Baptism
We are so excited that you have decided to get baptized. Baptism is the church’s proclamation that we are who we are because God chose us, loves us, and calls us into his kingdom. In baptism, we participate in Jesus’s death and resurrection by dying to what separates us from God and by being raised to newness of life in Christ.
Romans 6:4, Colossians 2:12, 1 Peter 3:21
What is Baptism?
Baptism is an outward symbol of an inward change. It signifies our identification with Christ and his saving work on our behalf on the cross. If you are a believer in Christ, and have never been baptized, we encourage you to consider it. Baptisms are several times a year and are a time of celebration.
In the spirit of joy and celebration, you are encouraged to invite friends and family to join you in the experience.
Baptism is a public declaration of three significant things.
- You are a follower of Jesus Christ. –Acts 2:41
- You are beginning a changed life in Christ. – Rom. 6:4
- You are part of a new family. – Gal. 3:26–27
Why Should I be baptized?
1. To obey the commands of Jesus
2. To evidence that a person is a follower of Jesus
3. To follow the example that Jesus set
Read Mt. 28:18-20; Acts 2:37-41; Acts 22:16
Who should be baptized?
We practice what is called “believer’s” or “confessor’s” baptism, which means we only baptize those who believe and confess Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Reading through Acts, we find baptism explicitly related to repentance, receiving the Word, believing, and receiving the Holy Spirit. There is no explicit evidence to suggest that nonbelievers were baptized.
Read: Mt. 28:18-20; Acts 2:41; Acts 8:12; Gal. 3:27