Christian
baptism is immersion in water as a public statement of one’s new
identity in Christ, having received Him by faith as Savior and
Lord. Baptism does not save a person. Rather, baptism is the first
act of obedience for one who has been saved. The model given to us
in the Bible is that baptism immediately follows conversion.
“Those who
accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand
were added to their number that day.” Acts 2:41
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To follow the
example set by Jesus.
“At that
time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by
John in the Jordan.” Mark 1:9
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Because Christ
Himself commands it.
“Then Jesus
said to them… ‘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.'" Matthew 28:19
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To publicly
demonstrate that I really am a believer.
“And many…
who heard him believed and were baptized.” Acts 18:8
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To openly
demonstrate my desire to obey Christ and my willingness to come
under His Lordship in my life.
“Why do you
call me ‘Lord, Lord’ and do not do what I say?” Luke 6:46
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Baptism is the
act that initiates the Christian into the fellowship of the
believers.
“For we were
all baptized by one Spirit into one body…” I Corinthians
12:13
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It illustrates
Christ’s death, burial and resurrection.
“Christ died
for sins according to the Scriptures… He was buried… he was
raised on the third day according to the Scriptures.” I
Corinthians 15:3-4
“… Having been buried with Him in baptism and raised with
Him through your faith in the power of God, who raised Him from
the dead.” Colossians 2:12
This is why
baptism is done by immersion rather than by sprinkling.
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Baptism
illustrates 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!” 2 Cor. 5:17
“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.”
Romans 6:5
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Those who hear
the Gospel.
“… and many…
who heard him believed and were baptized.” Acts 18:8
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Those who
believe in Christ.
“Whoever
believes and is baptized will be saved...” Mark 16:16
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Those who repent
of sin.
“Repent and
be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for
the forgiveness of your sins.” Acts 2:38
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Those who
confess Christ with their mouth.
“… If you
confess with your mouth ‘Jesus is Lord’ and believe in your
heart God raised Him from the dead you will be saved.”
Romans 10:9
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Those who in
good conscience pledge their life to Christ.
“… Baptism
that now saves you… not the removal of dirt from the body but
the pledge of a good conscience toward God.” I Peter 3:21
At
MoValCF, we desire to do everything we can to help you
with this very important time in your life. We have provided
several scheduling options for your convenience.
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You may stop by
the Counter in the main lobby on Sunday mornings. One of our volunteers
will be there to help you.
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You may check
the “Interested in baptism” box on your Sunday morning
attendance card.
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You may contact
the
MoValCF office during weekday hours,
Monday through Friday, at 909 924-1977.
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