Cornerstone exists because of Jesus. We are a people who have been transformed by the gospel, the good news of Jesus Christ. Through Jesus’ death and resurrection, God has forgiven us and adopted us into his family. Now, we have a whole new life.
Through the gospel, God redeems us, forgives us, and adopts us into his family. The good news of Jesus’ death and resurrection makes each one of us a new creation and gives us a new identity: children of God. This is why we can never think of the church as an organization or a building. The church is actually a family—God’s family, filled with redeemed sinners that are now his children.
Through the gospel, God forgives us, adopts us into his family, and makes us his disciples. This means that the church is not just any family. We are a family formed by God—and sent out with a purpose.
The church is a family that ministers to one another, cares for one another, and builds one another up. Each member of the family is a child of God who is uniquely gifted to bless the family and to be a light in our city.
Just like a vine grows best with a good trellis, our church family grows best with good programs. Our programs and ministries are tailored to support the community and mission God has given us.
Sermon
Matthew 5:31-37
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The Pharisees were fixated on finding “loopholes” to the rules of God’s Word. They weren’t concerned about obeying and following God from their hearts, they were focused on doing what they were “supposed to” in an external way, but their hearts were far from Him. God calls us to something radically different in Christ- to be people who are so enraptured with what Jesus has done for us that we live a life of integrity for His glory.
1. What are ways that you look for loopholes in your obedience instead of seeking to love and follow God? 2. How do you see in your life ways that you are looking to get away with something rather than looking to love and care for people? 3. How does Christ treat us differently in the gospel than we often treat others? 4. What would a life of integrity look like in your home, neighborhood, and workplace?
Resources on Divorce and Remarriage
The Character of the Christian: Above Reproach (article)
Redeemed by His Blood (article)
Below are scriptures to help you meditate on today’s sermon topic throughout the week:
Monday: Matthew 23:1-12 Tuesday: Matthew 23:13-15 Wednesday: Matthew 23:16-22 Thursday: Matthew 23:23-28 Friday: Matthew 23:29-36 As you meditate on the scriptures above, use these prompts to help you engage with God in prayer:
Insight: Ask God to show you ways in your life that you are not living with integrity.
Confess: Confess Areas of sin where you have not lived above reproach.
Wrestle: Find your sin absolved and your heart transformed in a Savior who loves you perfectly.
Request: Ask God to continue to grow and transform you into the man or woman of God He has called you to be.
Matt serves Cornerstone by overseeing Family Ministries.
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