The Importance of Being Baptized:

Why should I be baptized?

1.      To follow the example set by Jesus.

“At that time Jesus came from Nazareth and was baptized by John in the river.”  Mark 1:9

2.      Because Jesus did 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.’”  Matt. 28:19-20

3.      It demonstrates that I really am a Christian.

“… many of the people who heard Him believed and were baptized.”  Acts 18:8

What is the meaning of Baptism?

1.      It illustrates Jesus’ death, burial  and resurrection.

“Christ died for our sins… He was buried… and He rose again.”  I Cor. 15:3-4

“For when you were baptized, you were buried with Christ, and in baptism you were also raised with Christ.”  Col. 2:12

2.  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 Cor. 5:17

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.  Baptism is like a wedding ring – it is the outward symbol of the commitment you made in your heart.

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.”  Matt. 3:16

2.      Every baptism in the Bible was by immersion.

(Example)  “… then both Philip and the man went down into the water and Philip baptized him.  When they came up out of the water…”  Acts 8:38-39

3.      The word “baptize” means to immerse.

The founders of these denominations agree:

Martin Luther … “I would have those who are to be baptized to be entirely immersed, as the word imports and the mystery signifies.”

John Calvin … “The word ‘baptize’ signifies to immerse.  It is certain that immersion was the practice of the ancient church.”

John Wesley … “Buried with Him, alludes to baptizing by immersion according to the custom of the first church.”

Who should be baptized?

·    Every person who has ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­believed in Jesus Christ.

“Those who believed and accepted His message were baptized…” Acts 2:41

Special Note:

At Lapeer Community Church, we wait until our children are old enough to believe and understand the true meaning of baptism before we baptize them.

Some churches practice “baptism of confirmation” for children.  This ceremony is intended to be a covenant between the parents and God on behalf of the child.  The parents promise to raise their child in the faith until the child is old enough to make his own personal confession of faith in Jesus.  This custom began about 300 years after the Bible was completed, and has its roots in the Old Testament practice of circumcision.  (At Lapeer Community Church, we observe this custom by practicing “child dedications.”  The “Covenant” is still accomplished without confusing the issue.)

This is different from the baptism talked about in the Bible which was always connected to someone old enough to believe.  The purpose is to publicly confess your personal faith in, and commitment to, Jesus Christ.

Baptism is not a partnership requirement at Lapeer Community Church.

When Should I Be Baptized?

As soon as you have believed!

“Those who believed… were baptized… that day.”  Acts 2:41

There is no reason to delay.  As soon as you have decided to receive Christ into your life, you can and should be baptized.  If you wait until you are “perfect”, you’ll never feel “good enough.”