God's plan for changing the world centers on the local church, which Jesus promised would prevail against the gates of hell. Christians are called to be salt and light, preserving culture and illuminating darkness through courageous action. Fear, however, often paralyzes the church as it did the Israelites at the edge of the Promised Land. A courageous church preaches the whole Bible, confronts spiritual darkness, challenges people to change, and speaks truth when culture demands silence. This c...
Aug 18, 2025•45 min•Ep. 442
Building a legacy of faith requires intentional discipleship across generations. Drawing from Deuteronomy 6 and Joshua's example of creating stone memorials, we learn that our testimonies of God's faithfulness should be shared openly with future generations. Research shows that young people are more likely to maintain their faith when they have multiple adult mentors and participate in intergenerational worship. Rather than allowing social media to disciple our children, we must actively share b...
Aug 11, 2025•38 min•Ep. 441
God's vision for the church includes three key characteristics: diversity that reflects heaven, intergenerational community, and functioning as a true Christian family. Churches fulfill their mission through the 'C3 wheel': connecting people to God, caring for one another, and cultivating powerful faith. When believers understand their 'why' - both personally and collectively - they gain clarity about their direction and can better fulfill God's calling. As churches navigate transitions, they mu...
Aug 04, 2025•44 min•Ep. 440
The concept of giving to God begins in Genesis with Abel's first fruits offering, while tithing (giving a tenth) first appears with Abraham. While the Old Testament established specific tithing requirements, the New Testament emphasizes generous, cheerful giving that flows from a transformed heart. Early Christians actually shared everything they had, going beyond the 10% standard. We give because we believe God's promises, to support Kingdom work, and because generosity actually blesses us spir...
Jul 28, 2025•43 min•Ep. 439
In this sermon, the pastor addresses the question 'Why should I trust the Bible?' by examining both historical evidence and personal application. He explains that the Bible is a collection of 66 books written over 1500 years by approximately 40 authors, with the New Testament written within 15-60 years after Jesus' death by eyewitnesses. The pastor contrasts this with other historical figures whose biographies were written hundreds of years after their deaths. He discusses the remarkable preserv...
Jul 21, 2025•45 min•Ep. 438
In this episode of the Cornerstone Church podcast, Pastor Dustin Bates kicks off a thought-provoking series titled "Summer Road Trip: Navigating the Hard Questions." The first question tackled is central to the Christian faith: "What does it mean to be a Christian?" Pastor Dustin uses the analogy of a summer road trip to explore intricate and challenging theological concepts. He outlines the importance of "right thought" and "right action" as foundational to the Christian life, offering a formul...
Jul 14, 2025•50 min•Ep. 437
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Jul 01, 2025•40 min•Ep. 436
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Jun 23, 2025•43 min•Ep. 435
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Jun 09, 2025•41 min•Ep. 434
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Jun 02, 2025•46 min•Ep. 433
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May 19, 2025•37 min•Ep. 432
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May 12, 2025•46 min•Ep. 431
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May 05, 2025•34 min•Ep. 430
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Apr 28, 2025•44 min•Ep. 429
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Apr 20, 2025•45 min•Ep. 428
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Apr 14, 2025•39 min•Ep. 427
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Apr 07, 2025•43 min•Ep. 426
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Mar 31, 2025•43 min•Ep. 425
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Mar 24, 2025•40 min•Ep. 424
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Mar 17, 2025•35 min•Ep. 423
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Mar 10, 2025•41 min•Ep. 422
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Mar 04, 2025•36 min•Ep. 421
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Feb 24, 2025•35 min•Ep. 420
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Feb 17, 2025•40 min•Ep. 419
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Feb 10, 2025•42 min•Ep. 418
Just because something: SEEMS True FEELS True STATED True Doesn’t Mean it’s true… New Series: A TWISTED TRUTH A twisted truth contains SOME TRUTH but is still a lie What is truth? Truth aligns with how God created the world; falsehood contradicts God’s reality, even if it still “exists” in some sense within this fallen world. Truth Is: More than just facts and appearances Knowledge of what is right in God’s sight, rather than man’s alone. Human beings have been created to seek the truth But we c...
Feb 04, 2025•45 min•Ep. 417
All In Easy to be “All In” when you’re winning No “Fair Weather Fan” All in means: You trust the Player’s talent The coaches call The schedule etc You have “FAITH” in these things How you determine if you are ALL in or not is: It’s NOT how you handle WINNING; it’s how you handle LOOSING Blame others Fly off the handle or You win some; you lose some Reclaiming Abundant Life John 10:10 A thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I have come so that they may have life and have it in abundance...
Jan 27, 2025•42 min•Ep. 416
The Question WHY Frustrating when kids ask But a REALLY GOOD QUESTION WHY do you do what you do? WHY Are you here? WHY do you exist? What is your WHY? We all have one Abundant Life is a PURPOSEFUL LIFE John 10:10 10 A thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I have come so that they may have life and have it in abundance. Last week… What is abundant life? Abundant life is a life full of the spiritual gifts of God’s Holy Spirit given to His faithful followers Current Statistics: 2023 Harva...
Jan 20, 2025•43 min•Ep. 415
Reclaiming hearts & minds Not with Physical swords but THE SPIRITUAL SWORD Hebrews 4 12 For the word of God is living and effective and sharper than any double-edged sword, penetrating as far as the separation of soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It is able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. Not just DEFENSIVE but OFFENSIVE Matthew 16 18 …and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overpower it. Series: RECLAIMING ABUNDANT LIFE John 10:10 10 A t...
Jan 16, 2025•47 min•Ep. 414
Fighting in a relationship The “problem” usually isn’t the “problem” Is a symptom of a Deeper issue Deeper Issue: Selfish Hurt Bitterness Anger In order for the relationship to FLOURISH, you have to get to the ROOT CAUSE This makes the relationship healthy Something we all know… Healthy Things grow Fruit trees produce fruit Also… When we are healthy, the important things in our lives grow fruit Relationships People/Kids Ideas Actions Etc… It is the time of year when we all take stock of where we...
Jan 07, 2025•36 min•Ep. 413