Jesus introduced water baptism in connection with His Great Commission. (Matthew 28:19). He said that new disciples were to be baptized in the Name of the Triune God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We believe Jesus meant for this to be a permanent practice, called an ordinance. We encourage water baptism.
Baptism for believers
In the New Testament times, baptism followed repentance and faith. Peter invited his listeners on the day of Pentecost to “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins” (Acts 2:28). Three thousand people responded to the invitation, and “those who accepted his message were baptized” (Acts 2:41)
When the apostles took the gospel across the Roman Empire from Jerusalem, new churches were planted, and believers were baptized soon after they turned away from sin and put their trust in Christ for salvation. Acts 18:8 says, “Many of the Corinthians who heard (Paul) believed and were baptized.”
We follow the same practice of baptism subsequent to conversion to Christ. Those who have repented of sin and put their faith in Jesus for eternal life are encouraged to take this step of obedience.
What Does Baptism Mean?
The apostles Paul explained that baptism symbolizes the believer’s union with Christ: “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 into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the death through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.” (Romans 6:3-4)
Immersion in the baptismal waters symbolizes the end of the old way of life. Coming up out of the baptismal waters pictures the new life found in Christ. The person who was previously dead in sin has been made spiritually alive by the same power that raised up Jesus from the grave. United with Him, the believer is released from the power of sin in order to obey God. Paul portrays this life change as putting on new clothes: “for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.” (Galatians 3:27)
Water baptism identifies a person as a disciples of Christ and celebrates the passage from an old life into a new life in Christ. Simply stated, it is an outward sign of an inward change.
It is important to note that baptism is not required to receive God's salvation. However, we do encourage all who have trusted in Jesus Christ to follow Him in baptism as an act of obedience.
Baptism Service - Summer of 2021
This year's baptism service will be held in later summer. f you are interested in being baptized, or have questions about it, please let us know.
We will be having a class for anyone interested in being baptized soon.