Sunday Sermons at Cornerstone Church, Mandeville

In this message, we discover how simple it really is to know God’s heart. Like a Roomba endlessly circling a mess, we sometimes complicate what was meant to be direct. Jesus shows us in Matthew 9 that the heart of God beats for people—broken, weary, and scattered. As we walk with Him through dusty roads and compassionate moments, we see what He saw, feel what He felt, and learn to pray as He prayed. This episode calls us to sync our hearts with Heaven—to see our world not as a problem to solve but as a harvest ready to be reached.

We often ask, “Who’s our number one?”—but have you ever wondered what God puts first? In this message, Pastor Doug Gilford unpacks Matthew 6:33, revealing that God’s highest priority isn’t structures, systems, or success—it’s souls. From Genesis to Revelation, God’s heart beats for people—for you. Through powerful stories and scripture, Doug reminds us that God’s first desire is honor, His deepest longing is relationship, and His greatest pursuit is you. When we understand His priorities, our lives, loves, and values come into alignment. Because if we’re God’s number one… shouldn’t He be ours?

Before a single wall goes up, a builder spends hours measuring that first corner. Why? Because if it’s off, the whole house is crooked. Our lives work the same way — what we put first determines whether everything else stays in line.In this powerful message, Pastor Doug Gilford takes us to the words of Jesus in Matthew 6:33, “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” Through stories, Scripture, and real-life parallels, he reveals how misplaced priorities lead to imbalance — and how putting God first brings alignment, purpose, and peace.

In this message, we continue our series in Hebrews with one of the most sobering passages in all of Scripture: a warning against rejecting God. Hebrews 6:1–6 speaks not of casual mistakes but of full-blown apostasy—a deliberate turning away from Christ after once tasting His goodness.Throughout history, God has always warned His people; Adam, Noah, Moses, Ezekiel, and even Jesus Himself gave warnings to protect souls, not to steal joy. Warnings are mercy in action. Ignoring them leads to danger, but receiving them leads to safety in Christ.Together we trace the roots of apostasy in America, from early faith-filled foundations to today’s widespread rejection of biblical truth. Yet even in seasons of decline, God never leaves Himself without a witness—from the Great Awakenings, to Azusa Street, to Asbury.How do we avoid falling away? By progressing in our faith, persisting through trials, and refusing to grow lazy in our walk with God. This message challenges us to take the warning seriously, to grow in spiritual maturity, and to hold fast to Christ with endurance and hope.

When a parent shouts a warning, it is not out of anger but out of love. That is the tone of Hebrews 3:12–19; a desperate cry from a loving God urging His children not to drift away. In this message, we hear how drifting from God slowly turns into departing from Him—and how unbelief hardens hearts until sin feels normal and faith fades away.Drawing from the struggles of the early believers under persecution, and from the cultural shifts of our own day where truth is twisted and faith is mocked, this sermon calls us to take the warnings of God seriously. The tragedy of lives and even nations drifting from biblical foundations reminds us that His warnings are urgent and timely.We discover three anchors that keep us from departing: daily encouragement from the body of Christ, holding strong to the end, and fixing our thoughts on Jesus. These warnings are not meant to push us away; they are an invitation to stay close to the Father who loves us.Join us as we unpack the loud warnings of a loving God and learn how to endure with steadfast faith in a world that is drifting.Scripture Focus: Hebrews 3:12–19 (NKJV)

In life, warning signs aren’t there to ruin the journey—they’re there to save it. Just like road signs that keep us safe on dangerous mountain passes, God gives us clear spiritual warnings through His Word. In this message, Loud Warnings from a Loving God, we’ll see how the book of Hebrews speaks to the dangers of drifting, doubt, rebellion, and rejection of God. These aren’t meant to scare us but to protect us and lead us back to the firm foundation of Christ.If you’ve ever felt tempted to turn back, grow cold in your faith, or ignore God’s voice, this episode will encourage you that His warnings come from love—because He wants you to make it safely home.

God is still speaking today, but many of us have tuned Him out. In this message, we explore the story of young Samuel and how he learned to recognize the voice of God. Through this passage, we see that the difference between spiritual disaster and destiny often comes down to whether we are truly listening.We discover three keys for hearing God more clearly: staying close to Him in daily fellowship, pressing beyond surface faith into deeper intimacy, and resisting the pull of stale, apathetic Christianity. Just as Samuel positioned himself near the ark of God and heard what others could not, we too can hear God’s call when we remain near His presence.This sermon will challenge us to move from comfort to closeness, from casual faith to committed listening, and to answer with Samuel’s words: “Speak, Lord, for Your servant hears.”

In this episode, Pastor Doug unpacks the difference between hearing and truly listening. From James 1:22–24 and John 10:27, we discover that Jesus calls His sheep not only to hear His voice but to follow Him. With so many competing voices around us—fear, pride, past wounds, and cultural noise—the Shepherd still speaks clearly to those who belong to Him. This message invites us into deeper intimacy with Christ, reminding us that His voice always leads us to life, rest, and hope.

Life has moments where everything falls apart—dreams crumble, pressure mounts, and answers run dry. That’s where David found himself at Ziklag. In this episode, we’ll see how he wept honestly, found strength in God’s presence, and stepped forward on God’s word. If you’ve ever been pressed to your breaking point, this message will help you discover how to recover hope and move forward with faith.

No Condemn-nation, Part 2 – Why?Romans 8:1 isn’t just comforting—it’s revolutionary. In Christ, our guilt has been erased, our debt paid in full, and our identity forever changed. No more condemnation; only the righteousness of Jesus covering us completely.Listen now and discover why the verdict is already in: Free. Forever.

We live in a world quick to cancel and slow to forgive—a condemn-nation where shame is loud and grace is silent. But what if there's another way? In this episode, we break down Romans 8:1–2 and uncover a promise from God's Kingdom: there is no condemnation for those in Christ. Through Paul’s raw struggle in Romans 7, we see the reality of failure—but we also see freedom. If you've ever felt disqualified, rejected, or stuck in your past, this message is for you. The verdict has already been declared: Forgiven. Free. Favored.

In a world full of contradiction and confusion, the Apostle Paul’s encounter at Mars Hill offers a powerful blueprint for engaging a spiritually lost culture. This sermon explores Paul’s bold message to a city filled with idols and intellect, yet starving for truth. Drawing from Acts 17, we examine what it means to live “in Christ” in contrast to life “out of Christ.”Listeners will discover how Paul transitioned from cultural observation to gospel proclamation, revealing the identity and supremacy of the Creator God. We unpack key scriptural truths:Jesus as the Creator and Sustainer of lifeThe necessity of living in Him, not just believing about HimThe contrast between Sunday-only religion and everyday Christ-centered livingThis message challenges believers to bring Jesus out of the church building and into everyday life. Learn how to guard your spiritual house, shut the door to the enemy, and keep your heart open to Christ’s lordship. A practical and convicting call to be the Church in a confused and broken world.

Have you ever felt the pain of being passed over—even when you were qualified, prepared, and passionate? You're not alone. In Acts 1, two faithful disciples, Matthias and Joseph Barsabas Justus, both met every requirement to become the next apostle. Yet, only Matthias was chosen.How do we handle rejection when we’ve done everything right? What if God's plan leads us down a path we didn't expect? In this episode, we’ll uncover the quiet strength found in surrendering our plans to God’s greater purpose. Discover how to navigate disappointment, avoid the trap of emotional reactions, and confidently trust in the Spirit’s guidance—even when the answer is “no.”

Sometimes what you see tells you there’s no hope. But faith isn’t built on what your eyes perceive—it’s built on God’s unchanging promises.In this episode, we explore 2 Corinthians 4 and 5 to see how Paul endured prisons, beatings, and trials yet called them a “light affliction” because he focused on the eternal, not the temporary.Discover how to:Keep believing when nothing changesTrust God is working behind the scenesWalk by faith and not by sightBe encouraged to declare with confidence: “We live by faith, not by sight.” No matter what circumstances look like, God has the final word.

This sermon reflects on the challenging season of building Cornerstone Church 17 years ago and highlights how God faithfully provided through it all. The message is clear: if He provided then, we can trust He’ll provide now.

What if your spiritual life feels more like a dry well than a flowing river?In this powerful message, Pastor Doug Gilford takes us deep into John 7:37–39, where Jesus cries out to a dry and religious crowd, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink.” Just as Cape Town once braced for a catastrophic water shortage, many are facing a spiritual “Day Zero.” But through the Holy Spirit, Jesus offers us more than just survival—He offers overflow.This episode explores how to:-Come thirsty and leave overflowing-Discern deep truths revealed only by the Spirit (1 Corinthians 2:10–14)-Use your spiritual gifts not for platform, but for purpose (1 Corinthians 12)-Grow in fruit that’s authentic, not artificial (Galatians 5:22–25)

In Part 2 of our series on the Holy Spirit, we walk through the New Testament with fresh eyes—seeing how Jesus promised a Helper, how ordinary believers were filled with extraordinary power, and how the Spirit becomes essential to our salvation, strength, and spiritual purpose

What if the power and presence of God isn’t something you have to chase — but Someone already living in you? In this message, we explore who the Holy Spirit truly is — not a force, but a Person who comforts, convicts, guides, and empowers.In a world full of artificial connection, Jesus offers something real: His Spirit. Learn what it means to be filled, led, and transformed by the Spirit of God.

Pastor Doug unpacks the idea that the devil has control or not over our lives.