Riverton Cornerstone Community Church

How do the Psalms shape our worship, prayer, and everyday lives? In this sermon on Psalm 104, we explore one of Scripture's most beautiful songs of praise and discover why the Book of Psalms has served as the worship playlist of God's people for generations.Through Psalm 104, we are reminded that we were created not merely to admire creation, but to worship the Creator. This message examines the difference between praising God directly and proclaiming His greatness through His creation, challenging us to lift our eyes beyond ourselves and recover a life marked by awe, gratitude, and wholehearted worship.Join us as we consider what it means to praise God authentically, why humanity so often worships created things rather than the Creator, and how the gospel frees us to boldly approach God's throne in worship. If you've ever struggled with prayer, worship, or finding joy in God, this message will encourage you to rediscover the beauty, freedom, and purpose found in praising the Lord.Topics Covered:Psalm 104 explainedBiblical worship and praiseThe purpose of the Book of PsalmsWorshiping the Creator rather than creationHow the Psalms teach us to prayFinding joy and freedom in GodChristian discipleship and spiritual formationScriptures Referenced:Psalm 104:1-35 (Primary Text)Hebrews 4:16Romans 1:25Psalm 90:12 ("Teach us to number our days")Ecclesiastes 12:1 ("Remember your Creator in the days of your youth")“Praise the Lord, my soul. Lord my God, you are very great; you are clothed with splendor and majesty.” — Psalm 104:1

The Only One | Revelation 5In this powerful message, guest preacher Nathan explores the breathtaking vision of Revelation 5 and reminds us that when life’s problems seem overwhelming, there is only One who is worthy to carry the weight of our burdens. From personal struggles and family hardships to cultural uncertainty and global turmoil, Nathan points listeners to the throne room of heaven where Jesus Christ reigns as both the Lion of the Tribe of Judah and the Lamb who was slain.Drawing from Revelation 5, Daniel 7, Isaiah 9, and other key passages, Nathan explains that no human being can ultimately accomplish the will of God, but Jesus alone is worthy to open the scroll and bring God’s purposes to completion. The message highlights Christ’s victory through His sacrificial death, His sovereign rule over all nations, and His ongoing work to gather people from every tribe, language, and nation into His kingdom.Nathan also shares stories from ministry in Nepal, illustrating the universal need for the gospel and the hope found in Christ alone. He encourages believers to bring every concern—whether grief, uncertainty, sickness, family struggles, or unanswered questions—to the Lord in prayer, trusting that heaven hears the cries of God’s people.If you are carrying a burden today, this sermon offers a greater vision: Jesus is on the throne, His kingdom cannot be shaken, and He alone is worthy of our worship.Key Scriptures:Revelation 5:1–14Daniel 7:9–14Isaiah 9:6–7Matthew 8:23–27Revelation 1:5Revelation 7:9–10Revelation 12:112 Corinthians 4:8–9Philippians 2:5–11Hebrews 12:1–3Main Theme:Only Jesus can accomplish the will of God, and because He alone is worthy, He alone deserves our worship. When life becomes overwhelming, take it to the Only One.

Be Ready: Faithful Living While We Wait1 Thessalonians 5:12–14How should Christians live while waiting for Christ to return?In this message, Pastor Ian McFarland continues walking through Paul’s closing instructions in 1 Thessalonians 5, showing that readiness for Christ’s return is not about decoding end-times predictions—it is about faithful living.For decades, books and predictions about the end times have captured the imagination of millions. Yet Jesus repeatedly warned that His return would come unexpectedly. Instead of chasing speculation, believers are called to something far more practical: faithful obedience in everyday life.Looking at Luke 12:35–48, Pastor Ian highlights Jesus’ parable of servants waiting for their master to return. The servants who are ready are not the ones trying to calculate the timing of the master’s arrival—they are the ones faithfully doing the work they were given.Paul’s final instructions to the Thessalonian church reflect that same principle. Readiness for Christ’s return is revealed in how believers live, serve, and love one another today.Paul calls the church to several marks of faithful Christian living:Admonish the IdleScripture warns against a life of spiritual or practical laziness. God has entrusted each believer with time, gifts, relationships, and responsibilities. Faithfulness means using those gifts for His purposes rather than wasting them on empty pursuits (Proverbs 10:8; Proverbs 21:25).Encourage the FaintheartedMany people carry deep discouragement and wounds. Instead of harsh criticism, Christians are called to strengthen and uplift those who are struggling. Encouragement is not dishonesty—it is a reflection of the compassion of God (Hebrews 3:13).Help the WeakBelievers are called to notice those who are struggling and offer tangible support. The church is meant to be a place where burdens are shared and no one walks alone.Be Patient With EveryoneWhether correcting the idle, helping the weak, or encouraging the discouraged, all of it must be done with patience. God Himself has been patient with us, giving time for repentance and growth (2 Peter 3:9, 15).This passage reminds us that spiritual readiness is not measured by speculation or prediction. It is seen in lives marked by humility, compassion, faithfulness, and love.Christ calls His people to live as faithful servants—doing the work He has entrusted to them until the day He returns.Scripture References1 Thessalonians 5:12–14Luke 12:35–48Proverbs 10:8Proverbs 21:25Hebrews 3:132 Peter 3:9, 15

Mercy, Mission & the Day of the Lord | Rich Martin & Pastor Ian McFarlandThis powerful Sunday gathering featured two meaningful moments for our church family — a bold call to gospel mission in our community and a thoughtful return to Paul’s teaching on the Day of the Lord.First, Rich Martin, director of Riverton Mercy House, shared his gripping testimony of redemption. From addiction, despair, and homelessness to restoration in Christ, Rich testified to the transforming power of the gospel. Once enslaved to drugs and fear, he now proclaims the hope of Jesus — the One who “came to seek and save the lost.”Rich introduced the vision for Mercy House: a Christ-centered, faith-based crisis shelter designed not only to meet physical needs but to address eternal ones. Rooted in passages like:• Isaiah 58 – “Share your bread with the hungry… bring the homeless poor into your house.”• Matthew 28:18–20 – The Great Commission• Mark 16:15 – “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel.”• 2 Corinthians 5:17–20 – The ministry of reconciliationMercy House seeks to be more than a shelter — it aims to be a bridge into the community, a place where the love of Christ meets people in crisis. Rich challenges believers to move beyond comfort and step into mission: “Here I am, Lord — send me.”In the second half of the service, Pastor Ian McFarland returned to our study in 1 Thessalonians, focusing on 5:1–11 and the often-debated topic of the Day of the Lord.Is Christ’s return one event or two? What does Paul mean when he says:“For God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ…” (1 Thessalonians 5:9)Pastor Ian carefully walks through the differing theological views surrounding “wrath” and “salvation” — particularly in discussions about the rapture and tribulation — while emphasizing humility in secondary doctrinal debates.Ultimately, the anchor of the passage is not speculation, but hope:• Jesus is returning.• Believers are children of the light.• We are destined not for wrath, but for salvation.• Therefore, we encourage and build one another up.This message reminds us that eschatology is not meant to create anxiety but assurance. Christ died for us so that whether we live or die, we belong to Him.A stirring call to gospel mission in our city — and a steady reminder that our eternal hope rests securely in Jesus.

Rapture Roundtable, Part 2Pastor Ian McFarlandIn this second installment of Rapture Roundtable, Pastor Ian McFarland continues through 1 Thessalonians 4:16–5:11, guiding listeners through one of the most discussed and debated topics in Christian theology: the rapture and the return of Christ.This message thoughtfully explores differing views on the rapture, including pre-tribulation perspectives, while keeping the focus on what Scripture clearly teaches and what believers can confidently agree on. Pastor Ian emphasizes careful biblical interpretation, historical context, and humility in theological discussion—reminding us that while details may be debated, Christ’s return is certain.Key themes include:The relationship between the rapture, the Day of the Lord, and Christ’s second comingWhy believers are called to long for Jesus’ return, not fear itThe biblical idea of imminence and readinessHow the hope of Christ’s return shapes holy living todayWhy end-times discussions should unite, not divide, the ChurchScripture references include:1 Thessalonians 4:16–18; 5:1–11Matthew 24:9–44Daniel 12:7Revelation 11:1–3; 12:1–6John 14:2–3Philippians 3:20–21Titus 2:11–13Revelation 22:20–21This message invites believers to hold their convictions with grace, remain watchful and sober-minded, and live with joyful expectation—anchored in the promise that Jesus is coming again.“Therefore encourage one another and build one another up.” — 1 Thessalonians 5:11

Tyler Jordan, Children’s PastorTexts: John; Exodus 3; Selected PsalmsIn this Scripture-rich message, Children’s Pastor Tyler Jordan walks through the powerful “I Am” statements of Jesus in the Gospel of John, showing how Christ reveals His divine identity, character, and promises through His own words. Drawing deep connections between John’s Gospel, Exodus 3, and the Psalms, this sermon invites listeners to reflect on the weight, beauty, and authority of the name of God.The message begins with God’s self-revelation to Moses—“I AM WHO I AM” (Exodus 3:14)—and shows how that same divine name carries forward when Jesus declares, “I am”. These statements are not metaphors alone; they are declarations of deity. When Jesus says “I am,” He is revealing Himself as the eternal God who was, who is, and who will be forever.Tyler carefully walks through each of the major I Am statements in John, including:• I Am the Bread of Life (John 6:35, 48, 51)• I Am the Light of the World (John 8:12; 9:5)• I Am the Door (John 10:7–9)• I Am the Good Shepherd (John 10:11–16)• I Am the Resurrection and the Life (John 11:25–26)• I Am the Way, the Truth, and the Life (John 14:6)• I Am the True Vine (John 15:1–5)Each declaration is paired with supporting Psalms—such as Psalm 14, 19, 23, 25, 30, 80, 95, 119, and others—showing how the Old Testament consistently points forward to Christ and finds its fulfillment in Him.The sermon highlights the power of God’s name, reminding listeners that when Jesus speaks, storms calm, blindness is healed, soldiers fall back, and sinners are called to life. These truths are not only theological but deeply personal: Jesus feeds, guides, protects, restores, leads, gives life, and produces fruit in those who abide in Him.Throughout the message, listeners are encouraged to examine their hearts:Are we feeding on the Bread of Life?Are we walking in the Light?Are we listening for the Shepherd’s voice?Are we abiding in the True Vine?The message culminates with Jesus’ unmistakable declaration of deity: “Before Abraham was, I AM” (John 8:58). This is a call to reverence, worship, trust, and obedience—because when Jesus says “I am,” He means it.A rich, Christ-centered sermon calling believers to know Jesus more fully, trust Him more deeply, and live in light of who He truly is.