Cornerstone Simi Podcast

EP#16: Beyond Sunday - Holiness: Walking in a Way That Pleases God in Our Sexuality

This week’s episode continues on the theme of holiness in a discussion with Todd, Christian and Spencer.  But in this discussion they narrow their focus to the topic of sexual integrity and what it looks like to walk, or conduct oneself, to please God.  In I Thessalonians 4:1-8, Paul instructs the believers to “abstain from sexual immorality…to control his own body in holiness and honor… and not to wrong his brother”... but what does this really mean?  And how do we live this out in our current culture?   The pastors gently and honorably discuss the nuances of today’s culture and the challenges we each face in striving to display God well to an unbelieving world.  They engage in a fascinating discussion about what it means to steward our sexuality as a person who is created in the image of God.  This is part two of an on-going discussion that you will find inspiring and life-giving!

EP#15: Beyond Sunday - Holiness: Walking in a Way That Pleases God

Todd opens this week’s podcast discussion with Christian and Spencer with the question, “Why is the topic of holiness important?”  Christian responds by explaining that our culture is largely egalitarian without an emphasis on class distinctions, so naturally it is difficult for us to fully understand the biblical definition of holiness, to be those who are “set apart” for God’s glory and purposes.  But in reality, from Creation forward, mankind was always created in the image of God and consequently those He “set apart” were called to display God well and to be a people who He uses to bless the nations of the world.  Using I Thessalonians 4:1-8 as their text, our pastors go on to explain that it is God’s will that we be sanctified, or set apart for holiness, but that this is a life-long process in the present day, but at the return of Christ our sanctification will be perfected! Using the geographic illustration of the city of Jerusalem, the pastors go on to explain what God meant by living “in” the world as a people set apart, and yet not being “of” the world and living out distortions of God’s design.  This episode is a terrific introduction to the topic of sexual integrity within the confines of holy living which is discussed in the next episode.

2-20-22 | Holiness: Walking in a Way that Pleases God | Christian Burkhardt

2-13-22 | Faithfulness Pt 3 | Todd Nighswonger

EP#14: Beyond Sunday - Faithfulness: Boldness Redefined, Part Three

Todd, Christian, and Spencer conclude their discussion on biblical boldness in this final episode on the topic.  Using the text from I Thessalonians 2:17 - 3:13 they again emphasize the difference between our common view of boldness and the biblical example of Paul and the believers in Thessalonica.  For them, their boldness was a reflection of their total hope and dependence on Jesus Christ and His promised return and ability to bring justice to their suffering. Although this will never be “natural” for us our pastors teach us that we too can forgo the world’s way of being bold because Christ is on the throne!

EP#13: Beyond Sunday - Faithfulness: Boldness Redefined, Part Two

Have you ever thought that you can actually be bold by living out of your weakness? In today’s podcast with Todd, Christian, and Spencer they discuss this reality using the text in I Thessalonians 2:13-16.  Again using the family as a backdrop, the Apostle Paul is encouraging the believers as their brother, that they actually can boldly proclaim the gospel out of their weakness and suffering.  And not only speak the gospel but also live it out so that God is glorified through their lives.  Remarkably, Spencer states that “suffering is a legitimate means of advancing the gospel”. Though Todd and Christian also agree that this posture does not come naturally!  Listen in on this dynamic conversation, and consider how this truth can change the way you live for Christ.

2-6-22 | Faithfulness Pt 2 | Todd Nighswonger

EP#12: Beyond Sunday - Faithfulness: Boldness Redefined, Part One

In this week's episode of Beyond Sunday, Todd, Christian and Spencer continue their conversation through the book of I Thessalonians, specifically Chapter 2, verses 1-12.  Christian takes the lead in this discussion by redefining what is meant by Paul’s boldness and he helps us see that Paul’s actions are always motivated by love for his brothers and sisters in Christ and that this is reflected by his openness and vulnerability with them.  Paul teaches them (and us) that the gospel is spread through both our words and our lifestyles and that our aim is to always put God on display well!  

1-30-22 | Faithfulness, Pt 1 | Christian Burkhardt

EP#11: Beyond Sunday - Faith, Hope and Love: Celebrating God’s Power

This second episode on the series teaching on I Thessalonians has Paul recounting the "Work of Faith, the Labor of Love, and the Steadfast Hope" the believers in Thessalonica displayed and the impact they had on all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia and territories beyond their knowledge. You too will be encouraged that in spite of affliction, you can turn away from idols and worship the living and true God and have a profound impact on the world. Pastors Todd and Christian, along with Spencer have a great conversation that will surely be an encouragement to you in this challenging season!