Sermon Podcast for Cornerstone Community Church in Galax, Virginia Mike Morris

Today, we continue our sermon series asking, “Who is Jesus?” Throughout history, countless individuals have encountered Him, each faced with a crucial choice. From the wilderness to the streets of Jerusalem, from the shores of Galilee to the temple, people encountered Jesus and wrestled with His identity. Some saw Him as a teacher, or a miracle worker, or as a threat. But woven through these encounters is the truth of His divine nature.







There are four Gospels but only one story. Each Gospel account helps reveal a different aspect of the character of Jesus and shows how we can grow our faith in the Son of God. In the book of Mark, we see Jesus introduced as the suffering servant who could understand everything we face in life.







Sermon Notes







Mark introduces us to the suffering servant who could understand everything we face in life









* Mark 1:1-2 NLT









Mark is an invitation to follow and imitate Christ









* Mark 1:16-20 NLT







* Mark 1:40-42 NLT







* Mark 3:13-15 NLT







* Mark 6:6-13 NLT









Mark is an invitation to sacrifice and serve









* Mark 8:34-35 NLT







* Mark 10:35-45 NLT









Have you accepted the invitation of Jesus?









* Mark 7:20-23 NLT







* Mark 2:16-17 NLT







* Mark 15:37-39 NLT

Today, we continue our sermon series asking, “Who is Jesus?” Throughout history, countless individuals have encountered Him, each faced with a crucial choice. From the wilderness to the streets of Jerusalem, from the shores of Galilee to the temple, people encountered Jesus and wrestled with His identity. Some saw Him as a teacher, or a miracle worker, or as a threat. But woven through these encounters is the truth of His divine nature.







There are four Gospels but only one story. Each Gospel account helps reveal a different aspect of the character of Jesus and shows how we can grow our faith in the Son of God. In the book of Matthew, we see Jesus introduced as the long-awaited Messiah and King.







Sermon Notes







Matthew introduces us to the Messiah King who has come to rescue his people







How do we know he is the Messiah?









* Because of His genealogy: Matthew 1:1-2 NLT







* Because He was born of a virgin: Isaiah 7:14 NLT and Matthew 1:18 NLT







* Because he was born in Bethlehem: Micah 5:2 NLT and Matthew 2:1-2 NLT







* Because he came out of Egypt: Hosea 11:1 NLT and Matthew 2:13-15 NLT







* Because of his healings and miracles: Isaiah 35:5-6 NLT and Matthew 9:27-31 NLT







* Because of his triumphal entry: Zechariah 9:9 NLT and Matthew 21:1-5 NLT







* Because of his crucifixion: Isaiah 53:3-9 NLT









The Sermon on the Mount is our invitation to live in an upside-down kingdom









* Matthew 5:17-30 NLT







* Matthew 6:33 NLT









Who is the King of your life?









* Matthew 28:16-20 NLT

As we gather for this Easter service, we celebrate the resurrection and ask: Who is Jesus? Throughout history, countless individuals have encountered Him, each faced with a crucial choice. From the wilderness to the streets of Jerusalem, from the shores of Galilee to the temple, people encountered Jesus and wrestled with His identity. Some saw Him as a teacher, or a miracle worker, or as a threat. But woven through these encounters is the truth of His divine nature.







Today, we dive into these encounters to understand who Jesus truly is and what His identity means for each of us.







Sermon Notes







Each encounter with Jesus demanded a crucial choice: Who is He?







John the Baptist: Recognized Jesus as the Lamb of God (John 1:29 NLT)Peter: Acknowledged Jesus as the Messiah (Matthew 16:13-16 NLT)Judas: Identified Jesus as Rabbi (Matthew 26:25, 48-49 NLT)Pilate: Acknowledged Jesus as the King of the Jews (Luke 23:3 NLT)The Roman Centurion: Recognized Jesus as the Son of God (Mark 15:39 CSB)The Emmaus Disciples: Regarded Jesus as a Prophet (Luke 24:17-21 NLT)Mary Magdalene: Addressed Jesus as “my Lord” (John 20:13 NLT)Thomas: Acknowledged Jesus as “my Lord and my God” (John 20:27-28 NLT)The Forgiven Peter: Acknowledged Jesus as Lord (John 21:7 NLT)







How will you answer the question: Who is Jesus?









* John 11:25–27 (NLT)







* Acts 2:36-41 NLT









Our Response: Repentance and Faith that leads to Baptism









* John 14:6 NLT







* Ephesians 2:8-90 NLT







* 1 John 4:10 NLT

We live in a rapidly changing world, and the church seems to be losing influence and respect. Culture is ‌discussing many hot topics, and the church should not be afraid to enter the conversation. The Bible is not silent on the problems we are facing, so let’s humbly talk about the topics that are important in our world today.







Today, we finish up our Hot Topics Sunday on this Palm Sunday. We live in a culture that is deeply divided over politics. How should Christians approach politics, and what is our responsibility and mission as believers and citizens? The Bible offers much wisdom to navigate faith and politics, so join us today to learn more.







Sermon Notes







As citizens, we should care about the condition of our country.









* Jeremiah 29:4-7 NLT







* Romans 13:1-7 NLT









We are not just Americans; we are ambassadors for a higher kingdom









* Philippians 3:20-21 NLT







* 2 Corinthians 5:20 NLT







* Ephesians 6:20 NLT







* 1 Peter 2:12-17 NLT









Our primary responsibility as believers is to focus on an eternal Kingdom









* Titus 3:1-8 NLT







* Galatians 3:28 NLT

We live in a rapidly changing world, and the church seems to be losing influence and respect. Culture is ‌discussing many hot topics, and the church should not be afraid to enter the conversation. The Bible is not silent on the problems we are facing, so let’s humbly talk about the topics that are important in our world today.







Today, we tackle another hot topic. We live in a world consumed with sexuality. How can we better understand gender and sexuality from a biblical worldview, and where is our identity truly found?







Sermon Notes







God created male and female









* Genesis 1:26-27 ESV







* Genesis 1:28 ESV







* Genesis 2:21-24 ESV







* Matthew 19:1-6 ESV







* Ephesians 5:28-33 ESV









Our sexuality isn’t our identity – Jesus Is









* Romans 1:22-32 ESV







* 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 ESV







* 1 Corinthians 6:18-19 ESV









We can love others without sacrificing Biblical convictions









* John 13:35 ESV

We live in a rapidly changing world, and the church seems to be losing influence and respect. Culture is ‌discussing many hot topics, and the church should not be afraid to enter the conversation. The Bible is not silent on the problems we are facing, so let’s humbly talk about the topics that are important in our world today.







Today, we tackle another hot topic. If God is all-good and all-powerful, why is there so much evil and suffering in the world? God is working his long game of redemption. Our hope is in trusting the character of the God who made us and loves us.







Sermon Notes







Before we seek to answer why bad things happen, we need to let others know that we care about their pain









* James 1:19 NLT









We live in a world with tension – there is a God who loves us, and yet evil still exists









* Romans 8:19-21 NLT









Four truths that we need to remember:







1 – We will all experience the effects of evil









* Job 42:1-5 NLT







* 1 Peter 3:18 NLT







* Hebrews 2:17-18 NLT









2 – God is not the author of evil









* 1 John 1:5 NLT







* James 1:13-17 NLT









3 – God can take evil and make something good out of it









* Romans 8:28 NLT







* Romans 5:3-4 NLT









4 – One day, evil will be defeated and eliminated for eternity









* 2 Peter 3:9 NLT







* Revelation 21:1-5 NLT