Cornerstone http://cornerstonekaty.org Cornerstone Evangelical Presbyterian Church Wed, 10 Mar 2010 16:31:52 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.7.1 en hourly 1 ©Cornerstone Church cdsanger@gmail.com (Cornerstone Church) cdsanger@gmail.com(Cornerstone Church) 1440 Gospel,Christ,Help,Church,Family,Jesus,Hurting Sermons from Cornerstone EPC, Katy, TX Cornerstone Evangelical Presbyterian Church Cornerstone Church Cornerstone Church cdsanger@gmail.com No no http://cornerstonekaty.org/wordpress/wp-content/themes/revolution_pro-40/images/cornerstonerss.jpg Cornerstone http://cornerstonekaty.org 144 144 Self-Denial http://cornerstonekaty.org/2010/03/07/self-denial/ http://cornerstonekaty.org/2010/03/07/self-denial/#comments Sun, 07 Mar 2010 22:12:22 +0000 admin http://cornerstonekaty.org/?p=1290 Jesus speaks to his disciples and explains that if they really want to follow him, it’s going to be hard. It’s going to be harder than they could imagine. He explains in verse Mark 8:34, “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.” That’s hard. It means giving up on your prospects here in order to follow Jesus into persecution, humiliation, and execution. It is a statement that suddenly distinguishes between two groups of people: the crowds that have been following Jesus because he’s been healing people of their diseases and casting out their evil spirits – the crowds that have seen the health and well-being plan in action from Jesus – and his true disciples, those who really want to follow him. To them he offers something entirely different: the death and persecution plan. To be a follower of Jesus means you must prepare yourself for the worst, not the best.

So, what makes Jesus so special that we would follow him into death and persecution? What makes Jesus so unique that we would be willing to abandon our prospects here and now? He does say that if we do we will find life, but what makes this so compelling? It is the person of Jesus more than the promise of Jesus that compels you to follow. The only thing that’s going to compel you to follow Jesus through death and persecution, is Jesus himself.

So let’s look at Jesus is this passage.

Mark 8:27-38 Self Denial - Discussion Guide

]]> http://cornerstonekaty.org/2010/03/07/self-denial/feed/ 39:53 Jesus speaks to his disciples and explains that if they really want to follow him, itrsquo;s going to be hard. Itrsquo;s going to be harder ... Jesus speaks to his disciples and explains that if they really want to follow him, itrsquo;s going to be hard. Itrsquo;s going to be harder than they could imagine. He explains in verse Mark 8:34, ldquo;If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.rdquo; Thatrsquo;s hard. It means giving up on your prospects here in order to follow Jesus into persecution, humiliation, and execution. It is a statement that suddenly distinguishes between two groups of people: the crowds that have been following Jesus because hersquo;s been healing people of their diseases and casting out their evil spirits ndash; the crowds that have seen the health and well-being plan in action from Jesus ndash; and his true disciples, those who really want to follow him. To them he offers something entirely different: the death and persecution plan. To be a follower of Jesus means you must prepare yourself for the worst, not the best. So, what makes Jesus so special that we would follow him into death and persecution? What makes Jesus so unique that we would be willing to abandon our prospects here and now? He does say that if we do we will find life, but what makes this so compelling? It is the person of Jesus more than the promise of Jesus that compels you to follow. The only thing thatrsquo;s going to compel you to follow Jesus through death and persecution, is Jesus himself. So letrsquo;s look at Jesus is this passage. Mark 8:27-38 Self Denial - Discussion Guide Sermons Cornerstone Church no No About what would you like to hear from the Bible? http://cornerstonekaty.org/2010/03/07/you-asked-for-it/ http://cornerstonekaty.org/2010/03/07/you-asked-for-it/#comments Sun, 07 Mar 2010 17:49:27 +0000 admin http://cornerstonekaty.org/?p=1276 Will you take a short survey and tell me what issues/topics you would like to hear about from the Bible? Our approach to sermon selection comes primarily through an attempt to preach exegetically through books at a time. We also try and balance between the Old and New Testaments and various genres of the Bible (poetry, [...]]]> whats-on-your-mind

Will you take a short survey and tell me what issues/topics you would like to hear about from the Bible?

Our approach to sermon selection comes primarily through an attempt to preach exegetically through books at a time. We also try and balance between the Old and New Testaments and various genres of the Bible (poetry, narrative history, parables, doctrine). At times, we take a topical approach. Later this Spring, I hope to do a series on issues/topics that are most on people’s minds. This survey seeks to discover those issues/topics. Would you please take a moment to complete the survey?

What do you consider your biggest struggle in life?





If you could ask God any question, what would you ask him?
About what topic do you think your unchurched friends and/or neighbors would most like to learn?





About what topic/issue would you most like to hear a sermon?
What is Your Biggest Fear?





Fill in the blank: I would be happy if only _________________.
What is it that leaves you feeling most refreshed?








]]> http://cornerstonekaty.org/2010/03/07/you-asked-for-it/feed/ Wanted: Wooden Creche http://cornerstonekaty.org/2010/03/03/wanted-wooden-creche/ http://cornerstonekaty.org/2010/03/03/wanted-wooden-creche/#comments Wed, 03 Mar 2010 16:55:03 +0000 Carol http://cornerstonekaty.org/?p=1289 The Children’s Ministry is looking to borrow a life sized wooden creche, or more specifically, a wooden trough.  It is needed for the filming of a nativity scene on March 15 or 16.  If your Christmas decorations include something like this would you consider allowing us to borrow it?

]]> http://cornerstonekaty.org/2010/03/03/wanted-wooden-creche/feed/ Parking Lot Concerns http://cornerstonekaty.org/2010/03/02/parking-lot-concerns/ http://cornerstonekaty.org/2010/03/02/parking-lot-concerns/#comments Tue, 02 Mar 2010 18:59:00 +0000 Carol http://cornerstonekaty.org/?p=1285 As of late, the parking lot has become the favorite hangout for kids who enjoy riding RipSticks.  So much so that it has now become a safety issue for our resident RipStickers.  Because we are quite sure those on the RipSticks would not fare well in a confrontation with a motor vehicle we strongly suggest the RipSticks be left at home on Wednesday nights and Sunday mornings.  Parents, we thank you for your assistance in this matter.

]]> http://cornerstonekaty.org/2010/03/02/parking-lot-concerns/feed/ Be Part of a Research Study on Faith http://cornerstonekaty.org/2010/03/01/be-part-of-a-research-study-on-faith/ http://cornerstonekaty.org/2010/03/01/be-part-of-a-research-study-on-faith/#comments Mon, 01 Mar 2010 18:11:17 +0000 admin http://cornerstonekaty.org/?p=1282 I was recently contacted by a doctoral candidate at the University of Texas who is looking for willing participants to take part in a survey he plans to use to show the affect of faith on mental health. I took the survey and it took me about 20 minutes. If you would like to participate, [...]]]> I was recently contacted by a doctoral candidate at the University of Texas who is looking for willing participants to take part in a survey he plans to use to show the affect of faith on mental health. I took the survey and it took me about 20 minutes. If you would like to participate, it would be a help to Mr. Garcia and his research. If you plan to take it, you must do so be the end of March. The link to the survey is www.surveymonkey.com/s/study38. Below is a slide explaining his work.

Blessings,
Carter

research-study

]]> http://cornerstonekaty.org/2010/03/01/be-part-of-a-research-study-on-faith/feed/ Called to Feed the Hungry http://cornerstonekaty.org/2010/02/28/called-to-feed-the-hungry/ http://cornerstonekaty.org/2010/02/28/called-to-feed-the-hungry/#comments Sun, 28 Feb 2010 20:17:35 +0000 admin http://cornerstonekaty.org/?p=1279 Someone recently sent me an email that told the story of an old man who frequently went out onto a pier by the water to feed seagulls. People saw and thought of him as an odd old man, perhaps even sad, doing that as often as he did. But as the story unfolded we learn that this odd behavior had an explanation to it. This man was part of the military and while out on one of his missions, he and his crew were shipwrecked and stranded out at sea. They drifted for days on some of the wreckage. Somehow they had secured some water from the ship but were without food and starvation became a real threat. As hope was quickly slipping away and this now old man was napping, he was startled awake by a seagull that landed on his face. He quickly grabbed it before it could fly away and he and his crew proceeded to tear it apart and eat much of it. They saved some of the guts to use as bait to catch a few fish, which they then used as bait for more fish. This started a cycle that brought them through many weeks stranded at sea until a rescue boat spotted and found them.

Ever since that experience, the old man went out to the pier to feed the seagulls as a way of thanking the seagull that gave up his life to save he and his crew that fateful day. It forever changed the outlook of his life. He didn’t mind looking odd to the people around him.

When you hear his story, his feeding of the gulls makes sense. In fact, it almost seems necessary to complete the story. If it hadn’t ended like that, it would seem that something was missing.

Christianity tells a story similar to this old man’s story. It tells us of one who gave up his life to feed dying people who, once fed, cannot help but go out to feed others. In the same way, we would say the Christian story isn’t complete unless those for whom Christ died do go out to feed others.

This event in the gospels points powerfully to this pattern. Because Jesus satisfies our hunger, we must go out to feed others. To feel the real power of this event, we must unpack the historical, political, and cultural contexts. That’s what I want to do as we look at the state of the people: hungry, fed, and called to feed.

Mk 6:30-44 Called to Feed the Hungry - Discussion Guide

]]> http://cornerstonekaty.org/2010/02/28/called-to-feed-the-hungry/feed/ 35:58 Someone recently sent me an email that told the story of an old man who frequently went out onto a pier by the water to ... Someone recently sent me an email that told the story of an old man who frequently went out onto a pier by the water to feed seagulls. People saw and thought of him as an odd old man, perhaps even sad, doing that as often as he did. But as the story unfolded we learn that this odd behavior had an explanation to it. This man was part of the military and while out on one of his missions, he and his crew were shipwrecked and stranded out at sea. They drifted for days on some of the wreckage. Somehow they had secured some water from the ship but were without food and starvation became a real threat. As hope was quickly slipping away and this now old man was napping, he was startled awake by a seagull that landed on his face. He quickly grabbed it before it could fly away and he and his crew proceeded to tear it apart and eat much of it. They saved some of the guts to use as bait to catch a few fish, which they then used as bait for more fish. This started a cycle that brought them through many weeks stranded at sea until a rescue boat spotted and found them. Ever since that experience, the old man went out to the pier to feed the seagulls as a way of thanking the seagull that gave up his life to save he and his crew that fateful day. It forever changed the outlook of his life. He didnrsquo;t mind looking odd to the people around him. When you hear his story, his feeding of the gulls makes sense. In fact, it almost seems necessary to complete the story. If it hadnrsquo;t ended like that, it would seem that something was missing. Christianity tells a story similar to this old manrsquo;s story. It tells us of one who gave up his life to feed dying people who, once fed, cannot help but go out to feed others. In the same way, we would say the Christian story isnrsquo;t complete unless those for whom Christ died do go out to feed others. This event in the gospels points powerfully to this pattern. Because Jesus satisfies our hunger, we must go out to feed others. To feel the real power of this event, we must unpack the historical, political, and cultural contexts. Thatrsquo;s what I want to do as we look at the state of the people: hungry, fed, and called to feed. Mk 6:30-44 Called to Feed the Hungry - Discussion Guide Sermons Cornerstone Church no No Kids, Be Part of the Action! http://cornerstonekaty.org/2010/02/23/kids-be-part-of-the-action/ http://cornerstonekaty.org/2010/02/23/kids-be-part-of-the-action/#comments Tue, 23 Feb 2010 18:13:53 +0000 Carol http://cornerstonekaty.org/?p=1275 We are inviting all the children of Cornerstone to be part of a video re-telling of The Three Trees to be shown to the congregation on Palm Sunday during worship service.  Following the video the children will sing live in front of the congregation.  The children will NOT be required to do both.  They can choose one or both of these opportunities.
We hope to shoot the video during the week of Spring Break, March 13-20, providing we have enough participants in town to complete the project.  Jeremy Smith will be the videographer.  And most of the work will be done at the Harper’s place.
The rehearsals for the singers will be led by Reagan Harper and will take place during the Sunday School hour.  Dates TBA.
If you are interested please contact Mrs. Kutzer ASAP (281) 579-1080 or info@CornerstoneKaty.org.

]]> http://cornerstonekaty.org/2010/02/23/kids-be-part-of-the-action/feed/ Commissioned http://cornerstonekaty.org/2010/02/23/commissioned/ http://cornerstonekaty.org/2010/02/23/commissioned/#comments Tue, 23 Feb 2010 18:11:06 +0000 admin http://cornerstonekaty.org/?p=1273 Jesus commissions his disciples into service. He commissions us to work alongside him in the work that he himself is doing. Sometimes it doesn’t end up exactly as we think it should. I’m sure it would be much easier for God to do the work himself. Instead, he chooses to include us, even when we don’t get it right.

Because Jesus commissions us, we must go. What does it mean to be commissioned? How does Jesus prepare us for such commissioning?

Mk 6:7-13 Commissioned - Discussion guide

]]> http://cornerstonekaty.org/2010/02/23/commissioned/feed/ 35:33 Jesus commissions his disciples into service. He commissions us to work alongside him in the work that he himself is doing. Sometimes it doesnrsquo;t end ... Jesus commissions his disciples into service. He commissions us to work alongside him in the work that he himself is doing. Sometimes it doesnrsquo;t end up exactly as we think it should. Irsquo;m sure it would be much easier for God to do the work himself. Instead, he chooses to include us, even when we donrsquo;t get it right. Because Jesus commissions us, we must go. What does it mean to be commissioned? How does Jesus prepare us for such commissioning? Mk 6:7-13 Commissioned - Discussion guide Sermons Cornerstone Church no No Call to prayer http://cornerstonekaty.org/2010/02/17/call-to-prayer/ http://cornerstonekaty.org/2010/02/17/call-to-prayer/#comments Wed, 17 Feb 2010 17:03:38 +0000 admin http://cornerstonekaty.org/?p=1269 And I tell you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened. - Jesus (Lk 11:9-10) In the context of teaching his [...]]]> pray

And I tell you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened. - Jesus (Lk 11:9-10)

In the context of teaching his disciples to pray, Jesus gives us the Lord’s prayer. It is a prayer that reflects the mission of Jesus - that God’s name would be “hallowed” (revered) and His Kingdom would come. His Kingdom comes in the form of the church. In other words, Jesus encourages us to pray for the growth of the church, and accompanies this encouragement with fantastic promises to answer.

In light of this, would you join us each morning now through March (in your own quiet time with the Lord) in praying specifically:

  • That God would grow our gospel-influence in the city of Katy
  • That God would ignite our zeal for reaching the lost.
  • That God would unite us as a church behind our vision.

This prayer won’t take long. When you pray, pray expectantly, as God has already promised to answer. He answers not because you, or Cornerstone, is righteous, but because it is God’s mission.

Will you let us know you are joining us in prayer by putting your name in the comment box below? We want to see this list grow so that we might know we are not alone each morning when we pray these things. We will know that our voices are going up with your voices in the name of Jesus (which means by the authorization of Jesus) to God.

Until the stone (which is the church) becomes a mountain and fills the earth (Daniel 2:35),
Carter

]]> http://cornerstonekaty.org/2010/02/17/call-to-prayer/feed/ The Path of Faith http://cornerstonekaty.org/2010/02/16/the-path-of-faith/ http://cornerstonekaty.org/2010/02/16/the-path-of-faith/#comments Tue, 16 Feb 2010 18:54:44 +0000 admin http://cornerstonekaty.org/?p=1266 The journey of Christian faith often costs a lot. But we find at the end more than we expect; more than we might hope for or imagine. As we look at these two case studies – the synagogue ruler, Jairus, and the bleeding woman – we get a picture of what the path of faith looks like. In the end, it is only a faith in Jesus overcomes our worst fears.

Mark 5:21-43 The Path of Faith - Discussion guide

]]> http://cornerstonekaty.org/2010/02/16/the-path-of-faith/feed/ 38:30 The journey of Christian faith often costs a lot. But we find at the end more than we expect; more than we might hope for ... The journey of Christian faith often costs a lot. But we find at the end more than we expect; more than we might hope for or imagine. As we look at these two case studies ndash; the synagogue ruler, Jairus, and the bleeding woman ndash; we get a picture of what the path of faith looks like. In the end, it is only a faith in Jesus overcomes our worst fears. Mark 5:21-43 The Path of Faith - Discussion guide Sermons Cornerstone Church no No