Discipleship, City Life | by Pastor Adam Sinnett

You know how it happens. You have every intention of being with the church on Sunday. In your mind it is all planned out. Then, you wake up late. Or, your baby has a last-minute blow out. Or, streets are closed. Or, maybe there’s a convention in town and the guy wearing the Hello Kitty costume took the last parking spot. Maybe you arrive on time, but you’re distracted. She took my seat. Is that guy sleeping? Was that my pager or theirs? Did I wear this outfit last week too? Where is my pen? Is that a new family? Was I supposed to volunteer today? Or, maybe you’re regularly tired and find it hard to listen. Or, maybe you’re inconsistent and wonder whether others notice. Or, maybe you show up every week yet remember little and apply even less. You’re not alone. Unfortunately, our typical Sunday experience is often some combination of these – but it doesn’t have to be. 

The corporate gathering as the foundational spiritual discipline

God has given us numerous means of grace, or spiritual disciplines, to help stoke our affections, deepen our trust, fuel perseverance, instill courage and anchor our hope. These means of grace include personal reading of the scriptures, prayer, silence, solitude, community, fasting, and more. None of these earn us favor with, or more love from, God rather they remind us of the favor and love we already have from Him through Jesus. While all means of grace are important, and serve different purposes, the most important means of grace in the life of every follower of Jesus is consistently gathering with Jesus’ people. Regularly gathering with the church, as the church, to sing, confess, pray, laugh, experience conviction and fresh grace, celebrate the Lord’s Supper and sit under the preaching of God’s word is indispensable and irreplaceable. We miss out on much of what God has for us when we are inconsistent in, or unprepared for, gathering together corporately. 

“We miss out on much of what God has for us when we are inconsistent in, or unprepared for, gathering together corporately.” 

The priority of preparation

Given the importance of the corporate gathering it is only wise to consider how to prepare. We shouldn’t expect to have a meaningful experience Sunday-after-Sunday if we do not prepare our hearts beforehand. God is gracious, so it can happen, but that’s not usually how it works. Too often we view the church gathering like a concert. All you have to do is show up, be entertained and sing along. (It probably doesn’t help that we meet in a movie theater, but we’re working on that). However, one thing I’ve noticed repeatedly is that those who get the most out of the gathering are those who do some measure of preparation. In light of that, the following are a number of ways to help redeem your Sundays and get more out of your time with Jesus’ people. 

#1 Examining our hearts

Every Sunday is meant to be a great day. If we don’t expect anything particularly special to happen when we gather with Jesus’ people, we probably won’t see it even if it does. If we expect things to be routine, they probably will be. If we don’t expect to learn, we typically won’t. In other words, what we get out of the corporate gathering is directly related to the posture of our heart towards it. What is the posture of your heart?

An important part of our preparation is anticipating what God has in store every week. Every week, approach Sunday with a sense of eager expectation and anticipation. Don’t allow your view of the corporate gathering to degenerate into a mere mindless habit. Ask Jesus to give you a soft, receptive heart. Ask Him to point out people He wants you to love, serve and listen to. Ask Him to shock you out of apathy, to bring new conviction and fresh applications of His grace. Ask Him to help you not take Sunday for granted. 

#2 Start on Saturday

It’s been said that a great Sunday begins on Saturday. Get to bed on time so you can wake up early. Turn off the TV. Consider spending time with the Lord before you sleep. Review the passage the church will be studying together the next day. Pray for folks that you’re going to see. Ask Jesus to prepare your heart for what He has in store. Keep in mind that whatever you put into your mind on Saturday night will still be in your head on Sunday morning. If you’re a parent, get all of your kids’ clothes ready the night before. Start preparing for Sunday on Saturday.

“It astonishes me how many Christians watch the same banal, empty, silly, trivial, titillating, suggestive, immodest TV shows that most unbelievers watch – and then wonder why their spiritual lives are weak and their worship experience is shallow with no intensity. If you really want to hear the Word of God the way He means to be heard in truth and joy and power, turn off the television on Saturday night and read something true and great and beautiful and pure and honorable and excellent and worthy of praise (Phil 4:8). Then watch your heart un-shrivel and begin to hunger for God.” 
– John Piper

#3 Wake up early

Wake up early enough to get some unhurried time in God’s Word and prayer. Listen to some stirring music. Confess sin to the Lord. Preach the gospel to yourself and be reminded of all that God is for you, in Jesus. Ask God to help you focus, to listen well and receive His Word. Make your heart happy in Him before you arrive so the corporate worship is just an extension of your personal worship. 

#4 Consider serving

Serving is a great way to meet others, discover your gifts, honor Jesus and be reminded of the beautifully varied diversity of God’s people. Serving reminds us, in small part, of how we’ve been sacrificially served by Jesus. Serving reminds us that we are not the center of the universe. Serving reminds us that we have been redeemed to seek the good of as many people as possible. There are lots of ways to get involved. Drop by the Connect desk to learn more. 

#5 The Arrival

Try to arrive on time – even early. We all know what it is like to arrive ten minutes late. It’s a little frustrating. Consider developing a habit of arriving early. Give yourself ample time to find a parking spot, to chat with others, check-in your kids, and find your seat. Try to enter into the corporate gathering with an unhurried heart. Arriving early will help with that. If you’re a parent, leave the house 30 minutes earlier than you think you need to leave so you’re not rushed and you have time for the unexpected.

#6 Actively participate

As you sit down, remind yourself of the spiritual significance of what you’re doing. This isn’t just any group of people you’re gathering with, but Jesus’ blood-bought people – His church. Ask God to give you a heart prepared to listen, receive, repent and apply. Bring your Bible. Ask Him to pierce through any tiredness and make you humble, eager and prepared for what He has in store. Bring a journal. Take notes. Don’t worry about what you’re wearing. Don’t worry about whether you like the music. Don’t worry about whether others are critiquing your singing. Focus on Who you’re there for. Remind yourself that when the Bible is preached, God is speaking through His Word – to you. Remind yourself that you are not there to be entertained, but to actively participate in relationship, prayer, scripture reading, singing, learning and more. 

#7 Intentionally apply (and revisit)

Following the sermon, consider at least one thing that God wants you to apply to your life immediately. Confess sin? Change of life? Seek reconciliation? Something else? It is too easy to just move on to the next thing and give little thought to how we should respond to God in light of the text at hand. If you’re not sure, take some time to pray and ask the Holy Spirit to help. Write down anything that comes to mind and then review and apply it throughout the week. Consider taking Monday morning to pull out your notes and review the passage that was studied on Sunday with the church. Share what you’re learning with your friends, spouse, community and/or discipleship group. 

#8 After the gathering

Following the gathering, be on the lookout for God and people. If you have the time, try not to rush out the door but stay to talk and meet others. Who crosses your path? Who is sitting near by? Is anyone new? Does anyone look lonely or isolated? Consider going out to lunch or inviting others over to your home for lunch. Offer to pray for people on the spot. Introduce those who are new to others that you know. Invite people to join you in community. No matter your personality, whether introvert or extrovert, you have something to offer to those God has providentially placed around you – every Sunday. 

The great gathering to come

Gathering with Jesus’ people is unlike any other gathering we are a part of throughout the week. When we come together we serve as a small picture of the great gathering of God’s redeemed people, in Jesus, in the age to come. In that day there will be a “great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb…crying out with a loud voice, ‘Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the the throne, and to the Lamb!’” (Rev7:9-10) Every Sunday gathering points to that great gathering. Profound, isn’t it? That alone makes it worthy of our intentional preparation and thoughtful participation. 

Christ is all!

Pastor Adam

Community, Uncategorized | by Pastor Adam Sinnett

As we’ve continued to grow and mature as a church we’ve seen an increasing number of people transition from other area churches to join what God is doing among us. Perhaps you’re one of them. We’re so glad you’re with us. There are lots of reasons for changing churches and every story is unique; some motivations are godly and right, while others are neither. However, all told, the vast majority of you have done so thoughtfully, prayerfully, amidst much counsel. Thank you. It’s rarely an easy decision to change churches, no matter the reason. 

Over the last few years, I’ve watched some transition really well while others really struggle. Therefore, I’m writing to offer some help and guidance in how to best navigate this season as you find your place among us as, we hope, your new church family. 

#1 You belong to Jesus.

As a follower of Jesus, first and foremost, you belong to Him (1 Cor 3:3). This is where it starts. One of the Apostle Paul’s favorite terms for Christians was to refer to them as being “in Christ”. In other words, to be a Christian is to belong to Jesus, to be hidden in Him (Col 3:3). We are not our own but have been bought with a price (1 Cor 6:19). By nature of belonging to Jesus, we are justified, adopted, forgiven, declared righteous, made new creations and more. Stunning. So, our status before Jesus is deeply personal, yet not only personal. 

#2 To belong to Jesus is to belong to His people, the church.

We are saved by God, in Jesus, to not only belong to Him but to His people. This isn’t an abstract “I’m-part-of-the-invisible-universal-church” type of belonging, but belonging to a real, flesh-and-blood, imperfect, local community of fellow believers. There are no examples of followers of Jesus in the Bible that lived separate from the local church. In fact, over and over again, the scriptures use various metaphors to highlight that our relationship to Jesus is not merely individual but corporate (e.g. citizens of the same kingdom, parts of the same body, stones of the same temple, members of the same family, etc). God chose these metaphors to describe a brand new people. In other words, the Christian life was never intended by God to be lived alone, but in real, vital, committed relationship with other followers of Christ in the context of a local church. Because of these profound realities, we should be committed to our church through thick-and-thin. 

#3 However, there are good reasons to change churches.

While every Christian is called by God to be passionately committed to a specific local church, there are reasons to consider changing churches. In some cases, the change is simply due to (1) moving, or (2) feeling called to participate in a different gospel work, or  (3) personal theological convictions. In other cases, the change is to due sin within the church, where (1) maybe the pastors and/or leaders have morally disqualified themselves (1 Tim 3:1-13; Titus 1:5-9) or (2) fallen into false teaching. In most cases, I would encourage you hang in there, be patient, talk to the leadership, pray and extend grace. I hope you would do that for us. But if, after doing so, there is no change, it may be best to leave. 

#4 You’ll fit right in, no matter where you are. 

I know the timidity and awkwardness that comes with trying to find a new church family. Its easy to feel like an outsider and often difficult to know exactly where you fit. Where do I fit if I’m not a Christian and still exploring Jesus’ claims? Where do I fit if I’m a new Christian or have just come back to Jesus? Where do I fit if I’ve been walking with Jesus for decades? What are these people thinking about me? Do I have a place here? The church is one of the few places on the planet where you should fit in, no matter where you are. 

As a church, we not only want to see new conversions, we want to see everyone mature in Christ. The Apostle Paul, in Colossians 1:28-29, says it this way: “Him we proclaim, warning and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ. For this I toil, struggling with all his energy that he powerfully works within me.” What was he about? What did he toil after? How did he channel his energy? What was his goal? What got him out of bed in the morning? Did you see it? Presenting everyone – everyone – mature in Christ. New conversions? Absolutely. Growing baby Christians? Yes. Awakening sleepy Christians? Please. Maturing mature Christians? For sure.

That means the heart of God is for everyone – believers and non-believers – to grow in knowledge of him, through faith in Jesus. We’re not just about reaching non-believers. We’re not just about reaching believers. We’re about presenting “everyone mature in Christ” – whether you’ve been with us since the beginning or recently transitioned. In other words, we’re not only about the Spirit’s regeneration (i.e. new conversions) of individuals. We’re ultimately about the Spirit’s final glorification (i.e. ultimate maturity in Christ) of individuals – to that end we toil, pray, evangelize, preach and disciple. So, if you’re just joining us, you’ll fit right in – wherever you are in the process.

#5 Let Jesus carve out a new reality for you as you join us. 

To transition well, you’ll need to set aside expectations and past hurts, while allowing Jesus to create a new reality for you among our newly-forming church. Every church is different. Every church is imperfect. Every church has its strengths and weaknesses. When transitioning it can be really easy to compare. Compare people. Compare preaching. Compare music. Compare size. Compare resources. Compare leadership. Don’t let the enemy play that game in your heart. It only leads to dissatisfaction and discontent. If Jesus has led you to join what he is doing among us, then jump in with an open heart and open hands. Every local church is a unique work of the Spirit. Don’t try to fabricate what you had in the past, but let Jesus create a new reality for you among us. 

#6 Take your time, but not too much. 

If you’re hurt or burnt out, then take some time to heal. We can wait. We know some wounds take more time to heal than others. Please let us know if you would like to talk and walk through anything you’ve experienced. But don’t take too long. I say this with deep love and understanding, some of you who have been with us for many months now are taking too long to re-engage. We’re sympathetic to your pain and understand that re-engaging with a church community, after being hurt, can be difficult. It’s a step of faith, to be sure, and we want to walk alongside you in that. We’re redeemed to belong, and a big part of your healing will only happen as you grow in relationship with others who are pursuing Jesus with you. Join a community. Become known. Get involved in the stories of others. Put a photo on your City user account. Participate in discussions on the City. Sign-up to serve. Be consistent in gathering with the church on Sunday. Invite others over for dinner or to watch the game. Join the church for its monthly prayer nights. Enter into the life of our church expectantly. Become an active participant in what Jesus is doing among us, not merely a casual, distant observer. [paragraph modified 10.21.14]

#7 Beware of bitterness, practice forgiveness and assume the best.

If you’re transitioning churches locally, more often than not, something very negative took place that caused you to make such an important change. That’s not always the case, but it often is. Situations like that are the breeding ground for bitterness, so we must be careful that it doesn’t take root in our souls (Heb 12:15). That means you’re going to have choose to forgive (maybe even daily), remember how much Jesus has forgiven you, and enter this new season of life with fresh faith. 

• Don’t let your past experiences color your view of Jesus’ bride, the church, or its leaders.
• Don’t let your past experiences lead you to become jaded about God and the things of God. He is able to use even the worst of seasons, for your good (Rom 8:28).
• Don’t let your past experiences cause you to lose hope. Jesus is your hope – and he can’t be lost.
• Don’t let your past experiences lead you to self-protect because you don’t want to get hurt again. Jesus is your refuge so you don’t have to be.

You can put your guard down. No one expects you to walk this out over night, but I do invite you to start walking it out. You might find that you fall in love with Jesus’ church again – or for the first time. 

#8 You are loved, by Him, and us. 

Know that you are radically loved by the God of the universe, in Jesus – and us. Wherever you are at, or wherever you’re from, you’ll fit right in. Welcome, friends. We are Downtown Cornerstone and we hope you’ll join this family of redeemed rebels as we continue to follow the King, together, wherever He leads. 

Christ is all! 
Pastor Adam

Baptism, City Life, Event

On August 26th, we gathered as a people at South Lake Union Park for our fourth annual BBQ and Beach Baptisms! Thanks to all the communities and volunteers who provided food, came early to set up, and stayed late. What a great celebration highlighting the stories of people changed and changing by the good news of the gospel! Below are some snapshots and quotes from the evening.

“I still sin, but I’m secure in His salvation because He died and took the penalty that I deserved” – Kristin

“I am forgiven, redeemed, adopted, and have a perfect, loving father, who delights in me” – Chaline

“I know completely that I cannot do life without Jesus: without Christ living in me”  – Philippe

“I deserve God’s righteous wrath but I have a perfect mediator in Jesus who bore God’s wrath for me” – Kim

Community, Uncategorized

Downtown Cornerstone is not just interested in holding events but want people to connect, share life and form communities that are deeply rooted in the gospel of Jesus Christ. These are communities of diverse imperfect people that are committed to living out the implications of the gospel in every sphere of life. These are communities of radical grace, sacrificial service, and joy. These are communities that eat together, pray together, laugh together, and study the Bible together (i.e. share life). These are communities that build up the church by encouraging people to faith in Jesus Christ and build up the city through deeds of justice and mercy. These are communities where you can be who God created you to be, yourself. It’s our hope and prayer that everyone who calls Downtown Cornerstone home will find such community.

In July, we launched a new community in the Shoreline neighborhood. By God’s grace, He’s already drawn multiple families and individuals to be part of this newly formed people. Edward Sumner is the community lead for Shoreline so we asked him to answer a few questions about the people, vision, and prayer requests for the Shoreline community.

When did you first start meeting in Shoreline?

We had the joy and privilege of kicking off Shoreline on July 23rd. It was a great time and big turnout! Together we had a BBQ and talked through the barriers to and blessings of community.  Folks were honest and hopeful!

What does the core group look like at this point?

We have about 6 families who have expressed a commitment to Shoreline, and have new folks inquiring often!  We have a lot of kids in the mix, so that will be a unique distinctive for us.

Do you guys have a mercy partner, or some possibilities you are considering?

We don’t have our mercy partner lined up yet, but definitely have some folks in our community with big hearts for foster kids. We’ll be exploring this.

Any specific evidences of God’s grace in the community?

Any time a group of folks who don’t all know each other that well commit time towards growing in relationship and becoming a family on mission while seeking after Jesus, that is grace!

Any specific needs or ways we can be praying for you guys?

Please be praying for momentum, traction with each other, courage to be available to one another, and that we would be anchored in Jesus for His glory and our joy!

If you are not currently participating with a DCC Community and would like to be involved with Shoreline or another community, email and we can follow up with more information.

Baptism, City Life, Event | by Pastor Adam Sinnett

An invitation

I’m writing to invite you to join us next Tuesday, August 26th, at Lake Union Park for our annual summer barbecue and baptisms (more details here). The grills will be hot and food will be served at 6pm. There is no need to bring anything other than your friends and your appetite. At (roughly) 6:45pm I will share a brief gospel word which will be immediately followed by testimonies and baptisms. It is going to be a great night and I hope you’ll be there to join in the celebration. 

Origin of baptism

Baptism is a deeply meaningful event in the life of a Christian. In fact, it is a practice given to us by Jesus himself in Mt 28:19, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them …”  and reiterated by the Apostles, such as Peter in Act 2:38, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ.” In other words, baptism is Jesus’ idea and something he wants every follower of his to undergo. Have you been baptized as a follower of Jesus? 

Meaning of baptism

But, what does it mean? Baptism is a dramatic portrayal of what happened spiritually when we first placed our trust in Jesus (Rom 6:4; Col 2:12). It points to the believer’s spiritual union with Jesus in his death, burial and resurrection for the forgiveness of sins and life with God, and God’s people, now and forever. Baptism does not create this union, but it shows, or demonstrates, the reality of that union that is now ours by faith in Jesus.

Beauty of baptism

So, no matter how long you have followed Jesus, do not lose sight of the significance, beauty and dramatic truth portrayed in baptism. It is a picture of passing through the waters of judgment to safety, through Jesus. It is a picture of leaving behind our old self, our old ways of life and eternity without God, through Jesus. It is a picture of rising to new life, a new family, and a new future with God, through Jesus. It is a picture of having all of our sin, guilt and shame washed away, through Jesus. This makes baptism a big deal and a call to celebration – and that’s exactly what we’re going to do.

Purpose of baptism

There are a number of reasons that Jesus calls his followers to be baptized. Let’s look at five, in no particular order. First, he wants us to experience the joy that comes with publicly professing our faith in Him. Second, he wants to strengthen our faith by having us symbolically participate in the death of our old life (going under the water), rising to new life (being brought out of the water) and having all of our sins washed away (full immersion). Third, he wants to encourage the faith of his people who are witnessing the testimonies and baptisms. Fourth, he wants to call others, who do not yet follow him, to turn from living for themselves and turn to him for forgiveness and relationship with the living God of the universe. Fifth, he wants us to experience his favor, blessing and peace that follows whenever we humble ourselves and walk in obedience.

See you there

That’s probably more than you wanted to know about baptism, but it is spectacular isn’t it? Will you join me in praying for those sharing their testimonies and getting baptized next week? If you’re interested, its not too late but contact us soon. If you’re on the fence, don’t put it off. Join us next Tuesday, not only to support those getting baptized, but for the good of your own soul – and those you invite. 

Christ is all! 

Pastor Adam