baptism

(Pastor Paul explains baptism)

After committing your life to Jesus Christ the NEXT STEP for every Christ Follower should be water baptism. The Bible tells is in the New Testament that:

"Those who believe...were baptized...that day." (Acts 2:41)

understanding baptism

Baptism is a powerful opportunity to demonstrate to God and to others that you are identifying with what Jesus did for you! In baptism you are placed under the water and then brought back up out of the water. Here’s how the New Testament explains the act of baptism.

"Christ died for our sins...He was buried...and He rose again." (I 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

Baptism illustrates to others on the outside what Jesus Christ has done for you one the inside. Baptism also illustrates to you and those who witness your baptism that you are beginning a new life as a Christ Follower.

"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)

"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!" (Romans 6:4)

symbolism

You might have noticed that I used the word “illustrates” several times. Baptist is just a PICTURE of your commitment to God and God’s commitment to you. 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 much like a wedding ring - it's the outward symbol of the commitment you make in your heart. It’s not really a wedding ring unless you’re married. It’s not really baptism unless you have committed to what baptism means.

"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." (Ephesians 2:8,9)

immersion

We baptize by immersion; that means we place the person being baptized under water for a moment. We baptize this way because that is how every baptism in the Bible was conducted. The very word “baptize” means to immerse. Here are two examples of baptism from the New Testament.

"As soon as Jesus was baptized, He went up out of the water" (Matt. 3:16)

"...then both Philip and the man went down into the water and Philip baptized him. When they came up out of the water..." (Acts 8:38-39)

Notice that in both cases they came up “out of the water”. You might also note that Jesus was baptized which is a pretty good proof that you don’t need to be baptized to have your sins taken away, Jesus was sinless!

so who should be baptized?...every Christ follower!

"Those who believe and accepted His message were baptized..." (Acts 2:41)

"But when they believed Philip as he preached the Good News... and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women." (Acts 8:12)

what if I was baptized as a baby?

We know that many Christ followers come out of a religious tradition where infants are baptized as a “baptism of confirmation”. The ceremony is intended to be a covenant between the parents and God on the behalf of the child. The parents promise to raise their child in the faith until the child is old enough to make his or her own confession of Christ. That custom began about 300 years after the Bible was completed. It’s not found anywhere in the Bible. This is different from the baptism talked about in the Bible which was only for those old enough to believe.

The purpose of baptism is to publicly confess your personal commitment to Christ. At ChurchForFamily, it is a membership requirement that every member must have been baptized the way Jesus demonstrated, even though many of us were "confirmed" as children.

when should I be baptized?

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 wish to be baptized are asked to meet with Pastor Paul 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 an undue pressure on them, and delays your obedience.

what should I wear when I am baptized?

Women should wear shorts and a top which will preserve modesty Men may wear shorts and t-shirt. Bring a change of clothes, a towel, and a plastic bag for your wet articles of clothing. Since we presently use backyard pools for our baptism services dress accordingly.

will I have anything to say?

At the beginning of the service, Pastor Paul will briefly explain the meaning of baptism. You will wait at the edge of the pool for your turn to be baptized. Pastor Paul will introduce you, ask you if you know for sure that you have given your life to Jesus Christ and baptism is a public testimony of that commitment. Then he will briefly lower you just under the water, and then you can leave the pool, dry off, and watch the others. Later you will be given a certificate of your baptism certificate. We encourage you to invite all your relatives and friends to attend your baptism.

what if I have special needs?

If you have any special questions or concerns about your baptism, please feel free to call and talk to Pastor Paul.