Because of Me

Dr. John York from Lipscomb University visited Cornerstone this week to share some exciting news about a new path of learning, ministry and growth ahead for our church. In addition, John shares his insight into the final beatitude (Matthew 5:10-11) to conclude this thoughtful series. Jesus states that blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness; blessed […]

the Peacemakers

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called the children of God” (Mark 5:9). One of the most challenging things Jesus calls his followers to be… peacemakers. Peacemakers do not sit idly by when troubles surround. Peacemakers work to bring the Light into darkness. For the children of God are those who bring peace to […]

the Pure in Heart

Masks are a way for us to deflect and conceal our identity as well as our thoughts and feelings from the outside world. Our words can mask our true feelings, words like ‘fine’ in place of the troubles of our heart. But Jesus clearly states that “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will […]

Reckless Mercy

Step up to the #MercyChallenge – after all “Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy” (Matthew 5:7). Christ shows mercy to each of us, and tells us to do the same. We are to be merciful. Showing mercy requires that we step into the eyes and minds of those around us in need; […]

Thirsty for God

We return this week to the beatitudes, the fourth in the series with this ‘simple’ message: “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled;” (Matthew 5:6). Though this may sound simple, you can quickly take a look at your life and ask yourself – Do I truly thirst for […]

Wild Horses

We often interchange meekness with weakness, which can lead to some misunderstandings of “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth” (Matthew 5:5). In this third beatitude, Jesus lays out the next goal for his followers: to chose to allow God to reign in our lives. These are the meek. Jesus showed what meekness […]

Cut to the Heart

Have you ever done wrong, knowing it was wrong and not caring or changing your ways? Acknowledging our sin can be easy. Feeling our sin however can be a great struggle. Jesus laid out the first step – lay down your pride and let in my love – in Matthew 5:3. The next step though can cut to […]

At the end of your rope

Have you ever felt so lost that you were just barely holding on to the end of your rope? Been so alone and trying to keep your head above water? Times like these we need to remember, that “Blessed are the poor in spirit” (Matthew 5:3). It is at the end of the rope that […]

First Words

How important are the first words someone speaks to us? They can put up walls or launch lifelong relationships. In Matthew 5:1-10 Jesus begins speaking to the masses, outlining what it means to be a disciple in eight succinct sentences. The beatitudes provide the foundation for a life of following Jesus. As you hear these words, […]

Identity

Identity – it is how we define ourselves and how we are viewed by others. As Matthew begins his gospel he works to unveil the identity of Jesus. Before Jesus begins his ministry, he meets John the Baptist who has been preparing the way for the Messiah. John the Baptist is a fiery figure, calling for […]