Believer Baptism: What is it?

WHEN RIGHTLY ADMINISTERED, BAPTISM IS:

  • an act ORDAINED BY THE LORD JESUS CHRIST
  • in which a BELIEVER IN CHRIST
  • is IMMERSED IN WATER
  • as an EXPRESSION OF FAITH
  • and a SYMBOL OF HIS UNION WITH CHRIST
  • especially in his DEATH and RESURRECTION

 

Baptism2 questions

Are you trusting Jesus Christ alone for the forgiveness of your sins and the hope of eternal life?

Do you commit yourself, with God's help, to live in obedience to Christ's teachings as your Lord?

If you answered "yes" to the preceding questions and would like to be baptized, You are welcome to contact the FCC office. We can help you with arrangements, or get you signed up for the next FCC baptism service.

Why We do it

Because Jesus commanded us to do it as part of the great commission. It seems fitting that at the beginning of our walk with Christ, we give expression to our faith by publicly identifying with Jesus and professing faith. This outwardly points to the inward change Christ has worked in believers by grace through faith.

Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.
(Matthew 28:19) See this passage in context-view the whole chapter

Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.
(Acts 2:41) See this passage in context-view the whole chapter

 

 

 

For you were buried with Christ when you were baptized. And with him you were raised to a new life because you trusted the mighty power of God, who raised Christ from the dead.
(Col. 2:12) See this passage in context-view the whole chapter

But when they believed Philip as he preached the good news of the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.
(Acts 8:12) See this passage in context-view the whole chapter

Acts 8:12 indicates that the order is: Believe and then be baptized.

 

 

 

 

 

We live in a day when most people want a "private faith".

  • They want their faith to be personal, but not real public.
  • Jesus knew that a faith never publicly expressed had little chance of surviving.
    Visible vows are vows with greater strength than those that are private & undisclosed.
  • Baptism is a public statement of faith. It is a simple, but humbling act: This is as it should be.

Why Should I Be Baptized?

It shows I belong to God's family:

Baptism is called an ordinance which means that Jesus
commanded that it be a regular practice among Christians.
We are commanded to be baptized: See Matthew 28:18-20.

How old should children be before they are baptized?

Old enough to give a believable profession of faith.