Baptism
Sign Up to be Baptized
Baptism is a wonderful gift from God. Baptism by immersion is typically a once in a lifetime initiation event celebrating and marking the beginning of the Christian life.
Since the time of the writing of the New Testament several different practices regarding baptism have been introduced into churches. Sometimes this creates questions and confusion. It is important to review what the Bible teaches and to act according to God’s Word.
Sign up to be Baptized!
TO FOLLOW THE EXAMPLE SET BY JESUS.
“At that time Jesus came from Nazareth and was baptized by John in the river.” Mark 1:9
BECAUSE JESUS COMMANDS IT.
“Jesus said, ‘Go then, to all people everywhere and make them my disciples, baptize them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and then teach them to obey everything I have commanded you.” Matthew 28:19-20
IT DEMONSTRATES THAT I REALLY AM A BELIEVER IN JESUS.
“. . . many of the people who heard him believed and were baptized.” Acts 18:8
IT ILLUSTRATES THE GOSPEL, THE DEATH AND RESURRECTION OF JESUS CHRIST.
“Christ died for our sins . . . He was buried . . . and He rose again.” 1 Corinthians 15:3-4
“For when you were baptized you were buried with Christ and in baptism you were also raised with Christ.” Colossians 2:12
“Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? . . .we will certainly also be united with him in his resurrection.” Romans 6:3, 5
IT ASSURES ME OF THE CLEANSING FORGIVENESS OF MY SINS.
“And now what are you waiting for? Get up, be baptized and wash your sins away, calling on His name.” Acts 22:16
“And this is a picture of baptism, which now saves you by the power of Jesus Christ’s resurrection. Baptism is not a removal of dirt from your body; it is an appeal to God for a clean conscience.” 1 Peter 3:21 NLT
IT ILLUSTRATES MY NEW LIFE AS A CHRISTIAN.
“When someone becomes a Christian he becomes a brand new person inside. The old life has passed away and a new life has begun!” 2 Corinthians 5:17
“We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life” Romans 6:4
IT INITIATES AND MARKS MY CONNECTION WITH CHRIST.
“For all of you who were baptized into Christ have been clothed with Christ.” Galatians 3:27
AS SOON AS YOU BELIEVE!
“Those who believed… were baptized… that day.” Acts 2:41
“Then Philip began with the scripture and told him the Good News about Jesus. As they traveled along the road, they came to some water, and the man said, ‘Look, here is water! Why shouldn’t I be baptized right now?’ Philip said, ‘If you believe with all your heart, you may.’ The man answered, ‘I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.’ So they went down into the water and Philip baptized him.” Acts 8:35-38
“At that hour of the night … immediately he and all his family were baptized.” Acts 16:33
There is no reason to delay. As soon as you believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the Living God, you may be baptized. If you wait until you are “perfect”, you will never feel “good enough” to be baptized. Baptism is for the believer, not the perfect. Baptisms can be performed on any day of the week and we will gladly arrange for your baptism whenever you desire it.
Any Christian can baptize. There is no Scriptural direction or difference between “clergy and laity”. If you have led a person to Christ, we encourage you to perform that baptism. Of course, the staff ministers are available to perform baptisms for any believer. All our staff and pastors can perform baptisms and work with special circumstances.
No. If you have already confessed that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the Living God, you have said it all. Baptism itself is a testimony. The one performing the baptism will probably make some statements or share scriptures with you and ask you if you are trusting Christ. Then you will be baptized into Christ, in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Later you will receive a Baptism Certificate. If you are aware of your baptism in advance we encourage you to invite your friends.