Cornerstone Simi Audio Podcast

In this week’s podcast Bob Kreycik joins Todd and Christian in a discussion on 2 Thessalonians 2:13-17. Bob reminds us that this letter from Paul is addressed to young, first generation Christians that are struggling in their faith and are under persecution. Bob focuses on verse 13, assuring them (and us) that God chose them to believe in the saving work of Christ and that their sanctification will come through the Spirit and their belief in the truth. The men then link this truth to the Old Testament promise that God would choose a people for Himself, and for His glory. For the Bible nerds listening, you will love the discussion on “firstfruits”. They conclude the podcast with encouragement that the truth of eternity with Christ in our future, will help us persevere through the trials we face now.

This interview with Shannon Sergey, founder of Forever Found, is at times deeply theological, sometimes hilariously funny, and often deeply moving. Todd Nighswonger and Billy Kappen interview Shannon as part of a new series with Cornerstone’s ministry partners. Shannon shares some personal details of her life and also the inspiration behind her fight for the marginalized, poor and oppressed. With biblical clarity she calls us to faithfulness in having a heart for those who God calls out in scripture for special care and affection. You will be both convicted and inspired by her testimony and pursuit of freedom for the afflicted.

Today’s podcast is from 2 Thessalonians 1:5-12 and this week Christian asks the question, “why is it important that we understand both the coming judgment of God and also the impending glory of God?” With Todd and Spencer joining the conversation the pastors help us see that these two realities are two sides of the same coin. For those who embrace the truth of scripture, they will see and revel in the glory of God. But for those who refuse the truth of who Jesus is, they will only see destruction and judgment. As difficult as this is for us to understand, our pastors walk us through scripture and help us trust God with the outcomes at the second coming of Christ. They also encourage us to have the mind of Christ toward those who are lost and what our appropriate response should be in seeking their reconciliation with God.

This podcast begins a new teaching series on 2 Thessalonians. Christian takes the lead in the conversation discussing just the first 5 verses in Paul’s letter. But these critical verses set the tone for the entire letter as Paul assures these newer followers of Christ that their suffering is not because they missed the second coming of Christ but rather evidence that they are indeed growing in faith and love and are walking in a manner worthy of the Kingdom of God. Pastors Todd and Spencer join Christian in an insightful discussion of what it means to live rightly in an “upside-down Kingdom” in contrast to our American culture of power-seeking and independent living. You will surely be challenged to rethink what it means for us to live as servants of the eternal King!

This episode of the Beyond Sunday Podcast is the final one in the study of I Thessalonians and Todd, Christian and Spencer discuss the passage found in Chapter 5, verses 19-22. Where last week the pastors discussed verses 16-18, where we, the Church is speaking to God, in the passage this week, God is speaking to His Church. Todd emphasizes that God has always wanted to speak to His people, and He often does it through prophets in the Old Testament and specifically Moses, who is directed to communicate the will and heart of God. The pastor’s conversation continues by defining 4 main roles and functions of prophecy - to correct, protect, remind and comfort God’s people. The discussion concludes with a lively exchange about whether prophecy continues today or if it ceased long ago - you’ll be encouraged as you listen in, and perhaps surprised by the grace expressed by our leaders!

Our pastors, Todd, Christian, and Spencer, focus this week’s podcast on I Thessalonians 5:16-18. “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” Todd boldly proclaims that “we’ll never be the church as God intended unless we are doing this together”! These instructions from Paul are meant to be a “y’all” reality, where something special would happen when we are all together in rejoicing, praying and offering thanks to God. These instructions are both descriptive and prescriptive for the Church and are also both normative and transformative in the life of believers! Listen in as the trio discusses how this is happening in the local church, Cornerstone!

In this special Easter podcast, Todd, Spencer and Christian expand our understanding of the ramifications of Christ’s death and resurrection. Spencer reminds us of the account in Genesis 3 where mankind is devastated and we must now live with the consequences of our rebellion against God, but he then goes on to explain that Jesus not only conquered death and sin, but also overcame our guilt, shame and fear. Jesus forever bore the debt we owed to give the honor due to God. God is always trying to bring His goodness to bear on our lives, and it is through Jesus, that He redeems and conquers to bring restoration to all things and display His Kingship. Yes, we rightly claim Jesus as our Savior but we must not forget that He is also King and this is the culmination of the Good News! To conclude this podcast the pastors help us understand the responsibility we now hold to share this Good News to expand the Kingdom and bring freedom to our desperate world.

Continuing on in I Thessalonians, this week and next week Todd walks us through Chapter 5, verses 12-28. In this podcast, Todd, Spencer, and Christian focus their attention on helping us understand how we collectively, as Christ-followers, are to live in order to make a name for God and influence a watching world for His Glory. Beginning with encouraging one another and building one another up, and moving on to respecting the leadership God has established over us, the pastors remind us that this posture is radically different than the way the world in general operates. Ours is an “upside-down kingdom”, where servant leadership is honored and expected. Our pastors continue in a great discussion on verse 14, elaborating on what it means to “admonish the idle, encourage the faint-hearted and help the weak… all while being patient”. And when this is difficult and confusing, it is God Himself who works in and among us and through us to bring about His intended purpose for our lives. Enjoy this lively and co

This week’s episode features a vulnerable and transparent discussion with 3 women from our Cornerstone family around the topic of sexual brokenness. Lisa, Val and Robin each discuss aspects of their own sexual brokenness in the context of our pastor’s teaching in I Thessalonians 4:1-5, where Paul instructs us to “abstain from sexual immorality”. Although each woman’s story is different, each of them experienced the redemptive work of God that allowed them to flourish and be transformed, in spite of their brokenness, to honor God and display Him well. This episode includes sensitive and personal information and is not recommended for children. Please be cautious when listening if small children are present. Our prayer is that you will be blessed by this discussion and that you too will seek assistance if you are suffering in this area of your life.