Have you decided to get baptized?
Great! We offer baptism in our regular weekend services four to six times a year. To get the ball rolling, stop by Connecting Point on the weekend, call the church office for more information, or sign-up here.
When you are baptized, be sure to encourage your family and friends to be part of the service and witness God’s grace in your obedience through baptism!
What is baptism?
Baptism is an important step in your spiritual journey of faith in Christ. Baptism does not make you a believer. But it is an obedient response and expression of your faith and commitment to Christ. Every example we see in the Bible demonstrates that first a person comes to believe in Christ, and then he or she is baptized as an expression of that belief. Baptism is the means by which followers of Christ are identified. In Matthew 28:19 Jesus commands his followers, Therefore, go, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.
What is the significance of baptism?
In Romans 6:1-11 the apostle Paul explains how baptism by immersion identifies the believer with the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Going underwater signifies Christ’s death and burial; coming up out of the water illustrates his resurrection. Baptism symbolizes your commitment to place Jesus Christ as the Lord of your life. When you come to faith in Christ, an inner change takes place. Baptism is the outward symbol of the inward commitment you have made to Jesus Christ. It is an initial step of obedience in your journey with Jesus and a public statement of faith.
Why be baptized?
- To follow Christ’s example: One day Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee, and John baptized him in the Jordan River. (Mark 1:9)
- To demonstrate your faith: …Many others in Corinth also heard Paul, became believers and were baptized. (Acts 18:8)
Why be baptized BY IMMERSION?
- Jesus was baptized by being immersed in water. (Matthew 3:16)
- Every baptism in the Bible was by immersion underwater. (Acts 8:38-39)
- The word baptize literally means “to dip or immerse under water.”
- Baptism by immersion is the best way to symbolically illustrate a burial and resurrection.
What about infant baptism?
In the Bible Jesus held children, prayed for them, and taught us all to welcome them. But he did not baptize them or tell anyone else to baptize them. Parents often baptize their child intending for them to one day become a follower of Christ. If you were baptized as a child, then your adult baptism can be viewed as a fulfillment of your parents’ wishes. In no way does it renounce your baptism as a child.
Is baptism necessary?
Yes, and this means baptism by immersion. Our heart’s desire is to simply obey the clear teaching of God’s Word. So, even if you were baptized as an infant, your baptism as a believer represents an obedience to Christ’s command for all who come to faith in him.
When are baptisms?
We have many baptism opportunities throughout the year. We baptize during all services at Summit with a time of worship and rejoicing.
I’m ready to be baptized. What’s my next step?
For questions or registration for baptism, please call 424.5683. Or you can sign up on line by clicking here!
