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Things You May Not Know About Baptism

• Who Should be Baptized?

  Every person who has believed in Christ and understands their need for salvation.

  “Those who believed and accepted his messaged were baptized…” (Acts 2:41) Simon himself believed and was baptized…” (Acts 8:13)

  “But when they believed Philip as he preached the Good News…and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.” (Acts 8:12)

• Why be Baptized?
  1. Because baptism follows CHRIST’S example. “At that time Jesus came from Nazareth and was baptized by John in the river.” (Mark 1:9)
  2. Because Christ COMMANDS baptism! “Jesus said, ‘Go then, to all people everywhere and make them disciples, baptize them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit and teach them to obey everything I have commanded you.’” (Matthew 28:19-20) This is the only commandment in all the Bible that is given in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
  3. Because baptism is FAITH IN ACTION! “…many of the Corinthians who heard him believed and were baptized. ”(Acts 18:8) “And now what are you waiting for? Get up, be baptized and wash away your sins calling on His name.” (Acts 22:16) “and this water symbolizes baptism that now saved you also – not the removal of dirt from the body but a pledge of a good conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ.” (1 Peter 3:21)
• When Should I be Baptized?

  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!”

  If you want to get baptized call the church office at 618-568-1544 and ask to speak to any of the ministers. Or call any of the elders or ministers at home.

  You can be baptized any day of the week, by any believer with witnesses present or not.

  The Church will provide a changing room along with towels and a baptism robe to wear. It is suggested that you bring a bathing suit or other suitable clothing to wear under the robe.

• What is the Meaning of being Baptized?
  1. Baptism illustrates Christ’s burial and resurrection. “Christ died for our sins…He was buried…and He rose again.” (1 Corinthians 15: 3-4) “For when you were baptized, you were buried with Christ, and in baptism you were also raised with Christ.” (Colossians 2:12)
  2. Baptism illustrates my new life as a Christian. “We were therefore buried with Him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.” (Romans 6:4)
• How Should I be Baptized?
  1. Like Jesus was baptized – by being immersed in water. “As soon as Jesus was baptized, He went up out of the water.” (Matthew 3:16)
  2. Like every baptism in the New Testament. (one 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)
  3. The word “baptize” literally translated means to “immerse, or dip under water.”
  4.  The founders of denominations agree: Martin Luther (Lutheran)… “I would have those who are to be baptized to be entirely immersed, as the work imports and the mystery signifies.” John Calvin (Presbyterian)… “The word ‘baptize’ signifies to immerse. It is certain that immersion was the practice of the ancient church.” John Wesley (Methodist)… “Buried with Him, alludes to baptizing by immersion according to the custom of the first church.”