Baptism

Baptism is an exciting part our Christian life. It’s an outward picture of what has already happened in our hearts. Baptism is the outward sign that you really mean business and your faith is real.

In the Bible it was taken for granted that this happened when a
person was born again.

Check this out in Acts 2 v 38-41

 

A Change of Heart

Before we give our lives over to Jesus we like to run them ourselves. We do what we want. We may or may not have committed any terrible sins but we know we certainly don’t match up to God’s
holiness and perfection. Therefore we are sinners.

Jesus died on the cross and shed His blood to pay the wages of our sin. When we ask Him to forgive us He comes and takes away our sin. His Holy Spirit starts a new life inside.

A Change of Boss!

When we become Christians we let Jesus take charge of our life. We listen to what He wants rather than doing what we want. Our sinful life, where we are in charge is put to death and our new life with Jesus in charge begins.

This is what we mean when we say Jesus is Lord of our lives.

The picture of baptism

When you read Romans 6:1-11 you begin to see baptism is a picture or a symbol.

  1. Our old self has died; it was crucified with Jesus on the cross, so we can be free to live for Him. Baptism is like burial. When we become Christians the old life is put to death and we show it by burying it in baptism. Jesus was buried after His death and we are doing the same. We are saying we have died with Christ!
  1. We are alive in God and because of His resurrection we have a new life! Jesus was raised to new life and as we come up out of the water we are saying we have the new life of Christ inside of us.

How much water is needed?

When someone is buried they are put right out of sight, so enough water to get right underneath.
In the Bible the Greek word is ‘Baptizo’. It’s translated ‘baptise’ and means to immerse, submerge and plunge.
New Testament believers were therefore immersed under the water. Jesus himself was baptised in the river Jordon and Mark said ‘he came up out of the water’ (Mark 1 v 10)

What about Christening?

What we do must be based on what the Bible says. In the Bible times baptism always followed repentance and faith. People always trusted Jesus rst and then were baptised.

Check it out in Mark 16 v 16; Acts 2 v 38 and Matthew 28 v 19.
A baby can be dedicated to God by his parents, but must grow up to
decide to follow Jesus for himself before being baptised

Who can baptise?

A responsible Christian but not necessarily someone in leadership. Jesus didn’t baptise anyone; He left it to His followers to do (John 4:2). If a believer is able to disciple another, he/she should qualify to baptise them (Matt 28:19). The great apostle Paul was baptised by one simply described as ‘a disciple’ (Acts 9:10,18).

Does baptism make me a part of a particular church denomination?

No – we are not baptised into a denomination such as the Methodists or The King’s Centre, we are baptised ‘into Christ’ (Romans 6 v 3) This means we are part of a world wide church where Jesus is Lord

Do I have to say anything?

Baptism is a confession (a speaking out of what happened to you when you became a Christian).

  • Before you go into the pool you will be asked to give a short confession
    of how you became a Christian and maybe what Jesus means to you now.
  • In the pool you will be asked whether you know Jesus as your Lord and
    Saviour. All you need to say is ‘yes’.

Here are some practical points.

There are several ways in which you can give your testimony or confession.
a) Speak from notes.
b) Write down what you want to say and read it at the service.
c) Someone can interview you.
d) Write a poem or a song about your story

Whichever way you choose here are some tips.

1) Write down your story and read it to another Christian before the day.
2) It does not need to be long. Just a few sentences is ne.
3) Try to include the ‘when’ and ‘how’ of your story not just your feelings.
4) Invite your family and friends to come along.
5) Use the days leading up to the service to spend time with the Lord. It’s a special time and God wants to bless you.

Some practical things

  • Wear comfortable clothes that will not be seen through when wet.
  • Possibly have swimwear underneath
  • Ask someone to hold your towel
  • You can be baptised forwards, backwards or straight down into the water.
  • If you can’t go under the water for a particular reason talk to the person who is baptising you.