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One of the most common questions is: "Why is doctrine so important? Can’t we all just love Jesus?”

It’s a fair question. In a world where division seems endless between denominations, churches, and even within families, many ask if doctrine is the problem. But the Bible teaches that doctrine isn’t optional. It’s essential.

Paul’s Charge to Timothy

When Paul wrote to Timothy, a young pastor in Ephesus, his words were urgent: “Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers” (1 Timothy 4:16).

Why such a strong command? Because doctrine, what we believe about God, salvation, and the gospel, shapes our lives. If the message of Christ is twisted, people are left with false hope. If the truth is guarded, people are led to eternal life.

Doctrine isn't about winning arguments. It's about protecting souls.

Can’t We Just Love Jesus?

Of course, loving Jesus is the heart of Christianity. But here’s the key: we can’t truly love Him if we don’t know who He is. Jesus Himself warned that many would come in His name, preaching a different message (Matthew 24:5). Paul said the same: “If anyone preaches another gospel… let him be accursed” (Galatians 1:8).

Love for Jesus and faithfulness to His Word cannot be separated. True love clings to truth.

Why the Doctrines of Grace?

At Cornerstone, we gladly and humbly embrace what are often called the Doctrines of Grace. These truths, rooted in Scripture, remind us that salvation is not about us but God’s mercy from beginning to end.

  • We are chosen by grace, not because of our works.

  • We are saved through Christ alone, not through human effort.

  • We are kept secure by God’s power, not our own strength.

These doctrines protect us from pride and despair. They remind us that our hope rests not on our performance but on God's unchanging promise. They drive us to worship, humility, and confidence in the gospel.

What type of church is Cornerstone?

Another question we often get is: “What type of church is Cornerstone?”

We are a Southern Baptist (SBC) church with Reformed convictions. That means we share in the historic Baptist practices of believer’s baptism and congregational life, while also standing in the stream of the Reformation: salvation by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone, according to Scripture alone, for the glory of God alone.

We’re not “non-denominational” in the sense of being rootless. We are rooted deeply in God’s Word and connected to the wider family of SBC churches through the North American Mission Board, which helps plant and support new churches. At the same time, we are not bound by a distant hierarchy. Cornerstone will be Christ-led, elder-led, and Word-driven.

Why So Many Churches and Divisions?

If you grew up in Cincinnati, you’ve seen just about every style of church: Catholic parishes on every corner, mainline Protestant churches, non-denominational megachurches, and everything in between. It can feel overwhelming and even confusing.

So why are there so many? Some divisions are unnecessary, caused by pride, personalities, or traditions. But other divisions exist because truth really does matter. Whenever the gospel is distorted, God raises up voices to call His people back to grace.

That’s why the key question isn’t style but message: What do they preach about Christ? Some preach salvation through works, others say you need a second work of grace, or even placing hope in outward success and performance. But the gospel proclaims that Jesus Christ alone saves and that we were chosen in Him before time began, not because we sought Him but because He sought us.

Our Cornerstone

Ephesians 2:20 tells us the church is “built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone.”

At Cornerstone Church, that’s our name and our conviction. Christ is our foundation, and His Word shapes everything we do. That means doctrine matters, not because we love being right, but because we love Him.

The doctrines of grace are simply the gospel of grace: salvation belongs to the Lord.