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 7:12-14
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It is very hard to go against our natural selfish desires and it is easy to love ourselves only. The whole world around us continues to tell us that our lives are more important than the lives of others. And in the mist of this way of living, Jesus commands us to be empathetic to the needs and suffering of others. Jesus knows that the path of empathy will bring life to our souls if we choose to obey Him. But, he also knows that the way of apathy will only bring destruction to souls.
1. In what ways do you pursue the comfortable life above the well-being of others?
2. What is a practical step that you can take to cultivate a heart of empathy?
3. Who or what is in the way for you to love others as yourself?
“How Can We Obey the Golden Rule?” By Steve Fuller (Article)
“Put God Back in the Golden Rule” By Stephen Witmer (Article)
Below are scriptures to help you meditate on today’s sermon topic throughout the week:
Monday: Philippians 2:1-11 Tuesday: Ephesians 4:29-5:2 Wednesday: Romans 11:33-12:2 Thursday: Mark 8:31-38 Friday: John 13:1-17 As you meditate on the scriptures above, use these prompts to help you engage with God in prayer:
Insight: Ask God to show you where he and others are not at center of your love. Confess: Confess to God the areas of your life where it is very hard to love and feel empathy for others. Wrestle: Wrestle with the truth that Jesus provided a way in the Holy Spirit for us to have empathy for others. Request: Ask God to increase your faith to have a heart that will feel the pain and suffering of others so that you will be moved to action.
José serves Cornerstone by overseeing the Spanish language ministry “Nueva Vida Ministerios”.
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