Christian Baptism Service

Baptism

Baptism

A WORD ABOUT BAPTISM – All you have to do is casually navigate the New Testament and you will find believers being baptized. From Jesus Christ to the Roman centurion Cornelius and his family, baptism is a common occurrence throughout the New Testament. But baptism is much more than a common thread that bonds new believers in Scripture. Baptism is the first test of obedience for any Christian.

Christ commands us in Matthew 28:19, “Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”

Baptism is a public profession of a private decision to trust Christ. And it is commanded by Jesus. In fact, it’s the first step of obedience for any believer. It’s when we raise the banner of victory and announce to the world, “I am a follower of Christ!”

Many people still need to take the plunge of baptism. If you have trusted Christ with your eternity; if you have trusted Jesus with your salvation, don’t balk at the first test of obedience. Take that next step. Follow Christ’s command and step into the waters of New Testament baptism

If you are ready to make the public confession, sign up on the events page, or feel free at any time to call one of our Pastors directly for help, or just to talk…

What is the Meaning of Baptism?

Baptism illustrates Christ´s burial and resurrection.

  • “Christ died for our sins… He was buried… and He rose again.”
    (I Cor. 15:3-4)
  • “For when you were baptized, you were buried with Christ, and in baptism you were also raised with Christ.” (Col. 2:12)

Baptism 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 Cor. 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!” (Rom. 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
  • Baptism 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.” (Eph. 2:8,9)

WHY BE BAPTIZED BY IMMERSION?

  • Because Jesus was baptized that way. “As soon as Jesus was baptized, He went up out of the water.” (Matt. 3:16)
  • Every baptism in the Bible was by immersion

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

ALSO NOTE: The word Baptize means “To dip under water” (The Greek work Baptizo means “To immerse or dip under water”).  It best symbolized a burial and resurrection!

  • The founders of denominations agree:

Martin Luther… “I would have those who are to be baptized to be entirely immersed, as the work imports and the mystery signifies.”
John Calvin… “The word ´baptize´ signifies to immerse. It is certain that immersion was the practice of the ancient church.”
John Wesley… “Buried with Him, alludes to baptizing by immersion according to the custom of the first church.”

Who Should be Baptized?

  • Every person who has believed in Christ.

“Those who believe and accepted His message were baptized…” (Acts 2:41)
“Simon himself believed and was baptized…” (Acts 8:13)
“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)

  • At the The Spoken Word Church, we wait until our children are old enough to believe and understand the true meaning of baptism before we baptize them.

Some churches practice a “baptism of confirmation” for children. This ceremony is intended to be a covenant between the parents and God on the behalf of the child. The parents promise to raise their child in the faith until the child is old enough to make his own personal confession of Christ. This custom began about 300 years after the Bible was completed. The purpose of baptism is to publicly confess your personal commitment to Christ.

If you are ready to take that step of baptism, please email Bob@thespokenwordchurch.com