the gospel
JESUS CHRIST IS GOD
“The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him.” Colossians 1:15-16
JESUS CHRIST IS THE ONLY WAY TO SALVATION
"I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man comes to the Father, but by me.” John 14:6
WE ARE ALL SINNERS
“For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23
Sin: anything we think, say, or do that doesn’t please God
CONSEQUENCES OF SIN
“For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Romans 6:23
WE CANNOT SAVE OURSELVES
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—
not by works, so that no one can boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9
GOD PAID THE PENALTY FOR US
“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8
CONFESSING CHRIST & RECEIVING HIM AS SAVIOR
“If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” Romans 10:9
THE IMPORTANCE OF SALVATION
“Very truly I tell you, whoever hears my word & believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life.” John 5:24
“The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him.” Colossians 1:15-16
JESUS CHRIST IS THE ONLY WAY TO SALVATION
"I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man comes to the Father, but by me.” John 14:6
WE ARE ALL SINNERS
“For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23
Sin: anything we think, say, or do that doesn’t please God
CONSEQUENCES OF SIN
“For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Romans 6:23
WE CANNOT SAVE OURSELVES
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—
not by works, so that no one can boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9
GOD PAID THE PENALTY FOR US
“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8
CONFESSING CHRIST & RECEIVING HIM AS SAVIOR
“If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” Romans 10:9
THE IMPORTANCE OF SALVATION
“Very truly I tell you, whoever hears my word & believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life.” John 5:24
tenants of faith
- We believe the Bible to be the inspired and only infallible, authoritative Word of God. (II Tim. 3:16,17)
- We believe in the triune Godhead as eternally existent in three persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. (II Cor. 13:14)
- We believe in the deity of Jesus Christ, in His virgin birth, in His sinless life, in His miracles, in His vicarious death and atonement through His shed Blood, in His bodily resurrection, in His ascension to the right hand of the Father, and in His present priestly ministry. (I Tim. 3:16; Rom. 3:25,26)
- We believe in evangelistic and missionary fervor and endeavor. (Acts 1:8; Mark 16:15-18)
- We believe that for the salvation of lost and sinful man, regeneration by the Holy Spirit is absolutely essential. We further believe in the keeping power of God. (Heb. 9:22; Jude 24,25)
- We believe that sanctification, holiness and the overcoming life is God's design for the Church, which is the Bride of Christ. (Eph. 5:25-27)
- We believe that sexual purity is a necessary expression for all of God's children and requires abstinence from adultery, fornication, incest, homosexuality, or other sexual relationships or practices forbidden by Scripture. (Heb. 13:4, I Cor. 6:18; Lev. 18:1-30)
- We believe that marriage is the uniting of one man and one woman in covenant commitment for a lifetime and a sacred institution established by God. (Matt. 19:4-6)
- We believe that since mankind is created in God's image, human life is of inestimable worth and significance in all its dimensions, from conception to the grave. (Gen. 1:27; Psalm 139:13-14)
- We believe that Baptism is for believers in the Lord Jesus Christ and is to be administered by immersion, thus bearing witness to the gospel of Christ's death, burial and resurrection for us, and our own new life in Him. (Matt. 28:19; Rom. 6:4)
- We believe that Communion, when shared by believers, witnesses to the saving power of the gospel, to Christ's presence in His church, and looks forward to His victorious return. (I Cor. 11:23-26)
- We believe in the Baptism in the Holy Spirit as on the day of Pentecost and in the continuing ministry of the Holy Spirit as evidenced in charismatic gifts and ministries, and in the fruit of the Holy Spirit in the life of the believer. (Acts 2:4; Acts 10:46; Acts 19:6; Eph. 4:11; I Cor. 12:8-11; Gal. 5:22,23)
- We believe that divine healing is obtained on the basis of the Atonement. (I Pet. 2:24; Matt. 8:17)
- We believe in Christ's imminent personal return in power and great glory, and in His present and everlasting dominion. (Acts 1:8; Rev. 1:7; Dan. 7:14)
- We believe in the resurrection of both the saved and the lost: they that are saved unto the resurrection of eternal life and they that are lost unto the resurrection of eternal punishment. (Jn. 5:28,29; Rev. 20:15)
OUR 6 RESPONSES
AT GRACE IN COMMUNITY CHURCH
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1. WORSHIP - You were planned for God's pleasure. Worship helps us focus on God. It strengthens us spiritually and emotionally for the challenges of life - so we can glorify Him in every way. 2. FELLOWSHIP - You were formed for God's family. Fellowship helps us face life's problems by providing support and encouragement for each other. We learn more about God as we make Him known to others. 3. DISCIPLESHIP - You were created to become like Christ. Discipleship helps us grow in God by learning the truth of God's Word and applying Biblical principles to our lifestyle. 4. POWER - You were designed to experience God's power. Power helps us experience God's supernatural presence and to impart it to others. 5. SERVICE - You were shaped for serving God. Service helps us find and develop our God given gifts and use them to serve God by serving others. 6. OUTREACH - You were made to change the world. Outreach helps us fulfill our vision of "Knowing God and making Him known" to our friends, family, and our neighbors around the world. |
OUR CORE VALUES
AT GRACE IN COMMUNITY CHURCH
WE VALUE the presence of our living God!
WE VALUE anointed & prophetic corporate worship.
WE VALUE relevant, life-changing teaching, & application of the Bible.
WE VALUE evangelism, outreach, & world missions.
WE VALUE corporate prayer & intercession.
WE VALUE grace-based Christianity.
WE VALUE personal growth, maturity, & discipleship.
WE VALUE a global & Biblical perspective cooperation with other believers…Unity!
WE VALUE gift-based service in the church.
WE VALUE stewardship of time, talent, & resources.
WE VALUE the privilege of being a prophetic voice in our society.
WE VALUE anointed & prophetic corporate worship.
WE VALUE relevant, life-changing teaching, & application of the Bible.
WE VALUE evangelism, outreach, & world missions.
WE VALUE corporate prayer & intercession.
WE VALUE grace-based Christianity.
WE VALUE personal growth, maturity, & discipleship.
WE VALUE a global & Biblical perspective cooperation with other believers…Unity!
WE VALUE gift-based service in the church.
WE VALUE stewardship of time, talent, & resources.
WE VALUE the privilege of being a prophetic voice in our society.
More of OUR CORE VALUES!
Bible-Based We seek to maintain to biblical basis in all we do, while remaining open to fresh approaches to ministry.
Integrity Integrity should permeate every aspect of church life.
Caring All church and ministry relationships should be caring.
Accepting We welcome all people regardless of race, religious background, gender, financial status or personal struggles.
Leadership Church ministry should be led by God-gifted, Spirit-led leaders.
Unity The church operates as a community of servants unified by our common mission.
Relevance We desire to be sensitive to our culture and relevant in our methods while maintaining our doctrinal purity.
Generational Church ministry should reach across all generations, with a strong emphasis on developing confident, committed young people who will change the world.
Excellence We honor God and inspire people by pursuing a high standard in all we do.
Team Teamwork is differently gifted people working together for the common good.
Integrity Integrity should permeate every aspect of church life.
Caring All church and ministry relationships should be caring.
Accepting We welcome all people regardless of race, religious background, gender, financial status or personal struggles.
Leadership Church ministry should be led by God-gifted, Spirit-led leaders.
Unity The church operates as a community of servants unified by our common mission.
Relevance We desire to be sensitive to our culture and relevant in our methods while maintaining our doctrinal purity.
Generational Church ministry should reach across all generations, with a strong emphasis on developing confident, committed young people who will change the world.
Excellence We honor God and inspire people by pursuing a high standard in all we do.
Team Teamwork is differently gifted people working together for the common good.
Water baptism
What is baptism?
Along with communion, baptism is one of the ordinances of the church. That means it is part of the church’s duty to offer baptism as a function of why it exists. The major difference between baptism and communion is that communion is a regularly repeated observance, while baptism (when done according to the Biblical pattern) is a “once and for all” event.
The importance of being baptized
Mention the word “baptism” and many questions are sure to arise. “Who is it for?” “What does it mean?” “Where is it done?” “When is it done?” are some of the most basic questions asked. With so many church traditions having varying answers to these questions, where do you find the right answer? As with other important matters, we believe the Bible contains all the answers needed. This information is intended to answer some of these questions with Scripture.
Why should Christians be baptized?
There are many reasons but the following are three most important.
1. To follow the example set by Jesus
“At that time Jesus came from Nazareth and was baptized by John in the river.” (Mark 1:9)
2. To obey the command given by Jesus “Jesus said, ‘Go then, to all people everywhere and make them my disciples, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and then teach them to obey everything I have commanded you.” (Matthew 28:19-20)
3. To demonstrate that you are a Christian
“…many of the people who had heard him that day believed and were baptized.” (Acts 18:8)
What is the meaning of baptism?
Baptism connects the death, burial & resurrection events of Christ’s life to our personal faith and commitment made to Him. Notice how the verses below make such a connection…
1.It illustrates Christ’s death, burial & resurrection
“Christ died for our sins…He was buried…and He rose again.” (1 Corinthians 15:3-4)
Notice the connection the previous verse makes with our baptism: “For when you were baptized, you were buried with Christ, and in baptism you were also raised with Christ.” (Colossians 2:12)
2.It illustrates my new life as a Christian
“When someone becomes a Christian, he becomes a brand new person inside. The old life has passed away and a new life has begun!” (2 Corinthians 5:17)
Notice the connection the previous verse makes with our baptism: “By our baptism then we were buried with Him and shared His death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead…so we also may live a new life!” (Romans 6:4)
Why be baptized by immersion?
Immersion means that when people are baptized, they are “dipped” or “lowered” into water completely – they are immersed. This “mode” simulates the death of Christ (as the baptism candidate is brought back into the water), it simulates the burial of Christ (as the baptism candidate is under the water), and simulates the resurrection of Christ (as the baptism candidate is raised out of the water). But don’t worry, we won’t hold you under water for three days! Here are a few reasons that immersion is the mode that the Bible teaches:
1. Jesus was baptized by immersion
“As soon as Jesus was baptized, He went up out of the water.” (Matthew 3:16)
2.Baptism in the New Testament was by immersion
“…then both Philip and the man went down into the water and Philip baptized him. They came up out of the water…” (Acts 8:38-39)
3.Baptism’s meaning in the New Testament
The Greek word, baptizo, means “to dip or immerse into.”
4.Immersion best symbolizes burial & resurrection
WHEN SHOULD A PERSON BE BAPTIZED?
You should be baptized any time after you have made a faith commitment to Jesus Christ. “Those who believed…were baptized…that day!” (Acts 2:41)
“Then Philip began with the Scripture and told him the Good News about Jesus. As they traveled along the road, they came to some water, and the man said, ‘Look, here is water. Why shouldn’t I be baptized right now?’ Philip said, ‘If you believe with all your heart, you may.’ The man answered, ‘I believe that Jesus is the Son of God.’ So they went down into the water and Philip baptized him.” (Acts 8:35-38)
When you have decided to place your faith in Jesus, you can and should be baptized…not to get into heaven, but to obey and say thank you to the God who graciously gives you eternal life in heaven.
Along with communion, baptism is one of the ordinances of the church. That means it is part of the church’s duty to offer baptism as a function of why it exists. The major difference between baptism and communion is that communion is a regularly repeated observance, while baptism (when done according to the Biblical pattern) is a “once and for all” event.
The importance of being baptized
Mention the word “baptism” and many questions are sure to arise. “Who is it for?” “What does it mean?” “Where is it done?” “When is it done?” are some of the most basic questions asked. With so many church traditions having varying answers to these questions, where do you find the right answer? As with other important matters, we believe the Bible contains all the answers needed. This information is intended to answer some of these questions with Scripture.
Why should Christians be baptized?
There are many reasons but the following are three most important.
1. To follow the example set by Jesus
“At that time Jesus came from Nazareth and was baptized by John in the river.” (Mark 1:9)
2. To obey the command given by Jesus “Jesus said, ‘Go then, to all people everywhere and make them my disciples, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and then teach them to obey everything I have commanded you.” (Matthew 28:19-20)
3. To demonstrate that you are a Christian
“…many of the people who had heard him that day believed and were baptized.” (Acts 18:8)
What is the meaning of baptism?
Baptism connects the death, burial & resurrection events of Christ’s life to our personal faith and commitment made to Him. Notice how the verses below make such a connection…
1.It illustrates Christ’s death, burial & resurrection
“Christ died for our sins…He was buried…and He rose again.” (1 Corinthians 15:3-4)
Notice the connection the previous verse makes with our baptism: “For when you were baptized, you were buried with Christ, and in baptism you were also raised with Christ.” (Colossians 2:12)
2.It illustrates my new life as a Christian
“When someone becomes a Christian, he becomes a brand new person inside. The old life has passed away and a new life has begun!” (2 Corinthians 5:17)
Notice the connection the previous verse makes with our baptism: “By our baptism then we were buried with Him and shared His death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead…so we also may live a new life!” (Romans 6:4)
- Baptism is similar to a Christian wedding ring – it is an outward symbol of the inward commitment a person makes with their heart to Jesus Christ. While baptism is very important, it does not make a person a believer – instead, it demonstrates to the world that the person already is a believer.
- Baptism does not make anyone a Christian, or in any way contribute toward a person earning their way to heaven after death, only personal faith and receiving Jesus Christ into one’s life by faith alone can do that.
Why be baptized by immersion?
Immersion means that when people are baptized, they are “dipped” or “lowered” into water completely – they are immersed. This “mode” simulates the death of Christ (as the baptism candidate is brought back into the water), it simulates the burial of Christ (as the baptism candidate is under the water), and simulates the resurrection of Christ (as the baptism candidate is raised out of the water). But don’t worry, we won’t hold you under water for three days! Here are a few reasons that immersion is the mode that the Bible teaches:
1. Jesus was baptized by immersion
“As soon as Jesus was baptized, He went up out of the water.” (Matthew 3:16)
2.Baptism in the New Testament was by immersion
“…then both Philip and the man went down into the water and Philip baptized him. They came up out of the water…” (Acts 8:38-39)
3.Baptism’s meaning in the New Testament
The Greek word, baptizo, means “to dip or immerse into.”
4.Immersion best symbolizes burial & resurrection
WHEN SHOULD A PERSON BE BAPTIZED?
You should be baptized any time after you have made a faith commitment to Jesus Christ. “Those who believed…were baptized…that day!” (Acts 2:41)
“Then Philip began with the Scripture and told him the Good News about Jesus. As they traveled along the road, they came to some water, and the man said, ‘Look, here is water. Why shouldn’t I be baptized right now?’ Philip said, ‘If you believe with all your heart, you may.’ The man answered, ‘I believe that Jesus is the Son of God.’ So they went down into the water and Philip baptized him.” (Acts 8:35-38)
When you have decided to place your faith in Jesus, you can and should be baptized…not to get into heaven, but to obey and say thank you to the God who graciously gives you eternal life in heaven.
Church membership
OR AS WE LIKE TO CALL IT, "INTENTIONAL CONNECTEDNESS!"
WHY MEMBERSHIP?
The church affords its members spiritual fellowship and support. God never intended that His people be hermits. The Bible tells us that God desires believers to live in covenant with one another, encouraging one another in the faith and working together to give witness to His grace in the world (Hebrews 10:23-25). Becoming a member of a church is a practical way to carry out the principle of connectedness and commitment.
Participation in the local church brings growth in our maturity as believers. We share our experiences of living the Christian faith, helping others to draw on our own struggles and to find victory over the world, the flesh and the devil. We have opportunities to give – of our time in developing spiritual gifts; of our material goods as God takes our portion and multiplies it in gifts to many others; of ourselves which helps us look beyond our own mere concerns to the needs of others.
We further have the need of regular confession and reconciliation with others (James 5:16). Sometimes the confession is that of our own weakness sometimes it is the confession that God does help His people. We have occasion to “confess our trespasses to one another.” We also have the benefit of forgiving one another, as Christ has forgiven us.
The only institution ever directly begun by Jesus is His church. In Matthew 16:18, He said “I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.” Ephesians 5:25 says that Christ “gave Himself for the church.” Jesus prayed for the church in Gethsemane before He died on the Cross. He gave apostles, prophets and evangelists to build up the church (Ephesians 4:11-12). Paul instructed Timothy on proper order in the church (1 Timothy 3:15). Most New Testament letters were written to specific bodies or assembled groups of believers, and were often named by the city in which the church was located. Jesus did not merely die for the salvation of individuals; He established that Christians are part of a larger body, His church. The New Testament assumes that Christians “connect” to a local church where they live out their commitment to Jesus.
The membership of Grace In Community Church is made up of people who have received the message of the Gospel and have trusted Jesus Christ alone for salvation. They have been baptized as a public profession of their faith in Christ. They covenant with the church to carry out its mission in the church and in the world.
WHAT IS MEMBERSHIP?
The first century church in Jerusalem gives us an example of what we presently call church membership. While it is to be understood that the make-up of the church was vastly different than in our day (the first church did not consist of denominations nor was memberships as formalized as in our day), this early church gives us important principles that guide our practice of church membership.
In Acts 02:41-47, we see that the people of the first church made a decision to follow Christ, to be added to the number of those following Christ, and to be involved in this new community of believers through worship, prayer, teaching, fellowship, mutual care, and witness in the world. This gives us a definition of what church membership is in our day.
When you are a member of a local church, it means you have made a commitment (Romans 12:1). We are no longer conformed to this world’s directives, but instead we take our orders from Heaven. When we join the local church, we state publicly that we are taking up the banner of Jesus Christ as expressed through His local congregation.
At Grace In Community Church, we define church membership as the intentional connectedness and commitment of a Christian to a local assembly of believers.
“REQUIREMENTS” OF MEMBERSHIP (Intentional Connectedness)
The church affords its members spiritual fellowship and support. God never intended that His people be hermits. The Bible tells us that God desires believers to live in covenant with one another, encouraging one another in the faith and working together to give witness to His grace in the world (Hebrews 10:23-25). Becoming a member of a church is a practical way to carry out the principle of connectedness and commitment.
Participation in the local church brings growth in our maturity as believers. We share our experiences of living the Christian faith, helping others to draw on our own struggles and to find victory over the world, the flesh and the devil. We have opportunities to give – of our time in developing spiritual gifts; of our material goods as God takes our portion and multiplies it in gifts to many others; of ourselves which helps us look beyond our own mere concerns to the needs of others.
We further have the need of regular confession and reconciliation with others (James 5:16). Sometimes the confession is that of our own weakness sometimes it is the confession that God does help His people. We have occasion to “confess our trespasses to one another.” We also have the benefit of forgiving one another, as Christ has forgiven us.
The only institution ever directly begun by Jesus is His church. In Matthew 16:18, He said “I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.” Ephesians 5:25 says that Christ “gave Himself for the church.” Jesus prayed for the church in Gethsemane before He died on the Cross. He gave apostles, prophets and evangelists to build up the church (Ephesians 4:11-12). Paul instructed Timothy on proper order in the church (1 Timothy 3:15). Most New Testament letters were written to specific bodies or assembled groups of believers, and were often named by the city in which the church was located. Jesus did not merely die for the salvation of individuals; He established that Christians are part of a larger body, His church. The New Testament assumes that Christians “connect” to a local church where they live out their commitment to Jesus.
The membership of Grace In Community Church is made up of people who have received the message of the Gospel and have trusted Jesus Christ alone for salvation. They have been baptized as a public profession of their faith in Christ. They covenant with the church to carry out its mission in the church and in the world.
WHAT IS MEMBERSHIP?
The first century church in Jerusalem gives us an example of what we presently call church membership. While it is to be understood that the make-up of the church was vastly different than in our day (the first church did not consist of denominations nor was memberships as formalized as in our day), this early church gives us important principles that guide our practice of church membership.
In Acts 02:41-47, we see that the people of the first church made a decision to follow Christ, to be added to the number of those following Christ, and to be involved in this new community of believers through worship, prayer, teaching, fellowship, mutual care, and witness in the world. This gives us a definition of what church membership is in our day.
When you are a member of a local church, it means you have made a commitment (Romans 12:1). We are no longer conformed to this world’s directives, but instead we take our orders from Heaven. When we join the local church, we state publicly that we are taking up the banner of Jesus Christ as expressed through His local congregation.
At Grace In Community Church, we define church membership as the intentional connectedness and commitment of a Christian to a local assembly of believers.
“REQUIREMENTS” OF MEMBERSHIP (Intentional Connectedness)
- Awareness of having been born again (John 3:3) The primary requirement is that we have experienced the new birth (Acts 2:37-41; Romans 10:9-10)
- An obligation to be obedient to God’s Word with baptism and participation in the ordinances set forth in the New Testament (Acts 8:29-39; 1 Corinthians 11:2-34)
- Evidence of new life in Christ and spiritual growth (2 Corinthians 5:17; Galatians 5:22)
- Willingness to serve in the local church, using the gifts given by the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 12)
- Commitment to the church’s doctrinal positions (2 Timothy 1:13-14)
BABY DEDICATIONs
DEDICATION
Child dedication is truly a parent commitment service. It’s the parent’s promise to offer their child to the Lord and to dedicate themselves to rearing their child for the glory of God.
OUR GOAL IS TO:
Parents cannot decide their child’s salvation. Each person must make the decision to have a personal relationship with Christ. When children are old enough to understand the concept of sin and the responsibility for that sin, then they are ready to make the decision to accept Christ as their personal savior and assure eternal salvation. Parents must however, lay a foundation through teaching and example that will help children to make that decision at the right time. The same is true of marriage. We cannot decide when or if our children will marry and we cannot guarantee them a happy marriage. But through positive example, we can lay a foundation for making good decisions when the time comes. Dedication is not baptism. It is not a sacrament of any kind. It does not impart salvation on the child. Dedication is the parent’s commitment to God to raise the child in His ways.
Grace In Community Church dedicates children because we read in Luke 2:22-25 that as a baby, his parents dedicated Jesus. In Mark 10:16 we see Jesus bestowing blessings on the children. The Dedication ceremony is a time to publicly make that commitment to pray for the child, love the child and guide the child toward a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
People may wonder what happens if a baby or young child dies. A baby does not need to be baptized to go to heaven. A child is under God’s spiritual care until old enough to make a decision for Christ. Salvation is guaranteed to children who die before the age of accountability. This is based on the nature of God as revealed through Christ. The child has not yet come to the age when he can accept or reject Christ. Therefore, Christ’s atonement covers all who die before reaching the age of accountability
Child dedication is truly a parent commitment service. It’s the parent’s promise to offer their child to the Lord and to dedicate themselves to rearing their child for the glory of God.
OUR GOAL IS TO:
- Help parents recognize that they are stewards of God’s gift of children.
- Facilitate the parent’s verbal commitment to raise their child in a Christian environment.
- Challenge parents to be examples in service and worship for their children.
- Assist parents in laying a firm foundation of learning about God and an example of the power of salvation for their child.
Parents cannot decide their child’s salvation. Each person must make the decision to have a personal relationship with Christ. When children are old enough to understand the concept of sin and the responsibility for that sin, then they are ready to make the decision to accept Christ as their personal savior and assure eternal salvation. Parents must however, lay a foundation through teaching and example that will help children to make that decision at the right time. The same is true of marriage. We cannot decide when or if our children will marry and we cannot guarantee them a happy marriage. But through positive example, we can lay a foundation for making good decisions when the time comes. Dedication is not baptism. It is not a sacrament of any kind. It does not impart salvation on the child. Dedication is the parent’s commitment to God to raise the child in His ways.
Grace In Community Church dedicates children because we read in Luke 2:22-25 that as a baby, his parents dedicated Jesus. In Mark 10:16 we see Jesus bestowing blessings on the children. The Dedication ceremony is a time to publicly make that commitment to pray for the child, love the child and guide the child toward a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
People may wonder what happens if a baby or young child dies. A baby does not need to be baptized to go to heaven. A child is under God’s spiritual care until old enough to make a decision for Christ. Salvation is guaranteed to children who die before the age of accountability. This is based on the nature of God as revealed through Christ. The child has not yet come to the age when he can accept or reject Christ. Therefore, Christ’s atonement covers all who die before reaching the age of accountability
Sunday Service: 10:30am
11269 Broadway St. Alden, NY 14004 • (716) 685-4141