Cornerstone Simi Podcast

7-10-22 | Announcing the Good Reign of Jesus Christ | Christian Burkhardt

EP#33: The Greater Declaration

This inaugural podcast of the Summer ‘22 series on The Great Commission begins with Christian taking the opportunity to introduce us to Matthew 28:16-20.  (We encourage you  to listen to Christian’s Sunday teaching first as it will enhance your appreciation of this discussion with Todd and Spencer.)  The significant emphasis in this particular podcast is on verse 18, where Jesus declares, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.” You will appreciate the pastor’s discussion of when Jesus acquired His authority, and the significance it has today in our lives. Also of interest is that Jesus declares His authority before he gives the command to His disciples to go and make disciples!  If you experience timidity in your Christian walk you will also greatly appreciate the discussion on verse 20, where Jesus makes a second declaration that “I am with you always, to the end of the age.” In closing this podcast our pastors discuss the implications of these 2 declarations and our allegiance to Christ first and foremost.  You will undoubtedly rethink what you’ve previously believed about The Great Commission and this is a great introduction to the new series!  

7-3-22 | The Greater Declaration | Christian Burkhardt

EP#32: The Goodness of Confrontation Done Rightly

In this final podcast episode on 2 Thessalonians, Todd, Christian and Spencer discuss the Apostle Paul’s final words to the church in Thessalonica. Paul encourages the young believers to not “grow weary in doing good” but remarkably part of “doing good” is confronting others in the family of God, not in condemnation, but rather in love, to live out their identity in Christ as an image bearer of God.  Todd reminds us of the 6 characteristics of good confrontation and our pastors emphasize the point that this practice should be commonplace and normative in the Christian experience. They even make a bold statement that confrontation should be done often enough that it becomes life-giving and even joyful.  Listen in on their insightful discussion and consider the implications of confrontation done well in your own life.

6-26-22 | The Goodness of Confrontation Done Rightly | Todd Nighswonger

6-19-22 | The Beloved Son | Thomas Scherer

EP#31: Don’t Stop Me! Let Me Get to Work!

Cornerstone Elder Dan Lovejoy joins Todd and Christian this week for a discussion on 2 Thessalonians 3:6-12.  Noting that the apostle Paul uses the word “command” three times in these 7 verses, Dan points out that this is really important, what Paul is telling them (and us), and we need to pay attention.  Their discussion continues about the importance of work, and that God works, work was a gift in the Garden of Eden, and we will actually also work in Heaven in the new creation.  And if you ever used the command, “if you don't work, you don't eat”, out of context you will really enjoy this lively discussion on what this instruction really means.  Although this is a lengthy podcast you will benefit greatly by its content and it will shape your thinking to a more biblical approach to work, brotherhood, and working to the glory of God.

6-12-22 | Don’t stop me. Let me get to work! | Dan Lovejoy

EP#30: The Faithfulness of God

This week’s podcast covers the teaching from 2 Thessalonians 3:1-5 with our Executive Pastor, Mike Steinwender taking the lead in the discussion with Todd and Christian.  These 5 verses include Paul’s heartfelt plea for the believers to pray for him and Silas and Timothy as they continue preaching the truth of Jesus Christ as they did when they visited Thessalonica.  Paul goes on to encourage them to remain steadfast in Christ in their suffering, and to remember the faithfulness of God and His provision and protection from evil men.  Mike reminds us of Paul’s later teaching in I Corthinians 10:13 (which we have the blessing of knowing) where we are promised that no amount of temptation can overtake us and that God is always faithful and will provide a way of escape so that we can endure the trial.  The pastors conclude this podcast with a raw and honest discussion about the acceptability of asking God for our suffering to end, but also realizing the transformative work of God often happens during intense trials. Quoting Paul’s remarks in I Corinthians 16:8-9 where he explains that he will stay in Ephesus… “for a wide door for effective work has opened to me, and there are many adversaries”, suggesting to us that the best opportunities to spread the gospel are often accompanied by strong opposition. We need not be dismayed but rather proceed courageously knowing God is always faithful!

6-5-22 | The Faithfulness of God | Mike Steinwender