Send us a text

What if a simple thank you could change more than a moment—what if it could change your day, your focus, and your faith? We start with a warm, funny tour of “thank you” in different languages—gracias, merci, donobad, and the exuberant shokran awi—and use those stories to show how appreciation can turn strangers into allies and chaos into connection. From guards guiding cars through Cairo traffic to a shopkeeper who always had a bag of chips for a child, we highlight how gratitude softens edges and opens doors.

From there, we anchor the conversation in Scripture. Psalm 118 reminds us that God’s steadfast love endures forever, and Ephesians 5:20 calls us to give thanks always. We break down the daily choice to live gratefully—across 35,000 decisions a day—especially when feelings want to steer. Gratitude doesn’t deny pain; it refuses to let pain be the narrator. We unpack a classic selective attention study to reveal how easily we fixate on problems and miss the quiet gorillas of grace walking right through our field of vision. When we practice thanks, attention shifts from the problem to the Provider, and the Eeyore mindset loses its grip.

We close by elevating the why: God is worthy. With help from Charles Spurgeon, we move gratitude from a transaction—“I thank you because I got something”—to adoration—“I thank you because You are good.” We talk about forgiveness, freedom, mended pieces, and the faithful presence of Jesus who never leaves. If you’re new to faith or ready for a fresh start, you’ll hear a clear, hopeful invitation to follow Christ and a pathway to next steps in community.

If this encouraged you, subscribe, share it with a friend who needs a lift, and leave a review. Your words help more people choose gratitude and find hope this week.

Cornerstone
https://www.cornerstoneaz.org/

Follow Jesus
https://www.cornerstoneaz.org/follow-...

Life Groups
https://www.cornerstoneaz.org/life-gr...

Giving
https://cornerstoneaz.churchcenter.co...

Church Center App - Download then add Cornerstone Christian Center in Avondale, AZ

iOS
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/my-ch...

Android
https://play.google.com/store/apps/de...

----

Instagram
cornerstoneaz

Facebook
cornerstoneaz.org

Twitter
cornerstoneaz.org

Send us a text

Words can set a home on fire or turn it into a refuge. We trace the surprising power of the tongue through James 1 and 3 and show how small choices—listening first, slowing anger, and curating our inputs—redirect the big ship of our lives. Along the way, we share unfiltered stories, from childhood “soap in the mouth” lessons to singing worship through dust and mud in Mexico, to the daily temptations of sarcasm and road rage. Each moment points to one truth: blessing and cursing should not come from the same mouth, and with God’s help, they don’t have to.

We break down the images of bits, bridles, rudders, and sparks to explain why words steer outcomes far beyond the moment. If you repeat contempt, you start living it; if you speak faith, your steps begin to follow. That’s why mindset matters. Inputs shape the heart, and out of the heart, the mouth speaks. We look at how the Holy Spirit transforms speech—starting at Pentecost—freeing us to proclaim truth with love, not as noise but as healing. You’ll hear practical counsel on cooling conflicts before they blaze, replacing sarcasm with trust, and becoming the person others seek for steady, Scripture-shaped encouragement.

We close with three simple, demanding practices: speak faith over fear, speak the truth in love, and speak hope over your future. Break old labels, bless the people in your circle, and let new habits of speech pull your life into a new direction. If life feels messy, God can handle it—and He starts by changing what we say and how we say it.

If this resonated, subscribe, share it with a friend who needs encouragement, and leave a review so more people can find these messages. What one phrase will you retire—and what blessing will you speak—this week?

Cornerstone
https://www.cornerstoneaz.org/

Follow Jesus
https://www.cornerstoneaz.org/follow-...

Life Groups
https://www.cornerstoneaz.org/life-gr...

Giving
https://cornerstoneaz.churchcenter.co...

Church Center App - Download then add Cornerstone Christian Center in Avondale, AZ

iOS
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/my-ch...

Android
https://play.google.com/store/apps/de...

----

Instagram
cornerstoneaz

Facebook
cornerstoneaz.org

Twitter
cornerstoneaz.org

Send us a text

We start with a frank look at unfinished projects, both the literal clutter and the hidden emotional stacks we’ve parked for years. A childhood story about “junk” cars becomes a picture of how intentions without action turn into anchors. Then we zoom out with Scripture—Moses and Joshua, David and Solomon, Ezra and Nehemiah—to show how God completes purposes across generations. Obedience in your chapter matters, even when you won’t see the last page. That shift reframes delay, disappointment, and the temptation to quit.

From there, James 1–2 challenges us to close the gap between church on Sunday and choices on Monday. Hearers versus doers. The law of liberty that frees us from guilt so we can act with integrity. Guarding our words so our actions follow blessing rather than complaint. We get practical about spiritual formation: keeping promises, confronting procrastination with small scheduled steps, and protecting daily time with God. The result is surprising—less pressure, more freedom, and a clearer path to purpose.

Finally, we ground faith in service. Pure religion visits orphans and widows, feeds families, and shows up for neighbors. Stories from our Mercy House and local outreach reveal how generosity multiplies impact—and joy. You’ll leave with simple ways to create margin, finish what matters, and say yes to the Spirit in small moments that lead to big change.

If this resonated, share it with a friend who’s juggling too much, subscribe for more practical faith conversations, and leave a review to help others find the show. What’s your next small act of obedience this week?

Cornerstone
https://www.cornerstoneaz.org/

Follow Jesus
https://www.cornerstoneaz.org/follow-...

Life Groups
https://www.cornerstoneaz.org/life-gr...

Giving
https://cornerstoneaz.churchcenter.co...

Church Center App - Download then add Cornerstone Christian Center in Avondale, AZ

iOS
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/my-ch...

Android
https://play.google.com/store/apps/de...

----

Instagram
cornerstoneaz

Facebook
cornerstoneaz.org

Twitter
cornerstoneaz.org

Send us a text

What if the most crowded parts of your week are actually the doorway to deeper peace? We step straight into the rush—kid drop-offs, work sprints, grocery runs, weekend marathons—and ask a harder, better question: where is the space for God when every square of the calendar is filled? The answer isn’t to tidy up first. It’s to bring the whole mess—exhaustion, pressure, deadlines, and all—and let God meet you there.

We unpack a simple, strong framework from James 1: count it all joy, let steadfastness grow, ask boldly for wisdom, and pursue righteousness that shows up in everyday choices. Joy in trials sounds impossible until you see what it really is: perspective anchored in promise. Steadfastness isn’t a heroic moment; it’s the daily habit that readies you for the tests you didn’t plan for. Wisdom isn’t scarce; God gives it generously to those who ask. And righteousness isn’t earned; it’s received in Christ, then expressed as being quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger.

To make this real, we walk through imperfect heroes—Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, Samson—people who stumbled and still stepped into God’s purpose. Their stories remind us that failure isn’t final and your past doesn’t get the last word. We get honest about anger and bitterness, how they masquerade as protection but function like chains. Freedom comes when we lay them down and invite the Holy Spirit to form new reflexes. We talk practical rhythms too: putting God first before the phone, building community that keeps you grounded, and creating small, repeatable practices that hold when life gets loud.

If your life feels messy, you’re not disqualified—you’re ready. Listen, share it with a friend who needs the reminder, and subscribe so you never miss a conversation that brings peace into the middle of real life. And if this spoke to you, leave a review with one insight you’re putting into practice this week.

Cornerstone
https://www.cornerstoneaz.org/

Follow Jesus
https://www.cornerstoneaz.org/follow-...

Life Groups
https://www.cornerstoneaz.org/life-gr...

Giving
https://cornerstoneaz.churchcenter.co...

Church Center App - Download then add Cornerstone Christian Center in Avondale, AZ

iOS
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/my-ch...

Android
https://play.google.com/store/apps/de...

----

Instagram
cornerstoneaz

Facebook
cornerstoneaz.org

Twitter
cornerstoneaz.org

Send us a text

What you worship will shape the whole arc of your life. We open the door with the five solas—Scripture alone, faith alone, grace alone, Christ alone, to the glory of God alone—and then linger on Soli Deo Gloria, where everyday choices become an offering and ordinary moments become a stage for God’s goodness. From Martin Luther’s conviction to our city streets, we connect history’s rallying cry with the modern heart.

Walking through Acts 17, we follow Paul into Athens and its forest of idols, where an altar to the “unknown god” becomes the key to a deeper truth: the Creator who needs nothing gives everything—life, breath, boundaries, seasons—and has come near in Jesus Christ. That nearness reframes our pursuits. Idolatry isn’t only stone and gold; it can be image, achievement, comfort, even religious success. We talk about how to spot those quiet rivals and re-center our loves, not by despising good things, but by returning every gift to its Giver.

We share three practical takeaways on worship that hold up under pressure: worship aligns us with God’s purposes, worship celebrates Christ’s transforming work in us, and worship compels daily obedience. Along the way, we draw from Tozer, Lewis, and Spurgeon, and we offer a clear invitation to trust Jesus—confessing with the mouth and believing in the heart—as the way into a restored life with God. If you’re ready to trade restlessness for meaning and noise for glory, press play, lean in, and consider what needs to come off the throne.

If this encouraged you, follow the show, share it with a friend who’s searching, and leave a review to help others find these conversations. What rival love will you lay down this week?

Cornerstone
https://www.cornerstoneaz.org/

Follow Jesus
https://www.cornerstoneaz.org/follow-...

Life Groups
https://www.cornerstoneaz.org/life-gr...

Giving
https://cornerstoneaz.churchcenter.co...

Church Center App - Download then add Cornerstone Christian Center in Avondale, AZ

iOS
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/my-ch...

Android
https://play.google.com/store/apps/de...

----

Instagram
cornerstoneaz

Facebook
cornerstoneaz.org

Twitter
cornerstoneaz.org

Send us a text

What if the most liberating truth you could hear is also the simplest: Jesus is Lord. We revisit the five solas through a fresh lens and zoom in on Solus Christus—Christ alone—as the pulse of the gospel that still frees captives, steadies anxious hearts, and sends ordinary people into extraordinary mission.

We share updates from the field: a new English-speaking campus launching in Koh Samui, a learning center designed to help refugee kids reach higher education, and courageous anti‑trafficking work that brings rescue, restoration, and dignity to survivors. These stories aren’t statistics; they are living proof that when the church trusts grace over grind, faith over fear, and Scripture over tradition, real people meet a real Savior. You’ll hear of an 11-year-old exploited and now on a path toward healing, and a Pakistani couple who found a Bible, found Christ, and found the courage to start again.

Then we dig into Romans 5:1–2 and unpack three anchors that hold in any storm: justification by faith, reconciliation with God, and bold access to the throne of grace. We confront legalism that suffocates and hyper‑grace that excuses, and we point to the better way where obedience springs from love. Along the way, we trace Jesus through all 66 books of Scripture and remember why the early church’s original creed still changes lives: Jesus is Lord. If you’ve felt unworthy, anxious, or far from God, this conversation opens the door to mercy, peace, and confidence in prayer.

Join us, share it with a friend who needs hope, and help us keep this work moving. If this encouraged you, subscribe, leave a review, and tell us: where have you seen Christ alone make the difference?

Cornerstone
https://www.cornerstoneaz.org/

Follow Jesus
https://www.cornerstoneaz.org/follow-...

Life Groups
https://www.cornerstoneaz.org/life-gr...

Giving
https://cornerstoneaz.churchcenter.co...

Church Center App - Download then add Cornerstone Christian Center in Avondale, AZ

iOS
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/my-ch...

Android
https://play.google.com/store/apps/de...

----

Instagram
cornerstoneaz

Facebook
cornerstoneaz.org

Twitter
cornerstoneaz.org

Send us a text

What if the most life-changing power isn’t something you earn, but something you receive? We open with a rapid tour of the Five Solas and then linger on grace alone—the unmerited favor of God that meets us in our mess and remakes us from the inside out. A youth ministry turkey-bowling fiasco becomes a living parable: where you expect judgment, grace listens, instructs, and restores. That story sets the tone for a journey through Romans, Ephesians, John, and Acts, showing why salvation is a gift, not wages, and how grace breaks sin’s dominion without turning a blind eye to holiness.

Together we trace the line from the mercy seat in the wilderness to Jesus Christ, where grace and truth embrace. We explore how Scripture, not tradition, anchors our confidence; why “shall we continue in sin?” still demands a clear “by no means”; and how humble communities correct with gentleness, not pride. Along the way, Judas and Paul stand as stark contrasts—one who let small compromises bloom into betrayal, and one who learned to boast in weakness so that Christ’s power could rest on him. The early church’s “great grace” wasn’t a slogan; it was a lived reality that fueled bold testimony, radical generosity, and resilient hope.

If you’ve wrestled with church hurt, felt stuck in old patterns, or wondered whether God is still good when answers feel slow, this conversation is for you. We offer three clear takeaways: grace reminds us of our brokenness, grace reminds us of God’s goodness, and grace compels us to encounter God personally. Expect practical counsel, honest self-examination, and a call to extend the same grace you’ve received—at home, at work, and in your church family. If this encouraged you, follow the show, share it with a friend who needs hope, and leave a quick review to help more people discover the power of grace.

Send us a text

A withered fig tree, a mustard seed, and a mountain stand in our path—each one becomes a lens for seeing how faith actually works in ordinary life. We open with Luther’s spark and the Five Solas, then zoom into sola fide to ask a simple, searching question: do you have faith to believe? Anchored in Matthew 21, Ephesians 2:8–10, and Hebrews 11–12, we unpack why salvation is a gift of grace received through faith, why works can never earn it, and why good works still matter as our joyful response. Along the way, we talk about Peter’s rough edges, Paul’s dramatic turn, and how God continually chooses unlikely people to carry His story forward.

You’ll hear how Scripture alone steadies our prayers, teaching us to align our requests with God’s promises rather than our impulses. We explore the difference between demanding outcomes and trusting God’s character, and we offer three practices to make faith tangible: pray the Word, speak hope into hard places, and take concrete steps of obedience. The goal isn’t hype; it’s endurance—laying down the weights of shame and old labels so we can run light, eyes fixed on Jesus, the founder and perfecter of faith.

If you’re wrestling with a mountain right now—fear, sickness, broken relationships, or heavy uncertainty—this conversation invites you to plant even a mustard seed of trust in good soil. Christ alone mediates, grace alone saves, faith alone receives, and our lives become living doxology: to the glory of God alone. If this encouraged you, follow the show, share it with a friend who needs hope, and leave a review to help others find these conversations. What mountain are you asking God to move this week?

Cornerstone
https://www.cornerstoneaz.org/

Connection Card
https://cornerstoneaz.churchcenter.com/people/forms/138814

Follow Jesus
https://www.cornerstoneaz.org/follow-jesus

Life Groups
https://www.cornerstoneaz.org/life-groups

Giving
https://cornerstoneaz.churchcenter.com/giving

Church Center App - Download then add Cornerstone Christian Center in Avondale, AZ

iOS
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/my-church-center/id1357742931?mt=8&ls=1&ign-mpt=uo%3D4

Android
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ministrycentered.churchcenter

----

Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/cornerstoneaz

Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/cornerstoneaz.org

Twitter
https://twitter.com/cornerstoneaz.org