WHY SHOULD I BE BAPTIZED?
To follow the example set by Jesus.
“At that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan.” - Mark 1:9
Because Jesus commanded it.
“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
It demonstrates I am a Believer.
“We know that we have come to know him if we obey his commands.” - 1 John 2:3
WHAT IS THE MEANING OF BAPTISM?
It illustrates Jesus's death, burial & resurrection.
“For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Jesus died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures.”
- 1 Corinthians 15:3-‐4
“Having been buried with him in baptism and raised with him through your faith in the power of God, who raised him from the dead.” - Colossians 2:12
WHY BE BAPTIZED BY IMMERSION?
Because Jesus was baptized that way.
“As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water.” - Matthew 3:16a
“As Jesus was coming up out of the water...” - Mark 1:10
Every Baptism in the Bible was by immersion.
“Then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized him. When they came up out of the water...” - Acts 8:38–39
The word “baptize” means “to dip or immerse”. It best symbolized a burial and resurrection.
“Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Jesus was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.” - Romans 6:3–4
WHO SHOULD BE BAPTIZED?
Every person who believes in Jesus should be baptized.
Believers realize their sin separates them from God. They conclude that Jesus Jesus’s death on the cross bridges the gap between them and God. Having decided to trust Jesus alone for their salvation, they follow Jesus in baptism as a symbol of their new life in Jesus.
WHAT ABOUT CHILDREN?
The New Testament shows no example of baptism when the person did not request it.
All instances of baptism follow an individual’s decision to trust Jesus alone for their salvation in Acts 2:41, 8:12, 10:47–48.
We wait until the child is old enough to believe and understand the true meaning of baptism before we baptize them. When a child makes the decision to follow Jesus, and our Children's pastor meets with them after attending and learning about Jesus, we gladly baptize them as a symbol of their faith in Jesus but typically no younger than age 11.
WHAT ABOUT INFANT BAPTISM?
In the Bible, we find parents bringing children to Jesus. He held them and prayed for them and told us to welcome them. But he did not baptize them, and he did not tell anyone to baptize them. Baptism is a public profession of salvation (as the Bible teaches), and only people who have intentionally received salvation should experience baptism.
If you have not experienced adult baptism, even though you have experienced baptism as an infant, the full meaning and significance of baptism has yet to take place in your life. We strongly encourage you to be baptized as an adult believer in Jesus.
WHEN SHOULD I BE BAPTIZED?
As soon as you have believed in Jesus for salvation. Sign up today and we will contact you.
“But when they believed Philip as he preached the good news of the kingdom of God and the name of Christ Jesus, they were baptized, both men and women.” - Acts 8:12
The Bible teaches that baptism should follow your decision to become a believer.
There is no reason to delay. If you wait until you are “good” enough, you will never feel ready for baptism. Since baptism is not a part of your salvation but a symbol of it, it is ok to wait until the next scheduled baptism.
WHAT DO I WEAR?
A full list of what to bring and what will take place will be sent to you when you register.