What We Believe
BAPTISM
Be baptized to reflect your outward expression of the inward decision to align with Jesus Christ
WHAT IS BAPTISM
Baptism is about publicly identifying with Christ. It is an act of obedience. Baptism is an outward expression of an inward decision to align oneself with Christ and what He lived and died for. Baptism is not merely about being immersed, making a commitment, or joining a particular denomination or church. None of these things convey the real meaning of baptism. Sprinkling as a child or being christened is not representative of baptism according to scripture. In addition, if you were baptized and then decided to follow Christ thereafter or identify as a Christian thereafter, you have not been baptized according to Scripture. This does not mean you are not accepted by Christ or that He loves you less. It does not negate your salvation. It simply means that as a born again believer, you want to be obedient to scripture and be baptized to reflect your outward expression of the inward decision to align with Jesus Christ.
WHY SHOULD I BE BAPTIZED?
A. To follow the example set by Christ.
"At that time Jesus came from Nazareth and was baptized by John in the river." Mark 1:9
B. Because Christ commands it.
"Jesus said, 'Go then, to all people everywhere and make them my disciples, baptize 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: 19-20
C. It demonstrates that I am really a believer.
"many of the people who heard Him beloved and were baptized." Acts 18:8
"We know that we have come to know Him, if we obey His commands." 1 John 2:3
WHAT IS THE MEANING OF BAPTISM?
A. It illustrates Christ's burial and resurrection.
"Christ died for our sins.. He was buried... and He rose again." 1 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
B. It illustrates my 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!" 2 Corinthians 5:17
Baptism doesn't make you a believer-it is evidence that you already believe. Baptism does not "save" you; only your faith in Christ does that. Baptism is like a wedding ring-it is the outward symbol of the commitment you 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
WHY BE BAPTIZED BY IMMERSION?
A. Because Jesus was baptized that way.
"As soon as Jesus was baptized, He went up out of the water." Matthew 3:16
B. Every baptism in the Bible was by immersion.
(Example) "...then both Phillip and the man went down into the water and Philip baptized him. When they came up out of the water..." Acts 8:38-39
The word "baptize" means "to dip under water." The greek word baptize means "to immerse or dip under water".
WHO SHOULD BE BAPTIZED?
A. 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
WHEN SHOULD I BE BAPTIZED?
A. As soon as you have believed!
"Those who believed... were baptized.. that day." Acts 2:41
"Then Philip began with the scripture and told him the Good News about Jesus. As they traveled along the road, they came to some water, and the man said, 'Look, here is water! Why shouldn't I be baptized right now?' Philip said, 'If you believe with all your heart, you may.' The man answered, 'I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.' So they went down into the water and Philip baptized him." Acts 8:35-38
As soon as you have decided to receive Christ into your life, you can and should be baptized. Contact the office and arrangements will be made immediately