What We Believe
Baptism - Following Through With Your Faith
Baptism …
Is necessary for the believer. It is the way Christians announce their faith in Jesus Christ. “Whoever acknowledges me before men, I will also acknowledge him before my Father in Heaven.” Matthew 10:32
Who is baptized?
• Only those who have by their own free will put their faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.
• Those who understand that baptism is a picture of what Christ has done in their lives.
• Those who are not ashamed to follow Jesus Christ: Romans 6:4.
• Infants cannot make this faith based decision.
Why should I be baptized?
• Jesus tells you to “Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them…” Matthew 28:19
• Baptism is your first step of obedience following the Lord. Jesus did (Mark1:9) and His followers do to (Acts 2:41; 8:38)
• Baptism is a picture of dying to your old way of life and being born again and raised to new life. “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
• Baptism shows others that you have received Jesus Christ as your Savior. It is like a married couple wearing wedding rings as an outward sign of belonging to each other. Or like a rancher who brands his cattle as an outward sign of ownership. “Those who accepted his message were baptized…”
How is baptism done?
• It is done by immersion, being covered by or submerged in water.
• The Greek word for baptism (baptizo) means “to immerse.”
• Going down into water: Acts 8:38; John 3:23
• Being “buried” in water and then raised up from it: Romans 6:4; Colossians 2:12
• Coming out of the water: Mark 1:10; Acts 8:39
Are you Ready?
We would love to see you follow through with your faith by proclaiming that Jesus is your Lord, through baptism. This would be a real time of celebrating your new life in Christ. What a great event to invite your family, friends, and co-workers to attend. If you feel that you are ready you may speak to one of our ministers when the invitation is given during one of our worship services or you may contact the church office at 903-395-2274.