Christ our Cornerstone Podcast

Trusting in Christ’s timing can lead to extraordinary blessings beyond our immediate requests, as our desperation can become the backdrop for his resurrection power.Mark 5:21-43christourcornerstonechurch.com

Did angels really come down and cohabitate with human women or was it just the Godly people of Seth's line mixing with the ungodly pagan people? In this episode Pastor Logan Merrick breaks down the problem with the Sethite view of Genesis 6 and why the Scriptures are much more supernatural than we are typically comfortable with.Resources Mentioned in this episodeThe Unseen Realm – Michael S. Heiser Probably the most accessible deep dive into the divine council worldview and Genesis 6.Reversing Hermon – Michael S. Heiser A more focused look specifically at Genesis 6 and its implications in the New Testament.Supernatural – Michael S. Heiser A simplified version of The Unseen Realm—great starting point.1 Enoch Not Scripture—but incredibly important for understanding how ancient Jews interpreted Genesis 6.The Genesis 6 Conspiracy – Gary Bates A contrasting perspective that critiques the supernatural view—worth reading both sides.Giants Sons of the Gods - Douglas Van DornDemons – Michael S. Heiser Explores how Genesis 6 connects to later biblical demonology.

Ever encountered real evil? Not on a screen, but face to face? In Mark 5:1-20, we meet a man possessed by thousands of demons—isolated, tormented, living among the dead. Everyone gave up on him. But when Jesus stepped onto that shore, everything changed.Here's what shook me about this story: everyone begged Jesus for something different. Demons begged for mercy. The townspeople begged Him to leave because His power made them uncomfortable. But the man who was set free? He begged to stay close to Jesus—and then went and told everyone what God had done.What are you begging Jesus for? Are you pushing Him away because transformation costs too much? Or are you running toward Him, ready to share your story of freedom? Your mess doesn't scare Him. He walks straight into the darkness and speaks one word: freedom.Watch or listen to "The Voices that Beg" and discover the authority of Christ over every force that tries to hold you captive.

What do you do when life feels like it’s falling apart—and God seems silent?In this powerful episode, Logan Merrick walks through Mark 4:35–41, the story of Jesus calming the storm, to reveal a truth many of us miss: it’s not the strength of your faith that sustains you—it’s the strength of the One your faith is in.Through honest storytelling, biblical insight, and a gripping true account from missionary John G. Paton, this message tackles real questions we all wrestle with:Why does God allow storms in our lives?Where is Jesus when everything feels out of control?Does God actually care when we’re struggling?You’ll discover that following Jesus doesn’t mean a storm-free life—it means you’re never alone in the storm. And sometimes, the greatest peace isn’t found in changed circumstances, but in trusting Christ right in the middle of chaos.If you’re dealing with anxiety, uncertainty, financial stress, family struggles, or just questioning where God is in your situation, this episode will challenge and encourage you to shift your focus—from the storm to the Savior.

In this sermon Pastor Logan Merrick unpacks Mark 4:1-36 where Jesus lays out what it means to sow the seed of the Gospel on different soils and how we are to shine the light of the Gospel to our community. Pastor Logan ends his sermon challenging the congregation to think through if they are sitting back and expecting others to share the message or are they actively working and laboring alongside each other. christourcornerstonechurch.com

In this episode my son Noah Merrick is my guest as we answer a mailbag question about dinosaurs and the Bible, the flood, and Noah's ark. In this we discuss the book of Job, Isaiah, and the Genesis creation account to answer these questions. We also break down the difference between micro-evolution and macro-evolution.

The Resurrection—More Than HistoryThe resurrection of Jesus isn’t just a historical claim—it’s a life-altering reality. While history is filled with failed messianic figures whose movements died with them, Jesus stands alone: His tomb is empty, and His influence continues to transform lives across the world.Jesus didn’t leave room to be seen as merely a good teacher. His claims force a decision—He was either a liar, delusional, or truly Lord. And the resurrection validates that He is who He said He is.What looked like defeat at the cross was actually victory. Instead of calling people to save themselves, Jesus accomplished what we could not—defeating sin and death through His resurrection.But this truth isn’t just about eternity—it matters now. The resurrection offers real forgiveness, new life, and present transformation. Believers are not only saved from something but called into something: to live as light in a dark world, like a lighthouse guiding others home.The ultimate question remains: Who do you say Jesus is? Because if He truly rose, He’s not just a figure of the past—He is Lord, and He changes everything today.

If God doesn’t tempt us, why did Jesus teach us to pray, “lead us not into temptation”? At first glance, it sounds like a contradiction—but a deeper look reveals something far more powerful. In this episode, we unpack what Scripture really says about temptation, our own desires, and God’s faithful role in sustaining us. This isn’t about God setting traps—it’s about a Father who protects, guides, and carries us through.christourcornerstonechurch.com

What kind of King rides into His coronation on a donkey instead of a war horse? What kind of King confronts corruption with righteous fury, then goes willingly to a cross?Jesus is the Lion and the Lamb—not sometimes one, sometimes the other, but fully both at the same time. During Passion Week, we see Him enter Jerusalem with humility, cleanse the temple with holy authority, and move toward the cross with unwavering purpose. He holds together what seems impossible: infinite majesty and perfect meekness, absolute authority and complete submission.This King doesn't call us to choose between boldness or humility—He calls us to walk in both. To speak mountains into motion while forgiving freely. To live with impossible faith because we follow the One who conquered death itself.His true coronation is coming. Are you ready?

What did Jesus really mean when He said, “Be perfect as your heavenly Father is perfect”? For many—especially those who wrestle with perfectionism—those words can feel crushing rather than freeing.In this episode, we take a closer look at the heart behind Jesus’ command in the Sermon on the Mount. Rather than calling us to sinless perfection, Jesus is inviting us into something deeper: spiritual maturity. A maturity that shows up not in flawless behavior, but in how we love others—especially those who are difficult, different, or even hostile toward us.We’ll explore how this teaching connects to the broader story of Scripture, including God’s call in Jeremiah for His people to seek the welfare of the very place they were exiled. We’ll also talk about the difference between perfectionism and gospel-shaped growth, and what it looks like to reflect the steady, gracious character of God in everyday life.If you’ve ever felt burdened by the idea of “being perfect,” this conversation will help reframe that calling into something life-giving, practical, and deeply rooted in the way of Jesus.

In this episode, we walk through Mark 2:13–3:6 and confront a tension many of us quietly live with: the difference between religion and real relationship with Christ.Religion tells us to try harder, do more, and prove ourselves. But Jesus offers something entirely different—rest, restoration, and life.Through four powerful contrasts, we’ll see how religion separates, burdens, enslaves, and ultimately kills… while Jesus restores, brings joy, gives rest, and offers true life.If you’ve ever felt exhausted trying to “be a good Christian,” this conversation is for you. The invitation of Jesus is not more pressure—it’s peace.

Why do we come to Jesus?In this message from Mark 1:35–2:12, we explore a powerful truth about the ministry of Jesus: when Christ heals, He heals far deeper than our immediate problems. Through the stories of the crowds, the leper, and the paralyzed man lowered through the roof, we see that while people often come to Jesus desperate for relief from suffering, Jesus addresses something far more serious—the condition of the human heart.We are reminded that healing begins with the right pursuit, that the blessings of God often expose what truly rules our hearts, and that our deepest need is not simply relief from pain but forgiveness and restoration with God. Using a vivid illustration from The Voyage of the Dawn Treader, the sermon closes with the reminder that like Eustace’s dragon skin, the sin wrapped around our hearts cannot be removed on our own. Only Christ can go deep enough to truly make us new.Jesus is not a spiritual quick fix for our problems—He is the Savior who heals what truly ails us.

When Jesus CallsWhat is the difference between receiving good advice and hearing "Good News"? In this episode, we dive into Mark 1:14-31 to explore the radical, transformative nature of Jesus’ first public words. Far from being a gentle suggestion for self-improvement, Jesus’ call is a triumphant "herald’s announcement" that the war is won and a new King has arrived.We break down the three distinct movements of this divine invitation:The Call to Respond: Moving from a self-centered throne to a life of repentance.The Call to Follow: Understanding why Jesus demands priority over our families, careers, and personal dreams.The Call to Marvel: Recognizing Christ’s original authority over both spiritual darkness and physical brokenness.Key TakeawaysGospel vs. Advice: Religion offers advice on how to reach God; Christianity is the news of what Jesus has already done in history to reach us.Surrendered Allegiance: Discipleship isn't about "using" Jesus to keep our plans intact—it’s about following a King at all costs.The "Thread" of Faith: Inspired by George MacDonald’s The Princess and the Goblin, we discuss how following Jesus often feels like a difficult, unpredictable path that leads to ultimate safety and the arms of the Father.

Why does spiritual resistance often intensify just as we experience a breakthrough? In this episode, we dive into Mark 1:12-13 to explore the paradox of the Christian life: that we are simultaneously invited into a "divine dance" of communion with God and a high-stakes battlefield against temptation.We often view temptation as a sign of failure or "drifting," but as we see in the life of Jesus, it is often a sign of obedience. Immediately following the glory of His baptism, the Holy Spirit "drove" Jesus into the wilderness—not to rest, but to pick a fight with the adversary on his own turf . By comparing Jesus’ faithfulness in the desert to Adam’s failure in the Garden and Israel’s stumbling in the wilderness, we discover that true victory isn't found in our own willpower, but in surrendering to the rhythm of God's grace .Key Takeaways from This Message:The Divine Dance: Understanding the Trinity not as cold doctrine, but as a living relationship of self-giving love that we are invited to join.The Rhythm of Resistance: Why following Jesus makes you "dangerous" to the enemy and why spiritual conflict is a natural byproduct of walking with God.Doubt vs. Truth: How Satan uses subtle whispers to fracture our trust and why saturating our hearts in Scripture is our primary weapon for staying anchored .Victory from Surrender: Learning to fight from victory rather than for it, resting in the fact that Jesus has already crushed the serpent.Trusting the Music: A final encouragement to stop staring at your "feet" (your failures) and start listening to the "music" (God’s rhythm), allowing His grace to help you recover whenever you stumble

There are moments in Scripture where heaven and earth seem to touch — and Jesus’ baptism is one of them.In this episode, we dive into Mark 1:9–11 and witness the stunning revelation of the Trinity: the Father speaking, the Son standing in the water, and the Spirit descending like a dove. Together, they reveal a God whose very nature is love, relationship, and self-giving unity.This message invites us into what C.S. Lewis called the “Divine Dance” — a life shaped not by control, ambition, or performance, but by communion, humility, and grace. If you’ve ever felt worn out by striving, exhausted by self-protection, or hungry for deeper joy, this sermon offers a beautiful reminder: you were made for relationship, love, and the life of God.

In this episode, we dive into the opening of the Gospel of Mark to explore our calling to actively prepare the way for the Lord through faithful living and proclamation. Mark, writing with urgency to a Roman audience under persecution, presents Jesus not just as a historical figure, but as the powerful, "Servant King" whose arrival shatters the silence of darkness.We examine the ministry of John the Baptist—the voice crying out in the wilderness—whose message of repentance and humility remains a vital blueprint for believers today. From the ancient prophecies of Isaiah to the humble kitchen of Brother Lawrence, we discuss how the Gospel is anchored in history and expressed through our daily obedience. Join us as we reflect on what it means to be messengers of the King, ensuring that in our lives, He increases while we decrease.christourcornerstonechurch.com

Nahum is not a comfortable book—and that’s exactly why we need it.In this episode, we step into the thunderous opening of Nahum 1, where God is revealed not as tame or sentimental, but as overwhelmingly powerful. Mountains quake, seas dry up, storms become His pathway, and justice burns with holy certainty. This is the God we don’t embroider on pillows—but the God who actually saves.We explore the tension Scripture refuses to resolve for us: a God whose wrath cannot be endured and yet who offers Himself as a refuge in the storm. A God who judges evil without hesitation and protects His people without fail. A God whose power shakes creation and whose goodness shelters the faithful.From the whirlwind of Nahum to the cross of Christ, this episode traces how divine justice is not suspended—but satisfied—and how mercy flows from the very place wrath once fell. The safest place in all creation is not distance from God, but life lived in the shadow of His power.The question is not whether God is powerful. The question is whether you are resisting Him—or resting in Him.

What happens when God’s goodness feels unfair?Scripture repeatedly confronts us with a grace that refuses to play by our rules—mercy given to the undeserving, kindness poured out on people we’re convinced should know better. Nowhere is this tension clearer than in the story of a prophet who sits outside a city, furious that God didn’t destroy it.In this episode, we explore the uncomfortable truth about grace: that it often offends us before it heals us.We talk about the hidden danger of worshiping “fairness,” why anger is often a signal pointing to deeper wounds, and how God’s gentle questions expose what’s really going on beneath our outrage. From a plant that grows and dies overnight to a city full of repentant enemies, this story reveals how easily we become one-sided vending machines—eager to receive grace but resistant to dispense it.Grace saves us from drowning. The question is whether we’ll remember the water we were pulled from—or stand on the shore with our arms crossed.This episode invites you to examine where grace has disrupted your sense of justice, and whether God might be refining you in the very place you feel most offended.Grace doesn’t just change who God saves. It changes who we become—if we let it.

When we run from God, we often end up "smelling like what swallowed us"—spiritually wrecked and marked by our rebellion. But as the story of Jonah reveals, our God is the God of the second chance. From the coal mines of the Welsh Revival to the ancient, violent streets of Nineveh, this message explores the transformative power of a simple, humble response to God. Whether you feel like a "broken servant" or you're struggling to forgive an enemy, discover how God’s mercy is not a passive concept, but a costly choice that restores nations and heals hearts.

We often sanitize the story of Jonah with colorful children’s Bible illustrations, but the reality is far darker—and far more hopeful—than we realize. In this episode, we dive deep into the belly of the fish to discover a profound truth: God’s grace swims deeper than our rebellion ever could.Join us as we explore Jonah’s desperate prayer from the roots of the mountains. This isn't a sweet devotional; it’s a cry from a man who ran out of road and found that even in the darkness of his own making, he couldn't outrun the sovereignty of God. We discuss why our most authentic encounters with God often happen in moments of absolute desperation rather than strength, and how the "fish" in our lives—job losses, broken relationships, and seasons of silence—are often the very rescues we need.In this episode, we discuss:The Prayer of Affliction: Why Jonah didn’t pray until he had nowhere left to run.The Danger of Distance: Understanding hell as the ultimate "Thy will be done" for those who choose to be left alone by God.Idols vs. The Mercy Seat: How our "sin factories" (career, reputation, self-sufficiency) eventually sacrifice us, while God sacrifices Himself for us.The Sign of Jonah: How the grave couldn't hold Christ, and what His resurrection means for our own "pits" of despair.If you’ve been running, performing, or maintaining a mask of self-sufficiency, this episode is a reminder that salvation belongs to the Lord alone. Stop feeding the idols that let you sink and discover the costly grace that reaches into your personal depths.Keywords: Jonah and the Whale, Biblical Grace, Christian Podcast, Gospel of Jesus, Mercy of God, Spiritual Growth, Overcoming Despair, Bible Study, Salvation, Religious Performance vs. Faith.

When Heaven Comes Home: The Radiant Promise of Our Eternal Worth is a hope-filled journey through the final vision of Scripture, exploring what it truly means for Christ to return and for God to dwell with His people forever.This episode looks beyond end-times speculation and taps into the deeper longing behind the question “When are You coming back?”—the ache for home, permanence, and restored worth. Walking through Revelation 21–22, we see not an escape from the world, but the renewal of it: a new heaven and new earth where Eden is not merely recovered, but perfected.You’ll hear how Scripture describes a future with no death, mourning, pain, shame, or separation—where our worth is no longer something we defend or prove, but something fully realized in the unbroken presence of God. We explore the beauty and symbolism of the New Jerusalem, the absence of the temple, the river of life flowing from God’s throne, and the return of the Tree of Life—open, generous, and healing.This episode also speaks to the tension of living between the already and the not yet. How do we endure suffering, grief, and uncertainty now? By anchoring our worth not in circumstances, productivity, or success—but in what is coming. The promise that Christ is making all things new changes how we live, hope, and remain faithful today.If you’ve ever felt unseen, disposable, restless, or homesick for something you can’t fully name, this message is for you. The Bible doesn’t end in fear—it ends in hope, with a prayer and a promise:Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.Your worth was given at the cross, revealed in the resurrection, and will be fully realized when heaven comes home.christourcornerstonechurch.com

Week 3 of our Advent Series - The Soul Felt its WorthWhat gives your life worth when the darkness feels heavy, joy feels distant, and hope feels fragile?In this Advent sermon from Isaiah 9:1–7, we explore the stunning promise that God sent light into the darkest places—and that He began His work where no one expected. Long before Bethlehem, Isaiah foretold a Savior whose coming would restore worth to the overlooked, joy to the burdened, and peace to the restless soul.In this message, you’ll discover:How Christ’s light destroys real darkness—not just metaphorical gloomWhy joy is not something we manufacture, but something Christ deliversWhat the divine titles of Jesus—Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace—reveal about His worth and oursHow the kingdom of Christ is already at work today, and how its fullness is still to comeWhy Advent is about both present hope and future restorationWhether you feel spiritually weary, burdened by shame, or longing for what is still “not yet,” this message reminds us that Christ has come—and He is coming again. His worth is real, present, and eternal.Perfect for listeners searching for: Advent sermons, Isaiah 9 sermons, Christmas messages, Christian hope, biblical theology, gospel-centered preaching, and messages about joy, peace, and restoration.

This message takes us back to the very beginning of our broken story to discover the first whisper of hope. In Genesis 3:15, we encounter what scholars call the 'proto-evangelium'—the first gospel—where God promises that the serpent who deceived humanity will one day be crushed. This isn't just ancient history; it's the foundation of our redemption story. We see God immediately responding to humanity's fall not with abandonment, but with a promise of restoration. The moment Adam and Eve tried to cover their shame with fig leaves, God showed them something profound: their self-made coverings would never be enough. Instead, God Himself provided garments of skin, requiring the first sacrifice, the first shedding of blood. This powerful image foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice to come. Throughout the Old Testament, we see this pattern repeated—from Abel's offering to the Passover lamb, from David striking Goliath's head to Isaiah's prophecy of the suffering servant. Every sacrifice, every victory, every prophecy points forward to the One who would finally and fully restore our worth. The exile from Eden wasn't just punishment; it was mercy, preventing humanity from being eternally trapped in brokenness. We cannot create our own Eden or restore ourselves, but the beauty of Advent is that God crossed the distance we could never cross. Our souls ache because we are east of Eden, and Advent is God's answer to that longing.

In today’s Mailbag Episode, we tackle three big questions every Christian—new or seasoned—faces:Who exactly is Melchizedek—and could he have been Jesus?What does Ephesians 4:30 mean when it says not to “grieve the Holy Spirit”?And what should new believers do when all their friends are unbelievers? Should you get new friends?This episode walks through Genesis 14, Psalm 110, Hebrews 7, and Ephesians 4 with clear, practical teaching. You’ll learn why Melchizedek matters for understanding Jesus’ priesthood, what it really means to grieve the Holy Spirit, and how to navigate friendships wisely as you grow in your faith.Whether you’re a new Christian or just curious about Scripture, this episode gives biblical clarity, real-life wisdom, and encouragement for the journey.Keywords: Melchizedek explained, was Melchizedek Jesus, who is Melchizedek, grieve the Holy Spirit meaning, Ephesians 4:30 explained, new Christian friendships, unbelieving friends, how to follow Jesus, Christian podcast, Bible teaching.christourcornerstonechurch.com [email protected]

This powerful exploration of Genesis 3 invites us to confront the raw reality of shame and sin while discovering the breathtaking truth of God's relentless pursuit. We journey back to humanity's first moments of hiding—when Adam and Eve covered themselves and retreated into the shadows after believing the serpent's lie. But here's where the story becomes beautifully transformative: God doesn't abandon them to their shame. Instead, He walks into the garden asking 'Where are you?'—not because He's lost them, but because He refuses to leave them hidden. This question isn't about location; it's about invitation. We learn that shame always distorts our perception of God, making us see Him as harsh when He's actually merciful, distant when He's pursuing us, angry when He's grieving for us. The sermon unpacks how lies—whether about our identity, our worth, or our bodies—echo that ancient deception in Eden. From the tragedy of sexual abuse victims believing they're dirty, to cultural narratives that contradict God's creative design, we see how the enemy still whispers 'Who told you that?' becomes God's heartbreaking question as He tears down the lies that bind His children. This Advent message intentionally leaves us in the tension, feeling the weight of sin's fracture, so we can truly appreciate the promise that's coming. We're reminded that our worth isn't restored by perfection—it's restored by the God who runs toward us when we're standing in danger, just as a father snatches his child from oncoming traffic.christourcornerstonechurch.com

This powerful exploration of Jonah chapter one reveals something extraordinary: we're not just reading about a reluctant prophet, but witnessing a preview of Christ himself. The storm that rages around Jonah's disobedience becomes a vivid picture of God's wrath against sin, and Jonah's sacrifice—being thrown overboard to calm the waters—foreshadows Jesus's ultimate sacrifice on the cross. What makes this even more compelling is the contrast: Jonah went into the sea reluctantly for his own sin, while Jesus willingly went to the cross for ours. The pagan sailors desperately rowing harder to save themselves mirrors our own tendency to work our way out of spiritual storms through good deeds, religious activity, or self-rescue efforts. But the message is clear: the storm only stops when we surrender to God's way, not our own. Perhaps most beautiful is how God doesn't waste our failures—even through Jonah's rebellion, the pagan sailors come to know Yahweh by name. This reminds us that our testimonies, even the messy parts, can become lifelines for others struggling in their own storms. We cannot row our way to peace; we can only receive it through the one who stepped into the storm for us.Chapter 1: Introduction and Jonah's Reluctant Admission0:00 - 15:00We explore how Jonah's reluctant confession of guilt parallels our human tendency to hide sin, contrasting this with Jesus who willingly stepped forward to bear our shame.Chapter 2: The Sailors' Struggle and the Danger of Self-Rescue15:00 - 30:00We see how the pagan sailors' attempt to row harder instead of throwing Jonah overboard represents our tendency to rely on works and self-effort rather than surrender to God.Chapter 3: The Storm Silenced by Sacrifice30:00 - 40:00The immediate calming of the storm when Jonah is thrown overboard pictures how Christ's perfect sacrifice instantly stilled God's wrath against our sin.Chapter 4: The Sailors' Conversion and the Power of Testimony40:00 - 50:00God used even Jonah's disobedience to draw pagan sailors to himself, demonstrating that God doesn't waste our storms and highlighting the importance of sharing our testimonies.Visit us at Christourcornerstonechurch.com

“I’ll be back.” The Terminator’s famous line feels a little different in a world filled with chatbots, algorithms, and AI doing everything from writing emails to predicting human behavior. But how should Christians actually think about artificial intelligence?In this episode, Pastor Logan dives into a biblical, balanced perspective on AI—its dangers, its potential, and the ways it quietly shapes our souls. We talk about how AI can dehumanize us, why it can become a tool that uses us instead of the other way around, and why Christians must care about the ethical frameworks behind emerging technology.Pastor Logan also shares honestly about how he personally uses AI (and how he absolutely doesn’t), why it’s not the “mark of the beast,” and how believers can navigate modern technology with wisdom, discernment, and love for their neighbor.If you’ve wondered whether AI is harmless, helpful, or something more complicated, this episode will equip you to think clearly and faithfully..christourcornerstonechurch.comlogandmerrick@gmail.com

In this episode, Pastor Logan unpacks a jarring moment from Jonah’s story—one that exposes how easily we root our identity in anything other than God. When the sailors demand answers, Jonah introduces himself by his ethnicity before his faith: “I am a Hebrew… and I worship the Lord.” That order reveals a heart untethered from its true calling.We do the same. We lead with our careers, our family names, our achievements, our politics, our personality types—everything except our identity as children of the living God. And like Jonah, our misplaced identity doesn’t just derail our spiritual lives—it creates storms for everyone around us.This episode challenges you to examine what comes first in your life’s identity hierarchy and invites you to rediscover the mission God has entrusted to you.

Why did the demons beg Jesus to enter the pigs? Why did Jesus allow it? And what does this unusual moment in Mark 5 actually teach us about spiritual warfare, judgment, and the mission of Christ?In this episode, Pastor Logan Merrick gives a clear, biblical, and theologically rich explanation of the demon-possessed man in Mark 5. We discuss:why demons seek physical bodieswhy the demons recognized Jesus as the Son of Godwhat the presence of pigs reveals about Gentile territoryhow this event foreshadows the Gospel going to the nationswhy demons are powerful but not all-knowingthe economic impact of the 2,000 pigsand how Jesus restores broken humanityWhether you're a student of Scripture or curious about one of the strangest stories in the New Testament, this episode will help you understand the meaning and message behind the demons and the pigs—and why this passage still matters today.Why are the Gospels Different a blog to answer that question: https://open.substack.com/pub/redeemingthedirt/p/why-four-gospels?r=2rnfoe&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=webHave a question for me? Email me at [email protected] out our website at Christourcornerstonechurch.com

In this powerful message from Jonah 1:3–6, we uncover the uncomfortable truth about spiritual rebellion and divine pursuit. Jonah’s flight from God isn’t just an ancient story—it’s a mirror held up to our own hearts. Why do we run from God while convincing ourselves we’re at peace?This sermon explores how sin brings its own storm, how God’s mercy often sounds like thunder, and why sometimes the chaos in our lives is God’s invitation to return. Through the Hebrew word kum (“arise, get up”), we see how God continues to call—even when we’ve gone silent.When Jonah sleeps below deck as the sailors cry out to their false gods, it paints a haunting picture: rebellion can feel restful… until the storm hits. But even in our disobedience, God’s grace is relentless. He doesn’t send storms to destroy us—but to wake us up.If you’ve ever wondered whether the turmoil around you might be God’s loving pursuit, this episode will help you see your storm differently.christourcornerstonechurch.com

In this episode of the Christ Our Cornerstone Church Podcast, Pastor Logan dives into one of the most challenging questions in Scripture: If Jesus already knew Judas would betray Him, did Judas really have free will?Through a closer look at Judas’s life, motives, and tragic choices, we explore how God’s perfect sovereignty and human responsibility work together. Discover what Judas’s story reveals about our own hearts, the danger of misplaced worship, and the incredible grace of a God who fulfills His plan through even our worst failures.Whether you’ve wrestled with questions about predestination, free will, or the problem of evil, this episode offers biblical clarity and hope — reminding us that only Jesus can satisfy what the world never will.📖 Scripture references: Matthew 26, John 13, Acts 1, Zechariah 11, Psalm 41 🎧 Length: ~15 minutesVisit our website at christourcornerstonechurch.com

📖 Jonah 1:1–3aSummary: In this message, Pastor Logan unpacks the opening verses of Jonah and the uncomfortable truth that God’s call doesn’t always make sense to us—but it always demands obedience. We see how Jonah’s story exposes not only rebellion but also the subtle pride of religion, reminding us that God’s mission reaches far beyond our comfort zones, preferences, and prejudices.Main Points:God’s Mission Transcends Our Boundaries and Biases – God’s heart for the nations doesn’t stop at our cultural, political, or personal borders. – Jonah ran because God’s compassion offended his categories—and sometimes ours too.God’s Call Doesn’t Need Explanations—It Comes with Expectations – God doesn’t owe us a reason to obey; He invites us to trust. – When we wait for clarity before obedience, we often miss the beauty of surrender.God’s Call Exposes Both Our Rebellion and Our Religion – Jonah’s disobedience wasn’t just defiance—it was self-righteousness. – The same God who confronts our running also reveals our hearts, showing that even “good” people need grace.Takeaway: God’s call is less about what makes sense to us and more about what glorifies Him. When we say “yes,” even without full understanding, we join Him in His redemptive mission to reach people we might never have chosen—but whom He deeply loves.To find out more about Christ Our Cornerstone Church please visit christourcornerstonechurch.com

In this episode, Pastor Logan unpacks the real history behind Halloween — separating fact from folklore. Was it truly a pagan festival turned Christian? Or is there more to the story? Join us as we explore the origins of Samhain, the meaning of All Hallows’ Eve, and how believers can think biblically about the traditions that surround this time of year.

In this sermon titled “The Prophet’s Prayer and Living by Faith,” Pastor Logan Merrick preaches through Habakkuk chapter 3, where the prophet turns from wrestling with God’s justice to worshiping in awe of His power and mercy. Recorded live on October 26th at Christ Our Cornerstone Church in O’Neill, Nebraska, this message explores how faith endures even in seasons of fear and uncertainty—and how true worship is often born in the midst of struggle.Listen and be encouraged to live by faith, trusting in God’s unchanging character when the world around you is shaking.

🎙️ Episode 1: Faith in the Waiting — An Introduction to the Christ Our Cornerstone PodcastIn our very first episode, Pastor Logan Merrick welcomes listeners to the Christ Our Cornerstone Podcast from O’Neill, Nebraska. Hear the heart behind the new show, what to expect each week, and a short devotional from Habakkuk chapters 1 and 2 — a reminder that even when life feels uncertain, God is still at work and the righteous live by faith.