Media - Cornerstone Church of Christ

Cornerstone Church of Christ

CT42 - God Will Supply

March 18, 2026 • Matthew Allen • Philippians 4:19–20

In this episode, Paul offers a powerful promise rooted in God’s faithful provision. Writing to believers who had generously supported his ministry, Paul assures them that God will supply all their needs according to His riches in Christ. This passage reminds us that God’s provision is not based on our circumstances, but on His abundance and faithfulness. As we trust Him and participate in His work, we can rest in the certainty that He will provide exactly what we need.

CT041 - The Fruit of Generosity

March 17, 2026 • Matthew Allen • Philippians 4:17–18

In this episode, Paul shifts the focus from the gift he received to the spiritual fruit produced in those who gave it. Philippians 4:17–18 reveals that generosity is not ultimately about meeting needs, but about shaping the heart of the giver. Paul describes their offering as a “fragrant offering” and “pleasing to God,” showing that giving is an act of worship. This passage reframes generosity—not as loss, but as spiritual gain that produces lasting fruit.

YPH 412

March 15, 2026 • Jason Schofield , Matthew Allen

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

The Prayer That Started It All

March 15, 2026 • John 17:20–23

In John 17:20-23, Jesus is hours from the cross. Judas is already moving through the dark toward Gethsemane. And in that moment — with everything pressing down on him — Jesus prays for his followers. Not just the eleven in the room. He prays for every person who would ever believe in him. He prays that we would be one. Here's what I've come to believe: a group of people who have every reason to be divided, choosing each other anyway — that's something the world can't explain apart from God. And that explanation is exactly what Jesus was praying for.

CT040 - Partners in the Gospel

March 16, 2026 • Matthew Allen • Philippians 4:14–16

In this episode, Paul expresses gratitude to the brothers and sisters in Philippi who supported him during his hardships and helped spread the gospel. Philippians 4:14–16 highlights the powerful idea of partnership in Christ's mission. Through their generosity and consistent support, the Philippians became active participants in Paul’s ministry. This passage reminds us that the work of the gospel is shared work, and every believer has a role in advancing it.

CT039 - Jesus Purifies Our Conscience

March 13, 2026 • Matthew Allen • Hebrews 9:13–14

In this week’s Lord’s Supper meditation, we reflect on the cleansing power of Christ’s sacrifice. Hebrews 9:13–14 contrasts the temporary sacrifices of the Old Covenant with the perfect offering of Jesus. While animal sacrifices could address outward ceremonial impurity, the blood of Christ accomplishes something far greater—it cleanses the conscience. Through His sacrifice, Jesus removes guilt and frees us to serve the living God with renewed hearts.

CT038 - Learning Contentment

March 12, 2026 • Matthew Allen • Philippians 4:10–13

In this episode, Paul reflects on the secret of contentment. Writing from prison, he explains that true contentment is not found in favorable circumstances but in a steady dependence on Christ. Philippians 4:10–13 reveals that contentment is something learned over time as we trust God through both abundance and hardship. Paul reminds us that the strength to remain faithful in every circumstance comes from Christ Himself.

Week 19: When Victory Feels Like Defeat

March 31, 2026 • Matthew Allen • 2 Samuel 19

Second Samuel 19 describes the aftermath of Absalom’s death. Although David’s army has won the battle, the king’s deep grief threatens to overshadow the victory. His mourning discourages the soldiers who risked their lives to defend him. Joab confronts David and urges him to return to the gate and publicly acknowledge the people who fought for him. As the chapter continues, David begins his return journey to Jerusalem. Along the way, he encounters several people whose earlier actions are now brought to light. Shimei, who cursed David during his flight, now seeks forgiveness. Mephibosheth explains why he stayed in Jerusalem. Barzillai, who supported David in exile, refuses reward and chooses to go home. This passage shows the complex nature of reconciliation after conflict. Some seek mercy, some explain their loyalty, and others show humility by refusing recognition. David must handle these relationships carefully as he works to restore unity to the kingdom. The end of a battle doesn’t immediately bring peace. Leadership after a crisis requires wisdom, restraint, and a willingness to rebuild trust.

Week 18: The Battle That Ended the Rebellion

March 24, 2026 • Matthew Allen • 2 Samuel 18

Second Samuel 18 records the decisive battle between David’s forces and the army of Absalom. David organizes his men and sends them into battle under the leadership of Joab, Abishai, and Ittai. Before they leave, David gives a clear command: the young man Absalom must be treated gently. Despite the betrayal, David’s heart still longs for his son. The battle takes place in the forest of Ephraim, where David’s experienced forces defeat Absalom’s army. In the chaos of the retreat, Absalom is caught by his hair in the branches of a tree and left hanging helplessly. When Joab learns of this, he kills Absalom despite David’s instructions. The chapter ends not with celebration but with grief. Instead of rejoicing over victory, David mourns deeply for his son. His sorrow reveals both the cost of rebellion and the enduring love of a father whose heart is broken by the loss. Here we see the tragic consequences of pride and rebellion while also revealing the complicated sorrow that sin brings into families and nations.

Week 17: When Wisdom Competes

March 17, 2026 • 2 Samuel 17

Second Samuel 17 records one of the most strategic moments in Absalom’s rebellion. Two counselors give competing advice about how to pursue David. Ahithophel recommends a swift, decisive attack while David is weak and vulnerable. Hushai, secretly loyal to David, counters with a different plan that appeals to Absalom’s pride and fear. Absalom accepts Hushai’s advice, unknowingly giving David the time he needs to regroup. Behind the scenes, God is working. The chapter clearly shows that the Lord chose to foil the good advice of Ahithophel to bring disaster on Absalom. What appears to be a political decision is actually divine providence. God quietly protects David and guides the course of events. Here we also see the tragic end of Ahithophel. When his advice is rejected, he realizes that the rebellion will fail and takes his own life. Meanwhile, David receives help from loyal supporters who provide supplies and refuge as he prepares for what’s ahead. Second Samuel 17 reminds us that human plans never operate outside God’s purposes. Even when circumstances seem uncertain, the Lord continues to guide events according to His will.

Week 16: The King in Exile

March 10, 2026 • Matthew Allen • 2 Samuel 16

Second Samuel 16 follows David as he continues his painful flight from Jerusalem. The chapter presents three encounters that reveal the hearts of the people surrounding the king. Ziba appears to help David but hides selfish motives. Shimei curses David publicly and throws stones at him. Meanwhile, Absalom enters Jerusalem and receives counsel that deepens the rebellion. These scenes show the confusion that often surrounds times of crisis. Some people use chaos to advance themselves. Others lash out in bitterness. Still others offer destructive advice that accelerates division. Through it all, David shows remarkable restraint. Instead of defending himself or silencing his enemies, he submits to God’s discipline and leaves judgment in the Lord’s hands. Here we learn that adversity exposes character. The crisis reveals who is loyal, who is manipulative, and who is hostile. Yet it also reveals David’s growing humility. Rather than reacting with vengeance, he entrusts his reputation and future to God.

Week 15: Stealing the Hearts of the People

February 24, 2026 • Matthew Allen • 2 Samuel 15

Second Samuel 15 records the rise of Absalom’s rebellion against his father, King David. What began as unresolved sin and unchecked pride now turns into calculated treason. Absalom patiently undermines David’s authority, presents himself as a better alternative, and quietly wins the loyalty of the people. The chapter shows how rebellion often grows slowly, wrapped in charm, sympathy, and half-truths. When the moment is right, Absalom declares himself king. David, rather than fighting in Jerusalem, chooses to flee. The king who once conquered cities now leaves his own capital barefoot and weeping. Yet even in humiliation, David shows spiritual maturity. He refuses to manipulate God, entrusts the ark to the Lord, accepts God’s will, and places his hope in God’s mercy rather than his position. This chapter contrasts two hearts: (1) Absalom’s heart of ambition, manipulation, and pride, and (2) David’s heart of humility, trust, and submission to God. Rebellion thrives where leadership is weakened, but faith is refined in seasons of loss.

Week 14: A Return Without Repentance

February 17, 2026 • Matthew Allen • 2 Samuel 14

Second Samuel 14 describes Absalom’s return to Jerusalem after three years of exile. David longs for his son but remains conflicted. Joab, seeing the king’s distress, arranges for a wise woman from Tekoa to tell a parable that mirrors David’s situation. The story moves David emotionally and leads him to allow Absalom’s return. But also, a serious problem is exposed: Absalom comes home without repentance, and David restores him without confrontation. Though Absalom returns to Jerusalem, he is kept at a distance from the king. Two years pass with unresolved guilt, unresolved justice, and unresolved hearts. Mercy without truth does not bring healing. Forgiveness that avoids repentance only postpones greater conflict. What looks like reconciliation is unfinished business, and it sets the stage for Absalom’s rebellion in the chapters ahead.

CT037 - Do What You've Learned

March 11, 2026 • Matthew Allen • Philippians 4:9

In this episode, we look at Paul’s bold follow-up to his call for intentional thinking. Having told the Philippians where to put their minds, he now tells them what to do with their feet. Philippians 4:9 is a direct call to action—to put into practice what has been learned, received, heard, and seen. Paul points to himself as a model, not out of arrogance, but because faith was always meant to be lived out and passed on. He closes the verse with a remarkable promise: not just the peace of God, but the God of peace Himself will be with those who walk in obedience.

CT036 - Think on These Things

March 10, 2026 • Matthew Allen • Philippians 4:8

In this episode, we explore Paul's call to intentional thinking in Philippians 4:8. After addressing anxiety and pointing us toward peace, Paul turns to the mind itself—instructing us to dwell on what is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, and commendable. This is not a call to ignore difficulty or live in denial. Paul wrote from prison. He knew hardship. But he understood that what we consistently focus on shapes how we see everything else. In a world designed to feed us what is alarming and discouraging, Paul calls us to be intentional about where our minds live.

YPH 411

March 8, 2026 • Jason Schofield , Kevin Shanesy

Join Jason and guest host Kevin Shanesy for live bible talk beginning at 8 AM ET!

Unity in the Body

March 8, 2026 • Jeremy Price • Ecclesiastes 4:9–12

CT035 - Holy and Blameless

March 6, 2026 • Matthew Allen • Colossians 1:21–22

In this week’s Lord’s Supper meditation, we reflect on the powerful transformation accomplished through the death of Jesus Christ. Colossians 1:21–22 reminds us that we were once alienated from God and hostile in mind because of sin. Yet through the physical death of Christ on the cross, reconciliation has been made possible. Jesus gave His body so that sinners could be brought back to God and ultimately presented before Him holy, faultless, and blameless. As we come to the Lord’s table this Sunday, we remember both the seriousness of sin and the greatness of the Savior who gave Himself to restore us.

CT034 - The Peace of God

March 5, 2026 • Matthew Allen • Philippians 4:6–7

In Philippians 4:6–7, Paul gives one of Scripture’s most powerful instructions for dealing with anxiety. Rather than carrying our worries alone, we are invited to bring every concern to God through prayer, petition, and thanksgiving. When we do, God promises something remarkable—not necessarily immediate solutions, but His peace. This peace surpasses human understanding and stands guard over our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. In a world filled with pressure and uncertainty, prayer becomes the pathway to a steady heart.

CT033 - Rejoice in the Lord

March 4, 2026 • Matthew Allen • Philippians 4:4–5

In Philippians 4:4–5, Paul gives a powerful and repeated command: rejoice in the Lord. This joy is not rooted in circumstances but in the unchanging character and victory of Christ. Paul also calls us to let our gracious spirit be evident to everyone, reminding us that the Lord is near. In a world often driven by fear, anger, and instability, Christians are called to live with steady joy and visible gentleness that reflect a life anchored in Christ.

Week 5: Why Paul Preached

March 29, 2026 • Jim Rutter, Kyle Fletcher • Colossians 1:24–29

Paul embraced his mission as an apostle. The task of taking the gospel to the Gentiles was the driving force behind everything in his life. Much suffering accompanied this. Paul was writing this epistle from a prison cell, 4.10. The details of his sufferings are known in other writings, with 2 Corinthians 11.23-28 among the most detailed. Despite all these things, Paul rejoiced in his work. Even though the work was often grueling and mentally/emotionally taxing, Paul moved with an energy and power he knew were supplied by Jesus Himself, 1.29.