Everything You’ve Ever Wanted To Know About Cornerstone Baptist Church
What does cornerstone mean in Christianity?
The cornerstone is a significant symbol in many Christian teachings. It is derived from the construction industry, in which it is the first stone set in a building’s foundation. After this stone is laid, it serves as the reference for all other stones that are subsequently laid into the structure.
The significance of the cornerstone is mirrored in the Christian faith, in which Jesus Christ is the symbolic cornerstone. By basing everything off the cornerstone, believers know that everything that follows is ‘straight’ and ‘true’ and that all teachings are on the ‘right track.
Conformance to the cornerstone of Jesus Christ also helps church leaders and members determine whether they are deviating from the true spiritual path. Ultimately, everything built in alignment with Jesus Christ is known to be right and true.
What are the beliefs of the Cornerstone Baptist Church?
Cornerstone Baptist beliefs are based on ten “Articles of Faith,” which include the following:
Scriptures. Cornerstone Baptist Church believes that the Bible-specifically the King James Version-is the verbal-plenary-inspired Word of God. Members believe the Bible is free of error and incapable of being wrong. Therefore, it is considered the sole authority on all matters related to faith and practice.
Godhead. Cornerstone Baptists believe in a single God that exists in three persons eternally: the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Church members also believe that these three are equal in divine perfection in every way and that each serves distinct yet harmonious purposes toward redemption.
Jesus Christ. Cornerstone Baptist Church believes that Jesus Christ was born of a virgin. He was begotten by the Holy Spirit and, consequently, is fully God and fully man. Cornerstone Baptists also believe that Jesus shed His blood to atone for the sins of humankind and that he willingly offered His life for everyone’s salvation.
Holy Spirit. Cornerstone Baptists believe that the Holy Spirit, the third person of the Godhead, is divine. He passes judgment on sin and righteousness and dwells in the believer during regeneration.
Sin. Cornerstone Baptists believe that although man was created in God’s image, he became a sinner because of voluntary disobedience to the Divine Word. Furthermore, one man’s sin caused a curse to descend upon all humankind, leading to physical and spiritual death.
Salvation. Cornerstone Baptist Church believes that the sinful nature of humankind can only be redeemed by believing in the blood of Jesus Christ. It is through Christ that we receive the gift of eternal life and salvation.
Church. Cornerstone Baptists believe in the New Testament church as an organization of believers that actively carry out the Great Commission. The church is also responsible for observing baptism and the Lord’s Supper.
Baptism. Cornerstone Baptists believe baptism is one of the two ordinances tasked to the local New Testament church. Furthermore, the only acceptable scriptural method of baptism is immersion.
Lord’s Supper. The Lord’s Supper is believed to be a church ordinance that commemorates the Lord’s death until his return. The unleavened bread and cup represent His body and blood, respectively.
Last Things. Cornerstone Baptists believe in the imminent return of Jesus Christ, upon which time he will raise the dead and rapture the saints out of this world. A seven-year period of tribulation will follow immediately afterward, after which Christ will once again return with the saints and establish a millennial kingdom.
Who leads the Cornerstone Baptist Church?
Cornerstone Baptist Church is led by a senior pastor and a group of elders. Senior pastors are tasked with providing spiritual leadership to the congregation. In addition, they often serve as chief administrators of the church, playing a primary role in overseeing all of the organization’s administrative duties.
Senior pastors also provide pastoral care to church members, which may involve counseling. They are expected to preach and teach the congregation and are often in charge of planning the church’s services and sermons. In addition, they are primarily responsible for administering sacraments and even overseeing weddings, funerals, and baptisms.
Cornerstone Baptist Church is an elder-rule organization, which makes it different from most Southern Baptist churches, which are generally congregational-ruled. Elders are authority figures in churches and are often tasked with crucial positions of responsibility. They are generally chosen for the role because of their wisdom and extensive service to the church.
What is a senior pastor?
Senior pastors generally serve as the spiritual leaders of Cornerstone Baptist churches. In addition, as chief administrators, they typically oversee all the church’s administrative functions.
Senior pastors also preach and teach church members and provide pastoral care. For example, they generally plan sermons and worship services. They are also responsible for administering sacraments and conducting baptisms, weddings, and funerals. They may even counsel congregation members and others in need of spiritual guidance.
As part of their duties, senior pastors should always strive to remain informed of activities related to the church. This enables them to serve the congregation and the organization more effectively.
Senior pastors are expected to be very flexible concerning working periods. They are frequently called upon to work long hours in the evenings and even on weekends and holidays. Furthermore, they are expected to be present in their offices as much as possible. This ensures their accessibility to the congregation and ability to communicate effectively with church staff.
The senior pastor’s role revolves primarily around the church. Even so, candidates for the job are required to have a solid educational foundation. As a result, most senior pastors have multiple degrees in different disciplines. The path to becoming a senior pastor generally begins with earning a bachelor’s degree, after which the candidate earns a master’s degree from a school of divinity or a seminary.
Are there locations of the Cornerstone Baptist Church everywhere, or just in the south?
The southern United States has the most number of Cornerstone Baptist churches anywhere in the world. The church is even part of the Southern Baptist Convention.
However, Cornerstone Baptist churches can be found in many parts of the country, even in the Northeast and Midwest. There are even Cornerstone Baptist churches in several countries around the world.
What kind of Bible do southern Baptists use?
Southern Baptists generally adhere to the teachings in the New International Version, King James Version, New Kings James Version, and the New American Standard Bible. Cornerstone Baptists believe that the most accurate English translation of the Bible is the King James Version. This belief is based on the word-for-word method used in translating the original verses, and the underlying Hebrew Masoretic and Greek Received Texts.
Although Cornerstone Baptists primarily use the King James Version of the Bible, they may use other versions from time to time. Many members acknowledge the value of modern translations, such as the New King James Version, the New American Standard Bible, and the English Standard Version. However, these are more commonly used for devotion and private study, and the King James Version is still the preferred version for all other applications.
Furthermore, Cornerstone Baptist Church leaders recognize the difficulties that may arise from using antiquated language. There is also no prevailing belief that 17th-century English is more “reverent” or “spiritual” than modern English.
That being said, Cornerstone Baptists are emphatic on the importance of textual accuracy. In any case, most tend to reject overly aggressive claims of the supposed “superiority” of the King James Version over other versions of the Bible.
How do they worship at Cornerstone Baptist Church?
Worship services at Cornerstone Baptist Church typically last for 75 minutes. They are intended to accomplish the church mission’s primary focus: to exalt the Lord. This is done via the singing of hymns and gospel songs, Scripture readings, prayers, and preaching based on God’s Word. Members also give tithes and offerings.
Cornerstone Baptist worship places great importance on the individual and collective worship of God, as described in Col 3:17. Congregation members are encouraged to develop a heart of worship by experiencing the joy and freedom of worship firsthand.
Cornerstone Baptist services are traditional and baptistic in approach. Sermons and hymns are prominently featured in all services, and there is a consistent emphasis on explanations and practical applications of Bible text.
Cornerstone Baptist services contrast significantly with churches that offer more modern and “contemporary” services. The music is traditional as opposed to modern and secular, and sermons frequently include discussions of the shortcomings of human nature and the consequences of sin. This approach is meant to encourage self-examination and repentance in churchgoers.
How do I know if Cornerstone Baptist Church is right for me?
It is advisable to make a thorough assessment of what you expect from a church and what your preferences in worship style are. This will help you determine the feasibility of a church for your needs and preferences.
With regard to Cornerstone Baptist Church, it would be helpful to keep in mind that the first focus of the church’s mission is the exaltation of the Lord. This is what informs all services, which are designed specifically to accomplish this objective.
Cornerstone Baptist Church’s services include Scripture readings and the singing of hymns, both traditional and modern. Members are expected to give tithes and offerings, and there is a pastoral prayer and practical preaching based on God’s Word.
Services are characterized by a reverent and staid atmosphere. Church members constantly strive to reflect the dignity of being in God’s holy and sovereign presence via their thoughts, words, and actions.
What makes Cornerstone Baptist Church different from other southern Baptists?
Cornerstone Baptist Church is an independent and unaffiliated Baptist church. It is not beholden to any denomination, council, convention, or any other type of church union. Although the church routinely engages in fellowship with other Baptist churches, it doesn’t partner or associate with any other churches or organizations that impose their policies and actions on the local church.
In contrast to most Southern Baptist churches, Cornerstone Baptist is elder-ruled. Elders are people held in high regard within the church community for their wisdom and piety. They typically hold high positions of authority and responsibility in church groups.
Elder-rule churches are actually uncommon in the southern part of the United States. Consequently, there are often questions and disputes about elder-rule churches such as Cornerstone Baptist Church.
In recent years, more and more Southern Baptist churches have begun returning to the elder-rule model. Some examples are Cornerstone Church and Saddleback Church, which are among the most prominent Southern Baptist churches. Nevertheless, many still adhere to the congregational rule followed by churches such as the Baptist Faith and Message.
Regardless of the ruling model followed, Cornerstone Baptist Church leaders and members recognize that the Bible holds authority over denominational traditions. While the church identifies with the Baptist tradition and is part of the Southern Baptist Convention, its allegiance is first and foremost to Jesus Christ,
In practical terms, what this means is that Cornerstone Baptist Church only follows the Southern Baptist Convention as far as it follows Christ. Therefore, it has adopted the elder-rule governing model because of the belief that that is the structure mandated by Jesus Christ through his teachings in the Scriptures.
Will they welcome me into the congregation at Cornerstone Baptist Church? Is it a good church for children and families?
New attendees to Cornerstone Baptist Church can expect to be welcomed warmly and lovingly by the congregation. Just as importantly, they will be presented with healthy and encouraging challenges that will equip them in their journey to walking with God.
Cornerstone Baptist Church members are known for their gentleness and compassion. Whether it involves welcoming new members to the fold, assisting in various ministries, or coming to the aid of someone in need, church members take every opportunity to be of service to others.
The church is especially suitable for children and families. Many members serve in nurseries and children’s ministries, help with house projects, and even assist single women via the Chosen Women ministry. Church groups even routinely arrange meal delivery services for those that have recently undergone medical or life issues.
Some communities provide nursery services for infants and toddlers. Others have Children’s Church services for K3 to first-grade children. These ministries aim to provide a safe and enjoyable experience for children in which Bible lessons are shared in engaging and age-appropriate instruction.
What should I know if I want to attend Cornerstone Baptist Church?
Before attending Cornerstone Baptist Church, you should be aware that the church’s services are traditional and based on Baptist beliefs. Therefore, the atmosphere is reverent and staid all throughout, in contrast to the boisterous worship style of many modern services.
Services include sermons based on bible texts, accompanied by explanations and descriptions of practical applications. Hymns are also a prominent aspect of the service, and members are expected to sing along.
Keep in mind that the music at Cornerstone Baptist Church consists primarily of traditional hymns and gospel songs. Churches do not use Christian Contemporary Music (CCM) and instead focus on pieces designed to prepare listeners to receive messages from God’s word. Consequently, the hymns and gospel songs you will hear are based on doctrine, delivered appropriately to extol the virtues of the Father and our Lord Jesus.
How can Church.org help me?
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