Assignment as Essay Example for Free

Assignment as Essay As part of the network security team, we will be proving IDI with a network security plan to mitigate the vulnerabilities that have been discovered. A secure site will be set up with network intrusion detection and network protection systems will be available to access via the internal network. Policies will be presented for remote access and the use of VPN. Also contained within this report will be strategies for hardening the network and mitigating risks. An updated network layout with increased network security to meet the current needs will be included. In the interest of business continuity, remote access will be utilized. User wishing access to internal network assets will only be able to access said assets with the use of a company issued laptop. We will make use of MAC address filtering to allow remote users access to the internal network via VPN. Each of the remote access laptops will have been loaded with VPN and have the MAC address added to the list on the MAC address filter. Users will be able to login to the VPN by using their local username and password. By making use of a VPN connection, users should be able to easily access the network assets. VPN connections are protected by SSL encryption which provides communication security over the internet. Each of the remote access laptops will be encrypted with McAfee safeboot encryption and all local data will remain encrypted until a valid login is entered. McAfee safeboot encryption requires additional login information to access the IDI internal network. At the present there is one web server for employees to access both internal and external sites. The network security team will be integrating a web server located within the internal network. This Web server will be accessible only from within IDI’s local area network. We will be using the layered security concept to protect IDI’s internal servers. An (IDS) intrusion detection system will be set up to send out alerts in the event of an intrusion and log all connections. An (IPS) intrusion prevention system will be set up to prevent the detected intrusions and will make use of MAC address filtering to deny or allow connections based off the MAC address or physical address of each machine. MAC address filtering will allow the servers to accept incoming traffic from predetermined hosts. To further secure the local area network, the network security team will be implementing the principle of least privilege in regards to the users. By using the principle of least privilege we will be preventing multiple forms of malicious or accidental risks by only giving the user the permissions and privileges necessary to complete their job. Microsoft’s default security software is commonly used and well known making the vulnerabilities well known, which would make it easier for a hacker to plan out an attack. Third party antivirusmalware and firewall software will be used on all machines. The servers located within the network will make use of a statefull firewall to monitor and filter all traffic on the network by scanning for congruence between data packets. The public facing servers used to connect the internal webserver to the customer website are contained within the demilitarized zone. Due to the demilitarized zones proximity to the wide area network, we will be taking a layered security approach. There will be a statefull firewall located between the router and the demilitarized zone. This firewall will protect the internal network via the LAN-to-WAN connection by performing in-depth packet inspection and closely monitoring the LAN’s inbound and outbound traffic. A stateless physical firewall device will be in place between the internet service provider and the demilitarized zone. This firewall hardware will allow for larger amounts of inbound and outbound traffic. The demilitarized zone will make use of both an IDS and IPS to handle any intrusions within this part of the network. Current IDI Network Weaknesses/vulnerabilities Logisuite 4. 2.2 has been installed 10 years ago, has not been upgraded, however over 350 modifications have been made, and license is expired RouteSim- The destination delivery program is used to simulate routes, costs and profits , it is not integrated into Logisuite or oracle financials to take advantage of the databases for real-time currency valuation and profit loss projections IDI needs to standardize office automation hardware and software currently there are about 600 workstations , 200 HP, 150 Toshibas, 175 IBM, 50 dell, rest are apple PowerBooks without CAD software available Software ranges from various antique word processing packages of which are incompatible for integration with each other, causing transfer of files to become corrupt when opened by incompatible software Polices exist that prohibit the introduction of personal devices, many executives have had administrators install clients on their unsupported non-standard personal laptops, pcs, ws that interface with internet with little or no personal protection WAN was designed by MCI in early 2000’s which has not been upgraded since data rate increases have occurred in Asia and Brazil has been distressed. Between September and March (peak hours) capacity is insufficient, customers are lost due to dropped connections and abandoned shopping baskets, further reducing growth and revenue Telecommunications – limited Mitel SX-2000 private automatic branch exchange (PABX) that only provides voicemail and call forwarding Current IDI Strengths Sao Paulo is presently the strongest link in the chain. Sao Paulo Brazil is a model of standardization; all other sites will be modeled after this site. The Sao Paulo office includes the following setup 30 MS windows for file and print 4 Linux (Unix) servers for major production applications 2 Linux (Unix) servers with the internet zone with juniper high-speed switches and routers A storage area network based on EMC CLARiiON SAP R/3(ECC6-Portal based apps) Up-to-date security policies although in Spanish The telephone system provided by SP Telesis- one of the four competing providers in the metropolitan city The NEC NEAX 2400 Series PABX used for internal and external communications

Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) SWOT and PESTLE

Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) SWOT and PESTLE INTRODUCTION The main theme of this assignment is to critically analyse Pakistan International Airline and to appraise the level of effectiveness of the organisation. It includes strategic, financial and resource management analysis. This is carried out in three parts. Overall strategic position is scrutinized and external and internal environment is evaluated through different models such as  SWOT  and PESTLE STEEP analysis in the first part of an assignment. The second part is an overall review of human resource management in PIA and different approaches for their employees retention and performance are thoroughly assessed as to point out their weaknesses and reasons for those flaws in overall system. The final part is the ratio analysis which helps in analysing the financial position of the business and impact of resource management decisions on organisations growth and stability. INTRODUCTION OF PIA: Pakistan International Airlines Corporation (PIAC) is the premium airline of Pakistan with its head office on the grounds of Jinnah International Airport in Karachi. PIA is one of the largest airlines in Asia, operating scheduled services to 24 domestic destinations and 39 international destinations in 25 countries across Asia, Europe and North America. Its main bases are at Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad. (Khan A., 2008). ANALYSIS OF RELATIONSHIP OF STRATEGIC LEVEL PLANNING AND LOWER LEVEL Relationship between higher and lower levels of management is that Planning is done at higher level and execution is done by the lower level but the lower management is not involved in any decision making and planning in PIA. In fact its Lower management just plays role in gathering information for each step of strategic planning. Mission Statement: PIA Corporation has stated its mission statement as a symbol of national pride, aspired to be an airline of choice, operating profitably on modern commercial concepts and capable of competing with the best in the International as well as Domestic markets (www.piac.com.pk, accessed date: 08/10/2010) Mission statement of PIA is mentioned in a way that: Employee team will contribute towards making PIA a global airline of choice through: Offering quality customer services and innovative products. Using state of art technologies. Ensuring cost effective measures in procurement and operations. Developing safety cultures. On Jan 15, 2010 strategic objectives of PIA were given in 33rd BOD meeting i.e. Introduction of new additional flights, real time tax revenue management system Introduction and success of Pakistan remittance initiative Increasing market share by 5 % Successful monitoring of routes In PIA Mission and objectives are set by the higher management for the overall organization that provides track to middle and lower level employees so that they can bring the company at an established position because Higher management can not directly take part in improving customer satisfaction so team work is required from ticket reservation to landing of plane. Employees work in different teams such as office staff, ground staff, cabin crew and flight attendants as to perform day to day operations and to achieve overall objectives and mission. 2.2 Environmental Scanning: Goal achievement of any company is greatly influenced by the overall environment, so in PIA before doing strategic planning higher management also scans over all environment that involve internal and external environment both along with the analysis of firms industry. 2.3 Strategy Formulation: Management at the top level of PIA utilizes all the information gathered by the lower management and formulate its strategies by using its strengths and availing its opportunities to overcome its weaknesses and threats so as to create competitive edge in the airline industry. 2.4 Strategy Implementation: Implementation in any organization involves restructuring of firms resources and high level of motivation for lower and middle management. But in PIA strategy implementation becomes really complicated as they do not change their structures according to their new and modified strategies, and their employees are highly demotivated as their suggestions are not welcomed in formulating the strategies. Ultimately the strategies are misunderstood by them. 2.5 Evaluation and Control: Implementation of strategies are evaluated and controlled by PIAs higher management but they are very much rigid in making adjustments in their overall strategies. 2.6 Vision: PIA Corporation has stated its vision as To be fiercely competitive, consistently exceeding customer expectations and be the choice employer that embraces modern technology in all spheres of its activities. INFLUENCE OF VISION, MISSION, VALUES AND GOALS OF PIA OVER ITS STAKEHOLDERS Mission, vision, values and goals for PIA have great influence over its stakeholders that involves: 3.1 Customers: In the vision and mission statements of PIA; their customers expectations and satisfaction is highly focused so they are increasing their market demand by offering different services such as: Magazines like hamsafar and newspapers are given to all customers of PIA Different flyer programs also attract customers as they can get free tickets and excess baggage vouchers etc PIA continuously changes its plane design after every 3 years as to gain more and more customer attention PIA also introduces cargo service namely PIA Speedex. PIA is also doing brand marketing through sponsorship to become more and more popular e.g. PIA is sponsoring Shandur polo gala, ABN Amro patrons trophy, destination Pakistan 2007 festival PIA also supports non profit organizations like Al Shifa trust, Zindagi trust etc. PIA is also maintaining high safety culture for its customers 3.2 Employees: PIA believes in team work and without that they cannot achieve their goals and mission but they do not empower their employees to participate in decision making process so they are not involved in setting goals, vision and mission for their company. 3.3 Shareholders: PIA does not focus on shareholders income or their satisfaction in its vision and mission statements which shows its low level of interest. And it is proved by the fact that it is not achieving its goals so facing financial crisis that results in loss for its shareholders as share price decreases from 3.17 to 2.61 and loss was PAK Rs.5822 million in 2009. SWOT ANALYSIS 4.1 (S)TRENGTHS: Leading Market Position: According to Annual report of PIA (2008), PIA is one of Pakistans leading air carriers, with more than 800 daily flights. Around 150,000 passengers fly a month on PIA, making it one of the major operators in the domestic market in terms of passenger destination. PIAs international market share was 43.5%, In the Domestic market, its market share was 69.4%. On a system-wide basis, PIAs market share was 51.2% at the end of year 2009. Its strong market position is driven by consistently low fares as well as reliable service, frequent and convenient flights, use of new technologies like e-ticketing and self check-in terminals, comfortable cabins and superior customer service. Superior Operating Structure: PIA has maintained its position as the low cost carrier. It has been first class Pakistani airline to use the latest technology. Factors contributing consists of different series of Boeing and Airbus and an efficient, high-utilization and point- to-point route structure. Network Presence: PIA enjoys a global strong network and international destinations. The companys network includes three the major airports in Pakistan, as well as major international airport such as Dubai International Airport. Having a strong network means that PIA can generate traffic feed for both its domestic and international Flights. Effective Use Of Technology: PIA has successfully incorporated latest technology in all its systems, giving it an edge over competitors. PIA takes credit for introducing most new technologies to the Pakistani market. It was the second carrier in Pakistan to incorporate the c-ticketing system and the second in South Asia to introduce self check in systems at the Jinnah International Airport, Karachi. 4.2 (W)EAKNESSES: Worse Govt. Rules: The key policies, strategies and set of laws are designed by the upper management. The centralized system is one of the biggest obstacles of long term success of PIA. PIA centralizes structure lead to barrel between different level of management, decreased motivation, and hard access to information. Debt: PIA has a significant amount of 42 billion debts. Current and future debts could have important consequences for stakeholders of the company. Reliance On Oil Prices: PIAs sustainability, growth and revenues directly depend on oil prices. A steep rise in oil prices can seriously damage the long term viability of any airline. Recently many airlines around the world went bankrupt due to rising oil prices. Airlines need to hedge against this risk by taking proper measures. 4.3 (O)PPORTUNITIES: Having The Maximum Route And Fleet: PIA is having the maximum route and fleet domestic and international destinations network in Pakistan as compared to its Competitors. Route and fleet expansion will positively impact the companys operations by increasing revenues. Growing Demand For Low Cost Airlines: The growing demand for air travel is driven by lower fares and consumer confidence. A survey by International Aviation Authority showed that ticket price is the number one criterion for passengers when selecting a flight, well ahead of the availability of a non-stop service. Shifting Customer Needs: The needs of air passengers are increasingly changing, as they are becoming more and more price sensitive. If PIA succeeds in making its prices more competitive, then the company will be able to gain significant market share. Industry Recovery: Market analysts believe that the global airline industry will experience an upturn in fortunes over the next few years. This represents an opportunity for PIA, as it could generate increased revenues and command market share if it capitalizes on increases in demand. 4.4 (T)HREATS High Interest Rates: The past few years have seen State Bank of Pakistan impose high as well as low interest rates to check inflation and the overheating of Pakistani economy. Inflation in Pakistan may see another raise in the short-term. Strong Competition By Airblue: PIA is now competing against carriers such as Airblue and Shaheen Airline. PIA remains Airblues strongest competitor because of the huge market it has gained over time, strong brand image and customer loyalty. Interest And Foreign Currency Exchange Rates: Fluctuating foreign currency exchange rates can have a significant impact on PIAs earnings. For example, as PIA is providing its services to the UK. Negative or positive effects arise from exchange rate movements as change in expenses. PESTLE AND STEEP ANALYSIS PESTLE and STEEP factors including political, social, economic, technological, legal and environmental factors (Ireland R. et al 2008). (P)OLITICAL FACTORS: According to Ireland R. et al (2008), political factors always have a great influence on the way where businesses operate in the airline industry and the spending power of customers. Pakistan has achieved some political stability in recent years. If the management of PIA believes that the present government will perform well (consistently), then there will be more investment in the form of purchase of new airplanes and latest technology. (E)CONOMIC FACTORS: Currently, Airlines industry has three major players: PIA, an Airblue, Aero Asia and Shaheen Airlines. Their target market includes domestic travellers as well as Pakistanis living abroad particularly in the UK and USA. Economically, the new millennium has been highly volatile; the September 11 attacks revolutionized the whole world. Consequently, there was a global depression in the North America, South America, Australia and Europe. (S)OCIAL FACTORS: Customers are more aware of market conditions and available options and want to get best value for their money (Johnson Scholar, 2001). They spend considerable time and money on entertainment hence increasing the need of in-flight entertainment systems. Hajj attracts a huge number of customers. (T)ECHNOLOGICAL FACTORS: Major technological changes are taking place in the airlines industry with innovations in the reservations and booking systems. In-flight entertainment systems and auto check in counters are two examples of such innovations. Internet plays a key role in e-ticketing as consumer can easily reserve tickets or check the status of the flight. (L)EGAL FACTORS: Airlines legislations and policies have a direct impact on the performance of PIA. PIA has attacked new  legislation which will force them to pay greater compensation to customers in the event of overbooking, cancellations and delays. (E)NVIRONMENTAL FACTORS: PIA, as a symbol of national pride, should be a choice airline operating profitably on modern commercial concepts, capable of competing with the best in its entire international and domestic markets, consistently exceeding customer expectations. It should be a choice employer deploying modern technology in all spheres of its activities. APPROACHES TO HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT TO AID THE DEVELOPMENT OF BUSINESS STRATEGY With an understanding that global economic downturn and ever rising operating costs further exacerbated by fluctuating crude oil prices. According to Greg J. et al (2009), human resource practices should be focused in PIA to address whether a brighter future is possible through management practices that fully engage employees and achieve genuine partnerships with their unions to rescue an ailing airline. Failure to elicit employee commitment through human resource practices could mean that PIA is doomed to fail in competitive aviation industry in which private sector is increasing its market share by catering to customer satisfaction. Creating a culture in which employees are close-knit and where top management focuses on its personnel asset by taking care of them so that they are ready to face and respond to every days job challenges wont be easy unless PIA starts building better relationship at various levels within its hierarchical organization. When an organization nurtures values of friendliness and loyalty among its staff then eventually customers benefit from improved service quality and creating a customer-centric culture becomes relatively easy. High employee morale and high quality delivery of service to customers are both inter-related and inter-dependent variables and airlines like Southwest Airlines, SWA, that based its business model not only on its customers but also its employees satisfaction have seen its profits growing when others were all losing revenues in post 9/11 period. Human resource management department of PIA could be used as a valuable agent of change that creates a strategic partnership among different levels of management and improves collaboration between different departments by defining policies and procedures that eventually results in a higher level of service throughout the organization. Properly trained human resource professionals that not only understand intricacies of organizational culture but also possess knowledge of global aviation industry can create a work environment that promotes dignity and respect and prepares PIA for 21st century challenges. Turnaround of Continental Airlines that used human resource management as a tool of corporate strategy to alter its work and communication practices throughout the organization is another example of the pivotal role that human resource department in PIA can play to improve its brands strength and reverse its financial losses (Carrig 1997). To remain competitive in global market where technology can perform many of the operations traditionally performed by human agents, PIA needs to take some measures to reduce its workforce by utilizing technology to its benefit. Moving to online ticketing save us at least 8-9 per cent in costs, the managing director of PIA once said. This partially resolves over-employment that burdens companys dire financial condition. The next step should be online check-in for domestic and international flights. PIA should invest further in its website to offer options to amend itinerary as and when required. Political influence and interference that affects fairness of recruitment policies poses challenges for human resource management when they are forced to make decisions that does not align with PIAs strategy but serves political purposes. I cannot emphasize enough on the importance of transparent recruitment. PIA needs to learn the importance of hiring as its success depends on the ability and style of its people. An organization that is in desperate need of leadership and role models should decorate its headquarters walls by photographs of employees who conform and promote company policies by achieving excellence in their respected roles. This practice would encourage healthy competition within employees and they would work with more dedication to get recognized. PERFORMANCE AND REWARD MANAGEMENT INCLUDING THE ROLE OF PERFORMANCE APPRAISAL Nowadays according to my point of view any type of reward plays a vital role in employee performance either it is financial or non-financial .Financial includes increase salary benefits like medical, travel, children benefits , pension etc and non-financial are personal recognition , appreciation , promotion etc. PIA must conduct a employee survey in which first they identify the needs of different employees like what type of rewards PIA should provide them so that they can motivate and perform better to make it first choice . Performance Appraisal or Career development discussion is method by which the job performance of an employee is evaluated in term of qualitative, quantities, cost and time typically by super ordinate boss or supervisor Performance appraisal is a part of guiding and managing career development .It is the process of obtaining, analysing and recording information about the relative worth of an employee to the organization. Performance appraisal is an analysis of an employees recent success and failures personal strengths and weaknesses, and suitability for promotion or further training. It is also the judgement of an employees performance in the job based on considerations other than productivity alone. Its a tool by which management can give feed back on employees performance identify his/her training needs .Facilitate communication between employee and administration/management .It improve performance through counselling , coaching and development . Simply when ever you tell any body about his/her weakness strengths you he/she will perform better towards achieving organizational goals. STRATEGIES FOR EMPLOYEE DEVELOPMENT AND REDEVELOPMENT The study is intended to check the development of employees in the organization. A good development program and procedure are essential to achieve goal of the organization. To cope with poor performance and to retain employee and always keep them sustainable we have lots of strategies but what I found in my research that not all are play a vital role but someone plays a significant role (Svend Hollensen, 2005). Decentralization Employee will better develop in decentralized decision making where they feel they are part of team whenever you involve employee in decision making you can easily achieve you desire objective in better way (Jeston J. Neils J., 2006). If we talk about PIA (Pakistan international Airline) in PIA delegation of authority is limited due to centralized decision making .The authorities reserve the right to make decisions in Board meeting or you can say that only top level management can make decision in board meeting. The middle and lower level management is not allowed to speak for against the top level management whatever top level make or implement they have to follow the decision Job Rotations According to Price A. (2005), job rotation is organic part of development; it is practiced to allow qualified employees to gain more insights into the processes of a company and to reduce boredom and increase job satisfaction through job variation. More rotation more satisfies an employee. Job Rotation is not common in PIA (Pakistan International Airline) thats why PIA employees are not fully satisfy Feed back Feedback plays a vital role in development and Redevelopment of employee and retains them on the job (Mercer, 1996). People need feedback.Most people do not see themselves as others see them. Feedback is essential to learning. If people dont fully appreciate their strengths, how can they use them to their advantage? People who take a professional attitude toward their work want feedback. If we talk about PIA quarterly employee co-ordination meeting are held where all employees can share their views with their bosses and subordinates and subordinates take feedback from super ordinates it helps to reduce the conflicts within the organisation and employee satisfaction. Training and development Programs Training leads towards development and when employees skills more develop organisation can easily achieve its objectives training is essential to make employee more dynamic to perform task (Price A. 2005). Training is strategy to retain an employee in the organisation it is duty of top level management to review the performance appraisals of employee and if they feel lack any where they should provide proper training to cope with that problem. This strategy is some sort of investment on employee. When employee feels that company is investing on he/she they always try to perform better. Analysis of the Liquidity Ratio: It is apparent above chart that the PIA is running with a negative working capital in both financial years. Similarly the percentages of current quick and cash ratio are also very low that reveals the fact that the current asserts of the company is not enough to meet its current liabilities. Either it should be equal or above the maiden industry level or it should be in Positive Percentage. Leverages ratio shows the amount of debt utilized by the firm to finance its asserts (Wight R. et al, 2009). It can be either by using share holders equity or by the amount of borrowing. Leverage ratio of the PIA shows the greater amount of debt to finance its asserts. The figures of the activity ratio indicate the low credibility of the PIA in utilizing its assets to generate the sales. As it is apparent from the fact that ratios for both the years are quiet low and the company will require a greater period of time to convert its assets to generate sales. Analysis of Profitability Ratio: The financial statement shows a slight decline in the gross profit margin in the 1st quarter of year 10 over the previous year. Similarly there is slight increase for the Return on equity ratio, though it is low but as an investor it is somehow encouraging. On the other hand operating profit, net profit margin and return on assets are in real bad condition as they are in negative. CONCLUSION: Reason for PIA down fall is that the company is goal oriented instead of focusing on means used to achieve those goals. So the problem comes at the implementation stage as they are not people oriented, mean the company does not involve its middle and lower management in decision making. That is the reason weaknesses occur and they fail to cope their upcoming threats and unable to create competitive edge in their respective PIA has boosted in last few years. Corporate level is planning forward for next upcoming years. PIA has to changed organisational structure so that it can bring a change and motivation in employees. This will solve all the problems and conflicts among the company structure from corporate level down to the lower level. They should motivate their employees and as well as less the over head cost expenses and other expenses like labour cost .It should be like less input and high out put to improve the corporate level they should heir responsible people so that they are good in decision making and strategic planning. This can be only done by good marketing policies.

COMPUTER SECURITY ISSUES :: Essays Papers

COMPUTER SECURITY ISSUES Computer Security Issues Facing Alsager Ltd. In upgrading the Alsager Ltd IT facilities, despite numerous advantages that the new systems brings one has to be made aware of the possible threats posing. Virus can effect the system. They are pieces of codes created by hacker to create a nuisances and to another extreme corrupt valuable data. Examples of these can be animated icons flying pass the computer screen and to another extreme can be programmes designed to delete the hard drive. The Computer Virus can be caught through a number of ways. The most highly publicised way, is through the Internet, other ways are through removable storage media, such as floppy disks and zip drives. They can also be caught through computer networks, where a third party from another machine in the network introduces the virus (accidental or otherwise) which then spread throughout the network. The most unlikely way of virus contaminating the system is through malicious employees creating them on the system but this will be discussed later on. There are a number of precautions that can be taken to help prevent this. By simply making employees not to use mobile storage media unless they know where it has been, making them aware that pirated media , shareware/freeware programmes may be potentially dangerous. A talk and leaflet distribution to employees could be useful. If the Alsager decides to connect to the Internet, this would be another potential source for virus and such like. A firewall could be placed on the system to help prevent infection. A more immediate way of preventing virus is to subscribe to a antivirus programmes, although this will not give you 100% percent protection it will help prevent the majority of known virus. An important note to this point, is the importance of getting regular virus updates from the software manufacturer. With the introduction of the IT facilities, the amount of room information takes up is drastically reduced from a whole filing cabinet to a small hard drive. Information can be easily copied and since the advent of the Internet, information does not even have to be on a psychical media to leave the building. This therefore makes it much more easier to copy and take out valuable information. All the companies details, there accounts and their customers account are prone to the risk. A single person can take out all the information on a zip disk or even a floppy disk depending on the size of the file.

The European Balance :: Euros Money Finances Essays

The European Balance New Year’s Day 2002 had me in Dijon, France, where I first had possession of euros, the new common currency for 12 European nations. It was sunny out, and the automated teller machine was on the corner of a town square, where an old cathedral stood tall, peering over centuries of architectural variety. It was quite typical – very European, that is – because I felt myself on the brink of novelty amidst a haze of antiquity. It was like a stylish, young woman, donning Yves St. Laurent and swaying past the Pantheon in Paris; it was a suave Italian driving his Smart Car in front of La Scala. Europe has a penchant for surprising developments and we feel compelled to admire every swing of the Continental pendulum. At the hotel the concierge sat behind a wooden counter and methodically laid out the new coins for us to see. â€Å"500 years,† he said in a thick, French accent laden with exasperation. â€Å"[For] 500 years,† he repeated for emphasis and to finish his thought, â€Å" we have had the franc.† â€Å"To change to the euro – it is an enormous difficulty,† he told us. He shook his head while further expressing his dismay through the peculiar amalgam of a grunt and a sigh, one that can only be heard in France. Perhaps most amazingly, he managed to make this noise with a French accent. Several days later I arrived at Madrid’s Chamartin train station and I got into a taxi. After a few minutes of silence, the driver – an old man with his gray hair pulled back into a ponytail – asked me, â€Å"Pesetas [or] euros?† The whole motivation behind withdrawing euros in Dijon was to have cash immediately upon arrival in Spain; so here I was readying myself to pay for a Spanish taxi ride with money I could have just as easily used in eastern France, where I withdrew it. â€Å"Euros,† I replied to his question. â€Å"Euros,† he mocked with a snide, condescending tone. He punctuated his disgust with a slight chuckle – it was his way of telling me he did not see what the big deal was about this new currency. As far as he was concerned, the peseta was perfectly fine and the euro was an immature exercise in futility.

Honest government Essay

Government is made up of individuals of all personality types and of all character types. As with any profession, department or organization, some individuals are more honest than others. It would be impossible with the broad and encompassing area that government consists of to expect â€Å"honest government. † In addition, what each person perceives as â€Å"honest government† can differ. Some people feel if a politician promises not to increase taxes and then discovers after being elected into office that tax increases are necessary, this to some would be considered dishonesty in government. Others might see it as a different perspective with new information available that the government official didn’t have accessible when making the original statement. There is no way that we can see, hear and be a part of all of the decisions and choices that government makes. Often, one’s direct supervisor is not even capable of knowing what their staff is doing, let alone an entire city, county, state or national government. The checks and balance system of our federal government is proving itself to be almost completely useless so as individuals we cannot â€Å"be all† and â€Å"monitor all. † As long as we have dishonest people and as long as those people enter government positions, there will be dishonest government. However, as stated earlier, we all have our individual perceptions of what is honest and dishonest so that plays a part in how we see the government’s activities also. One website on government dishonesty stated, â€Å"If we intend to live under a government where truth is valued, it must be demanded of our leaders. Those who cannot or will not be truthful must be voted out of office† (Whose, 2007). Many government officials are voted in so I suppose this can possibly refer to those positions. However, not all government positions are elected into their positions. This statement also assumes the next person for the position will be more honest than the former which most of us know isn’t necessarily the case. In conclusion, I do not feel that completely honest government is possible when we are filling government positions with humans, and humans are not perfect nor are they always honest. Reference (2007). Whose fault is government dishonesty? Retrieved June 28, 2007, from University Times Web site: http://www. umpi. maine. edu/utimes/content/view/52/8/

The Amateur Marriage

Anne Tyler’s The Amateur Marriage is a novel depicting two mismatched spouses that continually fight for six decades. They each fail to form their own individual sense of identify. They also do not form a social sense of identity as a couple within a larger community. They each fight for superiority in the marriage as their identity. This paper will examine this long-term conflict, related to each spouse’s quest for individual identity. Several elements form the identity of an individual.Some are biological, stemming from ancestry in nationality, ethnic, and genetic backgrounds; and, from basic human needs of food, shelter, love, and recognition (Richland College, 2007). Other elements are social, including what groups a person joins or tries to join, religious background and conversions to other religions, political leanings, and careers and occupations. One also sees oneself in one way, while others see them in another, making up two identities that usually do not ful ly match.Further, an individual is a son/daughter, spouse/partner, parent, or other relative or friend of someone else, and these are identities as well. One interesting and very strong identity is the one arising from being in conflict with another person or group. Such a person may be, for example, anti child-abuse, anti war-with-Iraq; or against all that his neighbor who has insulted him stands for. The Father of Psychiatry, Sigmund Freud, taught that all identity is biologically developed, completed by the end of adolescence (Richland College, 2007).His student Erik Erickson broke away from Freud, believing that identity forms via social interactions as well as biological maturity throughout the lifespan, not ending in adolescence (ibid. ). Identity is an ongoing process. Erikson devised â€Å"Eight Stages of Man. † These include Trust (infant), Autonomy (toddler), Initiative (child), Identity (adolescent), Intimacy (young adult), Generativity (middle age), and Integrity (older age). Erickson believed that social environment combines with biology (aging) to give people sets of crises to resolve at each stage.Resolving them creates maturity, because one must resolve the crises of one level before going on to the next, or become stuck at the lower level, never to mature and always having the same type of problems, as the main couple in Tyler’s novel do. The couple Pauline and Michael Anton meets in pre-WWII Baltimore. Pauline jumps from a streetcar to join a patriotic parade and suffers a head gash, so she flings herself into Michael’s old family grocery store for help. A more reserved individual, Michael is taken aback by Pauline’s dramatic energy and falls instantly in love.Both in their early 20’s, they marry, but they do not pass adolescence and never develop intimacy. Mike goes to war, is shot in training, and comes straight home. He and Pauline have three children and move to the suburbs. They have numerous conflicts over the years and their marriage stagnates, because they are both stuck in childhood and adolescence, fighting over everything to be known as the winner and the superior partner. Pauline always flies off the handle emotionally, while Michael silently stews over things as mundane as whether it will get cold enough to snow.Nothing is ever solved over 60 years’ time, and the marriage and the individual Antons do not change or grow, either. They cut themselves off from the social interactions that would help them to grow. Their identity was formed by the time they married and never had a chance to develop further, because they would not allow it. They fight, each trying to win in order to be identified as the winner and the leader of the marriage. Then either would feel important, worthy, and adult. Unfortunately, it never happens. Mike is Polish Catholic, Pauline is WASP, and these disparate ethnic and religious identities are hard to meld into a marriage.Pauline believes that two souls should combine as one. Michael feels that they should remain distinct, but walk in the same direction. The marriage cannot work, because neither will learn additional new ways of thinking. Thus, for six decades, she is flighty, he is cold, and they remain constant in this. While marriages of their friends grow and develop via individual maturity and interactions as a couple through the usual give and take with a larger community, the Anton's marriage is stuck because of their feuding. Life passes them by, except for the problems.The Antons and their marriage cannot grow up. The author describes the friends’ growing marriages as fruit trees: â€Å"Marriages are like fruit trees†¦ After a time they meld, they grow together, and it doesn't matter how crazy the mix is, peaches on an apple tree or cherries on a plum tree; still if you tried to separate them you would cause a fatal wound. † Meanwhile, the Anton's marriage is a â€Å"gnarled, wizened, whiskery tree you see on windbeaten cliffs where there's not enough soil or water. † The marriage is anorexic, starving to death.Pauline, who once loved Mike’s reserved qualities â€Å"chafed daily at . . . his rigidity, his caution, his literal-mindedness . . . his reluctance to spend money, his suspicion of anything unfamiliar, his tendency to pass judgment . . . and his magical ability to make her seem hysterical† (p. 75). Michael’s opinion of Pauline becomes â€Å"a frantic, impossible woman, so unstable, even in good moods, with her exultant voice and glittery eyes, her dangerous excitement† (p. 167). Neither one is concerned with self-development, but only with criticizing the other.Over the decades, they become entrenched in these mindsets and unable to develop past their mid-twenties, psychologically. The miss all of the intimacy, generativity and integrity by holding onto adolescence. In identity, they are only â€Å"the fighting spouses. † When he does think about the marriage and where it is going, Mike sees that â€Å"all those young marrieds of the war years† have grown â€Å"wise and seasoned and comfortable in their roles, until only he and Pauline remained, as inexperienced as ever — the last couple left in the amateurs' parade† (p.168). He saw themselves as â€Å"more like brother and sister than husband and wife. This constant elbowing and competing, jockeying for position, glorying in I-told-you-so† (p. 168). Further, the Anton’s drug-abusing daughter Lindy sees the family as a stagnated hell, a â€Å"wretched, tangled knot, inward-turned, stunted, like a trapped fox chewing its own leg off† (p. 300). The marriage is stuck, as well as the family. In dysfunctional families, some members develop identities despite the stagnation and toxicity.The development of such an identity, a â€Å"hardy personality†, is described by Professor Suzanne Kobasa Ouellette of City University of New York (Richland College, 2007). Hardiness and its needed control, commitment, and challenge develop through attaining the following eight skills: 1. Recognize and tolerate anxiety and act anyway. 2. Separate fantasy from reality and tackle reality. 3. Set goals and establish priorities. 4. Project into the future and understand how today's choices affect the future. 5. Discriminate and make choices consistent with goals and values.6. Set boundaries and limits. 7. Ask assertively for wants and desires. 8. Trust self and own perceptions. Some dysfunctional people achieve these skills through study and counseling, but the Antons do not. Even when they decide to parent their small grandson Pagan, whom they rescue from the drug culture, they cannot reconcile their entrenched differences. Pauline believes their fights can be patched up in a â€Å"firefighting† management technique. Michael sees these fights as hellfire itself. Mike and Pauline decide just to toler ate each other, until Michael leaves.Even though it is possible to develop self-identities through conflict, Mike and Pauline are not able to do so, because they do not stop fighting in order to find social interactions as a couple (clubs, volunteer work, etc,), and counseling that would help them grow. They remain in the adolescent stage in their mid-60s. At this age and firmly entrenched in adolescence, it may or may not be too late for humans to grow further psychologically. REFERENCES Kriesberg, Lewis. , PhD. ‘ â€Å"Us† versus â€Å"Them. † ’ 2003.From the website of Beyond Intractability: A Free Knowledge Base on More Constructive Approaches to Destructive Conflict: http://www. beyondintractability. org/essay/identity_issues/ Retrieved Feb. 25 2007. Richland College. Dallas County Community College District. 12800 Abrams Road, Dallas, TX 75243-2199. â€Å"The Developmental Psychology of Erik Erikson. † From the Richland College website: http:/ /www. rlc. dcccd. edu/MATHSCI/anth/P101/DVLMENTL/ERIKSON. HTM/ Retrieved Feb 25 2007. Tyler, Anne. The Amateur Marriage. New York: Alfred A. Knopf. 2004

Baptism : Its Meaning and Functions

Baptism By Reshma Soodeen Caribbean Nazarene College In partial fulfilment of the requirements for Course: DT 200 Survey of Theology Lecturer: Mrs. Donnamie Ali Date: April 15, 2013 Introduction Baptism seems to be one of the most controversial points of doctrine and therefore, there are many traditions and teachings regarding the subject. According to Purkiser (1978), the concept of Baptism varies greatly in theological significance as well as mode. In terms of believes, the continuum extends from infant baptism to adult believer’s baptism.Some groups argue that full immersion into the water is necessary during baptism, while others argue that it is not. The idea and significance of Baptism varies tremendously in the different branches of the Christian churches. Baptism is mentioned several times in the bible. In Matthews 3:2-12, John preached to the Jews, that they should repent for their sins in preparation for the coming of the Kingdom. He spoke about Baptism with water as well as baptism with the Holy Spirit and fire. The belief is that Baptism accomplishes the washing away of sin.Acts 2:38, â€Å"†¦Then Peter said unto them, Repent , and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost†¦Ã¢â‚¬  The Bible also states that, on judgement day, Jesus will judge all who has lived, and separate the saved from the unsaved. The saved will go to eternal life in the Kingdom, while in unsaved will be cursed with eternal punishment. (Matt. 25:31-46). With this in mind, one can see the importance of finding the answer to the question, What can I do to be saved? Romans 3. 23 states that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.This means then that everyone is in need of salvation. According to Acts 4. 12, salvation comes through Jesus Christ alone. To be saved one must hear the good news of Jesus Christ (Romans 10:14), Believe that Jesus Christ is the son of Go d (Hebrews 11:6; Acts 8:37; Mark 16:16; John 8:24), Repent of our sins (Luke 13:3), Confess faith in Jesus Christ ( Romans 10:9), be Baptised (Acts 2:37-41; Peter 3:21; John 3:3-5; Acts 22:16; Romans 6:3-8; Colossians 2:12; Galatians 3:26-27; Mark 16:15-16 and Ephesians 4:5), remain faithful and carry one’s cross daily (Rev 2:10; Matt 24:13; Luke 9:23).In the most basic terms, baptism can be thought of as a sign and seal of the covenant of grace. It is a symbol which points to the idea of a greater reality. When the church performs baptism, it testifies to the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ and signifies the sinner’s union with Jesus in all that he did and accomplished on behalf of mankind. Baptism along with the Lord’s supper or communion, is also a seal. In baptism the Lord places his mark upon the baptized. The repentant and professing Christian receives the seal of heaven’s ownership. Powell 2008). This paper will look at Baptism with water as well as, its meaning and its functions. What is Baptism? Baptism is the outward sign of accepting Jesus Christ. Although baptism by itself does not save, baptism and salvation goes together. Baptism is something that one does after they have accepted Christ into their lives. There are many questions surrounding the concept of baptism, two of which are: should infants be baptized and should it be full immersion or is sprinkling sufficient? These questions go back to about 400 AD, to a man named Augustine.Augustine came up with the idea of â€Å"original sin†, which means that at birth, everyone inherits the sins of Adam, and is therefore separated from God from the beginning of their lives. Parents were obviously and understandably concerned about this, and decided to baptise their children in the event of them dying before accepting Jesus Christ as their saviour. Since full immersion of infants would have been risky, they decided to sprinkle the children with water. Matthew 18:10 indicated that children are kept safe by God until they can fully understand the importance of accepting Christ.Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven. (Matthew 18:10) (Swindoll n. d) Baptism symbolises Jesus’s Death Burial and Resurrection. According to Rice (2000), when the word Baptism is used in the Bible, unless otherwise stated, it refers to Baptism by water and that the word baptize comes from the Greek word â€Å"Baptizo†, which means to dip, plunge or completely immerse in liquid.The word â€Å"Baptizo† was also associated with the art of dyeing. Just as in the process of dyeing, the material is completely dipped into the dye liquid and when lifted it revealed a new look, so too in baptism the believer is completely immersed in water. Immersion during Baptism symbolises the death of one’s sins, and the becoming of a new creature, being born again into the household of God and his son Jesus Christ. After immersion one is raised again from sin, to a new life through baptism.Baptism symbolises the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Romans 6:4 states that â€Å"Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we should also walk in newness of life. † (Copeland n. d) Baptism symbolises the cleansing of one’s soul. Baptism symbolises the washing and cleansing of one’s soul. Ananias, when he was sent to Paul in Damascus, said to him: â€Å"†¦ arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins†¦ † (Acts 22:16).Peter said to the multitude in Jerusalem â€Å"†¦ Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins †¦ † (Acts 2:38). Paul, writing to the Corinthians and reminding them of their position in Chr ist, said â€Å"†¦ but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus †¦ † And to the Ephesians he refers directly to the medium of this cleansing when he says: â€Å"That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word† (Eph. :26). (Hoeck 1998). It is the Lord’s promise that the same way that water washes away dirt, the blood that was shed by Jesus Christ, washes away sins of those who accept him. ( Albani n. d) Baptism is an act of obedience Baptism is an act of obedience, which should be an immediate part of one’s acceptance of the gift of grace offered by Jesus Christ. Matthew 28:19 says, â€Å"Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. At the beginning of his public ministry, Jesus Christ himself took water baptism by immersing in River Jordan in order to fulfil all righteousness. (John 3:3). T he Word of God asks believers to follow Jesus’s steps of humble obedience, which includes water baptism. John the Baptist called the Jews to confess their sins and demonstrate repentance through immersion in the Jordan River. Jesus, who is without sin, joined the crowd at the river and asked John to baptize him.By following his example in the waters of baptism, believers are publicly confessing their faith in the Saviour and identifying themselves with Him. In a conversation with Nicodemus, Jesus declared, â€Å"I tell you the truth, no one can see the Kingdom of God unless he is born of water and spirit† 1 Peter 2:21, †¦ â€Å"because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:† Baptism is an act of obedience to God after salvation. (DeMichele n. d) Baptism unites believers with ChristBaptism represents the sinner’s spiritual union with Jesus in his death, burial and resurrection. Romans 6. 1-5, â€Å"†¦What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Those who are united with Christ died when Christ died, were buried when Christ was buried and just as Christ rose, they too rise out of the water to a life of righteousness. Of course the dying, burying and rising are all symbolically represented in the act of baptism. Because of their unity with Christ by faith, they receive the benefits of Jesus’ death, burial and resurrection.Believers, through faith, participate in all that Jesus did and therefore, baptism can be seen as a picture of that spiritual reality. Baptism is the sacrament that unites believers with Jesus Christ and makes them members of God’s family. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, baptism initiates believers into the Church, bestows the promise of God’s grace upon them, assures that God will forgive their sins and calls them to a life of Christian service and fulfilment. Through baptism believers become adopted sons and daughters of the God.At the very moment of adoption, the children of God receive their inheritance which is eternal union with God. (Brito, 2008) Baptism provides an eschatological confidence that the life in Christ is a never ending life. â€Å"Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him: Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him. For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God. à ¢â‚¬  (Romans 6:8-10). These verses reveal an important link between the doctrine of baptism and the doctrine of eschatology.Because one is united with Christ, in his death and his resurrection, through Baptism, the believer has confidence of a future resurrection. Baptism makes the believer an adopted child of God, a sharer in God’s nature, a co-heir with Christ, and a temple of the Holy Spirit. Baptism is said to be the seal of eternal life. This seal is for â€Å"the day of redemption†, when Christians who is faithful to the seal, will die â€Å"narked for eternal life†, with the hope of seeing God. The eternal life that is spoken about here is a life that is meant to be enjoyed in the Kingdom of God.John 3:16 states, â€Å"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. † This clearly states that the condition for having eternal life is believing and identif ying with God. Baptism into death followed by a figurative resurrection to â€Å"newness of life† constitutes the way of salvation. Romans 1:16, â€Å"For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek†, clearly states that salvation is reserved for those who truly worships. Powell 2008) Baptism has a corporate significance According to Powell (2008), baptism has a corporate significance. Baptism along with the Lord’s Supper (communion), establishes the church as the body of Christ. This means that the entire church is the body of Christ and lives in union with God. The focus here is not the number of members in the church, or their great diversities, but that together they make up the body of Christ. â€Å"For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ. (1 Corintians 12:12). Water baptism as well as acceptance into church membership, are practices taught and commanded in the scriptures. The function of baptism however, is to recognise and not to effect actual membership in Christ. Kay (2003), states that since the early years of Christianity baptism has been considered the rite of initiation into the Christian community. In the body of Christ, all members share in a common dignity, and therefore, there is no inequality resulting from race, nationality, social status or sex.The Apostle Paul states, â€Å" †¦There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Likewise 1 Corinthians states, â€Å"†¦For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free—and have all been made to drink into[a] one Spirit†¦Ã¢â‚¬  In Baptism believers change masters, and separate themselves from the world of sin. Baptism represents a change of masters. Ma n passes from one master to another. Everyone must have a master and by divine grace, some have already chosen their master by accepting Jesus Christ as their saviour.Those who now believe in Jesus Christ and are now free from sin, was once living in sin and were slaves of sin. In Romans 6, Paul described sin as a cruel, master that enslaves humans and uses them as tools of wickedness. Although Christ’s death has made it possible for one to be freed from sin, it does not mean that one is free to follow his or her own path. What it means is that one has had a change of masters, and should live in a way that will be pleasing to Christ. Believers would have experienced a change of ownership, and as a result they now belong to a loving, holy and righteous God.They now strive towards the goal of obedience to God which will result in eternal life. Paul wrote, â€Å"Thanks be to God that though you were slaves of sin, you obeyed from the heart the pattern of teaching which was deli vered to you, and having been made free from sin, you have become slaves of righteousness. † (Romans 6: 17-18) (Newton 1998) Paul indicated that there were two elements involved in liberation from the control of sin. Firstly one must obey from the heart, and therefore forcing someone to â€Å"ritualistically obey† has no value.Paul stated that one dies to sin and is liberated from its control when one is buried with Christ and is motivated to obey God; baptism is the moment when their ownership changes. â€Å"Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. For he that is dead is freed from sin. †(Romans 6:6-7). This doctrine of sanctification, developed by Paul, is normal and expected of believers as a result of their union with Christ, through Baptism. The former self is dead by virtue of immersion into Christ and therefore the believer is no longer a slave of sin.Baptism sig nals and signifies a new master, Jesus Christ. 2 Corinthians 5:17 states , â€Å"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation, old things have become new. Therefore having died to sin in baptism, the new man in Christ is now freed from sin. † Baptism is a covering in Christ Nakedness was depicted as a state of sin (Rev 16:15), when sin first entered the world, that moment of disgrace and fear, when Adam and Eve recognised that they were naked and made garments out of fig leaves to cover their nakedness (Gen 3:7).God assured them that their man-made covering was not enough to rid their sins, and he stripped them of it and provided them a covering of his own. Just as Adam and Eve were covered with the covering of the Lord, so too, believers must also â€Å"put on† Christ, and baptism is the divinely appointed way of doing this. â€Å"For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on C hrist. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. (Gal 3:26-28) Conclusion The idea and practice of baptism seems to be a divisive subject in the Christian community. Some think that it should be reserved for people who are old enough to make a mature commitment to Christ, while others believe that it is legitimate for the children of Christian parents to be baptised as a sign that the family is united in following Christ and to save the child in the event that he or she does not get the opportunity to accept Christ before dying. Nevertheless baptism is regarded as an outer expression of an inner spiritual reality.It symbolises Jesus’s death, burial and resurrection and unites believers with Christ in the Kingdom of God. Baptism itself does not save, and therefore a person must be a Christian before the actual, public water baptism. Repenting of sins and accepting the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross is what assures believers of salvation. When believers come to Jesus in this way, they are completely forgiven of their sins by God. This is atonement. When a person accepts Jesus, the Holy Spirit dwells in their hearts, and they become new creations, with a new hope and a changed life direction.They are set free from the power of sin to live a new life in Christ. This is redemption. Such peoples’ hope is in God’s kingdom. They seek Jesus and his Kingdom as of first priority. (Matt 6:33) They become children of God. They are saved and God sees them as his precious children. As they live out their journey on earth, they grow in Jesus’ likeness, his holiness, and in his image. This is sanctification. Baptism is a symbol and public declaration of faith. It reveals atonement, redemption and sanctification. Baptism was commanded by God. It is an act of obedience. In the New Testament, baptism is about conversion and discipleship.Baptism has corporate si gnificance. The church is seen as a separate entity from the world, and faith and baptism are the distinguishing marks of followers of Christ. Baptism is the sign of becoming a disciple of Jesus (Matthew 28:18-20); it is dying to the old, pre-Christian way of life and rising again to a new life as a follower of Jesus (Romans 6:1-11); it is new birth into the Kingdom of God (John 3:5). As a disciple of Christ, it’s important to publicly stand with Him in celebrating a new life. That makes baptism a great first step for a new follower of Christ to take! ReferenceAlbani, F. Is baptism necessary for salvation? http://www. bibleprobe. com/baptism. htm Retrieved on 26/03/2013 Brito, U. United with Christ in Baptism. http://apologus. wordpress. com/2008/10/31/united-with-christ-in-baptism/ Retrieved on 26/03/2013 Copeland. K. Understanding Water Baptism http://www. kcm. org/real-help/article/understanding-water-baptism Retrieved on 01/04/2013 DeMichele, R. Beleiver’s baptism in the Bible. http://www. biblebelievers. com/DeMichele1. html Retrieved on 23/03/2013. Hoeck B. Repentance & Baptism: Coming to God. http://www. truthontheweb. org/baptism. tm Retrieved 26/03/2013 ( copy this address into the address bar and it will open) McPherson J. Fundamental Wesleyan Society http://www. fwponline. cc/v16n1/v16n1joemac. html Retrieved on 01/04/2013 Newton, B. (1998) A change of ownership. http://www. sjchurchofchrist. org/websitepublisher/a-change-of-ownership-. html Retrievedon 12/04/2013 Swindoll, R. (n. d) Signposts Along Life's Journey (1997), Insight for Living. http://www. clarifyingchristianity. com/get_wet. shtml Retrieved on 10/04/2013 http://www. biblelight. org/bs15. htm http://www. atgrace. com/information/general/baptism/purpose-baptism