Cornerstone Church With Dustin Bates

Rescued From Doubt | The Great Rescue

In our culture of suspicion, doubt has become our default setting, leading to isolation and anxiety. The story of Thomas reveals that doubt isn't neutral - it has a destination that locks our hearts and separates us from community. When Jesus appeared to Thomas, He didn't shame him for questioning but offered peace and evidence. Christianity provides substantial historical, philosophical, and cultural evidence for faith. Faith isn't a destination but a trajectory - we're all moving toward either greater trust in God or greater reliance on ourselves. Jesus meets us in our doubt and invites us to examine the evidence while taking reasonable steps toward faith.

Easter 2026

Easter reveals that the impossible is possible through Jesus Christ. The story of two criminals crucified alongside Jesus illustrates humanity's two responses to life's chaos. One thief blamed others and demanded rescue without repentance, while the other owned his guilt and humbly asked Jesus to remember him. The difference wasn't their circumstances but their willingness to take responsibility. Jesus promises paradise to those who acknowledge their need for rescue rather than those who deflect blame. The chaos that entered God's perfect world through sin has an expiration date, and Jesus is the ultimate hero who conquers death itself.

Palm Sunday | 2026

Palm Sunday reveals Jesus as a radically different kind of king who demonstrates His authority through humility and sacrifice. When Jesus rode an unbroken donkey into Jerusalem, He showed His divine power to bring peace to chaos. Our hearts are like that stubborn, untamed donkey - we cannot control them through willpower alone. Christ becomes king of our lives when we surrender our unruly hearts to His lordship, join the eternal chorus of worship surrounding God's throne, and accept His sacrifice as the complete payment for our sin. True transformation comes not from behavior modification but from genuine surrender to Christ's kingship.

The Good News | So That All May Know Him

Evangelism is simply sharing good news - one beggar telling another where to find bread. Christianity has been the most powerful force for human flourishing in history, with Christian influence leading to better health, education, and economic outcomes worldwide. Jesus spoke more about hell than anyone else in Scripture, warning people out of love about their eternal destiny. Every Christian is called to share their faith within their circles of influence, starting with family and close friends. This can happen through direct conversations or lifestyle evangelism - living in a way that reflects the gospel and creates opportunities for others to ask about your hope.

 

Seeking God in a Modern World | Knowing God

Seeking God in our modern world requires acknowledging the unique challenges we face - constant noise, digital distractions, and information overload that previous generations never experienced. Two essential boundaries guide this journey: understanding there's no spiritual finish line this side of heaven, and recognizing that God is a person to know, not a formula to master. The Apostle Paul himself admitted he hadn't arrived spiritually, choosing instead to press forward in his relationship with Christ. Rather than treating God like a vending machine where we insert religious activities and expect specific outcomes, we must approach Him with authentic, humble hearts seeking genuine relationship. Practical steps include guarding our time and attention as precious resources, and practicing God's presence throughout ordinary daily moments rather than limiting our spiritual life to formal religious activities.

The God of Grace | Knowing God

Grace is often misunderstood as simply being nice, but biblical grace is far more profound. While mercy is God not giving us what we deserve, grace is God giving us what we don't deserve. Understanding grace requires recognizing four key truths: God has established a moral law, we are all lawbreakers who have rebelled against Him, God rescues us despite our rebellion, and we must respond in faith. Grace comes at enormous cost - Christ paid the debt our sin created and lavished us with spiritual blessings we could never earn. This incredible gift should transform how we live daily, producing gratitude, worship, and changed behavior as we respond to God's amazing love.

The God Who Never Changes | Knowing God

In a world of constant change, God's unchanging nature provides the anchor our souls desperately need. When God revealed Himself to Moses as "I AM WHO I AM," He declared His eternal, unchanging essence. Unlike human relationships where feelings fluctuate, God doesn't change the rules mid-game or alter His mind about His love for you. His mercy, grace, and promises remain constant regardless of your performance or circumstances. This immutability means you can trust Him completely with your past, present, and future, finding security in His unchanging character rather than the shifting sands of cultural opinion or personal emotions.

Yes & Yes | Knowing God

The tension between God's sovereignty and human free will has puzzled believers for centuries, yet both truths coexist beautifully in Scripture. God's sovereignty means He has supreme authority over all creation and is never caught off guard by our circumstances. At the same time, we possess genuine free will to make choices throughout our lives. Like passengers on a cruise ship who have freedom to move around while the captain controls the destination, we can make real decisions within God's ultimate plan. The story of Judas demonstrates how human choices can fulfill God's predetermined purposes. Understanding this balance leads us to be thankful for salvation, hopeful during trials, and committed to obedient living while trusting in God's greater wisdom.

Do You Know God or Just Know About Him? | Knowing God

Many people in our culture know facts about God but lack a genuine personal relationship with Him. This distinction matters because cultural familiarity with Christianity can create false confidence in our faith. When we examine major worldviews logically, atheism struggles with fundamental problems regarding reason, morality, and meaning. Christianity offers a unique solution: a God who is knowable, personal, and good. Unlike knowing facts about a celebrity, truly knowing God requires moving beyond information to relationship. We come to know God through His Word and the Holy Spirit, not just through cultural exposure or theological knowledge.

Building Blocks For Healthy Families | 10 Rules For Your Best Life Ever

Strong families require solid foundations built on God's design. The fifth commandment calls us to honor our parents, recognizing that this first authority relationship shapes how we relate to all other authorities, including God. The seventh commandment protects sexual purity within marriage, understanding that God's boundaries aren't restrictions but blessings that protect us from harm. When we honor authority and maintain purity, we create families that can withstand life's storms. These aren't just nice ideals but essential building blocks for flourishing homes according to God's perfect design.