Cornerstone Chapel - Audio Podcast: Recent Episodes
Cornerstone Chapel
At Cornerstone Chapel, it is our desire that you see the love of Jesus Christ reflected through the systematic, verse by verse teaching of the Bible and through heart-felt, contemporary worship lifted up to God.
Does God still speak today? Yes and No. He does not supersede or contradict His Word (the Bible) with “new” revelation, but He does still speak tenderly to people. Jesus said that His sheep hear His voice (John 10:27). So how can we discern the voice of the Lord from all the other voices and noise in our world? Pastor Gary takes us into Acts 21 to answer that question in today’s study entitled, “Hearing God.”
If you know that you will probably never see a friend or loved one again, you will probably exchange some tender, parting words. This was the case with Paul and the elders of the Ephesian church when he met with them in Miletus. He closes his remarks with some parting words of encouragement about God’s grace that is applicable to us today as well. Pastor Gary unpacks this final passage of Paul’s speech to the Ephesian elders and helps us to better understand God’s amazing grace.
In his farewell words to the elders of the church in Ephesus, Paul shares some important advice and warnings about how to keep the Church healthy and how to protect the Church from attacks without and attacks within. Even though his words are from the first century, they are timeless principles for the Church today. Pastor Gary takes Paul’s farewell speech and breaks down the application for us in today’s teaching, “Advice and Warnings to the Church.”
Six times in the New Testament living the Christian life is compared to “running a race”. The starting line is when we trust Christ as our personal Lord and Savior. The finish line is when we die and go to Heaven or when Christ returns to take us Home, whichever happens first. The time in between the start and the finish is the race we are to run as Believers in Jesus. In Acts 20, Paul teaches us by his example three important aspects of running the race: HUMILITY, ENDURANCE, and ABANDONMENT. Follow along as Pastor Gary shares about “running the race.”
Temptation is a part of everyday life, so what does the Bible say on how to combat it? Matthew 4 tells us the Spirit compelled Jesus to go into the wilderness where he would fast 40 days and suffer temptation from Satan himself. Jesus being fully God and fully human was tempted in every way, just as we are, yet was without sin (Hebrews 4:15). He was victorious over the enemy and temptation and the Believer can be victorious as well in Jesus Christ.
Join us as Pastor Tony Clark explores the question, "What does the Holy Spirit look like?" Drawing inspiration from Ephesians 5:15-33, He delves into the tangible manifestations of the Holy Spirit in our lives, highlighting the transformative power of His presence and how it impacts our relationships, worship, and daily walk with God. Join us as we uncover the beauty and significance of a Spirit-filled life.
God uses Amos to prophecy to the kingdom of Israel about the impending judgment that will come upon them. God says He will send a famine on the land – not a famine of bread or water, but a famine of “hearing the words of the LORD”. As believers, we can easily see the effects of spiritual famine nationally and globally in our day, but sometimes it’s difficult to spot spiritual famine in our own lives. Join us for today’s message as Pastor Austin unpacks the seven signs of spiritual famine.
Join Author, Speaker and Activist John Amanchukwu as he draws powerful parallels between the present sufferings of this world and the future glory promised in Romans 8:18, using the compelling examples of the Martyrdom of Stephen, Polycarp, and Eulalia of Barcelona.
Wherever Christ is preached there is usually one of two responses—either revival or revolt. When the light of Jesus is turned on, it confronts the darkness of whatever it touches. If the response is contrition and humility, the result is revival. But if the response is confusion and hostility, the result is revolt. In Acts 19, we see both responses. Pastor Gary compares the revolt in Ephesus to our current culture, and highlights five points of revival that are still true today.
People who don’t normally come to church or know anything about the Bible will not understand who Jesus is unless Christians tell them. In Acts 17, Paul went to the “marketplace” and explained Jesus in terms that “unchurched” people could understand. His conversation and interaction with the pagan people of Athens teaches us some important things about taking Jesus to a lost world outside the church.
In this July 4th weekend teaching, Pastor Gary explores our country’s historical Christian heritage as well as our freedom in Christ. Faith and Freedom go together—both physical and spiritual. Many men and women laid down their lives to secure our liberties, and the Church should continue to be salt and light in our world to preserve and maintain those liberties. Special musical guest, Mary Millben, joins Pastor Gary for this patriotic service.
There are times in the course of life when things are hard and life is difficult. In Acts 16, Paul and Silas had been beaten and thrown into prison. They didn’t know whether they would be rescued or whether they would be killed for their faith. Nevertheless, they “prayed and sang” to the Lord because God is worthy of our worship no matter our circumstances. It’s easy to sing when times are good, but how easily do you sing when times are bad? In today’s teaching, Pastor Gary invites us to pray, “Lord, teach me to sing in the darkness.” In other words, even when things are bad in life, may we still have a song on our lips for the One who is worthy of our worship!
If you are going through a difficult time, you are not alone. Plenty of people suffer in this life. But for the Christian, there are things we can learn through adversity. In Acts 14:22 it says, “We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God.” Pastor Gary unpacks this verse and teaches four things that we can learn through tough times.
Pastor Gary and Israel tour guide Ronnie Cohen sit down to talk all things Israel in this special Q & A service.
Did you know that being a “good person” is not good enough? The Bible tells us that the human condition is broken and sinful and therefore we need a Savior—Jesus. We can’t do or say enough good things to overcome our broken condition. But here’s the good news—God offers us forgiveness of sins through faith in Jesus and what He did on the cross when he died for our sins. That act of kindness and mercy is God’s grace. In today’s teaching from a sermon that Paul delivered in Acts 13, Pastor Gary urges us to embrace God’s grace and receive the forgiveness we all need!
In this teaching Pastor Gary gives a Biblical response to the cultural chaos and the corporate controversy that has overtaken our country with gender confusion, sexual perversion, and a “woke” agenda. How can we navigate all the madness without losing our hearts for those who are caught up in the madness? We should be outraged by all the cultural evil, but we should never lose the mission of the church because of our outrage over the madness of the world. At the same time, we must never condone the evil or affirm the delusion. Pastor Gary explains the “WHY” behind the madness and “WHAT” we should do in response.
We tend to view events and circumstances in life as either “fair” or “unfair”. Sometimes it’s hard to reconcile situations that don’t make sense to us. What do you do when God doesn’t do what you want Him to do? In Acts 12, two of Jesus’ original Twelve Disciples, James and Peter, are arrested by King Herod because of the on-going persecution against Christians. Peter gets miraculously delivered from prison by an angel sent by God, but James gets martyred. Why did God rescue one but allow the other to be executed? Pastor Gary tackles this theological dilemma in today’s study entitled, “That’s Not Fair!”
How do we respond when we feel like the world is falling apart around us? Do we get angry and fight? Stick our head in the sand? In this special message from Kirk Cameron, we learn that the best approach is a Gospel-centered one.
Some people believe they are relatively good and don’t really need God. Others believe they are too bad for God to forgive them. Truth is, it doesn’t matter what we think about ourselves. What matters is what God thinks. And what God thinks is that everyone needs a Savior because no one is good enough to get to Heaven on their own or bad enough to be excluded. Jesus died for all that “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.”
Al Robertson pastored for more than 22 years at Whites Ferry Road Church in West Monroe, LA. Now he travels with his wife, Lisa, sharing their story of redemption and grace at marriage conferences. Al is the oldest son of the Duck Dynasty family. In today’s teaching he shares the family story and encourages us to live “the unashamed life” in Christ.
The Bible is a book about two kingdoms – the Kingdom of Light and the Kingdom of Darkness. We see the Kingdom of Darkness interact with the Kingdom of Light throughout the book of Acts as Satan opposes the work the Lord does through His followers. How should we approach the topic of spiritual warfare, Satan, demons and occult practices? Some have an unhealthy interest in these things and others dismiss them altogether. In today’s message, Pastor Austin gives us five ways to guard ourselves against spiritual warfare.
One of the most dramatic conversion stories is recorded in Acts 9 when Saul (Paul) meets Jesus on the road to Damascus. This encounter will forever transform his life. Paul will go from being a persecutor and murderer of Christians to becoming a Believer himself who will, next to Jesus, have the most profound impact on the world for Jesus. It is a testament to the transforming power of Jesus and how He can radically change a person from the inside. Pastor Gary shares Paul’s conversion story and how it applies to all of us today in a similar way because Jesus is still transforming lives!
Have you ever battled bitterness? It’s not that uncommon. Bitterness usually sets in after one painful or disappointing event, or series of events, that rob people of the joy they once had. Sometimes bitterness is expressed outwardly—people who are mean, angry, moody, and negative. But sometimes bitterness is internal—people who are suffering on the inside but smiling on the outside. Whether external or internal, God wants to heal us of bitterness and restore the joy of our salvation. In today’s teaching, Pastor Gary shares six common causes of bitterness and then prays for God to heal those who want to be free of bitterness.
The world is feeding us self-affirming lies that we are all OK. The narrative goes like this: “You be you, and I’ll be me; we are all fine. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.” But we are not OK. And if we were, then why have suicide rates steadily increased in American over the past two decades? Truth is, the Bible explains that the human condition is lost and sinful without God. But the good news is that we can have hope and forgiveness through faith in Jesus Christ who died on a cross and rose from the dead to save us! That’s what Easter is all about—a celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead and how we can have a personal relationship with Him. Join Pastor Gary for today’s Easter message entitled, “Jesus is the Cure!”
When Jesus arrived in Jerusalem during the week of Passover--just before His crucifixion--He was worshipped openly as the Messiah. Join Pastor Mike McClure from Calvary Chapel San Jose as he discusses Jesus through the eyes of the people He encountered along the way.
The first martyr of the Early Church was a man named Stephen. He was killed defending his faith in Jesus Christ. His life and death serve as a great example for Christians today and also challenges us with three questions: (1) Do I love God more than my own life? (2) Do I forgive others who have wronged me? and (3) Am I prepared to see the Lord when I die? Pastor Gary teaches through these questions today and encourages us to pray for the same courage and boldness that Stephen had.
The Early Church was united around common beliefs and common burdens—the belief in Jesus as Lord and Savior, and the burden of being persecuted by those who opposed them. Jews in the first century who believed in Jesus as Lord and Savior were killed at worst and cancelled at best. As a result of facing such real persecution, the Early Church pooled their resources and shared them with each other as needed. It was not socialism, it was survivalism. In addition, when God struck down Ananias and Sapphira for their deception, the Early Church learned quickly that “the Church pure is the Church powerful” (as G. Campbell Morgan once said). They developed a healthy “fear of the Lord” and walked in holiness before God. The Early Church serves as good examples for the Church today.
Why does Hollywood love to make apocalyptic movies about the end of the world? Believer and unbeliever alike understand that our time on earth will eventually come to an end! The Bible describes this great and awesome day as the "Coming Day of the Lord," or simply, "That Day." But what exactly is this “Day” all about, when will it happen, and how should we live in the meantime? Join us in 2 Peter 3 as Pastor Austin unpacks this topic.
Join Pastor Gary Hamrick as he gives a special teaching in Caesarea, Israel from Acts 24.
At some point every Christian’s faith will be tested in the area of conscience and duty—to see whether you will have the courage to obey God rather than man wherever man’s law and authority contradicts the higher law and authority of God. The Early Church practiced civil disobedience wherever that contradiction existed. We have been living in a time more recently when government and/or employer policies, laws, and ordinances are increasingly at odds with God—with God’s policies, laws, and ordinances. And Christians in America are having to decide who is really Lord? And whom will you obey—God or man? Christians should be the best citizens, living in subjection to governing authority, praying and respecting our leaders. But where the contradiction exists, may God help us to say as the Early Church did—“We must obey God rather than men!” (Acts 5:29)
In 1869, the tallest lighthouse in America was built in Cape Hatteras, NC. It was built ½ mile from the coast, but after more than a hundred years of beach erosion, the Army Corps of Engineers had to relocate the lighthouse another ½ mile inland. The erosion threatened the foundation of the lighthouse. In a similar way, the Church is to be like a lighthouse—guiding people, warning people, and helping people to get safely home to Jesus. But unfortunately, there has been a slow erosion of some of the foundational elements of the Church that threaten the Church’s ability to be that beacon of light that we are called to be. In Acts 2:42, we learn about four foundational elements that defined the Early Church—things that should still define the Church today. Find out what they are and how our church endeavors to stay on solid ground.
In today’s study, Pastor Gary teaches about one of the gifts of the Spirit that manifests in Acts 2 known as “tongues.” Tongues is a known language, except to the person speaking, that God gives a Believer for the purpose of prayer and/or praise to God. But is it still available today? Should all Believers speak in tongues? And why would God give the gift of a language to people who cannot understand it themselves? Pastor Gary addresses these and other key questions in today’s teaching on the gift of tongues.
The followers of Jesus, who numbered about 120, were told to wait in Jerusalem until the “Promise” of the Holy Spirit. When the Day of Pentecost came, God poured out the Holy Spirit on all who had gathered in that Upper Room. It was an AUDIBLE, VISIBLE, and VERBAL event—the sound like a rushing wind, the sight of flames of fire lighting on each person, and people speaking in “tongues.” In today’s study, Pastor Gary gives the history of Pentecost and covers the AUDIBLE and VISIBLE aspects of what happened when God’s Spirit was poured out in Acts 2.
Some Christians feel powerless—struggling to have victory over sin, unable to be bold in their witness, tired of running the race, wondering if there is more to the Christian life than just biding their time until Jesus returns. Maybe this describes you, and maybe it’s all because there is an absence of God’s power without the fullness of the Holy Spirit. Join Pastor Gary as he teaches from Acts 1 about the person and power of the Holy Spirit available to all Believers, and learn what it means to be baptized with the Holy Spirit.
In our society we typically throw away things that are broken or in terrible condition. But not God! He loves what is broken and discarded because then He can mend them and reclaim them for His glory. In other words, God is the God of restoration. Biblical restoration is when God takes something broken and makes it brand new! And when God restores broken things and broken people, the final state is actually better than the original condition! In John 21, Jesus restores Peter after Peter had denied knowing Jesus around the time of Jesus’ crucifixion. After His resurrection, Jesus has an exclusive conversation with Peter, only recorded in John’s gospel, that brings restoration to Peter’s life. God is still restoring broken lives, and broken marriages, and broken things for His glory! He is the God of Restoration.
In Jeremiah 29, the prophet Jeremiah communicated the Lord’s instructions for the Israelites during their exile from Israel and captivity in Babylon. At the heart of these instructions, God exhorted the Israelites to focus on their families. Even as the Israelites endured the consequences of their failure to follow God (resulting in their exile), God had a plan for them to thrive and ultimately be restored to their home country. Join Pastor Brian Shannon as he shares why the family was such an essential part of God’s plan for the Israelites, and how those principles directly apply to God’s plans for all of mankind today.
Pontius Pilate was the Prefect appointed by Rome to oversee central Israel, including the city of Jerusalem, during the time of Christ. In fact, he became the pivotal figure in sentencing Jesus to death by crucifixion. Ironically, Pilate had determined three times that Jesus was not guilty of being condemned to death. So then why did he end up sentencing Him to death after all? Answer? Because Pilate had a weakness for what other people thought; and that weakness moved Pilate off center from what he knew was right. Truth is, all of us can be captive to the fear of people and trapped by a desire to always please people. Pastor Gary draws on this story from John’s gospel to help us recognize any of that sin in our own lives so that we can instead live to please God and fear Him alone.
Christmas day is a celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ! He was God’s greatest Gift to the world. In fact, it’s why we give gifts at Christmas time—to commemorate the Gift and the Gift-Giver! In today’s short teaching, Pastor Gary uses “GIFTS” as an acronym to remember that God Is Faithful To Save! God gave Jesus to the world so that by faith in Him we might be saved—forgiven from sin and guaranteed Heaven when we die. The baby born in a manger 2000 years ago grew up to die on a cross because of His love for the world. Won’t you trust Him as your personal Lord and Savior?
At the first Christmas 2000 years ago, God used different events and objects to direct people to Jesus—to behold the One who was born to save the world. He used a census to lead Joseph and Mary to Bethlehem where Jesus was to be born. He used an angel to lead shepherds to witness the newborn King. And God used a star to lead Wise Men from the east to worship Jesus. What events and circumstances is God using in your own life to bring you to an encounter with Jesus? A hardship? A difficulty? Or maybe you’ve been living “the good life” but you realize something—or Someone—is missing! God is still leading people to Jesus today.
Matthew 1 takes us to the scene of Joseph taking Mary as his wife and adopting Jesus as his own. God chose Joseph for a specific purpose - to raise His only Son. Joseph’s example gives us a glimpse of God the Father, who loves us and has chosen us for a specific purpose. How can we apply this wonderful promise to our own lives?
Mary the mother of Jesus plays a significant role in the Christmas story, but she also has been a figure of confusion over the centuries. Who was Mary according to the Bible? How do our views differ from the views of the Roman Catholic Church regarding Mary’s life and legacy? And what can we learn from her life and apply today? Open your Bible to Luke 1 to learn more.
When Jesus prays for us in John 17, He asks the Father to give us UNITY. But what kind of “unity” is Jesus speaking of? Does He mean that we should just all “get along,” accepting everything and anything under the “umbrella of unity?” Not at all. Unfortunately, some Christians and/or churches, in pursuit of unity, have forsaken integrity and doctrinal purity. So how do we receive and maintain the kind of unity that Jesus prays about for us? Pastor Gary shares four points about Biblical unity in today’s study from John 17.
Every year on the Sunday after Thanksgiving, we take some time to praise the Lord and honor Him for all that He did at Cornerstone over the last year. We are humbled to be a part of God’s work, and we praise Him for who He is and all He has done! Join us as we take a look back and celebrate God’s goodness to us in 2022.
Join us as we hear testimonies of God's faithfulness in the lives of our congregation in 2022.
Jesus talked more about the Holy Spirit than any other single subject during His closing words to the disciples gathered in the Upper Room for their last Passover together. He wanted to assure them that even though He was going away (when He ascended back into heaven after his crucifixion and resurrection), He would not leave them as orphans. He would send the “Helper” or “Counselor” or “Comforter” to be with them—the Holy Spirit! But who is the Holy Spirit? And what is the role of the Holy Spirit in the world today and in the life of the believer? Pastor Gary discusses this and more in today’s study from John 14-16.
Join us as Pastor Gary Hamrick talks with special guest Eric Metaxas about his newest book "Letter to the American Church".
Everyone has probably prayed at some point in their lives—either out of desperation or celebration. But fewer actually practice prayer as a spiritual discipline. A “spiritual discipline” is a habit, practice, or experience designed to develop, grow, and strengthen one’s relationship with the Lord. Bible study, periodic fasting, attending church would all be examples of “spiritual disciplines”; and so is PRAYER. Prayer is communing and connecting with God. It can be audible, or from the heart; in public, or in private; while standing or sitting; with open eyes or closed eyes. God just wants to hear our hearts—not with lofty, lengthy prayers but with sincerity. In today’s study, Pastor Gary gives us three “MUSTS” about prayer in order for us to “Pray like Jesus.”
What will Heaven be like? How can we get there? Pastor Gary answers these two questions today’s study from John 14. Many people think that if they are good enough they will get to Heaven when they die, but then the question becomes, “How good is good enough?” Thankfully, Jesus died on a cross for our sins because He knew that we are not good enough—there is nothing we can do to earn or deserve Heaven. Yet Jesus opened Heaven wide through His sacrifice on the cross for all who would believe, and then He made a bold declaration that He is the only way to Heaven! Heaven is a choice. At the close of today’s teaching, Pastor Gary will help you to understand how to make that choice for Jesus so that you can go to Heaven when you die.
Jesus tells us to “love one another” as He has loved us, and that when we do, it will show the world that we are His disciples. But how is love defined in the Bible? And how are we to demonstrate this kind of love to others? The world today defines love in a very different way. It uses “love” as a cover for tolerating and accepting all kinds of sinful behavior, and if you object, you are labeled as unloving. But true love reflects the love of the Lord as revealed in the Bible—sometimes it’s tough, sometimes tender; sometimes confronting, sometimes caring; sometimes challenging, sometimes encouraging. Our job is to know Jesus so that we can show the love of Jesus to a world that needs to know His transforming love.
If Satan can’t defeat us through disobedience, he will try to defeat us through discouragement. Many things about life can easily take a toll on us and the Enemy will do all he can to capitalize on those things in order to bring us down—but we can learn from the story of Nehemiah about how he continued to do the work of the Lord and refused to sink down to the level of his enemy. You’ll be encouraged today in a message from Nehemiah 6 by Pastor Garid Beeler.
In today’s study from John 13, Pastor Gary teaches about the time when Jesus washed the feet of His disciples. It was a pure gesture of love and humility. The God of the Universe stooped down to wash the dirty feet of sinners! And then He tells us to “follow His example.” How are we to serve others in humility, especially those who have betrayed or mistreated us? Pastor Gary draws out four important points on the topic of serving one another in humility in today’s study entitled, “Serve Like Jesus.”
The Bible uses multiple references to “light” and “darkness”—good and evil—right and wrong. Jesus stepped into our dark world as the Light of the world. He died on a cross to bring us into the light and to rescue us from the dominion of darkness. In today’s study, Pastor Gary talks about these terms of contrast and how we can be saved from a dark world, dark hearts, dark minds, and dark deeds.
In today’s teaching, Dr. Erwin Lutzer exposes how the culture is collapsing and how Christians will need to stand alone on God’s truth. Drawn from the example of Daniel’s three friends in Daniel chapter 3, sometimes we must live counter to the culture and trust God to deliver us, either in this life or in the life to come.
In today’s teaching, Dr. Erwin Lutzer exposes how the culture is collapsing and how Christians will need to stand alone on God’s truth. Drawn from the example of Daniel’s three friends in Daniel chapter 3, sometimes we must live counter to the culture and trust God to deliver us, either in this life or in the life to come.
Join guest speaker Pastor Don McClure as he shares a special message from Habakkuk, providing encouragement as we navigate the issues facing our world today.
Join guest speaker Pastor Don McClure as he shares a special message from Habakkuk, providing encouragement as we navigate the issues facing our world today.
Some people think that singing is the only way to worship the Lord. But in John 12, Martha, Lazarus, and Mary (adult siblings) invited Jesus to their home and demonstrated three different ways to worship Him. They model for us the diverse ways that we can honor and thank the Lord for who He is and what He has done. Join Pastor Gary for today’s teaching on “Ways to Worship.”
Some people think that singing is the only way to worship the Lord. But in John 12, Martha, Lazarus, and Mary (adult siblings) invited Jesus to their home and demonstrated three different ways to worship Him. They model for us the diverse ways that we can honor and thank the Lord for who He is and what He has done. Join Pastor Gary for today’s teaching on “Ways to Worship.”
In one of the most beloved stories in the Bible, Jesus shows compassion, tenderness, and emotion in response to a very sad and tragic event—the untimely death of a close, personal friend named Lazarus.
Although Lazarus’ sisters, Martha and Mary, had asked Jesus to come quickly, Jesus delayed coming until Lazarus had died so that He could display a greater miracle of raising Lazarus from the dead! In this story from John 11, Pastor Gary answers two questions: (1) what does it teach us about Jesus that we should emulate? and (2) what does it teach us about death that we should anticipate? Follow along in today’s study entitled, “Raising Lazarus.”
In one of the most beloved stories in the Bible, Jesus shows compassion, tenderness, and emotion in response to a very sad and tragic event—the untimely death of a close, personal friend named Lazarus.
Although Lazarus’ sisters, Martha and Mary, had asked Jesus to come quickly, Jesus delayed coming until Lazarus had died so that He could display a greater miracle of raising Lazarus from the dead! In this story from John 11, Pastor Gary answers two questions: (1) what does it teach us about Jesus that we should emulate? and (2) what does it teach us about death that we should anticipate? Follow along in today’s study entitled, “Raising Lazarus.”
There are a lot of views and opinions in the world about who Jesus is. Many world religions say that He was a prophet, or a great teacher, or an enlightened man. But the best way we can understand the identity of Jesus is to examine His words and His works in the Bible—who He said He was and what He did to prove His identity. Jesus teaches us plainly that He is God, but we may not understand it if we don’t know the language and context behind His words and works. Join Pastor Gary today as he teaches today from John 10 on the identity and deity of Jesus.
There are a lot of views and opinions in the world about who Jesus is. Many world religions say that He was a prophet, or a great teacher, or an enlightened man. But the best way we can understand the identity of Jesus is to examine His words and His works in the Bible—who He said He was and what He did to prove His identity. Jesus teaches us plainly that He is God, but we may not understand it if we don’t know the language and context behind His words and works. Join Pastor Gary today as he teaches today from John 10 on the identity and deity of Jesus.
There are plenty of people who have physical sight but are spiritually blind. In other words, they can see things with the natural eye but they are blind to the things of God and who Jesus is. In today’s study from John 9, Jesus heals a man born blind who also later receives the miracle of spiritual sight. Jesus opens the eyes of his heart to understand who He is. We all need that miracle—but beware, there will be people who will not share your joy of knowing Jesus. Some will reject you, disown you, or dismiss you, but none of that matters. Jesus accepts you, loves you, and died to save you.
There are plenty of people who have physical sight but are spiritually blind. In other words, they can see things with the natural eye but they are blind to the things of God and who Jesus is. In today’s study from John 9, Jesus heals a man born blind who also later receives the miracle of spiritual sight. Jesus opens the eyes of his heart to understand who He is. We all need that miracle—but beware, there will be people who will not share your joy of knowing Jesus. Some will reject you, disown you, or dismiss you, but none of that matters. Jesus accepts you, loves you, and died to save you.
What is TRUTH? It is a question that Pontius Pilate asked Jesus before His crucifixion, and it is a question people are still asking today. There is great confusion in our world about truth. You will hear people say, “My truth vs. your truth” and “Truth is relative—it depends on the person and the situation,” but in response to Pilate’s question, Jesus said, “…For this reason I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.” (John 18:37). For us to understand truth in a relative world, we must rely on God and His Word (the Bible) as the source and standard by which we evaluate what is true and what is false. In today’s teaching, Pastor Gary discusses some of the false narrative that the culture is presenting as truth and gives a Biblical perspective on the topic of truth from John 8.
What is TRUTH? It is a question that Pontius Pilate asked Jesus before His crucifixion, and it is a question people are still asking today. There is great confusion in our world about truth. You will hear people say, “My truth vs. your truth” and “Truth is relative—it depends on the person and the situation,” but in response to Pilate’s question, Jesus said, “…For this reason I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.” (John 18:37). For us to understand truth in a relative world, we must rely on God and His Word (the Bible) as the source and standard by which we evaluate what is true and what is false. In today’s teaching, Pastor Gary discusses some of the false narrative that the culture is presenting as truth and gives a Biblical perspective on the topic of truth from John 8.
One of the most vivid and tender stories about God’s grace is found in John 8. A woman was caught in adultery and was brought to Jesus and publicly humiliated before a crowd. It was all a set-up in an attempt to test or trap Jesus. The religious leaders quoted the Old Testament law that this woman should be stoned to death for committing adultery and they wanted to know what Jesus thought. The Lord’s response was that “whoever is without sin should throw the first stone at her.” All the accusers walked away being “convicted in their conscience.” Jesus showed the woman tender grace and then told her to leave her life of sin. No person is better or worse than another—we ALL are in desperate need of God’s grace. Pastor Gary teaches about God’s grace in today’s study from John 8 and concludes with the background on the song, Amazing Grace, by John Newton.
One of the most vivid and tender stories about God’s grace is found in John 8. A woman was caught in adultery and was brought to Jesus and publicly humiliated before a crowd. It was all a set-up in an attempt to test or trap Jesus. The religious leaders quoted the Old Testament law that this woman should be stoned to death for committing adultery and they wanted to know what Jesus thought. The Lord’s response was that “whoever is without sin should throw the first stone at her.” All the accusers walked away being “convicted in their conscience.” Jesus showed the woman tender grace and then told her to leave her life of sin. No person is better or worse than another—we ALL are in desperate need of God’s grace. Pastor Gary teaches about God’s grace in today’s study from John 8 and concludes with the background on the song, Amazing Grace, by John Newton.
Waiting can be a challenge. We know God loves us, but do we trust His timing? James chapter 5 encourages us to be patient during times of uncertainty. When we remember that God is patient with us, we can grow in our patience and learn to wait well.
Waiting can be a challenge. We know God loves us, but do we trust His timing? James chapter 5 encourages us to be patient during times of uncertainty. When we remember that God is patient with us, we can grow in our patience and learn to wait well.
Join Dr. Michael Farris for part three in his series called, “The Bible and the Constitution”.
Join Dr. Michael Farris for part three in his series called, “The Bible and the Constitution”.
Join Dr. Michael Farris in part two of three in his series called, “The Bible and the Constitution,” as he shares about the establishment and free exercise clauses of the first amendment and why the birth of religious freedom was a result of biblical Christianity.
Join Dr. Michael Farris in part two of three in his series called, “The Bible and the Constitution,” as he shares about the establishment and free exercise clauses of the first amendment and why the birth of religious freedom was a result of biblical Christianity.
On the eve of our National Independence, Pastor Gary delivers a message about the influence of Christianity upon our Founding Fathers which ultimately shaped our nation. Although the United States of America is a country that values the freedom of religion—the freedom to practice whatever faith, or no faith at all—when it comes to the founding principles of our nation, Christianity had the greatest impact. Join us today for a patriotic service about faith and freedom as Pastor Gary reviews the Christian heritage of our nation and what has led to its decline.
On the eve of our National Independence, Pastor Gary delivers a message about the influence of Christianity upon our Founding Fathers which ultimately shaped our nation. Although the United States of America is a country that values the freedom of religion—the freedom to practice whatever faith, or no faith at all—when it comes to the founding principles of our nation, Christianity had the greatest impact. Join us today for a patriotic service about faith and freedom as Pastor Gary reviews the Christian heritage of our nation and what has led to its decline.
Join Dr. Michael Farris in part one of three of his series called, “The Bible and the Constitution.” He shares about originalism and the Constitution and how a biblical approach to government is the best way to ensure freedom and equality for all.
Join Dr. Michael Farris in part one of three of his series called, “The Bible and the Constitution.” He shares about originalism and the Constitution and how a biblical approach to government is the best way to ensure freedom and equality for all.
The Church in America has become weak, ineffective, cowardly and has strayed from preaching the full counsel of God to the ecclesia (aka church). The Church no longer holds the line of truth, not because the world took it, but because we gave it. To reclaim the ground of truth, we need to be holy grounded in the truth and boldly proclaim the truth. The Church is the institution entrusted with the ministry of truth and it is the truth that frames reality and sets man free.
The Church in America has become weak, ineffective, cowardly and has strayed from preaching the full counsel of God to the ecclesia (aka church). The Church no longer holds the line of truth, not because the world took it, but because we gave it. To reclaim the ground of truth, we need to be holy grounded in the truth and boldly proclaim the truth. The Church is the institution entrusted with the ministry of truth and it is the truth that frames reality and sets man free.
Brigitte Gabriel, author, speaker, and founder of actforamerica.org, gives her testimony of growing up in war-torn Lebanon under Islamic rule and answers questions from viewers with Pastor Gary Hamrick.
Brigitte Gabriel, author, speaker, and founder of actforamerica.org, gives her testimony of growing up in war-torn Lebanon under Islamic rule and answers questions from viewers with Pastor Gary Hamrick.
The Holy Spirit is the third person of the Trinity—one God who reveals Himself in three persons: God the Father, God the Son (Jesus), and God the Holy Spirit. In John 7, Jesus introduces us to the Holy Spirit by referring to Him as “living water.” In today’s study Pastor Gary teaches about the person and role of the Holy Spirit in the life of the Believer.
The Holy Spirit is the third person of the Trinity—one God who reveals Himself in three persons: God the Father, God the Son (Jesus), and God the Holy Spirit. In John 7, Jesus introduces us to the Holy Spirit by referring to Him as “living water.” In today’s study Pastor Gary teaches about the person and role of the Holy Spirit in the life of the Believer.
Sometimes people look to Jesus for what He can do for them instead of simply for who He is. We often want Him to “perform” for us – to meet our needs and to answer our prayers – but do we seek His face as much as we seek His hand? Pastor Gary tackles John 6 to challenge us about our own relationship with Jesus.
Sometimes people look to Jesus for what He can do for them instead of simply for who He is. We often want Him to “perform” for us – to meet our needs and to answer our prayers – but do we seek His face as much as we seek His hand? Pastor Gary tackles John 6 to challenge us about our own relationship with Jesus.
The third of a four-part series in which Pastor Gary Hamrick answers viewers' questions about the Bible!
The third of a four-part series in which Pastor Gary Hamrick answers viewers' questions about the Bible!
In John 5 there was a “great multitude” of sick, lame, and paralyzed people lying around a pool in Jerusalem hoping for a miracle. One man was there who was an invalid for 38 years. Jesus was directed by the Father to heal that one man among the many who were sick. Why did He only heal that one person? And what must have all the others thought when they were stepped over for their miracle? Pastor Gary shares two perspectives on this story—one from the angle of what ministry is supposed to really look like, and one from the human angle of what it must have felt like to be stepped over for a miracle.
In John 5 there was a “great multitude” of sick, lame, and paralyzed people lying around a pool in Jerusalem hoping for a miracle. One man was there who was an invalid for 38 years. Jesus was directed by the Father to heal that one man among the many who were sick. Why did He only heal that one person? And what must have all the others thought when they were stepped over for their miracle? Pastor Gary shares two perspectives on this story—one from the angle of what ministry is supposed to really look like, and one from the human angle of what it must have felt like to be stepped over for a miracle.
The second of a four-part question and answers series. This week, Andy Wagner, Austin Hamrick, and Tyler Hamrick answer viewers' questions about the Bible!
The second of a four-part question and answers series. This week, Andy Wagner, Austin Hamrick, and Tyler Hamrick answer viewers' questions about the Bible!
In John 4, Jesus has a divine appointment with a woman at a well that will be life-changing for her. She had been on a search for love—married five time and living with a sixth man who was not her husband. As only Jesus can do, he tenderly performs heart surgery on her by exposing the great longing of her heart—a longing that can only be filled by Jesus. She represents all of us who have gone from one relationship to another, one drink to another, one drug to another, one sexual encounter to another trying to fill that hole in our soul. Today’s teaching by Pastor Gary is a message that will help us to see how only Jesus can really complete us and make us whole!
In John 4, Jesus has a divine appointment with a woman at a well that will be life-changing for her. She had been on a search for love—married five time and living with a sixth man who was not her husband. As only Jesus can do, he tenderly performs heart surgery on her by exposing the great longing of her heart—a longing that can only be filled by Jesus. She represents all of us who have gone from one relationship to another, one drink to another, one drug to another, one sexual encounter to another trying to fill that hole in our soul. Today’s teaching by Pastor Gary is a message that will help us to see how only Jesus can really complete us and make us whole!
There is a difference between PHYSICAL birth and SPIRITUAL birth. Physical birth was the will and decision of others, but spiritual birth is your choice. There was a Jewish man named Nicodemus who didn’t understand spiritual birth. Like so many people today, people are confused and curious about Jesus. The conversation between Jesus and Nicodemus in John 3 helps us to understand what it means to be “born again.” Have you been born again?
There is a difference between PHYSICAL birth and SPIRITUAL birth. Physical birth was the will and decision of others, but spiritual birth is your choice. There was a Jewish man named Nicodemus who didn’t understand spiritual birth. Like so many people today, people are confused and curious about Jesus. The conversation between Jesus and Nicodemus in John 3 helps us to understand what it means to be “born again.” Have you been born again?
The first of a four-part series in which Pastor Gary Hamrick answers viewers' questions about the Bible!
The first of a four-part series in which Pastor Gary Hamrick answers viewers' questions about the Bible!
The first miracle that Jesus performed during His earthly ministry was the changing of water into wine at the wedding feast in Cana. No one was healed, no one was raised from the dead, and no one was fed by a few loaves and fish. This miracle was purely for the enjoyment of the wedding guests. Like a parent who loves to bless his children, God loves to bless us not based on our performance but based on His goodness. The wine that Jesus miraculously produced at the end of the wedding banquet was the best wine of the banquet—a reminder to us that God has saved the best for last!
The first miracle that Jesus performed during His earthly ministry was the changing of water into wine at the wedding feast in Cana. No one was healed, no one was raised from the dead, and no one was fed by a few loaves and fish. This miracle was purely for the enjoyment of the wedding guests. Like a parent who loves to bless his children, God loves to bless us not based on our performance but based on His goodness. The wine that Jesus miraculously produced at the end of the wedding banquet was the best wine of the banquet—a reminder to us that God has saved the best for last!
There are many opinions in the world today about who Jesus is. Some say He is just a prophet, some say He is a created being, some don’t believe in Him at all. But exactly who is Jesus? The apostle John goes into great detail in John 1 about the true identity and deity of Jesus. Pastor Gary points out five things that John explains about the identity of Jesus. It is essential to have a proper understanding of Jesus in order to understand salvation that came through Him!
Luke 24 is often seen as a model of the journey that Jesus makes with many of us today. Two followers of Jesus don’t even recognize their risen Lord as they walk along the road and have conversation with Him. Suddenly, their eyes are opened, and their deep discouragement turns into passion. Similarly, as followers of Jesus, we all at times will experience discouragement and apathy in our own walks with the Lord. What is the remedy to discouragement and spiritual blindness in the life of the believer? Join our Bible study today to find out.
The resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead is an historical fact that is unique to Christianity. No other world religion makes the claim that their leader, prophet, or king died and rose from the dead. People around the world are still celebrating a Risen Savior! In Luke 24, Jesus appears to His disciples and imparts to them the same things He still imparts to us today—evidence for the head, and hope for the heart. Listen to Pastor Gary as he shares this hopeful, eternal message of the Risen Lord Jesus!
What exactly was Jesus charged with that led to His crucifixion? What was His crime? There were two—BLASPHEMY and SEDITION. The charges were not legitimate but they were trumped up by His adversaries. The Jews demanded that Pontius Pilate release Barabbas and crucify Jesus instead. There is an irony in that exchange that Pastor Gary explains for us in today’s teaching entitled, “We are Barabbas.”
Two of Jesus’ Disciples failed Him. One denied Him; one betrayed Him. One recovered and was restored; the other tragically took his own life and died in his failure. These are the stories of Peter and Judas. Judas betrayed Jesus with a kiss, but Peter wept over his denial of Jesus. Peter was broken over his sin and he repented, so Jesus was able to restore him and use him for God’s glory. Join Pastor Gary today in our study of Luke 22 as he reminds us that God is the God of second chances and He restores broken people!
For centuries Jews around the world have celebrated Passover to commemorate their deliverance from slavery in Egypt. But when Jesus shared His last Passover with His disciples, He expanded their understanding of Passover—that it was not simply looking back to their deliverance from the slavery of Egypt, but looking forward to a greater deliverance for all people from the slavery of sin! Join Pastor Gary for today’s teaching as he compares the Old Testament regulations for Passover to the New Testament fulfillment in Christ!
The Bible says that Jesus is coming again! Jesus gives a list of events in Luke 21 to help us recognize certain indicators that we are drawing near to His Return. Among those things, Jesus says, will be “wars and commotions” and that “nation will rise against nation” and “kingdom against kingdom.” In the current war between Russia and Ukraine—an unprovoked attack by Russia against a sovereign nation—people have questions about whether this pertains to the End Times. Ezekiel 38 tells us that Russia will be the predominant player in a military campaign against Israel in the future. Join Pastor Gary as he shares about “The Rise of Russia and the End Times.”
In Luke 20, Jesus gives us a glimpse of what Heaven will be like—not in appearance, but in experience. He tells us two things: (a) there will be no marriage; relationships will be different, and (b) there will be no death; we will be like the angels in Heaven. Heaven is the eternal home for those who know Jesus as Lord and Savior. Are you ready? Do you know for certain that you will go to Heaven when you die? You can be! Listen today as Pastor Gary teaches about what Heaven will be like and how to be sure that you will go there when you die
In a tragic scene on the outskirts of Jerusalem, Jesus weeps for the people who have seen Him, known Him, witnessed His miracles, heard His teachings, and yet have rejected Him as the Messiah. He weeps for the peace that they will miss and the judgment that they will experience for their refusal to believe. Truth is, God is still brokenhearted for those who don’t recognize Him! How many times and in how many ways has God tried to get your attention? He loves you and wants a relationship with you. Don’t miss the time of God’s coming to you like most Jews did in Jesus’ day.
In Luke 19 there is a story of a man named Zacchaeus who had a personal encounter with Jesus. The Bible describes him as having a “short stature” but the change that happened in his heart was huge. Zacchaeus was a hated tax collector who had fleeced his own Jewish people with extra taxation in order to enrich his personal life. But after he put his faith in Jesus, Zacchaeus not only got right with God but he also got right with those he had wronged. When Jesus changes our heart, we become at peace with God and at peace with others. Listen today to the story about a man whose life was radically changed by the power of Jesus.
Is there a desperate cry of your heart for something that would require a miracle from God? Maybe for your health, your marriage, a prodigal child, deliverance from an addiction? Whatever the need, we serve a miracle-working God who is the same yesterday, today, and forever. In today’s study from Luke 18, Pastor Gary shares the miraculous story of how a blind man named Bartimaeus received his sight from the Lord. In his desperation he cried out to Jesus when Jesus was passing by Jericho on His way to Jerusalem. If Jesus were passing by you today, what would be the one thing for which you desperately need a miracle? What is the one thing that you would ask Him for? Join us for today’s study as we trust God for a miracle today.
Sometimes when we pray we don’t always get WHAT we want, WHEN we want it. Nevertheless, Jesus encourages us to keep on praying and to not become discouraged. He teaches a parable about a widow who continually appealed to a judge for justice until the judge finally granted her wish. The point of the parable is this—if a cold-hearted judge can give a poor widow what she needs, how much more will our warm-hearted Father give to His children what we need! Join Pastor Gary for today’s teaching about the importance of persistent prayer.
What will the SOCIAL and SPIRITUAL condition of the culture look like just prior to Jesus’ return? In Luke 17 Jesus says it will be like the days of Noah and the days of Lot—a righteous minority living among a wicked majority. The wickedness in the world will not only be tolerated but celebrated too and people will think it is “normal.” So how do we maintain the Biblical mission to win the world for Christ without allowing the world to influence us while we wait for Christ’s return? Pastor Gary shares the answer to that question in today’s teaching from Luke 17.
In Luke 17 Jesus encounters ten men afflicted with leprosy—a debilitating and ultimately deadly disease that is mentioned 68 times in the Bible. Jesus miraculously healed all ten men but only one returned to give thanks to Jesus. When he did, he received even more than the other nine—salvation. All ten men received physical healing, but only one—the one who returned to thank Jesus—got healing for his soul as well. This life is only temporary, but there is a life to come that is eternal! Join Pastor Gary for today’s teaching entitled, “Where Are the Nine?”
Whenever a sensitive or controversial topic comes up, it is the Church’s responsibility to address it with GRACE and TRUTH. Such is the case with the topic of abortion. Today’s teaching marks the 38th anniversary of the Sanctity of Human Life Sunday since President Ronald Reagan made the first proclamation in 1984, eleven years after the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision by the Supreme Court that legalized abortion. Pastor Gary explains the value of every human life and prays for God’s healing touch upon those women and fathers who have been impacted by abortion.
Most people have a curiosity about the afterlife. That’s because the Bible says that “God has set eternity in the hearts of men” (Ecc. 3:11). The eternal God has put an eternal awareness in the hearts of every human being. In Luke 16 Jesus tells one of the most insightful stories about the afterlife. He details the deaths of two men and the different places they went after they died. One man went to a place of Torment where he suffered, and the other man (named Lazarus) went to a place of Paradise where he was comforted. How is Paradise different from Heaven? What happens when we die? Pastor Gary answers these questions and more as he teaches through Luke 16.
In an unfamiliar parable told only by Luke, Jesus wants us to understand that money and material things by themselves are not bad. In fact, they can and should be used for good… just don’t love stuff as much or more than you love God. Pastor Gary shares five important principles from this parable about the role that money and material possessions play in the life of a Believer who wants to honor God as Lord of everything.
When Jesus was born in Bethlehem He completely changed the world. More poems, songs, and books have been written about Him than any other person in human history. We even mark time around the world based on His birth (B.C. and A.D.). How is it possible that a little baby born in an obscure village 2000 years ago is still impacting the world today? Because He was no ordinary child. Christmas is about when God stepped into our world and wrapped Himself with humanity to live among us and die for us because He wants a personal relationship with each of us! Won’t you surrender your life to the One who changed the world? Listen as Pastor Gary shares this timeless story about the God who loves you.
What did the ancient prophets have to say about the birth of the Messiah? Matthew, in his gospel, quotes five prophecies from his Jewish Scriptures (our Old Testament) about the birth of the Messiah that were fulfilled by Jesus Christ. Why is it important for us to know this—that Jesus fulfilled ancient prophecies written hundreds of years before His birth? It’s important for two reasons: (1) it VALIDATES that God is faithful to His promises, and (2) it VERIFIES that Jesus is the Messiah! Join Pastor Gary as we connect the dots of the Old Testament prophecies concerning the birth of Jesus Christ.
People are either “lost” or “found”. That is, we are either estranged from God or we know Him in a personal relationship through Jesus. In Luke 15 Jesus describes different types of people in their lost condition and what we are supposed to do to help them become “found”. Jesus shares three parables that describe people like sheep, a coin, or the prodigal son. Join Pastor Gary in today’s teaching from Luke 15.
The Kingdom of Israel is divided, and the leader of Judah, King Jehoshaphat, is terrified by the news he just received regarding a triple-threat alliance of foreign enemies marching against Jerusalem. There are three things King Jehoshaphat does in the midst of his fear and the impending battle. These same three things are crucial for us as Believers to learn and apply to the different “battles” we face in life. Join Pastor Austin to learn about these three spiritual weapons of warfare.
Every year on the Sunday following Thanksgiving, Pastor Gary Hamrick and Marwan Rifka give an update on how and what Cornerstone Chapel is doing. It is a way to draw attention to the goodness of God and to give Him thanks and glory for all the wonderful ways He has blessed us and used us for the Kingdom. In this service, we highlight the various ministries of the church, give a financial update, and explain how we are endeavoring to impact the world for the glory of God.
Our annual Thanksgiving Eve service of testimonies and giving God praise and thanks for all He has done over the past year.
The Bible describes salvation like a gate or a door. It is open to all, but it is narrow and it won’t stay open forever. We are invited to walk through that door of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. He will take us just as we are—broken and bruised, dirty and ashamed—and He will make us whole! Follow along with Pastor Gary in today’s teaching from Luke 13
All of our lives will be touched by something tragic at some point—death, disease, grief, sorrow, betrayal, abuse, etc.—you name it, we live in a world corrupted by sin and evil and it is unavoidable. And yet, how do we reconcile all this with an all-loving God who allows these things to happen? In today’s study, Pastor Gary draws on a passage from Luke 13 dealing with two tragic events that resulted in the deaths of many people. We will examine what Jesus teaches us about dealing with tragedy in our lives in today’s study entitled, “The Theology of Tragedy.”
All of us worry some of the time, and some of us worry all of the time, but Jesus tells us not to worry any of the time! Yes, worry is a sin! Jesus addressed the topic of worry and anxiety head-on in Luke 12. In today’s study, Pastor Gary will unpack this passage and encourage us to give our worries and anxieties to the only One who can help us—the Lord Jesus.
Felt busy lately? We all have! But someone once said, “If Satan can’t make you bad, he will make you busy.” Satan loves to get us off track by stealing our time. There is no shortage of stuff to keep us busy! Life can be crushing at times… and consequently a lot of things suffer because of it—marriages, health, relationships with children, and most importantly our relationship with Jesus. In today’s study from Luke 10, Pastor Gary looks at a familiar story between two sisters—Mary and Martha. Martha was frantic, busy, and distracted while Mary was calm and sitting at Jesus’ feet listening to Him. Jesus admonishes Martha for being so worried and anxious, but he commended Mary for being so calm and devoted. How can we manage the time God has given us to fight against the busy demands of life? Join Pastor Gary for today’s teaching entitled, “An Enemy Named Busy.”
1 New York Times bestselling author, Eric Metaxas, encourages the Church with some of the latest scientific and biblical archaeological evidence for God. From his latest book, Is Atheism Dead, Eric also discusses how two of the best-known atheists of our time eventually came to faith in Christ through an honest observation of undeniable evidence. Eric’s teaching will help to equip Believers in their faith as they engage the culture for Christ.
God has used Israel and the Jewish people to introduce salvation to the world through Jesus Christ. But God is not finished with Israel or the Jewish people. The Church has NOT replaced Israel. Amir Tsarfati shares the truth of God’s Word from the perspective of a Jewish Believer from Israel.
Jesus lived with others in mind. That’s a theme from Luke and the entire New Testament. The challenge for His followers is to rely on Him so that we can follow His example despite our circumstances.
The story of the Good Samaritan is found only in the gospel of Luke but is probably the most familiar parable that Jesus taught. Despite how many, even secular sociologists, have used this parable to motivate people to do good deeds, it’s really not about that. It’s about eternal life. Jesus helps us to understand how to love God and love people through a personal relationship with Him.
There are several times that the Bible uses paradoxes as teaching tools. A paradox is “a statement that seems contradictory or absurd but is actually valid or true.” Pastor Gary takes a look at five paradoxes that seem contradictory but are, in fact, important principles for us. These are counterintuitive statements from God that prove to be true and valuable lessons for life.
Jesus had a unique way of loving and relating to people so that both sinful, secular people and righteous, religious people were drawn to Him. He had a wonderful way of helping people feel welcomed and valued in the eyes of God that endeared them to Him. How can we live our lives in a similar way so that people are drawn to Jesus through us? Sometimes Christians are living dangerously like the world, and other times Christians are living in a Christian bubble with no influence on the world. Both extremes are wrong. How can we find the balance that Jesus did so that people are drawn to Him through us? Join Pastor Gary for this study from Luke 7.
There is a little obscure village in Israel called Nain. It’s only mentioned one time in the entire Bible (Luke 7), and it’s the location of a miraculous event where Jesus raised a young man from the dead. The story is a display of Jesus’ compassion for a woman who had already buried her husband and now was about to bury her only son until Jesus intervened. But it is also a glimpse into the permanent resurrection from the dead that Jesus offers all who believe in Him. Join Pastor Gary as he retells this story and explains how we too can be raised from the dead to live with the Lord forever!
Life can take a toll on a person’s soul and body. Such was the case of a man in the Bible who desperately needed help. He had four friends who cared about him enough to bring him to Jesus. The encounter the man had with Jesus would dramatically change his life—both spiritually and physically. We can experience the same today when we have a personal encounter with Jesus too. He is still actively healing people, soul and body.
Jesus grew up in Nazareth and returned there at the beginning of His ministry to teach in the synagogue. When He read a Messianic passage from the book of Isaiah and then said that it applied to Himself, the people were “filled with wrath” and tried to kill Him. Why was their reaction so violent to what Jesus had said? Pastor Gary unpacks the story today and shares three points that we can learn for our lives today from the reaction and response of the people.
Have you ever thought that God was silent in your life—indifferent about what you might be going through? There was a time in Biblical history when God was silent for 400 years but He was not absent or indifferent! He was planning things according to His timing and purposes that would fulfill the words of the prophet Micah with the birth of John the Baptist. It is a reminder to us of God’s faithfulness to all His promises. He has not forgotten you! He is working on your behalf. His silence does not mean His absence or indifference.
At the exact moment that Jesus was crucified, the Bible says that the curtain (or “veil”) in the Temple tore “from top to bottom.” Why did that happen and what did it mean that the curtain tore “from top to bottom”? It is an often overlooked verse in the Bible surrounding the events of the crucifixion of Christ, but it is also one of the most liberating verses in all of the Bible because it speaks of new FREEDOM for humanity. In today’s teaching, Pastor Gary shares three significant reasons why God tore the curtain in the Temple and what it means for us today.
In Mark 12 Jesus observes a poor widow putting 2 coins—worth a fraction of a penny—into the Temple treasury. We learn that she gave all that she had—her entire life’s savings. Generosity to God is measured not by the amount but by the sacrifice. And there will be certain sacrifices we must make as followers of Jesus—not just financially, but practically, materially, emotionally, and even physically. What does it really “cost” us to be followers of Jesus? Pastor Gary challenges us with the example of the poor widow in today’s study.
There were three groups that held religious and political sway over people in Jesus' day: the Pharisees, Herodians, and Sadducees. Normally they were not in agreement about much, but there was one thing they were united about—their opposition to Jesus and His ministry. Sadly, the same three types of groups are working today to undermine the ministry of Jesus and His True Church. We must be careful to avoid this modern version of this ungodly influence that takes the form of: religious piety, political correctness, and liberal theology.
In life we can have “mountain-top” experiences and “valley-low” experiences. Most of life is lived somewhere between these two extremes. But the truth is, since we live in a fallen, sinful world, it is more common for us to live in or near the “valley” rather than on the “mountain top.” In Mark 9 there are two stories back-to-back: the first story takes place on a high mountain where Jesus is glorified; the second story takes place in the valley where there is a demon-possessed boy and a desperate father. These are two very different stories, but whether we are on the mountain or in the valley… Jesus is right there with us!
Too often people find themselves harboring bitterness or resentment for an offense committed against them (either real or perceived). But holding a grudge can be personally destructive and God encourages us to forgive "as the Lord has forgiven you" (Col. 3:13). That's not always easy, but it is vitally necessary so that bitterness and resentment don't take us captive. In Mark 6, there is a story about a woman named Herodias who held a grudge so deeply that it ultimately led to the execution of John the Baptist, and it was all because she wanted revenge. Pastor Gary teaches today about the destructive nature of bitterness and how we can be free by God's grace through forgiveness.
When the Bible calls us to be “fruitful” it means that the qualities, characteristics, and virtues of Jesus should be more and more evident in our lives. But what are some things that hinder that fruitfulness? Jesus explains three things that hinder our fruitfulness in the Parable of the Sower. Join Pastor Gary for today’s teaching as we learn about three particular things that threaten our fruitfulness—Satan, persecution, and the world.
When asked a question about fasting, Jesus gives an answer that goes beyond the subject of fasting and addresses the purpose for His coming—He didn’t come to patch up an old system but to bring something brand new. The New Covenant is not a patch on the Old Covenant; it is something brand new. The same can be said about what Christ came to do for us—He didn’t come to patch up our old lives but to bring us new life in Him! Join Pastor Gary today as he explains what it means to “put off” the old ways of the world and to “put on” the new ways of Christ.
Prayer is conversation, communication, and communion with God. Sometimes it involves speaking, sometimes listening, and sometimes just being silent and still before Him. But prayer is a gift that connects us to our Heavenly Father. And yet, most people would say that they don’t utilize this gift as often as they should. In today’s study, Pastor Gary takes us through the first chapter of Mark to examine the prayer life of Jesus—how He got up early before sunrise to pray despite the fact that the day and night before were extremely demanding. We can learn from His example and discipline our lives to “pray like Jesus”.
In the closing verses of Matthew, Jesus gives a directive to His disciples known as “The Great Commission.” He calls us to “make disciples” of all nations. But what defines a “disciple?” And what demonstrates that you are one? In today’s study, Pastor Gary differentiates between a convert to Christianity and a disciple of Christ. Becoming a convert can happen in a moment, but becoming a disciple of Christ takes a lifetime. Find out in today’s study what it means to be a disciple of Christ.
In the last week of Jesus’ life before His crucifixion, He was betrayed by one friend and denied by another. The one who betrayed Him was Judas; the one who denied Him was Peter. The story of Judas ended with condemnation; the story of Peter ended with restoration. Two of His closest friends failed Him, but only one recovered—Peter. Truth is, we have ALL failed Jesus because ALL have SINNED. But we can learn from the life of Peter and how he joined remorse with repentance and experienced restoration. God is the God of second chances, not just for Peter, but for all of us like him!
In the third part of a three-part series, Pastor Gary unpacks the Parable of the Talents. A “talent” in the Bible is not what we might commonly think. It has nothing to do with human ability, but rather is a unit of measurement. A biblical talent weighed about 75 pounds and was used in the Bible as a value for money—either a talent of silver or a talent of gold. In the parable, Jesus is teaching us about how we should manage well what He has entrusted to us while He is away. But it has more to do with the ETERNAL than the PRACTICAL. Find out the meaning of this parable as Pastor Gary shares from Matthew 25:14-30.
Between Matthew 24-25, Jesus teaches three parables to help us get READY for His Second Coming. In today’s study of The Parable of the 10 Virgins, Jesus warns us that some will be ready and some will not. The ones who will not be ready are not even really Believers. They go to church, sing the songs, give their money, volunteer their time, but they don’t have a personal relationship with Jesus. One of the saddest things in any church is a Nonbeliever who thinks that he or she is a Believer… who “plays the part but lacks the heart.” In today’s study, Pastor Gary encourages us to be certain of our salvation so that we can be ready whenever we die or Christ returns, whichever happens first.
The Bible teaches that Jesus is coming again! In fact, there are almost three times as many prophecies predicting the Second Coming of Christ as there were prophecies predicting His First Coming. In Matthew 24:44, Jesus exhorts us to “be ready” for His Second Coming. But since we don’t know exactly when Jesus will return we have to be watching and waiting patiently. Between Matthew 24-25, Jesus teaches three parables to help us get ready for His Second Coming. Pastor Gary teaches the first of the three parables today in a 3-part series entitled, “Get Ready ‘cause Here I Come.”
In Matthew 24, Jesus tells us different events that will happen just prior to His Second Coming. Many of the things that we read in Matthew 24 are happening in our day! And even though we don’t know the exact day Jesus will return, we can certainly sense the season. In today’s study, Pastor Gary unpacks Matthew 24 to show the three phases of events leading up to the Second Coming of Christ entitled, “Signs of the Times.”
Hypocrisy involves some kind of inconsistency or contradiction in our lives. And unless we have never contradicted ourselves in speech, thought, or action then we are guilty of it like everyone else. In Matthew 23, Jesus rebukes the religious leaders of His day for their hypocrisy. Seven times He calls them “hypocrites” and challenges them about their inconsistent lives. We all have room to be challenged in our own lives about any hypocrisy toward others, within self, or toward God in today’s study entitled, “Don’t Be a Hypocrite.”
In Matthew 22 some religious and political leaders, who were opposed to Jesus, plotted to trap Him in His words with a question about taxes. They assumed that the controversial topic would cause Jesus to alienate people depending on His answer. But Jesus responds with the wisdom of heaven and encourages people to give “to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s.” Yes, he made a statement that it’s our civic duty to pay our taxes, but the bigger point He was making had to do with giving to God what belongs to Him—our very lives. We bear His image and were made in His likeness and we will only find real fulfillment and purpose in life when we return to our rightful owner—Jesus.
Have you ever thought about what makes God angry? There is a scene in the Temple of Jerusalem where Jesus is so angry that He overthrows tables and drives out people who have misused the House of God (even using a whip, according to John’s gospel). It’s important to understand this aspect of God’s nature—that He can get angry—because without that understanding, we are liable to treat God with disrespect and disobedience if we only see Him as a lovable Teddy Bear. And that is partly true, but there is also a Grizzly Bear side of God that you don’t want to mess with. Yet, the Bible tells us some wonderful aspects about the anger of God that Pastor Gary will share at the conclusion of today’s teaching entitle, “Understanding God’s Anger.”
Whether a person comes to faith in Jesus early in life or late in life, the reward is the same—forgiveness of sins and the assurance of Heaven upon a person’s death. Jesus teaches a parable in Matthew 20 to caution those who have gotten saved early in life not to be jealous of those who get saved late in life who receive the same rewards. The “benefit package” is the same for ALL who trust Christ as Savior, no matter when they get saved or what kind of terrible sins they’ve committed. God is generous with His grace and does not give us what we deserve. We should all be thankful for that! Follow today’s study with Pastor Gary entitled, “Grace is Not Fair.”
According to recent polls, the majority of Americans see themselves as “basically good.” But the Bible teaches otherwise. And when people believe the narrative that they are basically good, they will not see their need for God. In Matthew 19 there is a story about a rich, young man who is a picture of the majority of the world—he’s a good guy who thinks that doing good things is the key to getting into heaven. But he was wrong, and so are those who believe the same. Pastor Gary shares the answer to the young man’s questions, “What good thing must I do to have eternal life?”
The Bible teaches us that God has a big heart for all people, but especially for children. Between Matthew 18-19, children are mentioned nine times. In particular, those references teach us (1) the example of children, (2) the warning against harming children, (3) the angelic protection of children, and (4) the eternal reward for children. Have you ever wondered what happens to children when they die before they have a chance to accept Jesus? What happens to the souls of aborted or miscarried babies? What can we learn from children? Join us for a Sanctity of Life teaching as Pastor Gary shares about the value and importance of children.
There are many views about the identity of Jesus. Was he just a good teacher, an enlightened man, or popular prophet? Modern religions think so. But Jesus is more than those things. In Matthew 16, Jesus takes His disciples to a place called Caesarea Philippi to discuss His true identity as the Christ, the Son of God. Join Pastor Gary as he exposes the historical and modern myths about who Jesus is and then takes us to Scripture to prove His true identity.
In the Christmas carol, O Holy Night, there’s a line in the first stanza that reads: “A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices.” If ever there was a time when a weary world needed something to rejoice about, it’s now. 2020 has been a challenging year for many people on many levels. The world is more discouraged than ever before and feeling pretty hopeless. But the source of true hope entered the world 2000 years ago when Jesus was born in Bethlehem. He came to save us from our sins by dying on a cross. In today’s teaching, Pastor Gary invites you to receive Jesus as Lord and Savior—the greatest gift every given to mankind.
At Christmas we celebrate the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ, which is good news for all! For the Christian, this brings great joy. But what is true joy exactly? Is it the same as mere happiness or is it different? How does one experience real, genuine joy? Join our study today as we look into God’s Word on how Joy is something that is not temporal, but eternal.
The CDC put out a report in late August saying that nearly half of American adults reported struggling with mental health or substance abuse due to the pandemic. Having peace is something that alludes many people today. However, the word “peace” is mentioned 420 times in the Bible, and it also appears at all three significant stages of Jesus’ life: His birth, death, and resurrection. Why is peace so greatly emphasized at all three stages of His life? And how can I finally be at peace with God, peace with others, and peace with myself? Join our study today to see exactly why the Christmas season can always be remembered as the time where Peace for the broken human heart entered the world.
Who is “king” of your life? In Matthew 13, Jesus teaches about “the Kingdom of Heaven” where Jesus is king and those who have surrendered their lives to His rule and reign make up the Kingdom of Heaven. “The Kingdom of Heaven” is both a physical kingdom (because Heaven is a real place) and a spiritual kingdom (because it’s about God ruling not just in a “place” but also in a “person”—our hearts and lives). In Matthew 13 Jesus teaches seven parables, six of which are specifically about the Kingdom of Heaven. What can we learn about this Kingdom? Who can be a part of it? How can we be sure that we belong to the Kingdom of Heaven and that we will enjoy all the many benefits as citizens of that Kingdom? Join us for today’s study from Matthew 13.
Every year on the Sunday following Thanksgiving, Pastor Gary Hamrick and Marwan Rifka give an update on how and what Cornerstone Chapel is doing. It is a way to draw attention to the goodness of God and to give Him thanks and glory for all the wonderful ways He has blessed us and used us for the Kingdom. In this service, we highlight the various ministries of the church, give a financial update, and explain how we are endeavoring to impact the world for the glory of God.
Our annual Thanksgiving Eve service of testimonies and giving God praise and thanks for all He has done over the past year.
God has created a “pause” for our work week with what the Bible calls a “Sabbath”. The Sabbath is to be a time of rest and is intended to benefit us both PHYSICALLY and SPIRITUALLY. We need to rest physically—to be “off” and recharge our batteries, so to speak. But even more than that, we need rest for our souls that can only be found in a relationship with Jesus. There are a lot of tired and weary people in our world—tired of running from God, tired of an empty life, tired of the lies, and the shame and the weight of sin. Jesus invites us to come to Him and find rest for our souls. But there are three things that can hinder entering God’s Rest. Join Pastor Gary as he discusses these things and teaches about what it means “to find rest for your soul.”
Many times in life we get disappointed when things don’t go according to what we had expected. When that happens with God—when He doesn’t do what we had hoped or expected—it can lead to a frustration with God. In Matthew 11 we see this happening with John the Baptist when he finds himself in prison and God seemingly ignoring his situation. John begins to question whether Jesus really is the Messiah. Have you ever struggled with frustration or discouragement because God didn’t do what you had hoped He would do? It’s not uncommon. And God can handle our discouragement. In fact, He is the One who can help us through it. Follow along with Pastor Gary in today’s Bible study entitled, “Expectation Frustration.”
Following the 2020 election results, Pastor Gary Hamrick delivers a reminder from Matthew 10 on how we are to live as followers of Christ no matter who occupies the White House. The American Christian life has been too comfortable for too long. But times are changing. Lines are being drawn in the sand. Christians cannot remain silent or complacent. Just look at the early disciples and how they were martyred for their faith! Jesus says that when we live for Him we should expect opposition and hostility even from within our own families. He is sending us out “as sheep among wolves.”
In today’s teaching, Pastor Gary challenges Millennials and GenZ young adults to prioritize their compassion for others and to be guided by objective truth rather than subjective emotion. Is it OK to be a “single issue voter”? Should abortion be more important than other issues in an Election like immigration, health care, the environment, and social justice? Pastor Gary answers these questions and more in today’s study from Matthew 8. He also reminds us that at the end of the day, no matter who gets elected, our hope is in the Lord, the Maker of Heaven and Earth.
In Matthew 8, Jesus heals a man with leprosy. In Biblical times leprosy was a debilitating, deadly disease. It was commonly thought that God would strike a person with leprosy as punishment for sin in his/her life. But that wasn’t true; leprosy wasn’t a punishment for sin but it was a picture of sin. There are several parallels between leprosy and our sin nature. And the cure that the man in Matthew 8 received for his leprosy is the same cure that we need for our sinfulness—a miracle from God. Through his sacrifice on the cross, Jesus offers us that miraculous cure for our terminal illness (our leprosy). We can be cleansed from the disease that is killing us and be made brand new creatures in Christ!
On the eve of the 2020 Presidential Election, Pastor Gary delivers a sermon to challenge the church in America to “wake up!” Our nation is at a crossroads and our only hope is for Christians to stand for righteousness and vote our values! To be disengaged and apathetic will result in the advancement of a liberal, progressive, demonic-inspired agenda that is bent on the destruction of America. Christians need to wake up and realize that we are in a spiritual battle for the heart and soul of our nation and the heart and soul of the next generation. Stand up for righteousness! Stand up for truth! And let your voices be heard for the glory of God!
In the closing verses of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus challenges His hearers about whether they really belong to Him or not. The lengthiest sermon ever recorded that Jesus gave is not just about how to live, but whether or not we will do what He says. Being on “Team Jesus” means we have a relationship with Him and will obey Him. The Sermon on the Mount is not just about words, but a way of life for followers of Jesus Christ. He is the narrow way that leads to life. He is the Rock on whom we build our lives.
We are familiar with the “Golden Rule” that Jesus taught (treating others the way we want to be treated), but there are also some other “Golden” principles that Jesus teaches in the Sermon on the Mount about prayer and about how God rewards those who diligently seek Him. Prayer is a vital part of our walk with the Lord and Jesus has much to say about Asking, Seeking, and Knocking. In today’s message, Pastor Gary focuses on the topic of prayer from Matthew 7.
Contrary to popular belief, Jesus didn’t say that we can’t judge others or even that we shouldn’t; in fact, in Matthew 7:15-16 He says that we should be judging when it comes to certain people like false prophets. We have to be wise and discerning about others. But it can’t be based on assumptions, appearances, or our personal preferences. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus teaches us the difference between making right judgments (which is good) and being judgmental (which is bad). Join Pastor Gary today as he tackles this topic in today’s Bible study from Matthew 7.
How are Christians supposed to be responsible for the material aspects of life without the need for material things becoming a greed for material things? The material is certainly not sinful; it’s needful. But how much is enough? And how can we use what God has given us to make an eternal difference in the lives of people? These are questions Pastor Gary answers from the counsel Jesus gives us in the Sermon on the Mount from Matthew 6. Join us for today’s study on “Material Management”.
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus teaches us about three particular disciplines of the faith—GIVING, PRAYING, and FASTING. Spiritual disciplines are NOT religious rituals; they are habits, practices, and experiences that are designed to develop, grow, and strengthen one’s spirit—to build the “muscles” of one’s character as a follower of Christ. So why are we to practice these? And how? Follow along in today’s study as Pastor Gary shares on the topic of “holy habits.”
The standard that Jesus sets about how to relate to others is very different from the world’s standard. Jesus teaches things like: we are to keep the promises we make; we are to “turn the other cheek” when insulted; and we are to love those who mistreat or malign us. The world’s approach is completely the opposite. But as Christians we must follow His example even when the rest of the world lives and acts differently. Jesus is not calling us to be pacifists or to roll over and let people take advantage of us. But He is calling us to take the higher road, to honor Him, and to let God deal with those who might mistreat or malign us.
Jesus had many uncomfortable things to say in His Sermon on the Mount. Among the issues He covered was the topic of divorce. And as uncomfortable as the subject is, as followers of Jesus Christ we must have a Biblical understanding of marriage and divorce. In today’s teaching, Pastor Gary shares the two Biblical grounds for divorce and sensitively discusses the topic with grace and truth.
Unity is challenging to find in today's divisive world. Together we study the unity in Christ that the Church of Ephesus and the Apostle Paul enjoyed, and the fellowship believers today can benefit from.
The story of the Apostle Paul as recorded in the Book of Acts is a great example of the transforming work of God. The story reminds us that a life that is surrendered to God can be transformed by God. In this study, we examine three principles of a transformed life taken from Acts 11-15.
Christianity is not a religion; it’s a relationship with Jesus Christ. We will see 3 characters in Acts 8-10 that will discover this truth - that doing religion without a relationship with Jesus is worthless.
The Holy Spirit can often be a controversial topic in the church. Some spheres of the church seldom talk about the Holy Spirit because it makes them feel uncomfortable; while other spheres of the church put an unhealthy emphasis on the Holy Spirit and the gifts of the Spirit. In today’s message, Pastor Austin addresses who the Holy Spirit it, what His purpose is in our lives, and how we can be filled with His power.
As we read through the book of Proverbs, we notice that Self-Control and Humility are the hallmarks of Wisdom. But Self-Control and Humility don't come naturally with age. Join us as we learn more about Wisdom so that we can avoid the foolish ways that lead to sin and death.
Many people today wonder what the purpose is for the Old Testament—after all, isn’t it all about rules, regulations, and rituals? Doesn’t it contain a lot of information about bloodshed, wars, death, and disease? And aren’t we under the new covenant now—the New Testament—so we don’t really need the Old Testament, right? WRONG. In His Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said that He didn’t come to do away with the Law, but to fulfill it. So how are we to understand the Old Testament and its application to us today? Join Pastor Gary for this study in Matthew 5 for that answer.
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus uses two metaphors to describe His followers: “salt of the earth”, and “light of the world”. He expects His followers to impact and influence the world for His glory. We are to invade our culture in the way that salt invades food and light invades the darkness. Christians must get off the side-lines and get into the game! We cannot be silent, passive, or irrelevant. We must engage the culture, promote Biblical values, speak the truth, and live for Jesus and tell people about Jesus wherever and whenever we can—this is being salt and light.
The longest recorded and most familiar sermon of Jesus is referred to as “The Sermon on the Mount.” All of Matthew 5-7 is devoted to this teaching and the purpose of it is to explain to us what it looks like to live as a devoted follower of Jesus Christ, motivated by the heart rather than by the law. The first part of the sermon is called “The Beatitudes” (which means “Blessings”). There are eight Beatitudes, and they are all intended to be read and lived as a package, not as multiple choice. Join us today as Pastor Gary begins a series through The Sermon on the Mount explaining the 8 Beatitudes.
In Matthew 4, Satan comes to tempt Jesus. The tactics he uses exposes three common ways that Satan tries to tempt us as well: the lust of the eyes, the lust of the flesh, and the pride of life. Each time that Jesus was tempted, He responded with Scripture as his “weapon”. In today’s study, Pastor Gary explains who Satan is, what temptation is, and how we can withstand temptation. Since all of us experience various temptations, today’s study is an important reminder to strengthen us in our faith.
In Matthew 3 we are introduced to John the Baptist—the one the Old Testament prophets predicted would come to herald the arrival of the Messiah. In Matthew 3:11, John the Baptist spoke of three types of baptisms: water, Holy Spirit, and fire. In today’s teaching, Pastor Gary tells us that all Believers either should or will experience all three of these baptisms. But what does “baptism” exactly mean? And how is it that we may experience these different baptisms? Pastor Gary answers these questions and more in today’s study from Matthew 3.
None of us chose our family of origin. We are born into a family without any choice about that. Sometimes that proves to be a good thing, and sometimes not. There are tragic stories of alcoholic parents, abusive family members, abandonment, divorce, poverty, etc. Children grow up to become adults who sometimes repeat those patterns, and the cycle continues. But what if that cycle could be broken? What if a person could actually live life without their family history defining them? It’s possible in a relationship with Christ! He gives us a new heart, a new start, and a new identity. The heritage we receive is not as important as the legacy we leave. Jesus’ own family tree was littered with human failure, and yet it did not define Him. In addition, God used imperfect people in that family tree to accomplish His perfect purposes. Join us for today’s study from Matthew chapter 1.
In the last in the series “Jesus is the I AM”, Pastor Gary teaches through John 15:1-8 where Jesus says, “I AM the true vine.” Every Christian is supposed to be a fruitful Christian exemplifying the character of Christ. But how do we become more fruitful? Jesus tells us the answer in this passage—when we ABIDE in Christ, when we are LIFTED by Christ, and when we are PRUNED by Christ. Pastor Gary explains all these points today in our conclusion of the “I AM” series.
In John 14:6, Jesus makes a very exclusive claim—that the only way to get to God and the only way to go to Heaven is through Jesus Christ. There is no other process and no other person through which we can be saved. The idea that there is only “one way” to God (instead of multiple paths) leaves some to believe that Christianity is narrow-minded and bigoted. But would those same people believe the same thing if just one cure were found for cancer, or one door led you out of a burning building? Of course not! They would welcome the single way to be cured or rescued without feeling deprived that there were not many ways. So it is with Jesus Christ—He is God’s one way to be saved. Amazingly, God has provided Him to all who would believe and receive. There is room in Heaven for you!
In one of the most beloved scenes in the Bible—the death of Lazarus, a close friend of Jesus,—Jesus shows us his tender, emotional side as He grieves for his friend. But He also shows us His miraculous, powerful side when He defies the grave by raising Lazarus from the dead! And though Lazarus was only raised temporarily (he would die again later), it is a picture of how Jesus has the power over death and the grave. This is the reason Jesus said, “I AM the resurrection and the life.” For Believers, we have the assurance that there is life after death! Heaven is real, but so is Hell. And Heaven is open wide to all who would believe and receive Jesus as the resurrection and the life! You’ll be encouraged from today’s study as we examine three things about death and the assurance of Heaven in today’s study from John 11.
In our on-going study of the "I AM" statements of Jesus through the Gospel of John, Pastor Gary examines the fourth of seven statements when Jesus said, "I AM the good shepherd." In John 10 Jesus uses the illustration of sheep and a shepherd to express His heart toward us -- that we are like sheep and He is like a shepherd who lovingly, tenderly cares for us. There are four primary things we can learn from what Jesus told us in John 10 about Himself and what it all means for us. Join us for today's encouraging word about our Good Shepherd, Jesus.
In ancient Israel, sheep and shepherds were common themes used to communicate spiritual truths. Jesus said that He was “the door of the sheep” in an illustration He gave to help us understand how He is the only way to have access to the sheep pen (which is a picture of the Church, the family of God). At the same time, Jesus warned about “thieves and robbers” who pose a threat to the sheep, and then encourages us about how He came to give us abundant life. Join Pastor Gary in today’s teaching as he continues in the “I AM” series through the Gospel of John.
Light and darkness are used in the Bible as metaphors for good and evil, right and wrong, truth and error. Jesus said, “I AM the light of the world.” He came to illuminate dark hearts, dark minds, dark deeds, and a dark world. He is the contrast to everything that is hidden, secretive, sinful, and covert. And He calls us to step into the light—to come into relationship with Him and allow Him to cleanse our sinful, secretive hearts and deliver us from a dark, covert world. Jesus wants to RESCUE and REPURPOSE us. He wants to take us out of darkness into His wonderful light and then use us to shine His light in a dark world. Open your Bibles to John 8:12 and join Pastor Gary in today’s study about how Jesus is the Light of the World.
Pastor Gary continues with the “I AM” series looking at the words of Jesus from John 6:35 when He said, “I AM the Bread of Life.” Many people try to fulfill certain longings of the human heart with physical or material solutions, only to find that they still feel empty. The reason? Because only Jesus can really satisfy the deepest longings of the soul. Every person has four basic needs for love, acceptance, identity, and security. Unfortunately many people try to get those needs met in ways that don’t really satisfy and that sometimes lead to addiction in the attempt to fulfill those needs. Learn today why Jesus is the only real solution to the deepest needs of the human heart.
In the Gospel of John, Jesus makes seven “I AM” statements that express who He is and how He relates to humanity. In this introduction to the series, Pastor Gary explains that when Jesus said “I AM” He was actually connecting His words with an event from Exodus 3 when God used the same expression in giving His proper Name to Moses. Thus, Jesus was explicitly asserting His divinity—that He is God. Join Pastor Gary for part one of an 8-part series on “Jesus is the I AM”.
Easter is about the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the Dead! It is one of the holiest days on the Christian calendar. This year due to COVID-19 we are meeting on-line only as Pastor Gary delivers a message entitled, “Road to the Resurrection”. He outlines three things that pave this road—TEARS, TORTURE, and TRIUMPH—Jesus wept, Jesus was crucified, and Jesus rose from the dead! Every other religious leader who has died still occupies a tomb. Only the tomb of Jesus Christ is empty! Jesus died and rose from the dead conquering sin and death on our behalf, and now through Him we can have a relationship with God. We invite you to listen to today’s broadcast and then open your heart and trust Jesus as your Lord and Savior.
When Jesus came into Jerusalem on that first Palm Sunday, he was met by four reactions from people—some saw him as the Miracle-Worker, others hailed him as King, and still others believed him to be a Prophet. It is true that Jesus was and is all those things—a Miracle-Worker, King, and Prophet… but Jesus is more than that! And the only group of people who embraced Jesus for His true identity were the children! In Matthew 21 when Jesus came into Jerusalem after riding a donkey down the Palm Sunday road, the children exclaimed, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” The title “Son of David” is a Messianic title. In other words, the children were ascribing to Jesus the title reserved exclusively for the One who would come as Savior and Lord! Join us for on-line church as Pastor Gary retells the Palm Sunday story.
Pastor Gary sits down with local pastors, and two of his close personal friends, Brett Fuller and Mike Minter to discuss the at-hand issue of COVID-19. They share encouragement and each of their unique perspectives on how we as Christians can be at prayer for our nation, and how to see the hope of Christ in this difficult time.
In response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic that our world is facing, Pastor Gary gives a message about how we can have the Lord’s peace in the midst of the world’s panic. The teaching is entitled “Infectious Faith” as a play on words because we are dealing with an infectious disease and the infectious fear that goes along with it. But how can we as Christians have such a trusting faith in God during times like these that our faith is infectious to those around us who are anxious and worried? Pastor Gary first shares an historical perspective on viruses in our world and whether this COVID-19 is somehow related to the End Times. He then teaches a Biblical perspective of how we can lean on the Lord and have His peace during times like these. Join us today for “Infectious Faith.”
Matt Maher presents this question in his teaching, weaving his own story with biblical truth to demonstrate what the Bible has to say about issues such as anxiety, guilt, and depression. In those moments when our hearts are heaviest, God calls us to lean all the more into His Word and that peace that only comes from knowing Him.
In the days of Malachi, the people had become spiritually lazy and morally apathetic about things. They had grown complacent about Ministry (to God), about Marriage, and about Money. These are important areas for us to examine in our own lives as well. What does our devotion to God look like? Are we committed to marriage or do we have a casual view of divorce? How do we manage the resources God has given us? These are all questions we need to face too. Join us for our study in Malachi as Pastor Gary addresses these issues.
The prophet Zechariah tells us more things about the First and Second Coming of Jesus Christ than all the other Minor Prophets combined. The main theme of his letter is the hope and encouragement we have in knowing that our Messiah is coming… as Meek Messiah, as Suffering Savior, and as Coming King. Follow along in today’s study as Pastor Gary unpacks Bible prophecy about the First and Second Coming of Christ from the book of Zechariah and how Jesus is the hope of the Church!
We often treat people or react to people based on what we see “on the surface.” But what if we got to know their story on a personal level and found out about their heart and soul? We would probably be more encouraging and have a lot more compassion for them. We never know what’s going on in someone’s life—the heartaches, the personal struggles, the disappointments, the failures, etc. Those things lay beneath the surface. But what if we could draw out those things in a way that resulted in genuine, Christ-like compassion for them? Wouldn’t that reflect Jesus better than reacting and getting frustrated about someone’s actions or behavior? This is the angle that Pastor Gary takes in our study through the book of Haggai, and he shares his own personal encounter with a woman from Auschwitz whom the Lord used to teach him about these truths.
Have you ever struggled to understand why things happen in life that don’t make sense? Have you ever questioned God about those struggles and felt that He was silent? What are we to do when God doesn’t work in the ways we think He should? The book of Habakkuk has some answers to those questions as Habakkuk shares his own confusion with God. He takes us on a progression of faith from confusion to consolation; from being perplexed to being at peace with God. Life is filled with unanswered “Why’s”, and we can either torment ourselves trying to understand what God is up to, or we can learn to rest in the Lord and trust Him. Find out in today’s study how we can make the same progress as Habakkuk did in a teaching entitled, “When God Doesn’t Make Sense.”
Time can sometimes be our enemy. Relationships can drift apart slowly over time. The same is true about our walk with the Lord. What once was joyful, exciting, and important can, over time, become common, ordinary, and unwanted. This is the case with the Ninevites in the book of Nahum. One hundred and twenty-five years earlier, the Ninevites had repented under the preaching of Jonah, but now the same people are under God’s judgment for forsaking Him. How does the slow erosion of our faith happen over time? Join Pastor Gary as he shares three threats to a sustained walk with God.
The book of Micah ends with a promise—that God is forgiving, merciful, compassionate, and a God who casts our sins “into the depths of the sea” to be forgotten and forgiven. So many people carry around guilt and shame from the past and desperately want to feel forgiven. There is a practice today among Jewish people called “Tashlich” where they stand along the bank of a river or along the coast of the ocean and read from Micah 7:18-19 while casting bread into the water to symbolize their sins being cast into the depths of the sea. As a symbolic gesture, casting bread into the water is fine; but there is a forgiveness that comes through Jesus Christ that cleanses us from all guilt and shame! Follow along as Pastor Gary shares about how our sins are cast into the Sea of Forgetfulness.
“Jonah and the Whale” is no doubt one of the most familiar stories in all of the Bible (although the word “whale” does not appear in any English translation of the book of Jonah… it simply says a “great fish” swallowed Jonah). However some dismiss the story as FICTIONAL (along the lines of Moby Dick), and others argue it’s only ALLEGORICAL (a picture of God’s love and forgiveness of sinners, but not a true story). Yet, Jesus mentioned it twice in Matthew’s gospel (Chapters 12 and 16) as a FACTUAL story. And that’s how we should interpret it too—a real story with real people and real events that illustrate a central theme: the mercy of God. We all need God’s mercy (His love, compassion, and kindness)! Join us for today’s study as Pastor Gary highlights 4 characteristics of God’s Mercy from the book of Jonah that are important for us to understand for our lives.
Christmas is about God's generosity to the world--the gift of Jesus and salvation that is found through Him. In the words of Paul McCartney, life is like a "ong and winding road" that leads to nowhere. That's true without Jesus. But with Him, you can know that your sins are forgiven and that life has meaning, purpose, and contentment. Won't you accept God's free gift to the world and invite Christ to be your Lord and Savior? Join us for this Christmas Eve service as we celebrate Jesus--God's gift to the World.
In the shortest book of the Old Testament, Obadiah pronounces three indictments against the Edomites for their mistreatment of the Israelites. Pastor Gary explains the historical background behind the animosity between these two groups and challenges each of us to not repeat the sins of the Edomites. There is also a Christmas connection in this story that Pastor Gary applies as well in wrapping up God's judgment against them.
In order to understand what is right and what is wrong, we must have an objective moral standard to define those things. Who or what is the objective moral standard in the world? It's not government, or the culture, or any of us. It is God! In the book of Amos, God is described as "the Plumb Line" against whom all things are to be measured and aligned. Only when we align ourselves with the Lord and His Word are we "vertically true", otherwise all things are crooked. Pastor Gary challenges us today from the book of Amos about making sure that we have aligned ourselves with the true standard of God so that we can influence our crooked generation for Christ.
As we close out 2019, we wanted to take some time to tell of all the wonderful works of the Lord (Psalm 105:1-2) in and through Cornerstone Chapel. Listen as Pastor Gary Hamrick and Marwan Rifka review all the things the Lord is doing in our church, our community, and around the world through His provision and His people at Cornerstone. We praise God for His wonderful works and we give Him ALL the glory!
Our annual Thanksgiving Eve service of testimonies and giving God praise and thanks for all He has done over the past year.
The judgment of God is the natural result of our disobedience to Him. The people of Joel’s day experienced a devastating invasion of locusts as a sign of God’s judgment for their sin and disobedience. Joel also looks into our future and sees the time of the Great Tribulation as a sign of God’s judgment for a future generation. But in the midst of God’s judgment for our sin is His mercy to forgive us of our sins. Joel writes about how compassionate, merciful, and loving God is, and that anyone who calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. Are you saved? Do you know what it means to have your sins forgiven and to be in a relationship with Jesus? Pastor Gary unpacks all that in today’s message from the book of Joel.
Have you ever felt so much shame and guilt about your past that you wondered whether God could ever love you or take you back? The story of Hosea is a love story between a husband and an unfaithful wife. But it is a bigger picture of God’s love for people who are unfaithful to him. You will be encouraged today as Pastor Gary reminds us of God’s unfailing love for unfaithful people.
The book of Daniel is a rich sources of prophecies concerning the End Times. In today’s study from the closing chapters, Pastor Gary discusses the Tribulation, the Antichrist, the Rapture, and the Final Judgment that will come. Daniel 12:1 mentions deliverance for people who are listed in “the book”. The Book of Life is mentioned 8 times in the Bible and refers to those who have surrender their lives to Jesus Christ. Is your name written in the Book? It can be! Follow along in today’s study from Daniel 11-12.
Everybody knows we need to pray more. But few of us actually do. In Daniel 10, we learn some important things about “the other side of prayer”. What happens in the heavenly realm—the unseen spirit realm—in regards to our prayers? Did you know that there are angels and demons who battle in the heavenlies when we pray? In addition to the spiritual warfare in the heavenly realm, Pastor Gary shares four additional things that have the potential to hinder our prayer life as well. Join us in Daniel 10 for today’s study.
What is your view of God? Is he a loving, merciful God or an angry, unforgiving God? How you view the Lord will determine whether you approach Him when you sin or whether you avoid Him. Daniel became broken and contrite before the Lord because He read the book of Jeremiah where God revealed Himself as a merciful, loving Father. That’s who God is, and that’s why He is approachable when we sin too. Find out today about what “repentance” means and how we can draw near to God.
Take a look at our special Outreach Service, where we celebrated what was accomplished for the Lord in 2019 through global and local outreach and missions.
The Bible predicts that a political, charismatic world leader will come onto the world scene known in Scripture as “The Antichrist” (1 John), or “The Beast” (Rev), or “The Man of Sin” (2 Thess. 2). He will unite the world under his influential leadership with a temporary peace plan, only to break it and demand that everyone worship him as God. But the Lord Jesus will return and overthrow him by the splendor of His coming and throw the Antichrist into the Lake of Fire along with the False Prophet. What are some of the signs of our times that Daniel prophesies about the Antichrist? Follow along in today’s study through Daniel 7-8.
In today’s study Pastor Gary takes us to one of the most familiar stories in all of the Bible—Daniel and the Lions’ Den—and brings modern application based on the main characters of the story. What can we learn about jealousy, integrity, loyalty, and the sovereignty of God? You see all these things played out in the story. Join us in Daniel 6 and find out more.
The Bible says that God weighs our integrity and motives; in other words, He weighs the heart (Prov. 21:2). What does God see about our hearts when He weighs us? In Daniel 5, God weighed the heart of King Belshazzar of Babylon and found him “to be wanting” (or lacking). Pastor Gary looks at four different things that were lacking in Belshazzar’s life so that we can learn from his example and take inventory of our own hearts.
From the moment we were born God has been pursuing our hearts because He wants a relationship with us. The faster and farther we run from Him, God runs faster and farther still! King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon understood this firsthand. God had revealed Himself to him in profound ways over a period of 30 years, pursuing Nebuchadnezzar, until he finally surrendered to God as King over his life. What will it take for us to come to a similar place of surrender? What will we have to go through before we finally humble ourselves and submit our lives to Jesus as King and Lord? This is the topic of today’s study with Pastor Gary from Daniel 4.
What hardships are you willing to endure for the sake of your Christian faith? When the rubber meets the road, will you be a person who is bold for the Lord or bashful about Him? These are the kinds of questions that confronted Hananiah, Azariah, and Mishael when they were asked to bow down to an image of gold. How will you handle similar situations when your faith gets challenged? We have a lot to learn about FAITH, COURAGE, and UNWAVERING DEVOTION from these three men.
Kings come and go. Kingdoms rise and fall. But the Kingdom of our Lord will be established forever. This is the dream that Nebuchadnezzar has, and Daniel interprets, in Daniel 2. It is a reminder for us that God is sovereign over everything—including the nations of the earth; that He is coming again; that we can entrust our lives and our future to Him! Join Pastor Gary for today’s study about the history and prophecy of world kingdoms.
This is a Biblical principle: if we live a life that honors and glorifies God, He will take care of us, bless us, and use us for His glory. Daniel and his three friends certainly found this to be true. When faced with multiple challenges and difficulties, Daniel remained committed to the Lord. As a result, the Lord took care of him, the Lord blessed him, and the Lord used him for His glory. The same is true for us. Follow along in today’s study with Pastor Gary entitled, “Faithfulness Rewarded.”
Our world is constantly trying to squeeze us into its mold. Our faith, our values, and our principles will be regularly challenged by an environment that is often contrary to ours. Daniel was a young man who was thrust into a different culture with different values that conflicted with his relationship with God. But he never wavered in his faith. He knew who he was in the Lord. He lived in Babylon but he would not allow Babylon to live in him. May the same be true for us in our world!
The last nine chapters of Ezekiel deal with the “Kingdom Age” (also known as the “Millennial Reign”) when Christ returns to the Earth to rule and reign for 1000 years. What will life be like during that time? Where will Christians be and what will we be doing? Pastor Gary unpacks the closing chapters of Ezekiel as we look into the future concerning the Second Coming of Christ and the Millennial Reign.
The Battle of Armageddon is a real war that the Bible predicts will happen in the future. Ezekiel specifically prophesies about the nations that will converge against Israel for this climactic battle, led by a Russian-Iranian alliance. And although other nations will question why these nations are converging against Israel, no one will step up to help Israel… except the Lord Almighty! Jesus will return to strike down the nations that have waged war against Israel (and the God of Israel), and He will establish His kingdom on earth for 1000 years, known as the Kingdom Age. Today, Pastor Gary unpacks the prophecies of Ezekiel 38 regarding the End Times.
In Genesis 18, God speaks his promises to Abraham. But how do we know what God wants to say to us? Guest speaker Stephan Tchividjian takes the ideas from this passage of Scripture and offers three ways we can better have a relationship with God: by listening to Him, waiting patiently on Him, and obeying Him.
For 2500 years (from 586 B.C. until 1948 A.D.) the Jewish people had no homeland, no government, and not even a common language (Hebrew had been replaced by Aramaic and later, Yiddish). How could a dispersed, oppressed, and nearly massacred people ever be reestablished as a nation? Answer—by the providential hand of God. Around the turn of the 20th century, God began moving in the hearts of Jews dispersed around the world to return to Israel (to make “aliyah”). The Zionist movement began, and there was a revival of the Hebrew language, and the British Parliament had partitioned the Middle East to allow a homeland for the Jewish people. On May 14, 1948 David Ben-Gurion declared Israel’s independence and in response every neighboring Arab nation attacked Israel. But when the dust had settled, the State of Israel emerged by the powerful hand of God. It was a fulfillment of Ezekiel 36-37. Join Pastor Gary for the first part in a 3-part series entitled, “Israel and the End Times.”
In Luke 15, we see two very different characters presented through “The Parable of the Lost Son”. Although both the “prodigal” son and the older son have encounters with the Father, the difference between them is simple: repentance. Often, that is the only thing keeping us from God, too. Watch as guest speaker Matt Maher walks through this story, and reveals that whether we identify with the prodigal, leading a rebellious life, or the older son in his stoic self-righteousness, we are all in need of Jesus.
When we are not right with God—when we have unconfessed sin in our lives, or when we are walking in disobedience to God—we will start to feel the weight of our sin. It can be heavy. So much so, that sometimes people feel in despair of life under the crushing weight of sin. But God sent His Son Jesus to lift the burden of sin from our lives and to free us from its accompanying guilt and shame. Join Pastor Gary for today’s teaching as he shares from Ezekiel 33 and Matthew 11 about how we can lose the weight of sin.
In Philippians 1:6, Paul describes God’s promise to carry out His good work in the lives of believers. Guest Speaker Garid Beeler expands on this idea, and how it affects the way we as Christians should live: in full belief and confidence of the Lord’s will in our lives. Even when times are hard, we can rest knowing His plan is unfolding around us.
In 2 Corinthians 12:7 Paul describes “a thorn in the flesh” that was given to him. This affliction was not meant to drag him down, but to keep him humble and in need of God. In this sermon, entitled “Ministry of Thorns”, Matt Maher unpacks this passage to take an honest look at the “thorns” in our own lives and how God can use them to glorify Himself.
How much do you know about Satan? He is determined to wreck your life, your marriage, your family, and your future. The Bible calls him our “adversary” and our “enemy”. Jesus said he is “a liar and the father of lies.” Satan is always trying to deceive us, tempt us, and lie to us. In Ezekiel 28, God describes Satan using the king of Tyre as a picture or a type of the devil. In today’s teaching, Pastor Gary teaches us three simple ways we can stand against the Enemy.
Can one person really make the difference in a situation? The answer is YES! In Ezekiel 22, God is looking for one person who will intercede on behalf of the Jewish people because they have allowed spiritual and moral decay to compromise their lives. But He found no one. In a specific sense, this is a picture of how there is a gap between God and humanity caused by man’s sinfulness. God looked for a man to stand in the gap but He found no one, so He sent His Son, Jesus Christ to bridge that gap. But in a generic sense, this is a reminder about how God has shown favor to a larger group of people because of the faithfulness of one person to stand in the gap and intercede on behalf of those he/she cares about. Don’t discount how you can be the one to stand in the gap for your marriage, your family, your friends, your nation! God often honors the one on behalf of the many.
Forgiveness is a crucial aspect of a Christian life. Because through Christ we have forgiveness of all our sins, we also need to share that forgiveness with others, without restraint. Guest speaker Matt Maher experienced that incredible, Christlike forgiveness for himself, and in this teaching shares just how impactful and liberating it can be in our own lives.
The Jewish people had two objections about God and their relationship with Him: (1) It’s not my fault, and (2) God is not fair. How similar to our own day! Many people have a low view of personal responsibility and a high view of God being at fault for their circumstances. God addresses these two issues in Ezekiel 18, and we come to the clear conclusion that God is better than fair and that we must take responsibility for our own sins in order to experience the mercies of God.
Just as the moon reflects the light of the sun, we as believers are to reflect the light of Christ in our dark world. However, the only time the moon does not reflect the sun’s light is during an eclipse. In today’s message, Guest Speaker, Pastor Tony Clark, tells us how to avoid experiencing a “spiritual eclipse” in our lives, so that we can properly reflect the light of Jesus.
Guest speaker Stephan Tchividjian uses the example of Peter to teach on God’s faithfulness in our lives.
People get hard hearts for a variety of reasons—sometimes because of SIN, and they have become hardened toward God; sometimes because of a DIFFICULT LIFE, and they have decided to build a hard, exterior shell around their heart so no one can get it; sometimes because of the fear of being VULNERABLE, and they have decided that it’s easier to hurt others before being hurt again; and sometimes because of PRIDE, and they have determined to be “tough” and “independent” without the need for God or others. Whatever the reason, God is in the business of healing hard hearts and making them tender again. Won’t you open yours up for God to do a little heart surgery today?
David said in Psalm 13:2, “How long must I wrestle with my thoughts?” Do you ever feel like that? Is your thought life something that is pleasing to God or displeasing to him? God knows our thoughts and desires that we think on things that bring glory and honor to Him. In Ezekiel 8, God gives Ezekiel a vision of what goes on in the dark recesses of the minds of the people of Judah so that Ezekiel can see how justified God is in His judgment against them. He sees vile things, impure images in a dark room. In today’s study, Pastor Gary challenges us about our own thought life and what we should do to guard our minds for God’s glory.
We are living in a time when it is easier to blame others than to take personal responsibility for something. Blame-shifting has been going on since the beginning of human history. When God confronted Adam and Eve about their disobedience, Adam blamed Eve and Eve blamed the serpent. The theology of responsibility is simply this—every person is accountable to God for his/her own life. We cannot blame others or make excuses for our behavior or our lives. “Responsibility” is from two words—response and ability: the ability to choose a response that no longer blames others or makes excuses for one’s actions. Only then can we turn to God with humility and repentance and find His mercy and forgiveness.
On Easter we celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead! When He appeared to His disciples on that first day, the first thing He said to them was, “Peace be with you!” He repeated it two more times. Why did Jesus choose to emphasize “peace” three times? Because He knew that mankind’s greatest need was the need for God’s peace—to be at peace with God through a relationship with Jesus Christ. Join us for today’s teaching from John’s Gospel as Pastor Gary invites people to receive Christ as Lord and Savior and to experience the ultimate peace of God.
As Jesus approached Jerusalem for the final week of His life prior to His crucifixion, He was met by those who were rejoicing and those who were rejecting Him. Even those who were rejoicing would soon cry out for His crucifixion when Jesus did not deliver the way they had hoped. That’s because Jesus’ mission was greater than providing political peace. Jesus came for the sins of the world to offer us personal peace with God through a relationship with Him. In today’s message, Pastor Gary connects the Palm Sunday story of the past with the present and the future—looking ahead to a time when all the saints will be worshiping Jesus around the throne of Heaven.
Join Pastor Gary as he fields questions about the book of Hebrews and other biblical topics.
The book of Lamentations is a book that “laments” the destruction of Jerusalem in 586B.C. by the Babylonians. Lamentations describes the tragic and terrible results of a people who rejected God—a people who refused to turn FROM their idolatry and sin and turn TO God. The consequences for their sin were devastating. But in the middle of all the sin and destruction and devastation emerges a passage from Chapter 3 about the love, mercy, compassion, and faithfulness of God! When we realize our own sinful condition and how it can leave us feeling discouraged, bitter, discontent, and distant from God, it’s important to remember that we can run to a God who is loving, compassionate, merciful, and faithful. And Lamentations 3:23 reminds us that all those qualities about God are new every morning! In other words, every day is a new day and another chance with the Lord! Whatever might be your past—whether yesterday or years ago—there is a fresh batch of God’s love, mercy, and compassion for you today.
In the closing chapters of Jeremiah, God rebukes the Babylonian Empire for 4 particular sins. Even though God had used the Babylonians as the instrument of His correction for the Jewish people, the Babylonians were guilty of going too far in their treatment of the Jews. Despite these events being about an ancient story, Pastor Gary takes a modern look at how the sins of Babylon can serve to admonish us and help us to live godly lives.
In Jeremiah 48, God uses a wine analogy to describe three major objections he has to the spiritual condition of the nation of Moab. He challenges them about how they are too much at rest, how they have settled on their “dregs”, and how they have lost their aroma. Found out what all that means in a modern application as Pastor Gary uses this rebuke from God to the Moabites to challenge us in our walk with Christ.
Discouragement comes in many forms. Heartache is no respecter of persons. In the book of Jeremiah, a guy by the name of Baruch is experiencing his share of discouragement and describes it with words like “sorrow”, “pain”, “being worn out”, “groaning”, and “without rest.” Could that describe you? Have you ever felt so discouraged that it was palpable and painful? Have you ever been so worn out with grief and sorrow, so exhausted with discouragement, that you couldn’t sleep? Have you ever cried so much that you had no more tears? Pastor Gary brings a word of encouragement today from Jeremiah 45 in a teaching entitled, “Courage for the Discouraged.”
Biblically speaking, a remnant is “a small group of the LORD’s faithful followers who represent Him in a larger setting.” The Church is the remnant in the world to represent God’s righteousness. We have been given that mandate and privilege of being His ambassadors in the earth. Looking at Jeremiah 42 and other Biblical examples, Pastor Gary makes four observations about the role of the remnant in the world today and how we can fulfill our God-given responsibility of representing His righteousness.
The long-prophesied, tragic result of disobeying God has finally come to the Jewish people with the destruction of Jerusalem as outlined in Jeremiah 39. It was all avoidable, but God’s people did not heed the warnings of the prophets, so God’s discipline came upon them in the form of the Babylonian army in 586 B.C. One sad story in the midst of this scene is that of King Zedekiah of Judah whose sons were killed in front of him and whose eyes were then gouged out by King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon. Truth is, Zedekiah had lost his vision long before his eyes were put out. The loss of his physical eyes was only symptomatic of a larger problem—Zedekiah had lost sight of God. Join Pastor Gary today as we see four points from Zedekiah’s life as a warning to us about not losing sight of God.
It’s possible to live principled lives in an unprincipled world. We have a great example of that in Jeremiah 35 among some people known as “the Recabites.” God commends them for the way they live their lives with the courage of their convictions despite how the rest of the world is living around them. God uses the Recabites as an example of principled people who refused to compromise their standards. Join Pastor Gary as he tells the story of the Recabites and how their story applies to our lives today.
Sin separates us from God and we feel estranged and distant from Him. But God is a God of restoration. Like a skilled craftsman who takes an old piece of furniture and restores it to its original beauty is our Lord who takes our old, sinful lives and makes us brand new! Jeremiah 29 describes the hopeful future God had in store for the Jewish people who had sinned and rebelled against Him, and it’s a reminder for us that He does the same for us too. After David had sinned he prayed to God, “Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit to sustain me” (Psalm 51:12). He understood that God restores broken lives for His glory. This is the topic of our study today with Pastor Gary out of Jeremiah 29.
We are living in a time when Christians need to stand for what is right and live for what is true without the fear of man. In Jeremiah 26, the prophet Jeremiah was threatened with death at the hands of his own countrymen simply because he spoke the truth and stood for what was right. Nevertheless, Jeremiah remained faithful to God and stood his ground without regard to the personal cost. God protected him that day, and his life was spared. But another prophet by the name of Uriah did not fare as well. While Uriah was a good prophet who spoke the truth like Jeremiah, he ran in fear when people opposed him and threatened his life. In the end, he was killed. It’s a sharp contrast for us between those who stand for what is right and enjoy God’s protection, and those who run in fear and are cut down. Join Pastor Gary in Jeremiah 26 for today’s study, “Stand for What is Right.”
We had the honor of hosting Israeli Ambassador Ron Dermer. Ambassador Dermer shared from his heart on the history of Israel, demonstrating just how resilient a nation they are, and offering thanks for the continued support from the United States and the Evangelical community. He and Pastor Gary were then able to sit down and discuss the importance of Christians remaining faithful to Israel, the Lord’s chosen nation.
Sometimes the “bad” circumstances of life are not always bad if God is accomplishing something good. In fact, it’s better to be in a “bad place” WITH God than to be in a “good place” without Him! So often God uses difficult situations to purge us of things we need to get rid of in our lives or to grow us in ways we need to mature. This was the case with the Jews and why God sent them to Babylon for seventy years. Though they saw their circumstances as “bad”, God saw it as “good” because He was accomplishing His good purposes in their lives. God works in a similar way with us, and Pastor Gary explains it from Jeremiah 24 in today’s teaching, “Good Things Out of a Bad Place”.
All human life is precious and valuable to God. The value of human life is not determined by ethnicity, race or gender; nor by age, ability or background. The value of human life is determined solely on the basis that we are all created in the image and likeness of God, and that every person, from conception to natural death, possesses inherent dignity and immeasurable worth. For that reason, we should protect and defend life from the womb to the tomb. On this Sanctity of Human Life Sunday, Pastor Gary tackles the tender topic of abortion with truth and grace, and shares the personal story of a woman whose testimony will encourage those needing to know that there is grace and forgiveness for ALL.
It’s been said before that “the heart of the human problem is the problem of the human heart.” This was Judah’s problem. They rebelled against God because they had chosen instead to follow their own stubborn, evil hearts. In today’s study, Pastor Gary looks at the issue of the “heart” and how Christianity is the only world religion that makes the bold assertion that an individual can be miraculously transformed from within—that God can actually alter the human condition by changing the heart.