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Cornerstone Church of Christ

Week 4: Rebellion and Mercy

March 25, 2026 • Matthew Allen, Roger Robins • Exodus 32:1–14

The wilderness journey reveals not only God’s faithfulness but also the persistent weakness of His people. Despite the promises of redemption, provision, and covenant, Israel repeatedly struggled with rebellion, impatience, and distrust. In this lesson, we confront the sobering reality that God’s people can know His will and still resist it. Yet just as clearly, we see a God whose mercy is greater than His people’s failure. This lesson highlights a critical tension in the life of faith: rebellion brings consequences, but it does not cancel God’s commitment to His people. Repeatedly, Israel tested the Lord, and repeatedly, God responded with patience, intercession, and mercy. As we study these moments, we are reminded that spiritual maturity is not the absence of failure, but the willingness to repent, return, and continue walking with God. God disciplines His people, not to destroy them, but to restore them and preserve unity among them.

Week 3: Covenant at Sinai

March 18, 2026 • Matthew Allen, Roger Robins • Exodus 19:1–8

Redemption and provision prepare the way for covenant. At Mount Sinai, God brings His redeemed people into a formal relationship with Himself: not to earn His favor, but to live as those who already belong to Him. The covenant given at Sinai reveals God’s holy character, His expectations for His people, and His desire to dwell among them as their God. This moment marks a unmistakable shift: Israel is no longer just a rescued people wandering in the wilderness; they are now a covenant people called to reflect God’s holiness in how they live together. This lesson reminds us that grace does not eliminate responsibility; it gives it meaning. God did not give Israel His law to save them; He gave it to them because He had saved them. In the same way, believers today are called to live out their relationship with God in faithful obedience, shaped by gratitude rather than fear. As we study the covenant at Sinai, we are challenged to consider what it means to belong to God, to listen to His voice, and to live as a unified people shaped by His holiness and love.

Week 2: God Provides in the Wilderness

March 11, 2026 • Matthew Allen, Roger Robins • Exodus 16:1–8

Freedom does not eliminate need; it exposes it. After the victory at the Red Sea, Israel quickly realized that redeemed people still face daily challenges. Hunger, thirst, uncertainty, and fear followed them into the wilderness. In this lesson, we will see how God patiently provided for His people through manna, water, and guidance, teaching them to depend on Him one day at a time. The wilderness revealed what was in their hearts, but it also showed the faithfulness of a God who never abandoned them. This lesson reminds us that God’s provision is not just about meeting physical needs; it is about building trust. Israel had to learn that the God who saved them was also the God who watched over them. Similarly, believers today are called to depend on God every day, resisting the urge to grumble, hoard, or revert to old mindsets. Just as God provided for Israel in the wilderness, He continues to teach His people to trust Him—not only for salvation but for every step of the journey.

Week 1: From Slavery to Freedom

March 4, 2026 • Matthew Allen, Roger Robins • Exodus 14:10–31

Israel’s journey starts not in the wilderness, but in slavery. Before God could shape His people into a unified nation, He first had to free them from bondage. This opening lesson focuses on the unmistakable moment when God acted in power and grace to rescue His people from Egypt and lead them into freedom. Crossing the Red Sea signified a complete break from their old life and the start of a new identity as God’s redeemed people. As we examine this historic event, we see that salvation is not just about being saved from something, but about being called into something new. Just as Israel had to learn what it meant to live as a free people under God’s rule, we are also challenged to leave behind our former patterns and trust God as He guides us forward together.

Week 5: Unity That Reflects Christ to the World

March 29, 2026 • Matthew Allen • John 13:34–35

In this lesson, we examine how unity within the church serves as a visible testimony to the reality of Jesus Christ. Scripture teaches that unity is not merely for internal harmony or effectiveness, but for witness. When we live together in truth, love, humility, and shared purpose, the world sees a reflection of Christ’s character and the transforming power of the gospel. Drawing from Jesus’ prayer in John 17 and Paul’s teaching in Ephesians 4, this lesson challenges us to see unity as a responsibility that directly impacts how Christ is perceived by others.

Week 4: Unity in Worship and Mission

March 22, 2026 • Matthew Allen • Colossians 3:16–17

In this lesson, we examine how unity in the church is expressed through shared worship and shared mission. Scripture presents worship not as a private preference but as an act done together with others that shapes their identity and direction. Likewise, mission is not an optional program but the outward expression of a united body living for God’s purposes. Drawing on Ephesians 4, Acts 2, and the teachings of Jesus, this lesson shows that when the church is unified in worship, it is naturally propelled into mission; when worship and mission are disconnected, unity weakens

Week 3: Unity Through Humility and Service

March 15, 2026 • Matthew Allen • Philippians 2:1–4

In this lesson, we turn from identifying barriers to unity to exploring the attitudes and practices that actively strengthen it. Scripture makes clear that unity in the church is not sustained by personality, preference, or power, but by humility shaped by Christ and service modeled after Him. Drawing primarily from Philippians 2 and Ephesians 4, this lesson shows that unity grows when believers adopt Christ’s mindset—laying aside self-interest, serving one another sacrificially, and valuing the good of the body above personal recognition. Unity is guarded not by avoiding responsibility, but by embracing the way of the cross.

Week 2: Barriers to Unity in the Church

March 8, 2026 • Matthew Allen • Ephesians 4:1–3

In this lesson, we will examine the most common barriers that threaten unity within the body of Christ. While God has already created unity through Christ, Scripture makes clear that unity must be protected and kept. Drawing primarily from Ephesians 4 and supporting New Testament texts, this study identifies attitudes and behaviors—such as pride, selfishness, immaturity, and unresolved conflict—that quietly fracture the church from within. The goal of this lesson is not to assign blame, but to help believers recognize these dangers honestly and respond with humility, patience, and renewed commitment to one another.

Week 1: One Body, Many Members

March 1, 2026 • Matthew Allen • Ephesians 4:1–3

In this opening lesson, we will explore God’s design for the church as one body made up of many members, each uniquely gifted and purposefully placed by Christ. Drawing from Ephesians 4 and 1 Corinthians 12, this lesson emphasizes that unity in the church is not uniformity but shared life under one Lord. We will see that every Christian is essential to the health and work of the body, that diversity is part of God’s plan rather than a threat to unity, and that true spiritual growth occurs when each member actively contributes in love. This lesson sets the foundation for the quarter by calling every member of the local congregation to embrace both their identity and responsibility within the body of Christ.

CT029 - Citizens of Heaven

February 26, 2026 • Matthew Allen • Philippians 3:20–21

In this episode, Paul lifts our eyes from earthly distractions to heavenly identity. Philippians 3:20–21 reminds us that our true citizenship is in heaven and that we eagerly await the return of the Savior, Jesus Christ. This passage anchors hope not in present circumstances but in future transformation. As citizens of heaven, Christians are called to live with steady confidence, eternal perspective, and joyful expectation.

CT028 - Enemies of the Cross

February 25, 2026 • Matthew Allen • Philippians 3:18–19

In this sobering passage, Paul warns, with tears, of those who live as enemies of the cross of Christ. Philippians 3:18–19 contrasts a cross-shaped life with one driven by unchecked desires and an earthly focus. This episode calls us to examine whether our lives reflect surrender to Christ or submission to appetite and comfort. Here we are reminded that the cross not only saves—it shapes how we live.

YPH 409

February 22, 2026 • Jason Schofield , Matthew Allen

Join Matt & Jason for live bible talk beginning at 8 AM ET!

CT027 - Walking with the Mature

February 24, 2026 • Matthew Allen • Philippians 3:15–17

In this episode, Paul calls us to spiritual maturity marked by the right mindset and faithful example. Philippians 3:15–17 reminds us that maturity is not perfection, but a steady, forward-looking perspective rooted in Christ. Paul encourages us to live up to the truth we already know and to follow faithful examples. This episode challenges us to grow by walking alongside those whose lives reflect consistent obedience and trust in Christ.

CT026 - Pressing On Toward the Goal

February 23, 2026 • Matthew Allen • Philippians 3:12–14

In this episode, Paul reminds us that spiritual growth is a lifelong pursuit. Though he treasures knowing Christ above all, Paul openly admits he has not yet arrived. Philippians 3:12–14 calls us to press forward with focus and purpose, leaving behind both past regrets and past achievements in order to pursue the upward call of God in Christ.

CT025 - Made Righteous Through One Man

February 20, 2026 • Matthew Allen • Romans 5:18–19

In this Lord’s Supper meditation, we reflect on Paul’s powerful contrast between Adam and Christ. Romans 5:18–19 reminds us that through one man’s disobedience came condemnation, but through one man’s obedience—Jesus Christ—comes justification and life. This episode centers our hearts on the truth that righteousness is not achieved through human effort, but secured through Christ’s obedience and sacrifice. As we come to the table, we remember that our standing before God rests entirely in Him.

CT024 - The Surpassing Worth of Knowing Christ

February 19, 2026 • Matthew Allen • Philippians 3:12–14

In this episode, Paul moves beyond rejecting confidence in religious credentials and reveals what truly defines his life—knowing Christ. Philippians 3:8–11 captures Paul’s conviction that everything else fades in comparison to the surpassing value of being found in Christ and receiving righteousness through faith. This episode invites listeners to reconsider what they count as gain and to rediscover the freedom and hope that come from treasuring Christ above all.

CT23 - When Credentials Don't Save

February 18, 2026 • Matthew Allen • Philippians 3:4–7

In this episode, Paul lays out his impressive religious résumé—heritage, zeal, discipline, and reputation—only to declare it all loss compared to Christ. Philippians 3:4–7 exposes the subtle temptation to place confidence in spiritual performance rather than in the finished work of Jesus. This episode invites listeners to examine where their confidence truly rests and to rediscover the freedom that comes from trusting Christ alone.

CT22 - Guarding the Gospel

February 17, 2026 • Matthew Allen • Philippians 3:1–3

As Paul begins Philippians 3, his tone sharpens with a warning meant to protect the church. In this episode, we explore Paul’s call to guard the gospel from subtle distortions—particularly the temptation to place confidence in human effort rather than in Christ alone. Philippians 3:1–3 reminds believers that true worship flows from the Spirit, true boasting rests in Christ, and lasting peace comes when confidence is not anchored in the flesh.

Growing Fear Through Faith

February 15, 2026

Fear is not the enemy when it drives us toward God. When we cling to His promises instead of withdrawing. Fear can be used to strengthen endurance, deepen character and anchor hope. God is still growing faith through fear today. Will you allow Him to grow you through it?

CT21 - Honoring Faithful Risk

February 16, 2026 • Matthew Allen • Philippians 2:25–30

In this episode, Paul introduces Epaphroditus as a powerful example of Christlike faithfulness. Though not as well-known as Paul or Timothy, Epaphroditus risked his life in service to Christ and the church. Philippians 2:25–30 reminds us that quiet courage, sacrificial service, and steady commitment are deeply valued in God’s kingdom. This episode encourages us to recognize and honor faithful servants and to embrace courageous obedience in our lives.

CT20 - Redeemed by His Blood

February 13, 2026 • Matthew Allen • Romans 5:9–11

This Lord’s Supper meditation centers our hearts on the assurance and joy that come from being reconciled to God through Jesus Christ. Drawing from Romans 5:9–11, this episode reminds us that justification and reconciliation were accomplished through Christ’s blood while we were still enemies of God. As we come to the table this Sunday, we are invited to remember not only the cost of our salvation, but the peace and rejoicing that now define our relationship with God through Christ.