What is baptism?
Baptism is a declaration (a public statement) by a new believer of the discipleship and the lordship of Christ.
Why do we water baptize?
The context of the New Testament. People were baptized to show their allegiance to a particular deity or religious system. Those baptized by John the Baptist were called John’s disciples.
A disciple would understand the thinking, attitude and responses of his master so well that he would act as a mirror of his master.
The command of Jesus in Matt. 28:18-20 reflects what it means to be a disciple. This command (The Great Commission) is to “make disciples.”
The commitment (or commission) is summarized in the following three words:
a. Going—This implies we are to take the initiative to share the good news.
b. Baptizing—This implies initiation into the faith, or establishing people.
c. Teaching—This is instruction in the faith, gifts, and serving.
Obeying Scripture is proof we have heard the teaching— 1 John 2:3-6; 5:3.
Why baptize by Immersion?
Baptism is best symbolized through total immersion in water. Matt. 3:6,13-17; Rom. 6:4-7.
It was the common means of baptism in the New Testament—Matt. 3:6; Acts 8:38-39.
It was the way Christ was baptized—Matt. 3:13-17.
The Greek word used for baptism, “Baptiso,” means “to dip, or immerse.”
It’s the best picture of what happens at salvation—Rom. 6:4-7.
Baptism is…
A Declaration of Lordship
It’s a pledge of submission.
It’s saying we intend to obey and mimic Christ in every area of our lives.
A Memorable Event
Baptism is a memorable event in a new believer’s life, which marks a definite break from the past and separates him/her from the old life.
The New Testament picture of baptism—Rom. 6:1-12.
Paul says we are dead to sin and alive in Christ. Baptism is a picture of that spiritual reality.
Baptism signifies our union with Christ—v. 3.
Baptism signifies our baptism into Christ’s death & resurrection—vv. 3-5.
Baptism, therefore, symbolizes our salvation. Our baptism is a funeral and a resurrection from the grave at the same time. Want to see your funeral?
A way to identify with Christ and His Church
Baptism is a biblical way to identify with Jesus and His church—Acts 2:41. Baptism administered in a local church helps in two ways: It serves to unite the new believer with other believers, and baptism is also a public statement to family and friends.
Who should be baptized?
Every Christ follower Acts 2:41; 8:12-13.
(Babies should be dedicated and children should wait to be baptized until they make the choice to follow Christ.)
If you have decided baptism is your next step, congratulations!
We are so excited about the decision you made to follow the Lord in water baptism!
On the day of your baptism:
Wear modest, dark clothing in which you will be baptized (ex. black tee shirt and shorts)
Please meet the pastors in the lobby at 9:30am the day of your baptism.
Bring:
A towel
A change of clothes to put on after you are baptized
Plastic bag for wet clothes
Hair dryer, if needed