Cornerstone Chapel - Young Adults Ministry 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.
This podcast is no longer produced. For access to all of our current content, visit https://cornerstonechapel.net
Paul continues to stress to the Galatians that we are free in Christ! But what exactly are we now free to do? Because the Lord has set us free, does that mean we’re free to do live however we want? What about doing things the Bible doesn’t specifically address? Join us for today’s Bible study to learn about the four questions every Christian should ask themselves.
Paul uses familial language all throughout chapter 4, making the case that once you believe in Jesus for salvation, God has adopted you into His family as a son or daughter. So then Paul asks the question, “Since you are now a son, why are you still living as a slave to legalism?” In today’s message, Pastor Austin talks about the five things believers need to know as a child of God.
What’s the point of the Old Testament rules if we’re not saved by works but we’re saved by faith? Do I still need to do good works if we’re saved by God’s grace? Paul answers these important questions in Galatians 3.
It’s no surprise to anyone that we live in a self-obsessed culture. We live in the age of the “selfie” where statistics say the average person spends 54 hours a year taking selfies. That’s 7 minutes every day! Even a new term “Selfitis” has been written about in medical resources and is defined as “an obsessive-compulsive desire to take photos of oneself and post them on social media.” Is it a sin to take a selfie? No. But as we approach these last days, it is crucial to cling to Paul’s anthem in Galatians 2:20 which speaks of a dying to self and living for the Lord. Pastor Austin unpacks what this means in today’s Bible study.
Did you ever run away from home as a kid? Sometimes we spiritually run away from the Lord, and Paul’s main message to the churches in Galatia was “come back home.” He addresses how quickly they have turned away from the truth. Open your Bible to the book of Galatians as Pastor Austin unpacks the first chapter.
Have you ever felt abandoned or forsaken by the Lord? You are going through something painful and difficult, and yet you feel as though God isn’t there? Jesus expressed similar feelings when He quoted Psalm 22:1 “My God, My God, why have You forsaken me?” during His crucifixion. How should we as believers respond to these feelings of loneliness and abandonment? Dive in to our study today to learn more.
When we think of the act of “worship,” we often think it simply means to go to church and sing worship songs. That’s certainly a part of it, but worship is so much more. In Psalm 95, the writer describes three life-changing aspects of what our worship should involve. Open your Bible to Psalm 95 and dive in to today’s message!
We often ask the Lord “Show me Your will!” What I love about Psalm 25 is that David asks the Lord “Show me Your ways.” Sometimes we have a good sense of what God’s will is for our lives, but we go about accomplishing His will in all the wrong ways. In today’s message, Pastor Austin unpacks the four characteristics of the person to whom God will reveal His ways.
The most important part of a believer’s life is the part that only God sees – the hidden life. In Psalm 91, believed to be written by Moses, we see the importance of hiding in the Lord and seeking His presence as a place of refuge. Why do we need a place of refuge? Because we have an enemy, Satan, and demonic forces constantly setting traps for us. Join our Bible study to learn more about hiding in the Lord in the midst of spiritual attacks.
A question we as believers often ask is “How can I hear God speak?” However, in the Bible, the question the Old Testament writers more often asked was “How can I know the Lord hears me?” In today’s study, Pastor Austin addresses five things that have the potential to hinder our prayers.
David wrote Psalm 31 while running from King Saul and on the heels of the slaughter of Ahimelech the High Priest and 84 other priests at the hands of Doeg, Saul's chief herdsman. David felt partially responsible for their deaths...and many held him responsible. David needed a refuge, and he found one in the Lord. We all need a refuge from time to time as we navigate the difficulties that life brings our way. Like ancient ships needed to find a harbor to winter in, so we need a place to seek a shelter from the storms of life.
David writes Psalm 51 in response to being confronted with his affair with Bathsheba, and it gives us the model on how to respond to sin in our own lives.
The Christian life is a battle. There are internal battles over temptation, fear, and anxious thoughts. There are physical battles over health and illness. There are also spiritual battles and spiritual oppression. In Psalm 144, David models how we are to approach the different difficulties we face in life.
We are often overwhelmed with questions about our future and wonder what God’s will is for our lives. Who will I marry? Where should I work? What should I do with my life? Before we can understand the “what” of God’s will, we first have to understand the “how”. God is more concerned about how we live before Him, and as we faithfully walk in obedience, the Lord will gradually reveal what He wants us to do with the life He’s given us. In today’s message, Pastor Austin presents four principles we should live by as we seek God’s will for our lives.
David is in the midst of a crisis as he deals with the people who want him dead. The difficult people in our lives may not want us dead, but rather they tear us down with their words and discourage us. Maybe today you’re dealing with a difficult boss, a difficult parent, or a difficult co-worker. What does David do when faced with difficult people and a difficult problem? Follow along and open your Bible to Psalm 64 to learn more.
David wrote Psalm 63 in the wilderness of Judah while on the run from King Saul, and yet in the midst of this difficult season, David continues to worship and praise the Lord. This Psalm challenges us to worship the Lord even in the midst of our own “wilderness” experiences when all seems hopeless. Open your Bible to Psalm 63 to learn more about this discipline.
This past Sunday, Pastor Gary talked with us concerning the 6 common causes of bitterness. In tonight’s message, Pastor Austin continues this conversation using Exodus 15 as the backdrop to discuss 3 ways on how to battle with bitterness.
Pastor Austin is joined by Pastor Andy Wagner, a licensed counselor on staff at Cornerstone, in this special question and answer service concerning all things relationships. Topics in this discussion include pornography, the difficulties of dating, how to grow in your marriage, how to view your relationship with your parents, and more.
The famous saying goes - “Show me your friends, and I’ll show you your future.” The people we choose to surround ourselves with will influence the decisions we make and impact our future, either positively or negatively. Thus, the Bible calls us to choose our friends carefully. In today’s message, Pastor Austin discusses ten things that define what makes a genuine friend.
I can do whatever I want with my body, right? This is a popular phrase today and also was a question that the church at Corinth had for Paul. In today’s message, Pastor Austin provides biblical answers to questions like “Can you be a gay Christian?”, “Is same-sex attraction a sin?”, and “Is pornography a big deal?” Open your Bible to 1 Corinthians 6 to hear more.
The divorce rate in America is nearly 50% because marriage in society is treated more like a conditional contract than a life-ling covenant. In today’s message, Pastor Austin addresses what marriage is, what marriage does, and what marriage needs in order to better prepare us for that life-long union with the goal of making it last.
In today’s message, Pastor Austin answers questions like “How far is too far physically?” “Is living together before marriage a good idea?” “How do I date as a Christian?” Open your Bible to 2 Corinthians 6 to learn more.
Does the Bible address my singleness? What are some wise boundaries for me to follow when looking for a spouse? These are some questions Pastor Austin attempts to answer using the Apostle Paul as the primary example in his writings to the Corinthian church.
In today’s message, Pastor Austin begins a new series called “Boundaries: Understanding God’s Best In Relationships”. In this series we’ll answer questions like – How far is too far physically? Can I live with my boyfriend or girlfriend? Can I date someone who’s not a Christian or someone from a different religious background? First, we need to understand why God has given us boundaries in the first place. To kill our fun? So that we live a boring, Christian life? Learn more in today’s message.
While Jesus was here on earth, He was always sensitive to wait upon His Father’s timing. All the more reason we need to be sensitive to God’s timing and wait upon the Lord for the right spouse, the right job, and the right opportunities in life. But why does God make us wait? And what are we to do while we wait? Open your Bible to Mark 8 to learn more about the discipline of waiting.
Why does God allow us to experience hard times? James, the half-brother of Jesus, helps us answer this question. Pastor Austin discusses 3 primary reasons why God allows us to go through different trials. Open your Bible with us to learn more.
At the beginning of each new year, we’re ready for new adventures; making new goals and resolutions for ourselves. But why sometimes do we stay stuck in the past regarding our sin and regret and find it difficult to move forward in the Lord? In Isaiah 43, God used the prophet Isaiah to tell His people to forget the past and look forward to the new thing God had for them. Do you find it difficult to forget the past and move forward? Tune in to today’s message to learn more.
Greed is typically associated with wealth, money, and ambition. But is God opposed to any of these things? Not at all. So why does it seem like the Bible paints wealth and money in a negative light? And how can I guard against greed in my own life? Let’s see what Jesus has to say about it in Luke 12.
If I asked you if bitterness is something you struggle with, you most likely would say “I don’t think so.” But the truth, bitterness is something many of us deal with but have a hard time recognizing its existence in our lives. In today’s message, Pastor Austin reviews five signs you might struggle with bitterness and how to uproot it from our lives.
If I asked you if bitterness is something you struggle with, you most likely would say “I don’t think so.” But the truth, bitterness is something many of us deal with but have a hard time recognizing its existence in our lives. In today’s message, Pastor Austin reviews five signs you might struggle with bitterness and how to uproot it from our lives.
In part 3 of our series entitled “On Guard,” Pastor Austin uses Psalm 56 as a launching point to discuss how to guard our minds and hearts against fear. There are two spiritual weapons David uses to combat his fear in Psalm 56. Join today’s lesson to learn more.
In part 3 of our series entitled “On Guard,” Pastor Austin uses Psalm 56 as a launching point to discuss how to guard our minds and hearts against fear. There are two spiritual weapons David uses to combat his fear in Psalm 56. Join today’s lesson to learn more.
In 2 Samuel 11, David remains in his palace when he’s supposed to be at war with his soldiers. This leads to his affair with Bathsheba. Our most humiliating defeats usually happen when we’re too comfortable. How do we guard our minds from being plagued by lust, which Job describes as a “devastating fire that destroys to hell”? Join our Bible study to hear six steps in guarding our minds against lust.
In 2 Samuel 11, David remains in his palace when he’s supposed to be at war with his soldiers. This leads to his affair with Bathsheba. Our most humiliating defeats usually happen when we’re too comfortable. How do we guard our minds from being plagued by lust, which Job describes as a “devastating fire that destroys to hell”? Join our Bible study to hear six steps in guarding our minds against lust.
In today’s message, Pastor Austin begins a series entitled “On Guard”. The Bible has a lot to say about guarding our minds and thought life, and today’s study focuses on the importance of guarding our minds against worry and anxiety. Is this something you wrestle with? Open your Bible to Matthew 6 to learn more.
In today’s message, Pastor Austin begins a series entitled “On Guard”. The Bible has a lot to say about guarding our minds and thought life, and today’s study focuses on the importance of guarding our minds against worry and anxiety. Is this something you wrestle with? Open your Bible to Matthew 6 to learn more.
It can be easy to feel like God has left and forgotten you when you go through extremely difficult, challenging times. You begin to ask “Does God still care?” As we close out the book of Acts, Paul faces a deathly situation as he travels to Rome as a prisoner. What can we learn from Paul’s perspective in the midst of difficulty concerning his relationship with the Lord? Join us to find out.
It can be easy to feel like God has left and forgotten you when you go through extremely difficult, challenging times. You begin to ask “Does God still care?” As we close out the book of Acts, Paul faces a deathly situation as he travels to Rome as a prisoner. What can we learn from Paul’s perspective in the midst of difficulty concerning his relationship with the Lord? Join us to find out.
The Apostle Paul faced opposition from all sides when he was on trial in Acts 24-26. In spite of this, Paul set an example of how to approach opposition: with patience, humility and boldness.
The Apostle Paul faced opposition from all sides when he was on trial in Acts 24-26. In spite of this, Paul set an example of how to approach opposition: with patience, humility and boldness.
As we near the end of the study of Acts, Chapters 21-23 contain the narrative of Paul’s opportunities to interact with and share the Gospel with a few large groups of people. As he speaks to Jewish believers, Orthodox Jews, and even the Sanhedrin in Jerusalem, he encounters all kinds of opposition. He is attacked, beaten, has his life threatened, and narrowly escapes scourging. In a time of probable discouragement at his seemingly fruitless attempts to evangelize, God lifts him up and encourages him that there will be more opportunities to share the Gospel, and God is not finished with him yet.
As we near the end of the study of Acts, Chapters 21-23 contain the narrative of Paul’s opportunities to interact with and share the Gospel with a few large groups of people. As he speaks to Jewish believers, Orthodox Jews, and even the Sanhedrin in Jerusalem, he encounters all kinds of opposition. He is attacked, beaten, has his life threatened, and narrowly escapes scourging. In a time of probable discouragement at his seemingly fruitless attempts to evangelize, God lifts him up and encourages him that there will be more opportunities to share the Gospel, and God is not finished with him yet.
Sometimes God will put us in uncomfortable situations for a season for two reasons: to win souls for Jesus and to grow us in our faith. This is Paul’s situation in Ephesus, a spiritually dark city. Many rejected Paul’s message of the Gospel, but many became believers and we see a great revival in Acts 19. What takeaways can we learn from this passage as we live in a modern day Ephesus?
Sometimes God will put us in uncomfortable situations for a season for two reasons: to win souls for Jesus and to grow us in our faith. This is Paul’s situation in Ephesus, a spiritually dark city. Many rejected Paul’s message of the Gospel, but many became believers and we see a great revival in Acts 19. What takeaways can we learn from this passage as we live in a modern day Ephesus?
Paul encounters two different popular schools of thought in the city of Athens: Epicureans and Stoics. What did they believe, how did Paul share Christ with them, and how have we as believers unknowingly adopted some of their false ways of thinking about God?
Paul encounters two different popular schools of thought in the city of Athens: Epicureans and Stoics. What did they believe, how did Paul share Christ with them, and how have we as believers unknowingly adopted some of their false ways of thinking about God?
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. Join us as we comb through four passages in the book of Acts to learn more.
Luke records the conversions of three very different individuals, but they all share one very crucial thing in common: They each have a form of religion but no relationship with Jesus. They each were resting on and trusting in their religion to gain acceptance by God. Do you know people like this? Is this you? In today’s study, Pastor Austin addresses how relationship and religion function together and presents four important questions we should ask ourselves to determine if we have been relying too much on religion.
Do you feel ill-equipped and underprepared to share Jesus with unsaved family members and friends? We would all love a little more boldness in our lives. How is boldness acquired? And what does biblical boldness look like in a culture of political correctness? Grab your Bible and join us as Pastor Austin draws from Stephen’s example of boldness in Acts 7.
In Acts 3, we see Peter, by the power of the Holy Spirit, heal a man paralyzed from birth. What’s so challenging to us is that Peter and John weren’t seeking out ministry, but when the Lord brought ministry to them, they were willing to be interrupted. Are we willing to be interrupted when God inserts ministry opportunities into our busy lives? Join us as we unpack Acts 3 together.
In today’s message, Pastor Austin addresses questions like – Why is it important to study the book of Acts? How did the Church begin and what did the early church look like? Who or what is the Holy Spirit? This message begins a summer-long series in the book of Acts. Join us!
As we gear up for our 1:10 Conference this weekend, Pastor Austin expounds upon the meaning of Philippians 1:10. Paul’s desire is that believers understand what really matters in life. But what does that all encompass? How do we learn to understand what really matters so that we live life with purpose? Join our Bible study in Philippians 1 to learn more.
This week we looked at an overview of the minor prophet book of Hosea. God gave a prophet the very unusual instruction to marry a prostitute, through which we learned of God's incredible love and faithfulness to us, even when we are unfaithful to Him.
Do you wrestle with doubt? Do you struggle with doubting your faith, doubting God, doubting your relationship with Him? You’re in good company. Even Jesus’ closest friends doubted when He appeared to them after the resurrection. But why do we doubt? When we better understand why doubts arise, we’ll be able to better deal with the doubts that can so often plague our thoughts.
What’s the first thing you do after a long, hard day? Put in your AirPods, check out, and pass out? Mark chapter 1 describes for us an exhausting day in the life of Jesus and how He still prioritized prayer after the demands and busyness of His day. In today’s message, Pastor Austin reviews what prayer actually is and gives us four important reasons why we should mirror Jesus’ example and pray every single day.
Are we too self-reliant in life or have we learned what it means to fully rely on the Lord? In Acts 13 on Paul’s first missionary journey, we see the example of the difference between self-reliance and relying solely on the grace of God. Even with the distortion and the pushback of the truth, it did not stop the Gospel spreading and lives transformed. As Paul says in 2 Corinthians 1:9 – he stopped relying on self and learned to rely on God alone.
Paul tells the church to “put off” some things that don’t properly reflect their relationship with Jesus, and to “put on” or “clothe” themselves with other things that better fit their walk with the Lord. Turn to Colossians 3 with us and dive in to today’s message to see which “outfit” you’ve been wearing.
Did you know that Jesus spent more time warning people about the dangers of hell than He did in comforting them with the hope of heaven? Matthew 13:47-52 is one of those passages where Jesus speaks about the end of the age, and how the angels will be used as instruments of God’s judgment to sift through the wicked from the righteous, and those who have rejected Christ will be cast away. But is hell a real, physical place or just a symbol of evil? How can one escape this coming judgment? Join us today as Pastor Austin closes out this series on the Kingdom of Heaven and its practical role in our lives.
Did you know that Jesus spent more time warning people about the dangers of hell than He did in comforting them with the hope of heaven? Matthew 13:47-52 is one of those passages where Jesus speaks about the end of the age, and how the angels will be used as instruments of God’s judgment to sift through the wicked from the righteous, and those who have rejected Christ will be cast away. But is hell a real, physical place or just a symbol of evil? How can one escape this coming judgment? Join us today as Pastor Austin closes out this series on the Kingdom of Heaven and its practical role in our lives.
In Ephesians 5 the Apostle Paul offers some practical insight on how to be imitators of Jesus. These directives center around the idea of how the Christian should walk. Rather than imitating the world, followers of Christ are challenged to pattern their life after the example of Christ.
There are two parables that Jesus uses to describe the concept of the Kingdom of Heaven by emphasizing God’s constant pursuit of mankind. Why do we experience dry seasons in our walks with the Lord where we don’t feel like cracking open our Bibles? It’s because we have a “response” problem. At times, we take on the role of the initiator when it comes to our relationship with the Lord, but when we do this, it is biblically out of order. God is the initiator, and all He asks of us is to respond. Dive in to today’s message to hear more.
Jesus uses another parable to describe the potential corruption that can infiltrate the Kingdom community, but this time the evil doesn’t come from without, but from within. In today’s Bible study, Pastor Austin discusses 4 ways we can pursue purity in our lives in the midst of our struggle with sin.
Jesus compares the Kingdom of Heaven to a mustard seed to describe the influences that will attempt to corrupt the church from without. In today’s Bible study, Pastor Austin discusses the importance of developing discernment in our lives to avoid falling prey to unbiblical influences and teachings.
Matthew uses the phrase “Kingdom of Heaven” more than 30 times in his Gospel. In Matthew 13, Jesus uses six parables to illustrate this Kingdom – describing it as both a real, physical place but also spiritual; where God’s rulership reigns in the hearts of individuals. In today’s Bible study, Pastor Austin starts with the first of the six parables; specifically focusing on Satan’s role in opposition to this Kingdom.
How should Christians deal with feeling tired and weary? We look into Elijah’s experience of discouragement in 1 Kings 19, and how the Lord encouraged Elijah in that season of life.
God’s calling looks different and is unique for each individual, but there are some principles concerning the call of God that can apply to all of us no matter where or what He calls you to. Turn to Acts 16 with us to see the call of God upon Paul’s life and how his story can apply to your situation today.
David provides for us several valuable principles for the Christian to live by. These eight principles are especially useful for us as young adults to apply to our daily lives. Open your Bible to Psalm 16 to dive deeper with us.
As a car mechanic realigns the tires on a car when gotten out of balance, so it is necessary in the Christian life to realign our hearts and minds spiritually so that we don’t drift from the Lord. But why do we have the tendency to drift? And how can we anchor our faith firm in the Lord once again? Join us in Hebrews chapter 2 to learn more.
A common question we often ask is "How do I know what God’s will is for my life?" Did you know the New Testament specifically answers that question in 4 different verses? What does all this have to do with the Thanksgiving season? Join us to find out.
The psalmist refers refers to a period in Israel’s history where the Lord refined His people through intense trials, testing and difficulty. Why does God test us? Is every difficulty we face a test from God? What can we learn from the difficulty and discomfort we experience? Join us in Psalm 66 to learn about the refining process that the Lord takes us through.
In today’s message, Pastor Austin covers the last eight of the spiritual gifts: Serving, Encouraging, Giving, Leadership, Mercy, Evangelism, Pastoring, and Hospitality.
In today’s message, Pastor Austin presents three helpful questions that one can ask his or herself in order to better understand their spiritual gift(s), and expounds upon the gifts of discernment, tongues, apostleship, teaching, helps, and administration.
In today’s message, Pastor Austin addresses the common question regarding the availability of the gifts today and expounds upon the gifts of wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, miracles, and prophecy.
We’ve all been on various teams: sports teams, marching band, military, school projects. The key when you’re on any team is to determine what your position, role, or responsibilities are. If you’re a Christian, you’re on Team Jesus, and the Bible says that the Holy Spirit then determines which spiritual gifts to give followers of Jesus to be most effective for His Kingdom. In 1 Corinthians 12-14, Paul dives into what these various gifts are, but he spends all of chapter 13 reminding the believers about the true purpose and proper practice of the spiritual gifts.
According to a study by the Barna Research Group, 58% of self-described “Christians” think of the Holy Spirit as a “symbol of God’s power or presence but not a living entity”. 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.
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.
When we study the holiness of God is should create a response in our hearts and lives. Isaiah responded and was never the same. Join guest speaker Pastor Barrett Phillips as we study together from Isaiah 6 and learn how there is no one like our God.
When studying Peter’s life, we often only talk about his denial of Jesus. But what other stories can we glean from? When you look at the bigger picture of his life, you’ll find an incredible lesson of Jesus’ forgiveness, restoration, and calling.
The writer of Psalm 91, believed to be Moses, emphasizes the importance of dwelling in the Lord. What does it mean to dwell in God? What are the benefits and blessings for the one who dwells in Him? Join our Bible study in Psalm 91 today.
Other than Jesus Christ, the prophet Elisha performed more miracles than anyone in the entire Bible. In 2 Kings 4, Elisha performs two miracles by the hand of God for two different women going through two different situations. One woman is desperate for a miracle, and the other is too afraid to ask for one. However, whether we are in desperate need or quietly content, God knows the desires of our hearts and loves to “wow” us with His miraculous grace. Join our Bible study today in 2 Kings 4.
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 beneficial for the Christian to learn and apply to the different “battles” we face in life.
The year is roughly 1,043 B.C. during the time of the judges in Israel. The Israelites have now rejected Samuel the prophet due to his old age, and they request a King to rule over them. Although an earthly king was not what was best for them, God gave them what they wished for. Why would God allow them to have that which wasn’t best for them? Have you considered that sometimes God does the same with us? Join our study in 1 Samuel 8 as Pastor Austin discuss topics such as rejection, identity, fulfillment and purpose.
The Jews return from a 70-year exile in Babylon to find their city and Temple in complete ruins. They begin to rebuild the Temple of God and rejoice and celebrate as they lay the foundation. However, their spiritual zeal quickly turns to apathy and the building project is interrupted and put on pause for 15 years. What hindered them and got in their way? If we’re not careful, the same things that hindered the Jews can hinder our spiritual growth as well. Join our study today and find out.
Feeling burdened or overwhelmed by something? Maybe you’ve been anxious, worried or stressed over things related to work, school, family, fear, sin, or relationships. Inevitably in this season of our lives, we’ll go through some challenges as we attempt to make important decisions that will affect the course of our lives. When feeling burdened, what are we to do? How should we respond biblically? Jesus’ words in Matthew 11:28-30 should challenge and comfort us.
It’s very common for us at this stage of our lives to start to become frustrated and discouraged when the plans and expectations we had for our lives go unmet. We think to ourselves – “I thought I’d be married by now, have a family by now, be making this paycheck by now, or have my dream job by now.” What should we do when “expectation frustration” begins to settle in? Join us in Philippians 3 as Pastor Austin uses Paul’s life as a model on how to respond to life’s different challenges.
In Revelation 21 and 22, John sees a vision of the New Heaven and Earth and the New Jerusalem, with God dwelling among His people. The culmination of the biblical narrative ends with God's complete restoration of the world and humanity; finally living in fellowship with mankind once again. Join our Bible study as Pastor Austin concludes our "God Is" series by explaining what it means when the Bible says that God "makes all things new". What things exactly? Can he fix my broken heart? My broken relationships? My broken family? Open your Bible to Revelation 21 and let’s find out.
Many religions of the world view God as this “impersonal force” and not a personal Being. However, the Bible clearly reveals God as a personal Being with a mind, emotions and a will. But even deeper, this personal Being desires personal fellowship with every human; however, only a few will have it. How can one have personal relationship with this personal God? Open your Bible to John 1 and lets find out together.
Your perception of God will determine your fellowship with God. One of the predominant words the Bible uses to describe God’s character and nature is HOLY. But what does being “holy” actually mean? Is this why God is so angry in the Old Testament and destroys nations and people? Because of His holiness? Why would I want anything to do with His holiness if it means my destruction as an imperfect human? Pastor Austin answers these questions and more in today’s message called “God Is Holy.”
The world would use a plethora of words to fill in the blank “God Is ____” in an attempt to describe His character and nature. But what does God say? The best place to start in understanding who God is and what He is like is at the very beginning of his book. In Genesis 1 and throughout the Bible, the writers speak of God’s eternal nature – that He is outside of time, self-existent and self-sufficient. Knowing this truth should put so much in perspective concerning our world and who we are. Join our study as Pastor Austin dives in to this new series.
There are a lot of opinions in the world concerning who God is and what God is like, and there are a lot of different words the world uses to fill in the blank. Pastor Austin begins this series to equip the church on the character and nature of God as revealed to us in the Bible; letting God through His Word fill in the blank for us.
Pastor Austin is joined by his wife, Morgan, and his parents, Pastor Gary and Terri Hamrick in this special question and answer service concerning all things relationships. Topics in this discussion include pornography, the difficulties of dating, being prepared for marriage, divorce, interracial marriage, and more.
The divorce rate in America is nearly 50% because marriage today is treated more like a contract than a covenant. A contract functions well when both parties are consistently meeting a certain set of expectations and conditions; however, the Bible uses stronger language to define marriage. God intended marriage to be a permanent, life-long commitment between a husband and wife. Society is all about falling in love. Falling in love is easy, but staying in love and being committed within a relationship is a different matter. In today’s message, Pastor Austin addresses 3 things – What Marriage Is, What Marriage Does, and What Marriage Needs – in order to better prepare us for marriage with the goal of making it last.
When you believe you have found “the one” and you believe that your dating relationship is ready to take steps toward marriage, there are a few wise and helpful questions that every serious dating or engaged couple should ask before they say their “I do’s” at the altar. In today’s message, Pastor Austin addresses the importance of asking yourself these questions with the goal of preparing yourself for marriage now before entering into that lifelong commitment before God.
Dating can be a very fun, awkward, terrifying, and confusing thing all at once. Society and reality tv shows have a lot to say about the world of dating, but what about the Bible? Does the Bible address some of my questions concerning how to date and find a mate? Questions like: How far is too far physically in my dating relationship? What about dating a non-believer? Is living together before marriage a good idea? In today’s message, Pastor Austin answers these questions and talks with us about the PURPOSE, PROCESS, and PRODUCT of Dating.
Being single can be tough. You’re often confronted with the question – “When are you going to get married?” Doubt begins to creep in about your future. You begin to wrestle with fear or anxiety, and at times you may wonder if something is wrong with you because no one seems interested. But what does the Bible have to say about singleness? The Apostle Paul has a lot of wisdom regarding the single season of life, since he was single himself when he wrote 1 Corinthians 7. Join Pastor Austin in today’s study as he reveals 5 biblical principles concerning singleness that will encourage and inspire you to live out your singleness to the glory of God!
On October 8th, 1871, a cow kicked over a small lantern that sparked the great Chicago fire; leaving over 100,000 homeless and 300 dead. Small objects have the potential to do a lot of damage. This is exactly what James says about the tongue. Our tongue (though a small member of our body) has the potential for great impact through the words we speak. Join our study today as Pastor Austin addresses three principles about the power and weight of our words, and how it is important for the Believer to realize these principles in order to live a life that honors the Lord.
In this specific passage, James explains how faith without works is dead and completely useless. But doesn’t this contradict what Paul says in Ephesians when he says that we’re saved by grace and not of works? And therefore, if we’re saved by God’s grace through faith and not by our works, then why do good works even matter in the Christian life? Is it possible to marry these two passages or are these two messages of FAITH & WORKS incompatible? Join Pastor Austin today in his message entitled “Works Matter”.
The theme of the book of James is about practical Christian living – learning how to properly and practically reflect Jesus to the world around us in our every day lives. In chapter 2, James touches on the sin of partiality – explaining how it’s wrong to favor some people over others based upon appearance or status. How has partiality manifested itself in our day? As it was in James’ day, our modern society also appears to be obsessed with status and ascribes value to individuals based on color, race, ethnicity and income, and unfortunately, the Social Justice ideology has only fanned this flame. How so? What should the Christian’s response be to the division and favoritism we see in our day? Follow today’s study with Pastor Austin entitled, “The Sin of Partiality & The Social Justice Ideology”.
Join us in this devotional as we look into lessons learned from Psalm 16 with Pastor Austin!
If any one understood trials and difficulty, it was James and the early church. They experienced poverty and were ostracized from their own Jewish community because of their faith in Jesus. The question James helps his audience to answer in chapter 1 is this: “How is the Believer supposed to respond to the inevitable trials they will face in life?” He speaks of two different kinds of trials: EXTERNAL trials – difficult circumstances one falls into that is outside of their control; and INTERNAL trials – the fleshy struggle that happens within when one is tempted to sin. In today’s study in James 1, Pastor Austin addresses why trials come and how to overcome temptation.
How should we respond as believers to the events that have taken place in our nation? Events like the street riots last summer, the presidential election, and, more recently, the riots that took place on Capitol Hill. The Bible doesn’t always specifically address what we are to do regarding the unique situations of our current time, but it does tell us how we should think. When our minds are in God’s Word, it should shape how we think and, in turn, it will give us more clarity on what we should do in response to the current events of our day.
The word “kingdom” appears 126 times in the Gospels alone. Heaven is the kingdom, Jesus is its King, and the only people who are given access into the kingdom are those who have surrendered their lives to King Jesus. Many people are still the “King” of their own lives – they make their own decisions, follow their own desires, and do what they want when they want. Others feel they can add Jesus to their lives and have a “coregency” – they rule their lives some of the time, and let Jesus rule the other part of the time. However, unless one completely surrenders to King Jesus, they don’t have the eternal promise of entering the kingdom. Does any of this describe you? Have you given your life to King Jesus, or do you still sit on the “throne” of your life? Join us for our special Christmas message.
In 1 Samuel 13, we see that God desired to replace King Saul with another man because of Saul’s disobedience. The new man God would choose would be a man after God’s own heart. That man was David. But what made David a man after God’s heart? And what does it even mean to be someone after God’s own heart? We see in Scripture that both Saul and David were imperfect men who grievously sinned against the Lord; so why did God refer to David as a man after His heart and not Saul? How do I know if I am also a person after God’s heart? Join our study today to find out!
We often wonder what God’s will is for our lives and get frustrated when Scripture doesn’t directly answer some of our questions. However, there are a few different times in the Bible where God directly outlines exactly what His will is for us to follow, irrelevant of our circumstances. It can be difficult to walk in God’s will when we don’t feel well or receive bad news, but following this aspect of God’s will for our lives will only richly bless us if we are faithful.
In John 15, Jesus uses an agricultural illustration to communicate a significant truth regarding what a fruitful relationship with Him is supposed to look like. God is the Gardener, Jesus is the Vine, and we as believers are the Branches. A good gardener always prunes and trims branches in order that they become more fruitful; however, the pruning process that God does in our lives can be painful. What does it even mean that God prunes us, why does He prune us, and how should we respond to God’s pruning work in our lives? Join Pastor Austin and our Bible study entitled “When God Prunes You”.
Many Christians are chasing after God with a desire to get more of Him. We go to the latest Christian conference or put on the newest Christian album in an attempt to hopefully encounter God in a new way. Paul writes to the church at Ephesus and prays that they would experience the “fullness of God”; not just that they would encounter Him from time to time or get bits and pieces of God to last them until the next conference, but to experience His fullness. What does that truly mean and how can we experience the same in our lives? Open your Bible and grow with us through today’s message.
Cornerstone Young Adults put the usual format of their service on pause to come together and pray for the 2020 presidential election. We prayed specifically for Religious Freedom, Life, the candidates, and for God’s will to be done in our nation.
Why does it seem as though God audibly spoke to people all the time in the Bible, but He seems silent now? Does God still speak to us today? How can I learn to discern between God’s voice and my own thoughts? Pastor Austin addresses these questions and more in today’s message.
Pastor Austin challenges the Young Adult generation to view all aspects of life through the lens of a biblical worldview, including the political spectrum. Paul in Romans 13 exhorts the believers to spiritually wake up and understand the time. This exhortation is of utmost importance for us today - to spiritually wake up to the devil’s schemes and agenda in the political arena, to vote for the party platform the best aligns with a biblical worldview, and to promote righteousness and godly values in order to advance God’s agenda and the truth of His Word. May we, as the Young Adult generation, step up and stand up for truth and righteousness and vote our values for God’s glory!
In 2 Samuel 15, there is a rebellion in the kingdom against David’s throne started by his own son, Absalom. In the midst of this chaos, one of David’s close friends abandons him and joins the rebellion; while another friend remains loyal to David. Pastor Austin’s message entitled “Six Signs Of A True Friend” brings a biblical perspective to what true friendship practically looks like, what qualities we should seek in others, and how we are to be a true friend.
Do you realize that we can spend every season of our lives worrying about and being anxious over the very next season of our lives? According to a survey conducted in the UK, the average person spends more than five years of their life worrying. Many of us would gladly welcome change to our circumstances because we feel restless or stuck in our current season, and we fill this waiting period with worry. Rather than fill our waiting with worry, the Bible instructs us to fill our seasons of waiting with other things. Open your Bible to James 5 with us, and be both challenged and encouraged by today’s message.
Change can often be a “bad” word. It can be human nature to resist change for several different reasons. Rosabeth Moss Kanter, professor at Harvard Business School, wrote an article for the Harvard Business Review and listed reasons as to why we resist change. She noted that we resist change because it makes us feel we’ve lost control, and we don’t like the uncertainty that follows. Although change can be difficult, the Bible tells us how to view change and the benefits that can come when we no longer resist change but walk in it as the Lord leads us.
One of the most tender and vivid illustrations on the subject of grace is found right here in John 8. The Scribes and Pharisees attempt to catch Jesus in a dilemma by testing him on the subject of sin, and Jesus brings the perfect balance of grace and truth. We need to learn from Jesus’ example and apply it the different people and circumstances we will encounter. Grace is something God desires for us to receive, walk in, and extend to others. Join our Bible study to learn more about what grace truly looks like.
In the final chapter of Peter’s letter, he pleads with believers to prepare. But prepare for what? Peter speaks about the Coming Day of the Lord - something the Old Testament prophets predicted as well as other New Testament letters. But what is the Coming Day of the Lord, and why does Peter plead with us to be prepared for it? Join Pastor Austin as he closes out the book of 2 Peter.
In chapter 1, Peter pleads with believers to continue to grow in Christ. In today’s passage, Peter pleads with them to use discernment when it comes to false teachers that are among them. The key to be grounded, mature and fruitful in the faith lies in one’s ability to exercise discernment. We need to exercise discernment in all areas of our lives - politics, media, entertainment, spirituality - so that we can live lives that please and honor God. Pastor Austin tells us what the Bible says about developing spiritual discernment in our lives.
Peter begins his second letter to the churches in Asia Minor by reminding them to continue to build upon their faith and grow in the Lord. It can become easy for us as believers to become stagnant or lazy in our walks with Christ, and when that happens, inevitably our fleshly nature will begin to dominant. Have you been in a rut regarding your relationship with Jesus? Jump in with us to today’s message as Pastor Austin encourages us to persevere in the faith!
Jehovah Tsidkenu means “The LORD Our Righteousness”. The Bible makes clear that God is righteous and only righteous people can enter His kingdom, but the Bible also says that we’re ALL sinners and the payment for sin is death! So how do we reconcile the two? Join us as Pastor Austin concludes our series by talking about the most important name of God.
Psalm 23 is one of the most well known passages of Scripture in the entire Bible. David recognizes God as His Jehovah Rohi, which means “The LORD My Shepherd”. In today’s message, Pastor Austin discusses the different ways God desires to “shepherd” us and how it conflicts with the deceptive ways in which the world attempts to be our shepherd.
The name Jehovah Tsaba means “The LORD of Hosts” or “The LORD of Armies” and is used over 285 times in the Bible. Did you know that God has an army? God is the Captain of this spiritual, invisible army in the heavenly places, and the Israelites knew God as their defender and protector. They understood Him to be their strength and power behind their victories. And so can we. Just as David came to Goliath in the name of Jehovah Tsaba and defeated this giant, we too can have this hope over the different “giants” and battles we face when we cling to the Lord and His Word.
Moses and the Israelites are making their way to the Promised Land when they are hit by a surprise attack from the Amalekites. God gives Israel the victory as long as Moses appeals to heaven by keeping his ordinary shepherd’s staff raised in the air. It is there where Moses proclaimed the name “Jehovah Nissi”, which means “The LORD My Banner”! There are figurative battles that we may face – battles with lust, anger, fear or worry, to name a few. In today’s message, Pastor Austin addresses how to overcome our battles with the help of God as our “Banner” – the covering we run to for help in times of deep struggle.
The people of Israel were thirsty after traveling in the Desert for three days with no water on their way to the Promised Land. They finally found water, but couldn’t drink it because it was bitter. It was there where God made Himself known as their Healer (Jehovah Rapha) and turned the bitter water into something sweet. God is still in the business of healing today; especially when it comes to bitterness in our own lives. Jump in to today’s Bible study and learn exactly how God wants to reveal His name to you and how to go about uprooting bitterness in our lives before we become a slave to it.
Names are important. Names matter. Names carry certain associations – some positive, some negative. We love getting autographs from famous people because their name attached to a specific object makes it that much more valuable and meaningful. If names are important here on earth, then how much more important is the name of God and the different titles ascribed to Him in the Bible. Join us for part 1 in our series as we study the name Jehovah Jireh from Genesis 22.
The writer of Hebrews warns the Jewish believers about the propensity to neglect their walks with Christ and drift away from the faith. Let's take heed of this warning in our day, lest we also drift. But what causes us to drift in the first place, and how can we stay anchored in Christ? Open your Bibles with us to Hebrews chapter 2.
In part 2 of “Are We In The End Times?”, we take a look at the Battle of Armageddon, Jesus’ Second Coming, the Millennial Kingdom, and the New Heaven and New Earth with special guest Pastor Tyler Hamrick.
Most of the Bible records events that have already happened, but there are still major events and prophecies that have yet to be fulfilled. Most of these events surround Jesus’ second coming, the rapture of the Church, the Antichrist, and the end of the world as we know it. What does the Bible say about the End Times, how can we as believers be prepared, and how close are we really to Jesus’ return? All this and more on today’s episode.
Evolution or Intelligent Design? The question concerning the origin of life has been one of the most highly debated, philosophical and scientific topics known to man. But does it even matter? Is what happened in the past even relevant to our future? Is it ok if a Christian believes in the theory of Evolution? All of this and more on today’s episode.
Where is the breakdown between Catholicism and Protestantism, and why has there been so much animosity between them for the past few centuries? On today’s episode, special guest Pastor Jimmy Mullen joins the table as we discuss things such as how we got the Bible, the reformation, apostolic succession, the interpretation of the scriptures, and more!
Can God truly be good when our world continues to experience murder, rape, theft, disease, death, and natural disasters? Is God to blame? And why does He allow bad things to happen in my life? Join us as our Tough Topics Team attempts to address some of these very complex questions.
In our day, convenience and tolerance have reigned supreme over grace and truth; especially when it comes to the topic of homosexuality. But how are we as the church supposed to go about speaking truth into these very sensitive areas? Join our discussion as we address today’s tough topic.
How do I know when I’ve found “the one”? What should I be looking for in the opposite sex when it comes to dating and marriage? What about online dating? Is something wrong with me? These are questions our generation is sifting through in hopes to find God’s perfect match for them. Join the Tough Topics crew for today’s talk as we unpack these questions. Do you have a question you’d like our team to answer? Email it to youngadults@cornerstonechapel.net, DM us on social media, or text to 94090.
In our first episode of Tough Topics, Pastor Austin and team answer the question, “How do I maintain purity in this sex-crazed culture, whether single, married or dating?” We touch on topics such as the struggle against pornography, boundaries in a dating relationship, and what it takes to remain faithful in marriage.
Some popular questions have been triggered from these chapters in Romans concerning government and personal liberties. Questions like: How do I respond if government violates my conscience? Is civil disobedience ever acceptable? And what about my personal liberties? What about activities that are not expressly forbidden in Scripture like getting tattoos or seeing certain movies? Open your Bible to Romans 13 and lets jump in.
God doesn't need your stuff, He wants YOU. He calls us to offer ourselves unto Him as "living sacrifices," and when we do, the benefit is that it helps us discern God's will for our lives. But what does it really mean to offer myself as a "living sacrifice"? Join Pastor Austin today in Romans 12.
Paul dedicates three chapters to explain God's special relationship with the Jewish people. Within these chapters, many big theologically questions have emerged concerning one’s free will, salvation, and whether or not the Church has replaced the Jews as God's chosen people. Join Pastor Austin today as he teaches from Romans 9-11.
To sanctify something means to set it a part for a specific, unique purpose. Paul says now that we are in Christ, we have been set apart from the world and set apart for the purposes of God. In other words, we belong to God, therefore our behavior and actions should reflect that. Paul says that we’re no longer slaves to sin, but slaves to righteousness; therefore, our lives, how we walk and talk, should reflect whose we are. Be both encouraged and challenged by today's Bible study in Romans 6-8.
Last week we talked about the bad news – we’re all sinners, we don't meet God's perfect standard required for heaven, and we're subject to God's righteous judgement and eternal punishment, but thankfully it doesn't end there! In today's study, we talk about the GOOD NEWS - that there is hope for sinners to be saved from experiencing God's wrath. How do we attain this hope? What do we need to do? Open your Bible to the book of Romans and lets find out together.
I've got some good news and I’ve got some bad news. What would you like to hear first? Paul presents this question to the church at Rome and chooses to give them the bad news upfront so that they can fully appreciate the glorious good news! This bad news affects us all, we are all subject to it, and are in danger of dying in it. What is this bad news? Join our Bible study today to find out.
Nearly 2,000 years ago, a man named Paul wrote a letter to a church in Rome – the largest city of the known world at that time. This letter would spread beyond the walls of that church and go on to change the course of history through men like Martin Luther and John Wesley. But why exactly did Paul write this letter, how has it carried so much power with it throughout the centuries, and does it still have relevancy for us today?
In this passage, Jesus gives two illustrations to communicate one message – that He came to do something NEW. He didn’t come to patch up an old system, but He came to bring a New Covenant. Jesus doesn't want to patch up your old life or your bad habits, He wants to do a completely NEW work in your life. But just like the process of making new wine comes through a process of crushing and pressing grapes, sometimes the Lord may use pressing circumstances in our lives to bring about the "new wine" He desires for us. Be encouraged by today's message.
In the Old Testament, God spoke to His people through His prophets; warning them of the consequences of sin and rebellion. How does God speak to us today? How are we to avoid falling in the same cycle of sin as the Israelites? Join us in Judges 6.
Could you use more patience in your life? More patience in your specific circumstance? More patience with people? More patience in your singleness or in your job search? James exhorts believers in his epistle to be patient in the midst of suffering because Jesus is returning soon! Patience is a discipline that won’t come easily or naturally, but the Bible commands us to clothe ourselves with patience. Join our Bible study as we learn the discipline of patience in daily life.
Loving others, and being supremely devoted and submitted to Christ are all marks of a true disciple of Jesus. These marks may be easier to hide; however, the most public mark of being a true disciple is the call and command from Christ to go and make more. Evangelism and sharing our faith can be scary and intimidating, yet Jesus calls us to spread His good news to every nation. Using the acronym S.A.L.T., Pastor Austin takes us through helpful ways to share our faith, as this should be an important mark of a disciple of Christ.
You may love others, the first mark of a disciple of Jesus. You may be supremely devoted to Him, the second mark. But have you learned what it means to fully and completely submitted to His ways, His will, and His Word? Becoming a devoted follower of Christ is like an intense training process. Are you willing to submit to God's process in making you more like His Son, Jesus?
In part 1 of the series, we talked about how "love" should be the first mark of a true disciple of Jesus. However, in Luke 14, Jesus tells his followers that unless they HATE their families and their own lives, they cannot be His disciples. Why the seeming contradiction? Is Jesus really saying that we should now hate others in order to be His true followers? Open your Bible to Luke 14 as we continue to learn what it means to be a true disciple of Jesus Christ.
In the early beginnings of the Church, believers in Jesus were first called Disciples before they were ever referred to as Christians. In today's American culture, it has become easy to hide under the label of "Christian" because the term is so broadly used and loosely defined. However, referring to yourself as a "disciple" of Jesus has much deeper implications. What does it mean to be a true "disciple"? What are the marks or attributes of a disciple of Jesus? Are you simply a cultural "Christian" or are you truly a disciple of Christ? Join Pastor Austin as we dive in to a new series called "Disciple" and attempt to identify different attributes of what marks a true disciple of Christ.
Why are we so afraid of commitment? We're often afraid of commitment because commitment means we are now obligated to follow through with something that we may no longer feel like doing. Just as we don't always feel like working out, we know it's best for our physical health. In the same way, spiritually speaking, we don?t always feel like working out the things of God in our lives, but we know that a commitment to following Christ will reap eternal benefits. In today's message, Pastor Austin challenges us to be committed to 3 specific things that will spur us on towards spiritual maturity and growth in the Lord.
Other than Jesus Christ, the prophet Elisha performed more miracles than anyone in the entire Bible. In 2 Kings 4, Elisha performs two miracles by the hand of God for two different women going through two different situations. One woman is desperate for a miracle, and the other is too afraid to ask for one. However, whether we are in desperate need or quietly content, God knows what we need and delights to "wow" us with His miraculous grace. Join our bible study today in 2 Kings 4.
In Galatians chapter 4, Paul warns the church not to return to the bondage of the law now that they are sons of God in Christ! In our lives, because of our sinful nature, we are tempted to return to the old ways and to the old things that once had us in bondage. Jesus said in John 8:36, "If the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed." Let us live by that promise and not be held by our old chains any longer.
Paul reminded the Philippian church of who he used to be - a respected, zealous, devout Jew. But what did this matter now that he was in Christ? According to Paul, absolutely nothing. This inclines us to ask ourselves a question: In who or what have we placed our identity? Where do we find our joy, our value and worth? Do we truly define ourselves as who we are in Christ, or have we begun to allow the world to make its claim over how we perceive ourselves?
In Matthew 16, Jesus begins to tell His disciples that He would soon suffer, die, and rise again. Peter rebukes Jesus, but Jesus then goes on to explain that one who wants to follow after Him must take up their cross and deny the self. Denying the self has become a lost spiritual discipline among young believers, but it's a discipline that is essential in pursuing after Christ with all we are. Tune in with us to today's message.
Asaph, the writer of this Psalm, expresses many different emotions within this passage. He goes from praying, to complaining, and then to questioning God because of a certain difficulty he was experiencing. In the midst of Asaph's frustration and confusion, God doesn't directly answer his questions. How does Asaph cope with this? By remembering the faithfulness and power of God on display during the Israelites exodus out of Egypt. Have you experienced similar feelings of frustration when you feel that God is not answering your questions? Join our Bible study today in Psalm 77.
The Bible often compares God to a "Refiner," and us to "silver or gold." Silver or gold cannot reach is optimum value without other by-products (like zinc, lead, or tin) being burned away. And the only way to separate the by-products is to put the precious metal in a furnace of intense heat. Sometimes God will use the intense heat of difficult life circumstances to cause the impurities of our lives to rise to the surface so that we can deal with those things that hinder us from maturing and growing in the Lord. God wants to purify and perfect us to make us more into His image and likeness.
Are you struggling to feel like you've truly receive God?s forgiveness from sin in your past? Are you currently a slave to a specific sin and you don't know how to get out of it? Do you still feel guilt and shame even though you've repented and sought forgiveness? David wrote Psalm 51 from a place of brokenness over the sin of his affair with Bathsheba. In today's message, using David's life as an example, we'll learn how to respond to sin in our lives, and how we might be free from its grip.
When, Where, Why, and How are all questions we've asked God concerning our future ? future goals, a future career, and a future spouse, to name a few. In the meantime, what are we to do when we are waiting upon the Lord for our future? Open up your Bibles to Psalm 37 and join us in our study entitled "Trusting, Waiting, Walking".
It seems that David wrote Psalm 16 from a time of trouble, because he asked for preservation, took confidence in that he would not be moved, and had confidence in some kind or resurrection. Yet the tone of this Psalm is not despair or complaint; it is a quiet and settled joy. Despite his trouble, David had a praising confidence in the Lord. There is a calmness and a peace that you too can experience in the midst of life?s trouble. Turn in your Bibles to Psalm 16 to see different principles on how one finds peace in the storm.
Gideon was a man whom God sought to use to deliver Israel from the oppressive Midianites. Gideon's name means "to cut out" or "to cut away," and God was going to teach Gideon that he needed to cut away some things from his life in order to fully be used by God for His purposes. Are there things in your life that God is calling you to remove so that He can fulfill His greater purposes in and through you? Turn in your Bible to Judges 6 to see what the Lord has for us today.
Did you know that God will sometimes allow us to have that which is not best for us? An example of this is found in 1 Samuel 8 when God gives Israel exactly what they ask for in an earthly king named Saul. But why would God do this? What is His purpose in giving what is not best? Grab your Bibles and join us as we learn important lessons regarding God?s heart and why he gives to His children.
Did you know that you are currently involved in a battle in the invisible world? Paul closes his letter to the church at Ephesus by telling them that there is a real battle going on in the spiritual realm, a battle that cannot be fought with physical weapons, but with spiritual weapons. Paul doesn?t tell them this in order to strike fear in their hearts but rather to equip and prepare them to withstand the attacks of the enemy. Are you prepared and equipped to fight this same battle?
If there's one way Satan loves to hurt the church, it's by promoting division and dissension within the body of Christ. Paul tells the church at Ephesus that unity won't come naturally; that they must make every effort to guard against division and to keep unity in the faith. Does this then mean that we all must be the same and agree on everything all the time? Open your Bibles to Ephesians 4 and join our study.
Paul tells the church at Ephesus that they have 3 amazing things in Jesus. Join us in our Bible study today to explore what those 3 things are.
Paul tells the church at Ephesus that one is saved by grace through faith in the person of Jesus Christ, and we're not saved through our works. Jesus + Nothing = Everything! If this is so, what then is the purpose of good works in the life of a believer? Paul then explains that Jesus is the stone by which we are to build our lives upon. Are you building your life upon Jesus, or have you just "added" Jesus to your life? Open your Bible to Ephesians 2, and join us as we study this chapter together.
There has been this ongoing debate for a few hundred years on how to interpret God's sovereignty and man's responsibility regarding the doctrine of salvation. Is God all sovereign and man has no responsibility or will in the matter? Is man completely responsible and God has no sovereignty? Or is it somewhere that meets in the middle and the tension of which is somewhat of a mystery to us? Lets dive in to Ephesians chapter 1 and unpack this discussion together.
Is it always wrong to lie? What about little, white lies? Is it wrong to want what others have? Join our bible study as we conclude our 10 Commandments series by looking at the last 2 commandments.
Guest speaker Derek Carrier, Tight End for the Oakland Raiders, shares about his personal story and the importance of building your life upon the solid rock of Jesus Christ. Afterwards, he and Pastor Austin have a time of Q&A.
According to a recent Gallup poll, 92% of Americans think that adultery is "morally wrong." And yet, not as many people practice what they believe. How does this commandment apply to those of us who are single and not married? Besides the obvious "taking" what doesn't belong to you, have you ever considered the several ways that we "steal" from one another? Join us for our bible study as we seek to answer these questions from a biblical perspective.
I'm an adult, but still living at home - Am I still obligated to obey my parents? I didn't grow up in the best home environment concerning my parents, am I still expected to honor them? Is there a difference between murder and killing? These are some of the questions that will be answered in our bible study as we dive into commandments 5 & 6.
God reveals Himself in the Bible by more than 350 names and titles besides His proper name, Yahweh. He does this to express the vastness of His character and nature. Thus, when we misuse God's Name (or "take it in vain"), we malign, dishonor, and disrespect the character and nature of God. Pastor Austin shares three common ways we might be guilty of breaking the 3rd Commandment. In addition, we'll dig out God?s 4th Commandment and see why the Sabbath rest was implemented for our benefit and for His honor, but are we still obligated to keep the Sabbath? Join us for today's study as we grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord together.
Israel was surrounded by pagan gods of other cultures that had, unfortunately, influenced them away from the True and Living God. Today, our culture is similar - very pluralistic and polytheistic as well. We must examine our own hearts for ways that we have allowed false gods to enter in by asking ourselves: "Who or what in my life have I allowed to rule over me and sit enthroned upon the seat of my heart?"
The Ten Commandments express God's moral standard for human behavior toward God and toward others. They are not antiquated, irrelevant laws, but rather timeless, unchanging truth for every human society. Unfortunately, more and more, their guiding influence in America is being threatened in the courts and disregarded in our culture. Today begins a 6-week series on the Ten Commandments. Join Pastor Austin for this introduction from Exodus 19-20.
Did you know that God wrote a love letter to you? The Bible is filled with precious promises concerning God's thoughts for you. So often we seek to fill a hole in our heart by other means, and yet all the while, God has already expressed the fullness of His love for you that is yours to experience and enjoy if you simply receive it.
Jesus had a few things to say to the early churches after His ascension back into Heaven. The same message that was spoken to the churches of that day still rings true to us corporately as a church and individually as we strive to follow Christ. Get your Bible and dive into Revelation 3 with us as we grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord.
God called the prophet Jeremiah to call out the cities of Judah for their sin and rebellion and told Jeremiah to say everything that He would place upon his heart. Jeremiah listened to the call of God and was unwavering in his stand for truth no matter the cost. In a world that teaches that morality is subjective and truth is not absolute, we need to be people like Jeremiah who stand for what is right, regardless of the pressures we may face.
As the popular saying goes, "Imitation is the best form of flattery." Whether we realize it or not, we try and emulate and imitate the people we admire most. However, the danger is that we can often begin to emulate people's bad habits and poor character depending on the environment we choose to live in. Paul exhorts the Philippian church to make emulating Christ their highest aim in life. Join us in our bible study today as we learn how to walk, talk, and be more like Jesus!
worry, anxiety, stress, and restlessness ? we can often allow these feelings to easily creep up in our hearts and minds due to the business of life and the trials that come our way. Is it possible to experience God's peace in the midst of the mess? Grab your Bible, and join us as we learn how to experience true, lasting peace.
In one recent study, more people in their 20s reported feeling lonely than did those 75 and older. Loneliness can often creep in during young adult years as relationships, friendships, and career paths are in a state of flux. What should be our response as believers when feeling overwhelmed by loneliness? Dive in to our Bible study tonight as we look at the person of Elijah in 1 Kings 19.
Do you feel burdened? Have you been feeling a heavy weight upon your shoulders? Maybe you?ve been burdened by work, school, family, fear, worry, sin or struggles. What are we to do and how are we supposed to deal with the burdens of life? Join us in today's study as we see what Jesus has to say in Matthew 11 about feeling burdened.
As Paul closes out his first letter to the Corinthians, he mentions the collection he is taking up for the church at Jerusalem. Paul was motivated to share Christ's love through the act of giving to those in need. Join us in today's study as we learn why it?s important to manage our money well and strive to understand God's heart concerning generosity.
Sporting events were big in Paul's day as well as in our own. This was especially meaningful to the Corinthians because their city was the center for the Isthmian Games, second in prestige to the ancient Olympics. Paul compares the Christian life to a sporting event - "I run? I fight". He says that the Christian life is like running a race. However, busy lives and misplaced priorities can lead to us being distracted and undisciplined while we run. Dive into today's bible study as we pursue the wisdom that is found in prioritizing our lives; helping us run the race to win the prize.
What kind of "freedom" does a Christian have? This was the question the church at Corinth asked Paul. They were curious to know - Is Christianity just a bunch of rules and regulations we have to follow? Or, because we're free in Christ, do we have the liberty to do whatever we want, whenever we want? These are the same questions many Christians struggle with today. Join us in our pursuit after wisdom to see how Paul addresses this topic.
As we make our way through Paul's letter to the Corinthians, Paul is now going to address the issue of sexual immorality that has plagued the church. Paul talks about the importance of purity regarding sexuality and how we are supposed to conduct our bodies as believers. Join us in today's study as Pastor Austin discusses the importance of understanding sexual expression through the lens of the Bible and the societal myths that have developed regarding sex in today's culture.
Joy, thanksgiving, peace - these things seem easy to come by when life is going well. But what about when life is difficult? What is the secret to finding joy and peace in the midst of hardship? And how do we find contentment when life seems unfulfilling and empty? In light of the Thanksgiving season, Pastor Austin takes a break from our 'Be Wise' series to answer some of these questions as we look into Paul's 'secret' to being content in all things.
Paul reminds the Corinthian church that God uses the 'foolish,' 'weak,' and 'lowly' things of the world to accomplish His great purposes. Have you ever felt this way? Have you ever felt inadequate, weak, or like you weren't enough? If so, you are exactly the kind of person God wants to use! Paul reminds the Corinthian church that true wisdom is found in our call to glorify God above all else, and the way we glorify God is by recognizing that His power is made perfect in our weakness.
The Corinthian church was divided in their fellowship, but Paul reminded them that they were to be united as part of God's family. And what was their unifying source? The cross of Christ. As we continue in our 'Be Wise' series, Pastor Austin talks about the importance of fellowship within the local church and why it's necessary in our pursuit after wisdom.