Folders – Page 3 – Cornerstone Church of Silicon Valley- CCSV

February 25: “Church that Completes the Law” (Matthew 5:17-48)

Jesus said that he came to fulfill the law. But how? We see it in his authoritative interpretation of the law. When he says, “But I say to you,” Jesus is not contradicting the law, but going deeper into it to clarify the original intent of the law. The Torah becomes “complete” when it goes […]

February 18: “God’s Blessings for the Church” (Matthew 5:1-16)

When we think of the Sermon on the Mount, we think of seemingly impossible commands, like loving our enemies. But we must remember that Jesus’ sermon begins with blessings for the church. The heavy burden of Jesus’ commands are made lighter by these blessings. In kingdom ethics, commands are always preceded by grace for empowerment. […]

February 11: “Having the Mind of Christ Unites the Church” (1 Corinthians 2:1 – 3:4)

Spiritual pride can take many forms: Some boast in their spiritual gifts, some in scholarly knowledge, some in doctrinal correctness or moral uprightness. The Corinthians thought they were spiritually mature people. But Paul says they are more like spiritual infants. Not spiritual, but fleshly. For Paul, being of flesh is living in disunity within the […]

February 4: “Be United in Boasting About Christ” (1 Corinthians 1:10-31)

Following his thanksgiving, Paul appeals for unity in the church. People claim to follow different leaders, but what’s important is the message, not the messenger. Paul then launches into a meditation about the message of the cross, contrasting it with human wisdom. There is division because people value human wisdom more than God’s wisdom. For […]

January 28: “The First Step Toward Unity” (1 Corinthians 1:1-9)

Paul begins his letter to the Corinthians with thanksgiving. Then he deals with the problem of a division in the church. How can Paul be thankful in spite of all the problems the church is having? First, Paul is thankful when he considers God’s gifts of grace to Corinthians. Second, Paul is thankful because he […]