Baptism

· To follow the example of Jesus

“One day Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee, and He was baptized by John in the Jordan River.” (Mark 1:19)

· Because Jesus commanded it

“Jesus came and told His disciples, ‘I have been given complete authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you…” (Matthew 28:18-20)

· To demonstrate you are a believer

“If someone says, ‘I belong to God,’ but doesn’t obey God’s commandments, that person is a liar and does not live in the truth.” (1 John 2:4)

· Baptism illustrates Christ’s death and resurrection

“For you were buried with Christ when you were baptized. And with Him you were raised to a new life because you trusted the mighty power of God, who raised Christ from the dead.” (Colossians 2:12)

“Or have you forgotten that when we became Christians and were baptized to become one with Jesus Christ, we died with him?” (Romans 6:3)

· Baptism illustrates your new life as a Christian

“What this means is that those who become Christians become new persons. They are not the same anymore, for the old life is gone. A new life has begun!” (2 Corinthians 5:17)

“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 is an OUTWARD sign of an INWARD change. It does not make you a believer; it shows that you ALREADY believe.

· Because Jesus was baptized that way

“As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water.” (Matthew 3:16)

· Because every baptism in the New Testament was by immersion

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

· Because the word “baptize” literally means “to immerse or dip under the water”

· Every person who believes in Jesus Christ

“But to all who believed and accepted Him, He gave the right to become children of God.” (John 1:12)

“But now the people believed Philip’s message of the Good News concerning the Kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ. As a result, many men and women were baptized.” (Acts 8:13)

“Then Simon himself believed and was baptized..” (Acts 8:13)

· The one requirement for baptism is belief in Christ! The purpose is to publicly confess your personal commitment to Christ. We do not baptize children until they are old enough to understand, believe, and articulate their decision.

· As soon as you have accepted Christ!

“Those who accepted his message were baptized…that day…” (Acts 2:41)

· Prepare a 1-2 minute “testimony” (faith story).

· Include what your life was like before you accepted Jesus; how and when you became a Christian; what your life has been like since accepting Christ; and a favorite Bible verse. Prepare your answers to the questions for the testimony video.

· We encourage women to wear a swimsuit with shorts over the swimsuit for the baptism. Men may wear a swimsuit or shorts. A baptism t-shirt will be provided for you to keep!

· Be sure to have dry clothes to change into after the baptism and a towel or two. You are welcome to change clothes in the restroom after your baptism.