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Gene Appel has a great message about baptism called HEROIC DECISIONS, click here to hear the audio message.
(Feb 8 / Heroic Decisions / Gene Appel)
Who Should Be Baptized?
- "The people who heard Peter's Pentecost sermon asked, 'Brothers, what shall we do?' He answered, 'Repent and be baptized everyone of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins...'" (Acts 2:37, 38)
- "But when they believed Philip as he preached the good news of the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. Simon himself believed, and was baptized. (Acts 8:12-13)
It is clear from these Bible verses as well as others, that the people first "repented" of sin and "believed" in Jesus Christ and then were baptized. One must be a believer in Christ (a Christian) to be eligible for baptism.
Why Should We Be Baptized?
- Christ commanded it. He instructed His disciples to: "...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." (Matthew 28:19-20)
- It is the pattern followed by New Testament believers. "...many of the Corinthians who heard him believed and were baptized." (Acts 18:8; c.f. Acts 2:37-38; 8:12-13)
- It is a symbol and a pledge of your salvation. "Water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also--not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a good conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ..." (1 Peter 3:21)
It shows our loyalty and obedience to Christ and His Word. "We know that we have come to know him, if we obey his commands." (1 John 2:3)
Baptism is a public confession of our new life in Christ and a sign of our obedience to His word.
When Should We Be Baptized?
The most detailed example of baptism is found in Acts 8 where Philip to the Eunuch about Christ: "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. Why shouldn't I be baptized? ...Then both Philip and the Eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized him." (Acts 8:35-38)
We can conclude that there is no reason for delay. As soon as a person declares his belief in Christ, he should be baptized. We will be glad to make arrangements with you to schedule your baptism, at your convenience. Your baptism can take place here at the church, publicly during our weekend services, or privately if you wish. You can also make arrangements to be baptized in a back yard swimming pool or Jacuzzi. Remember, the important thing is not where you are baptized, but that you move forward in obedience to Jesus' command. You can call the Eastside church office at (714) 871-6844. Ask for Jim Swaney, Pastor of Outreach, or dial extension 111.
Questions or to make an appointment, call the Eastside church office at (714) 871-6844 ext. 111. Ask for Jim Swaney, Community Life Pastor.
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