April 15, 2018
Pastor Mike McCune
Empty "Finances"...No More
Malachi 3:1-12 and 2 Corinthians 9:6-7
"Empty pockets never held anyone back. Only empty heads and empty hearts can do that." Norman Vincent Peale
The single most important thing to help your finances is to surrender it all to the Lord first.
~We've got to live with an open hand instead of a closed fist
~He owns the cattle on a thousand hills and doesn't need your leftovers...but instead wants it all
~Psalm 50
~Acts 5:1-11
The second most important thing to help your finances is to give it away...start with 10%.
~Tithing goes all the way back to Genesis and continues into the Epistles
~It's an old testament plan with a new testament reality
~Malachi 3:1-12
~Luke 21:1-4
~This separates you enough from your money that you can see God at work in your life.
~Dave Ramsey "Only 2.7% believers give 10%.
"God knows we are naturally inclined to be selfish and will want to keep our money. So while, yes, we should give cheerfully, sometimes we need to take the step and actually give regardless of our internal feelings. The act of giving allows God to change our hearts so that ultimately, we end up doing so cheerfully. Many of us, if we let our natural minds decide how much to give, would likely opt for a lot less than 10%. Having a standard keeps us accountable."
Cortni Marrazzo
~Your tithes at Cornerstone Christian Fellowship allow ministry to continue to be spread in our community, regionally, nationally and around the world.
~Pastor and family
~Staff
~Missionaries
~Facility
~Ministries: Children, Youth and Adult
~Supports Conference Ministry
~Supports Free Methodist Ministry World Wide
The third most important thing to help your finances is to be generous with your offering.
~This enables you to extend your money and affect more life change with your generosity.
~We give because it advances God's Kingdom
~We give even when it doesn't feel good
~We give realizing it's all His to begin with
~We give to release us from greed
~We give even if God doesn't give it back
Offerings: Puerto Rico, Hallelujah Carnival, Missionary Requests
The fourth most important thing is to give cheerfully.
2 Corinthians 9:6-7 "Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver."
Application Questions:
Are you tithing? Are you giving offerings?
What keeps you from being a generous person with your money?
How do you see the Lord working in YOU when you are generous with Him?
What gives you the greatest joy when giving?
When is it most difficult for you to give?
Pastor Mike McCune
Empty "Finances"...No More
Malachi 3:1-12 and 2 Corinthians 9:6-7
"Empty pockets never held anyone back. Only empty heads and empty hearts can do that." Norman Vincent Peale
The single most important thing to help your finances is to surrender it all to the Lord first.
~We've got to live with an open hand instead of a closed fist
~He owns the cattle on a thousand hills and doesn't need your leftovers...but instead wants it all
~Psalm 50
~Acts 5:1-11
The second most important thing to help your finances is to give it away...start with 10%.
~Tithing goes all the way back to Genesis and continues into the Epistles
~It's an old testament plan with a new testament reality
~Malachi 3:1-12
~Luke 21:1-4
~This separates you enough from your money that you can see God at work in your life.
~Dave Ramsey "Only 2.7% believers give 10%.
"God knows we are naturally inclined to be selfish and will want to keep our money. So while, yes, we should give cheerfully, sometimes we need to take the step and actually give regardless of our internal feelings. The act of giving allows God to change our hearts so that ultimately, we end up doing so cheerfully. Many of us, if we let our natural minds decide how much to give, would likely opt for a lot less than 10%. Having a standard keeps us accountable."
Cortni Marrazzo
~Your tithes at Cornerstone Christian Fellowship allow ministry to continue to be spread in our community, regionally, nationally and around the world.
~Pastor and family
~Staff
~Missionaries
~Facility
~Ministries: Children, Youth and Adult
~Supports Conference Ministry
~Supports Free Methodist Ministry World Wide
The third most important thing to help your finances is to be generous with your offering.
~This enables you to extend your money and affect more life change with your generosity.
~We give because it advances God's Kingdom
~We give even when it doesn't feel good
~We give realizing it's all His to begin with
~We give to release us from greed
~We give even if God doesn't give it back
Offerings: Puerto Rico, Hallelujah Carnival, Missionary Requests
The fourth most important thing is to give cheerfully.
2 Corinthians 9:6-7 "Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver."
Application Questions:
Are you tithing? Are you giving offerings?
What keeps you from being a generous person with your money?
How do you see the Lord working in YOU when you are generous with Him?
What gives you the greatest joy when giving?
When is it most difficult for you to give?
April 8, 2018
Pastor Mike McCune
Empty "Life"...No More
John 10:10 and John 21:15-25
The thief steals life from people
-Living in fear
-Discourages follow through
-Entertain bitterness towards others
-Allows circumstances to become the focus
-Apathetic and okay with it
-Routine replaces relationships
-Hollow existence
-By painting God as a killjoy
Jesus brings life to people
-When we acknowledge Him as our Good Shepherd
-When we let Him have our mistakes and failures He is able to make us new
-When we allow Him to shepherd our hearts
-When we walk as redeemed people
~Not in earthly blessings
~Not in relational blessings
~Not in career
~Not a lack of difficulty or hardship
~But to walk in our careers, our relationships, and embrace the blessings of God that brings contentment beyond our circumstances...We lack nothing when we live life to the full with Jesus
Peter embraces the love of Jesus and gets reinstated for ministry
-Jesus isn't content in leaving us to wallow in our mess
-Jesus moves His loved ones out of failure towards His purpose
-Jesus asks, Do you love me?
~If so that love brings life that leads the believer to greater love
~Do something with that love-care and feed others
-Jesus brings life to so many that the testimonies are endless
For Memorization:
John 10-10 "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full."
Application Questions:
Have you allowed Jesus to become your Good Shepherd?
When life gets tough how do you turn to Jesus as the Good Shepherd?
What are the indicators in your life that you are living it to the full as Jesus desires?
Like Peter, when has Jesus forgiven you? What has He asked you to do in return?
Pastor Mike McCune
Empty "Life"...No More
John 10:10 and John 21:15-25
The thief steals life from people
-Living in fear
-Discourages follow through
-Entertain bitterness towards others
-Allows circumstances to become the focus
-Apathetic and okay with it
-Routine replaces relationships
-Hollow existence
-By painting God as a killjoy
Jesus brings life to people
-When we acknowledge Him as our Good Shepherd
-When we let Him have our mistakes and failures He is able to make us new
-When we allow Him to shepherd our hearts
-When we walk as redeemed people
~Not in earthly blessings
~Not in relational blessings
~Not in career
~Not a lack of difficulty or hardship
~But to walk in our careers, our relationships, and embrace the blessings of God that brings contentment beyond our circumstances...We lack nothing when we live life to the full with Jesus
Peter embraces the love of Jesus and gets reinstated for ministry
-Jesus isn't content in leaving us to wallow in our mess
-Jesus moves His loved ones out of failure towards His purpose
-Jesus asks, Do you love me?
~If so that love brings life that leads the believer to greater love
~Do something with that love-care and feed others
-Jesus brings life to so many that the testimonies are endless
For Memorization:
John 10-10 "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full."
Application Questions:
Have you allowed Jesus to become your Good Shepherd?
When life gets tough how do you turn to Jesus as the Good Shepherd?
What are the indicators in your life that you are living it to the full as Jesus desires?
Like Peter, when has Jesus forgiven you? What has He asked you to do in return?
April 1, 2018 ~ Easter Sunday
Pastor Mike McCune
Empty "Tomb" - No Foolin'
Luke 24:1-12 & John 20:19-31
Empty Tomb:
Jesus came through on His promise
Brought hope to the disciples
Displayed that He is God
Changed eternity forever
Brought victory over death
Stands as a testimony of the Father's love for each of us
What are indicators of a foolish person?
Arrogance in life and towards others
Risk for the sake of risk-adrenaline junkie
They think they are smarter than anyone else-smart-aleck
They believe that they are smarter than God-I don't need God
They believe that rules or boundaries don't apply to them
Simply uninformed-not willing to investigate or explore any further
Keys to avoiding foolishness:
A humble and gentle spirit
Remain teachable
Be a truth seeker-Thomas
Acknowledge God in all situations-lean not on your own understanding
Recognize a lie when you hear it
Take everything to the Lord in prayer
Why did Jesus come?
John 10:10 reminds us of the reason: "I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full."
1 Corinthians 1:18 & 27-31
Application Questions:
How have you embraced foolishness in your lifetime? What was the cost?
Are you following God's ways or man's ways? How do you know the difference?
How difficult is it for you to believe the resurrection of Jesus?
When did you first experience the resurrection of Jesus and what difference does it make in your life?
What's the best part of most important discovery of what we read in Scripture?
Pastor Mike McCune
Empty "Tomb" - No Foolin'
Luke 24:1-12 & John 20:19-31
Empty Tomb:
Jesus came through on His promise
Brought hope to the disciples
Displayed that He is God
Changed eternity forever
Brought victory over death
Stands as a testimony of the Father's love for each of us
What are indicators of a foolish person?
Arrogance in life and towards others
Risk for the sake of risk-adrenaline junkie
They think they are smarter than anyone else-smart-aleck
They believe that they are smarter than God-I don't need God
They believe that rules or boundaries don't apply to them
Simply uninformed-not willing to investigate or explore any further
Keys to avoiding foolishness:
A humble and gentle spirit
Remain teachable
Be a truth seeker-Thomas
Acknowledge God in all situations-lean not on your own understanding
Recognize a lie when you hear it
Take everything to the Lord in prayer
Why did Jesus come?
John 10:10 reminds us of the reason: "I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full."
1 Corinthians 1:18 & 27-31
Application Questions:
How have you embraced foolishness in your lifetime? What was the cost?
Are you following God's ways or man's ways? How do you know the difference?
How difficult is it for you to believe the resurrection of Jesus?
When did you first experience the resurrection of Jesus and what difference does it make in your life?
What's the best part of most important discovery of what we read in Scripture?
March 25, 2018 ~ Palm Sunday
Pastor Mike McCune
In His Steps:
Getting Lost In The Crowd
Luke 19:28-44
Matthew 21:1-11
Mark 11:1-11
John 12:12-19
What is the problem with crowds?
~They are easily swayed
~They only get a small perspective
~You might get lost
What's lost in the crowd?
~The Donkey
~Christ's Divinity (Daniel 7:13-14)
~Christ's Humility
~Christ's Kingship (Old Testament Foretelling - Mark 14:61-62)
What do you do with a King?
You bow
He was and is and will always be the King of Kings
It means that He gets final say in our lives
Revelations 19:11-16
Jesus Is My King
Application Questions:
Have you experienced the triumphal entry of Jesus into your life?
How have the crowds prevented you from experiencing Jesus in your life?
Are you willing to lay aside all your earthy fame, in order to gain the greatest prize - Jesus Himself?
What are some ways people reject His Kingship today?
How should you live differently because of the truth in this passage or message?
Pastor Mike McCune
In His Steps:
Getting Lost In The Crowd
Luke 19:28-44
Matthew 21:1-11
Mark 11:1-11
John 12:12-19
What is the problem with crowds?
~They are easily swayed
~They only get a small perspective
~You might get lost
What's lost in the crowd?
~The Donkey
~Christ's Divinity (Daniel 7:13-14)
~Christ's Humility
~Christ's Kingship (Old Testament Foretelling - Mark 14:61-62)
What do you do with a King?
You bow
He was and is and will always be the King of Kings
It means that He gets final say in our lives
Revelations 19:11-16
Jesus Is My King
Application Questions:
Have you experienced the triumphal entry of Jesus into your life?
How have the crowds prevented you from experiencing Jesus in your life?
Are you willing to lay aside all your earthy fame, in order to gain the greatest prize - Jesus Himself?
What are some ways people reject His Kingship today?
How should you live differently because of the truth in this passage or message?
March 18, 2018
Pastor Mike McCune
When Darkness Reigns
Pastor Mike McCune
When Darkness Reigns
March 11, 2018
Pastor Mike McCune
New 3 Part Message Series: In His Steps:
The Bribes Of Life
Luke 22:1-6
The Bribes Of Life:
What entices us to fall for the bribes of life?
Selfishness, Loneliness, Isolation, Desperation, and the big one: Pride
I can't wait
I know what is best
I deserve this
No one can tell me what to do
No one understands me
God's love for me is unconditional
Things to consider to avoid the bribes of life:
Remember...he has a plan
Remain........fixed on the end result
Refresh........your thinking regularly
Realize.........your need
Receive........His mercy daily
Application Questions:
What lies do you struggle with believing about you?
How have the bribes of life left you empty?
What bribe of the enemy do you fall for most often?
How hard is it for you to ignore the bribes of life?
How are you exchanging the eternal for the temporary?
Pastor Mike McCune
New 3 Part Message Series: In His Steps:
The Bribes Of Life
Luke 22:1-6
The Bribes Of Life:
What entices us to fall for the bribes of life?
Selfishness, Loneliness, Isolation, Desperation, and the big one: Pride
I can't wait
I know what is best
I deserve this
No one can tell me what to do
No one understands me
God's love for me is unconditional
Things to consider to avoid the bribes of life:
Remember...he has a plan
Remain........fixed on the end result
Refresh........your thinking regularly
Realize.........your need
Receive........His mercy daily
Application Questions:
What lies do you struggle with believing about you?
How have the bribes of life left you empty?
What bribe of the enemy do you fall for most often?
How hard is it for you to ignore the bribes of life?
How are you exchanging the eternal for the temporary?
We are sorry to announce that we were unable to record the March 4 message due to technical difficulties.
February 25, 2018
Pastor Mike McCune
Organic Outreach:
Try Something...I Dare You!
Matthew 13:1-9 and 13:18-23
Try Something...I Dare You:
Be faithful to spread the word
Don't let discouragement wrangle your faith
Take risks in your sharing your faith
Go deep to walk in fruitfulness and faithfulness by listening to God's word
Application Questions:
Which soils do you identify with most? Why?
Which soils do you identify in your sphere of influence most often?
Are you in a state of apathy when it comes to sharing Christ with others?
When was the last time you invited somebody to a service, Life Group, special ministry gathering, camp, retreat? What was the result?
Are you doing your part to impact others for Christ?
What event or service will you invite a person to in the next 3 months?
DARE:
In the next 3 months:
invite someone to your home for dinner (classmate, teammate, another family, co worker)
invite someone to a Cornerstone Christian Fellowship service of ministry
Pastor Mike McCune
Organic Outreach:
Try Something...I Dare You!
Matthew 13:1-9 and 13:18-23
Try Something...I Dare You:
Be faithful to spread the word
Don't let discouragement wrangle your faith
Take risks in your sharing your faith
Go deep to walk in fruitfulness and faithfulness by listening to God's word
Application Questions:
Which soils do you identify with most? Why?
Which soils do you identify in your sphere of influence most often?
Are you in a state of apathy when it comes to sharing Christ with others?
When was the last time you invited somebody to a service, Life Group, special ministry gathering, camp, retreat? What was the result?
Are you doing your part to impact others for Christ?
What event or service will you invite a person to in the next 3 months?
DARE:
In the next 3 months:
invite someone to your home for dinner (classmate, teammate, another family, co worker)
invite someone to a Cornerstone Christian Fellowship service of ministry
February 18, 2018
Pastor Mike McCune
Organic Outreach:
Missional Living
Acts 1:8 and Luke 10:25-37
Missional Living:
Why?
We are to be a witness for Christ
It's a small sacrifice for the great victories we've found in Christ
It's important to our discipleship Luke 9;23-26
It employs the Holy Spirit in our life for further transformation
Hindrance to missional living:
Guilt
People Pleasing
Desire For Recognition
Consumerism
Materialism
How:
Engaging WITH God not for God
Engaging with needs others have
Engaging the cultural landscape
Creating space to listen for opportunities
Creating time and space for people
Precautions:
Avoid cultural voyeurism
Actually share Jesus with others
Application Questions:
Have you received the gift of salvation that Jesus offers you?
How does the sacrifice of Christ affect your everyday living?
What is the greatest hindrance to missional living in your life currently? What might the Lord want you to do about it?
Where do you have the most opportunity to share Christ with others?
Pastor Mike McCune
Organic Outreach:
Missional Living
Acts 1:8 and Luke 10:25-37
Missional Living:
Why?
We are to be a witness for Christ
It's a small sacrifice for the great victories we've found in Christ
It's important to our discipleship Luke 9;23-26
It employs the Holy Spirit in our life for further transformation
Hindrance to missional living:
Guilt
People Pleasing
Desire For Recognition
Consumerism
Materialism
How:
Engaging WITH God not for God
Engaging with needs others have
Engaging the cultural landscape
Creating space to listen for opportunities
Creating time and space for people
Precautions:
Avoid cultural voyeurism
Actually share Jesus with others
Application Questions:
Have you received the gift of salvation that Jesus offers you?
How does the sacrifice of Christ affect your everyday living?
What is the greatest hindrance to missional living in your life currently? What might the Lord want you to do about it?
Where do you have the most opportunity to share Christ with others?
February 11, 2018
Pastor Mike McCune
Organic Outreach:
Prayer Warriors
James 5:13-18 and Ephesians 6:18-20
Prayer Warriors:
Participating in prayer personally
Seeking the Lord
Asking Him to fill you to overflow
Fervently seek the Lord Acts 12:1-19
Praying for others
Compassionately
Freedom from sin
Salvation in Christ
Praying with others
Crisis and Celebration
Create a prayer list
Update it
Celebrate
Continue to pray
Make sense
Be brief
Using common English
Extend a hand when appropriate
Be specific
Pray in Jesus' Name
Check in or follow up with person
Be aware of your surroundings
Application Questions:
How committed are you to prayer? 0(none) to 10(anytime, anywhere) Why?
What might limit you from being a fervent prayer warrior?
How often do you pray for others? Family, friends, peers, acquaintances, enemies?
How have you seen the Lord working in other persons as you have prayed for them?
List at lest 3 persons by name the Lord wants you to intercede on behalf of who don't know Jesus Christ?
Pastor Mike McCune
Organic Outreach:
Prayer Warriors
James 5:13-18 and Ephesians 6:18-20
Prayer Warriors:
Participating in prayer personally
Seeking the Lord
Asking Him to fill you to overflow
Fervently seek the Lord Acts 12:1-19
Praying for others
Compassionately
Freedom from sin
Salvation in Christ
Praying with others
Crisis and Celebration
Create a prayer list
Update it
Celebrate
Continue to pray
Make sense
Be brief
Using common English
Extend a hand when appropriate
Be specific
Pray in Jesus' Name
Check in or follow up with person
Be aware of your surroundings
Application Questions:
How committed are you to prayer? 0(none) to 10(anytime, anywhere) Why?
What might limit you from being a fervent prayer warrior?
How often do you pray for others? Family, friends, peers, acquaintances, enemies?
How have you seen the Lord working in other persons as you have prayed for them?
List at lest 3 persons by name the Lord wants you to intercede on behalf of who don't know Jesus Christ?
February 4, 2018
Pastor Mike McCune
Organic Outreach:
Everyone Matters
Matthew 5:13-15
Everyone Matters:
By living the difference daily.
~Romans 10
By living in the you are's instead of the should've's
~Matthew 5:1-12
You are the salt.
You are the light
By trusting the identity that you have been given in Christ Jesus
By living out of our inheritance instead of our insecurities
By living the testimony God has given us
How To Shine
Be careful what you say
Consider your entertainment
Use social media wisely
Thought of others
Application Questions:
How does the world make you feel looked over and unimportant as a person?
Do you desire to be salt and light for the Lord? Why or why not?
How does the gospel help your light to shine?
When are you most tempted to withdraw from sharing with others about the hope found in Jesus?
Have you shared the gospel with someone? What was the response?
Pastor Mike McCune
Organic Outreach:
Everyone Matters
Matthew 5:13-15
Everyone Matters:
By living the difference daily.
~Romans 10
By living in the you are's instead of the should've's
~Matthew 5:1-12
You are the salt.
You are the light
By trusting the identity that you have been given in Christ Jesus
By living out of our inheritance instead of our insecurities
By living the testimony God has given us
How To Shine
Be careful what you say
Consider your entertainment
Use social media wisely
Thought of others
Application Questions:
How does the world make you feel looked over and unimportant as a person?
Do you desire to be salt and light for the Lord? Why or why not?
How does the gospel help your light to shine?
When are you most tempted to withdraw from sharing with others about the hope found in Jesus?
Have you shared the gospel with someone? What was the response?
