Baptism

What’s the deal with baptism?
After you beginbegin a relationship with Jesus, it starts the process of a life-long relationship with God. That relationship involves a continual process of getting to know Jesus and taking next steps in your relationship.

In the book of Acts, baptism was in the Bible, the very first step to reflect this desire in your life to follow Jesus, was through baptism..

What’s the meaning of baptism?
1. It illustrates Jesus’ death, burial and resurrection.
• 1 Corinthians 15:3-4 “Christ died for our sins . . . He was buried . . . and He rose again.”
• Colossians 2:12 “For when you were baptized, you were buried with Christ, and in baptism you were raised with Christ.”
2. It’s a living picture of new life as a follower of Jesus.
• Romans 6:4 “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.”

Baptism doesn’t make you a follower of Jesus, it demonstrates that you already have decided to follow. It’s important to understand that baptism does not secure a relationship with God (it doesn’t help you get in with God).

That relationship with God happens only by grace through your faith in Jesus and what He did for you on the cross.
• Ephesians 2:8-9 “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith . . . it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast.”

Baptism is like a wedding ring – it is the outward symbol of the commitment you make in your heart. It’s an outward expression of an inner change.

Why should I be baptized?
At Branches Church we believe that baptism is a great way to let others know of your commitment to follow Jesus. As soon as you have decided to follow Jesus by personally accepting what He did for you on the cross, you can be baptized.
1. It Baptism follows Jesus’ example.
• Mark 1:9 At that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan.
2. Because Jesus expectsed us to be baptized.
• Matthew 28:19-20 “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.’”
3. it & it Baptism demonstrates that we’re really following His lead.
• Matthew 28:19-20 “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.’”
• 1 John 2:3 “We know that we have come to know him if we keep his commands.”

When should I be baptized?
You are welcome to be baptized as soon as you have believed!As soon as you have decided to follow Jesus by personally accepting what He did for you on the cross, you can be baptized.
• Acts 2:41 “Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.”

Why baptism by immersion? (being “dunked” under the water)
1. Jesus was baptized that way.
• Matthew 3:16 “As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water.”
2. Every baptism in the Bible was by immersion
• Acts 8:38-39 “Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized him. When they came up out of the water…”
3. The word “baptize” actually means “to dip under water”.
4. Immersion best symbolizes a death and resurrection.
• 2 Corinthians 5:17 “This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!” (NLT)

FAQ
What do I need to do to be baptized?
1. Accept Jesus’ grace for your life and personally acknowledge him as the Savior.
2. Talk to a leader at Branches who can help schedule a time and location for your baptism.
3. At your baptism…
a. Bring the appropriate clothing (swimsuit, dark t-shirt.) Branches has a dark t-shirt to give you if you would like.
b. Bring a towel.
c. There may be time to share a brief testimony of what God has done for you.

Who will baptize me?
Baptizing is not reserved for pastors, staff or leaders. We love to see family and friends baptize each other. We just ask that the person baptizing has themselves been baptized. This was Jesus’ example for us.

Why don’t you baptize infants?
In the Bible people were baptized following their belief in Jesus. We believe that baptism is for those who have made a personal decision to trust Jesus alone for their salvation. A cute little baby, although treasured by God, is not yet capable of making that decision. Instead, we dedicate babies which is intended to emphasize a commitment between the parents and God, on behalf of the child. During this ceremony, the parents promise to raise their child in the faith until the child is old enough to make his own personal decision about Jesus.

I’ve been a Christian for years, should I still get baptized?
Yes! It may seem like a moot point, but it’s never too late to take this step of obedience. And if you were baptized as an infant we encourage you to be baptized by your own decision as well.

What do I need to do to be baptized?
1. Accept Jesus’ grace for your life and personally acknowledge him as the Savior.
2. Talk to a leader at Branches who can help schedule a time and location for your baptism.
3. At your baptism…
-Bring appropriate clothing. (Swimsuit, dark t-shirt.) Branches has a dark t-shirt to give you if you would like.
-Bring a towel.
4. There may be time to share a brief testimony of what God has done for you.

If you would like to be baptized or have any questions about it please email us at: info@brancheschurch.org.

Comments 4

  1. This is a wonderful explanation as well as a motivation for people with regards to baptism. Thanks so much for posting this on your website for all to see!

  2. Pingback: Baptisms at Branches | Branches Church

  3. Pingback: Baptisms | Branches Church

  4. Pingback: Water Baptism 2021 | Branches Church

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