“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the one who falls and has no one to help him up!”
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
“They joined with the other believers and devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, sharing in the breaking of bread and prayer.”
Acts 2:42
“Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you…”
1 Timothy 4:14
“Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.”
Romans 12:4-5
“Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another…”
Hebrews 10:25
Water
Baptism
Does baptism save me?
No, you are saved by faith in the finished work of the cross. However, since Jesus commanded us (Matt. 28:19) to be baptized we should do everything in our power to be obedient. Martin Luther, the great reformationist, said this: “It is not the lack of baptism that condemns one to hell, but rather the refusal and hatred of baptism.”
What if I’m not ready to get baptized?
That depends on how you define “ready.” If you define “ready” as being perfect and having overcome sin, then you’ll never be ready! If you’ve begun a relationship with Jesus Christ, then you’re ready! Jesus commanded us to be baptized (Matt. 28:19). It was a commandment and not a suggestion. Also, Peter commanded it (Acts 2:38, 10:48). Throughout the book of Acts (which shows us how the first century church functioned), we see that believers were baptized immediately after salvation. There was no waiting around! If you are mature enough to accept Jesus as Lord and Savior, then you are mature enough to be baptized!
What about infant baptism?
Infant baptism is not mentioned anywhere in the Bible. It is a doctrine that was introduced hundreds of years after the first century church. Since the prerequisites for baptism are 1) believing (Mark 16:16) and 2) repentance (Acts 2:38), then obviously that disqualifies a baby since a baby cannot repent or believe. However, mature children as young as 5 years old that are making the decision for themselves may be baptized.
Is baptism done by immersion or sprinkling?
The very word “baptize” means “to immerse,” or “to submerge.” It comes from an ancient Greek recipe for pickling pickles. We love that because that means that you’re going to go in a cucumber and come out a dill! A transformation will take place! Therefore, sprinkling is unscriptural. Jesus was immersed in the river Jordan (Matt. 3:16) and the Ethiopian Eunuch was immersed by Philip (Acts 8:38-39).
What happens when I get baptized?
Baptism IDENTIFIES us with Christ’s death, burial and resurrection (Romans 6:3-5). The benefits of the cross and the resurrection become more real to you! There is powerful deliverance that takes place during baptism. After you get baptized, EXPECT a closer walk with the Lord. EXPECT greater freedom from sin, bondage and other things that have plagued you. The reality of Romans chapter six will become clearer to you.
If you would like to sign up to be baptized at CityLight or have further questions, please e-mail us at info@citylightnyc.com.
Tithes & Offerings
Generosity
Why Should I Tithe?
Tithing reflects a grateful heart that wants to give back to God a portion of what He has given us; in reality, what is already His. Tithing is our opportunity to show God that He is first in our lives. James 1:17 says that “every good and perfect gift is from above…,” so we have an opportunity to tangibly show God He is the “owner” of our finances by giving back to Him the first of what He gives us.
3 Reasons To Tithe
1. TITHING REFLECTS OUR HEARTS…
What is the most important thing to you? Jesus said in Matthew 6:21 that “where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” We can see the reality of that in the world today and the exaltation of the financially successful, and more personally you can see that by looking at your own checkbook.
Malachi 3:10
2. TITHING IS BIBLICAL
Long before tithing was a practice of the Israelite people, Cain and Abel, the second generation of the human race, brought an offering to the Lord. The Lord blessed Abel’s offering, but rejected Cain’s. Abel brought the “firstborn of his flock,” while Cain brought “some of the fruits of the soil” as an offering. God wants to be first. The following scriptures show how tithing is biblical.
Genesis 14:18-20, Genesis 28:22, Leviticus 27:30, & Deuteronomy 26:1-2
3. TITHING IS A BENEFIT
God’s kingdom is built on multiplication, not division. God uses the tithe as an investment where everyone involved gets a return on the investment. Obviously, the church and the kingdom are blessed, and yet God’s nature is to also bless the giver. This principle is highlighted in the passage below.
2 Chronicles 31:4-10
Statement Of Financial Accountability
Thank you for donating to CityLight Church.
At CityLight, we do not take your giving for granted. God commands us to tithe and give to the local church. He also exhorts the local church to use donated funds wisely, prudently, and for the purposes He chooses. Accordingly, we go to great lengths to make sound financial decisions.
Funds designated as “Tithes” and “Offerings” will be used for general church expenses. Such items include living expenses for our pastors and staff, operational expenses to run the church, and other administrative expenses. We endeavor to keep our overhead low every way we possibly can so we can sow into our city as much as possible. “Tithes” and “Offerings” may also be used for CityLight Local Compassion, our local outreach arm, and for donations to other partner organizations in New York City.
All funds designated for “Missions” will be deposited into a separate account created specifically for CityLight Global Compassion. We will never use “Missions” donations for operating expenses. If you’d like your donation to go to a specific ministry, please let us know and we will designate it accordingly.
We pray that God blesses you in your finances. God wants you blessed, so that you can be a blessing to others. Thank you for your radical generosity. It does not go unnoticed, and it will not go to waste.
“Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be food in My house, and try Me now in this,” says the Lord of hosts, “If I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you such blessing that there will not be room enough to receive it.” – Mal 3:10
Start Giving Today
Online Giving:
You may choose to give online through our secure online giving site. It’s safe, simple and secure: just click the Give button below to begin the process.
Giving by mail:
Simply send your check or money order (cash is not recommended) to CityLight Church P.O. Box 1025, New York, NY 10276
All contributions are 100% tax deductible. If you have any questions about giving to CityLight Church, please e-mail info@citylightnyc.com.