What is important before baptism?

1. To trust Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior
2. I am saved through “faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.”
   • Romans 5:8
   • Acts 16:30-31
   • Ephesians 2:8-9 Salvation’s not by good works
3. By faith, trusting in the saving power of Christ.
   • John 3:14-16, 36
   • Romans 10:9-11, 13
   • Romans 4:4-5
   • 2 Corinthians 5:21

Why should I be baptized?

Jesus was baptized and I should follow his example. (Matthew 3:13-17)

1. Jesus was baptized to fulfill all righteousness.
   • He fulfilled his calling.
   • He identified with humanity.
   • He expressed his loyalty to God.
2. Baptism didn’t make Jesus righteous.
3. Baptism pictured a life of obedience to God’s commands no matter what the cost.
   • God was pleased with Jesus at his baptism. (Matthew 3:16-17)
   • John taught that baptism was a symbol of a changed life. (Matt. 3:3-8)
     • Repentance means to change direction and return to God. (verse 3)
     • Confession of sins is to realize I am not as good as I need to be. (vs. 6)
     • Righteousness means to follow the commands of God no matter the
       cost. (verse 8) Do the right thing for the right reason.
     • Baptism is an expression of loyalty to God.
4. Jesus commanded us to be baptized.
   • Matthew 28:18-20 The Great Commission to all believers
   • Acts 2:38 Repent and be baptized

What does baptism mean?

1. Baptism is a symbol.
   • Baptism symbolizes Jesus Christ’s mission. It pictures what Jesus did to provide my salvation. He died on a cross, was buried in a tomb, and rose from the grave that He might give eternal life to all who trust in Him.
     (1 Corinthians 15:1-4)
   • Baptism symbolizes my new life in Christ. It pictures outwardly what has
     has happened to me inwardly. The Christian has died to his old life of sin. That old life has been buried and he has been raised to live a new life in Christ.
     • Romans 6:1-7 The old life has been replaced by the new life.
     • Galatians 2:20 I am crucified with Christ.
     • 2 Corinthians 5:17 In Christ we are a new creation.
   • Baptism symbolizes my hope of heaven. It pictures the hope and assurance I now have a future resurrection from the grave after my physical death and burial. (1 Corinthians 15:19-23, 50-57)
2. Baptism is a public statement of faith.
   • Baptism is a declaration of loyalty.
     • Baptism is a command of Jesus to his followers (Matthew 28:18-20)
     • All who love him obey him. “Whoever has my commands and obeys them,
       he is the one who loves me.” John 14:21
   • Baptism is a declaration of dependence.
     • I need Jesus for eternal life. “He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life.” 1 John 5:12
     • Jesus has given new life. “Therefore if anyone is in Christ he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come.” 2 Corinthians 5:17
       • Not me finding God
       • God finding me – forgiving me, giving me eternal life
     • Life in Christ is truly radical. “I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God who loved me and gave himself for me.” Galatians 2:20
       • “Crucified” – the old life is gone – the struggle to be somebody
       • “Christ lives in me” – this not just a religious practice
       • “I now live by faith” – I seek to please God. I find my contentment
         and hope in Him.

How should I be baptized?

Baptism by immersion pictures our position with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection. Romans 6:3-5

What to prepare and wear

1. Bring a towel
2. Wear clothing that is modest when wet.
3. Bring a change of clothes.

Please contact the church either via email (newmancommunitychurch@gmail.com) or by phone at (231) 861-5007 for consultation or to find out when our next baptism is scheduled.

---

---