Know Grow Show

Our Father is with us and way beyond us

Weekly Podcast from Cornerstone Church, North Gower, Ontario. 
www.knowgrowshow.ca
 
To listen on your favourite podcast provider (Spotify, Stitcher, Apple or Google) visit knowgrowshow.ca and click on the podcast tab.
 
The Passage: Matthew 5:9
The One Thing: Our Father is WITH us and WAY beyond us
Know
K1 Who are you most excited to see for a heart-to-heart after Covid-19?
Grow
G1 Jesus says “This then is how you should pray” in Matt 6:9. So, are we allowed to pray any other prayers other than the Lord’s prayer?
G2 Why is this prayer so different from the prayer of the hypocrite in verse 5? How is it different to prayer of the babbler in verse 7?
G3 We often think of prayer as a private thing: something between me and God. Why is it significant that Jesus says “OUR Father” instead of “MY Father”?
G4 Why does God choose to primarily reveal Himself as Father?
G5 God reveals Himself as a Father in our passage today and throughout scripture. Does this mean God is male? Explain your answer.
G6 How would you encourage someone who has had a bad experience with their biological father to pray to Father God?
G7 Our prayers have a supernatural editing team: JESUS (who props up our prayers with His own [Romans 8:4]), the SPIRIT (who interprets our prayers [Romans 8:26-27]) and the FATHER (who pre-empts our prayers [Matt. 6:8]). Tell someone or tell God how this information encourages you.
Show
S1 Take some time this week to meditate on God as Father (feel free to use one of these verses for inspiration if you wish: https://www.soulshepherding.org/bible-verses-on-the-fathers-love/). Reflect on both the positive and negative concepts of “Father” that you’ve received through your life and give them all to God.

Pray as if God already knows

Weekly Podcast from Cornerstone Church, North Gower, Ontario. 
www.knowgrowshow.ca
 
To listen on your favourite podcast provider (Spotify, Stitcher, Apple or Google) visit knowgrowshow.ca and click on the podcast tab.
 
The Passage: Matthew 6:6-7
The One Thing: Pray as if God already knows
Know
K1 Think of a place in your imagination that represents peace and solitude for you. Could you imagine meeting Jesus there?
Grow
G1 Would you say that times of silence and solitude are (a) Essential? (b) Beneficial? (c) On balance, probably do more good than harm ? (d) Unnecessary? What scripture would you use to back up your claim?
G2 Have you ever used written prayers to help you pray? How did this go for you? How is this different to “vain repetition” or “babbling”?
G3 How should Matt 6:8 (“your Father knows what you need before you ask Him”) change how we pray?
G4 Have you ever prayed with prayer beads or a comfort cross or some other practical aid? Why might it be helpful to have something in our hands as we pray?
G5 Choose a breath prayer that you can “carry” around with you. For some beautiful examples, visit bit.ly/2VOXMb6, or simple google “Christian breath prayers” or “Biblical breath prayers”.
G6 What did you think of Dan’s idea of meeting somewhere with Jesus in your imagination (cliff walk, hot air balloon, sail boat etc)? Why does Dan think that the imagination is such an important part of meeting with God? Do you agree with him?
Show
S1 Set aside 30 minutes this week (more if you can). Using the tools that Dan talked about in His message, spend some time with Jesus. Share with Dan via email or on the “Cornerstone Connected” Facebook page your experience if you wish.

You Have A Visitor. It's God.

Weekly Podcast from Cornerstone Church, North Gower, Ontario. 
www.knowgrowshow.ca
 
To listen on your favourite podcast provider (Spotify, Stitcher, Apple or Google) visit knowgrowshow.ca and click on the podcast tab.
Grapple and Grow Family Discussion
Passage
Matthew 6:5-6
The One Thing
You have a visitor. It’s God.
 Grow
G1 Matthew 6:5, Jesus says “When (not if) you pray”. What does this tells us about how Jesus views prayer?
G2 We believe Jesus is God, right? Does that mean every time the disciples were talking to Him, they were praying? What do you think?
G3 What’s an example today of someone “praying to be seen by others” (verse 5)? What are some ways that can we be insincere or “hypocritical” in our prayers?
G3 How can talking to God (prayer) both humble you AND lift you up?
G4 Why are some people afraid of praying out loud? How could they reduce this fear?
G5 What are the three steps in Matthew 5:6 of connecting with God? Why is “going into your room” and “closing your door” so important? How can we apply this verse into our world of technology?
G6 What do you think the reward we get from God is in verse 6?
Show
S1 Take time this week decide where and when you will go to spend time with God on a daily basis. If you are a couple or in a family, share with each other your plan. What can you each do to encourage each other to prioritize this time? How can you hold each other accountable? Set a time at the end of the week to review the week and how this quiet time with God has made a difference in your lives.

70 Day Bible Reading Challenge (1 Timothy 6.17-21)

Weekly Podcast from Cornerstone Church, North Gower, Ontario. 
www.knowgrowshow.ca
 
To listen on your favourite podcast provider (Spotify, Stitcher, Apple or Google) visit knowgrowshow.ca and click on the podcast tab.
Grapple and Grow Family Discussion
Passage
1 Timothy 6:17-21
 
The One Thing
God richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment
 
Know
K1 Think of 2 circumstances in which you really value clear instructions?
Grow
G1 Dan said “the greater the consequences, the clearer the instructions”. Do you agree with this statement? Why or why not?
G2 What does it tell us that Paul used the word “command” when discussing wealth? Has the Pastor got the right to command people how to view money?
G3 According to verse 17a, why is putting your hope in wealth a bad idea? Have you ever experienced the “uncertainty” of wealth?
G3 Verse 17b tells us that “God provides us with everything for our enjoyment”? Do you think he really means EVERYTHING?
G4 What picture of God does Paul want us to build in our minds from verse 17?
G5 How would you respond if Dan, as Pastor “COMMANDED you to do good, to be generous…?” (verse 18). Why is generosity so essential to the Christian life?
Show
S1 Are you closed-fisted towards God with your resources, or open-handed? What’s one thing you can do this week to bless someone else with finances or some other resources you have?

70 Day Bible Reading Challenge (1 Tim 3:16) Easter Sunday

Weekly Podcast from Cornerstone Church, North Gower, Ontario. 
www.knowgrowshow.ca
 
To listen on your favourite podcast provider (Spotify, Stitcher, Apple or Google) visit knowgrowshow.ca and click on the podcast tab.
The One Thing: God's Recipe for a Life Fully Lived
The Passage: 1 Timothy 1:3:16
16 Beyond all question, the mystery from which true godliness springs is great: He appeared in the flesh, was vindicated by the Spirit, was seen by angels, was preached among the nations, was believed on in the world, was taken up in glory.

70 Day Bible Reading Challenge (1 Timothy 3:16-17)

Weekly Podcast from Cornerstone Church, North Gower, Ontario. 
www.knowgrowshow.ca
 
To listen on your favourite podcast provider (Spotify, Stitcher, Apple or Google) visit knowgrowshow.ca and click on the podcast tab.
The One Thing: Jesus: the Vaccine for the Virus of Sin.
The Passage: 1 Timothy 1:15-16 
15 Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. 16 But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life.

ARCHIVE: The Labouring Pastor (Galatians 4:19) - April 9th 2017

This sermon comes out of the archive, from April 9th 2017, Dan's first Sunday at Lead Pastor at Cornerstone. 

70 Day Bible Reading Challenge (James 1:12-18)

 
Weekly Podcast from Cornerstone Church, North Gower, Ontario. 
www.knowgrowshow.ca
 
To listen on your favourite podcast provider (Spotify, Stitcher, Apple or Google) visit knowgrowshow.ca and click on the podcast tab.
70 Day Bible Reading Challenge
As you’re reading the Bible this week, ask the following questions:
S: what SPECIFIC Bible verse stood out to me?
O: general OBSERVATION. What is the Bible passage saying?
A: APPLICATION. How do I apply this to my life?
P: PRAYER: Write a 1 or 2 sentence prayer, telling God what’s most on my heart and mind today. 
Personal Growth / growgroup questions
Passage: James 1:12-18
The One Thing: Fill up with the best to say no to the rest
 
Discussion questions / personal growth questions about Sunday’s message.
Know
Dan told two truths and a lie I his message. Can you remember what they were? Take some time and play this game with whoever you’re in isolation with – see who is the most convincing liar!
Grow
What was your response to hearing that Dan smacked the table in frustration? How could he have handled the situation better?
Have you ever given in to temptation and then blamed God? How did that encounter end?
James 1:13 says “For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He tempt anyone”. Hebrews 4:15 says “But we have one (Jesus) who has been tempted in every way, just as we are – yet He did not sin”. How can we reconcile the apparent contradiction in these two verses?
James 1:14 tells us that the source of temptation is within us. Why do you think that Satan is not even mentioned by James?
Do you think that Satan is ultimately the cause of all sin in this world? Why or why not?
Why did James use the imagery of pregnancy when describing temptation and sin (verse 15)? What reaction do you think James is trying to get?
In battling temptation, why is it so important that we remember that “every good and perfect gift is from above, from the Father of the heavenly lights?”
Show
Are you noticing that Covid-19 is becoming a time of temptation and even sin for you? In what way? Talk to God about this as honestly you can. Why not give Dan or someone you trust a call and share this with them?

70 Day Bible Reading Challenge (Hebrews 11.18-20)

 
Weekly Podcast from Cornerstone Church, North Gower, Ontario. 
www.knowgrowshow.ca
 
To listen on your favourite podcast provider (Spotify, Stitcher, Apple or Google) visit knowgrowshow.ca and click on the podcast tab.
70 Day Bible Reading Challenge
As you’re reading the Bible this week, ask the following questions:
S: what SPECIFIC Bible verse stood out to me?
O: general OBSERVATION. What is the Bible passage saying?
A: APPLICATION. How do I apply this to my life?
P: PRAYER: Write a 1 or 2 sentence prayer, telling God what’s most on my heart and mind today.
Personal Growth / growgroup questions
Passage: Hebrews 11:8-10
The One Thing: Jesus is our foundation of future hope
Know
Dan talked in his message about camping. It’s hard to imagine going camping right now isn’t it? What plans have you needed / might you need to change because of Covid-19?
Grow
2 Cor 5:1. The Bible talks about this life being like a tent, and the next life as our real “home”. How can this understanding help us place greater value on this life?
Hebrews 11:9. What did it mean for Abraham to “make his home like a stranger”. How does John 17:14-19 help us understand this idea better?
Hebrew 11:9 What might it have been like for Jacob (3rd generation in the Promised Land) to still be living in tents? Imagine this was your reality in modern-day Canada – how would this have impacted / affected your day to day life / attitude / relationships?
Hebrew 11:10 What does it mean that God is the “builder” and “architect” of this “city with foundations”. Do you think the writer of Hebrews talking about a literal city or a spiritual reality?
Hebrews 11:1. How is Biblical hope MORE than mere wishful thinking / ‘hoping’ for the best?
How might God be using this season of change / isolation to speak truth into your life? What is He telling you? Are you listening?
Show
Take some time this week and pray 2 Corinthians 5:6-10 over your life. Are there things in your life that you have imagined are foundational when they are nothing more than tent pegs? Ask God to show you how to re-establish the foundation of His Lordship in your life.

70 Day Bible Reading Challenge (Hebrews 6.19-20)

Weekly Podcast from Cornerstone Church, North Gower, Ontario. 
www.knowgrowshow.ca
 
To listen on your favourite podcast provider (Spotify, Stitcher, Apple or Google) visit knowgrowshow.ca and click on the podcast tab.
SOAP
As you’re reading the Bible this week, ask the following questions:
S: what SPECIFIC Bible verse stood out to me?
O: general OBSERVATION. What is the Bible passage saying?
A: APPLICATION. How do I apply this to my life?
P: PRAYER: Write a 1 or 2 sentence prayer, telling God what’s most on my heart and mind today.
 
Discussion questions / personal growth questions about Sunday’s message.
Know
How is God revealing Himself to you during Covid-19? Think of the unexpected blessings this time brings to you. Thank God for them.
Grow
Read Hebrew 6:7-8 - What kind of land are you? What kind of fruit are you growing?
Read Hebrews 6:12 - who are you following? Does this relationship enhance your relationship with Christ? If so, how?
Read Hebrews 6:4-5 – What do these blessings mean: being enlightened, tasting the heavenly gift, sharing in the Holy Spirit, tasting the goodness of God and experiencing the powers of the coming age? Tell a story or think of a time you experienced one or a couple of these blessings. How are you experiencing them now?
Read Hebrews 6:19 - What does it look like for you to spend time in the Holy of Holies, in God's presence?
Show
If you have an idea how we can foster community as a church during this time, please let Dan or Stacey know.
Step out in faith. This week, make a commitment to share the love of Christ with someone in your life, either
through offering to pick up their groceries
buying a small gift for your neighbor
boldly sharing the reason for the hope that is within you
or some other way