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Baptism

"Why should I be baptized?" "I’ve already been baptized; do I have to do it again?" "Does it matter if you are sprinkled or dunked?"

Answers to these commonly asked questions are found in the Bible, which clearly teaches that baptism is the first step of obedience after making a commitment to Christ. Baptism allows a Christ-follower to show the world their heart-felt commitment to Christ.  

JESUS COMMANDED US
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.  Matthew 28:19 (NIV)

WHY IS BAPTISM IMPORTANT?
Baptism is a symbol of our relationship with Jesus Christ, illustrating what happened in your life when you accepted Jesus as your Savior.

Romans 6:3-4 says:
Or don't you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism in death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead thought the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. (NIV)

When you accepted Jesus, your old nature died (the nature that made you sin), and a new nature was born (Romans 6:5-6). The Bible calls this being born again. (John 3:3)

BAPTISM ILLUSTRATES NEW BIRTH
Going into the water symbolizes the death of our old nature, and coming out of the water illustrates new birth.

Since baptism is a picture of what has already taken place, only those who have accepted Jesus as their Savior should be baptized.  Baptism does not save a person; the water holds no special power; it is simply a symbol.

The word baptism comes from an ancient Greek word meaning "to immerse." Therefore baptism is the immersion of the believer under water. Some churches practice the pouring or sprinkling of water, but this does not illustrate the death and rebirth of the person.  Neither does it accurately imitate Christ's example.  (Matthew 3:13-17)

Baptism is an important step for every person who accepts Jesus as their Savior for two reasons:
1. It is an act of obedience to the command of Jesus (Acts 2:38)
2. Baptism is a public proclamation of having accepted Christ. (Romans 6:5-7)

WHEN SHOULD I BE BAPTIZED?
If you have accepted Jesus Christ into your heart, and you understand what baptism means and symbolizes, you should be baptized as soon as possible.

WC baptizes people of all ages who have accepted Jesus as their Savior.  Whether in a swimming pool, lake, or portable baptistry, it is always a time of celebration for their new life in Christ!

If you would like more information, contact us. 

Attending CLASS 101 will give you a clear understanding of baptism. We welcome your inquiries, and will be happy to talk with you further.

If you'd like to be a part of our next Baptism Celebration, please complete and submit the information below, and we'll contact you soon. 

Baptism Application
First Name:
Last Name:
Street Address:
City:
Zip code:
Phone Number:
Date of Birth:
When did you receive Jesus Christ as your personal Savior?
Are you attending a local church? Where?
What is your spiritual background before accepting Jesus?
How has Jesus changed your life?
What have you learned about Jesus since becoming a Christ follower?
Look up John 3:16 and briefly explain what it means to you.
Look up Ephesians 2:8-10 and briefly explain what it means to you.
What does baptism mean to you?
What would you say to someone who might be thinking about becoming a Christian?
Submit 


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