Cornerstone Berean Church

Paragraph 1 Baptism and the Lord's Supper are ordinances of positive and sovereign institution, appointed by the Lord Jesus, the only lawgiver, to be continued in his church to the end of the world.1 1 Matt. 28:19–20; 1 Cor. 11:26 — Paragraph 2 These holy appointments are to be administered by those only who are qualified and thereunto called, according to the commission of Christ.2 2 Matt. 28:19; 1 Cor. 4:1

The wise will understand and take to heart that wisdom is better, but that foolishness is weightier, and so the wise will guard wisdom and persevere under the sun.

We all walk through the valley of deep darkness, and the shadows being cast here are universal and unpredictable, but by faith you can choose joy in the shadows.

Chapter 27 — Paragraph 1 All saints that are united to Jesus Christ, their head, by his Spirit, and faith, although they are not made thereby one person with him, have fellowship in his graces, sufferings, death, resurrection, and glory;1 and, being united to one another in love, they have communion in each others gifts and graces,2 and are obliged to the performance of such duties, public and private, in an orderly way, as do conduce to their mutual good, both in the inward and outward man.3 1 1 John 1:3; John 1:16; Phil. 3:10; Rom. 6:5–6 2 Eph. 4:15–16; 1 Cor. 12:7; 3:21–23 3 1 Thess. 5:11,14; Rom. 1:12; 1 John 3:17–18; Gal. 6:10 — Paragraph 2 Saints by profession are bound to maintain a holy fellowship and communion in the worship of God, and in performing such other spiritual services as tend to their mutual edification;4 as also in relieving each other in outward things according to their several abilities, and necessities;5 which communion, according to the rule of the gospel, though especially to be exercised by them, in the relation wherein they stand, whether in families,6 or churches,7 yet, as God offers opportunity, is to be extended to all the household of faith, even all those who in every place call upon the name of the Lord Jesus; nevertheless their communion one with another as saints, does not take away or infringe the title or propriety which each man has in his goods and possessions.8 4 Heb. 10:24–25, 3:12–13 5 Acts 11:29–30 6 Eph. 6:4 7 1 Cor. 12:14–27 8 Acts 5:4; Eph. 4:28

There is no escape from the confusing chaos of a cursed world, but those who fear the Lord will find contentment in it through faith.

— Paragraph 12 As all believers are bound to join themselves to particular churches, when and where they have opportunity so to do; so all that are admitted unto the privileges of a church, are also under the censures and government thereof, according to the rule of Christ.25 25 1 Thess. 5:14; 2 Thess. 3:6,14–15 — Paragraph 13 No church members, upon any offence taken by them, having performed their duty required of them towards the person they are offended at, ought to disturb any church-order, or absent themselves from the assemblies of the church, or administration of any ordinances, upon the account of such offence at any of their fellow members, but to wait upon Christ, in the further proceeding of the church.26 26 Matt. 18:15–17; Eph. 4:2–3 — Paragraph 14 As each church, and all the members of it, are bound to pray continually for the good and prosperity of all the churches of Christ,27 in all places, and upon all occasions to further every one within the bounds of their places and callings, in the exercise of their gifts and graces, so the churches, when planted by the providence of God, so as they may enjoy opportunity and advantage for it, ought to hold communion among themselves, for their peace, increase of love, and mutual edification.28 27 Eph. 6:18; Ps. 122:6 28 Rom. 16:1–2; 3 John 8–10 — Paragraph 15 In cases of difficulties or differences, either in point of doctrine or administration, wherein either the churches in general are concerned, or any one church, in their peace, union, and edification; or any member or members of any church are injured, in or by any proceedings in censures not agreeable to truth and order: it is according to the mind of Christ, that many churches holding communion together, do, by their messengers, meet to consider, and give their advice in or about that matter in difference, to be reported to all the churches concerned;29 howbeit these messengers assembled, are not intrusted with any church-power properly so called; or with any jurisdiction over the churches themselves, to exercise any censures either over any churches or persons; or to impose their determination on the churches or officers.30 29 Acts 15:2,4,6,22–23,25 30 2 Cor. 1:24; 1 John 4:1

Paragraph 8 A particular church, gathered and completely organized according to the mind of Christ, consists of officers and members; and the officers appointed by Christ to be chosen and set apart by the church (so called and gathered), for the peculiar administration of ordinances, and execution of power or duty, which he intrusts them with, or calls them to, to be continued to the end of the world, are bishops or elders, and deacons.15 15 Acts 20:17,28; Phil. 1:1 — Paragraph 9 The way appointed by Christ for the calling of any person, fitted and gifted by the Holy Spirit, unto the office of bishop or elder in a church, is, that he be chosen thereunto by the common suffrage of the church itself;16 and solemnly set apart by fasting and prayer, with imposition of hands of the eldership of the church, if there be any before constituted therein;17 and of a deacon that he be chosen by the like suffrage, and set apart by prayer, and the like imposition of hands.18 16 Acts 14:23 17 1 Tim. 4:14 18 Acts 6:3,5–6 — Paragraph 10 The work of pastors being constantly to attend the service of Christ, in his churches, in the ministry of the word and prayer, with watching for their souls, as they that must give an account to Him;19 it is incumbent on the churches to whom they minister, not only to give them all due respect, but also to communicate to them of all their good things according to their ability,20 so as they may have a comfortable supply, without being themselves entangled in secular affairs;21 and may also be capable of exercising hospitality towards others;22 and this is required by the law of nature, and by the express order of our Lord Jesus, who has ordained that they that preach the Gospel should live of the Gospel.23 19 Acts 6:4; Heb. 13:17 20 1 Tim. 5:17–18; Gal. 6:6–7 21 2 Tim. 2:4 22 1 Tim. 3:2 23 1 Cor. 9:6–14 — Paragraph 11 Although it be incumbent on the bishops or pastors of the churches, to be instant in preaching the word, by way of office, yet the work of preaching the word is not so peculiarly confined to them but that others also gifted and fitted by the Holy Spirit for it, and approved and called by the church, may and ought to perform it.24 24 Acts 11:19–21; 1 Pet. 4:10–11

Highlights from the Apostle Paul’s time in Phillippi – Acts 16

Paragraph 5 In the execution of this power wherewith he is so intrusted, the Lord Jesus calls out of the world unto himself, through the ministry of his word, by his Spirit, those that are given unto him by his Father,9 that they may walk before him in all the ways of obedience, which he prescribes to them in his word.10 Those thus called, he commands to walk together in particular societies, or churches, for their mutual edification, and the due performance of that public worship, which he requires of them in the world.11 9 John 10:16; John 12:32 10 Matt. 28:20 11 Matt. 18:15–20 — Paragraph 6 The members of these churches are saints by calling, visibly manifesting and evidencing (in and by their profession and walking) their obedience unto that call of Christ;12 and do willingly consent to walk together, according to the appointment of Christ; giving up themselves to the Lord, and one to another, by the will of God, in professed subjection to the ordinances of the Gospel.13 12 Rom. 1:7; 1 Cor. 1:2 13 Acts 2:41–42, 5:13–14; 2 Cor. 9:13 — Paragraph 7 To each of these churches therefore gathered, according to his mind declared in his word, he has given all that power and authority, which is in any way needful for their carrying on that order in worship and discipline, which he has instituted for them to observe; with commands and rules for the due and right exerting, and executing of that power.14 14 Matt. 18:17–18; 1 Cor. 5:4–5,13, 2 Cor. 2:6–8 — Paragraph 8 A particular church, gathered and completely organized according to the mind of Christ, consists of officers and members; and the officers appointed by Christ to be chosen and set apart by the church (so called and gathered), for the peculiar administration of ordinances, and execution of power or duty, which he intrusts them with, or calls them to, to be continued to the end of the world, are bishops or elders, and deacons.15 15 Acts 20:17,28; Phil. 1:1

Mankind is convinced he can crack the code to the good life; but God alone is sovereign, and our self-reliant devices will only ensnare us in the foolishness of madness.

While you are under the sun, you will deepen your joy if you will reckon with the reality of death, live with the end in mind, and continually consider the good works of God.

Paragraph 1 The catholic or universal church, which (with respect to the internal work of the Spirit and truth of grace) may be called invisible, consists of the whole number of the elect, that have been, are, or shall be gathered into one, under Christ, the head thereof; and is the spouse, the body, the fulness of him that fills all in all.1 1 Heb. 12:23; Col. 1:18; Eph. 1:10,22–23, 5:23,27,32 — Paragraph 2 All persons throughout the world, professing the faith of the gospel, and obedience unto God by Christ according unto it, not destroying their own profession by any errors everting the foundation, or unholiness of conversation, are and may be called visible saints;2 and of such ought all particular congregations to be constituted.3 2 1 Cor. 1:2; Acts 11:26 3 Rom. 1:7; Eph. 1:20–22 — Paragraph 3 The purest churches under heaven are subject to mixture and error;4 and some have so degenerated as to become no churches of Christ, but synagogues of Satan;5 nevertheless Christ always has had, and ever shall have a kingdom in this world, to the end thereof, of such as believe in him, and make profession of his name.6 4 1 Cor. 5; Rev. 2–3 5 Rev. 18:2; 2 Thess. 2:11–12 6 Matt. 16:18; Ps. 72:17, 102:28; Rev. 12:17 — Paragraph 4 The Lord Jesus Christ is the Head of the church, in whom, by the appointment of the Father, all power for the calling, institution, order or government of the church, is invested in a supreme and sovereign manner;7 neither can the Pope of Rome in any sense be head thereof, but is that antichrist, that man of sin, and son of perdition, that exalts himself in the church against Christ, and all that is called God; whom the Lord shall destroy with the brightness of his coming.8 7 Col. 1:18; Matt. 28:18–20; Eph. 4:11–12 8 2 Thess. 2:2–9 — Paragraph 5 In the execution of this power wherewith he is so intrusted, the Lord Jesus calls out of the world unto himself, through the ministry of his word, by his Spirit, those that are given unto him by his Father,9 that they may walk before him in all the ways of obedience, which he prescribes to them in his word.10 Those thus called, he commands to walk together in particular societies, or churches, for their mutual edification, and the due performance of that public worship, which he requires of them in the world.11 9 John 10:16; John 12:32 10 Matt. 28:20 11 Matt. 18:15–20

There are grievous gaps between the good life God gives and the toilsome life we live, but God desires that we be glad even while we grieve in those gaps.

Paragraph 1 God, the supreme Lord and King of all the world, has ordained civil magistrates to be under him, over the people, for his own glory and the public good; and to this end has armed them with the power of the sword, for defence and encouragement of them that do good, and for the punishment of evil doers.1 1 Rom. 13:1–4 — Paragraph 2 It is lawful for Christians to accept and execute the office of a magistrate when called thereunto; in the management whereof, as they ought especially to maintain justice and peace,2 according to the wholesome laws of each kingdom and commonwealth, so for that end they may lawfully now, under the New Testament, wage war upon just and necessary occasions.3 2 2 Sam. 23:3; Ps. 82:3–4 3 Luke 3:14 — Paragraph 3 Civil magistrates being set up by God for the ends aforesaid; subjection, in all lawful things commanded by them, ought to be yielded by us in the Lord, not only for wrath, but for conscience’ sake;4 and we ought to make supplications and prayers for kings and all that are in authority, that under them we may live a quiet and peaceable life, in all godliness and honesty.5 4 Rom. 13:5–7; 1 Pet. 2:17 5 1 Tim. 2:1–2

The love of money will lead only to dissatisfaction and aggravation, so love Christ and be satisfied in Him.

Paragraph 1 A lawful oath is a part of religious worship, wherein the person swearing in truth, righteousness, and judgment, solemnly calls God to witness what he swears,1 and to judge him according to the truth or falseness thereof.2 1 Exod. 20:7; Deut. 10:20; Jer. 4:2 2 2 Chron. 6:22–23 — Paragraph 2 The name of God only is that by which men ought to swear; and therein it is to be used, with all holy fear and reverence; therefore to swear vainly or rashly by that glorious and dreadful name, or to swear at all by any other thing, is sinful, and to be abhorred;3 yet as in matter of weight and moment, for confirmation of truth, and ending all strife, an oath is warranted by the word of God;4 so a lawful oath being imposed by lawful authority in such matters, ought to be taken.5 3 Matt. 5:34,37; James 5:12 4 Heb. 6:16; 2 Cor. 1:23 5 Neh. 13:25 — Paragraph 3 Whosoever takes an oath warranted by the word of God, ought duly to consider the weightiness of so solemn an act, and therein to avouch nothing but what he knows to be truth; for that by rash, false, and vain oaths, the Lord is provoked, and for them this land mourns.6 6 Lev. 19:12; Jer. 23:10 — Paragraph 4 An oath is to be taken in the plain and common sense of the words, without equivocation or mental reservation.7 7 Ps. 24:4 — Paragraph 5 A vow, which is not to be made to any creature, but to God alone, is to be made and performed with all religious care and faithfulness;8 but popish monastical vows of perpetual single life,9 professed poverty,10 and regular obedience, are so far from being degrees of higher perfection, that they are superstitious and sinful snares, in which no Christian may entangle himself.11 8 Ps. 76:11; Gen. 28:20–22 9 1 Cor. 7:2,9 10 Eph. 4:28 11 Matt. 19:11

Knowing the One we worship will move us to carefully commit ourselves to careful worship.

God created us as communal creatures, but sin corrupts every aspect of healthy community and makes us dependent on Christ for genuine reconnection.

— Paragraph 3 Prayer, with thanksgiving, being one part of natural worship, is by God required of all men.8 But that it may be accepted, it is to be made in the name of the Son,9 by the help of the Spirit,10 according to his will;11 with understanding, reverence, humility, fervency, faith, love, and perseverance; and when with others, in a known tongue.12 8 Ps. 95:1–7, 65:2 9 John 14:13–14 10 Rom. 8:26 11 1 John 5:14 12 1 Cor. 14:16–17 — Paragraph 4 Prayer is to be made for things lawful, and for all sorts of men living, or that shall live hereafter;13 but not for the dead,14 nor for those of whom it may be known that they have sinned the sin unto death.15 13 1 Tim. 2:1–2; 2 Sam. 7:29 14 2 Sam. 12:21–23 15 1 John 5:16 — Paragraph 5 The reading of the Scriptures,16 preaching, and hearing the Word of God,17 teaching and admonishing one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing with grace in our hearts to the Lord;18 as also the administration of baptism,19 and the Lord's supper,20 are all parts of religious worship of God, to be performed in obedience to him, with understanding, faith, reverence, and godly fear; moreover, solemn humiliation, with fastings,21 and thanksgivings, upon special occasions, ought to be used in an holy and religious manner.22 16 1 Tim. 4:13 17 2 Tim. 4:2; Luke 8:18 18 Col. 3:16; Eph. 5:19 19 Matt. 28:19–20 20 1 Cor. 11:26 21 Esther 4:16; Joel 2:12 22 Exod. 15:1–19, Ps. 107 — Paragraph 6 Neither prayer nor any other part of religious worship, is now under the gospel, tied unto, or made more acceptable by any place in which it is performed, or towards which it is directed; but God is to be worshipped everywhere in spirit and in truth;23 as in private families24 daily,25 and in secret each one by himself;26 so more solemnly in the public assemblies, which are not carelessly nor wilfully to be neglected or forsaken, when God by his word or providence calls thereunto.27 23 John 4:21; Mal. 1:11; 1 Tim. 2:8 24 Acts 10:2 25 Matt. 6:11; Ps. 55:17 26 Matt. 6:6 27 Heb. 10:25; Acts 2:42