Worship: 9:00am
This Sunday, April 29, is our ONE Sunday, where we celebrate as ONE body of believers. As a part of that celebration, we share in the ONE Baptism that brings us all together. Baptism is a significant moment in the life of a follower of Jesus. Here are a few basics we need to understand about Baptism:
1) Baptism is a step of obedience.
The Bible says that every person who becomes a follower of Jesus should then take the step of being baptized. And you should do so as soon as possible!
Jesus even modeled this for us by being baptized himself.
See Matthew 3:16; Acts 2:41; Acts 8:12-13; Acts 8:35-38
2) Baptism is a symbol of Jesus’ death, burial and resurrection.
When you are baptized one of our pastors will say, “Buried with Christ. Raised to new life in Him.”
In other words – going under the water represents Jesus burial (and your death to your old life before Jesus) and coming up out of the water represents the resurrection (being born again to new life).
See 1 Corinthians 15:3-4; Colossians 2:12
3) Baptism is an illustration 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!” – 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
Baptism does not make you a believer – it shows 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 make 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
4) Baptism is your public profession of faith. -
This is your public announcement of the decision you have made to follow Jesus. An announcement to the world that you belong to Jesus and that you are following Him with your life.
We get the opportunity to celebrate baptism together this Sunday. Don’t miss it!!
