I. Why be baptised?

1. Because you want to follow Christ's example.

   "At that time Jesus came from Nazareth and was baptised by John in the river." Mark 1:9

2. Because Christ commanded it.
   Jesus said, "Go then, to all people everywhere and make them my disciples, baptise them in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, and then teach them to obey everything I have commanded you.." Matthew 28:19-20
3. Because it shows you are a believer.
   "…many of the Corinthians who heard him believe and were baptised." Acts 18:8
4. Because obeying Christ's command shows you know Him.
   "We know that we have come to know Him, if we obey His commands." 1 John 2:3

1. It is a symbol of Christ's burial and resurrection.

   "Christ died for our sins…he was buried…and he rose again." 1 Corinthians 15:3, 4

"For when you were baptised, you were buried with Christ, and in baptism you were also raised with Christ." Colossians 2:12

2. It is a symbol of your 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 Corinthians 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 also we might live a new life!" Romans 6:4

   Baptism does not make you a believer, it shows that you already are one! 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 made 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 boost."
   Ephesians 2:8, 9

III. How are we to be baptised?

1. Like Jesus was baptised - by being immersed in water.
   "As soon as Jesus was baptised, He went up out of the water." Matthew 3:16.
2. Every baptism in the Bible was by immersion under water.
   (example) "…then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptised him. When they came up out of the water…" Acts 8:38, 39

3. The word "Baptise" literally means "to dip under water".
   The Greek word "baptiso" means "to immerse or dip under water."
   

4. It is the best way to picture a burial and resurrection.
   The founders of denominations agree:

   Martin Luther… "I would have those who are to be baptised to be entirely immersed as the word imparts and the mystery signifies."

   John Calvin… The word 'baptise" signifies to immerse. It is certain that immersion was the practice of the ancient church."

   John Wesley…"Buried with Him, alluding to baptising by immersion according to the custom of the first church."

   
   

Every person who has made the decision to believe in Christ.

Those who believed and accepted His message were baptised." Acts 2:41

"But when they believed Philip as he preached the good news of the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptised, both men and women." Acts 8:12

"Simon himself believed and was baptised…" Acts 8:13

The one requirement for baptism is belief in Christ! We do not baptise children until they are old enough to understand and believe.

As soon as you have believed! You shouldn't delay.

Those who believed…were baptised…that day!" Acts 2:41

"Then Philip began with the Scripture and told him the Good News about Jesus. As they traveled along the road, they came to some water, and the eunuch said, look here is water! Why shouldn't I be baptised right now? Philip said if you believe with all your heart, you may. The official answered, I believe Jesus Christ is the Son of God. Then both Philip an the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptised him." Acts 8:36-39 (Paraphrase)

There is no reason to delay. As soon as a person decides to believe in Christ he can and should be baptised.

What about being baptised twice?
Our Church recommends that you be baptised again if you have not been baptised by immersion since you became a believer. It doesn't devalue a prior experience but simply reflects your desire to be baptised in the same way Jesus was baptised. We encourage all to be baptised by immersion as Jesus demonstrated and commanded us to follow.

Can my family be baptised together?
Yes! If each family member understands fully the meaning of baptism and each one has personally placed his/her trust in Christ for salvation, we encourage families to be baptised at the same time. It is a wonderful expression of commitment.

How is water baptism conducted?
At the beginning of the baptism service, the pastor will briefly explain the meaning of baptism. You will wait at the edge of the water for your turn to be baptised. The pastor will introduce you and briefly lower you just under the water, and then you will leave
the water, dry off and watch with the others.

God will bless you as you demonstrate your faith in Christ!