Our Beautiful Strength series is all about looking at the amazing female role models we have in Scripture. Each of these women is a great example of the kind of courage, grace, and strength we're all supposed to walk through. They show us what faith looks like.

Gene kicks off a series on several impressive women from scripture and the examples they are to all of us. Esther doesn't seem to be the best example at the beginning of the story, in fact, she seems like she may have forgotten her faith. Yet, when a time of crisis comes, Esther turns to the Lord and responds with incredible bravery and faith that empowers her to save her people. Emily Goud, a member of the Cornerstone community, shares her own similar story of finding faith and the way that God led her into a position where she is empowered to be a blessing to others.

We all have different degrees of influence: at work, among friends, in our families, and through countless interactions with others, so learning how to lead well is something that applies to all of us. In this sermon, Brian looks at Deborah as a great example of godly leadership. As the political, spiritual, and military leader of Israel, Deborah demonstrated how leaders unite others together, raise up those beneath them, make effective decisions, and lead from a place of conviction. The ultimate goal of Godly leadership is to use our influence to help others participate in God's story, and Deborah is a great example of how we can make that happen in our areas of influence.

Gene continues our Beautiful Strength series here at Cornerstone with a look at Lydia, an incredible role model. Lydia was a successful businesswoman and is the first named european believer in Scripture! Gene dives deep to explore what makes Lydia a great role model and takes some time to interview some amazing role models from our community here at Cornerstone. Regardless of who you are, these woman exemplify great traits that all of us can take to heart.

In this sermon, Brian continues the Beautiful Strength series with a look at Mary of Bethany. Jesus said that wherever the gospel is preached, her story would be told. As Brian looks at her extravagant love towards Jesus, we see that Mary is an incredible example of someone who took everything she had and literally laid it at the feet of Jesus. Though some looking on called it a waste, Jesus makes it clear that her extravagant love is an example to us all. After all, as Brian shares, the message of Jesus is much like Mary of Bethany; He is the savior who gives everything He is out of the love He has for us.

Rabbi Gene closes our Beautiful Strength series with a special Easter message looking at the life of Jesus through the eyes of His mother, Mary of Nazareth. As Gene explores the scriptures around this incredible woman, we look at how her Jewish identity impacted her view of the Messiah, how her identity as a mother shaped her interactions with Jesus, and how she continued to treasure the words of God in her heart; eventually becoming a disciple of her own son. It's a great message that invites us all to take a look at Jesus, to treasure what we know of Him in our hearts, and to see Him from a new perspective.