Author: Jonathan Chadbourn
New City Catechism #10
Posted March 4, 2026 by Jonathan Chadbourn
Question: What does God require in the fourth and fifth commandments?Answer: Fourth, that on the Sabbath day we spend time in worship of God. Fifth, that we love and honor our father and our mother. Authority. Would you say that people have a positive or negative view of it? There are some people who simply … [Read More]
New City Catechism #9
Posted February 23, 2026 by Jonathan Chadbourn
Question: What does God require in the first, second, and third commandments? Answer: First, that we know God as the only true God. Second, that we avoid all idolatry. Third, that we treat God’s name with fear and reverence. When I was a kid, I used to like to roam the neighborhood with my friends. … [Read More]
New City Catechism #8
Posted February 18, 2026 by Jonathan Chadbourn
Question: What is the law of God stated in the 10 Commandments?Answer: You shall have no other gods before me. You shall not make for yourself an idol. You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God. Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. Honor your father and your mother. You shall … [Read More]
New City Catechism #7
Posted February 11, 2026 by Jonathan Chadbourn
Question: What does the law of God require?Answer: That we love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and love our neighbor as ourselves. This question and answer comes straight out of Scripture. A lawyer comes up to Jesus and asks him what the greatest commandment in the law was. Jesus replies, “You … [Read More]
New City Catechism #6
Posted February 3, 2026 by Jonathan Chadbourn
Question: How can we glorify God?Answer: By loving him and obeying his commandments and law. Glory? How often do we think about that? Glory seems like something that is only relevant in “church talk” and doesn’t have much bearing on the real world. For it’s not like you think about glory while you are eating … [Read More]
New City Catechism #3
Posted January 21, 2026 by Jonathan Chadbourn
Question: How many persons are there in God? Answer: There are three persons in one God: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Let me tell you a Christmas story. It was the year 325 in late spring. A council of pastors from all across the Roman empire convened in Nicaea to resolve a … [Read More]
New City Catechism #2
Posted January 11, 2026 by Jonathan Chadbourn
Question: What is God? Answer: God is the creator of everyone and everything. Is it possible to separate source from authority? I know what you are thinking: “What kind of question is that?!” Nobody thinks this way! Except maybe philosophers. And everyone knows how useful philosophy is. The story is told of a daughter who … [Read More]
New City Catechism – Question #1
Posted January 6, 2026 by Jonathan Chadbourn
Hello Cornerstone Family! In 2026 our church is endeavoring to memorize the New City Catechism so that we have language for what we believe. Each week, I’ll have a blog post to build on what the catechism Question and Answer is for the week. I pray this helps us to understand the teaching so that … [Read More]
Grateful for Gratitude
Posted July 26, 2025 by Jonathan Chadbourn
I feel badly for atheists and agnostics. Imagine a cool, autumn afternoon. The trees have surrendered to their fall colors. The air is crisp and the aroma of someone barbecuing a few doors down wafts your way. A satisfied smile creeps onto your lips for you’ve just completed a good day at work. You step … [Read More]
The Danger of Comfort
Posted July 17, 2025 by Jonathan Chadbourn
Is comfort a good thing? “Of course it is,” you might think. “That one is obvious.” After all, most of us spend a significant chunk of our lives pursuing comfort. We want less stress, more fun, no conflict, zero awkwardness, and lives filled to the brim with joy, love, and ease. You’ll sign up for … [Read More]