Baptism
Ready to be baptized?
Baptism
The significance, meaning, and purpose of baptism
In order to understand the reason for being water baptized, it is important to carefully consider what the Bible says about it: Jesus himself was baptized. He was not a sinner, yet he humbled himself in obedience to identify with us and give us an example to follow.
At this time, Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. The moment he came out of the water, he saw the sky split open and God’s Spirit, looking like a dove, come down on him. Along with the Spirit, a voice: “You are my Son, chosen and marked by my love, pride of my life.” Mark 1:9 MSG
An act of obedience:
Water baptism is an act of faith and obedience to the commands of Christ.
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20
A public declaration:
Baptism declares that you are a follower of Jesus Christ. It is a public confession of your faith in, and commitment to, Jesus Christ. It is the next step after salvation through repentance and faith and is an important foundation for Christian life.
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Then he said, “Go into the world. Go everywhere and announce the message of God’s good news to one and all. Whoever believes and is baptized is saved; whoever refuses to believe is damned.” Mark 16:16 MSG
A brand-new life:
It is a symbol of your new life as a Christian. We bury the “old life” and we rise to walk in a “new life”. Baptism is like a wedding ring, it is the outward symbol of the commitment you made in your heart, a commitment that has to be followed through and lived out on a daily basis.
Here is one simple way to explain baptism:
Baptism is a symbol. It’s meant to show the world that you love, trust and have put your hope in Christ. It’s like a wedding ring.
Who should be baptized?
Every person who has made the decision to believe in Christ. When Paul writes to the believers in Rome, he assumes that all of them have been baptized (Romans 6). The one requirement for baptism is belief in Christ!
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“Those who accepted his message were baptized.” Acts 2:41
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“But when they believed Philip as he preached the good news of the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.” Acts 8:12
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We believe in baptizing children when they are old enough to understand what it means and make a personal declaration of belief.
When are we to be baptized?
Believers in the New Testament were baptized the same day. As soon as a person decides to believe in Christ, he can be and is encouraged to be baptized.
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“Those who accepted his message were baptized.” Acts 2:41
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“Then Philip began with that very passage of scripture and told him the good news about Jesus. As they traveled along the road, they came to some water and the eunuch said, “Look, here is water. Why shouldn’t I be baptized?” And he gave orders to stop the chariot. Then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized him.” Acts 8:35-39
What To Bring
Complete change of clothes
You will be able to change into the clothes you want to be baptized before the baptism begins.
Towel
You are going to dunked completely underwater and will be wet!
Family & Friends
This is a great time to invite your friends and family to church!