Shows
Life at the CornerThe Grace of Church DisciplineToday, Pastor Nate goes to the mail back and answers a question from a listener about church discipline. In today's episode, you'll learn what church discipline is, how it works, and why it's important.
2025-11-2432 minLife at the CornerA Song of ThanksgivingPastor Nate meditates on the history of Psalm 136 and its use by the people of Israel all the way up through the night of Jesus' capture and interrogation.
2025-11-1019 minLife at the CornerThe Man Behind the ReformationIn light of the anniversary of the Protestant Reformation, Pastor Nate takes time to explore lessons from the history of the Reformation, focusing especially on the man God used to spark the Reformation, Martin Luther.
2025-10-2721 minLife at the CornerThe Gift of Friendship (Part 2)Today, Pastor Nate finishes this short series on friendship, speaking on the characteristics of true friendship and how it surpasses mere companionship.
2025-10-2026 minLife at the CornerThe Gift of Friendship (Part 1)Today, Pastor Nate distinguishes between companionship and friendship and talks about the necessity of having real friends. Having many acquaintances doesn't necessarily mean you have the kind of deep friendship that the Bible recommends so highly. Join us for Part 1 of this two-part series on friendship.
2025-10-2021 minLife at the CornerThe Life and Legacy of David BrainerdToday, Pastor Nate shares some of the history of this incredible pioneer missionary to the Native Americans in the 18th century.
2025-10-0623 minLife at the CornerTo Forgive or Not to Forgive?In light of Erika Kirk's recent expression of forgiveness at Charlie Kirk's Memorial Service, Pastor Nate takes time on today's podcast to explore the nature of true forgiveness. He also wrestles with hard questions like, "Are we obligated in every circumstance to forgive those who have sinned against us?" and "Does forgiveness wipe out all the consequences for our sin?" If you want to read on the subject of forgiveness, here are a few resources he highly recommends: What Does it Mean to Forgive? by Ligonier Ministries The Problem of Forgiveness by R.C...
2025-10-0130 minLife at the CornerLearning to LovePastor Nate examines the apostle Paul's prayer in Philippians 1:9-11. Why does Paul ask God for love primarily and put "knowledge" and "discernment" as almost secondary requests? What is the significance of growing in love? Join us today for this reflection on the nature of love and the Christian life.
2025-09-2219 minLife at the CornerWhy Do Presbyterians Baptize Infants (Part 2)Pastor Nate returns to examine the New Testament evidence in favor of infant baptism and to answer a few common Baptist critiques. If you have not listened to Part 1, we highly recommend listening to it first as the argument in this episode depends on the foundation laid in the prior one.
2025-09-1529 minLife at the CornerWhy Do Presbyterians Baptize Infants (Part 1)In response to many queries, Pastor Nate embarks on a two part series on infant baptism. Today, he begins the journey by explaining the Old Testament covenantal background for the practice of infant baptism.
2025-09-0829 minLife at the CornerResponding to Church Hurt (with Megan Hill)Have you ever been hurt in the church? Today, Megan Hill joins Pastor Nate on the podcast to talk about how to respond to church hurt. Megan Hill is a pastor's daughter and a pastor's wife. She is the managing editor for The Gospel Coalition and a prolific author. In this episode, she and Nate talk about her book, Sighing on Sunday: 40 Meditations for When Church Hurts.
2025-09-0136 minLife at the CornerBe the Prophet, Priest, and King of Your HouseholdToday, Pastor Nate talks about what it means to be a prophet, priest, and king for your household. If you have questions about how to lead and guide your family, today's episode is for you. Pastor Nate references Joel Beeke's book, How to Lead Your Family: A Guide for Men Wanting to be More. You can find it on Amazon.
2025-08-2522 minLife at the CornerWe Are Back!Welcome to Season 3! We are thrilled to be back with you again. Today, Pastor Nate takes us on a whirlwind tour of highlights from season's two topics and hits a few of the books he dipped into over the summer. He referenced: Scrolling Ourselves to Death: Reclaiming Life in a Digital Age by Brett McCracken and Ivan Mesa. Five Pioneer Missionaries The Last Green Valley: A Novel by Mark Sullivan Tim Keller on the Christian Life: The Transforming Power of the Gospel by Matt Smethurst The Shorter Catechism Illustrated: From Church History and Biography by...
2025-08-1824 minLife at the CornerChildren of GodToday Pastor Nate speaks about the heavenly adoption: how God turned his enemies into his children.
2025-06-1621 minLife at the CornerA Christian View of the Arts (with Greg Wilbur)Today, Pastor Nate invites Greg Wilbur, Chief Musician and Worship Director at Cornerstone Presbyterian Church, to sit down to talk about the arts. They consider how God's character and creation work together, how to categorize 'good art,' and how the Bible aids Christians in thinking through matters of beauty and art in various forms. A few books mentioned in today's episode: Francis Schaeffer's Art and the Bible Philip Ryken's Art for God's Sake: A Call to Recover the Arts Gene Veith's State of the Arts: From Bezalel to Mapplethorpe
2025-05-2631 minLife at the CornerHe Descended Into HellToday, Pastor Nate discusses the most hotly debated phrase in the Apostle's Creed, "He descended into hell." Bringing history, the Bible, and hermenutics together, Pastor Nate sheds light on this throny issue.
2025-05-2118 minLife at the CornerWho Were the Puritans Really?Today, Pastor Nate talks about the real Puritans—not the gloomy, joy-hating ones that are often portrayed to us—but the faithful, joy-filled Christians that they were. Nate explains their historical context and draws a portrait of what they were really like. Here are Pastor Nate's book recommendations from this episode: John Owen's The Death of Death J.I. Packer's A Quest for Godliness: The Puritan Vision of the Christian Life Leland Ryken's Worldly Saints: The Puritans as They Really Were Joel Beeke and Michael Reeve 's Following God Fully: An Introduction to the Purita
2025-05-1226 minLife at the CornerA Charge to GraduatesIt is the month of May, a time for graduating—for leaving behind an old life and moving into a new one. As such, it is a time also to be encouraged and strengthened for the new things coming, and encouragement and strengthening is what Pastor Nate offers on today's episode.
2025-05-0515 minLife at the CornerWhy We Love to GossipToday, Pastor Nate speaks on why gossip is so appealing and so easy to fall into. Gossip in a church quickly divides a congregation, and today's episode brings to light the deception of this sin so it can more easily be identified and rejected.
2025-04-1425 minLife at the CornerLooking for Mister or Missus Right?Today, Pastor Nate turns his attention to dating. Drawing on a biblical portrait of the godly man and woman, he offers common sense wisdom for Christians searching for a spouse. If you found today's podcast helpful, please share with family, friends, and on social media platforms. As always, we love hearing from you. Feel free to contact us at lifeatthecorner@cstonepres.org.
2025-04-0730 minLife at the CornerOn FastingToday Pastor Nate addresses fasting—a spiritual discipline that gets little publicity. He answers some objections and explores a few biblical examples that show us why we too might fast. One of the resources Nate mentioned was Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life by Donald Whitney. You can find his book here.
2025-03-3126 minLife at the CornerWisdom from AboveWe often encounter situations requiring great care to navigate well, and it is easy to seek worldly wisdom as we work through them. But we are called to seek the wisdom from above. Today, Pastor Nate explores the nature and character of this wisdom.
2025-03-1017 minLife at the CornerA Christian Perspective on CompassionToday, Pastor Nate welcomes Mr. James Goddard and Miss Anneke Seely on the podcast to talk about the importance of compassion in the work of caring for each other in the body of Christ. Anneke is a graduate of New College Franklin and has a Master's in counseling from Reformed Theological Seminary in Orlando, FL. James is also a graduate of New College Franklin and has a Master's in Counseling from Covenant Theological Seminary in St. Louis, MO. Two books that were referenced and recommended on today's podcast were Instruments in the Redeemer's Hands by Pa...
2025-03-0326 minLife at the CornerJ.D. Vance, Immigration, and the Ordo AmorisToday, Pastor Nate explores a very interesting comment that Vice President JD Vance recently made about the Trump administration's immigration policy and the ancient Christian teaching of ordo amoris. For background on today's podcast, check out the resources below: See this Associated Press article See this Gospel Coalition article by Dr. John Fesko.
2025-02-2424 minLife at the CornerThe Christian Practice of HospitalityToday, Pastor Nate explores the Christian practice of hospitality. Leaning heavily on the biblical revelation and church history, he shows why hospitality is central to the church's gospel witness. With compelling practical advice on how to use your home, organize your schedule, and budget your monies for living out the welcome of God through the Christian practice of hospitality.
2025-02-1722 min
Cornerstone Presbyterian Church FranklinFlee IdolatrySpeaker: Nate Shurden Series: 1 Corinthians: Growing Together In Wisdom, part 26 Bible: 1 Corinthians 10:1-14
2025-02-1056 minLife at the CornerNeo-CalvinismPastors Nate and Sebastian join again to talk about Neo-Calvinism; they discuss some of its founders, history, distinctives, and practical implications. If you didn't listen to the previous episode, it provides some context going into today's conversation. Here are links to three of Bavinck's books that Sebastian recommended if you want to delve into Neo-Calvinism: Bavinck: A Critical Biography, The Wonderful Works of God, and The Sacrifice of Praise.
2025-02-1023 minLife at the CornerThe Famed T.U.L.I.P.Today, Pastor Sebastian Bjernegård of Cornerstone Presbyterian Church joins Pastor Nate to talk about Calvinism. They elaborate on the famous 5 points and clarify some common misconceptions and errors surrounding those doctrines. They will return next week to talk about Neo-Calvinism.
2025-02-0325 minCornerstone Presbyterian Church FranklinRunning to Win the PrizeSpeaker: Nate Shurden Series: 1 Corinthians: Growing Together In Wisdom, part 25 Bible: 1 Corinthians 9:24-27
2025-01-2753 minLife at the CornerWe Do Not Wrestle Against Flesh and BloodToday, Pastor Nate goes to the mailbag and answers a question from a listener. The question concerns how a Christian should think the spiritual realm. Touching on the subject of angels and demons, Pastor Nate offers three foundational points for thinking and responding biblically to the reality of the spiritual realm.
2025-01-2721 minCornerstone Presbyterian Church FranklinTo Be a Soul WinnerSpeaker: Nate Shurden Series: 1 Corinthians: Growing Together In Wisdom, part 24 Bible: 1 Corinthians 9:15-23
2025-01-2044 minLife at the CornerCovenant Theology (with Brittain Brewer and Nathaniel Vroom): Part 2This is part 2 of Pastor Nate's conversation with Brittain and Nathaniel. They finish talking about covenant theology throughout Scripture and move to some applications: What difference does it make to us that we have a covenantal God? Stay tuned for their answers. Brittain is the associate minister at Reformation Covenant Church in Oregan City, OR. Nathaniel is the associate pastor at First Orthodox Presbyterian Church in Sunnyvale, CA. Both interned at Cornerstone Presbyterian Church several years ago before going on to seminary. For more resources on covenant theology, here are three books Pastor Nate recommends...
2025-01-2016 minLife at the CornerCovenant Theology (with Brittain Brewer and Nathaniel Vroom): Part 1Pastor Nate interviews two pastor friends, Rev. Brittain Brewer and Rev. Nathaniel Vroom, about covenant theology. Today, they give a brief overview of what covenant is, how it works, and how the biblical story is held together by covenant. Brittain is the associate minister at Reformation Covenant Church in Oregan City, OR. Nathaniel is the associate pastor at First Orthodox Presbyterian Church in Sunnyvale, CA. Both men were interns at Cornerstone Presbyterian Church in Franklin, TN, several years ago before going on to seminary and entering pastoral ministry.
2025-01-1324 minCornerstone Presbyterian Church FranklinBe a Weaker Church for God's Glory in 2025Speaker: Nate Shurden Bible: 1 Corinthians 2:1-5; 2 Corinthians 12:7-10
2025-01-0649 minLife at the CornerA Deeper Communion with GodAs you enter the new year, you might be thinking about your spiritual disciplines. One of the most important disciplines is Bible reading, but it is no ordinary book and so we should not read it in an ordinary way. Today, Pastor Nate talks about what we should remember and seek after when we read God's Word.
2025-01-0628 minLife at the CornerHow Shall We Live?It's the last week of the year, and in this last episode of 2024, Pastor Nate answers a question he has gotten over the recent weeks about how we ought to live in 2025. There are a lot of unknowns, both good and bad, coming all of our ways, so Pastor Nate lays out the "5 'R's"—some principles for preparing for the year and living faithfully through it.
2024-12-3024 minLife at the CornerThe War at the Heart of ChristmasToday, Pastor Nate draws our attention to the meaning of Christmas by going back to primordial clash at the beginning of redemptive history. Reminding us that the peace Christmas promises comes on the other side of a cosmic war.
2024-12-2316 minLife at the CornerFighting Holiday DepressionCounselors and psychologists tell us depression often peaks during the holiday season. So today, Pastor Nate offers some consolation and practical advice on how to deal with depression during the holidays.
2024-12-1621 minLife at the CornerIs Church Membership Biblical? (with Rev. Jonathan Cruse): Part 2Today, Pastors Nate and Jonathan continue their conversation about church membership, and they address some real-world complexities, like: How many church events should I attend? and How should I handle a disagreement with my pastor when I am a member? Jonathan is an OPC pastor in Kalamazoo, Michigan. He and Nate met during their doctoral studies and became fast friends. Jonathan has authored several books, including the one that he and Nate talk about today: Church Membership, which you can find on Amazon. He writes regularly for TGC, Reformation21, and other ministries.
2024-12-0930 minLife at the CornerIs Church Membership Biblical? (with Rev. Jonathan Cruse): Part 1Today Pastor Nate brings Rev. Jonathan Cruse on to Life at the Corner to talk about the biblical ground for church membership. Jonathan is an OPC pastor in Kalamazoo, Michigan. He and Nate met during their doctoral studies and became fast friends. Jonathan has authored several books, including the one that he and Nate talk about today: Church Membership, which you can find on Amazon. He writes regularly for TGC, Reformation21, and other ministries.
2024-12-0219 minLife at the CornerEucatastrophe: Giving Thanks When Things Are HardPastor Nate meditates on the apostle Paul's admonition to "give thanks in all circumstances" and speaks about how that is possible when a person's life is full of heartbreak.
2024-11-2515 minLife at the CornerThe Bold RequestToday, Pastor Nate talks about one of his favorite Scripture passages and explores the meaning behind one of the boldest requests in the Bible.
2024-11-1815 minLife at the CornerTypes and Shadows (Part 2)Today, Pastor Nate wraps up last week's conversation by giving four principles by which we can identify a type in Scripture, with examples to elaborate on this hermeneutic. He draws extensively on an article by Dr. Currid, entitled: "The Recognition and Use of Typology in Preaching." For other books on reading your Bible typologically, see...
2024-11-1131 minLife at the CornerTypes and Shadows (Part 1)Today Pastor Nate takes a look at hermeneutics and specifically at "types and shadows." A listener asked him to explain what they are and how we can know what things in the Bible are actually types. In part 1, Pastor Nate briefly gives a defense and explanation of reading Scripture through the lens of 'types.'
2024-11-0422 minLife at the CornerThe Reformation and HalloweenToday, Pastor Shurden touches on college football, the World Series, fire pits, Reformation Day reading, and why Martin Luther may have nailed his famous 95 theses on All Hallows Eve in 1517.
2024-10-2817 minLife at the CornerWho You Should Vote ForPastor Nate invites Nathan Johnson back on the podcast to talk about voting. They cover questions such as what is a vote, how much does your vote matter, how do different people view their vote, and how should Christians vote in the upcoming presidential election? Nathan Johnson is Assistant Dean of Academics and professor of philosophy and theology at New College Franklin as well as a teacher-in-residence at Cornerstone Presbyterian Church. He is currently working on a Ph.D. in the Humanities with a concentration on literature.
2024-10-2131 minLife at the CornerBiblical Counseling (A Conversation with Rev. Josh Squires)Today, Pastor Nate interviews his long time friend, Rev. Josh Squires, Associate Minister of Counseling at First Presbyterian Church in Columbia, SC. They discuss the relationship between Scriptural truth and psychological insight in Christian counseling. In addition, Rev. Squires provides key practical help for everyday Christians seeking to love each other well in the body of Christ. In today's interview, this article by the late Dr. Timothy Keller was referenced.
2024-10-1432 minLife at the CornerChristian Faithfulness in an Election YearIn this episode, Pastor Nate lays out several biblical principles for guiding the hearts and minds of Christians during an election year.
2024-10-0730 minLife at the CornerResponding to Steve Lawson's Removal from MinistryToday, Pastor Nate answers a question from a listener about the removal of Dr. Steve Lawson from ministry. Leaning heavily on an excellent article from Rev. Warren Peel, Pastor Nate helps us process and respond biblically to the fall of Christian leaders.
2024-09-3019 minLife at the CornerFamily WorshipToday, Pastor Nate reflects on the priority and practice of family worship. Recognizing both the difficulties and delights of family worship, he outlines a plan for family and provides practical advice on how to lead and direct family devotions for children of all ages. If you want to read more on the topic, consider the resources below: Family Worship: In the Bible, In History, In your Home Family Worship Bible Guide A Neglected Grace: Family Worship in the Christian Home
2024-09-2320 minLife at the CornerSummer ReadingToday, Pastor Nate reviews some of his top summer readings, ranging from short stories to biographies to theology.
2024-09-1619 min
Conversations on the Bible with Nancy GuthrieNate Shurden on Opportunities and Challenges in Teaching ActsIn this season finale, Nate Shurden discusses how to teach the Book of Acts, examining its historical context, interpretative questions, and practical applications for contemporary church life.❖ Nancy Guthrie teaches the Bible at her home church, Cornerstone Presbyterian Church in Franklin, Tennessee, as well as at conferences around the country and internationally, including her Biblical Theology Workshop for Women. She is also the author of 'Saved: Experiencing the Promise of the Book of Acts' on which this podcast is based.❖ Nate Shurden is the Senior Pastor of Nancy Guthrie's church—Cornerstone Presbyterian Church—...
2024-09-1144 minLife at the CornerWhen God Speaks to UsHow can God refer to his right arm, his fingers, or his feet if he possesses no body? And how does the incarnation of Christ relate to the revelation of God who is spirit? Today Pastor Nate addresses the use of human language to describe God, explaining how the Bible can use physical descriptions to help us know him.
2024-09-0913 minLife at the CornerThe Holy Catholic ChurchToday Pastor Nate interviews Cornerstone Presbyterian Church's new Pastoral candidate, Sebastian Bjernegård on the topic of catholicity. Catholicity is one of the doctrines Protestants confess when they recite the Apostle's Creed, but what exactly do we mean when we say, "I believe in the holy catholic church." Today Pastor Nate and Sebastian discuss the meaning and blessing of catholicity as well as some potential misunderstandings and harmful applications of it.
2024-09-0225 minLife at the CornerRetreat: Time Away with GodToday, Pastor Nate finishes the subject of rest that he began last week, but this time he focuses on the practical side of resting, specifically on retreat as an example of rest. He speaks about its purpose, necessity, and benefits to the Christian seeking to withdraw from the hustle and bustle of society and to rest in Christ.
2024-08-2621 minLife at the CornerSabbath: Resting in GodToday, Pastor Nate looks at the Scriptural command to rest, focusing his attention on what it is and how it relates to Christ, who is the essence of Sabbath rest. He unpacks this command, going back as far as Genesis to reveal Sabbath rest for what it is: a precious treasure from God.
2024-08-1929 minLife at the CornerLooking Back, Looking ForwardPastor Nate wraps up Season 1 on the podcast reviewing the topics covered and discussing podcast statistics. He also teases us with a glimpse into next season, highlighting future topics like the image of God, Christian nationalism, the Christian and politics, and so much more. Mark your calendars, the first episode of season two will drop on August 5, 2024.
2024-06-2412 minLife at the CornerThe Conscience (Part 2)Today Pastor Nate delves deeper into some issues of conscience, touching on such things as disagreements between people over what is right and wrong, how some consciences are more sensitive than others, and how we must not let our consciences lie but must train them according to God's Word.
2024-06-1727 minLife at the CornerThe Conscience (Part 1)Today Pastor Nate introduces a short series on the conscience. In today's episode, he asks several questions about the conscience. What is it? What does it tell us about God? What is it good for? Can it be trusted? Listen in and learn about how the conscience plays a vital role in the life of faith.
2024-06-1022 minLife at the CornerThe Book of Acts (with Nancy Guthrie) Part 2This is part two of Pastor Nate's interview with Nancy Guthrie. This episode is all about application: what can Christians glean from Acts to aid them in their spiritual walk? We hope this episode blesses you as you seek to grow in the knowledge and love of the Lord.
2024-06-0326 minLife at the CornerThe Book of Acts (With Nancy Guthrie) Part 1Today Pastor Nate talks to Nancy Guthrie about the book of Acts. This book shows the historical transition from the Old Covenant into the New Covenant after the ascension of Christ. As such, there is a lot of interpretation required to apply it to our own lives. But there is lots of room for interpretations and applications that miss the point of a text or teach something contrary to the Bible's teaching. So, today Pastor Nate and Nancy talk about some hermeneutical principles and some of the weird stories in Acts as an aid to anyone teaching or preparing...
2024-05-2728 minLife at the CornerExamine YourselvesIt is counter-cultural to speak of the importance of the discipline of self-examination for two reasons. One, because it is a discipline, and two, because its goal is to discover the truth about yourself: that you are a sinner in the eyes of a holy God. This is a difficult and necessary practice, so today, Pastor Nate explains how it works and gives some helpful practices and questions to ask yourself.
2024-05-2021 minLife at the CornerFinding Christ in Your Bible ReadingSome Bible passages clearly point to Christ, like the promises in Genesis 3 and Isaiah 53. But many others seem far away from indicating anything about his person and work. Should we seek to find Christ in every passage of Scripture? Is that a valid hermeneutic, and if so, how do we go about finding him in passages that seem to be talking about completely different things? In this episode, Pastor Nate argues for this Christo-centric focus in your Bible reading and gives four hermeneutical principles to help you see Christ in all of Scripture.
2024-05-1324 minLife at the CornerChristian Resources: Who Can You Trust Online?The Scriptures are our only infallible rule for faith and practice. But they leave room for us to make wisdom calls and decisions about things they do not speak specifically to, like whether or not to give to a particular ministry or buy a particular house. And so, we often look to other resources to help us in making wise decisions. The internet contains a multiplicity of those resources, some more helpful and honest than others. How can we know which to trust and which to discard? Pastor Nate offers a few questions we should ask when evaluating a...
2024-05-0617 minLife at the CornerWhat is Fundamentalism?When you hear the word fundamentalism, what comes to mind? For some, it's a negative term synonomous with mean spirited and narrow mindedness. For others, it's a positive term related to the recovery of the tried-and-true claims of historic Christianity. In today's episode, Pastor Nate takes you on a tour of early 20th century church history in North America. He explains the rise of liberalism, the life and influence of J. Gresham Machen, and the movement known as fundamentalism. By the end, you will learn why the fundamentals of the faith must be fought for in every g...
2024-04-2920 minLife at the CornerSavoring the ScripturesReading the Scriptures can be difficult. Even the apostle Peter admitted as much when he said certain things in Paul's letters were hard to understand. What principles should we keep in mind while reading God's Word? Today, Pastor Nate lays out a few of them for your daily devotional reading. When you sit down to read, should your focus be on how the text applies to you? Or should you worry when you read a passage and just don't understand it? Pastor Nate lays out some guidelines to help and encourage you in the daily meditation on...
2024-04-2222 minLife at the CornerBooks, Movies, Music, and the Kitchen SinkRecently, someone asked Pastor Nate to talk about things he has been reading, listening to, and watching. So today he is doing something a little different and talking about some recent books, articles, music, and movies he's enjoyed. Every now and then, Pastor Nate will do something of this sort to spice up the podcast, and so we are calling this kind of episode a "Medley."
2024-04-1520 minLife at the CornerOur Good WorksAre we able to please God by our works? Can we do "good works"? Today Pastor Nate tackles this question from a biblical perspective, connecting such topics as original sin, union with Christ, and the Christian's striving to obey God.
2024-04-0815 minLife at the CornerDoes the Resurrection Matter Right Now? (with Nathan Johnson)Today, Nathan Johnson joins Pastor Nate on the podcast to talk about the resurrection. In the church today, often the emphasis is on the cross of Christ and his atoning death—and those things should be emphasized. But sometimes this means the resurrection of Christ is sidelined in ways unhelpful for the Christian trying to live a faithful life. And so, Nathan and Pastor Nate are here to discuss the historicity of the resurrection and what its living consequences are for us. Nathan Johnson is Assistant Dean of Academics and professor of philosophy and theology at New Co...
2024-04-0127 minLife at the CornerResponding to Deconstruction (Part 2)Per his promise last week, today Pastor Nate lays out several principles for how Christians can and should interact with those struggling with deconstruction. He also received a question after the last episode release regarding the recent rise of deconstruction, and so he also spends some time explaining why it has grown so much.
2024-03-2528 minLife at the CornerWhat Does It Mean to Deconstruct Faith? (Part 1)If you've been paying attention to trends in evangelical Christianity, you've likely heard the term deconstruction. In this episode, Pastor Nate provides a little philosophical background to the term desconstruction, explores several definitions for how desconstruction is being used relation to faith, and he points to ways deconstruction can be both positive and negative. Next week, Pastor Nate will return to talk about how we should respond to the deconstruction movement and how we should walk with those who use the term deconstruction to describe their faith experience.
2024-03-1825 minLife at the CornerThe Need for a CreedYou may have heard phrases like "No creed but Christ" and "The Bible alone is my authority." Some churches reject creeds and confessions on this basis, believing they ought to rely solely on the Word of God. But this belief actually misses the whole point of a creed or confession, even to the point of misunderstanding what is the work of theology. Today, Pastor Nate discusses the nature of creeds and confessions, the Church's need for them, and some Scripture passages that to be understood require the work of theology. Pastor Nate also introduces a...
2024-03-1128 minLife at the CornerKingdom Centered PrayerIt's been said, "To know the content of a man's prayers is to have a window into his soul." If that is true, what do your prayers say about your soul? In today's episode, Pastor Nate explores the subject of kingdom centered prayer, and why the Lord has often used this form of praying to prepare his people for revival and special outpourings of the Holy Spirit.
2024-03-0419 minLife at the CornerHow Was the Sinless Christ Tempted?Today Pastor Nate answers the question he introduced last week regarding the nature of the temptation of Christ. Christ was sinless, so how is it possible that he could be tempted? Did he just pretend his temptations were difficult? But if so, how can he be our high priest who was "tempted in every way as we are, yet without sin" (Hebrews 4:15)? Pastor Nate takes us to Scripture to answer this question and to show how relevant it is to our own struggle against sin.
2024-02-2624 minLife at the CornerWas Jesus Christ Able to Sin?Today Pastor Nate addresses a question that arose in a Home Fellowship Group at Cornerstone: Was Jesus able to sin? If Christ is our great high priest who sympathizes with our weaknesses (Hebrews 4), does that not mean he could have sinned? Pastor Nate addresses this question and prepares the way for next week's episode in which he will explain how Christ was tempted.
2024-02-1917 minLife at the CornerCan a Christian Attend a Transgender Wedding (Part 2)?Today Pastor Nate finishes the conversation he began last week about whether we as believers can attend the wedding of a transgender (or homosexual) couple. He opens the Scriptures and shows God's clear, biblical principles of marriage and sexuality. These principles inform both what we believe and how we act on those beliefs toward others. We must act according to both the truth God has revealed to us and the love of our neighbor that God also commands. Only by doing these two things can we live faithfully as Christians. As always, please remember to s...
2024-02-1233 minLife at the CornerCan a Christian Attend a Transgender Wedding (Part 1)?The question of whether it is right or wrong for a Christian to attend a homosexual or transgender wedding was once again being debated in the evangelical world this last week. In response to your many questions on this subject, Pastor Nate ditched what he planned and takes some time to lay biblical and ministerial foundations for addressing this important question. Today's episode is the first of a two part podcast. Come back next Monday for the wrap up.
2024-02-0519 minLife at the CornerOvercoming our Fear of Evangelism (with Tony and Liz)Today on the podcast Pastor Nate is flanked by Assistant Pastor, Tony Giles, and Cornerstone member, Liz Taylor. Together they talk about evangelism – what it is, why we're afraid to do it, and where we can find courage and hope to do it. Listen to the truths and stories from today's podcast and let them lead you in faith and obedience toward sharing the gospel with those the Lord puts in your path this week.
2024-01-2926 minLife at the CornerEngaging Culture With Hope and HumilityHow should we live in a post-modern world? Many of us grew up in a world we thought founded upon Christian teaching, beliefs, and practices. But now our society and culture increasingly reject what we stand for and hope in. Today Pastor Nate briefly tackles this question, drawing on a book written by D. A. Carson: Christ and Culture Revisited. In it, Carson lays out three biblical principles that inform the way we view the world and act as Christ's witnesses in it. At the end of the day, we know Jesus Christ is growing his kingdom, even in...
2024-01-2220 minLife at the CornerAmbassadors for Christ (with Ethan and Tucker)Ethan Vroom and Tucker Alexander join Pastor Nate on this episode of Life at the Corner. Ethan is a Pastoral Assistant at Cornerstone Presbyterian Church, and Tucker is a Pastoral Intern. After bantering about their roles, the three of them turn to discuss what it looks like for us to be ambassadors for Christ. What are the difficulties with loving people while seeking to serve them? How do we proclaim Christ constantly? Hopefully, this conversation will inspire you to have a heart of service as you act as an instrument in the Redeemer's hands.
2024-01-1539 minLife at the CornerWhat Humanly Impossible Thing Will You Ask God To Do This Year?Pastor Nate reflects on a question he recently heard: "what humanly impossible thing will you ask God to do this year?" He asked that question of several Cornerstone members, and one answer he received was "really loving my neighbors." That simple and profound answer is the focus of today's episode. How can Christians love these people whom God has placed in our lives?
2024-01-0816 minLife at the CornerHope for the New YearThere's a line in the Counting Crows' 1995 smash hit song, A Long December, that goes like this, "It's a long December, but there's reason to believe, maybe this year will be better than the last." Though I wouldn't recommend you get your theology from the Counting Crows, they do raise an important question. What reasons do Christians have for hope as we enter 2024?
2024-01-0113 minLife at the CornerBorn Unto YouPastor Nate reads the reflection written for Christmas Day, 2023, in the Cornerstone Christmas Devotional. When the angels announced the birth of Christ, they said he was born "unto you." One might expect "born unto Mary" or just "born," but God chose to emphasize through the angels that Christ was born for us. Why do we need this and how is this good news? To answer this, Pastor Nate turns to the Old Testament and sees how Christ solves an age-long problem.
2023-12-2507 minLife at the CornerLove is Patient and KindIn this episode, Pastor Nate explores the meaning of patience and kindness, two aspects of the fruit of the Spirit. Why are those two linked in Galatians 5? What is patience and why is it so difficult? Why does kindness immediately follow it in the list? Through anecdote, word study, and meditation, Pastor Nate unpacks the nature of these virtues.
2023-12-1822 minLife at the CornerJohn Newton's Ministry of Letter WritingMost people think of John Newton as a hymn-writer and the composer of that famous hymn, "Amazing Grace." Few know him as an author of pastoral letters in which he displayed wonderful love and wisdom. Today, Pastor Nate focuses on one of his letters, entitled "On Controversy." In it, Newton gives guidelines for how to approach a conversation with someone you disagree with. Pastor Nate meditates on Newton's advice and applies it to our hurried and work-oriented lives. You can find this letter at: https://www.ligonier.org/learn/articles/on-controversy.
2023-12-1125 minLife at the CornerPraying According to the Will of GodToday Pastor Nate looks at the prayer of Caleb in Joshua chapter 14. It is a bold prayer, in which Caleb asks for the hill country that God had promised. Pastor Nate explains what boldness in prayer is and how one can pray boldly. Sometimes our requests are not answered and sometimes they are. God could be answering one prayer by denying another. It can be confusing why God answers some prayers and not others, and it can be tempting to view him as a kind of Santa Claus or genie and be disappointed when we do not get what...
2023-12-0418 minLife at the CornerThe Season of Advent (with Greg & Max)Greg Wilbur and Max Shell join Pastor Nate on this episode of Life at the Corner to talk about Advent. Greg is the Chief Musician at Cornerstone Presbyterian Church. He is also the Founder and Dean of Students at New College Franklin. Max is Cornerstone's Worship and Music Assistant and works closely with Greg in worship planning, writing liturgies, and composing music for the church. What is Advent? How do we celebrate it? Are there differences between Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany? Cornerstone's resident experts are here to answer all these questions and more! (And in case you...
2023-11-2727 minLife at the CornerTake Time To Give ThanksToday, Pastor Nate shares some tips for how we can prepare for Thanksgiving. Remembering our blessings is good and necessary, but ultimately Thanksgiving Day should direct our hearts to remember God who gave us each and every blessing. Pastor Nate offers encouragement and shares some of his Thanksgiving practices as we look forward to the holiday season. He draws from an article he wrote in 2013 for the Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals. You can find that article at https://www.placefortruth.org/blog/take-time-to-give-thanks.
2023-11-2014 minLife at the CornerNews, Israel, and a Short Biblical Theology of LandToday, Pastor Nate discusses the recent conflict between the Israelis and Palestinians and presents a biblical perspective on the importance of land in God's covenants with his people. Understanding God's promise of land to his people can aid Christians as they discuss the conflict and how it connects to debates about eschatology and the role of the Jewish people in salvation history.
2023-11-1326 minLife at the CornerWelcome to Life at the CornerWelcome to Life at the Corner! In this podcast, Pastor Nate Shurden will talk through topics relating to the intersection of life and faith, including issues of doctrine and right Christian practice, political and social events, books, and anything else that seems worthy of discussion. In this episode, Pastor Nate introduces the podcast and gives its background, purpose, and context. If you have any questions, comments, or topics you'd like Pastor Nate to address, you can email him at lifeatthecorner@cstonepres.org.
2023-11-0613 min
Y'all SaintsEpisode 10: Wednesday General AssemblyPastor Matt is joined by Ruling Elders Jay Hollis and JD Stuart as well as special guest Pastor Nate Shurden of Cornerstone Presbyterian, Franklin, TN, to recap the Wednesday business of General Assembly.
2022-06-2336 min
Gifts and GracesDavid Cassidy, Nate Shurden, & David Strain | Seeking Unity in the PCAOn this episode of Gifts and Graces, we get to hear from David Cassidy, Nate Shurden, and David Strain on seeking unity in the PCA. David Cassidy serves as Lead Pastor at Christ Community Church in Franklin, TN. Nate Shurden is the Senior Pastor of Cornerstone Presbyterian Church in Franklin, TN. David Strain is the Senior Minister at First Presbyterian Church in Jackson, MS. This was originally recorded as a seminar at the 2021 General Assembly. Let's listen a David Cassidy, Nate Shurden, and David Strain have a conversation on subscription and seeking unity in the PCA.
2022-05-0351 min
RUF at KentuckyLife of Abraham 2 - the struggle to believeGenesis 12:10-20 - Abraham’s failure and God’s faithfulness. Source material: Derek Kidner, Nate Shurden
2021-02-0427 min
2019-01-3000 min
Help Me Teach The BibleHow to Teach on Philemon and Slavery in the BibleNancy Guthrie interviews Nate Shurden
2018-01-2559 min
Cornerstone Presbyterian Church FranklinOur Call: Tell the Coming GenerationDate: Aug 20, 2017 Series: From Generation to Generation, Part 2 Sermon: Our Call: Tell the Coming Generation Speaker: Nate Shurden, Pastor Join us Sundays at 8am and 10:45am at Cornerstone Presbyterian Church Franklin, 136 3rd Avenue South Franklin TN 37064
2017-08-1943 min
Cornerstone Presbyterian Church FranklinOur Focus: Looking to the Things AboveDate: Aug 13, 2017 Series: From Generation to Generation, Part 1 Sermon: Our Focus: Looking to the Things Above Speaker: Nate Shurden, Pastor Join us Sundays at 8am and 10:45am at Cornerstone Presbyterian Church Franklin, 136 3rd Avenue South Franklin TN 37064
2017-08-1343 min
Cornerstone Presbyterian Church FranklinBoast Only in the CrossDate: August 6, 2017 Series: Galatians: The One and Only Gospel, Part 16 Sermon: Boast Only in the Cross Speaker: Nate Shurden, Pastor Join us Sundays at 8am and 10:45am at Cornerstone Presbyterian Church Franklin, 136 3rd Avenue South Franklin TN 37064
2017-08-0637 min
Cornerstone Presbyterian Church FranklinHistory in Perspective: All Bad Things Must Come to an End —Nate Shurden, PastorHistory in Perspective: All Bad Things Must Come to an End —Nate Shurden, Pastor by Cornerstone Presbyterian Church Franklin
2015-09-2046 min
Twin Lakes FellowshipSeminars and Worship Services from Wednesday: Lucas, Shurden, McGowan, ThomasWorship Service 2 – Dr. Sean Lucas on 2 Corinthians 4:7-15 Seminar 3 – Rev. Nate Shurden on Leading with the Soul: The Crucible of Pastoral Ministry Worship Service 3 – Rev. Elbert McGowan on The Missional Pastor: Our Call, Hindrances, Dangers and Help! Worship Service 4 – Dr. Derek W.H. Thomas on Mark 14:32-42
2012-04-2000 min