Get Baptized!
Baptism is an important step for every believer. If you haven’t been baptized, you can do so any Wednesday evening before our Midweek Prayer service.
When: Wednesdays at 7 p.m. Please arrive one hour before the start of service (6 p.m.).
Where: The King's Place, West Campus (enter through South Foyer)
Make a public confession of your commitment and take the plunge. You'll be glad you did!
WE ALSO BAPTIZE ONCE A MONTH ON SUNDAY MORNING AT THE 9 & 11 am SERVICES IN THE LIVING ROOM, EAST CAMPUS. Call Pastoral Services at 818.779.8460 for the date of the next Sunday morning water baptism.
Want to know more? Read on!
• What is the meaning of Baptism?
• Why be baptized by immersion?
• Who should be baptized?
• When should I be baptized?
• Can my family and friends be baptized together?
• What should I wear when I'm baptized?
• What actually happens when I'm baptized?
WHAT IS THE MEANING OF BAPTISM?
It is an identification with Christ's burial and Resurrection, illustrates new life as a Believer, and is a step of obedience.
• . . . Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures. —1 Corinthians 15:3-4
• For you were buried with Christ when you were baptized. And with Him you were raised to new life because you trusted the mighty power
of God, who raised Christ from the dead. —Colossians 2:12 NLT
• Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. —2 Corinthians 5:17
• Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. —Romans 6:4
It's important to remember that Baptism doesn't make you a Believer, rather it indicates that you already believe. Baptism does not "save" you, faith in Christ does that. Someone once said that "Baptism is like a wedding ring—it's the outward symbol of the commitment you make in your heart."
Back to the top.
WHY BE BAPTIZED BY IMMERSION?
That's the way Jesus was baptized and every baptism recorded in the Bible was by immersion.
• After His baptism, as Jesus came up out of the water, the heavens were opened . . . —Matthew 3:16
• . . . and they went down into the water, and Philip baptized him. When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord snatched Philip away. —Acts 8:38-39
The etymology of the word "baptize" means "to dip under water." In the Greek, the language the New Testament was originally written it, the word "baptize" means "to immerse or dip under water." It best symbolized a burial and resurrection!
It's interesting to note that the founders of denominations, known theologians, agree:
• "I would have those who are to be baptized to be entirely immersed, as the work imports and the mystery signifies." —Martin Luther
• "The word 'baptize' signifies to immerse. It is certain that immersion was the practice of the ancient church." —John Calvin
• "Buried with Him, alludes to Baptizing by immersion according to the custom of the first church." —John Wesley
WHO SHOULD BE BAPTIZED?
Every person who has believed in Jesus Christ as Lord and understands what the meaning and importance of Baptism.
• "Those who believed and accepted His message were baptized..." --Acts 2:41
• "Simon himself believed and was baptized..." --Acts 8:13
• "But when they believed Philip as he preached the Good News… and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women." --Acts 8:12
WHEN SHOULD I BE BAPTIZED?
As soon as you accept Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord.
• Then those who gladly received His word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them. —Acts 2:41
• Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning at this Scripture, preached Jesus to him. Now as they went down the road, they came to some water. And the eunuch said, “See, here is water. What hinders me from being baptized?” Then Philip said, “If you believe with all your heart, you may.” And he answered and said, “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.” So he commanded the chariot to stand still. And both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water, and he baptized him. —Acts 8:35-38
We encourage you to get baptized right away, as soon as you have decided to follow Christ. There is no reason to delay. You don't have to "have it all together," because none of us ever will. That's why Jesus came!
CAN MY FAMILY AND FRIENDS BE BAPTIZED TOGETHER?
Yes! If each person understands fully the meaning of Baptism, and has placed his/her trust in Christ. We encourage families or friends to be baptized at the same time. It is a wonderful commitment to share and be able to remind each other of its significance. However, Baptism is a personal statement of your faith and should never be considered a "tradition." So, don't delay in your commitment simply because you are waiting on others. Go ahead and take a step of faith that will encourage your family and friends to do the same.
WHAT SHOULD I WEAR WHEN I'M BAPTIZED?
We'll supply you with a baptism robe. Just wear something you don't mind getting wet, like a pair of shorts and a T-shirt. Then, bring a change of undergarments, a towel, and a plastic bag for your wet clothes.
WHAT ACTUALLY HAPPENS WHEN I'M BAPTIZED?
When you arrive early, there is a brief class that explains more about the significance of Baptism. Right before the service, there will be workers that help you prepare. At the beginning of the service, one of the pastors may ask you your name and perhaps a simple question like, "Do you love Jesus?" Then the pastor will give a brief statement about Baptism and pray. Then, you'll wait in the water for your turn to be baptized. The pastor will briefly lower you just under the water, and raise you up as he prays for you. That's the process. But what really happens is of spiritual significance. Expect God to do something new in you and ask Him to give you the gift of the Holy Spirit. When Jesus was baptized, that's what happened to Him. He received the power of the Holy Spirit. You'll then have a chance to dry off, change your clothes, and join the service. You'll also receive your Baptism certificate.
