Baptism Sunday
Baptism Celebration
We are so glad you are considering baptism. This packet will explain the steps required for baptism. If you have any questions after you’ve read through this information, please contact Dustin DeVriend (Adults) dustin@cccnow.com, Blake Cox (High School Students) blake@cccnow.com, or Kayden Nyborg (Middle School Students) kayden@cccnow.com. You can call the office with any questions 916-344-2382.
Getting Ready
The Ethiopian asked Philip, “Tell me, please, who is the prophet talking about, himself or someone else?” Philip began to speak. He started with this same Scripture and told the man the good news about Jesus. While they were traveling down the road, they came to some water. The officer said, “Look! Here is water! What is stopping me from being baptized?” Then the officer commanded the chariot to stop. Both Philip and the officer went down into the water, and Philip baptized him. Acts 8:34-38
When a person admits that they are a sinner and turns to Christ for salvation, the Bible says the watching world needs to know. Baptism has always stood as a public statement of belonging to God.
When people become followers of Jesus, they realize their sin has separated them from God. They have given up all efforts to reach God through good works or doing religious things. They have decided that Jesus Christ’s death on the cross for their sins is the only thing that can bridge the gap between them and God. A believer is someone who has decided to trust Christ alone for their salvation.
If you have come to this point in your life, and were not baptized as an infant, then you are ready to be baptized. You are ready to show the world, through baptism, your belief and commitment to Jesus.
Biblical Passages
In Matthew 28:19-20, Jesus commands his followers to “go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit...” Baptism is the means by which followers of Christ are identified.
In Romans 6:1-11, the apostle Paul explains how the immersion mode (going under water) of baptism identifies the believer with the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Going under water represents Christ’s death and coming out of the water illustrates His resurrection.
While going under water best illustrates the work of Christ, this passage does not say how much water should be used. The significance for being baptized is in the life and heart of the person, not in the amount of water used. Because of this, we sprinkle with water during worship services in the sanctuary and offer a special immersion service at the river.
A person does not have to be baptized to have Christ in their heart. Like a marriage, rings do not have to be exchanged in order to be pronounced man and wife. But if the commitment to trust Christ alone for salvation has been made, then the symbol of baptism should be valued as a visible sign of one’s commitment, just like rings are a visible sign of one’s commitment to a husband or wife.
What is The Process?
If you are ready to be baptized, there are two steps prior to the baptism service:
Step 1: Pint and Complete the attached materials and return them to the church c/o Dustin DeVriend.
Step 2: Be affirmed by the Elders for baptism at a follow up meeting.