|
“At that time Jesus came from Nazareth and was baptized
by John in the river.” “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.’” “...many of the people who heard Him believed and
were baptized.” “We know that we have come to know Him, if we obey
His commands.”
WHAT IS THE MEANING OF BAPTISM? “Christ died for our sins... He was buried... and
He rose again.” “For when you were baptized, you were buried with
Christ, and in baptism you were also raised with Christ.” “When someone becomes a Christian he becomes a brand
new person inside. The old life has passed away and a
new life has begun!” By our baptism then, we were buried with Him and shared
His death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the
dead...so also we may live a new life!” Baptism doesn’t make you a believer - it shows that you already believe. Baptism does not “save” you, only your faith in Christ does that. Baptism is like a wedding ring - it’s the outward symbol of the commitment you made in your heart. “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith...it
is the gift of God - not by works, so that no one can boast.”
WHY BE BAPTIZED BY IMMERSION?
Martin Luther...“I would have those who are to be baptized to be entirely immersed, as the word imports and the mystery signifies.” John Calvin...“The word ‘baptize’ signifies to immerse. It is certain that immersion was the practice of the ancient church.” John Wesley...“Buried with Him, alludes to baptizing by immersion according to the custom of the first church.” IS BAPTISM FOR EVERYONE? “Those who believed and accepted His message were
baptized...” “Simon himself believed and was baptized...” “But when they believed Philip as he preached the
Good News... and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized,
both men and women.”
WHEN SHOULD I BE BAPTIZED? “Those who believed...were baptized...that day!” “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.” There is no reason to delay. As soon as you have decided
to receive Christ into your life, you can and should be baptized. If
you wait until you are “perfect”, you’ll never
feel “good enough”! Can my family be baptized together? Yes! If each family member understands fully the meaning of baptism, and each one has personally placed his/her trust in Christ for salvation, we encourage families to be baptized at the same time. It is a wonderful expression of commitment. Young children who want to be baptized are asked to meet with a member of our Life Development staff for a pre-baptism conversation. However, it is important to remember that baptism is a personal statement of faith, not a family tradition. It is usually not wise to delay your baptism while waiting on other family members to accept Christ, particularly children. This puts undue pressure on them, and delays your obedience.
Men and women should wear dark clothing (shorts and tee shirt) under the provided baptismal gear. Bring a change of clothes, a towel, and a plastic bag for your wet clothes.
Only your name. At the beginning of the service, the Purpose Team Director will briefly explain the meaning of baptism. You will wait at the edge of the pool for your turn to be baptized. The Purpose Team Director or another leader will introduce you by asking you to state your name. Then he or the baptizing minister will ask you if you have accepted Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior. If you answer yes, he or another minister will briefly lower you just under the water, and then you can leave the pool, dry off, and watch the others. You will then be presented a certificate of baptism at the following service. We encourage you to invite all your relatives and friends to attend your baptism.
Most of our Purpose Team Directors can perform a private baptism
in the event of special circumstances. |
|
