Baptism...it's a family thing

What Baptism means

For years I wondered why Jesus’ Great Commission gives the same prominence to baptism as it does to the great tasks of evangelism and edification.

Why is baptism so important? Because it symbolizes one of the purposes of your life: incorporation into the fellowship of God’s eternal family.

Baptism declares your faith, shares Christ’s burial and resurrection, symbolizes your death to your old life, and announces your new life in Christ. It is also a celebration of your inclusion in God’s family.

Your baptism is a physical picture of a spiritual truth. It represents what happened the moment God brought you into his family.

Baptism doesn’t make you a member of God’s family; only faith in Christ does that. Baptism shows you are part of God’s family. Like a wedding ring, it is a visible reminder of an inward commitment made in your heart. It is an act of initiation, not something you put off until you are spiritually mature. The only biblical condition is that you believe.

The Bible says, “Jesus and the people he makes holy all belong to the same family. That is why he isn't ashamed to call them his brothers and sisters” (Hebrews 2:11, CEV).

Let that amazing truth sink in! Because Jesus makes you holy, God is proud of you. Being included in God’s family is the highest honor, the greatest privilege you and I will ever receive. Nothing else comes close.

“Praise God for the privilege of being in Christ's family and being called by his wonderful name!”

(1 Peter 4:16, LB).

How We Baptize:

Baptism by immersion symbolizes the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus and is your public declaration that you have accepted Jesus Christ as your personal Savior. Baptism does not save you, but shows the world that you have already been saved. And while baptism is not required for salvation, it is a biblical command and demonstrates your love and obedience to Christ.

Why We Baptize

Jesus set the example:

13 Then Jesus went from Galilee to the Jordan River to be baptized there by John. 14 John didn’t want to do it.“This isn’t proper,” he said. “I am the one who needs to be baptized by you.”15 But Jesus said, “Please do it, for I must do all that is right.” So then John baptized him.16 After his baptism, as soon as Jesus came up out of the water, the heavens were opened to him and he saw the Spirit of God coming down in the form of a dove. 17 And a voice from heaven said, “This is my beloved Son, and I am wonderfully pleased with him.”

Colossians 2:12;

12 And when you were baptized, it was the same as being buried with Christ. Then you were raised to life because you had faith in the power of God, who raised Christ from death.

 Acts 2:41

41 On that day about three thousand believed his message and were baptized.

 Ephesians 2: 8-9;

8 You were saved by faith in God, who treats us much better than we deserve. This is God’s gift to you, and not anything you have done on your own. 9 It isn’t something you have earned, so there is nothing you can brag about.

Matthew 28:19-20

19 Go to the people of all nations and make them my disciples. Baptize them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, 20 and teach them to do everything I have told you. I will be with you always, even until the end of the world.

 If you would like to be baptized at the Grace Place you can sign up online at: www.graceplaceaustin.com/baptism 

HOW YOU SHOULD PREPARE:

-Spend some time in prayer and read though these passages of scripture.

-Invite your friends and family to your special day.

-Wear Dark colored Clothing (shorts and T-shirts are fine just make sure they are dark colored)

-Let us know who you would like to participate in your Baptism.

-Bring a towel and a change of clothing. 

WHAT WILL HAPPEN?

-You will be given an opportunity to share your story of how you came to Christ.

-I will ask you to use your right hand to close your nose and cross your left arm.

-I will say: Upon confession of your faith in Christ Jesus as your Lord and Savior I baptize you in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.

-Once you are baptized you may stay and take time to worship the Lord. We are in no hurry this is your moment with God and your family. It is a very special day.