THE IMPORTANCE OF BAPTISM

I. WHY SHOULD I BE BAPTIZED?

1. To follow the example set by Jesus.
At that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. CMk 1:9

2. Because Jesus commanded it.
Jesus said, 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. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age. CMatt. 28:19-20

3. It demonstrates that I really am a believer.
Many of the people who heard Him believed and were baptized. CActs 18:8
We know that we have come to know Him, if we obey His commands. C1 John 2:3

II. WHAT DOES BAPTISM MEAN?

1. It symbolizes the death and resurrection of Jesus.
Christ died for our sins . . . He was buried . . . and He rose again. C1 Cor. 15:3-4

2. It symbolizes my new life as a Christian.
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!
C2 Cor. 5:17
We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead . . . so we too may live a new life. CRom. 6:4

Baptism doesn't make you a believer; it shows that you already believe. Baptism does not save you, only your faith in Christ does that.

Illustration: Baptism is like a wedding ring. It is the outer symbol of the commitment you made in your heart.

III. WHY BE BAPTIZED BY IMMERSION?

1. Because Jesus was baptized that way.
As soon as Jesus was baptized, He went up out of the water. CMatt. 3:16

2. Every baptism in the New Testament was by immersion.
[Example] . . . Then both Phillip and the man went down into the water and Philip baptized him. When they came up out of the water . . . CActs 8:38-39

3. The word baptize means to immerse in water.
4. Of the various ways of baptizing, immersion best symbolizes a burial and resurrection.

IV. WHO SHOULD BE BAPTIZED?

Every person who has believed in Jesus.

Those who believed and accepted his message were baptized . . . (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 baptized, both men and women. (Acts 8:12)

At THE BRIDGE, we wait until children are old enough to believe and make a personal commitment to Christ before we baptize them. We do not baptize infants and small children because they cannot make this decision for themselves.

Some churches do baptize infants as a sign of entrance into the Christian community. Later, after formal instruction, young people are confirmed in the faith.

What about membership at THE BRIDGE? Is baptism or confirmation required prior to joining?

Our primary concern regarding baptism is that members be born-again believers who forsake any and all other gods and who have a clear conscience with regard to the Scriptures and their baptism. As an international church, and for the sake of Christian unity, THE BRIDGE does not require immersion or rebaptism of believers who were baptized as infants. Instead we ask if they have had a conversion experience and if they have made a public confession or Aconfirmation@ of their personal faith in Jesus. If so, then a second baptism is not required. It may be offered and received, however, as a meaningful experience for the individual who wants to publicly affirm their faith in Jesus.

V. WHEN SHOULD I BE BAPTIZED?

As soon as you have believed!

Those who believed . . . were baptized . . . that day! CActs 2:41

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, AIf you believe with all your heart, you may. The eunuch gave orders to stop the chariot. Then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized him. CActs 8:35-38

There is no reason to delay. As soon as you have decided to follow Jesus as your Lord, or as soon as you realize that God wants you to take this step, you can and should be baptized. If you wait until you Astraighten out your life, or clean up your act, you will never feel good enough! We will be happy to arrange for baptisms as they are requested. Just indicate your desire to your cell group leader or one of our pastors.