Most people have some idea about Baptism. It has been a part of church tradition for thousands of years. Beyond tradition, how does baptism help us to KNOW GOD more deeply, FOLLOW HIM more closely and GIVE to HIM more passionately? Here are some common questions about Baptism:

What is Baptism?Baptism is an outward expression of an inward commitment made to Christ. Baptism is a public testimony of a person’s faith in Christ and a commitment to Him. It expresses our agreement with God about our sinful nature and what Jesus did so that we can be with God for eternity.

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith...it is the gift of God―not by works, so that no once can boast. Ephesians 2:8 NIV

Who Should Be Baptized?People who have become disciples or followers of Jesus Christ are baptized.

Jesus said, "Go then, to all people everywhere and make them my disciples, baptize them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and then teach them to obey everything I have commanded you." Matthew 28:19-20 NIV

Those who believed and accepted His message were baptized... ― Acts 2:41 NIV

But when they believed Philip as he preached the Good News...and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. Simon himself believed and was baptized. ― Acts 8:12-13 NIV

Why Should I Be Baptized?

• To follow Christ’s example.
  At that time, Jesus came from Nazareth and was baptized, by John in the river. ― Mark 1:9 NIV
• To obey Christ’s command.
  Jesus said, "Go then, to all people everywhere and make them my disciples, baptize them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and then teach them to obey everything I have commanded you." ― Matthew 28:19-20 NIV
• To show I am Christ’s follower.
  ...many of the people who heard Him believed and were baptized. ― Acts 18:8 NIV
  We know that we have come to know Him, if we obey His commands. ― I John 2:3
• To identify with Christ’s death, burial and resurrection.
  Christ died for our sins...He was buried...and He rose again. ― I Corinthians 15:3-4 NIV
• As a living testimony to the world.
  "Whoever acknowledges me before men, I will also acknowledge him before my Father in heaven." ― Matthew 10:32 NIV

The Symbolism of Baptism (Romans 6:1-4)

• The Old Self (Standing in the Water)
  What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means! We died to sin; how can we live in it any longer? (v1-2)
• The Death of the Old Self (Going Under the Water)
  Or don't you know that all of us whe were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that... (3-4a)
• The New Self (Emerging Out of the Water)
  ...just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. (4b)