Our Lifestyle Statement

Bible As Our Authority

     The whole Bible was given to us by inspiration from God and is useful to teach us what is true and make us realize what is wrong in our lives; it straightens us out and helps us to do what is right.  2 Tim. 3:15

     Since Gods Word is the only completely reliable and truthful authority, we accept the Bible as our manual for living.  Our first question when faced with a decision is What does the Bible say?  We practice daily Bible reading, Bible study, and Bible memorization.  The Bible is the basis for all we believe.

 

Fellowship with Other Believers

     Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.  Let us not give up meeting together as some are in the habit of doing but let us encourage one another.   Heb. 10:24-25

     The Bible encourages Christs followers to meet together regularly for Bible study, prayer, worship, encouragement and accountability.  We emphasize this in small groups called LIFE groups.

 

Priesthood of Every Believer

      Christ loves us, and by His death He has freed us from our sins and made us a kingdom of priests to serve God...  Rev. 1:6 (GN)  You are...the Kings priests...Gods own people, chosen to proclaim the wonderful acts of God.  1 Pet. 2:9 (GN)

      The Bible teaches that every Christian is called to full time Christian service, regardless of his or her vocation.  We practice the truth that every believer is a minister by encouraging every member to find a place of service and ministry.  Every believer has direct access to God through prayer and Bible reading.

 

Tithing

     A tithe of everything you produce belongs to the Lord; it is holy to the Lord.  Lev. 26:30

At Cornerstone we practice tithing for the support of Christs body, the church, as God commands.  We recognize that giving 10% of our income is the Biblical standard of giving.

 

Worship in Community

     Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth.  Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.  Psalm 100:2  

God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth. Jn 4:24

      We follow the practice of the early church to worship the Lord together weekly.  During our weekly celebrations we worship through various means including but not limited to music, drama, prayer, testimonies, and preaching and listening to the Word of God through the Bible.

     For when you were baptized, you were buried with Christ, and in baptism you were also raised with Christ...  Col. 2:12 (GN)

     We hold baptisms during our worship celebrations when possible.  We encourage baptism by immersion for new believers and dedication of babies and young children by parents.  We celebrate the Lords supper, also known as communion, monthly. 1 Cor. 11:17-34

 

Spirit-led Holy Living

     (Jesus said), I am the Vine, you are the branches.  If you abide in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; but apart from me you can do nothing.  John 15:5

     We believe the only way possible to live the Christian life is by Gods power within us.  So we seek to practice a daily dependence on Gods Spirit to enable us to think, say and do what is right.  (Phil. 2:13, Eph. 5:18)

 

Connection with Free Methodist Church Movement

     Christ is the head of His Body, the church.  He is the source of the Bodys life... Col. 1:18 (GN)

Christ is the recognized head of our church.  We are connected to the Free Methodist Church of America which gives us leadership, guidance and opportunity to witness beyond our limited reach.  We participate in sending and supporting both short and long term Free Methodist missionaries in the U.S. and around the world.  We meet regularly in small groups throughout the organization for accountability and discipleship.

 

Telling Others About Christ

     Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.  1 Peter 3:15

     It is the responsibility of every Christian to share the Good News with those with whom God brings us into contact.  We practice personal sharing about Christ and inviting friends to church.