What Is Baptism?
Baptism is the public celebration announcing your personal relationship with Jesus Christ, and your decision to follow Him with your life.
Baptism does not “save” you, meaning it doesn’t purchase your way to heaven, ensure a personal relationship with Jesus or wash away sins, nor does it automatically make you a member of Makers Church or any other church, organization or denomination. Baptism is a public declaration and celebration of your obedience to Christ.
Why
Do It?
Because Jesus did it. (Matthew 3:13-17) “Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. But John tried to deter him, saying, ‘I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?” Jesus replied, ‘Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.’ Then John consented. As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and hi saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and lighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, ‘this is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.’
Because Jesus invites us to do so as well in obedience. (Matthew 28:18-20) “Then Jesus came to them and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 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, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.’ “
When To
Do It?
In Scriptures, followers of Jesus were baptized right after committing their lives to Christ. (Acts 16:29-33) “The jailer called for lights, rushed in and fell trembling before Paul and Silas. He then brought them out and asked, ‘Sirs, what must I do to be saved?’ They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved – you and your household.’ Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all the others in his house. At that hour of the night the jailer took them and washed their wounds; then immediately he and all his family were baptized.”
This is a celebration of what God is doing in your spiritual journey! Please feel free to invite your friends and family members who can celebrate with you at this upcoming baptism event. What to Bring: Men: Swim trunks or cut offs, towel, comb/brush, large plain white T-Shirt and a plastic grocery bag for wet clothes and towel. Women: One Piece Swimsuit or Dark T-shirt and shorts, towel, comb/brush, plastic bag for wet clothes and towel. Please be at the baptism site at least 30 minutes prior to the scheduled event.
How To
Do It?
Followers of Jesus in the Bible where plunged into water. (Acts 8:35-38) “Then Philip began with that very passage of 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 baptized?’ Philip said, ‘if you believe with all your heart, you may.’ The eunuch answered, ‘I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.’ And he gave orders to stop the chariot. Then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized him.”
The original word in the Scriptures for Baptism is “Baptizo” and it’s specific meaning is “to immerse in water.” Being plunged into water symbolizes Jesus’ death, burial and resurrection. It also symbolizes your death to sin and your new life in Jesus. (Romans 6:3-4): “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 into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.”