Baptism is your chance to publicly express the commitment you have already made in your heart. Such a special and significant moment in your faith and following Jesus, your Church family will be there to support you every step of the way. In fact, we can start right now with some answers to a few questions you might have.
WHAT IS BAPTISM?
The word baptize is from the Greek verb baptidzo which means “to immerse.” The process of baptism consists of immersion, submersion and emergence. This process is used to describe John’s baptism and Christian baptism. Simply stated, to baptize is to totally immerse an object in another substance and then bring it out again. Water baptism gives the believer the opportunity to openly testify to others of his born-again experience. It serves as an outward sign and testimony of an inward grace. The believer has been crucified with Christ, buried with Him and raised together with Him to walk in newness of life (Galatians 2:20; Romans 6:4).
HOW DOES BAPTISM WORK?
The Book of Romans says that when we go under the water, we identify with Christ who went into the grave, and when we come out of the water, we identify with His resurrection. Whether you’re dipped in a tub, a pool of water or submerged into a river or lake, the Baptism process symbolizes what has already happened to you spiritually. Your old identity as a sinner is gone, and you rise a new creature in Christ.
WHO'S A BELIEVER?
First, believers are those who realize that their sins have separated them from God (Romans 3:23). Next, he or she realizes that God loved them much, that He sent His son, Jesus Christ, to die on the cross for their sins, so that they might have eternal life with God (John 3:16). Finally, a believer has prayed a prayer to Jesus, accepting God’s gift of salvation wholeheartedly (Romans 10:9-10). If you have come to this point in your spiritual journey, then you are ready to be baptized.
ARE BABIES BAPTIZED?
Acts Fellowship offers parents and families the opportunity to participate in a baby dedication ceremony. For this special and historic occasion, Senior Leaders J.L. + Nicola anoint the infant/child with oil during one of our weekend worship experiences. Then, we as a church pray that God would protect, provide for, guide, and bless the young one.
AM I READY TO BE BAPTIZED?
If you have accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, then you are ready to be baptized. Once someone professes faith in Jesus Christ for salvation, the Bible says they should proclaim this decision publicly.