WATER BAPTISM
Many people have been christened as a child yet go on to live their lives without a relationship with God. Baptism is meant to be a special occasion that has significant meaning for you and your relationship with God. It Is a step of obedience to Christ, to publicly show that He is your Lord & Saviour . It is important to God.
When we do this simple thing physically, the Bible says that God does something amazingly supernatural at the same time. In this study, we are going to learn what it means to be baptised, what happens at a baptism, and what occurs supernaturally as you get baptised.
Christening is when babies are sprinkled with water and started as a practice in the 12th century. It is not in the Bible nor was it practiced by the early church. Baptism is a personal decision made by a believer and is also by full immersion not by sprinkling.
BAPTISM = TO DIP, IMMERSE
Four things you need to know about Baptism:
1. WHY BE BAPTISED?
Jesus was baptised.
MATTHEW 3:16-17
As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.
God was pleased with Jesus obedience.
Jesus commands us to be baptised.
MATTHEW 28:19-20
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."
Jesus never asks us to do something that He hasnt done Himself.
When should I be baptised?
How much do I need to know before I am baptised?
ACTS 8:35-38
Then Philip began with that very passage of Scripture and told him the good news about Jesus. As they traveled along the road, they came to some water and the eunuch said, Look, here is water. What can stand in the way of my being baptized? And he gave orders to stop the chariot. Then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized him.
There is no need to wait. The Bible says in Acts 2:38 Repent and be baptised. You dont need to wait until you know everything or until you have everything together. Baptism should follow as soon as possible after becoming a Christian.
2. WHAT HAPPENS AT A BAPTISM?
Where will I be baptised?
Our different GHC campuses facilitate baptisms in different places. At our Perth campus, baptisms take place during one of our services which is a very special day where we as a church family get to celebrate together. We will meet together before the service to let you know how the service will run so you know what to expect.
What should I wear at my baptism?
On the day of your baptism, we will give you a baptism T-Shirt for you to wear in the water. Please also wear something comfortable such as swimming shorts or tights & bring a change of clothes for afterwards.
How do I get baptised?
Two leaders will be either side of you in the pool & will baptise you in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. They lower you until you are completely submerged under the water. Then they immediately bring you up again. You may hold your nose if you want to!
Can I invite my family and friends?
We would absolutely encourage you to invite your friends & family! Your baptism is a special occasion and a great opportunity to share with family and friends what Jesus means to you. We will give you an E-Invite to share with your family & friends to help you invite them. There will be some light snacks & refreshments provided after the service for you to celebrate with your family & friends.
3. WHAT HAPPENS SPIRITUALLY WHEN I AM BAPTISED?
COLOSSIANS 2:12
For you were buried with Christ when you were baptised. And with Him you were raised to a new life because you trusted the mighty power of God, who raised Christ from the dead.
Baptism is symbolic of Jesus death and resurrection.
When you go under the water you are saying goodbye to your old life (burying it) and coming up into a fresh, new life with Jesus.
Baptism breaks the power of sin in your life.
Baptism publicly declares that Jesus is your Lord and Saviour, which breaks the hold of the enemy over your life.
ROMANS 6:6
For we know that our old self was crucified with Him so that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin.
There is great power in Baptism for leaving things behind. Addictions, habits, and anything of our old life that we have repented of can be powerfully removed from us during Baptism.
Does this mean that I will stop sinning once I have been baptised?
You wont be perfect until the glorious day you are with Christ in heaven, but as you continue to walk with God and ask Him to change you, you will sin less and become more Christlike!
4. BAPTISM IS A STEP OF OBEDIENCE
Obedience is one of the key factors to your relationship with God. Without obeying Him, we are simply living our own lives our own way, which does not please God. When we obey God, He releases His favour and blessing on our lives, and we fulfill the plans He has for us!
JOHN 14:23-24
Jesus replied, Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them. Anyone who does not love me will not obey my teaching. These words you hear are not my own; they belong to the Father who sent me.
What is obedience?
Obedience is surrendering my will to Gods will whether I feel like it or not.
Why is obedience important to God?
Our obedience to God shows that we love and trust Him and He comes first in our life.
ACTS 2:38
Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
You can celebrate and rejoice that God has set you free from sin and that you have new life and victory in Jesus!