WATER BAPTISM
Baptism is an important step of obedience that shows others we have personally trusted Jesus for our salvation.
Jesus was baptized when He was on the earth, and we do this to follow His example. When Christians are baptized, they are submerged under water to identify with the death and burial of Jesus and raised out of the water to identify with His resurrection.
Why be Water Baptized?
1. JESUS WAS WATER BAPTIZED.
Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John... As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.”
MATTHEW 3:13, 16-17
2. JESUS INSTRUCTS US TO BE WATER BAPTIZED.
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."
MATTHEW 28:19-20 NIV
3. IT DEMONSTRATES YOUR FAITH IN JESUS.
For you were buried with Christ when you were baptized. And with him you were raised to new life because you trusted the mighty power of God, who raised Christ from the dead.
COLOSSIANS 2:12 NLT
What is Water Baptism?
1. AN OUTWARD EXPRESSION OF AN INWARD DECISION
Have you recently decided to give your to Jesus? Congratulations! It's time to let every one know! Your relationship with God is not something that should be hidden but something that should be visible to all those around you!
Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others,that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
MATTHEW 5:15-16 NIV
2. A SYMBOL
Going under the water symbolizes how Christ went into the tomb. Just as Jesus died, so too are we dying to our old self.
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!
2 CORINTHIANS 5:17 NIV
Coming out of the water symbolizes how Christ defeated death and rose again. Just as Jesus was resurrected into new life and a new being, so too are we coming to life as a new being.
The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, he will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you.
ROMANS 8:11 NIV
3. A FRESH START
Our God is a God of new beginnings. Do you feel as though you've gone too far? You haven't! Your God is ready to wipe the slate clean and you give you a fresh start.
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 NIV
4. A CELEBRATION!
We are so excited for you and can't wait to celebrate what God has done and will continue to do in your life!
We encourage you to invite your friends and family to witness your baptism so that they may also celebrate with you!
In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”
LUKE 7:10 NIV
I HAVE DECIDED
Searching for your next step? Here is a guide to the journey ahead!
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