WHY SHOULD I BE BAPTIZED?

• To follow the example set by Jesus. “At that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan [river].” Mark 1:9
• Because Jesus commanded it. “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.” Matthew 28:19-20
• Because it shows that I’m a Christian. “…And many of the Corinthians who heard him believed and were baptized.” Acts 18:8
• Because following Jesus commands shows that I know him. “And we can be sure that we know him if we obey his commandments.” 1 John 2:3

WHAT IS THE MEANING OF BAPTISM?

• It illustrates Christ’s burial and resurrection. "Christ died for our sins... He was buried... and He rose again." I Corinthians 15:3-4
• It illustrates my new life as a Christian. "When someone becomes a Christian he becomes a brand new person inside. The old life has passed away and a new life has begun!" 2 Corinthians 5:17 3.
• It connects me to a local group of Christians (a church). “Those who believed…were baptized and added to the church that day.” Acts 2:41

HOW SHOULD I BE BAPTIZED?

• Like Jesus was, by being fully immersed under water. "After His baptism, Jesus came up out of the water...." Matthew 3:16
• Like the Bible teaches - every baptism in the Bible was by immersion. "And they went down into the water, and Philip baptized him. When they came up out of the water... " Acts 8:38-39
  • The word Baptize means "To dip under water"
  • The Greek word Baptizo means "To immerse or dip under water"
  • Immersion best symbolized a burial and resurrection

WHO SHOULD BE BAPTIZED?

• Every person who has believed in Christ!
  • "Those who believed…were baptized..." Acts 2:41
  • "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
  • "Simon himself believed and was baptized..." Acts 8:13
• At NW Contexture, we wait until our children are old enough to believe and understand the true meaning of baptism before we baptize them.
• At NW Contexture, it is a membership requirement that every member must have been baptized the way Jesus demonstrated, even though many of us were "confirmed" as children.

WHEN SHOULD I BE BAPTIZED?

• As soon as you have accepted Jesus into your life. "Those who believed...were baptized...that day!" Acts 2:41
• There is no reason to delay. As soon as you have decided to receive Jesus into your life, you can and should be baptized. If you wait until you are "perfect", you’ll never feel "good enough"!