Building God's Kingdom Through Faith and Community
Summary
Good morning, Cornerstone. Today, we gather to reflect on the unwavering goodness of God, even when life presents its challenges. Our circumstances may fluctuate, but God's love and grace remain constant. As we conclude our Cornerstone DNA series, we affirm our mission, vision, and values, which guide us as a church community. Our foundation is Jesus Christ, the cornerstone upon which we build our faith and actions. We strive to live authentically, embracing love and community, and we are committed to building lives for Christ through evangelism, discipleship, and service.
Our vision extends beyond our walls as we seek to build God's kingdom on Long Island. We aim to plant new churches, revitalize existing ones, and partner with like-minded ministries. This mission is crucial because Long Island, despite its population, is considered an unreached area with few evangelical Christians. By planting churches, we create spaces where people can find hope and life in Jesus. Our efforts have already borne fruit, with new churches like Retro Church and Joy Church making significant impacts in their communities.
Revitalizing existing churches is equally important. Many churches face challenges, and we are committed to supporting them, not as competitors, but as co-laborers in Christ. Our journey at Cornerstone is a testament to God's faithfulness, as we have seen lives transformed and communities strengthened. We also partner with other churches and ministries, recognizing that we are part of a larger family working together to advance God's kingdom.
As we move forward, we remain focused on our mission to plant, revitalize, and partner, trusting that God will continue to use us for His glory. We are committed to pouring out the blessings we receive, knowing that our efforts contribute to a greater purpose. Let us continue to pray, give, and serve, knowing that our work is not in vain and that we are part of a global movement to bring the light of Christ to the world.
Key Takeaways:
1. God's Unchanging Goodness: Despite life's ups and downs, God's goodness remains constant. Our circumstances may change, but His love and grace are unwavering. This truth encourages us to live above our circumstances, trusting in His eternal promises. [00:00]
2. The Power of Church Planting: Planting churches is a powerful way to spread the gospel and build God's kingdom. New churches often bring new believers, creating vibrant communities of faith. This approach is essential for reaching unreached areas like Long Island. [27:06]
3. Revitalizing Existing Churches: Supporting struggling churches is vital for the health of the broader Christian community. By revitalizing these churches, we help them become beacons of hope and transformation in their communities, reflecting the love of Christ. [33:54]
4. Partnerships in Ministry: Collaboration with like-minded churches and ministries strengthens our efforts to advance God's kingdom. By working together, we can achieve more than we could alone, fostering unity and shared purpose in the body of Christ. [42:51]
5. Living Out Our Mission: Our mission to plant, revitalize, and partner is rooted in a commitment to building God's kingdom, not just our church. This requires a willingness to sacrifice and serve, trusting that God will use our efforts for His glory. [49:46]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:30] - Opening Prayer and Praise
- [01:45] - The Unchanging Goodness of God
- [03:20] - Jesus as Our Advocate
- [05:00] - Cornerstone DNA Series Conclusion
- [07:15] - Mission and Vision of Cornerstone
- [10:00] - Building God's Kingdom on Long Island
- [12:30] - The Importance of Church Planting
- [15:00] - Revitalizing Existing Churches
- [18:00] - Partnering with Like-Minded Ministries
- [21:00] - Celebrating Church Planting Successes
- [24:00] - The Need for More Churches on Long Island
- [27:00] - Supporting Struggling Churches
- [30:00] - The Role of Partnerships in Ministry
- [33:00] - Closing Prayer and Call to Action
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Acts 16:9-10
- Acts 14:21-22
- 1 Corinthians 16:1-3
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Observation Questions:
1. In Acts 16:9-10, what vision did Paul receive, and how did it influence his actions? How does this relate to the mission of Cornerstone Church? [15:50]
2. According to the sermon, what are some of the challenges faced by churches on Long Island, and how does Cornerstone plan to address them? [27:06]
3. What examples were given in the sermon of successful church planting efforts by Cornerstone? How have these efforts impacted the communities involved? [30:12]
4. How does the sermon describe the relationship between Cornerstone and other churches? What is the significance of this relationship in advancing God's kingdom? [42:51]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the vision Paul received in Acts 16:9-10 serve as a model for Cornerstone's mission to plant churches? What can be learned from Paul's response to the vision? [15:50]
2. The sermon mentions that Long Island is considered an unreached area. What factors contribute to this designation, and how does it shape Cornerstone's approach to ministry? [27:06]
3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that revitalizing existing churches is as important as planting new ones? How does this reflect the early church's practices as seen in Acts 14:21-22? [33:54]
4. How does the partnership with other churches and ministries, as described in the sermon, reflect the principles found in 1 Corinthians 16:1-3? What are the benefits of such partnerships? [42:51]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on the idea of God's unchanging goodness. How can you remind yourself of this truth during challenging times in your life? [49:46]
2. Considering the need for more churches on Long Island, how can you personally contribute to the mission of church planting or revitalization in your community? [27:06]
3. The sermon emphasizes the importance of living authentically and embracing community. What steps can you take to be more authentic in your relationships within the church? [15:50]
4. How can you actively support struggling churches in your area, either through prayer, resources, or personal involvement? What might be a first step you can take this week? [33:54]
5. Partnerships in ministry are crucial for advancing God's kingdom. How can you foster a spirit of collaboration with other believers and churches in your area? [42:51]
6. The sermon highlights the importance of evangelism and discipleship. Identify one person in your life who might be open to hearing about Jesus. How can you engage them in a spiritual conversation this week? [30:12]
7. Reflect on the story shared in the sermon about the young boy who attended the camp. How can you be part of creating life-changing experiences for others in your community? [49:46]
Devotional
Day 1: Trusting in God's Unchanging Goodness
In a world where circumstances are ever-changing, the constant goodness of God provides a foundation of hope and assurance. Despite life's challenges, God's love and grace remain steadfast, encouraging believers to rise above their circumstances. This unwavering goodness invites us to trust in His eternal promises, knowing that His love is not dependent on our situation. By focusing on God's unchanging nature, we can find peace and strength to navigate life's ups and downs. [00:00]
Psalm 100:5 (ESV): "For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations."
Reflection: In what specific area of your life do you need to trust in God's unchanging goodness today, and how can you remind yourself of His faithfulness in that area?
Day 2: The Transformative Power of Church Planting
Church planting is a dynamic and effective way to spread the gospel and build vibrant communities of faith. By establishing new churches, believers create spaces where new believers can find hope and life in Jesus. This approach is particularly crucial in unreached areas, such as Long Island, where the presence of evangelical Christians is sparse. The act of planting churches not only brings new believers into the fold but also revitalizes communities, making a significant impact on the spiritual landscape. [27:06]
Acts 16:5 (ESV): "So the churches were strengthened in the faith, and they increased in numbers daily."
Reflection: How can you support or get involved in church planting efforts in your community, and what steps can you take to contribute to the growth of God's kingdom?
Day 3: Revitalizing the Heart of Existing Churches
Revitalizing struggling churches is essential for the health and vitality of the broader Christian community. By supporting these churches, believers help them become beacons of hope and transformation, reflecting the love of Christ in their communities. This commitment to revitalization is not about competition but about collaboration and co-laboring in Christ. It is a testament to God's faithfulness, as lives are transformed and communities are strengthened through renewed purpose and vision. [33:54]
Isaiah 58:12 (ESV): "And your ancient ruins shall be rebuilt; you shall raise up the foundations of many generations; you shall be called the repairer of the breach, the restorer of streets to dwell in."
Reflection: Is there a local church you know that is struggling? How can you offer support or encouragement to help revitalize its mission and impact?
Day 4: Strength in Ministry Partnerships
Partnerships with like-minded churches and ministries amplify efforts to advance God's kingdom. By working together, believers can achieve more than they could alone, fostering unity and shared purpose in the body of Christ. These collaborations strengthen the mission and vision of each participating entity, creating a larger family working together for a common goal. Such partnerships are a powerful testament to the unity and strength found in the body of Christ. [42:51]
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 (ESV): "Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!"
Reflection: Who is a like-minded individual or ministry you can partner with to further God's work, and what steps can you take to initiate or strengthen this partnership?
Day 5: Living Out Our Mission with Purpose
The mission to plant, revitalize, and partner is rooted in a commitment to building God's kingdom, not just individual churches. This requires a willingness to sacrifice and serve, trusting that God will use these efforts for His glory. By pouring out the blessings received, believers contribute to a greater purpose, knowing that their work is part of a global movement to bring the light of Christ to the world. This mission calls for dedication and a heart aligned with God's vision for His kingdom. [49:46]
Matthew 5:16 (ESV): "In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven."
Reflection: What specific action can you take today to live out your mission for God's kingdom, and how can you ensure that your efforts align with His greater purpose?
Quotes
"Good morning, Cornerstone. It's a pleasure to be in the house of the Lord with you this morning. I hope you came ready to praise the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords. You know, life isn't always good, but God is always good. Our circumstances change, but God never changes. Our life may go through ups and downs, but we will be with our Father for all eternity." [00:00:12]
"Don't live under your circumstances. Live above them. Let it go. And let God do whatever it is He wants to do in your life unconditionally. Stand with me and let's praise. Let it go. Sometimes I think of that moment the scriptures talk about we're face to face with the Father. When we close our eyes in this world and open them in heaven." [00:01:03]
"Today we're going to wrap up our series on who we are as a church. What is our DNA? What makes Cornerstone Cornerstone? And we do this every year because we want to affirm who we are, what we're here for, where we're going, and how we plan on getting there. Because to get where God wants this church to go, we really do need to do it together." [00:16:20]
"align how you live out your faith here with us side by side and we started week one with a message called our building blueprint so you have to know what you're going to build before you get busy doing it and we just established some simple fundamental truths about cornerstone number one jesus is our cornerstone like everything we do here and we do mean everything is aligned with his perfect will and to the best of our ability we try to do things his way the bible is the foundation for our faith we actually believe what it says we preach it we teach it and we do our best to live by it and then the framework we're building here all our structures all our systems our leadership our budget our calendar all helps us function the way the church is supposed to function according to the bible we're just not a complicated church next week we talked about our core values so our first core value was authenticity what that means is it's okay here not to be okay we expect you to come as you are and promise you that jesus won't leave you as you are so don't wear a mask don't come in here playing pretend we want to know the real you good bad and ugly sometimes we value love here i shouldn't even have to say that the scripture tells god is love and i have to say in god's house we value love hate has no place among god's people so if you're sitting here this morning you have hate for people that you don't truly know god's love because the two are incompatible and the number three is we value community yes we come in here individually but we do it so that we can live in community and actually be god's people together if you're a part of the family of god you are literally never alone unless you choose to be weeks three and four we talked about our mission once again simple this is what we do in here we build lives for christ and that's not complicated that means the first thing we do is we reach lost people with the gospel evangelism is a big part of what we do here we actually connect christians to the local church because while you don't have to go to church to be a christian you don't have to go home to be married either but you'd have a bad relationship with your spouse if you didn't we grow disciples in their faith we do not want you to be as spiritually mature 10 years from now as you are today something's wrong if you're not growing in your faith and then we serve all people with our gifts we're never more like jesus than more serving other people and that's what we want to be like that's our mission this morning as we close our series we're going to close with our vision so mission is in here vision is how we hope and pray to impact impact out there so our vision is equally" [00:17:06]
"simple we build god's kingdom and we do that by planting new churches we revitalize old churches and we partner with like -minded and like -hearted local church ministries so we can accomplish the work of our father that's it so today's message is building god's kingdom on long island because we don't want to be the largest church but we do want to lead the largest movement this country has seen since the last great awakening that's what we need let's pray father thank you so much for these precious moments where i have the privilege to proclaim your truth and father i ask that you would clear my mind you would lift up my heart that i would be able to speak this with boldness but yet love and grace that i would not be distracted lord father would you hide me behind your cross this morning so they would see less of me and more of you in jesus name we pray and god's people said amen all right acts chapter 16 acts chapter 16 this is a great book if you want to get acquainted with what it means to be a part of a local church this is when it starts this is how it explodes across the country across the continents and generations and the world so act 16 verse 9 says that night paul had a vision a man from macedonia in northern greece was standing there pleading with him come over to macedonia and help us so we decided to leave for macedonia at once having concluded god called us to preach the good news there and i want to connect this scripture to our lives because there's a direct impact and what we're doing here this morning at cornerstone so the first thing we want to talk this is a vision that god gave paul that changed the life of every single person here this morning what we're witnessing is the beginning of paul planting churches in europe but europe was an unreached people group today it still is it has gone backwards right they didn't have gospel preaching churches and god gives paul a vision if we're going to do this you got to plant churches there and paul says yes and then over the course of thousands of years generation after generation after generation the church starts planting churches that plant churches that plant churches that goes across every continent so the first church gets planted here in north america and then that church planted a church they planted another church and eventually in 1959 cornerstone got planted right here down the block we actually have some founding members here that remember that ron and barbara dandler were here when we were meeting the odd fellows hall you know older people had weird organizations like who called it the odd fellows hall what did that mean i don't even know it's interesting rotary clubs i don't even know what they were doing" [00:20:54]
"The most effective way to reach people for Jesus on a global scale is to plant churches in communities. How many of us have wandered into this church tired, broken, empty, hurting, and found hope and life in Jesus? I got hands on. This is what a church is in a community. It is literally heaven's embassy here on earth. This is different than any other ground." [00:24:27]
"We send a check, and we hope for the best. And that's not a bad thing. We should be supporting missionaries. That's part of who we are, but we also should be supporting church planting in our own communities. So there's a difference right here on Long Island. And let me say something that is scary, but probably not surprising, because most of us have lived here a long time. Did you know that Long Island has so few evangelical Christians that statistically speaking, that we qualify as an unreached people group? Do you hear that? If you just took all the terms off the paper and just left numbers, and there was a missions organization looking at Long Island, they'll go, we need to send a whole bunch of resources there. They don't know Jesus." [00:25:16]
"There's so much religion here, but so little relationship with Jesus. I mean, we have between Nassau and Suffolk alone. I won't even give you the numbers of Queens and Brooklyn, because they refuse to admit they're on Long Island. Like, if you're from Queens or Brooklyn watching this, you're on Long Island. Get over it. Nassau and Suffolk County has between 3 .6 and 4 million people. Let me put that in perspective for a minute. So we are the most populated island in the United States. We're the 17th most populated island in the world." [00:26:12]
"Yeah, but that's where all the traffic comes from. Now, with all that, we have roughly on any given Sunday, 600 evangelical and mainline Protestant churches. See that? If you just do some math, that's one church for every 5 ,000 to 6 ,000 people that live here. Now, the news gets worse. About half those churches don't believe the gospel. They no longer preach the Bible. So at any given moment, this morning, right now, there's roughly, give or take, 50 healthy... gospel -centered churches at Nassau and Suffolk County, give or take, that are growing and healthy. The church is hurting. We're going to talk about that in our next point." [00:27:06]
"It's just the nature of it all, but we're not just going to plant new churches and abandon existing churches. It's not plant churches or revitalize churches. It's yes, please. It's not either or. We don't have to choose. Paul didn't choose. Even in the first century, the churches that were planted struggled. So Paul and his crew would go circle back around, and we've got to strengthen these churches. Their members are fighting with each other. We would never do that, right?" [00:33:21]
"We know that God wants to breathe new life into dying churches, and that starts by Cornerstone taking a different posture. We live on an island, right? So you know this. You've gone to, like, six churches where, like, you know people that just kind of rotate. And so what happens is this posture becomes one of competition. But that's not how Cornerstone sees other churches. That is not us. Because our church is not in competition with any other church. We view them as co -laborers." [00:34:41]
"85 % to 90 % of all churches across our country are declining. 85%. When I got here 13 years ago, this church was one of them. I mean, if you're new here, like we're an outlier on Long Island. We actually have a lot of property and stuff. We have seven acres. We have this church building, which goes on and on and on. Typical Baptist church to build in additions. We got a school. We have an athletic facility. We have two houses. We got a big field, a small field." [00:35:31]
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