LESSON TO OUR DAY Israel’s mission was to claim the Promised Land. Our mission is to lead people to Jesus and fully follow Him together. What impossibilities (giants)…
Holy Roar
Discover the 7 Hebrew words for Praise
PRAISE is an expression of honor & thanks to God in response to who He is and what He’s done. Praise isn’t always & only given to God. …
Yadah - To revere or worship with outstretched hands Halal - To shine, to boast, to praise, to celebrate, to make a fool of, to be clamorously foolish" Psalms…
Christmas – What are you looking forward to this Christmas? TOWDAH Thankful Anticipation David: Psalm 69:1-4,10-18,29-33 Jonah: Jonah 2:1-10 Magi: Matthew 2:1-2,9-11 David gave God TOWDAH praise while surrounded…
How can we better celebrate this holiday we call CHRISTmas? BARAK To Kneel or to bless Mary’s example: Luke 1:26-55 There is nothing more worthy of delight than…
Zamar - Worship with Music Psalm 47 - I sing because He is my king Psalm 57 - I sing because He is my defense Psalm 98 - I sing…
Yadah: Giving thanks with outstretched hands Halal: Party praise Towdah: Expectation Barak: Praise on my knees Zamar: Joyful singing Tehillah: Sing a new song My Box o' Praise How…
Shabach: Praise God with a loud shout Psalm 63:1-5 How can David praise God in the desert. David has seen God David has experienced God's Love Steps to moving…