What truly defines a local church according to Scripture?

In this powerful new series, The Cornerstone Perspective explores one of the most vital questions every congregation must ask: Are we fulfilling the true biblical mission of the local church, or have we become something else—perhaps a well-intentioned faith-based nonprofit?

While faith-based organizations play an invaluable role in the Kingdom of God, the local church stands distinct in its divine calling and mission. In this multi-part series, we uncover the biblical non-negotiables that form the foundation of Christ’s Church—those essential truths and functions that cannot be redefined, diluted, or discarded.

Beginning with Episode One, we examine the first and most foundational non-negotiable:

Preaching the Gospel Message of Jesus Christ in the Power of the Holy Spirit.

Through Scripture, we’ll see how Jesus’ words to Nicodemus, Paul’s message to the Corinthians, and the consistent witness of the New Testament reveal that every true local church must be rooted in the pure, bold, Spirit-empowered proclamation of the Gospel. Because in the end, good works alone are not enough—only a people transformed by the living Christ can be His Church.

Join us as we journey through what it means to be THE Church.

In one of life’s hardest questions, we explore why with a loving God, pain, evil, and suffering exists in this world. From Genesis to Revelation, Scripture shows us that suffering wasn’t God’s design but the result of humanity’s sin—and yet, God steps into our pain through Jesus Christ. Drawing on the wisdom of Job, the Psalms, Paul’s letters, and the words of Billy Graham, this episode unpacks how free will, love, and God’s greater plan of redemption give us hope in the midst of brokenness. Ultimately, we find assurance that in Christ, suffering is not the end, but the path to victory and eternal life.

1. 1. The Holy Bible, New International Version. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2011. (Job, Psalms 13, Genesis 1–3, Romans 5, John 3:16, Romans 5:8, 1 Corinthians 15, Hebrews 4:15, Isaiah 53, Revelation 21).
   2. Augustine, St. The City of God. Translated by Marcus Dods. New York: Modern Library, 1950.
   3. Aquinas, Thomas. Summa Theologica. Translated by Fathers of the English Dominican Province. New York: Benziger Brothers, 1947.
   4. Lewis, C. S. The Problem of Pain. San Francisco: HarperOne, 2009.
   5. Piper, John. Suffering and the Sovereignty of God. Wheaton: Crossway, 2006.
   6. Wright, N. T. Evil and the Justice of God. Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 2006.
   7. Carson, D. A. How Long, O Lord? Reflections on Suffering and Evil. 2nd ed. Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2006.
   8. Graham, Billy. Answers to Life’s Problems: Guidance, Inspiration, and Hope for Daily Living. Waco: Word Books, 1988.

At some point — whether in seasons of success, moments of despair, or simple quiet reflection — we all ask the same question: Why am I here?

In this episode, we explore the search in life for meaning and fulfillment. From the words of King Solomon in Ecclesiastes, to modern voices who admit fame and wealth cannot satisfy, we discover a timeless truth: without God, life is empty. But in Christ, we find identity, purpose, and lasting joy.

Drawing from Scripture, the wisdom of the Westminster Catechism, and the promise that we are created in God’s image, this episode unpacks how true purpose isn’t found in what we achieve, but in who God created us to be.

If you’ve ever wondered about your significance, your calling, or the meaning behind it all, this conversation will point you to the One who gives life its deepest purpose.

Reference:

1. Westminster Assembly. The Westminster Shorter Catechism. 1647. In The Confession of Faith, The Larger and Shorter Catechisms. Edinburgh: Free Church of Scotland, 1647/2003 edition. (Historical source of the catechism and the famous “chief end of man” conclusion).

2. Augustine. Confessions. Translated by Henry Chadwick. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1991. (A classic theological autobiography wrestling with purpose and fulfillment, concluding that the human soul is restless until it finds rest in God.