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Going Public...
At Lake City Community Church, we provide several opportunities throughout the year for people to go public with their faith through water baptism. Water Baptism is an important step for everyone who has become a follower of Jesus Christ. As you make this decision, people in your life will ask you why you are getting baptized, and even, what it means to be a Christian.
If you're interested in being baptized, we would like to set up a time for you to meet with one of our Pastors to help you answer these questions, and give you the opportunity to share how you became a follower of Jesus Christ. We will also answer any questions you may have about baptism. | |
The Importance of Baptism
Why should I be baptized in water? What is the meaning of water baptism? Baptism doesn’t make you a believer—it shows that you already believe. Baptism does not “save” you; only your faith in Christ does that. Baptism is like a wedding ring—it’s the outward symbol of the commitment you made in your heart. The Bible says, "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9 (NIV)
Why be baptized by immersion -
Every baptism in the Bible was by immersion; for example, “…then both Philip and the man went down into the water and Philip baptized him. When they came up out of the water…” Acts 8:38-39 (GN)
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The word BAPTIZE means to dip under water. It comes from the Greek word BAPTIZO , which means to immerse or dip under water.
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It best symbolizes a burial and resurrection.
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The founders of many denominations agree: Martin Luther… “I would have those who are to be baptized to be entirely immersed, as the word imports and the mystery signifies.”
John Calvin… “The word ‘baptize’ signifies to immerse. It is certain that immersion was the practice of the ancient church.” John Wesley… “Buried with Him, alludes to baptizing by immersion according to the custom of the first church.” Who should be baptized? -
Every person who has believed in Christ. Acts 2:41; Acts 8:12-13 At Lake City Community Church, we wait until our children are old enough to believe and understand the true meaning of baptism before we baptize them. Some churches practice a “baptism of confirmation” for children. This ceremony is intended to be a covenant between the parents and God on the behalf of the child. The parents promise to raise their child in the faith until the child is old enough to make his own personal confession of Christ. This custom began about 300 years after the Bible was completed. This is different from the baptism talked about in the Bible, which was only for those old enough to believe. The purpose is to publicly confess your personal commitment to Christ. At Lake City Community Church, it is encouraged that every member be baptized the way Jesus demonstrated, even though many of us were “confirmed” as children.
When should I be baptized in water? “Then Philip began with the scripture and told him the Good News about Jesus. As they traveled along the road, they came to some water, and the man said, ‘Look, here is water! Why shouldn’t I be baptized right now?’ Philip said, ‘If you believe with all your heart, you may.’ The man answered, ‘I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.’ So they went down into the water and Philip baptized him.” Acts 8:35-38 (GN) There is no reason to delay. As soon as you have decided to receive Christ into your life, you can and should be baptized. If you wait until you are “perfect”, you’ll never feel “good enough!”
Can my Family be baptized together? Yes! If each family member understands fully the meaning of baptism, and each one has personally placed his/her trust in Christ for salvation, we encourage families to be baptized at the same time. It is a wonderful expression of commitment. However, it is important to remember that baptism is a personal statement of your new life, not a family tradition. It is usually not wise to delay your baptism while waiting on other family members to accept Christ, particularly children. This puts an undue pressure on them, and delays your obedience.
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