MEMBER PACKET JULY 2012 630 Richland Avenue Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70806 225.343.9196 www.GraceMidCity.com

MEMBER PACKET CONTENTS

This packet contains all of our legal, doctrinal, and operational documents. Nothing has been intentionally edited from the originals. Additional information is provided for the purpose of ensuring we are united in our institutional knowledge. Though you may not find all the information useful; every page should be helpful as we move forward together, aligning our lives and encouraging one another to obey Godʼs Word. To Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen. (Ephesians 3.21)

! Articles of Incorporation ! Constitution & By-Laws ! The Replant Proposal & Vote ! Membership & Ministry Teams ! Financials ! Groups That Regularly Use Our Buildings ! Memo of Understanding with The Ring ! Proposed Church Covenant ! A Matrix for Ministry

Last Minute Edits:

! In the Constitution - Section II, Paragraph 16 The Lordʼs Supper – an * appears after the word “wine”. In the last revised constitution (1999), the footnote states: We understand that the New Testament institution of the Lordʼs Supper used wine. For our church, we believe it the better part of wisdom to use simple grape juice.

! One group that uses our building is a local band The Lazarus Heart.

They rehearse upstairs in the North Building, and are helping to make it a professional studio for our future use.

! Kathleen Montgomery is a member of the Musical Worship Team.

ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION State of LOUISIANA Parish of EAST BATON ROUGE JUNE 23, 1942

BE IT KNOWN that on this 23 day of June in the year 1942, before me, Warren O. Watson, a Notary Public in and for the parish of East Baton Rouge State of Louisiana, duly commissioned and qualified and in the presence of the witnesses herein named and undersigned personally came and appeared the several persons whose names are hereunto subscribed Who declared that availing themselves of the laws of this state relative to the organization of non-trading corporations, they have contracted and agreed and bind and obligate themselves as well as such persons as may hereinafter become associated with them to form and constitute a body corporate and politic in law, for the objects and purposes and under the articles and stipulations following, to wit;

ARTICLE I. The name and title of this corporation shall be GRACE BAPTIST CHURCH and such name and title to endure for a period of ninety-nine years unless sooner dissolved. ARTICLE II. The Domicile of this corporation is fixed as being in the Ninth Ward of the Parish of East Baton Rouge, State of Louisiana. ARTICLE III. The objects and purposes for which this corporation is formed are declared to be: To conduct religious worship; to expound and teach the Gospel and Scriptures of Almighty God as written in the HOLY BIBLE and in such manner to aid and assist in the evangelization of the world in the Christian Faith. ARTICLE IV. This corporation shall have power and authority: to have and use a corporate seal, the same to break, alter or amend at its pleasure; to sue and be sued; to make such rules, by-laws and ordinances as are necessary for its government; to employ such agents and employees as may be necessary to carry out the purposes for which it is created; to buy, acquire, take and hold property both real, personal and mixed; to accept and hold property donated or bequeathed to it, and/or to acquire in any lawful manner whatsoever and the same to hold, manage, sell, lease, mortgage, encumber, hypothecate or dispose of at its will. ARTICLE V. All the corporate powers of this corporation shall be vested in a board styled the “Board of Trustees” which shall consist of five (5) male members of the said religious congregation to be chosen annually by said congregation in regular business meeting on the Wednesday after the 1st Sunday in December in each and every year. The first Board of Trustees shall be composed of the following persons, to wit

Harry L. Keen, Jr. E. A. Roberts E. E. Snyder

W. D. Bridges T. R. Achord

The said Board shall serve until the Wednesday after the first Sunday in December or until their successors in office are elected and qualified. After the Board is elected each year by the congregation it shall meet and choose one of its member to be President and one to be Secretary. Any vacancies created on the Board between election shall be filled by the remaining members of said Board. ARTICLE VI. Citation and other legal process shall be served on the President of the Board of Trustees of this corporation and in his absence on the Secretary. The said Board of Trustees may adopt such by-laws and regulations for the government of this Church as they deem proper consistent with the other provisions of this charter and subject to the approval of the congregation.

ARTICLE VII. This corporation may be dissolved by a two-thirds vote of the congregation at a call meeting held for that purpose after thirty days written notice to each member, and the business of the corporation shall be liquidated and wound up by one or more liquidators elected at said meeting. Thus, done, read and passed in my office on the city of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, in the presence of and competent witnesses who sign as such with the parties and me, Notary on the date and date hereinabove first written. C. W. Fogleman Tully R. Achord E A. Clark W. D. Bridges Mrs. H. L. Keen Jr. Harry L. Keen Jr. Mrs. Ben J. Goodman Mrs. R. A. Chubbuck Mrs. Alice Kohlmetz Mrs. W. D. Bridges Mrs. B. T. Karnes B. T. Karnes C. D. Amaker, Jr. C. C. Leinger Mrs. J. P. Keene J. P. Keene Mrs. J. B. Hammand, Sr. Miss Elma Summers W. L. Switzer, Sr. Mrs. W. L. Switzer, Sr. Mrs. Lawrence Butler V. M. Poirrier Mrs. V. M. Poirrier Eugene E. Snyder

Mrs. Lloyd M. Glascock Mrs. J. O. Wilson J. O. Wilson D. L. Roberts Mrs. H. L. Keen III H. L. Keen III A. V. Porrier Mrs. A. V. Porrier Mrs. D. L. Roberts Ross Chubbuck Miss Anna May Switzer L. M. Glascock E. A. Roberts Mrs. E. A. Roberts Miss Geneveive Roberts Edward Roberts Henry E. Hopper, Jr. Mrs. Hazel M. Hopper Miss Margaret Amacker Mrs. C. D. Amacker Mrs. Clinton Wilson Clinton Wilson Mrs. C. H. Hutchinson

Witnesses: Marjorie Helen Hamilton Ruth Eicher (Sgn) Warren O. Watson Warren O. Watson, Notary Public

CONSTITUTION & BY-LAWS 630 RICHLAND AVENUE BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA 70806 www.GraceMidCity.com

Adopted May 8, 1963 And Subsequently Amended (Amended January 11, 1976) (Amended February 14, 1999) (Amended June 6, 1999)

CONSTITUTION PREAMBLE

For the more certain preservation and security of the principles of our faith, and to the end that this body may be governed in an orderly manner consistent with the accepted tenets of the Baptist denomination, and for the purpose of preserving the liberties inherent in each individual member of this church and the freedom of action of this body with respect to its relation to other churches of the same faith, we do declare and establish this constitution. I. NAME This body shall be known as the Grace Baptist Church, Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

II. ARTICLES OF FAITH

1. The Scriptures

The Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments were given by inspiration of God, and are the only sufficient, certain and authoritative rule of all saving knowledge, faith and obedience.

2. God There is but one God, the Maker, Preserver and Ruler of all things, having in and of Himself all perfections, and being infinite in them all; and to Him all creatures owe the highest love, reverence and obedience.

3. The Trinity

God is revealed to us as Father, Son and Holy Spirit, each with distinct personal attributes, but without division of nature, essence or being.

4. Providence

God from eternity decrees or permits all things that come to pass, and perpetually upholds, directs and governs all creatures and all events; yet so as not in any wise to be the author or approver of sin nor to destroy the free will and responsibility of intelligent creatures.

5. Election Election is Godʼs eternal choice of persons unto everlasting life—not because of foreseen merit in them, but of His mere mercy in Christ – in consequence of which choice they are called, justified and glorified.

6. The Fall of Man God originally created man in His own image, and free from sin; but, through the temptation of Satan, he transgressed the command of God, and fell from his original holiness and righteousness; whereby his posterity inherit nature corrupt and wholly opposed to God and His law, are under condemnation, and as soon as they are capable of moral action, become actual transgressors.

7. The Mediator Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God, is the divinely appointed mediator between God and man. Having taken upon Himself human nature, yet without sin, He perfectly fulfilled the law, suffered and died upon the cross for the

salvation of sinners. He was buried, and rose again the third day, and ascended to His Father, at whose right hand He ever liveth to make intercession for His people. He is the only Mediator, the Prophet, Priest and King of the church, and Sovereign of the universe.

8. Regeneration Regeneration is a change of heart, wrought by the Holy Spirit, who quickeneth the dead in trespasses and sins, enlightening their minds spiritually and savingly to understand the Word of God, and renewing their whole nature, so that they love and practice holiness. It is a work of Godʼs free and special grace alone.

9. Repentance Repentance is an evangelical grace, wherein a person being, by the Holy Spirit, made sensible of the manifold evil of his sin, humbleth himself for it, with godly sorrow, detestation of it, and self-abhorrence, with a purpose and endeavor to walk with God so as to please Him in all things.

10. Faith Saving faith is the belief, on Godʼs authority, of whatsoever is revealed in His Word concerning Christ; accepting and resting upon Him alone for justification, sanctification and eternal life. It is wrought in the heart by the Holy Spirit, and is accompanied by saving grace, and leads to a life of holiness.

11. Justification Justification is Godʼs gracious and full acquittal of sinners, who believe in Christ, from all sin, through the satisfaction that Christ has made; not for anything wrought in them or done by them; but on account of the obedience and satisfaction of Christ, they receiving and resting on Him and His righteousness by faith.

12. Sanctification Those who have been regenerated are also sanctified, by Godʼs word and Spirit dwelling in them. This sanctification is progressive through the supply of Divine strength, which all saints seek to obtain, pressing after a heavenly life in cordial obedience to all Christʼs commands.

13. Perseverance of the Saints Those whom God has accepted in the Beloved, and sanctified by His Spirit, will never totally nor finally fall away from the state of grace, but shall certainly persevere to the end; and though they may fall, through neglect and temptation, into sin, whereby they grieve the Spirit, impair their graces and comforts, bring reproach on the church, and temporal judgments on themselves, yet they shall be renewed again unto repentance, and be kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation.

14. The Church The Lord Jesus is the Head of the church, which is composed of all His true disciples, and in Him is invested supremely all power for its government. According to His commandment, Christians are to associate themselves into

particular societies or churches; and to each of these churches He has given needful authority for administering that order, discipline and worship which He has appointed. The Scriptural officers of a church are bishops or elders (pastors), and deacons.

15. Baptism Baptism is an ordinance of the Lord Jesus, obligatory upon every believer, where-in he is immersed into water in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, as a sign of his fellowship with the death and resurrection of Christ, of remission of sins and of his giving himself up to God, to live and walk in newness of life. It is prerequisite to church fellowship, and to participation in the Lordʼs Supper.

16. The Lordʼs Supper The Lordʼs Supper is an ordinance of Jesus Christ, to be administered with the elements of bread and wine*, and to be observed by His churches till the end of the world. It is in not sense a sacrifice, but is designated to commemorate His death, to confirm the faith and other graces of Christians, and to be a bond, pledge and renewal of their communion with Him, and of their church fellow-ship.

17. The Lordʼs Day The Lordʼs Day is a Christian institution for regular observance, and should be employed in exercises of worship and spiritual devotion, both public and private, resting from worldly employments and amusements, works of necessity and mercy only excepted.

18. Liberty of Conscience God alone is Lord of the conscience; and He left it free from the doctrines and commandments of men, which are in anything contrary to His word, or not contained in it. Civil magistrates being ordained of God, subjection in all lawful things commanded by them ought to be yielded by us in the Lord, not only for wrath, but also for conscienceʼ sake.

19. The Resurrection The bodies of men after death return to dust, but their spirits return immediately to God – the righteous to rest with Him; the wicked to be reserved under darkness to the judgment. At the last day, the bodies of all the dead, both just and unjust, will be raised.

20. The Judgment God appointed a day, wherein He will judge the world by Jesus Christ, when every one shall receive according to his deeds: the wicked shall go away into everlasting punishment; the righteous into everlasting life.

III. SOME BELIEFS WE CHERISH

1. We believe that the Bible is Godʼs Word to man and that it is the only sufficient authority as the rule of doctrine and practice.

2. We believe in a regenerated church membership and that the conversion experience

is a prerequisite to church membership. 3. In the New Testament the candidate was taken to the water, not the water brought to

the candidate; the candidate was placed in the water, not the water put on the candidate; so we believe in immersion only as answering Christʼs command of baptism and symbolizing the heart of the gospel message – death, burial, resurrection.

4. We believe in the New Testament order of baptism and the Lordʼs Supper. New

Testament Christians were baptized before taking the Lordʼs Supper.

5. We believe in the right of each member of the church to a voice in its government, plans and discipline. A Baptist church is a true democracy at work.

6. We believe in the freedom of the individual conscience; in the voluntary principle, not

the coercive principle, in religion.

7. We believe in the total independence and separation of church and state. IV. CHURCH COVENANT

Having been led, as we believe, by the Spirit of God, to receive the Lord Jesus Christ as our Saviour, and on the profession of our faith, having been baptized in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, we do now in the presence of God, angels, and this assembly most solemnly and joyfully enter into covenant with one another, as one body in Christ.

For the Advancement of This Church

We engage, therefore, by the aid of the Holy Spirit, to walk together in Christian love; to strive for the advancement of this church, in knowledge, holiness, and comfort; to promote its prosperity and spirituality; to sustain its worship, ordinances, discipline, and doctrines.

As Christian Stewards

To contribute cheerfully and regularly to the support of the ministry, the expenses of the church, the relief of the poor, and the spread of the gospel through all nations.

Alone and At Home

We also engage to maintain family and secret devotion; to education our children religiously; to seek the salvation of our kindred and acquaintances.

Before the World

To walk circumspectly in the world; to be just in our dealings, faithful in our engagements, and exemplary in our deportment; to avoid all tattling, backbiting, and excessive anger; to abstain from the sale and use of intoxicating drinks as a beverage; and to be zealous in our efforts to advance the Kingdom of our Saviour.

Toward One Another We further engage to watch over one another in brotherly love; to remember each other in prayer; to aid each other in sickness and distress; to cultivate Christian sympathy in feeling and courtesy in speech; to be slow to take offense, but always ready for reconciliation and, mindful of the rules of our Saviour, to secure it without delay.

When We Move

We moreover engage that when we remove from this place, we will as soon as possible unite with some other church, where we can carry out the spirit of this covenant and the principles of Godʼs Word.

V. CHARACTER OF THIS CHURCH Section 1. Polity

The government of this church is vested in the body of believers who compose it. It is subject to the control of not other ecclesiastical body, but it recognizes and sustains the obligation of mutual counsel and cooperation which are common among Baptist churches.

Section 2. Doctrine

This church receives the Scriptures as its authority in matters of faith and practice. Its understanding of Christian trust as contained therein is in essential accord with the belief of the Baptist churches as indicated in the Articles of Faith herewith.

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BY-LAWS ARTICLE I. MEMBERSHIP Section 1. Qualifications

The membership of this church shall consist of such persons as confess Jesus Christ to be their Saviour and Lord, and who, (a) after due examination by the church as to their Christian experience and, if coming from other churches, as to their letters of dismission and recommendations or satisfactory substitutes therefore, (b) have been accepted by vote of the church and, having been baptized, (c) enter into its covenant.

Section 2. Duties

Members are expected, first of all, to be faithful in all duties essential to the Christian life; and also to attend habitually the services of this church, to give regularly for its support and its causes, and to share in its organized work.

Section 3. Rights

Such members as are in full and regular standing, and do not hold letters of dismission, and such only, may act and vote in the transactions of the church.

Section 4. Quorum

Five percent of the resident membership shall constitute a quorum, except as follows: for the election of officers, ten percent; for call of a pastor, or for amending the Constitution and By-Laws, twenty-five percent shall be necessary.

Section 5. Termination The continuance of membership shall be subject to the principles and usages of the Baptist churches, and especially as follows:

(a) By letter of dismission and recommendation to any other Baptist church upon request.

(b) If a member request to be released from his covenant obligations to this church which the church may finally deem satisfactory, after the church has endeavored to secure his continued fellowship, such request may be granted and his membership terminated.

(c) The church may also, after due notice and hearing and kindly effort to make such action unnecessary, terminate the membership of persons one year non-resident, or for the same space of time not contributing to its support according to the system prescribed by the church.

(d) Should a member become an offense to the church and to its good name by reason of immoral or unchristian conduct, or by the consistent breach of his covenant vows (see Section IV: Church Covenant), or non-support of the church, the church may terminate his membership, but only after due notice and hearing, and after faithful efforts have been made to bring such member to repentance and amendment.

(e) The membership of no person shall be terminated, except by letter, at the meeting when the recommendation for such action is made.

(f) All requests for termination of membership, except by letter, or action looking thereto shall first be considered by the deacons, who shall make recommendations to the church.

Section 6. Restoration

Any person whose membership has been terminated for any offense may be restored by vote of the church, upon evidence of his repentance and reformation; or if on account of continued absence, upon satisfactory explanation.

ARTICLE II. CHURCH OFFICERS The officers of this church shall be as follows: PASTOR

A pastor shall be chosen and called by the church whenever a vacancy occurs. A pulpit committee shall be appointed by the church to seek out a suitable pastor and their recommendation will constitute a nomination, though any member has the privilege of making other nominations. The election of a pastor shall take place at a meeting called for that purpose, of which at least one weekʼs public notice shall be given. The committee shall bring to the consideration of the church only one man at a time. Election shall be an affirmative vote of three-fourths of those present. The pastor, thus elected, shall serve until the relationship is terminated by mutual consent. The pastor shall have in charge the welfare and oversight of the church. He shall preside at all meetings of the church, except as hereinafter provided.

DEACONS Section 1. Number, Eligibility, Election, Terms of Service

(a) There may be ten deacons for the first two hundred resident members whose names are on the church roll, and one additional deacon for each additional twenty resident members. It shall be pertinent for the church to promote to honorary life membership any deacon why by reason of age or infirmities shall, after honorable service, no longer be able to render active service.

(b) Eligible men must be at least 21 years of age and a member of the church. A

deacon coming from another Baptist Church may be elected as a deacon of this church, but there is no obligation to initially constitute the member as a deacon.

(c) An election by the church will be held yearly to replace or re-elect deacons

with an expiring term; also, to fill an unexpired term of one or more in case of death, removal or incapacity to serve. For this election, the Pastor, with assistance from the deacons body, shall appoint a Deacon Election Committee. The Pastor, with three active deacons and two members from the church at large, shall constitute the committee. A list of eligible men of the church will be made available, from which the congregation will nominate candidates to be considered by the committee. The committee will interview and evaluate the persons submitted as nominees, by the congregation. Following candidate evaluation, the Deacons Election Committee, will recommend the persons who have agreed to serve. This list shall be made available to the membership 4 weeks prior to the election date.

(d) Initial term of service shall be for three years. After the initial election, the term of office of one-third of the number of deacons shall expire each year.

Section 2. Qualification for Office of Deacon

(a) Do you covenant with your church and with God that you will exert your utmost effort to live up to the requirement for the New Testament office of deacon as set forth in 1 Timothy 3.8-13?

(b) Do you pledge to follow the guidelines of the Church Covenant in your daily living and to lead the church in living by the covenant?

(c) Do you pledge to your church and your God, in view of the high privilege and weighty responsibility of the office of deacon, to practice total abstinence in the use of alcoholic beverages, to refrain from engaging in any worldly amusements that would injure your spiritual influence, to guard your words and your actions at all times in order that you might be an example to every member of the church?

(d) Will you as a deacon faithfully tithe your income? (e) Will you promise to support the entire program of the church and to willingly

undertake all of the responsibility and burdens that the office of deacon incurs?

Section 3. Duties

In accordance with the meaning of the word and the practice of the New Testament, deacons are to be servants of the church. (a) They are to be zealous to guard the unity of the spirit within the church in the

bonds of peace. (b) They shall serve as a council of advice and conference with the pastor in all

matters pertaining to the welfare and work of the church. With the pastor they are to consider and formulate plans for the constant effort and progress of the church in all things pertaining to the saving of souls, the development of Christians, and the extension and growth of the Kingdom of God.

(c) By proper organization and method among themselves, they are to establish and maintain personal fraternal relations with, and inspiring oversight of, all the membership of the church. Especially are they to seek to know the physical needs and the moral and spiritual struggles of the brethren and sisters; and to serve the whole church in relieving, encouraging, and developing all who are in need.

(d) In counsel with the pastor, and by such methods as the Holy Spirit may direct in accordance with the New Testament teachings, they are to have over-sight of the discipline of the church, in administering which they are to be guided always by the principles set forth in Matthew 18.15-17; 1 Corinthians 5.9-13; 1 Thessalonians 5.12-14. The deacons shall be free to call upon any member of the church to aid in disciplinary action.

(e) The deacons shall serve as a general pulpit committee. In case of absence or inability of the pastor, subject to advice from and conference with him, they will provide for pulpit supplies. In any period when the church is without a pastor, unless the church shall otherwise provide, the deacons will arrange the temporary ministry and take counsel with reference to securing a pastor. It is not intended in any wise to prejudice herein the method by which the church shall proceed in securing a pastor.

Section 4. Method of Procedure (a) The whole body of deacons shall be organized as a unity for the

consideration of all larger problems and general policies, and shall meet regularly on Monday evening after the first Sunday in each month. They may organize themselves into such committees as their wisdom may direct for efficiency in service.

(b) They shall apportion the membership of the church among themselves, or make plans whereby the entire membership may have the benefit of the oversight in Christ of their brethren.

(c) Each deacons shall freely confer with the pastor about all matters and cases of discipline which in his judgment would be most wisely and spiritually handled in private.

Section 5. Life-time Deacons

The church may elect as life-time deacons any deacon of advanced age who has served Christ faithfully in this church. The recommendation for such action shall be initiated and presented by the current body of active deacons. Such action may be approved at any business meeting at which a quorum is present. Life-time deacons shall be invited to meet regularly with the body of active deacons, to counsel with them, and to vote on measures considered at deaconsʼ meetings.

BODY OF TRUSTEES

A Board of Trustees consisting of five (5) male members of the congregation, two of which must be deacons, shall be chosen annually by said congregation in regular business meeting to serve September 1, through August 31 of the following year, or until their successors in office shall be elected and qualified. After the Board is elected each year by the congregation it shall meet and choose one of its members to be president and one to be secretary. Any vacancies created on the board between elections shall be filled by the remaining members of said Board. The function of the Board of Trustees shall be to carry out the will of the congregation with respect to corporate powers of said group particularly, but not necessarily exclusively those matters having to do with the property of the corporation, real, personal and mixed.

MODERATOR

The pastor shall be the moderator. In the absence of the pastor the chairman of the deacons shall preside; or in the absence of both, the clerk shall call the church to order and a moderator pro tem shall be elected.

CLERK

The clerk of the church shall keep in a suitable book a record of all the actions of the church, except as otherwise herein provided. He shall keep a register of the names of members, with dates of admission, dismission, or death, together with a record of baptisms. He shall issue letters of dismission voted by the church, preserve on file all communications and written official reports, and give legal notice of all meetings where such notice ins necessary, as indicated in these by-laws. The clerk shall consider it a part of his responsibility to promote loyalty and efficiency in church life.

FINANCIAL SECRETARY

The church shall elect annually a church financial secretary. It shall be the duty of the financial secretary to record, preserve and pay out all money or things of value paid or given to the church, keeping at all times an itemized account of all receipts and disbursements. Payment of all bills for local work and expenses shall be made promptly by check. He will also fill out the sheet for the monthly balance and report, which will indicate receipts from envelopes, plate or loose, and miscellaneous or special offerings and disbursement of these monies. The financial secretary shall be designated as one of the authorized signatories for signing of checks drawn by the church.

TREASURER

The treasurer shall be elected annually. He shall be responsible for depositing all money and for empty collection envelopes after the money has been removed and counted by the proper persons selected by the deacons to serve in turn; and from these give credit to each individual donor as provided in the improved record system offered by the Baptist Sunday School Board. He shall be responsible for keeping the envelopes for referenced, letting them accrue for at least four years. All bills coming to the church which are not provided for in the general order should go automatically to the Treasurer for investigation; if he approves and if the church votes, he then draws the order; the clerk also signing it, and the treasurer writing a check to pay the bill or bills. The Treasurer shall be designated as one of the authorized signatories for signing checks drawn by the church.

MUSIC DIRECTOR

The music director shall be charged with responsibility to provide worshipful music for all services and departments of the church, and shall have general oversight and direction of the music. He is to direct the choir or choirs in practice and public singing, and is to cooperate with the pastor and others leaders in the selection of suitable music and devising of appropriate musical programs for all occasions where such services are needed.

CHAIRMAN OF USHERS

The chairman of ushers shall, on the approval of the church, associate with himself a sufficient number of aides to care for the seating and comfort of the congregation, the greeting and introduction of visitors, the prevention of interruptions and distractions, and similar needed services.

OFFICERS OF CHURCH ORGANIZATIONS

All organizations of the church shall be under church control, all officers being elected by the church and reporting regularly to the church.

1. Sunday School Officers Before the close of the Sunday School year, the director of the Sunday School shall be elected upon nomination of the Committee on Nominations. This committee, supplemented by the Sunday School director, will bring to the church nominations of the following general officers: Associate director-director of outreach, department directors, outreach leaders, and other needed officers. One month later the committee, enlarged by the addition of these officers, will bring a complete list of nominations of all teachers and department officers. In each case the nominations will call for election on the part of the church at its discretion, with any changes it may decide to make. Following their election a public installation service shall be held. The duties of these officers and teachers shall be those ordinarily designated in the approved denominational standards.

2. Training Program Officers

The Church Training Program Officers will consist of the director of the training program, one member training leader for the adults, youths, children, and preschoolers a new member training leader; and a leadership training leader. They shall be elected annually and shall plan training for the church members, the new church members, and the church leaders.

3. Baptist Women Officers

The general officers of the Baptist Women, consisting of director, assistant director, and secretary, together with leaders of auxiliary organization (Mission Friends, Girls in Action, Acteens), shall be elected annually by the church upon joint nomination by the W.M.U. and the Committee on Nominations. Other officers, leaders, and committees shall be selected by the W.M.U. Executive Committee. The duties of these officers and committees shall by those designated by the approved denominational standards. Following their election, the general officers of the W.M.U. shall be publicly installed.

4. Baptist Men Officers

The officers of the Baptist Men, consisting of directors, assistant director, secretary-treasurer, and Royal Ambassador leader, shall be elected annually by the church upon joint nomination by the Brotherhood and the Committee on Nominations. The duties of these officers shall be those designated by the approved denominational standards. Following their election, the general officers of the Brotherhood shall be publicly installed.

5. Other Other necessary officers shall be nominated and elected as indicated above. 6. Staff Members and Other Employees

Staff members, such as Church Secretary, Assistant or Associate Pastor, Minister of Education and/or Music, Business Administrator, and any other employee, shall be nominated to the church by the Personnel Committee and

duly elected by the church. Staff members and other employees shall be under general direction of the pastor, aided by the Personnel Committee specifically designated for this purpose.

7. Nominations from the Floor

Any member desiring to do so may make a nomination from the floor in addition to nominations by any committee.

ARTICLE III. COMMITTEES

The following standing committees shall be elected. One deacon shall be nominated to serve on each of the committees.

1. The House and Grounds Committee shall be composed of five members, who

shall have general charge of the administration and upkeep of the grounds and buildings.

2. Committee on Administration of Ordinance: (1) The Baptismal Committee

shall consist of two men and three women. It shall be the duty of this committee to make all necessary arrangements for the ordinance of baptism and to render such assistance to the pastor and to the candidates as may be necessary. (2) The deacons shall name from their number a committee responsible for preparation and conduct of observance of the Lordʼs Supper.

3. The Committee on Nominations shall be appointed annually by the moderator,

subject to approval of the church, at least three months prior to the annual election of officers, consisting of pastor (ex-officio) and five others, whose duty it shall be to bring to the church nominations of officers and committees as provided for heretofore. This committee shall canvass the church rolls and otherwise seek to discover persons suitable for office-bearing, and tactfully obtain from members expression as to preferences for persons to fill the various offices.

4. The Benevolence Committee shall be composed of three members and shall

be elected annually. The committee will evaluate and act upon each request for charity on the basis of its own merits and their judgments of the need.

5. The Finance Committee shall be elected annually. The committee will be

composed of the Treasurer, Financial Secretary, and the chairman of the Public Relations Committee, and two members elected by the church. Any two signatures of the five committee members will be necessary for a proper signature on any church check. The duties of the Finance Committee shall be:

a. To supervise the raising of all money in the church and have supervision

over the expenditure of the same, which includes the preparation of the annual budget.

b. No contract for supplies, materials or services, pledging the credit of the church, shall be made except upon approval of the Finance Committee, unless authorized by direct vote of the church.

c. All expenditures shall be made only upon authorization of the Finance Committee upon the authority of the church, save that the church may give general authorization to the committee for normal supplies and also for general items.

d. All payments for such supplies, materials, and services shall be made by the church Financial Secretary.

e. All money collected for the support of the church shall be duly recorded and turned in to the church treasurer, or in case of special expenditures reported to the Finance Committee.

f. The Finance Committee shall provide for an annual audit of all books and accounts of the church.

6. The Library Committee shall be elected annually. The committee will consist of

five members; director of Library Services (chairman of the library committee), director of Audio-Visuals, director of circulation, director of publicity and director of education. Its duties shall be the care of the library and its promotion in the total church program.

7. The Public Relations Committee shall be elected annually. The committee will

consist of the pastor, the church staff, the Sunday School director, and three members elected by the church. Its task shall be to develop relations between the church and the community and to publicize the church and its program to the community.

8. The Recreation Committee shall be elected annually. The committee will

consist of a representative selected by each Sunday School department and five members elected by the church. Its tasks shall be to provide recreation for the church constituency and to provide consultation, leadership assistance, and resources in recreation for the various church organization. Its purpose is to minister, building sweet fellowship, witness, develop wise use of leisure time, strengthen family units, and meet special group needs through recreation in the name of Christ and His church.

9. The Evangelistic and Missions Committee shall be elected annually. Their

duties shall be to work with the pastor to plan evangelistic services and mission programs in local mission projects.

10. The Personnel Committee shall be elected annually and shall be composed on

three members. The purpose of the Personnel Committee shall be to assist the pastor and church in matters related to personnel administration and management. The duties of the Personnel Committee shall be:

a. Prepare job descriptions for staff members and other employees. b. Prepare a statement of conditional of employment. c. Both the above shall, after approval by the church, be prepared in

triplicate with one copy given the employee, one kept by the committee and a third filed in the church office.

d. Supervise the work of each employee.

e. Review annually the salaries and make recommendations to the church, through the Budget Committee, regarding raises and bonuses or other salary adjustments and employee benefits.

ARTICLE IV. CHURCH FINANCE

SECTION 1. The Finance Committee, in consultation with the pastor, deacons, and responsible leaders of various organizations, shall prepare and submit to the church for approval at its annual business meeting (or at such other time as may be deemed best by the church) and inclusive budget, indicating by items the amount needed and sought for all local expenses and purposes, and in like manner for all denominations or other approved non-local causes. SECTION 2. Receipts from all sources shall be kept in a bank account. From the account shall be paid all local expenses as the church may direct. Any amounts received from missions or denominations work shall be remitted at least monthly, provided always that individual be permitted to designate the manner in which their gifts may be distributed. SECTION 3. All funds, for any and all purposes, shall pass through the hands of the treasurer and be properly recorded on the books of the church. The expenses of all organizations, as approved by the church, shall be paid from the local expense fund as heretofore provided. SECTION 4. All monies received by the church will be credited as designated to one of the following accounts:

(1) Regular Budget Offering, (2) Building Fund Account, or (3) Mission Offerings.

Upon receipt of monies designated for use other than the above, the Financial Secretary will advise the church at its next business meeting and request instructions for disposition of such funds, unless previous instructions have been issued. SECTION 5. It is understood that membership in this church involves financial obligation to support the church its causes with regular, proportionate gifts. At least annually plans shall be put into operation for securing a worthy subscription from each member of the church.

ARTICLE V. MEETINGS Section 1. Worship

(1) Public services shall be held statedly on the Lordʼs Day and on Wednesday evening of each month.

(2) The Lordʼs Supper shall be celebrated on the first Sunday of every other month, or at such other time as the church may determine.

(3) Occasional religious meetings may be appointed by the pastor at his discretion, or by vote of the church. Services on consecutive days may be appointed by vote of the church.

Section 2. Business (1) At any of the regular meetings for worship, the church may, without special

notice, act upon the reception of members, and upon the appointment of messengers to meetings, but not upon other business.

(2) The pastor may, and shall, when requested by the deacons, trustees, or a standing committee, call from the pulpit special business meetings, the particular object of the meeting being clearly stated in the notice.

Special meetings of the church may also be called by the clerk upon the written application of any five adult members specifying the object thereof, which notice shall be read at the public service on the Lordʼs Day next preceding the day fixed for such meeting.

ARTICLE VI. DISCIPLINE

Section 1. Should any unhappy differences arise between members, the aggrieved member shall follow, in a tender spirit, the rules given by our Lord in the eighteenth chapter of Matthew.

Section 2. Should any case of gross breach of covenant, or of public scandal, occur the deacons shall endeavor to remove the offense; and if such effort fails shall report the case to the church.

Section 3. If the church votes to entertain a complaint, which must be made in writing, it shall appoint a reasonable time and place of hearing and notify the person in question thereof, furnishing him with a copy of the charges. Section 4. At such hearing, the accused member may call to his aid any member of the church as counsel. If he shall not present himself at the time appointed, or give satisfactory reasons for his neglect to do so, the church may proceed in his absence. Section 5. All such proceedings shall be pervaded by a spirit of Christian kindness and forbearance, but should an adverse decision be reached, the church may proceed to admonish or declare the offender to be no longer in the membership of the church. Section 6. In case of grave difficulty, the church will be ready, if requested, to ask the advice of an acceptable council from neighboring churches.

ARTICLE VII. THE CHURCH COUNCIL

Section 1. The Church Council shall seek to correlate and co-ordinate the activities and organizations of the church, yet with advisory powers only. Section 2. The council, unless otherwise determined by vote of the church, shall be composed of the pastor, staff members, clerk, treasurer, minister of music, chairman of deacons, one or more representatives of the Sunday School, Training Program, Baptist Women, Baptist Men, the Recreation Committee, the Library Committee, and one member from the congregation at large.

Section 3. The council shall meet monthly or quarterly, as may be desired, or on call of pastor or chairman at any time deemed necessary. Section 4. The functions of the council may be indicated by the following agenda, subject to change as occasion may require:

1. Scripture reading and prayer; 2. Reports of progress since last meeting; 3. Calendar of activities and meetings for the month (or quarter) ahead; 4. Problems which need joint consideration 5. Needs which should be supplied cooperatively; 6. Objectives which call for teamwork; 7. Possibilities of friction which should be prevented; 8. Spiritual emphasis in which all may join; 9. Denominational calendar which should be taken into account; 10. Season of prayer for special objects.

Section 5. All matters agreed upon by the council, calling for action not already provided for, shall be referred to the church for approval or disapproval.

ARTICLE VIII. THE YOUTH COUNCIL

Section 1. The Youth Council shall invite any special programs needed for the youth of our church. The council will correlate these programs with the over-all church program working with the Church Council, and will then see to the administration of these programs. Section 2. The Youth Council shall be composed of the youth Sunday School department directors, the youth Training Program leader, the Acteen leader, two youth members elected from the 12-13 year old age group, two from the 14-15 year old age group, two from the 16-17 year old age group, and two elected at large. Section 3. The Youth Council shall meet on call of the pastor or minister of education.

ARTICLE IX. THE MUSIC COUNCIL

Section 1. The Music Council shall seek to correlate and coordinate the choral activities and other music programs of the church, yet with advisory powers only. Section 2. The Council, unless otherwise determined by vote of the church, shall be composed of the minister of music or church music director, the church organist and pianist, an active deacon (selected by the deacons), president of the church choir, and two representatives from the church at large (recommended by the Nominating Committee). Section 3. The council shall meet monthly or quarterly, as may be desired, or on call of the music director or chairman at any time deemed necessary. Section 4. The function of the council may be indicated by the following agenda, subject to change as occasion may require:

(1) Prayer and meditation; (2) Progress report since last meeting (3) Calendar of activities of meetings for the month (or quarter) ahead; (4) Problems related to choral and educational activities; (5) Materials and/or personnel needed; (6) Objectives which call for teamwork; (7) Analysis of music used in various activities from a spiritual standpoint; (8) Prayer for special areas of interest and concern; (9) Preparation of a report to the church council as recommended.

Section 5. All matters agreed upon by the council, calling for action not already provided for, shall be referred to the church for approval or disapproval.

ARTICLE X. AMENDMENTS

Section 1. Twenty-five percent of the resident members shall constitute a quorum for amending the Constitution and By-Laws. Section 2. This Constitution and accompanying By-Laws may be amended by a two-thirds vote of the members present and voting at a meeting specially called for that purpose one month in advance, the proposed amendment being inserted in the call; but no change shall be made in “Articles of Faith” and “Covenant” except by a two-thirds vote of all the members of the church present entitled to vote, said proposed change having been laid before the church in writing at a business meeting not less than one month before the time of the proposed action, and read from the pulpit on the Lordʼs Day next succeeding such proposal.

ARTICLE XI. RULES OF ORDER

Anything not covered in this Constitution and By-Laws shall be governed by Robertʼs Rules of Order.

! ! ! ! ! REST OF THE PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK ! ! ! !

MEMBERS OF GRACE BAPTIST CHURCH July 1, 2012

1. Kevin Alford 2. Richard Arbour 3. Grace Balcom 4. Tara Bennett 5. Richard Bennett 6. Frances Brumfield 7. Ivan Buckner 8. Mike Burch 9. Linda Burch

10. Lyndsey Campbell 11. Jeff Campbell 12. Kristi Campbell 13. Mary Ashton Campbell 14. Sharron Cook 15. Gary Cook 16. Alex Cooper 17. Erik Cooper 18. Tracy Cooper 19. Norris Crawford 20. Margaret Crawford 21. Jerry Dake 22. Jewel Davis (homebound) 23. Shirley Dyess 24. Mary Earle 25. Angela Fleming 26. Shane Folks

27. Alvin Freeman 28. Elaine Hart 29. Agnese Lusins 30. Steve Mitchell 31. Serah Mitchell 32. Kathleen Montgomery 33. Nan Moore 34. Cole Morrison 35. Ruby Morrissette 36. Robert Munson 37. Sarah Munson 38. George OʼNeal 39. Leona Rice 40. Tommy Salmon 41. Zane Silverthorn 42. Sylvia Simmons 43. Gladys Smith 44. Garrett Smith 45. Bobbie Spano 46. Joy Stablier 47. Byron Townsend 48. Cynthia Townsend 49. Janie Wall 50. Sheila Woerner 51. David Woerner 52. Jack Young

We must attempt to locate and ask every member on the roll:

With whom do you gather to sing, teach, hear and obey Godʼs Word? WATCH-CARE MEMBERS (non-voting)

1. Luke Breard (LSU) 2. Zack McDaniel (LSU)

PASTOR ! Byron Townsend

o Licensed and Ordained January 2006, FBC Lockport o B.G.S.,Marketing minor, Nicholls State University, 2000 o Attended/Employed by NOBTS 2000-2007 o Married Cynthia Gunn, May 2002

" B.S. Psychology, Texas A&M - Commerce, 2002 " M.Div Psychology & Counseling, NOBTS, 2005

PASTOR-IN-TRAINING ! Shane Folks

o B.S. Chemistry, Oklahoma University, 2010 o Attending NOBTS – Aug 2013 – M.Div, Islamic Studies

DEACONS (who are Members)

! Mike Burch, Jeff Campbell, Norris Crawford, Jerry Dake, George OʼNeal, David Woerner

MUSICAL WORSHIP TEAM

! Shane Folks, Christina Hebert, Ben Hebert SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASSES

! Nursery – Kacy St. Peʼ ! Children – Kristi Campbell, Kim Weaver, Jamee Brennan ! Youth – Pat Weaver, Ben Hebert ! Special Angels – Serah & Steve Mitchell ! Friendship Class – Kathleen Montgomery ! Odds & Ends – Linda Burch, Margaret Crawford ! Andrewʼs Class – Andrew Brennan

GRACE GROUPS ! Fellowship Hall, Every Wednesday ! Mitchell Home, Mid City, Every Other Thursday ! Cooper Home, Prairieville, Every Other Sunday

CURRENT MINISTRY TEAMS

! Deaf – Kathleen Montgomery ! Van & Deacon Rotation – Jeff Campbell ! Special Angels – Serah Mitchell ! Women of Grace – Sharron Cook ! Fellowship Time – Sarah Munson

MONTHLY $ERVICE CONTRACTS

! Jani-King Custodial $500 (weekly cleaning) ! Cox Phone & Internet $222.08 ! Business Office System & Supplies $27.25 (copier) ! Allied Waste Management $55.59 (bi-monthly service)

QUARTERLY $ERVICE CONTRACTS

! The Bug Man $75 AS NEEDED

! BR Lawn $75/cut

GROUPS THAT REGULARLY USE OUR BUILDINGS (Each groupʼs donation is recorded in account #44201 “Building Use”) Recovery

• Alcoholics Anonymous o Tuesday, 5:00 p.m., Fellowship Hall o Thursday, 8:00 p.m., Fellowship Hall o Saturday, 7:30 p.m., Education Building, Room #1

• St. Christopherʼs House (rehabilitation facility) o Friday, 8:00 p.m., Fellowship Hall

• Narcotics Anonymous o Thursday, 6:00 p.m., Education Bldg, Rm #1 o Saturday, 7:30 p.m., Fellowship Hall

• Sexaholics Anonymous o Monday, 6:30 p.m., Education Bldg, Rm #6

Home-School Groups meet in the Fall/Spring only

• Classical Conversations o Monday - Fellowship Hall, Conference Room, Education Bldg Rms #1, 4, 5, 6

• Mount Everest o Thursday - Fellowship Hall, Conference Room, Education Bldg, Rms #1, 4, 5, 6

Community Involvement

• Spanish Classes o Various days during the week

• Ikebana (Japanese Flower-Arranging) o Tuesday (monthly), 11:00-1:00 p.m., Fellowship Hall

• Sewing Group o Every other Thursday, 12:30-2:00 p.m., Fellowship Hall

The Ring Community Church

• Worship Service o Sunday, 5:00 p.m. – all buildings

MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING THE RING COMMUNITY CHURCH OCTOBER 2011 This Memorandum of Understanding between Grace Baptist Church and The Ring Community Church provides a frame of reference that can help structure the relationship between the two congregations. We understand that the two congregations will remain separate and autonomous in every area of church life. At this point in time, there are no intentions to merge the two congregations. We understand that The Ring Community Church will rent the full facility from Grace Baptist Church each Sunday from 2:00pm to 8:00pm, and office space during the week. Outside of these designated times, space may be used, pending the approval of the Grace Baptist Church staff. If Grace Baptist Church wants to use the facility during these designated times, we understand they will give one months notice to The Ring Community Church so that meeting times can be adjusted and communicated thoroughly. We understand that The Ring Community Church will pay $500 per month for use of the facility. Other financial contributions will be made by The Ring Community Church as various situations arise that benefit both congregations; including, but not limited to, childcare items, maintenance, and sound equipment. We understand that The Ring Community Church will carry their own insurance policy, covering all activities that will take place at the Grace Baptist Church facility. We understand that either congregation can opt out of this arrangement, provided the primary decision makers (Leadership Team of Grace Baptist Church or Elders of The Ring Community Church) are in agreement. If The Ring Community Church decides to relocate, we understand that they will continue to pay rent for six months, or until an agreed upon date, in order to not affect Grace Baptist Churchʼs budget in an adverse way. If Grace Baptist Church decides to opt out of this arrangement, we understand that they will give The Ring Community Church six months to find a new place to meet and make the transition. We understand that this document is flexible and can be altered by the leaders of the two congregations. Any alterations to this document must be approved by a majority of the Leadership Team of Grace Baptist Church and also by a majority of The Ring Community Church Elders.

PROPOSED COVENANT FOR GRACE BAPTIST CHURCH Having been brought by divine grace to repent and believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and to surrender our lives to Him, and having been baptized by immersion as Christians in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, we covenant with one another as one body in Christ to glorify God by making disciples of Jesus among all ethnic groups in our city and world. Jn. 6:44; Acts 3:19, 16:31, 17:30, 20:21; Rom. 10:9-10; Eph. 2:8-10; Lk. 14:25-33; Jn. 3:3; Acts 8:38, Acts 10:44-48; Matt. 28:19; Rom. 6:1-4; Isa. 43:7; 1 Cor. 10:31; Matt. 28:18-20; 2 Tim. 2:2; Ps. 67:1-2; Rev. 7:9-10

Standing firm in one spirit, with one mind, working side by side for the faith of the gospel, we gladly affirm our commitment to God and one another:

! We will gather regularly to exalt Christ and edify one another. (Hebrews 10.24-25)

! We will devote ourselves to prayer and the study the Scriptures for the purpose of growing in

faith and holiness in Christ. (Hebrews 12.1-2; Matthew 22.36-37; Luke 24.32)

! We will use our spiritual gifts to build up one another and serve our community. (Ephesians 4.11-13; 1 Corinthians 12)

! We will contribute our resources cheerfully and regularly to support our ministries, expenses, the relief of the poor and the spread of the Gospel through our city and world. (2 Corinthians 8-9)

! We will exercise our Christian liberty with responsibility, remembering that Holy Spirit empowers and equips us to live a new and holy life. (Romans 14)

! We will build Gospel-centered homes where the husband joyfully lays down his life for his family, and his wife and children respectfully submit to his sacrificial love. (Ephesians 5; Colossians 3.18-21)

! We will support the orphans, widows and single-parent homes that are represented among us. (James 1.27)

! We affirm that physical and emotional intimacy on a romantic level is to be enjoyed by one man and one woman united in a covenant of marriage. (Genesis 1.18, 23-25; Matthew 19.5)

! We will walk together as Godʼs Family through all seasons of life, no matter what struggles or victories may come our way. (Galatians 6.1-5)

! We will honor one another in every private and public conversation. (Colossians 3.8,9-11)

! Because selfishness makes us prone to easily offend and be offended, we will quickly resolve conflict according to the model established in Matthew chapters 5, 18 and Colossians 3.12-14.

! We will invest ourselves in the lives of others, and will open up our own lives for others to invest in us. (2 Timothy 2.2)

! We will regularly engage our unbelieving friends and family in Gospel-centered conversations

and acts of hospitality. (Matthew 28.19-20; Romans 12)

! We will submit to the spiritual leadership of this congregation, always remembering to pray for those who will give an account of how they cared for our souls. (Hebrews 13.17)

! Should Providence move us from this place we will join another local congregation that values, teaches and practices the Word of God as recorded in the Scriptures. (1 Timothy 3.16)

May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with us now and forevermore. Amen.

SCRIPTURES CULTURAL CONTEXT

SIMPLE!Read the Book and value it.!Love God with all your heart, soul & mind.

!Meet people and value them.!Love others with same intensity you love self.

INTENTIONAL!Expositional Preaching!Sunday School / Bible Study!Equipping Classes

!Learn to analyze various situations:

!Strengths?!Weaknesses?!Opportunities?!Threats?

TRANSFERRABLE Being disciples who develop a culture of making disciples.

For Godʼs Glory and Our Good:

Spiritual Renewal(people, homes, communities)

Social Renewal (the arts, biz, edu, politics, etc.)

The Baptist Faith and Message

I. The Scriptures

The Holy Bible was written by men divinely inspired and is God's revelation of Himself to man. It

is a perfect treasure of divine instruction. It has God for its author, salvation for its end, and truth,

without any mixture of error, for its matter. Therefore, all Scripture is totally true and trustworthy. It

reveals the principles by which God judges us, and therefore is, and will remain to the end of the

world, the true center of Christian union, and the supreme standard by which all human conduct,

creeds, and religious opinions should be tried. All Scripture is a testimony to Christ, who is

Himself the focus of divine revelation.

Exodus 24:4; Deuteronomy 4:1-2; 17:19; Joshua 8:34; Psalms 19:7-10; 119:11,89,105,140;

Isaiah 34:16; 40:8; Jeremiah 15:16; 36:1-32; Matthew 5:17-18; 22:29; Luke 21:33; 24:44-46; John

5:39; 16:13-15; 17:17; Acts 2:16ff.; 17:11; Romans 15:4; 16:25-26; 2 Timothy 3:15-17; Hebrews

1:1-2; 4:12; 1 Peter 1:25; 2 Peter 1:19-21.

II. God

There is one and only one living and true God. He is an intelligent, spiritual, and personal Being,

the Creator, Redeemer, Preserver, and Ruler of the universe. God is infinite in holiness and all

other perfections. God is all powerful and all knowing; and His perfect knowledge extends to all

things, past, present, and future, including the future decisions of His free creatures. To Him we

owe the highest love, reverence, and obedience. The eternal triune God reveals Himself to us as

Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, with distinct personal attributes, but without division of nature,

essence, or being.

A. God the Father

God as Father reigns with providential care over His universe, His creatures, and the flow of the

stream of human history according to the purposes of His grace. He is all powerful, all knowing,

all loving, and all wise. God is Father in truth to those who become children of God through faith

in Jesus Christ. He is fatherly in His attitude toward all men.

Genesis 1:1; 2:7; Exodus 3:14; 6:2-3; 15:11ff.; 20:1ff.; Leviticus 22:2; Deuteronomy 6:4; 32:6; 1

Chronicles 29:10; Psalm 19:1-3; Isaiah 43:3,15; 64:8; Jeremiah 10:10; 17:13; Matthew 6:9ff.;

7:11; 23:9; 28:19; Mark 1:9-11; John 4:24; 5:26; 14:6-13; 17:1-8; Acts 1:7; Romans 8:14-15; 1

Corinthians 8:6; Galatians 4:6; Ephesians 4:6; Colossians 1:15; 1 Timothy 1:17; Hebrews 11:6;

12:9; 1 Peter 1:17; 1 John 5:7.

B. God the Son

Christ is the eternal Son of God. In His incarnation as Jesus Christ He was conceived of the Holy

Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. Jesus perfectly revealed and did the will of God, taking upon

Himself human nature with its demands and necessities and identifying Himself completely with

mankind yet without sin. He honored the divine law by His personal obedience, and in His

substitutionary death on the cross He made provision for the redemption of men from sin. He was

raised from the dead with a glorified body and appeared to His disciples as the person who was

with them before His crucifixion. He ascended into heaven and is now exalted at the right hand of

God where He is the One Mediator, fully God, fully man, in whose Person is effected the

reconciliation between God and man. He will return in power and glory to judge the world and to

consummate His redemptive mission. He now dwells in all believers as the living and ever

present Lord.

Genesis 18:1ff.; Psalms 2:7ff.; 110:1ff.; Isaiah 7:14; 53; Matthew 1:18-23; 3:17; 8:29; 11:27;

14:33; 16:16,27; 17:5; 27; 28:1-6,19; Mark 1:1; 3:11; Luke 1:35; 4:41; 22:70; 24:46; John 1:1-

18,29; 10:30,38; 11:25-27; 12:44-50; 14:7-11; 16:15-16,28; 17:1-5, 21-22; 20:1-20,28; Acts 1:9;

2:22-24; 7:55-56; 9:4-5,20; Romans 1:3-4; 3:23-26; 5:6-21; 8:1-3,34; 10:4; 1 Corinthians 1:30;

2:2; 8:6; 15:1-8,24-28; 2 Corinthians 5:19-21; 8:9; Galatians 4:4-5; Ephesians 1:20; 3:11; 4:7-10;

Philippians 2:5-11; Colossians 1:13-22; 2:9; 1 Thessalonians 4:14-18; 1 Timothy 2:5-6; 3:16;

Titus 2:13-14; Hebrews 1:1-3; 4:14-15; 7:14-28; 9:12-15,24-28; 12:2; 13:8; 1 Peter 2:21-25; 3:22;

1 John 1:7-9; 3:2; 4:14-15; 5:9; 2 John 7-9; Revelation 1:13-16; 5:9-14; 12:10-11; 13:8; 19:16.

C. God the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of God, fully divine. He inspired holy men of old to write the Scriptures.

Through illumination He enables men to understand truth. He exalts Christ. He convicts men of

sin, of righteousness, and of judgment. He calls men to the Saviour, and effects regeneration. At

the moment of regeneration He baptizes every believer into the Body of Christ. He cultivates

Christian character, comforts believers, and bestows the spiritual gifts by which they serve God

through His church. He seals the believer unto the day of final redemption. His presence in the

Christian is the guarantee that God will bring the believer into the fullness of the stature of Christ.

He enlightens and empowers the believer and the church in worship, evangelism, and service.

Genesis 1:2; Judges 14:6; Job 26:13; Psalms 51:11; 139:7ff.; Isaiah 61:1-3; Joel 2:28-32;

Matthew 1:18; 3:16; 4:1; 12:28-32; 28:19; Mark 1:10,12; Luke 1:35; 4:1,18-19; 11:13; 12:12;

24:49; John 4:24; 14:16-17,26; 15:26; 16:7-14; Acts 1:8; 2:1-4,38; 4:31; 5:3; 6:3; 7:55; 8:17,39;

10:44; 13:2; 15:28; 16:6; 19:1-6; Romans 8:9-11,14-16,26-27; 1 Corinthians 2:10-14; 3:16; 12:3-

11,13; Galatians 4:6; Ephesians 1:13-14; 4:30; 5:18; 1 Thessalonians 5:19; 1 Timothy 3:16; 4:1; 2

Timothy 1:14; 3:16; Hebrews 9:8,14; 2 Peter 1:21; 1 John 4:13; 5:6-7; Revelation 1:10; 22:17.

III. Man

Man is the special creation of God, made in His own image. He created them male and female as

the crowning work of His creation. The gift of gender is thus part of the goodness of God's

creation. In the beginning man was innocent of sin and was endowed by his Creator with freedom

of choice. By his free choice man sinned against God and brought sin into the human race.

Through the temptation of Satan man transgressed the command of God, and fell from his

original innocence whereby his posterity inherit a nature and an environment inclined toward sin.

Therefore, as soon as they are capable of moral action, they become transgressors and are

under condemnation. Only the grace of God can bring man into His holy fellowship and enable

man to fulfill the creative purpose of God. The sacredness of human personality is evident in that

God created man in His own image, and in that Christ died for man; therefore, every person of

every race possesses full dignity and is worthy of respect and Christian love.

Genesis 1:26-30; 2:5,7,18-22; 3; 9:6; Psalms 1; 8:3-6; 32:1-5; 51:5; Isaiah 6:5; Jeremiah 17:5;

Matthew 16:26; Acts 17:26-31; Romans 1:19-32; 3:10-18,23; 5:6,12,19; 6:6; 7:14-25; 8:14-18,29;

1 Corinthians 1:21-31; 15:19,21-22; Ephesians 2:1-22; Colossians 1:21-22; 3:9-11.

IV. Salvation

Salvation involves the redemption of the whole man, and is offered freely to all who accept Jesus

Christ as Lord and Saviour, who by His own blood obtained eternal redemption for the believer. In

its broadest sense salvation includes regeneration, justification, sanctification, and glorification.

There is no salvation apart from personal faith in Jesus Christ as Lord.

A. Regeneration, or the new birth, is a work of God's grace whereby believers become new

creatures in Christ Jesus. It is a change of heart wrought by the Holy Spirit through conviction of

sin, to which the sinner responds in repentance toward God and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.

Repentance and faith are inseparable experiences of grace.

Repentance is a genuine turning from sin toward God. Faith is the acceptance of Jesus Christ

and commitment of the entire personality to Him as Lord and Saviour.

B. Justification is God's gracious and full acquittal upon principles of His righteousness of all

sinners who repent and believe in Christ. Justification brings the believer unto a relationship of

peace and favor with God.

C. Sanctification is the experience, beginning in regeneration, by which the believer is set apart to

God's purposes, and is enabled to progress toward moral and spiritual maturity through the

presence and power of the Holy Spirit dwelling in him. Growth in grace should continue

throughout the regenerate person's life.

D. Glorification is the culmination of salvation and is the final blessed and abiding state of the

redeemed.

Genesis 3:15; Exodus 3:14-17; 6:2-8; Matthew 1:21; 4:17; 16:21-26; 27:22-28:6; Luke 1:68-69;

2:28-32; John 1:11-14,29; 3:3-21,36; 5:24; 10:9,28-29; 15:1-16; 17:17; Acts 2:21; 4:12; 15:11;

16:30-31; 17:30-31; 20:32; Romans 1:16-18; 2:4; 3:23-25; 4:3ff.; 5:8-10; 6:1-23; 8:1-18,29-39;

10:9-10,13; 13:11-14; 1 Corinthians 1:18,30; 6:19-20; 15:10; 2 Corinthians 5:17-20; Galatians

2:20; 3:13; 5:22-25; 6:15; Ephesians 1:7; 2:8-22; 4:11-16; Philippians 2:12-13; Colossians 1:9-22;

3:1ff.; 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24; 2 Timothy 1:12; Titus 2:11-14; Hebrews 2:1-3; 5:8-9; 9:24-28;

11:1-12:8,14; James 2:14-26; 1 Peter 1:2-23; 1 John 1:6-2:11; Revelation 3:20; 21:1-22:5.

V. God's Purpose of Grace

Election is the gracious purpose of God, according to which He regenerates, justifies, sanctifies,

and glorifies sinners. It is consistent with the free agency of man, and comprehends all the means

in connection with the end. It is the glorious display of God's sovereign goodness, and is infinitely

wise, holy, and unchangeable. It excludes boasting and promotes humility.

All true believers endure to the end. Those whom God has accepted in Christ, and sanctified by

His Spirit, will never fall away from the state of grace, but shall persevere to the end. Believers

may fall into sin through neglect and temptation, whereby they grieve the Spirit, impair their

graces and comforts, and bring reproach on the cause of Christ and temporal judgments on

themselves; yet they shall be kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation.

Genesis 12:1-3; Exodus 19:5-8; 1 Samuel 8:4-7,19-22; Isaiah 5:1-7; Jeremiah 31:31ff.; Matthew

16:18-19; 21:28-45; 24:22,31; 25:34; Luke 1:68-79; 2:29-32; 19:41-44; 24:44-48; John 1:12-14;

3:16; 5:24; 6:44-45,65; 10:27-29; 15:16; 17:6,12,17-18; Acts 20:32; Romans 5:9-10; 8:28-39;

10:12-15; 11:5-7,26-36; 1 Corinthians 1:1-2; 15:24-28; Ephesians 1:4-23; 2:1-10; 3:1-11;

Colossians 1:12-14; 2 Thessalonians 2:13-14; 2 Timothy 1:12; 2:10,19; Hebrews 11:39–12:2;

James 1:12; 1 Peter 1:2-5,13; 2:4-10; 1 John 1:7-9; 2:19; 3:2.

VI. The Church

A New Testament church of the Lord Jesus Christ is an autonomous local congregation of

baptized believers, associated by covenant in the faith and fellowship of the gospel; observing the

two ordinances of Christ, governed by His laws, exercising the gifts, rights, and privileges

invested in them by His Word, and seeking to extend the gospel to the ends of the earth. Each

congregation operates under the Lordship of Christ through democratic processes. In such a

congregation each member is responsible and accountable to Christ as Lord. Its scriptural

officers are pastors and deacons. While both men and women are gifted for service in the church,

the office of pastor is limited to men as qualified by Scripture.

The New Testament speaks also of the church as the Body of Christ which includes all of the

redeemed of all the ages, believers from every tribe, and tongue, and people, and nation.

Matthew 16:15-19; 18:15-20; Acts 2:41-42,47; 5:11-14; 6:3-6; 13:1-3; 14:23,27; 15:1-30; 16:5;

20:28; Romans 1:7; 1 Corinthians 1:2; 3:16; 5:4-5; 7:17; 9:13-14; 12; Ephesians 1:22-23; 2:19-22;

3:8-11,21; 5:22-32; Philippians 1:1; Colossians 1:18; 1 Timothy 2:9-14; 3:1-15; 4:14; Hebrews

11:39-40; 1 Peter 5:1-4; Revelation 2-3; 21:2-3.

VII. Baptism and the Lord's Supper

Christian baptism is the immersion of a believer in water in the name of the Father, the Son, and

the Holy Spirit. It is an act of obedience symbolizing the believer's faith in a crucified, buried, and

risen Saviour, the believer's death to sin, the burial of the old life, and the resurrection to walk in

newness of life in Christ Jesus. It is a testimony to his faith in the final resurrection of the dead.

Being a church ordinance, it is prerequisite to the privileges of church membership and to the

Lord's Supper.

The Lord's Supper is a symbolic act of obedience whereby members of the church, through

partaking of the bread and the fruit of the vine, memorialize the death of the Redeemer and

anticipate His second coming.

Matthew 3:13-17; 26:26-30; 28:19-20; Mark 1:9-11; 14:22-26; Luke 3:21-22; 22:19-20; John 3:23;

Acts 2:41-42; 8:35-39; 16:30-33; 20:7; Romans 6:3-5; 1 Corinthians 10:16,21; 11:23-29;

Colossians 2:12.

VIII. The Lord's Day

The first day of the week is the Lord's Day. It is a Christian institution for regular observance. It

commemorates the resurrection of Christ from the dead and should include exercises of worship

and spiritual devotion, both public and private. Activities on the Lord's Day should be

commensurate with the Christian's conscience under the Lordship of Jesus Christ.

Exodus 20:8-11; Matthew 12:1-12; 28:1ff.; Mark 2:27-28; 16:1-7; Luke 24:1-3,33-36; John 4:21-

24; 20:1,19-28; Acts 20:7; Romans 14:5-10; I Corinthians 16:1-2; Colossians 2:16; 3:16;

Revelation 1:10.

IX. The Kingdom

The Kingdom of God includes both His general sovereignty over the universe and His particular

kingship over men who willfully acknowledge Him as King. Particularly the Kingdom is the realm

of salvation into which men enter by trustful, childlike commitment to Jesus Christ. Christians

ought to pray and to labor that the Kingdom may come and God's will be done on earth. The full

consummation of the Kingdom awaits the return of Jesus Christ and the end of this age.

Genesis 1:1; Isaiah 9:6-7; Jeremiah 23:5-6; Matthew 3:2; 4:8-10,23; 12:25-28; 13:1-52; 25:31-46;

26:29; Mark 1:14-15; 9:1; Luke 4:43; 8:1; 9:2; 12:31-32; 17:20-21; 23:42; John 3:3; 18:36; Acts

1:6-7; 17:22-31; Romans 5:17; 8:19; 1 Corinthians 15:24-28; Colossians 1:13; Hebrews 11:10,16;

12:28; 1 Peter 2:4-10; 4:13; Revelation 1:6,9; 5:10; 11:15; 21-22.

X. Last Things

God, in His own time and in His own way, will bring the world to its appropriate end. According to

His promise, Jesus Christ will return personally and visibly in glory to the earth; the dead will be

raised; and Christ will judge all men in righteousness. The unrighteous will be consigned to Hell,

the place of everlasting punishment. The righteous in their resurrected and glorified bodies will

receive their reward and will dwell forever in Heaven with the Lord.

Isaiah 2:4; 11:9; Matthew 16:27; 18:8-9; 19:28; 24:27,30,36,44; 25:31-46; 26:64; Mark 8:38; 9:43-

48; Luke 12:40,48; 16:19-26; 17:22-37; 21:27-28; John 14:1-3; Acts 1:11; 17:31; Romans 14:10;

1 Corinthians 4:5; 15:24-28,35-58; 2 Corinthians 5:10; Philippians 3:20-21; Colossians 1:5; 3:4; 1

Thessalonians 4:14-18; 5:1ff.; 2 Thessalonians 1:7ff.; 2; 1 Timothy 6:14; 2 Timothy 4:1,8; Titus

2:13; Hebrews 9:27-28; James 5:8; 2 Peter 3:7ff.; 1 John 2:28; 3:2; Jude 14; Revelation 1:18;

3:11; 20:1-22:13.

XI. Evangelism and Missions

It is the duty and privilege of every follower of Christ and of every church of the Lord Jesus Christ

to endeavor to make disciples of all nations. The new birth of man's spirit by God's Holy Spirit

means the birth of love for others. Missionary effort on the part of all rests thus upon a spiritual

necessity of the regenerate life, and is expressly and repeatedly commanded in the teachings of

Christ. The Lord Jesus Christ has commanded the preaching of the gospel to all nations. It is the

duty of every child of God to seek constantly to win the lost to Christ by verbal witness

undergirded by a Christian lifestyle, and by other methods in harmony with the gospel of Christ.

Genesis 12:1-3; Exodus 19:5-6; Isaiah 6:1-8; Matthew 9:37-38; 10:5-15; 13:18-30, 37-43; 16:19;

22:9-10; 24:14; 28:18-20; Luke 10:1-18; 24:46-53; John 14:11-12; 15:7-8,16; 17:15; 20:21; Acts

1:8; 2; 8:26-40; 10:42-48; 13:2-3; Romans 10:13-15; Ephesians 3:1-11; 1 Thessalonians 1:8; 2

Timothy 4:5; Hebrews 2:1-3; 11:39-12:2; 1 Peter 2:4-10; Revelation 22:17.

XII. Education

Christianity is the faith of enlightenment and intelligence. In Jesus Christ abide all the treasures of

wisdom and knowledge. All sound learning is, therefore, a part of our Christian heritage. The new

birth opens all human faculties and creates a thirst for knowledge. Moreover, the cause of

education in the Kingdom of Christ is co-ordinate with the causes of missions and general

benevolence, and should receive along with these the liberal support of the churches. An

adequate system of Christian education is necessary to a complete spiritual program for Christ's

people.

In Christian education there should be a proper balance between academic freedom and

academic responsibility. Freedom in any orderly relationship of human life is always limited and

never absolute. The freedom of a teacher in a Christian school, college, or seminary is limited by

the pre-eminence of Jesus Christ, by the authoritative nature of the Scriptures, and by the distinct

purpose for which the school exists.

Deuteronomy 4:1,5,9,14; 6:1-10; 31:12-13; Nehemiah 8:1-8; Job 28:28; Psalms 19:7ff.; 119:11;

Proverbs 3:13ff.; 4:1-10; 8:1-7,11; 15:14; Ecclesiastes 7:19; Matthew 5:2; 7:24ff.; 28:19-20; Luke

2:40; 1 Corinthians 1:18-31; Ephesians 4:11-16; Philippians 4:8; Colossians 2:3,8-9; 1 Timothy

1:3-7; 2 Timothy 2:15; 3:14-17; Hebrews 5:12-6:3; James 1:5; 3:17.

XIII. Stewardship

God is the source of all blessings, temporal and spiritual; all that we have and are we owe to Him.

Christians have a spiritual debtorship to the whole world, a holy trusteeship in the gospel, and a

binding stewardship in their possessions. They are therefore under obligation to serve Him with

their time, talents, and material possessions; and should recognize all these as entrusted to them

to use for the glory of God and for helping others. According to the Scriptures, Christians should

contribute of their means cheerfully, regularly, systematically, proportionately, and liberally for the

advancement of the Redeemer's cause on earth.

Genesis 14:20; Leviticus 27:30-32; Deuteronomy 8:18; Malachi 3:8-12; Matthew 6:1-4,19-21;

19:21; 23:23; 25:14-29; Luke 12:16-21,42; 16:1-13; Acts 2:44-47; 5:1-11; 17:24-25; 20:35;

Romans 6:6-22; 12:1-2; 1 Corinthians 4:1-2; 6:19-20; 12; 16:1-4; 2 Corinthians 8-9; 12:15;

Philippians 4:10-19; 1 Peter 1:18-19.

XIV. Cooperation

Christ's people should, as occasion requires, organize such associations and conventions as may

best secure cooperation for the great objects of the Kingdom of God. Such organizations have no

authority over one another or over the churches. They are voluntary and advisory bodies

designed to elicit, combine, and direct the energies of our people in the most effective manner.

Members of New Testament churches should cooperate with one another in carrying forward the

missionary, educational, and benevolent ministries for the extension of Christ's Kingdom.

Christian unity in the New Testament sense is spiritual harmony and voluntary cooperation for

common ends by various groups of Christ's people. Cooperation is desirable between the various

Christian denominations, when the end to be attained is itself justified, and when such

cooperation involves no violation of conscience or compromise of loyalty to Christ and His Word

as revealed in the New Testament.

Exodus 17:12; 18:17ff.; Judges 7:21; Ezra 1:3-4; 2:68-69; 5:14-15; Nehemiah 4; 8:1-5; Matthew

10:5-15; 20:1-16; 22:1-10; 28:19-20; Mark 2:3; Luke 10:1ff.; Acts 1:13-14; 2:1ff.; 4:31-37; 13:2-3;

15:1-35; 1 Corinthians 1:10-17; 3:5-15; 12; 2 Corinthians 8-9; Galatians 1:6-10; Ephesians 4:1-

16; Philippians 1:15-18.

XV. The Christian and the Social Order

All Christians are under obligation to seek to make the will of Christ supreme in our own lives and

in human society. Means and methods used for the improvement of society and the

establishment of righteousness among men can be truly and permanently helpful only when they

are rooted in the regeneration of the individual by the saving grace of God in Jesus Christ. In the

spirit of Christ, Christians should oppose racism, every form of greed, selfishness, and vice, and

all forms of sexual immorality, including adultery, homosexuality, and pornography. We should

work to provide for the orphaned, the needy, the abused, the aged, the helpless, and the sick. We

should speak on behalf of the unborn and contend for the sanctity of all human life from

conception to natural death. Every Christian should seek to bring industry, government, and

society as a whole under the sway of the principles of righteousness, truth, and brotherly love. In

order to promote these ends Christians should be ready to work with all men of good will in any

good cause, always being careful to act in the spirit of love without compromising their loyalty to

Christ and His truth.

Exodus 20:3-17; Leviticus 6:2-5; Deuteronomy 10:12; 27:17; Psalm 101:5; Micah 6:8; Zechariah

8:16; Matthew 5:13-16,43-48; 22:36-40; 25:35; Mark 1:29-34; 2:3ff.; 10:21; Luke 4:18-21; 10:27-

37; 20:25; John 15:12; 17:15; Romans 12–14; 1Corinthians 5:9-10; 6:1-7; 7:20-24; 10:23-11:1;

Galatians 3:26-28; Ephesians 6:5-9; Colossians 3:12-17; 1 Thessalonians 3:12; Philemon; James

1:27; 2:8.

XVI. Peace and War

It is the duty of Christians to seek peace with all men on principles of righteousness. In

accordance with the spirit and teachings of Christ they should do all in their power to put an end

to war.

The true remedy for the war spirit is the gospel of our Lord. The supreme need of the world is the

acceptance of His teachings in all the affairs of men and nations, and the practical application of

His law of love. Christian people throughout the world should pray for the reign of the Prince of

Peace.

Isaiah 2:4; Matthew 5:9,38-48; 6:33; 26:52; Luke 22:36,38; Romans 12:18-19; 13:1-7; 14:19;

Hebrews 12:14; James 4:1-2.

XVII. Religious Liberty

God alone is Lord of the conscience, and He has left it free from the doctrines and

commandments of men which are contrary to His Word or not contained in it. Church and state

should be separate. The state owes to every church protection and full freedom in the pursuit of

its spiritual ends. In providing for such freedom no ecclesiastical group or denomination should be

favored by the state more than others. Civil government being ordained of God, it is the duty of

Christians to render loyal obedience thereto in all things not contrary to the revealed will of God.

The church should not resort to the civil power to carry on its work. The gospel of Christ

contemplates spiritual means alone for the pursuit of its ends. The state has no right to impose

penalties for religious opinions of any kind. The state has no right to impose taxes for the support

of any form of religion. A free church in a free state is the Christian ideal, and this implies the right

of free and unhindered access to God on the part of all men, and the right to form and propagate

opinions in the sphere of religion without interference by the civil power.

Genesis 1:27; 2:7; Matthew 6:6-7,24; 16:26; 22:21; John 8:36; Acts 4:19-20; Romans 6:1-2; 13:1-

7; Galatians 5:1,13; Philippians 3:20; 1 Timothy 2:1-2; James 4:12; 1 Peter 2:12-17; 3:11-17;

4:12-19.

XVIII. The Family

God has ordained the family as the foundational institution of human society. It is composed of

persons related to one another by marriage, blood, or adoption.

Marriage is the uniting of one man and one woman in covenant commitment for a lifetime. It is

God's unique gift to reveal the union between Christ and His church and to provide for the man

and the woman in marriage the framework for intimate companionship, the channel of sexual

expression according to biblical standards, and the means for procreation of the human race.

The husband and wife are of equal worth before God, since both are created in God's image. The

marriage relationship models the way God relates to His people. A husband is to love his wife as

Christ loved the church. He has the God-given responsibility to provide for, to protect, and to lead

his family. A wife is to submit herself graciously to the servant leadership of her husband even as

the church willingly submits to the headship of Christ. She, being in the image of God as is her

husband and thus equal to him, has the God-given responsibility to respect her husband and to

serve as his helper in managing the household and nurturing the next generation.

Children, from the moment of conception, are a blessing and heritage from the Lord. Parents are

to demonstrate to their children God's pattern for marriage. Parents are to teach their children

spiritual and moral values and to lead them, through consistent lifestyle example and loving

discipline, to make choices based on biblical truth. Children are to honor and obey their parents.

Genesis 1:26-28; 2:15-25; 3:1-20; Exodus 20:12; Deuteronomy 6:4-9; Joshua 24:15; 1 Samuel

1:26-28; Psalms 51:5; 78:1-8; 127; 128; 139:13-16; Proverbs 1:8; 5:15-20; 6:20-22; 12:4; 13:24;

14:1; 17:6; 18:22; 22:6,15; 23:13-14; 24:3; 29:15,17; 31:10-31; Ecclesiastes 4:9-12; 9:9; Malachi

2:14-16; Matthew 5:31-32; 18:2-5; 19:3-9; Mark 10:6-12; Romans 1:18-32; 1 Corinthians 7:1-16;

Ephesians 5:21-33; 6:1-4; Colossians 3:18-21; 1 Timothy 5:8,14; 2 Timothy 1:3-5; Titus 2:3-5;

Hebrews 13:4; 1 Peter 3:1-7.

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