What Is Salvation?
God knew that humanity would sin and need to be reconciled to Him.  At the heart of God's plan to reconcile sinful humanity to Himself is the Mediator, Jesus Christ (1 Timothy 2:5–6).
The word  salvation is defined as "deliverance from the power and effects of sin."  All have sinned (Romans 3:23), 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 sovereignty acts to secure salvation for sinners through:

• Election:  Through grace, God chose 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, and 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 the 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: Humanity's Side
Just as there is a divine side of salvation, there is also a human side that shows itself through "free will":

• Belief:  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: This 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:  This is a 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.

Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture references are taken from The Holy Bible, New King James version [NKJV], copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.

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).
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 in Jesus' name, not our own.
Prayer is not a means of trying to get from God what we want, but rather a means by which we enable God to give us what He wants.  Regarding prayer, Billy Graham said, "Prayer is the rope that pulls God and man together.  But it doesn't pull God down to us; rather, it pulls us up to Him."

Why Pray?
We're to pray because God commands it (2 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 that 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.  Jesus said, "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall 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, being confident that God hears us, cares about us, and acts 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 whatever else God lays on our hearts.  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."

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 complete historical, moral, prophetical, and theological accuracy.  They wrote 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 thyself approved unto God . . .” (2 Timothy 2:15 KJV).  The systematic preaching of the Bible is impossible without the 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.

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 possess the Holy Spirit]" (1 Corinthians 2:13 AMPLIFIED).

One of the Bible's Great Mysteries
The Trinity is one of the great mysteries of the Bible that cannot be fathomed by the finite mind.  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 the Bible clearly teaches its truth.

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; 28:18; 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).  The Bible ascribes these attributes to God alone.

(Also see: "What We Believe: 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).

(See also: "What We Believe: 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 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 whom we think He should be, but simply as whom the Bible reveals Him to be.

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: "What We Believe: 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; 9:18; 10:47–48; 16:15, 33; 19:3–5).

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).  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, but an act of obedience.

What Is 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, there will only be believers!

Is It Necessary to Join a Local Church?
Although we are all 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 in 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.  (Also see: "What We Believe: The Holy Spirit" and "What We Believe: The Baptism of the Holy Spirit.")

What Is the Purpose of the Church?
Ultimately, the purpose of the church is to know God and make Him known.  Through the Holy Spirit, the church accomplishes this in three ways.  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 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: "What We Believe: Water Baptism," and "What We Believe: 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).

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 5:18), and is the second Person of the Trinity.  (Also see: "What We Believe: The Trinity.")  Referring to His deity, Jesus said, "Before Abraham was, I am" (John 8:58).  The preexistence of Jesus Christ and the 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 sinful 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.  However, Jesus 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).  Jesus' death on the cross laid the foundation for a righteous God to pardon guilty and sinful people without compromising His righteousness in any way.

Jesus' Resurrection
Jesus' resurrection assures us of our future resurrection.  Because of His victory over death, we have victory as well.  Without the resurrection, there would be no gospel message.  His resurrection has been proven beyond a shadow of doubt (Matthew 28:5–8; Luke 24:39; John 20:27–28).  The empty tomb, the shape of His linen wrappings, and His appearances to many after His crucifixion were just a few of the credible evidences of His resurrection.

Jesus' Ascension and Exaltation
After His resurrection, Jesus visibly departed from His disciples into heaven (Luke 24:51; Acts 1:9).  His ascension and exaltation were necessary to complete the redemptive work of God.  His work was not complete when He rose from the dead (Mark 16:19; Philippians 2:9; Ephesians 1:20–21; Hebrews 1:3).

Jesus' Personal Prayer
Jesus Christ will return to this earth and receive His church, the body of Christ, to Himself (John 14:1–4; Acts 1:11; Revelation 1:7).

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" (Genesis 1:26), 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 "He," 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).  In the original Greek, the Holy Spirit is called the paraclete, 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 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).

The Baptism of the Holy Spirit
As believers, we need the power of the Holy Spirit to come upon us.  This is known as the baptism of the Holy Spirit.  Jesus told His disciples, "But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you . . . " (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).

The Power of the Holy Spirit 
Someone once referred to Niagara Falls as "the greatest unused power in the world."  Actually, the greatest unused power is the Holy Spirit of the Living God.  Don't neglect the power that God has given you—Himself—through the Holy Spirit.

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 Lord'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.  Christ 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 Communion, we are to thank Him for our salvation and the privilege of being His child.

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).

Today, we stand between the two most important events in human history: the first and the second coming of Jesus Christ.  When we observe The Lord's Supper as Christians, we become connected to both.

What Is Giving?
The word  give has been defined as "to make a present of."  One of the many ways we can give to 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 to 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 Principle for 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 percent of their income, which could include flocks, herds, or crops.  This 10 percent was known as a 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).

Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven.
              —Jesus, Son of God

Children Are a Heritage
The Bible says that children are a heritage and a reward from the Lord (Psalm 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 gives us an example of dedicating a child to the Lord through the 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).

God honored Hannah's request and gave her a son, 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 may 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 in 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 29:15,17; 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 legacy.

A Statement of Faith is a written declaration of the church's position on matters that pertain to the essentials of historical Christianity.  The following statements comprise Harvest Christian Fellowship's Statement of Faith:

• We believe the Bible to be the inspired and only infallible, authoritative Word of God.  Therefore, our ministry emphasizes the exposition of God's Word from Genesis to Revelation, line upon line, precept upon precept.
• We believe that there is one God, eternally existent in three Persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
• We believe in the deity of Christ, in His Virgin Birth, in His sinless life, in His miracles, in His vicarious and atoning death through His shed blood, in His bodily resurrection, in His ascension to the right hand of the Father, and in His personal return in power and glory.
• We believe that for the salvation of lost and sinful humanity, regeneration by the Holy Spirit is essential, and that repentance from sin and acceptance of Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior is the only way to come into a relationship with God.
• We believe in the present ministry of the Holy Spirit, by whose indwelling the Christian is enabled to live a godly life; we further believe His power and gifts are available to believers today.
• We believe in the resurrection of both the saved and the lost: they that are saved unto the resurrection of life, and they that are lost unto the resurrection of damnation.
  
• We believe it is important to uphold the scriptural practices of the early church.  Therefore, we hold to the practice of water baptism and the regular taking of Communion.  We do not believe that either of these practices is essential for salvation, but that they serve as a demonstration of our living faith in Christ.