Baptism
A public way to celebrate your decision to follow Jesus
Following Jesus in Baptism
Baptism is a joyful, public declaration that you are following Jesus! It's an outward and visible sign of an inward spiritual reality - that you trust Jesus, belong to Him, and are beginning a new life with Him.
"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.” ~Ephesians 2:8
Baptism is important but it does not save us. God alone does the saving. When you have believed in your heart that Jesus is God, and you want him to have authority over every area of your life, baptism is a great next step in your spiritual journey because you are inviting others to witness that you are
following Jesus!
Baptism is for anyone who trusts in God. (Mt. 28:19; Acts 16:30-33)
“Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.” Matthew 28:19
"But when they believed Philip as he proclaimed the good news of the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.” Act 8:12
Baptism is a picture or symbol.
It is an outward and visible sign of an inward and spiritual reality of union and friendship with God! Baptism is a picture of turning from your old ways of life where you were in control, to a new way of life following Jesus, and being cleansed by Him. Going under the water pictures Jesus’
death. Coming up out of the water symbolized your new resurrection with Jesus.
Baptism is a spiritual blessing that empowers us for service.
The Holy Spirit desires to fill us in fresh ways, making the presence of the kingdom noticeable in our life. The Spirit lives in all who truly belong to Jesus (Rom. 8:9). And God is eager to reveal truth and give spiritual gifts to help us and others to know him better (Rom. 12:6; 1 Cor. 2:10; Eph. 4:11-12).
Baptism is about community!
Matthew 10:32: “Whoever acknowledges me before others, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven…” Publicly professing your faith before your church friends and family is an important part of baptism! Jesus calls us to boldly confess him as Lord without shame or denial (Mt. 10:32-33; Mk. 8:38; Rom. 10:9; 1 John 2:23). This public statement should reflect your growing commitment to Jesus, his church, and his cause.
