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 5:27-30
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The concept that looking at a woman with lustful intent is a form of adultery is ridiculous and offensive in the world today. But, it is just another part of the radical ethic Jesus is laying out in the Sermon on the Mount. In fact, he is so serious that he tells his disciples that dramatic steps must be taken to pursue his ethic. However, he gives them hope in the fact that through his sacrifice and resurrection he will fulfill this seemingly impossible ethic for them and empower them to live it out in ways they (and we) never thought possible.
1. What forms of discontentment and coveting tend to fuel your lustful heart? 2. What aspects of people do you tend to lust after (physical, emotional, relational, etc.)? 3. What are practical ways you can remember the glories of Christ and his grace to motivate your fight against lust? 4. What are some materialistic or consumeristic tendencies that you could fight to help in your battle against lust? 5. What are some practical ways you can grow in seeing people for the beautifully complex image-bearers that God created them to be?
Finally Free by Heath Lambert
Sex Isn't the Problem (Lust Is) by Joshua Harris
Covenant Eyes: 40-day Challenge
The Real Root of Sexual Sin (Article)
Below are scriptures to help you meditate on today’s sermon topic throughout the week:
Monday: Ephesians 5:1-3 Tuesday: 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 Wednesday: 1 Corinthians 6:15-20 Thursday: Matthew 15:19 Friday: Romans 8:1-4 As you meditate on the scriptures above, use these prompts to help you engage with God in prayer:
Insight: Ask God to help you see your covetousness and lust as he sees them.
Confess: Confess your discontentment with God (in any area of life).
Wrestle: Fight for a heart that doesn’t just give in to lust, but that takes your thoughts captive and seeks to see people the way God sees them.
Request: Ask God to captivate you with his joy and grace that you might recognize him as the one most to be desired.
Scott serves the church by overseeing leadership, development, global ministries, and counseling/discipleship.
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