Equip Podcast

What happens when you give Mark Vance an open mic and no idea what’s coming? In this special episode, Emily Jensen puts Mark on the spot with a series of surprise questions—ranging from technology and AI to fasting and current events.This “Ask Mark Anything” episode is lighthearted, thought-provoking, and a unique peek into how Mark processes culture and faith as a pastor.Episode Highlights:00:00 — Why we’re taking a break from the Ten Commandments series03:10 — Reflections on Baptism Sunday07:45 — AI, technology, and the Christian life15:20 — Faithfulness in a rapidly changing culture22:30 — Fun rapid-fire questions with Mark28:40 — How to stay rooted in Christ when the world feels chaoticResources: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!

Taking the Lord's name in vain is about more than just speech. Mark Vance and Emily Jensen unpack the Third Commandment and show how it’s about more than avoiding certain words—it’s about living as representatives of God in the world.Together, they discuss how God’s people carry his name, what it means to bear that name well, and how this commandment speaks directly into everyday life—from the words we speak to the way we act as his witnesses.Episode Highlights:00:00 — Introducing the Third Commandment04:20 — Why it’s about more than just “not cussing”10:45 — Bearing God’s name as His representatives17:30 — Everyday examples of carrying God’s name in our lives24:50 — How this commandment shapes our witness todayResources:Cornerstone Church Sermons: Listen onlineThe Unseen Realm by Michael HeiserAsk Mark a Question!Suggest a topic or question for Mark to discuss on a future episode of the Equip Podcast!

Pastor Mark Vance reflects on the assassination of Charlie Kirk and helps us think biblically about how to posture our hearts in a time of political violence. Mark calls Christians to pray, to speak with wisdom, and to embody Christlike character in our public and private conversations.Ask Mark a Question!Suggest a topic or question for Mark to discuss on a future episode of the Equip Podcast!

Does watching The Chosen violate the Second Commandment? In this episode, Mark Vance and Emily Jensen continue their journey through the Ten Commandments by digging into the second commandment.They discuss how this command calls us to worship the true God in the true way, what it means in a culture filled with media and art, and why our hearts are so easily drawn toward substitutes. Along the way, they reflect on The Chosen, Christian media, and how to discern what helps or hinders genuine worship.Episode Highlights:00:00 — Introducing the second commandment03:20 — The conversation about The Chosen and Christian media09:45 — What “graven images” meant in the Old Testament context15:30 — How images and idols distort true worship21:50 — Where Christian art can serve faith versus distract from it28:40 — Practical ways to keep God at the center of worship todayResources:Cornerstone Church SermonsTim Keller, Counterfeit GodsAsk Mark a Question!Suggest a topic or question for Mark to discuss on a future episode of the Equip Podcast!

What is an idol, really? In this episode, Mark Vance and Emily Jensen continue the Ten Commandments series by looking at God’s command to have no other gods before him. Together, they unpack what idolatry means, why it’s more than statues or images, and how it shows up in the everyday loves and pursuits of our lives.Drawing from Scripture and voices like Tim Keller, they discuss how easily good things become ultimate things, why our hearts are prone to wander, and how God calls us to a better love—a love rooted in Him alone.Episode Highlights:00:00 — Introducing the commandment against idolatry04:30 — What an idol really is: taking the verbs of life away from God11:10 — How good things become “god things”17:45 — Insights from Tim Keller’s Counterfeit Gods on modern idolatry24:20 — How God’s commands redirect our love back to Him30:00 — Practical ways to identify and confront idols todayResources:Cornerstone Church SermonsTim Keller, Counterfeit GodsElyse Fitzpatrick, “Idols of the Heart”Ask Mark a Question!Suggest a topic or question for Mark to discuss on a future episode of the Equip Podcast!

How can something so old speak with so much power today? In this conversation, Mark and Emily look at the heart behind the current teaching series at Cornerstone, why God gave these commands, and how they point us toward a life of freedom with him. Together, they talk about connecting God’s truth to everyday life and share how this series is meant to shape us as a church family.Episode Highlights:(00:00)  Cornerstone is focusing on the Ten Commandments this fall(04:15) The greater discipleship plan behind the series(10:40) How the Ten Commandments reveal God’s character and design for life(18:05) Why these “ancient words” are still essential for today’s world(25:30) How Equip will help you dive deeper each weekResources:Cornerstone Church Sermons: Listen onlineRisen MotherhoodEmily’s BooksAsk Mark a Question!Suggest a topic or question for Mark to discuss on a future episode of the Equip Podcast!

What does it look like to be deeply rooted in Christ in a world of cultural chaos? Pastor Mark Vance is joined by Emily Jensen, the new co-host of the Equip Podcast, to share her story and introduce a new season of Equip focused on the Ten Commandments.Show Notes:In this conversation, Emily shares her journey of faith—from growing up in church, to walking away during college, to surrendering her life to Christ in a Starbucks. She also talks about meeting her husband Brad, raising five kids, and the surprising ways God has provided for their family.Together, Mark and Emily reflect on the story behind her podcast, Risen Motherhood, and why connecting biblical truth to everyday life matters. They also preview Cornerstone Church’s fall teaching series on the Ten Commandments and how Equip will dig deeper each week: asking the practical questions that come up in the car ride home.Highlights in This Episode:(04:55) Emily’s journey of faith and the pivotal moment she cried out to God(09:59) The story of moving to Ames and raising five kids(15:42) How Risen Motherhood began and reached moms around the world(20:39) Why the Ten Commandments are more than “rules”—they reveal God’s heart and design for freedomResources & Links:Learn more about Emily Jensen and purchase her books here.Connect with Cornerstone Church Online at cornerstonelife.com. Subscribe to our "Sermon" and "Equip" podcasts on iTunes and Spotify and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.Ask Mark a Question!Suggest a topic or question for Mark to discuss on a future episode of the Equip Podcast!

Episode 288 - 21 Days of Prayer: Fasting, hosted by Mark Vance.From 8/3-8/24, Cornerstone Church is setting aside 21 Days devoted to Kingdom Centered prayer. Fasting and Prayer are deeply connected in Scripture and in the practice of the church. What is fasting? Why do we fast? How do we fast?This podcast is designed to help you live a faithful and fruitful life where Jesus has called you. Connect with Cornerstone Church Online at cornerstonelife.com. Subscribe to our "Sermon" and "Equip" podcasts on iTunes and Spotify and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.Ask Mark a Question!Suggest a topic or question for Mark to discuss on a future episode of the Equip Podcast!

Episode 287 - 21 Days of Prayer: Prayer Boosters, hosted by Mark Vance. From 8/3-8/24, Cornerstone Church is setting aside 21 Days devoted to Kingdom Centered prayer. In this podcast, we cover several prayer boosting tools that can help to focus and sharpen your time in prayer. This podcast is designed to help you live a faithful and fruitful life where Jesus has called you. Connect with Cornerstone Church Online at cornerstonelife.com. Subscribe to our "Sermon" and "Equip" podcasts on iTunes and Spotify and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.Ask Mark a Question!Suggest a topic or question for Mark to discuss on a future episode of the Equip Podcast!

Episode 286 - 21 Days of Prayer: What is Intercessory Prayer?, hosted by Mark Vance.From 8/3-8/24, Cornerstone Church is setting aside 21 Days devoted to Kingdom Centered prayer. What is "intercessory" prayer? What are the key principles that can shape our prayers for God's Kingdom work?This podcast is designed to help you live a faithful and fruitful life where Jesus has called you. Connect with Cornerstone Church Online at cornerstonelife.com. Subscribe to our "Sermon" and "Equip" podcasts on iTunes and Spotify and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.Ask Mark a Question!Suggest a topic or question for Mark to discuss on a future episode of the Equip Podcast!