Baptism

Why you should be baptized...

Because you want to follow Christ's example. 
"At that time, Jesus came from Nazareth and was baptized by John in the river."  Mark 1:9

Because Christ commanded it.  Jesus said:
"Go then, to all the people everywhere and make them my disciples, baptizing 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 28:18-19

Because it shows you are a believer.
"...many of the Corinthians who heard him believed and were baptized." Acts 18:8

Because obeying Christ's command shows you know Him.
  "We know that we have come to know Him if we obey his commands." 1 John 2:3

What is the meaning of Baptism?

It is a symbol of Christ's burial and resurrection.
"Christ died for our sins..He was buried...and rose again." 1 Corinthians 15:3-4

It is a symbol of your 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." 1 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 also we might live a new life!"  Romans 6:4

Baptism does not make you a believer, it shows that you already are one.  Baptism does not "save" you, on;y your faith in Christ does that.  Baptism is like a wedding ring-it's the outward symbol of the commitment you have 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." Ephesians 2:8-9

How are we to be Baptized?

Like Jesus was baptized-by being immersed in water.
"As soon as Jesus was baptized, He went up out of the water."  Matthew 3:16

Every baptism in the Bible was by immersion under water.
(example) "...then both Philip and the Eunuch went down in to the water and Philip baptized him.  When they came up out of the water..."  Acts 8:38-39

The word 'baptize' literally means "to immerse or dip under water."

It is the best way to picture a burial and resurrection.  Church founders agree:
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 'baptized' signifies to immerse.  It is certain that immersion was the practice of the early church."

Who should be Baptized?

Every person who has believed in Christ.
"Those who believed 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

The one requirement for baptism is belief in Christ!  We do not baptize children until they are old enough to understand and believe.

When are we to be Baptized?

As soon as you have believed, you shouldn't delay.  There is no reason to delay.  As soon as a person decides to believe in Christ, he can and should be baptized.
"Those who believed..were baptized..that day!"  Acts 2:41

What about being baptized twice?

Our church recommends that you be baptized again if you have not been baptized by immersion since you became a believer.  It doesn't devalue your prior experience, but simply reflects your desire to be baptized in the same way Jesus was baptized.

Wanna get Baptized?

If you'd like to take part in our next baptism service, please complete our online application.  We'll be in touch with you with further details.