WE PURPOSE

To describe in biblical language, what it means to be the people of God that Christ has called into His Church.
To declare a community ethic that will guide us as we collectively endeavor to be what Christ has called us to be.
To demonstrate affection for Christ as we stir one another up to good works for His Kingdom and Glory.
 

WE COVENANT

Christ is the foundation of our relationship to God and one another. As those who have been: saved by grace from our sins by the precious blood of Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior, buried with Him through baptism in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, raised with Him to newness of life, and made members of His glorious body with each member belonging to the others (Ephesians 2:8, Romans 6:1-5, Colossians 2:12-13, Romans 12:5)
 
We do now by His grace and power that is at work within us, solemnly and joyfully agree to live together in holy fear under the following covenant. For the glory of Christ and by His enablement we endeavor to:
 
  • Look to the Bible as the final authority for all of life and use the Word of God in guiding our lives and conduct, for the shepherding of our families, and the nurture and encouragement of one another. (Deuteronomy 6:6-9, Joshua 1:8, 2 Timothy 3:16-17)
  • Love one another deeply as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us to make us holy. (John 13:34-35, John 15:12, Ephesians 5:1-2, 1 John 4:7-12)
  • Gather regularly to worship and serve the Lord for the mutual benefit of all. (Acts 2:46-47, Hebrews 10:24-25)
  • Proclaim the glorious Gospel of Jesus Christ by following the biblical command to make disciples of all nations. (Romans 10:14-17, Matthew 28: 18-20)
  • Pray for one another and regularly approach the throne of grace for ourselves and others. (Ephesians 6:18, Colossians 4:2, James 5:16)
  • Walk together in fellowship with Christ as we lovingly encourage, comfort, exhort, admonish, serve, and bear one another’s burdens knowing that the testing of our faith produces Godly character. (Galatians 6:1-2, Colossians 3:12-16, James 1:3, Romans 5:3-5)
  • Forgive one another as Christ has forgiven us, recognizing that regular confession and repentance are the marks of a healthy community. (Ephesians 4:32, Colossians 3:13, Matthew 18:21-35)
  • Pursue the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. (Matthew 5:9, John 17:20-23, Romans 14:19, Ephesians 4:2-3, Colossians 3:15)
  • Use the gifts, talents and resources God has given us to build up the body of Christ at Cornerstone. (Romans 12:4-8, 1 Corinthians 12:7, Ephesians 4:10-16)
  • Give generously to the ministry to cover the expenses of the church, to meet the needs of the body and to advance the spread of the Gospel. (Malachi 3:10, Matthew 28:18-20, Acts 4:32-35, 2 Corinthians 8-9, Galatians 6:6, Philippians 4:15-19)
(Other Passages instructive of body life: Romans 12:5-18, Romans 14, 1 Corinthians 12:7-31, 1 Corinthians 13:4-7)