Cornerstone Simi Podcast

EP#17: Beyond Sunday - Sexuality and the Story of God

This week’s episode with Todd, Christian and Spencer returns to the passage in I Thessalonians 4:1-8 where Paul instructs us how we are to walk with God which includes to “abstain from sexual immorality”. Those unfamiliar with the concept of Scripture being a Story that God is writing from eternity past to eternity future will particularly benefit from listening to this episode.  The pastors recount the beginning of the story in Genesis, with man and woman living in perfection, then the entrance of sin (Genesis 3) and the devastation that sin has brought to mankind.  But in God’s grace He brought redemption through the birth, death and resurrection of Jesus which gives us hope for a return to perfection in all things in the new creation.  One of the most significant segments of this episode is the discussion of our principal identity - that of being created in the image of God - and not our sexuality.  First and foremost, the “most central aspect of humanity is that we were made in His image, we have a responsibility to rule in partnership with Him and we are to put Him on display”, and this includes the choices we make in our expression of our own sexuality.

3-6-22 | Hopefulness: The Coming of the King, Pt 1 | Christian Burkhardt

2-27-22 | Love: Walking in a Way that Pleases God | Todd Nighswonger

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