Riverton Cornerstone Community Church

cccriverton

Hear sermons and series from pastor Ian McFarland from Cornerstone Community Church in Riverton Wyoming. Ian preaches the good news about Jesus Christ and his saving grace.

  1. Oct 27

    Something Old, Something New

    Something Old, Something New | An Introduction to 2 Thessalonians What do we need to understand about the world of the New Testament to better understand God's Word today? And what is the great mystery of the gospel that brings people from every nation, background, and walk of life together through Jesus Christ? In this sermon, “Something Old, Something New,” we begin our journey through the book of 2 Thessalonians by revisiting the historical, cultural, and spiritual background of the early church. We explore the world in which the Apostle Paul wrote to the Thessalonian believers and consider why these foundational truths remain so important for Christians today. The Jewish people were chosen by God for a special purpose, but their calling was never a reason for spiritual pride or self-righteousness. Likewise, the Gentiles, despite their different religious and cultural backgrounds, were not beyond the reach of God's grace. Both groups needed the same Savior. The great mystery revealed through Jesus Christ is that God's saving work is not limited to one people, nation, or background. Through the cross, Jesus brings people to God and makes peace between those who were once divided. We'll also examine the founding of the church in Thessalonica, Paul's deep affection for these young believers, and the challenges they faced as they sought to follow Christ in a hostile culture. In this message, we'll explore: Why understanding the historical background of the Bible matters The difference between genuine righteousness and self-righteousness Why religious heritage and outward behavior cannot replace a transformed heart The biblical distinction between Jews and Gentiles The mystery of the gospel and God's plan to bring people to Himself through Jesus Christ How the cross breaks down the dividing walls of hostility The early church in Thessalonica and the persecution its believers endured Why Paul wrote 1 and 2 Thessalonians and the issues he sought to address As we prepare to study 2 Thessalonians verse by verse, we're reminded that the gospel calls us to humility, faithfulness, and complete reliance on Christ. Our hope is not found in our heritage, our religious accomplishments, or our own goodness. Our hope is found in Jesus alone. Whether you're new to the Bible or have studied it for decades, revisiting these foundational truths helps us better understand God's Word, appreciate the richness of the gospel, and grow together as the body of Christ. There is no life apart from life in Jesus Christ, and He is worth our everything. 📖 Main Scripture: 2 Thessalonians 1:1–2📖 Additional Scriptures: Acts 17:1; Matthew 3:7–9; John 8:31–36; 2 Corinthians 5:19; Colossians 1:25–27; Ephesians 2:14–18; 1 Thessalonians 1–2 If this message encourages you, please like the video, share it with someone who would benefit from it, and subscribe for more Bible-centered sermons and verse-by-verse teaching. #2Thessalonians #BibleStudy #ChristianSermon #TheGospel #JesusChrist #ExpositoryPreaching #NewTestament #BiblicalTeaching

  2. Oct 26

    From Very Little to Very Great

    # From Very Little to Very Great Have you ever wondered if your prayers matter? Have you ever felt discouraged in ministry, struggled to see the fruit of your faith, or questioned whether your faithful obedience is making a difference? In this encouraging sermon from **Luke 13:18–21**, we explore Jesus’ parables of the mustard seed and the yeast, discovering a powerful truth: **God can bring something very great from something that seems very small.** Our faith may sometimes feel weak, our prayers may seem unanswered, and our efforts to serve the Lord may go unnoticed. But God sees every act of genuine faith. Every prayer, every word of encouragement, every act of kindness, and every step of obedience matters when it is done in faith. Jesus reminds us that His kingdom often begins in ways the world considers insignificant. Like a tiny mustard seed that grows into a great plant or a little yeast that works its way through an entire batch of dough, God works through what seems small to accomplish things far greater than we can imagine. In this message, we’ll consider: - Why genuine faith matters even when it feels small or weak - How to keep praying when we don't see answers - Why faithful service matters even when no one notices - What Jesus’ parables of the mustard seed and yeast teach us about the growth of God’s kingdom - Why we can trust God even when we don't see the results in our lifetime - How to persevere in faith instead of giving in to discouragement Drawing from Luke 13, Galatians 6:9, Hebrews 11, and other passages of Scripture, this sermon encourages us to keep trusting, keep praying, and keep serving the Lord. We may never see all the fruit of our faith in this lifetime, but we can trust that God is at work. **Little is much when God is in it.** Don't give up simply because you cannot see what God is doing. Our calling is to walk in genuine faith and faithful obedience, leaving the results in His hands. If you’ve been feeling weary, discouraged, or uncertain whether your faithfulness makes a difference, we pray this message strengthens your heart and encourages you to press on. 📖 **Main Scripture:** Luke 13:18–21 📖 **Additional Scriptures:** Galatians 6:9, Hebrews 11:13, Psalm 72:8, Revelation 11:15 If this message encourages you, please consider liking the video, sharing it with someone who needs encouragement, and subscribing for more Bible-centered sermons and teaching. #ChristianSermon #Faith #Luke13 #Prayer #Perseverance #ChristianEncouragement #MustardSeed #GodsKingdom

  3. Oct 15

    The Compelled Life of the Reconciled

    The Compelled Life of the Reconciled What compels you to live for Christ? In this powerful message, Pastor Gordon Penfold explores 2 Corinthians 5 and explains why the love of Jesus Christ should transform the way we live, serve others, and share the Gospel. As Christians, we are called to live with eternity in mind. One day, we will stand before the judgment seat of Christ and give an account of how we used the time, talents, and resources God entrusted to us. This reality should lead us to live with humility, faithfully serve our Savior, and recognize that our lives are about bringing glory to Christ—not ourselves. Pastor Gordon examines five spiritual realities that should compel every believer to renewed commitment and action: The Judgment Seat of Christ: Remembering that our lives and service matter in light of eternity. Liberating Humility: Understanding that Christian ministry is not about personal recognition, titles, or accomplishments, but about serving Jesus Christ. The Compelling Love of Christ: Allowing the love Jesus demonstrated through His death and resurrection to motivate extraordinary love and service toward others. The Transformed New Life: Recognizing that anyone who is in Christ is a new creation, changed by the power of the Gospel. The Ministry of Reconciliation: Accepting our responsibility to share the message of reconciliation and invite others into a restored relationship with God through Jesus Christ. Drawing from personal experiences, missionary stories, and real-life opportunities to share the Gospel, Pastor Gordon reminds us that God can use our faithfulness in ways we may never fully see. The sacrifices we make for Christ are never simply about us; they are part of His greater purpose. Second Corinthians 5:20 declares that believers are ambassadors for Christ. We represent our Savior in our homes, workplaces, churches, and communities. We must be ready to speak the truth in love, share the hope of salvation, and take the opportunities God places before us. This message also offers a direct challenge to anyone who has grown up in church or participated in religious activities without personally trusting Jesus Christ. Church attendance and outward appearances cannot replace a genuine relationship with the Savior. True transformation begins when we place our faith in Christ alone. The love of Christ compels us. Whether you need to take that first step of faith or renew your commitment to serve the Lord, this sermon challenges you to live with eternity in view, embrace the new life Christ provides, and be available for God to use. Listen and consider: Is your life reflecting the love of Christ, and are you willing to be His ambassador? 2 Corinthians 5:8–21 — The judgment seat of Christ, the love of Christ, new life, reconciliation, and Christian ambassadors 2 Corinthians 5:14–15 — Living no longer for ourselves, but for Christ 2 Corinthians 5:17 — Becoming a new creation in Christ 2 Corinthians 5:18–20 — The ministry of reconciliation and our calling as ambassadors for Christ 2 Corinthians 5:21 — Christ taking our sin so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him Live with eternity in mind and seek to please Christ. Practice humility by putting Jesus and His purposes ahead of personal recognition. Let the love of Christ motivate compassionate service and faithful obedience. Understand that salvation brings genuine transformation and new life. Share the Gospel and pursue opportunities to help others know Jesus. Do not allow pride, fear, or missed opportunities to keep you from reaching out to others. Remember that God saves us not only for our own benefit, but also to use us in His work.

  4. Oct 15

    The In Between Time

    The In Between Time How should we live in the time between trusting Jesus Christ for salvation and the day we stand with Him in eternity? In this message, The In Between Time, we explore Hebrews 10:19–25 and discover why God calls believers not only to draw near to Him but also to remain steadfast in faith, encourage one another, and commit to life together in the local church. Because of Jesus’ perfect sacrifice, we have access to God, forgiveness for our sins, and a living hope that rests on His faithfulness. But the Christian life is not meant to be passive. God calls us to respond to His grace by pursuing Him wholeheartedly, holding firmly to the hope we profess, and helping other believers grow in love and good deeds. Hebrews 10:25 is often quoted as a reminder not to skip church. But this passage offers something much deeper than a warning about attendance. It reveals the importance of the local church in the life of a Christian and the vital role believers play in helping one another remain faithful to Christ. The local church is more than a place we visit. It is a community where we worship, grow, serve, encourage one another, and pursue Christ together. This sermon explores four important exhortations from Hebrews 10: Draw near to God. Respond to His grace with sincere faith and a wholehearted pursuit of Him. Hold firmly to your hope. Our hope is secure because the One who made the promise is faithful. Spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Replace criticism, competition, grudges, and division with kindness, forgiveness, and a shared commitment to Christ. Keep meeting together and encouraging one another. Christian community is an essential part of how believers grow and persevere in faith. We are living in the in-between time: the days between Christ’s first coming and His return, between our present lives and the promised resurrection and eternal kingdom. We do not know how much time we have, but we know the One who holds the future. That truth should shape how we spend our time, where we invest our hearts, and how seriously we take our relationships with Christ and His people. This message challenges us to examine our priorities. Are we arranging our lives around our love for Jesus, or are we fitting Him into whatever time remains? Are we actively drawing closer to Him and helping others do the same, or are we allowing our faith to become distant and passive? God calls us to more than occasional religious activity. He calls us to a living faith, a faithful commitment to Christ, and a meaningful life together with His people. As the day of Christ’s return draws nearer, may we hold unswervingly to our hope, encourage one another all the more, and remain faithful until the end. Our hope is secure because God is faithful. Our journey is not meant to be traveled alone. And the time we have today is an opportunity to live for what lasts forever. Hebrews 10:19–25 Hebrews 4:14 Matthew 16:13–17 James 4:8 Have you sincerely placed your faith in Jesus Christ? What does it mean to draw near to God with a sincere heart? Is your hope grounded in God’s faithfulness or in your circumstances? How can you encourage other believers toward love and good deeds? Why is gathering with a local church more significant than simply attending a weekly service? Are you building your life around your relationship with Christ, or fitting Him around other priorities? How can your church community help you persevere in faith? How should the promise of Christ’s return shape the way you live today?

  5. Oct 1

    Into The Unknown

    Into the Unknown What do you do when God calls you to move forward, but you can’t see where He is leading? In this message, we walk through **Genesis 12:1–9** and the calling of Abram, a man who was willing to leave behind his homeland, comfort, security, and everything familiar because he trusted the God who called him. Abram didn’t have a detailed roadmap. He had a promise—and that promise was enough. The Christian life often requires the same kind of faith. Following God means recognizing that we are not in control, stepping outside our comfort zones, trusting God’s timing and provision, and being willing to move forward even when we cannot see what lies ahead. The central reminder of this message is simple: “Nowhere is somewhere when God is leading.” Abram’s story teaches us that our feet may need to walk in faith before our eyes see the destination. God does not always give us every detail before He asks us to obey. Instead, He calls us to trust Him because we know **who** we are following. This message explores what it means to: * Trust God when you cannot see the future * Step out of your comfort zone in faith * Follow God even when His plans are unknown * Recognize that God’s calling can require leaving behind what is comfortable * Put Christ above every other relationship and priority * Remember that God can use us at every stage of life * Walk with other believers instead of trying to follow Christ alone * Build “altars” of remembrance by continually recalling God’s faithfulness * Persevere when God’s promises seem far away * Live with an eternal perspective rather than holding tightly to this temporary world * Trust God’s timing, provision, and purposes for our lives * Follow God even when our feet must walk before our eyes can see The message also connects Abram’s story to **Acts 7, Hebrews 11, Matthew 10, Psalm 119, John 20, and James 4**, showing how Scripture consistently calls God’s people to faith, obedience, perseverance, and dependence on Him. Whether you are facing an uncertain season personally, considering a major step of faith, wondering what God has next for your life, or seeking to follow Him more faithfully as part of a church family, Abram’s story reminds us that **we may not know where we are going, but we can know who we are following.** As believers, we are not ultimately headed toward a temporary earthly destination. We are looking forward to the resurrection and the eternal kingdom of God. Until that day, we are called to keep walking, keep trusting, keep worshiping, and keep following. **Follow God even when you don't see. Trust Him even when you don't understand. Keep going because His promise is enough.** ## Scripture References * Genesis 12:1–9 * Acts 7:2–8 * Matthew 10:37 * Psalm 119:115 * Luke * Matthew * Hebrews 11:8–16

  6. Sep 24

    With All We Have And All We Are

    With All That We Are and All That We Have What does it look like to trust God with the future of a local church? What does it mean to faithfully steward what God has entrusted to us while keeping our focus on the gospel rather than simply growing bigger? In this special vision-casting message from Cornerstone Community Church in Riverton, Wyoming, the church looks back at God's faithfulness over the past seven years while looking forward to what He may be calling the congregation to do next. The message begins with the story of Cornerstone's journey from a small facility and a seemingly impossible building vision to the current church campus. What began with approximately $350,000 in the building fund eventually became a multi-million-dollar project—and, by God's providence, the church was able to pay off its mortgage only two and a half years after moving into the new facility. But the heart of the message isn't about buildings. It's about gospel growth. Cornerstone's mission is to glorify God by knowing Him, growing in Him, and leading others toward the same. The vision for future facilities is presented through that mission: creating space for children and youth, pastoral care and counseling, worship, fellowship, discipleship, community gatherings, and potentially a future Christian school. The message challenges believers to think beyond comfort, convenience, and earthly accomplishment and instead live with kingdom vision—investing their time, resources, gifts, and lives in things that have eternal significance. As the church considers future expansion, the emphasis remains clear: the goal is not structural growth but gospel growth. The building is simply a tool to help the church reach people, disciple believers, care for families, and make Christ known. The message closes with an invitation for the congregation to pray, seek God, trust His provision, and consider what it means to be bound to God's purposes “with all that we are and all that we have.” Why does the local church exist? What does it mean to glorify God through a local church? How should Christians think about church growth? What is the difference between structural growth and gospel growth? How can a church faithfully steward what God has provided? What does it mean to live with kingdom vision? How should Christians think about sacrificial giving? Why should churches plan for future generations? How can church facilities support discipleship and gospel ministry? What does it mean to trust God with a God-sized vision? How can believers invest in eternity? What does it mean to serve God “with all that we are and all that we have”? Psalm 115:1 — Giving glory to God's name Psalm 102:18 — A future generation praising the Lord 1 Corinthians 9:19 — Becoming all things to all people to win as many as possible Psalm 24:1 — The earth belongs to the Lord Psalm 127:1 — Unless the Lord builds the house 2 Corinthians 9 — Generosity and giving (alluded to through the discussion of sacrificial giving) Acts — The early church's generosity and shared resources Nehemiah — Rebuilding Jerusalem's wall 1 Corinthians 9:19 — The desire to win as many as possible

  7. Sep 18

    Discipleship Community

    Discipleship Community: Biblical Church Membership, Commitment, and Growing Together in Christ What does it really mean to belong to a local church? What does biblical church membership look like, and why does commitment to a local body matter for Christian discipleship? In this special ministry-focused message from Cornerstone Community Church in Riverton, Wyoming, we explore the biblical foundation and purpose behind Discipleship Community—a framework designed to help believers commit themselves to the local church while enabling the church to better shepherd, disciple, encourage, and serve its people. The message examines why Cornerstone historically did not have formal church membership, why that approach has changed as the church has grown, and what Scripture teaches about believers being part of the body of Christ. Drawing from passages including 1 Corinthians 12, 2 Corinthians 6, and other New Testament teaching, the message considers Christian fellowship, accountability, spiritual maturity, serving, discipleship, and what it means to live as the church together. Discipleship Community is presented not simply as a membership process or administrative requirement, but as a way for believers to intentionally identify with a local church and for church leaders to better understand whom they are responsible to shepherd and disciple. The message also looks at the importance of preserving the spiritual health of the church for future generations. Cornerstone's desire is to honor its history while intentionally investing in the future—helping believers grow in the gospel, understand their identity in Christ, serve one another, and walk faithfully with God. You'll also hear an overview of the new Discipleship Community video curriculum, including its core sessions, supplemental material, essential doctrines, gospel teaching, Q&A resources, and practical steps for making a commitment to the local church. What exactly is Discipleship Community? Why does a growing church need a tangible form of commitment? What does the New Testament teach about being part of the body of Christ? Is church membership biblical? Why is accountability important in the Christian life? How should believers understand their responsibility to one another? What role does discipleship play in a healthy local church? Can someone attend Cornerstone without joining Discipleship Community? How should Christians approach serving and leadership in the local church? How can the church invest in the next generation? What does it mean to grow together as the body of Christ? How can believers deepen their understanding of the gospel and Christian doctrine? 1 Corinthians 12:12–13 — The church as the body of Christ 2 Corinthians 6:14–18 — Believers, unbelievers, and fellowship 1 Corinthians 5 — Church accountability and responding to unrepentant sin Christian discipleship • discipleship community • biblical church membership • church commitment • local church • body of Christ • Christian community • Christian accountability • spiritual growth • Christian fellowship • church leadership • church discipleship • serving in the church • gospel-centered church • biblical Christianity • Christian identity • church family • spiritual maturity • healthy church • church community • investing in the next generation discipleship community, biblical church membership, church membership, Christian discipleship, local church commitment, body of Christ, Christian community, church accountability, Christian fellowship, spiritual growth, discipleship, Christian maturity, serving in the church, church leadership, healthy church, gospel-centered church, Cornerstone Community Church, Riverton Wyoming

  8. Sep 11

    Be Rich - Gaining the Things Money Can't Buy

    In this powerful message from Ephesians 1:15–23, we are challenged to stop measuring our wealth by what money can buy and instead discover the incredible spiritual riches God has already made available to us through Jesus Christ. Paul’s prayer for the believers in Ephesus is that they would have their hearts and minds illuminated by the Holy Spirit so they could know God better, understand the hope of their calling, recognize the riches of their inheritance, and experience the greatness of God’s power available to those who believe. Too often, Christians live as though they are spiritually poor when God has already deposited an incredible inheritance into their lives through Christ. Spiritual maturity isn't becoming self-sufficient—it is becoming quicker to recognize how much we need Jesus and to trust Him more deeply. This message explores what it means to grow in our knowledge of God, understand our identity and inheritance in Christ, live in the hope of God's promises, and depend upon the resurrection power of Jesus rather than ourselves. The sermon also reminds us that Jesus is supreme over every ruler, authority, power, and circumstance. He is risen, enthroned, and the head of His church. Our hope isn't ultimately found in a pastor, a church building, political leaders, or our own abilities. Our hope is Jesus. What does your spiritual “bank account” look like?What spiritual riches do we already possess in Christ?Why does Paul pray for believers to be spiritually illuminated?How can we grow in our knowledge of God?What is the hope of our calling?What does it mean that believers are God's inheritance?What is the greatness of God's power available to believers?How does the resurrection of Jesus give us hope?Why is Jesus above every ruler, authority, power, and leader?What does it mean for Christ to be the head of the church?Why isn't spiritual maturity the same thing as self-sufficiency?How can prayer and God's Word help us make spiritual “deposits”?Are we investing our lives in the things that matter eternally?Ephesians 1:15–23Luke 24Acts 16John 17Philippians 31 John 3:2Romans 5:21 Corinthians 15:58Hebrews 1:3

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About

Hear sermons and series from pastor Ian McFarland from Cornerstone Community Church in Riverton Wyoming. Ian preaches the good news about Jesus Christ and his saving grace.