Are you Ready to be Baptized at Crossroads?
We follow the example Jesus set: water baptism is a public declaration of following Jesus. An outward expression of an inward change.
What is Baptism?
Baptism is an outward visible sign (symbol) of the inward Spiritual grace. The act represents that grace (sacrament) which has already been extended to the individual. The cleansing from sin and the recognition of the covenant relationship of the individual to God and the Church through the blood of Jesus Christ.
We get baptized to: Outwardly profess (make a statement) our repentance of sin, to follow Christ example, to encounter God (Matthew 3:11-17), out of obedience to the commands of Christ (Matthew 28:18-20), to receive the gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:36-41), and to be unified with the Church
It’s a public declaration of how Jesus changed your life. Being baptized shows others that you’ve decided to follow Jesus, and allows them to celebrate this decision with you. (Acts 16:31-34).
Baptism doesn’t save a person; it’s a symbol and celebration of salvation (1 Peter 3:21). The power that brought Jesus back to life is the same power Jesus uses to change our lives – and that’s worth getting excited about!
We get baptized to: Outwardly profess (make a statement) our repentance of sin, to follow Christ example, to encounter God (Matthew 3:11-17), out of obedience to the commands of Christ (Matthew 28:18-20), to receive the gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:36-41), and to be unified with the Church
It’s a public declaration of how Jesus changed your life. Being baptized shows others that you’ve decided to follow Jesus, and allows them to celebrate this decision with you. (Acts 16:31-34).
Baptism doesn’t save a person; it’s a symbol and celebration of salvation (1 Peter 3:21). The power that brought Jesus back to life is the same power Jesus uses to change our lives – and that’s worth getting excited about!
- A SYMBOL | Water is only a symbol – true baptism is when you received the H.S. .
- A STATEMENT | declaring your choice to be in Christ.
- A SACRAMENT | means of grace; God’s choice to accept you and change you.
Why Should I Be Baptized?
- To follow the example set by Jesus Christ.
“At that time Jesus came from Nazareth and was baptized by John in the Jordan.” Mark 1:9 - Because Christ commanded it.
“Jesus said, ‘Go then, to all people everywhere and make them my disciples, baptize 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 - It demonstrates that I really am a Christ-follower.
“…many of the people who heard Him believed and were baptized.” Acts 18 18:8
What does the meaning of baptism illustrate?
- It illustrates Christ’s burial and resurrection.
“For when you were baptized, you were buried with Christ, and in baptism, you were also raised with Christ.” Colossians 2:12
“Christ died for our sins . . . He was buried . . . and He rose again.” 1 Corinthians 15:3-4
- It illustrates my 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 baptism then, we are buried with Him and shared His death, in order that just as Christ was raised from the dead . . . so also we may live a new life.” Romans 6:4
Baptism doesn’t make you a believer – it shows that you already believe. Baptism doesn’t “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.
Verse to memorize: “For it is by grace that you have been saved, through faith…it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9
Who Should be baptized?
- Every person who has believed in Christ should be baptized.
“Those who believed and accepted His messages were baptized.” Acts 2:41 (see Acts 8:12) - The one requirement for baptism is belief in Christ!
While we believe and see in the scriptures that baptism is for any person who has accepted Christ, regardless of age. There is no age requirement according to the scriptures placed upon an individual or direct scriptural teaching against any age group, therefore, allowing for infants and adults (“believer baptism”) to be baptized.
We tend not baptize children until they are old enough to believe in Christ and fully understand what that belief means. For babies and young children we offer Child Dedication. In the story of Hannah and Samuel, 1 Samuel 1:24-28, we see the practice of dedicating the lives of children to serve the Lord. Dedication is the commitment by the parents to raise their children in a Godly household (Proverbs 22:6, Luke 2:22). Parents are communicating to the world what their intention is with this Child and whose child this is (this is God’s child). Child dedication is for parents who want God’s blessing on their child yet desire to for their children to make a conscious choice in their faith regarding baptism.
When should I be baptized?
If you believe in Jesus with your heart and profess him with your mouth. There is no reason to delay!
“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 man said, ‘Look, here is water! Why shouldn’t I be baptized right now?’ Philip said ‘If you believe with all your heart, you may.’ The man answered ‘I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.’ So they went down into the water and Philip baptized him.” Acts 8:35-38 (see 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 man said, ‘Look, here is water! Why shouldn’t I be baptized right now?’ Philip said ‘If you believe with all your heart, you may.’ The man answered ‘I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.’ So they went down into the water and Philip baptized him.” Acts 8:35-38 (see Acts 2:41)
What about being baptized twice?
One only needs to be baptized once. We need to repent daily, but only one baptism. Just because you walk away from God doesn't mean the Spirit of the Lord has left you, when you return to the faith you can make a public profession of faith (baptism not needed) or rededicate yourself to Jesus.
Can my family be baptized together?
Yes! If each family member fully understands the meaning of baptism and each one has personally placed his/her trust in Christ for salvation, families may be baptized at the same time. It is a wonderful expression of commitment.
How are we to be baptized?
- We are to be baptized in the same way Jesus was baptized – by being immersed in water.
“As soon as Jesus was baptized, He came up out of the water.” Matthew 3:16 (see Mark 1:10)
- Immersion baptism was how Christ was baptized but the Scriptures do not speak directly against sprinkling or pouring water over the head leaving room for multiple expressions of baptism. However, at Crossroads, we do immersion baptism to follow the model of Jesus.
- Water Baptism is a symbol of what has already occurred. We live in a broken world and need redemption. Jesus Christ died and rose again, God conquered sin, death, and the devil, offering forgiveness for all and through baptism we are accepting this new life that Christs offers to us.
- Every baptism in the Bible was by immersion under water.
- “. . . then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized him.” When they came up out of the water . . .” Acts 8:38-39
- The word “baptize’ from the Greek word “baptizo”, means “to dip” or “to immerse”underwater.
Will I have to say anything?
- You will be called forward. The Pastor will briefly explain the meaning of baptism to the audience. Following, the Pastor will introduce you from the stage. Then ask you to share 1-2min testimony of why you are getting baptized. What does it mean that you are accepting Christ today!
- Enter the baptismal. The pastor will ask you to profess your faith by answering a question (“Is Jesus Christ your Lord and Savior, and have you chosen to be His and follow Him for the rest of your life?”).
- Then the pastor will recite the baptismal words and dunk you. Plug that nose!
Your baptism is a public profession of your new identification with Jesus Christ and although you may say only a few words, your actions will speak louder than any words could!
What happens in the water?
A pastor will guide you to fall back into their arms as they briefly submerge you underwater. You may hold your nose closed with your hand and cross your arms over the front of your body.
The Pastor will say, “I baptize you in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Buried with Christ in baptism, raised to walk in newness of life.” (see Romans 10:9) When you come up, we will all be celebrating with you.
The Pastor will say, “I baptize you in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Buried with Christ in baptism, raised to walk in newness of life.” (see Romans 10:9) When you come up, we will all be celebrating with you.
What should I wear when I am baptized?
When being immersed, we advise women to wear shorts and a t-shirt or a t-shirt style dress rather than a swimsuit. Men may wear swimsuit trunks with a t-shirt. Remember to bring a change of clothes and a towel.
Special Needs?
We can perform a private baptism in special circumstances. However, we stress the importance of participating in the community celebration and witness that’s provided at the congregational baptism services.
How do I get baptized?
Fill out a Next Step Card, then we will contact you and setup a meeting. We can't wait to Connect and help you with this Next Step.