It’s our 2025 Christmas Service and therefore covers more of the service than usual.
Audrey led our service, Mike brought the message, and our Scripture readings today were given by our young people.
The government shall be upon His shoulder. Isaiah 7:14 and Isaiah 9:2,6-7 Micah
Comfort my people. Isaiah 40:1-11 Olivia
The annunciation Luke 1:26-34 Nathaniel Luke 1:35-38 Ezra
The birth of the Christ Luke 2:1-7 Christiana
The shepherds and the angels Luke 2:8-14 Nyasha Luke 2:15-20 Riley
The visit of the wise men Matthew 2:1-6 Nicole Matthew 2:7-12 James
John 1:1-4, 14 Oscar Revelation 21:1-6 Jude
Merry Christmas to you from Medway Valley Community!
Cornerstone City Church - Medway Valley Community https://www.cornerstonecity.co.uk/medway-valley
Email: wouldham@cornerstonecity.co.uk
Podcasts: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/cccmedwayvalley
Our final podcast of this series, it's been so good to go through the 12 vision statements we have as a Church, in great depth. Thank you to all those that have taken part!
On this final one we have Nat, Florence & Melody discussing the statement that says...
"In Medway & Beyond we have a dream of, a church that is longing for Jesus’ return, holding out the hope of being glorified and made perfect in the new creation – Come Lord Jesus!"
The video can be found on the Cornerstone YouTube channel here: Vision 12 - Eternal Perspective
Cornerstone City Church - Medway Valley Community https://www.cornerstonecity.co.uk/medway-valley
Email: wouldham@cornerstonecity.co.uk
Podcasts: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/cccmedwayvalley
The rule and reign of God’s Messiah did not begin in Bethlehem or even with Isaiah. Today, Mike takes us back to the promise to David in 2 Samuel 7 1-17 and walks from there through Isaiah 9 1-7 to the birth of Christ and beyond.
And your house and your kingdom shall be made sure for ever before me. Your throne shall be established for ever.
Cornerstone City Church - Medway Valley Community https://www.cornerstonecity.co.uk/medway-valley
Email: wouldham@cornerstonecity.co.uk
Podcasts: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/cccmedwayvalley
Audrey kicked off our Advent 2025 / New Year 2026 series - The Government Shall Be Upon His Shoulder.
We see the evolving revelation of God’s King coming to reign in His Eternal Kingdom.
The people who walked in darkness
have seen a great light;
those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness,
on them has light shone.
For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given;
and the government shall be upon his shoulder,
and his name shall be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Of the increase of his government and of peace
there will be no end,
on the throne of David and over his kingdom,
to establish it and to uphold it
with justice and with righteousness
from this time forth and forevermore.
The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.
Cornerstone City Church - Medway Valley Community https://www.cornerstonecity.co.uk/medway-valley
Email: wouldham@cornerstonecity.co.uk
Podcasts: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/cccmedwayvalley
In Mark 12v28-34 , Jesus tells us that “The most important [commandment] is, ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’“. Mike was our speaker this week, leading us through this passage.
Cornerstone City Church - Medway Valley Community https://www.cornerstonecity.co.uk/medway-valley
Email: wouldham@cornerstonecity.co.uk
Podcasts: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/cccmedwayvalley
Lula, Tony & Adam discuss our 11th vision statement about "Creating Movement" which links in well with the direction we are moving into as a Church. They look into it deeper and chat about what creating movement would look like and how we are to do it! Focusing around the statement that says...
"In Medway & beyond we have a dream of a movement of thousands that sees growth in numbers without compromising quality as many experience the grace of God and are added to the Church."
The video can be found on the Cornerstone YouTube channel here: Podcast 11 - Creating Movement
Cornerstone City Church - Medway Valley Community https://www.cornerstonecity.co.uk/medway-valley
Email: wouldham@cornerstonecity.co.uk
Podcasts: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/cccmedwayvalley
This week Joe takes us to Mark 12v18-27 and another (failed) attempt to trip Jesus up.
What a joy and privilege we have to know “the Scriptures [and] the power of God“! To know that, through Jesus’ death and resurrection, we too can be raised. And that there is a celebration coming when we are united with Him for all eternity!
Cornerstone City Church - Medway Valley Community https://www.cornerstonecity.co.uk/medway-valley
Email: wouldham@cornerstonecity.co.uk
Podcasts: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/cccmedwayvalley
Based on Mark 12v13-17, Chris explored how Jesus responded to a trap set by religious leaders, and what that means for us today. He drew out four key lessons:
Watch Out—People May Try to Trap You
Respect Authority—Even When It’s Imperfect
Live with Integrity—Let Your Yes Be Yes
Pray for Wisdom—And Be a Witness
Cornerstone City Church - Medway Valley Community https://www.cornerstonecity.co.uk/medway-valley
Email: wouldham@cornerstonecity.co.uk
Podcasts: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/cccmedwayvalley
In this message, Joe unpacks 2 Peter 1v3–11, emphasizing that the Christian life begins and is sustained by God's divine power. He explores how believers are called to live godly lives not through their own strength, but through the transformative work of Christ, the promises of God, and the sanctifying presence of the Holy Spirit. Joe highlights the importance of spiritual growth—adding virtue, knowledge, self-control, steadfastness, godliness, brotherly affection, and love—as evidence of a life changed by grace. He reminds listeners that these qualities help us remain effective and fruitful in our faith, and that forgetting them is like forgetting the power of the cross. The message concludes with a call to live intentionally, rooted in the knowledge of Christ, empowered by the Spirit, and focused on the eternal kingdom.
Cornerstone City Church - Medway Valley Community https://www.cornerstonecity.co.uk/medway-valley
Email: wouldham@cornerstonecity.co.uk
Podcasts: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/cccmedwayvalley
Mike began with Isaiah 5v1-7 to lead our study of Mark 12v1-12.
God has a specific role and task for each of us. For the leaders of the Jews at the time of Jesus, for the leaders of the Church today, for leaders in society, for you and me, the task is basically the same -
- to do what God has asked us to do, in His way, for His glory alone.
As the Westminster Shorter Catechism says, our "chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy him for ever”.
God takes His tasks seriously. So should we.
What in our lives is getting in the way of His call to us?
Cornerstone City Church - Medway Valley Community https://www.cornerstonecity.co.uk/medway-valley
Email: wouldham@cornerstonecity.co.uk
Podcasts: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/cccmedwayvalley
Joe, Adam & Rhonda discuss the next vision statement of our series...
" In Medway & beyond we have a dream of a church that takes seriously The Great Commission to make disciples. It equips and sends out hundreds of people to advance the kingdom of God in Medway and beyond, especially through helping establish new churches and reaching the unreached with words, works and wonders."
The video can be found on the Cornerstone YouTube channel here: Vision 10 - Equipping, Sending & Planting
Cornerstone City Church - Medway Valley Community https://www.cornerstonecity.co.uk/medway-valley
Email: wouldham@cornerstonecity.co.uk
Podcasts: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/cccmedwayvalley
It was good to welcome Adam again this Sunday as he walked us through what the Bible shows us about what the Church is, and how it relates to us in Medway Valley now, in 2025.
He referenced to passages from Acts, Acts 14v21-28 and Acts 2v42-47
In the early Church, there was a gospel focus. They were preaching the gospel, reaching the unreached. There are multiple locations - some places they're there for a short period, and other places, they stay there for a long time.
There are ministers of the gospel and ministries that are also trans-local; particular people that move about across the churches
The Church meet, there's a strengthening of disciple, the apostles strengthening in the faith, in the word, encouraging the church to stand firm, particularly in the face of pressure and persecution.
So what is a Church? It’s a group of believers together. They gather regularly, devoted to Jesus, loving God and loving other people, growing in obedience, holiness. They know what it means to be filled with the Holy Spirit together, and to keep in step with the Spirit of God as they're led together in those close relationships that they are building. Becoming more like Jesus, they'll be becoming more humble, they will be more lowly, they will be meek, those that are preferring one another, those that are not proud and self-seeking, but seeking the good of the whole community that they're part of, those that are relying upon the Lord, trusting in the Lord, like a tree that has its roots going down deep beside a river, and they gather to worship, to pray, and as part of that, that group will be sharing the Lord's supper, they will be baptising people (these are two really important things that are means of God's presence and grace to us), they will be witnessing in words and in works and wonders. And when they're together, they'll be contributing - everybody has a part to play. When you are together, everyone is a participator in the spirit of God, 1 Corinthians 14 talks about everyone having the spirit, so anyone can pray or prophesy or bring a word of encouragement from scripture, everybody's got a part to play. 1 Corinthians 12 talks about a body, that everybody has got a part, is like a part of the body, everybody gets to bring something to contribute.
Cornerstone City Church - Medway Valley Community https://www.cornerstonecity.co.uk/medway-valley
Email: wouldham@cornerstonecity.co.uk
Podcasts: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/cccmedwayvalley
Whose authority did Jesus work under?
Whose authority are we under? Because yes, we are not autonomous. We answer to someone. And Audrey reminds us of how vitally important it is that we pause and consider who that is. Whose authority am I under?
As you are challenged by this message, if you want to speak to someone, we’re here.
Email wouldham@cornerstonecity.co.uk and someone will get in touch.
Cornerstone City Church - Medway Valley Community https://www.cornerstonecity.co.uk/medway-valley
Email: wouldham@cornerstonecity.co.uk
Podcasts: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/cccmedwayvalley
Joe picks up the story of Jesus this week, reviewing last week’s message and continuing to the next day when Jesus and His disciples came to the fig tree He had cursed Mark 11:20-25.
He helped us look at what it means to have a mature faith in God – a sometimes confusing thing. Here is a chart showing some of the facets of mature faith. Sometimes, we see mountains move. Sometimes we don’t. And we shouldn’t beat ourselves up. Rather, let us run to God. His is the power. To Him be the glory!
Joe also shared a moving clip of Corrie Ten Boom on Forgiveness
Cornerstone City Church - Medway Valley Community https://www.cornerstonecity.co.uk/medway-valley
Email: wouldham@cornerstonecity.co.uk
Podcasts: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/cccmedwayvalley
We’re back in Mark after a summer break. (See the summer “Bible Characters” series in the podcast feed, episodes 122-130)
Chris helped us see the connection between the fig tree and the Temple in Mark 11v12-19.
We were made to bear fruit
We were made for worship
Be aware of all leaves, no fruit; is it worship, or is it something else?
Cornerstone City Church - Medway Valley Community https://www.cornerstonecity.co.uk/medway-valley
Email: wouldham@cornerstonecity.co.uk
Podcasts: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/cccmedwayvalley
Chris, Bola & Ibukun chat about what it looks like for everyone to be active in our Church family. Based on our vision statement...
"In Medway & beyond we have a dream of a church that sees everyone active in fulfilling its mission, helping each person to find their fulfilment in Christ, cheering them on in day-to-day discipleship wherever they are."
The video can be found on the Cornerstone YouTube channel here: Vision 9 - Everyone Active
Cornerstone City Church - Medway Valley Community https://www.cornerstonecity.co.uk/medway-valley
Email: wouldham@cornerstonecity.co.uk
Podcasts: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/cccmedwayvalley
Nehemiah, called by God to fulfil God’s plan.
As soon as I heard these words I sat down and wept and mourned for days, and I continued fasting and praying before the God of heaven. … “O Lord, let your ear be attentive tothe prayer of your servant, and to the prayer of your servants who delight to fear your name, and give success to your servant today, and grant him mercy in the sight of this man.” Nehemiah 1v4&11
“Do not be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your brothers, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your homes.” Nehemiah 4v14
So neither I nor my brothers nor my servants nor the men of the guard who followed me, none of us took off our clothes; each kept his weapon at his right hand. Nehemiah 4v23
“We would ply the Trowel with untiring hand for the building up of Jerusalem’s dilapidated walls, and wield the Sword with vigour and valour against the enemies of the Truth.” –C.H.Spurgeon (1895)
Thank you, Audrey, for bringing us God’s Word today.
Cornerstone City Church - Medway Valley Community https://www.cornerstonecity.co.uk/medway-valley
Email: wouldham@cornerstonecity.co.uk
Podcasts: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/cccmedwayvalley
Cornerstone City Church - Medway Valley Community https://www.cornerstonecity.co.uk/medway-valley
Email: wouldham@cornerstonecity.co.uk
Podcasts: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/cccmedwayvalley
Who was Paul? This week, Joe helps us see Paul and what drove him.
Paul was all about the Mission of God.
Paul was all about Grace.
Paul was all about the Church, the Body of Christ, bringing His message to everybody else.
“But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.” Acts 20v24
Cornerstone City Church - Medway Valley Community https://www.cornerstonecity.co.uk/medway-valley
Email: wouldham@cornerstonecity.co.uk
Podcasts: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/cccmedwayvalley
It’s Hezekiah’s turn for the spotlight in our Summer 2025 “Bible Characters” series with Chris. What does it practically mean to live out of a heart for God?
1- Recognising our sins and purifying our lives for God
2- Purposefully living our lives for God and not for ourselves
3- Bringing everything before God in prayer and petition
The story of Hezekiah can be found in 2 Chronicles 29-32, 2 Kings 19-20 and Isaiah 36-39
Cornerstone City Church - Medway Valley Community https://www.cornerstonecity.co.uk/medway-valley
Email: wouldham@cornerstonecity.co.uk
Podcasts: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/cccmedwayvalley