Riverton Cornerstone Community Church

Episode Description: The Hope of the Church

Pastor Ian McFarland

Text: 1 Thessalonians 4:13–18

What is the church’s true hope in a world shaped by skepticism, distraction, and spiritual numbness? In this message, Pastor Ian McFarland returns to 1 Thessalonians 4:13–18 to remind believers of the foundational Christian confession: Jesus Christ is coming back, and His people will be with Him forever.

Paul writes so that believers ...

Elder: David Gale

As we stand at the threshold of a new year, Elder David Gale walks us through Paul’s prayer in Colossians 1:9–14, helping us ask a crucial question: What should God’s people be praying for as we look ahead? While the world focuses on resolutions, projections, and self-improvement, this passage redirects our attention to a deeper, Christ-centered vision for growth and stability.

Paul prays that believers would be...

In this special Christmas message, we step away briefly from our study in 1 Thessalonians to reflect on the deeper meaning of Advent and the hope found in the coming of Christ. Titled The Hope of Longings Fulfilled, this episode invites us to consider what life was truly like before Jesus—and how easily we can take the light of the gospel for granted.

The message begins by asking us to imagine a world without Christmas, without ...

In this message, we return to 1 Thessalonians 4:13–14 to explore what Paul means when he says Christians are not to “grieve as others do who have no hope.” This sermon speaks directly to seasons of loss, especially during times like Christmas when grief can feel heavier and more present.

Paul does not forbid grief for believers. Instead, he teaches us how to grieve rightly—with hope rooted in truth. Death feels final, oppressive, an...

Episode Description: Advent Again (1 Thessalonians 4:13–14)

In this message, we continue our series in 1 Thessalonians and explore Paul’s comforting words in 4:13–14. The Thessalonian church was anxious and grieving because they were unsure what happened to believers who died before Christ’s return. Paul responds not with speculation or fear, but with truth designed to bring stability, clarity, and hope.

Paul reminds them that Christ...

Introduction to James

Before entering the text, Pastor Matt explains how study Bibles provide context on authorship, date, themes, and literary features. Most scholars agree the letter is written by James, the brother of Jesus, likely in the early–mid 40s A.D.

He highlights that James writes in the style of a Greek diatribe, which features sharp address, vivid metaphors, and imaginary dialogue—explaining why James’ tone feels abrupt ...

Sermon by Ian McFarland. Working While Waiting, we explore Paul’s practical and convicting words in 1 Thessalonians 4:9–12, where he urges believers to love one another deeply, live quietly, mind their own affairs, and work with their hands. Far from being a call to a small or insignificant life, Paul shows us that a faithful, steady, diligent life becomes a powerful witness to a watching world. When believers choose responsibility...