Baptism

NEXT BAPTISM: Sunday, February 26th from 6-7:30pm at Hope Community Church

WHAT IS BAPTISM?

Baptism is the act of a BELIEVING Christian who wants to publicly confess their personal commitment to Jesus Christ. It is the symbolic WASHING AWAY of one’s old, sinful past and the RISING again to live a LIFE God’s way. The act of baptism can be defined as an outward expression of an inward commitment.

WHAT DOES BAPTISM MEAN?

Baptism illustrates Jesus’ BURIAL and RESURRECTION.

“Christ died for our sins…He was buried…he was raised from the dead.” 1 Corinthians 15:3-4

“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

Baptism illustrates NEW LIFE as a Christian.

“For we died and were buried with Christ by baptism. And just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glorious power of the Father, now we also may live new lives.” Romans 6:4

Baptism doesn´t make you a Christian – 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´s the outward symbol of the commitment you make in your heart.

 

WHY DO WE GET BAPTIZED?

To follow the example set by JESUS and because Jesus COMMANDED it.

“One day when the crowds were being baptized, Jesus himself was baptized…” Luke 3:21

“Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.” Matthew 28:19

 

WHEN SHOULD I BE BAPTIZED?

As soon as you BELIEVE! THERE IS NO REASON TO DELAY! As soon as you have put your faith in Jesus’ work on the Cross for you.

HOW DO WE BAPTIZE?

We baptize by immersion, which means to be placed completely under water. We baptize by immersion for two reasons.

Jesus was baptized that way.

“As Jesus was coming up out of the water…” Mark 1:10

Every baptism in the Bible was by immersion.

“He ordered the carriage to stop, and they went down into the water, and Philip baptized him. When they came up out of the water…” Acts 8:38-39

 

WHAT IF I WAS BAPTIZED AS A BABY?

That is a great question. Since baptism is meant for those who have put their faith in Jesus Christ, we would encourage you to be baptized as a follower of Jesus. However, please discuss this with your parents first. You will want to present it in a way that is honoring and loving toward your parents, but also honoring of Jesus’ command for believers to be baptized.

I WANT TO GET BAPTIZED

If you have any questions about our next baptism, please call us at (919)532.0620, email us at donniep@gethope.net, or you can talk with an adult leader during Pulse, our weekend service.

 

GO DEEPER…

If you would like to go deeper in your understanding of baptism you can read the verses above. But you can also study Matthew 3:13-17.