The Bible
The Bible is a book of history, science, poetry, and human behavior. Most
importantly, it is a love story that reveals the heart of God
through the person of His Son, Jesus Christ.
The Bible Is Unique
The Bible was written over a period of 1.500 years by more
than 40 authors in three languages on three continents.
Rather than contradicting one another, the writers maintained 100 percent
historical, moral, prophetical, and theological accuracy, writing with
harmony and continuity from Genesis to Revelation.
The Bible Was Inspired By God
The Bible was written by men (2 Peter 1:20-21) under the inspiration of God
(2 Timothy 3:16). God exerted His supernatural influence on the writers of
the Bible. In other words, God was the author and men were His writing instruments.
The Bible Is To Be Read And Studied
Studying the Bible is an absolute must for Christians. The Bible instructs,
"Study to show yourself approved unto God... "(2 Timothy 2:15 KJV).
The systematic preaching of the Bible is impossible without systematic study of the Bible.
We are not to skim a few verses in our daily Bible reading, nor are we to study
a passage only when we're about to share it. We need to immerse ourselves daily
in God's Word, like the Bereans who searched the Scriptures daily (Acts 17:11).
The Bible Teaches Us
To build a model airplane, we need to follow a set of instructions. Only then will
the final product look like its counterpart on the box. In the same way, we need to
follow God's instruction manual for life, the bible. Only then will our lives reflect Jesus Christ.
The Bible says, "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for
reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness" (2 Timothy 3:16).
The Bible Gives Us Hope
The Bible was "written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures
might have hope" (Romans 15:4). We find hope through learning about God, His ways, and His plans for our lives.
When we discover the promises of God, we recognize there is more to life than merely existing. We discover there
is life beyond this life. Through the Bible, we obtain hope, encouragement, comfort, strength, wisdom, and much
more. Best of all, we gain an understanding of how to know God personally and how to live for Him righteously.
The Bible Gives Direction
To find our way through the dark, we need a flashlight. Only then can we see clearly and avoid stumbling. The
psalmist described God's Word as "a lamp to my feet, and a light to my path" (Psalm 119:105). As we allow the
Bible to direct our lives, we'll keep from stumbling and falling.
If you want to be wise, read the Bible. If you want to be safe, believe the Bible. If you want to be right, obey the Bible.
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Trinity
The Bible clearly teaches that there is only one God (Deuteronomy 6:4); (Isaiah 43:11); (44:6);
(1 Corinthians 8:4); (Ephesians 4:6); (1 Timothy 2:5); At the same time, the Bible plainly
indicates a plurality within God's nature, consisting of the three eternal and coequal persons:
the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, each the same in basic nature, but distinct in
existence.
The word "Trinity"Although the word Trinity does not appear in the Bible,
the doctrine of the Trinity is a factual conclusion, reached by comparing and combining
relevant scriptural truths. "We are setting these truths forth in words not taught by human
wisdom but taught by the [Holy] Spirit, combining and interpreting spiritual truths with
spiritual language [to those who posses the Holy Spirit]" (1 Corinthians 2:13)
The Trinity is one of the great mysteries of the Bible that cannot be fathomed by the finite
mind. Yet if God were small enough to figure out, He wouldn't be big enough to worship.
The Bible tells us that God's thoughts are not our thoughts, nor are His ways our ways
(Isaiah 55:8-9);. Though we will never fully understand the doctrine of the Trinity,
there is no reasonable doubt that it is clearly taught in the Bible.
The Father Is God
The Bible teaches that God is all-knowing (Job 37:16); (Romans 11:33);, all-powerful
(Genesis 1:1-3); (Job 42:2);, all-present (Psalm 139:7-12),; eternal (Exodus 3:4;);(Revelation 1:8);,
unchangeable (Malachi 3:6);(James 1:17);, holy (Isaiah 57:15); (1 Peter 1:15-16);, righteous
and just (Psalm 116:5); merciful and gracious (Psalm 103:8);, and able to forgive sin
(Exodus 34:6-7; (Mark 2:7); The Bible ascribes these characteristics to God alone.
The Son, Jesus Christ, Is God
The Bible ascribes the same attributes of God to His Son; Jesus Christ (Matthew 1:21-23);
(Luke 5:20-24);(John 1:1);,(14); (8:58) ;(16:30); (17:5);(Hebrews 13:8);. Jesus Christ is
worshiped (Matthew 14:31-33); (28:9;);(Hebrews 1:6); He is called God (Isaiah 9:6;);
(Matthew 1:21-23); (John 1:1);(14); (20:28);, and He can forgive sins(Luke 5:20-24);
(John 10:30-33);. These attributes are ascribed to God alone (also see: "Jesus Christ").
The Holy Spirit Is God
The activities and Characteristics of God are attributed to the Holy Spirit (Psalm 139:7-10);
(Luke 1:35); (11:13); John 14:26); (Hebrews 9:14);. The Holy Spirit is a person (John 16:13-15);
(Romans 8:27); (1 Corinthians 2:10-13);; (12:11),; He is Creator (Genesis 1:2); (Job 33:4),;
and He is called God (Acts 5:1-11).;
(Also see: "The Holy Spirit.")
A Rational, Biblical Conclusion
For the above reasons and more, we are left with no other rational, biblical conclusion than
to believe that God the Father, God the Son (Jesus Christ), and God the Holy Spirit exist as
a Holy Trinity: the one God of the Bible. There is no question of the existence of the Trinity.
The only question is one of belief. We should want to know GOD not as we think He should be,
but simply as the Bible reveals HIM to be.
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Jesus
Nearly 2,000 years ago, Jesus asked the question, "What do you think about Christ?
Whose Son is He?" (Matthew 22:42).
A person's answer to that question can determine
his or her eternal destiny.
Jesus' Preexistence
The Apostle John declares Jesus' preexistence in John 1:1 "In the beginning was the
Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." Jesus says He is
"the Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End" (Revelation 1:8). Jesus
reigns eternally (Hebrews 1:8), and He exists before all things (Colossians 1:17).
Jesus' Deity
Jesus did not become God--He always has been God (John 5:58), and is the second member
of the Trinity (also see: "The Trinity"). Referring to His deity, Jesus said,
"Before Abraham was, I am" (John 8:58). The preexistence of Jesus Christ and
deity of Jesus Christ are inseparable. You cannot accept one and deny the other.
Jesus' Incarnation
The word incarnation means "in flesh." It denotes the act in which the Son of God
took to Himself the nature of humanity through the Virgin Birth (Matthew 1:23).
John writes, "And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us" (John 1:14).
Jesus' Humanity
For Jesus to represent fallen humanity, He had to become a man. His Virgin Birth, which was
essential for Him to Be sinless, was prophesied long before it occurred (Genesis 3:15;
Isaiah 9:6; Matthew 1:18, 23; Luke 1:34-35; and Galatians 4:4). Jesus experienced
everything in life that we do: pain, suffering, thirst, hunger, sorrow, anger, and so on;
yet, He was without sin (Hebrews 4:15).
Jesus' Death
The penalty for our sins is death (Romans 6:23). Jesus died in our place and paid our
penalty (Matthew 20:28; John 10:17-18; 2 Corinthians 5:21; 1 Peter 3:18). The death
of Jesus on the cross laid the foundation on which a righteous God could pardon
guilty and sinful people without compromising His righteousness in any way.
Jesus' Resurrection
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The Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is the third Person of the godhead. When Jesus ascended to the Father,
He promised His disciples "another Helper"- the Holy Spirit (John 14:16-17). The Word
another, as translated from the Greek, means, "another of the same kind." Jesus
promised a supernatural Helper just like Him.
The Holy Spirit's Preexistence
The word for God is Elohim, which indicates three or more (referring to the Trinity).
The Holy Spirit was active at the time of Creation (Genesis 1:1-2). When God said,
"Let us make man in our image, according to our likeness" (Genesis1:26), He was
addressing the other two Persons of the godhead.
The Person And Nature of the Holy Spirit
Some have wrongly thought of the Holy Spirit as more of an "it" than a "Him,"
but Jesus referred to the Holy Spirit as "He" (John 26:13). The Holy Spirit
has distinct functions in the lives of believers and the church (John 14:17;
1 Corinthians 2:10-12; Acts 5:3-4). The Holy Spirit is called Paraclete in the original Greek,
which literally means, "One called alongside to help."
The Work of the Holy Spirit in the World
In John 16, Jesus tells us that the Holy Spirit convicts the world of sin (vv.8-9)
and convinces the world of the righteousness and judgment (vv. 10-11). The
Holy Spirit also restrains the sweeping spread of evil (2 Thessalonians 2:7).
Before we were Christians, the Holy Spirit spoke to our hearts, showing
us our need for salvation. He drew us to Christ and convicted us of sin (John 15:26).
The Work of The Holy Spirit In The Believer
When we accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, the Holy Spirit dwells within us.
Paul writes, "Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit
of God dwells in you?" (1 Corinthians 3:16).
The Holy Spirit regenerates us (Titus 3:4-7; John 3:5; 6:63), indwells us
(1 Corinthians 3:16; 6:19), seals us (Ephesians 1:13-14), guides us (John 16:13;
Romans 8:14), teaches us (John 14:26), helps us to pray (Romans 8:26-27), and
empowers us (Acts 1:8).
When the Holy Spirit comes upon a believer, He fills his or her mind with a
genuine understanding of truth, takes possession of the believer's abilities,
and imparts gifts that qualify him or her for service in the body of Christ.
(1 Corinthians 12:4-10). The Holy Spirit imparts power for service, and
boldness in testimony and service (Acts 4:29,31).
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Salvation
God knew that man would sin and would need to be reconciled to Him. At the heart of God's plan to reconcile
sinful man to Himself is a Mediator, Jesus Christ (1 Timothy 2:5-6).
What is Salvation?
Salvation is defined as "deliverance from the power and effects of sin." All have
sinned (Romans3:23), but we cannot save ourselves, because only a sinLESS person
can save a sinful person. The Bible tells us that Jesus Christ died for sinners
(1 Timothy 1:15; Romans 5:6-8).
Provisions of Salvation
Certain provisions were necessary for salvation to be available to humanity:
the death of Jesus Christ; the burial of Christ; the resurrection of Christ
(1 Corinthians 15:3-4); the ascension of Christ (Mark 16:19;Acts 1:9); and the
exaltation of Christ (Acts 2:33; 5:31; 1 Peter 3:22; Hebrews 1:3).
Process of Salvation--God's Side
Through the divine side of salvation, God sovereignly acts to secure salvation
for sinners through:
Election--God chose, by grace, salvation in Christ for those whom He knew would
accept Him (Ephesians 1:4-5).
Regeneration--God makes us alive through Christ, enabling us to be born again,
to experience a new birth (John 3:3). Without a new birth, we are
"dead in trespasses and sins" (Ephesians 2:1).
Justification-- When God justifies us, He declares us "guiltless" before Him
and places all of the righteousness of Christ to our credit. Justification
represents both God's forgiveness of our sins and righteousness He has
accounted to us (Romans 3:28; 5:1).
Adoption--Adoption means, "the placing of a son." God gives us the full rights
of inheritance in His family as though we had been born into it
(Galatians 4:4-5; Ephesians 1:5). Because we are God's children, we can call Him Abba,
or "Daddy" (Romans 8:15). As God's children, we can be confident that He understands
us, takes care of us, and will bless us.
Sanctification--When we become Christians, God sanctifies us, or sets us apart,
positionally, practically, and permanently for Himself
( 1 Corinthians 6:11; 2 Thessalonians 2:13). Through sanctification, we become
more and more like Jesus Christ through the work of the Holy Spirit.
Process of Salvation--Man's Side
Just as there is a divine side of salvation, there is also a human side that
shows itself through "free will";
Belief--means acknowledging Jesus Christ not only in our heads, but also in
our hearts (John 3:18,36;5:24;6:47; Romans 10:9).
Repentance--is a sincere and thorough change of mind and heart toward sin
(Psalms 51:3; 2 Peter 3:9). We must not only turn from our sins, but we
must also turn to God (Acts 3:19, 26:18; 1 Thessalonians 1:9).
Faith-- can be defined as "confiding trust." It involves our intellect,
emotions, and will (Mark 4:16-17; Romans 10:9, 17; Ephesians 2:8-9;
Hebrews 11:1, 6).
Product of Salvation
God created us and Christ purchased us so that we might know Him, walk
with Him, and glorify Him (Ephesians 1:11-12). He also wants us to bear
much fruit (John 15:8; 13:34-35) as we invest our lives in service to Him
(Matthew 16:24-26; Galatians 6:10).
We bear fruit by winning others to Christ, by helping them grow spiritually
(Romans 1:13; Proverbs 11:30), by sharing our blessings with others (Philippians 4:17),
by giving praise and thanks to God (Hebrews 13:15), and by living a changed life
through our conduct and character (Galatians 5:22).
Some people think that because they have "prayed to receive Christ," they can live
as they please. But salvation brings about a changed life (2 Corinthians 5:17) and
motivates believers to follow God's purpose for their lives.
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The Church
To walk with God and grow spiritually, it's an absolute necessity to be involved in a church.
The Bible instructs us to "consider one another in order to stir up love and good works,
not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together..." (Hebrews 10:24-25).
What Is The Church?
In the New Testament, temple and synagogue are the only words that describe a building,
as a place of worship. Today's church is not a building, but an assembly of people
who make up the body of Christ (Colossians 1:24; Romans 16:5). The universal church
consists of genuine Christian believers of all ages, both on earth and in heaven.
There won't be any denominations in heaven--only believers!
Is It Necessary To Join A Local Church?
Although it is not mandatory since all believers are members of the universal church, the body of Christ, it's very
important for a Christian to identify with a body of believers in a local church. We
need each other in order to develop fully as Christians ( 1 Corinthians 12:4-27).
We are also disciples who are commanded to make disciples ( Matthew 28:19). But
to do so, we must spend time around other believers.
What Makes A Church Effective?
What makes the church effective today is no different from what made the early church effective.
It's the Spirit of God working through the Word of God on the hearts of the people of God.
Jesus told His disciples, "But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you;
and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end
of the earth' " (Acts 1:8). Only a Spirit-filled church can be an effective church. We
simply need to ask God to empower us with His Spirit.
What Is The Purpose Of The Church?
The purpose of the church is threefold. First, the church is to exalt God. He has called us to live
" to the praise of His glory" (Ephesians 1:12).
Second, the church is to edify the saints. Paul exhorts us to "present every man perfect in Christ Jesus"
(Colossians 1:28).
Third, the church is to evangelize the world. Jesus told His disciples, " Go into all the world and preach
the gospel to every creature' "(Mark 16:15). We believe in adhering to these purposes, while keeping
them in proper balance.
What Is The Practice Of The Church?
The practice of the church is fourfold. It is to be a learning church, a loving and united church, a
worshiping church, and a praying church. We find the trademarks of a healthy church in the book of Acts:
"And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine, and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and
in prayer" (2:42).
What Are The Ordinances Of The Church?
Ordinances of the church are outward rites or symbolic observances commanded by Jesus, which set forth
essential Christian truths. We observe the ordinances of water baptism and communion, (Also see: "Water
Baptism, " and "Communion.")
Who Is The Head Of The Church?
Jesus told His disciples, "'On this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail
against it'" (Matthew 16:18). The Bible says that the head of the church is Jesus Christ Himself (Ephesians 1:22; 5:23).
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Baptism
What is Water Baptism?
Water baptism is a public, outward testimony that indicates a personal, inward faith.
It gives evidence of the inner change that has already occurred in the believer's life
when he or she was "born again" through faith in Jesus Christ. (Also see: Salvation.")
Baptism identifies the believer with the message of the gospel, the Person of
Jesus Christ, and other believers. It associates the believer with the death,
burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and signifies the believer's death
to the old life and his or her resurrection as a new creation in Christ
(Romans 6:1-8; Colossians 2:12).
Why We Should Be Baptized
We are to be baptized because Jesus Christ commanded it (Matthew 28:19),
and because we love the Lord. Jesus said, "If you love Me, keep My commandments"
(John 14:15). Throughout the book of Acts, we read how the early church gave
importance to water baptism (2:41;8:12,38; 10:47-48; 16:15,33; 19:3-15).
Who Should Be Baptized?
All born-again believers in Jesus Christ--and only believers--should be
baptized (Mark 16:15-16; Acts 8:12, 36-38; 16:31-33; 18:8).
Should Infants And Children Be Baptized?
After Peter spoke at Pentecost, "those who gladly received his word [in its entirety]
were baptized" (Acts 2:41). In the New Testament, every instance in which a
person was baptized and his or her identity was given, that person was an adult.
In light of Scripture, infant baptism must be ruled out, because infants cannot receive
the Word of God and understand it, However, infants are to be dedicated to the Lord
(1 Samuel 1:26-28). Young children may be baptized if they receive and understand God's Word.
In Whose Name Should We Be Baptized?
As part of the Great Commission, Jesus instructed the disciples to baptize
"in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit"(Matthew 28:19).
Is Water Baptism Necessary For Salvation?
The Bible clearly teaches that we are saved by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8-9)
and according to God's mercy (Titus 3:5). The thief on the cross next to Jesus
had no time to be baptized; yet Jesus promised that he would be with Him in Paradise
that day (Luke 23:43).
The Bible contains no record of Jesus baptizing anyone -a strange omission if
baptism was essential for salvation. The Apostle Paul declared, "For Christ did
not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel..." (1 Corinthians 1:17).
This clearly indicates that salvation is a response of faith to the gospel--not
the act of baptism. Therefore, water baptism is not an act of salvation,
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Worship
God created humanity with a capacity to know, love, and worship Him. Worship is that place where the heart
of God and the heart of His child meet.
What Is Worship?
Oswald Chambers said, "Worship is giving God the best He has given you." Worship carries the idea of showing
reverence to God. It's an active, adoring response whereby we declare His worth. To worship means to bow down
and pay homage to God: "Oh come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the Lord our Maker" (Psalm 95:6).
Who Do We Worship?
Jesus said, "You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve" (Matthew 4:10). Man is not
worthy of worship, and neither are the idols that people make. God alone is deserving of our worship.
How and Why Do We Worship?
"God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth" ( John 4:24). Worshiping in
spirit means giving God the homage from our transformed spirit and affectionate heart. Worshiping in truth is
to worship God according to the truth He has revealed in His Word, the Bible.
Worship should not resemble a spectator sport where we sit and watch others play. Worship requires participation.
We worship the Lord through our words of praise and exaltation of God, by giving thanks to God in all things,
by blessing His name through living a godly life, and by sharing His love with others.
Worship is a sacrifice. The Apostle Paul instructed believers, "offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy
and pleasing to God-this is your spiritual act of worship" (Romans 12:1).
We can make every day a worship experience when we yield ourselves to the LORD. God has created each of us
with a mind, heart, and spirit, and wants us to use them for HIS glory. True worship is not lip service, but life
service. It is to be as much a part of our lives as breathing and eating. Worship should be demonstrated in every
area of our lives, every day of our lives.
EXPRESSIONS OF WORSHIP
We express our worship as we read the BIBLE (Psalm 119), pray, give tithes and
offerings, and offer praise through music. But the greatest demonstration of worship is through the lives we live.
RESULTS OF WORSHIP
True worship always magnifies God and our outlook toward HIM. As God is magnified, everything
else becomes insignificant. We begin to see beyond our circumstances and limitations, our fears diminish, and our
spirits become refreshed.
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Prayer
The greatest privilege a Christian has is the privilege of prayer. Not only is it a privilege, but it is also the
responsibility of every believer. Jesus said, "Men ought always to pray and not lose heart" (Luke 18:1).
What Is Prayer
Prayer is simply talking to God, letting our concerns and requests be made known to Him. When we pray, we admit
our need for God and our utter dependence on Him. Only through a relationship with Jesus Christ do we have access
to God ( 1 Timothy 2:5). We approach God on Jesus' name, not our own.
Why Pray
We're to pray because God commands it (Chronicles 7:14; Luke 18:1). Through prayer, we receive things ( James 4:2),
experience fullness of joy (John 16:24), and find help in times of trouble. Prayer is the cure for worry
(Philippians 4:6; 1 Peter 5:7) and also helps us resist temptation (Matthew 26:41).
When Are We To Pray?
We are to pray always. The Bible instructs us to "Pray without ceasing" ( 1 Thessalonians 5:17). The Apostle Paul
exhorted believers to pray "always with all prayer and supplication" (Ephesians 6:18).
Types Of Prayer
Praise and Adoration
Through praise and adoration, we acknowledge God's goodness. We must recognize when we pray, we enter God's presence
(Matthew 6:9). Prayer takes us into the very throne room of God. As we reverence the Lord by communing with Him
in prayer, our relationship with Him becomes more intimate, and our love more tender.
Confession and Repentance
Confession and repentance are prerequisites for approaching God. The Bible assures us of forgiveness if we confess our
sins to God (1 John 1:9). Jesus said, "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God" (Matthew 5:8).
Thanksgiving
We need to always remember what God has done for us, and give Him thanks for it. We're to thank Him during the good
times, as well as the bad times, "giving thanks always for all things..." (Ephesians 5:20). We're also to make our
requests to God "with thanksgiving" (Philippians 4:6).
Supplication
Believers are to pray for our own needs and ask God for help in our daily affairs. We must never think that our requests
are too small to bring before God. As Christians we are to pray about everything, confident that God will hear us,
care about us, and act on our behalf.
Intercession
Intercession means to pray on behalf of, and for, other people ( 1 Timothy 2:1). People can stop us from telling
them about Jesus, but they can't stop us from praying for them. We're to pray for our family, friends, Christian
leaders, our country, and so on. We are to pray for them as seriously as we would for ourselves.
What If I Don't Pray?
Neglecting to pray is a sin. David said, "Far be it from me that I should sin against the Lord in ceasing to pray for you"
( 1 Samuel 12:23). Jesus said, "Men ought always to pray and not lose heart" (Luke 18:1).
D.L.Moody summarized the necessity of prayer with this observation: "Jesus never taught His disciples how to preach, but only how to pray"
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Communion
Communion, often called "The Lord Supper," is a memorial in which
Christians identify with the crucifixion of Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 10:16;)
(11:20). It's a time for believers to remember the Lord's broken body and His
shed blood for all people (Luke 22:19-20).
Institution Of Communion
Jesus Christ instituted communion on the eve of His death when He ate the
Passover meal with His disciples (Matthew 26:26-29;) (Mark 14:22-25;)
( Luke 22:14-20;) (1 Corinthians 11:23-25).
Meaning And Symbolism Of Communion
Bread and wine were once served for the Lord's Supper. (Today many churches,
including ours, use crackers and grape juice). The bread symbolizes Christ's
body, which was beaten and broken for us as He died for the sins of humanity.
The cup of wine symbolizes His blood, which was shed for us as He paid for our sins
(John 10:17-18;) (Ephesians 1:7;) (Romans 5:8-9).
Essentials For Observing Communion
Anyone who participates in the Lord's Supper must first be a believer. Jesus commanded His
disciples to observe communion (Matthew 26:26); therefore, a person must have placed his
or her faith in Jesus Christ for salvation before taking part in communion.
In addition to being believers, we must prepare our hearts to participate in the Lords's Supper.
Paul instructed believers not to "eat this bread or drink this cup in an unworthy manner..."
(1 Corinthians 11:27). Last, we must examine our lives for any unconfessed sin. Paul reminds us,
"Let a man examine himself" (1 Corinthians 11:28) to avoid bringing judgment upon ourselves.
As we become right with God through confessing our sins (1 John 1:9), we may then participate
in the Lord's Supper in a worthy manner.
Past Significance Of Communion
Communion is a time to look back, remembering the Lord's death on the cross. His death was
more than just an atoning death--it was a substitutional death. He died in our place so that
we might live. He took our sins upon Himself so that we could receive His righteousness
(2 Corinthians 5:21).
Present significance Of Communion
Communion is a time to look within, considering our lives in light of our profession of faith. As we
enter into a time of communion with the Lord, we are to thank Him for our salvation and the privilege
of being His children.
Future Significance Of Communion
Communion is a time to look ahead toward the second coming of Jesus Christ. Paul said we're to
"proclaim the Lord's death until He comes" (1 Corinthians 11:26). The Lord's Supper foreshadows
the great Marriage Supper of the Lamb (Revelation 19).
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Giving
Giving, Tithing, and Stewardship
The Bible has a lot to say about Christians and their money.
In fact, the Bible contains more than 2,000 Bible verses on the subject. Time and again, the Bible associates our money
with our commitment and relationship to the LORD.
What is giving?
The word "give" has been defined as "to make a
present of." One of the many ways we can help others is to give financially. Through giving, the early church helped one
another and invested in what GOD was doing. Sadly, the concept of giving has become distorted today. Yet our giving is
vitally connected to who we are.
Giving is an Act of Worship
Giving is a spiritual sacrifice and an expression of
love and gratitude, because everything we have comes from GOD (1 Chronicles 29:14). Some people say, "I can't afford to
give!" In reality, we can't afford "NOT" to give. David said that he would not give to the LORD that which cost him nothing
(2 Samuel 24:24). No matter what we give to GOD, what is left will always sustain us better than if we hadn't given at all.
Giving is a Test of our Faithfulness
The way we give indicates a great deal about our spirituality. Our giving
reveals our value system. Jesus said, "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also" Matthew 6:21). GOD does
not ask us to give because HE needs our resources. Rather, HE challenges us to make HIM the focus of our lives instead of
our money and possessions.
Biblical Principles for Giving.
Although the Apostle Paul never overemphasized the
subject of giving, he never neglected the importance of it, either. In 1 Corinthians 16:1-2, we find specific guidelines
for giving: it is to be a universal practice for believers (v.1); it is to be done weekly(v.2); it is a personal act(v.2);
and it is something we should be prepared to do(v.2). As we give, GOD will meet our needs and prosper us(2 Corinthians 9:6-10)
Motives for Giving
GOD promises to bless us if we have the right attitude toward giving (Luke 6:38; Proverbs 3:9-10).
However, some people give with the wrong motives. They may give in an attempt to manipulate GOD, to relieve guilt,
to increase self worth, to achieve recognition, to obtain power, or gain tax advantages
However, the Bible instructs us to
"let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for GOD loves a cheerful giver" (2 Corinthians 9:7).
The motives that GOD desires for our giving are to : express our love to HIM, please HIM, lay up treasures in Heaven, and
help reach the world for JESUS CHRIST.
The Principal of Stewardship
A steward oversees the affairs and property of another person. Stewardship implies that everything we have belongs to GOD.
Being a good steward means to manage our resources well and use them to glorify GOD.
The Principle of Tithing
Old
Testament law required GOD's people to give 10% of their income, which could include flocks, herds, or crops. This 10%
was known as Tithe. In addition to the tithe, GOD's people were required to give offerings to the LORD for the care of the
temple and the salaries of the priests. In the days of Israel, tithing was not voluntary giving. It was demanded as a form
of taxation.
Is tithing for today? Dr. J.B. Gabrell made this observation: "It is unthinkable from the standpoint of
the cross that anyone would give less under grace than the Jews gave under law." GOD makes an incredible promise to those
who give to HIS work. HE will "open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you such blessing that there will not
be room enough to receive it" (Malachi 3:10-11)
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Children
Children In The Church
Then He took a little child and set him in the midst of them. And when He had taken
him in His arms, He said to them, "Whoever receives one of these little children in My
name receives Me; and whoever receives Me, receives not Me, but Him who sent Me." (Mark 9:36-37)
At Landers Community Church, we realize the future will one day be in our children's hands.
We want to do all we can to encourage and equip the children in our congregation to walk with God,
both now and throughout their adulthood.
Children's Ministry
As a church that loves children, we place a high priority on providing a loving, relaxing, and
clean environment for your children. The goal of Landers Children's Ministry is to minister to
the needs of each child God brings us and to lead that child into a closer walk with Jesus Christ
and a more productive and fruitful life.
Our well-rounded curriculum and activities are geared to minister to the children's needs, with
opportunities to help them become a functional member of the body of Christ. Vacation Bible School,
The Children's Ministry offers a variety of activities and learning opportunities for children of all ages.
Mother's Room
We provide a soundproof, private room for nursing mothers who would like to hear and observe services
in progress in the Main Sanctuary. Located at the front of the Main Sanctuary. near the front door. The
Mother's Room is reserved for nursing mothers and their infants (up to six months ) only. Husbands and
siblings are not permitted in the Mother's Room.
Nursery Care
We provide nursery care for infants up to two years old, with a ratio of one worker caring for every five infants.
Sunday School
For children ages two and above, we offer Sunday School classes that include curriculum for children in the first through eighth grades.
Guidelines For The Main Sanctuary
To provide an environment free from distractions, all children are to go to the
Fellowship Hall at the beginning of morning service. Our Sunday School and nursery care programs are designed to
minister to the children at their level, and we encourage all parents to take advantage of these ministries.
Our desire is to provide a quiet and distraction-free environment to enable everyone present to worship the Lord,
hear God's message clearly, and to respond if an invitation is given.
If an usher approaches you regarding your underaged child's presence in the Main Sanctuary, we would greatly
appreciate your cooperation with our guidelines for the benefit of those around you.
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Baby Dedications
Jesus said, "Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven."
(Matthew 19:14)
Children Are A Heritage
The Bible says that children are a heritage and a reward from the Lord(Psalms 127:3). God has given Christian
parents the tremendous responsibility of raising their children in the ways of the Lord(Ephesians 6:4).
He entrusts parents with the responsibility of establishing a foundation built upon Jesus Christ early in the
lives of their children.
Why Children Should Be Dedicated
In view of this responsibility, baby dedications are actually "family dedications." The entire family needs to be
lifted up in prayer so that family members will be empowered to keep their responsibilities.
The Bible give us an account of Hannah in 1 Samuel 1:11, 26-28. Unable to have children, Hannah wept before the
Lord because of her condition. As she was weeping, she made a vow to God and said, "O Lord of hosts, if You will
indeed look on the affliction of Your maidservant, and remember me, and not forget Your maidservant, but will give
Your maidservant a man child, THEN I WILL GIVE HIM TO THE LORD ALL THE DAYS OF HIS LIFE..." (1 Samuel 1:11, emphasis added).
God honored Hannah's request and gave her a son named Samuel. Hannah kept her vow and dedicated (which means "to set apart")
Samuel to the Lord.
Requirements For Dedication
To dedicate a child to the Lord is to make a vow to completely submit your child to the will of God and raise that child
in the ways of the Lord.
Parents who have not placed their faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord will be unable to submit their children to God's
will and His ways, because they themselves do not know the ways of the Lord. As a result, we must decline any requests
to involve an unbelieving parent in the dedication of a child. We view this as an act of protection rather than rejection,
as we cannot encourage someone to make a vow to God that we know he or she cannot keep. The Bible says, "It is a trap for
a man to dedicate something rashly and only later to consider his vow" (Proverbs 20:25 NIV). The Bible records instances
where God dealt severely with those who broke their vows to Him (for example, read Acts 5:1-11).
A believing parent may dedicate a child independently of an unbelieving spouse. Single parents who dedicate their children
should not have boyfriends or girlfriends present with them on the platform.
Responsibilities Of A Christian Parent
Christian parents are to do all they can to "set apart" their child to God until that child can make his or her own choice
regarding a relationship with Jesus Christ. By dedicating a child to the Lord, parents make a vow to raise their child on
God's ways and not their own. They commit themselves to this promise and must do all they can to keep it.
The responsibilities God has entrusted to Christian parents include continuously praying for their children (Job 1:5),
instructing them in the way of the Lord (Proverbs 22:6), setting a godly example (Proverbs 20:7), and disciplining them
as the Lord would discipline us (Proverbs 19:15.17; 13:24). These responsibilities can only be fulfilled in Christ's
strength (Philippians 4:13).
As a parent, your devotion to God-- or lack of it-- will make a resounding impression on the next generation. May your
legacy be a godly one.
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