Equip Podcast

Why do Protestants and Catholics differ so sharply on authority, Mary, and the nature of the true church—and why does it matter for following Jesus today?In this episode, Mark Vance continues the “Why Protestantism?” series by examining some of the most significant theological differences between Roman Catholicism and Protestant belief. With clarity and charity, Mark explains how Catholic teachings on Mary, the papacy, and church authority developed—and why he believes they obscure the clarity of the gospel.Mark walks through the “four Marian doctrines,” the Catholic understanding of sacred tradition, and the claim of papal infallibility, showing how these teachings shape the Catholic view of the church. He contrasts this with the Protestant conviction that Scripture alone is the final authority and that salvation is grounded solely in the finished work of Christ. This episode lays crucial groundwork for understanding why the Reformers believed a return to biblical authority was necessary for the health of the church.Episode Highlights00:00 — Why Protestantism? Continuing the series and framing today's topic: authority 02:47 — How Catholic doctrine develops: tradition, councils, and magisterial teaching 06:10 — The four Marian doctrines (Immaculate Conception, Perpetual Virginity, Assumption, and Mary as Mediatrix) 11:52 — Why these Marian teachings matter for understanding the gospel 14:30 — How Catholicism understands the church’s teaching authority (magisterium) 16:44 — The logic behind papal infallibility and ex cathedra teaching 19:55 — Protestant concerns: where is the biblical warrant for these doctrines? 22:18 — Scripture vs. tradition: which has final authority? 24:12 — Why Mark believes the Catholic view of authority obscures gospel clarityResourcesCornerstone Church Sermons: Listen onlineGavin Ortlund, What It Means to Be Protestant (Truth Unites)Matthew Barrett, The Reformation as RenewalMichael Svigel, RetroChristianity: Reclaiming the Forgotten FaithChad Van Dixhoorn (ed.), Creeds, Confessions, and Catechisms: A Reader’s EditionCatechism of the Catholic Church (Vatican)Ask Mark a Question!Suggest a topic or question for Mark to discuss on a future episode of the Equip Podcast!

Why are some Protestants drawn toward Roman Catholicism—and how should we think about the “one true church”? In this episode, Mark Vance launches a five-part series on the nature of the church, explaining why he remains a Protestant while seeking to speak with both clarity and charity about Catholicism.Mark walks through why historical rootedness feels especially compelling in shaky cultural moments, how true Christianity exists within the Roman Catholic Church, and yet why he believes certain teachings and practices obscure the gospel. He also introduces the four major reasons he’s a Protestant: the nature of the true church, the history of the church, the question of authority, and the clarity of the gospel—setting the stage for the rest of the series.Episode Highlights:00:00 — Launching a five-part series: “Why Protestantism?” and why people are asking about Catholicism03:19 — True Christianity within Catholicism—and how some teachings can obscure the gospel08:55 — Overview of the four major reasons Mark remains a Protestant11:25 — The Protestant view of the “one true church” and the visible/invisible church distinction17:43 — How the Roman Catholic Church understands itself as the one true church (one, holy, catholic, apostolic)22:51 — Protestantism as a renewal movement within the one true church, not a competing “true church”24:19 — Are all Catholics saved? Visible membership vs. being born again by faith in Christ26:03 — Why Mark says Rome is “not Catholic enough” and how Protestantism offers a broader catholicityResources:Cornerstone Church Sermons: Listen onlineGavin Ortlund, What It Means to Be Protestant (Truth Unites)Matthew Barrett, The Reformation as RenewalMichael Svigel, RetroChristianity: Reclaiming the Forgotten FaithChad Van Dixhoorn (ed.), Creeds, Confessions, and Catechisms: A Reader’s EditionCatechism of the Catholic Church (Vatican)Ask Mark a Question!Suggest a topic or question for Mark to discuss on a future episode of the Equip Podcast!

What does the Tenth Commandment have to do with Target runs, Amazon carts, and Instagram ads? In this episode, Mark and Emily explore “Do not covet” and talk honestly about living in a world designed to stir desire and fuel discontent.They discuss why coveting runs deeper than wanting stuff — it’s about wanting someone else’s life — and why modern advertising, comparison culture, and curated online lifestyles make contentment both harder and more essential. With practical ideas like 24-hour purchase rules, fasting from buying, gratitude habits, and learning to rejoice in others’ good, this conversation invites us into a lifestyle shaped by worship, simplicity, and joy in God’s provision.Resources:Cornerstone Church Sermons: Listen onlineAsk Mark a Question!Suggest a topic or question for Mark to discuss on a future episode of the Equip Podcast!

Should Christians think differently about what we post, share, and say online? In this episode, Mark and Emily explore the Ninth Commandment, “Do not bear false witness,” and apply it to the age of social media, political outrage, and public discourse.They talk about the temptation to exaggerate, misrepresent, or dehumanize those we disagree with — and why followers of Jesus should be people who speak truth, pursue peace, and resist the pull of conspiracy, sarcasm, and slander. From political ads to Instagram comments, this conversation invites us to reflect Christ not only in what we say, but how we say it.Resources:Cornerstone Church Sermons: Listen onlineAsk Mark a Question!Suggest a topic or question for Mark to discuss on a future episode of the Equip Podcast!

Should I splurge on Burgie’s coffee? Can I buy the nice toilet paper? In this episode, Mark Vance and Emily Jensen take a closer look at what the eighth commandment, “Do not steal”, teaches us about generosity, stewardship, and spending.They talk about why the opposite of stealing isn’t just “not stealing,” but intentional generosity. From local purchases to thoughtful spending, this conversation dives into how everyday financial decisions can reflect love for God and neighbor.Episode Highlights:00:00 — Introducing the commandment against stealing04:08 — Why the opposite of stealing is generosity08:19 — Can frugality become unloving?12:23 — How spending can serve others16:10 — Practicing intentional generosity in daily lifeResources:Cornerstone Church Sermons: Listen onlineAsk Mark a Question!Suggest a topic or question for Mark to discuss on a future episode of the Equip Podcast!

Equip Podcast Episode 298: The Ten Commandments — Marriage, Purity, and PornographyShow Notes: What does it look like to pursue purity in a world that’s lost its way? In this episode, Mark Vance and Emily Jensen unpack the seventh commandment—“You shall not commit adultery.” They talk honestly about marriage, lust, and the reality of pornography, exploring why it’s so destructive and how followers of Jesus can walk in freedom and hope.Mark offers practical wisdom for breaking patterns of sin, restoring healthy desires, and building a culture of holiness in the church. This conversation is frank but filled with grace, pointing us toward God’s good design for love, intimacy, and faithfulness.Episode Highlights:00:00 — Introducing the seventh commandment05:45 — What Jesus teaches about adultery and the heart11:20 — How pornography distorts desire and damages relationships18:50 — Finding freedom and healing through honesty and community26:30 — Building a culture that celebrates purity and faithfulnessResources:Cornerstone Church Sermons: Listen onlineCornerstone Recovery Ministry: Learn moreAsk Mark a Question!Suggest a topic or question for Mark to discuss on a future episode of the Equip Podcast!

What does it mean to value life as God does? In this episode, Mark Vance and Emily Jensen continue through the Ten Commandments by exploring the sixth commandment: “You shall not murder.”Building on Simeon’s recent sermon, they discuss the sanctity of life from a biblical perspective and reflect on how this command extends far beyond the act of taking life. Together they talk through cultural shifts, issues of human dignity, and what it looks like for Christians to uphold life in a society that often devalues it.Episode Highlights:00:00 — Introducing the Sixth Commandment: “You shall not murder”04:30 — The deeper meaning of the sanctity of life10:40 — Cultural attitudes toward life and human dignity16:15 — How Christians can respond with conviction and compassion23:10 — Living out the value of life in everyday relationshipsResources:Cornerstone Church Sermons: Listen OnlineAsk Mark a Question!Suggest a topic or question for Mark to discuss on a future episode of the Equip Podcast!

What does the Fifth Commandment really mean? In this episode, Mark and Emily explore how honoring our parents not only applies to childhood obedience, but to every season of life.They also expand the conversation to authority more broadly, addressing why our culture often resists authority and how Christians can live faithfully under parents, leaders, and institutions. From honoring aging parents to navigating government and school boards, this episode helps us see how honoring authority is part of honoring God.Episode Highlights:00:00 — Introducing the Fifth Commandment04:50 — Why it’s more than “kids obey your parents”11:20 — Honoring parents at every stage of life17:45 — Authority structures and our cultural cynicism24:10 — What honoring authority looks like for Christians today29:30 — Honoring God by honoring those He has placed over usResources:Cornerstone Church Sermons: Listen onlineAsk Mark a Question!Suggest a topic or question for Mark to discuss on a future episode of the Equip Podcast!

What does it mean to keep the Sabbath today? In this episode, Mark and Emily explore the fourth commandment and what it teaches us about God’s design for rest. They talk about how the Sabbath command is fulfilled in Christ yet still calls us to rhythms of renewal, worship, and delight in God.Mark also shares his own weekly patterns of rest and how Sabbath practices shape his life as a pastor, husband, and father. In a culture of hurry, constant emails, and endless activity, this conversation invites us to see rest not as weakness but as worship.Episode Highlights:00:00 — Introducing the Sabbath commandment05:15 — How Sabbath is fulfilled in Christ yet still needed today12:00 — Why rest is part of God’s design for human flourishing18:45 — Mark’s weekly rhythms of Sabbath and rest25:30 — Practical ways to resist hurry and embrace delight in GodResources:Cornerstone Church Sermons: Listen onlineAsk Mark a Question!Suggest a topic or question for Mark to discuss on a future episode of the Equip Podcast!

We’re wrapping up the first month of the Fall Spiritual Workout Plan—so how’s it going? In this bonus episode, Mark Vance and Emily Jensen pause to answer common questions about the SWP, share how it began, and offer encouragement for staying consistent as we reach the middle stretch of this 18-week journey.They remind us that the plan isn’t about perfection or performance, but about building daily habits that draw us closer to Christ. Whether you’re just getting started or already five weeks in, this episode will help you see the bigger picture of why daily prayer, Scripture, and reflection matter for a growing faith.Episode Highlights:00:00 — What the Spiritual Workout Plan is and how it started04:45 — Why daily rhythms shape long-term spiritual growth10:30 — Common challenges and encouragement17:20 — How both students and adults can engage with the SWP22:40 — Looking ahead: endurance for the full 18 weeksResources:Fall Spiritual Workout PlanGet Weekly Reminders: Text 'WORKOUT' to 515-329-3343Weekly Memory ScreensCornerstone Church Sermons: Listen onlineAsk Mark a Question!Suggest a topic or question for Mark to discuss on a future episode of the Equip Podcast!