WATER BAPTISM
What is WATER BAPTISM all about?
The simple explanation for water baptism is
“a physical demonstration of salvation: our death and resurrection with Christ.”
There are many scriptures that describe baptism in this way:
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“Then Jesus came to them and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 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.’”
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…and this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also—not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a clear conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ, 22 who has gone into heaven and is at God’s right hand—
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Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.
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“When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, ‘Brothers, what shall we do?’
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. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.’”
Even Jesus was baptized in this way, setting an example for us to follow.
Jesus’ baptism is recorded in all four of the Gospels:
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13 Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to John, to be baptized by him. 14 John would have prevented him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?” 15 But Jesus answered him, “Let it be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he consented. 16 And when Jesus was baptized, immediately he went up from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened to him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming to rest on him; 17 and behold, a voice from heaven said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.”
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9 At that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. 10 Just as Jesus was coming up out of the water, he saw heaven being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. 11 And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.”
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21 When all the people were being baptized, Jesus was baptized too. And as he was praying, heaven was opened 22 and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.”
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32 Then John gave this testimony: “I saw the Spirit come down from heaven as a dove and remain on him. 33 And I myself did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water told me, ‘The man on whom you see the Spirit come down and remain is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.’ 34 I have seen and I testify that this is God’s Chosen One.”
What does baptism mean?
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When we make the decision to “follow Christ”, the next important step is to make a public confession, sharing with our family, friends and our church what Jesus means to us. From the earliest records of the church in the book of Acts, water baptism was that public confession.
Earlier on this page, we said that water baptism is simply “a physical demonstration of salvation: our death and resurrection with Christ.” The “immersion” into water signifies that we have died to our old life of sin & that life is “buried” beneath the water. When we are raised up from the water, it signifies our “resurrection” in Christ to new life, a new creation “born again”!
Anyone who has made the decision to follow Jesus–men, women & children too–can and should be baptized to tell the world about this decision! If you have more questions about baptism for kids, we’ve got more info below.
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As a ‘house church’ baptism may look a little different each time … for Summer 2023, we are planning an all-church picnic at Lake Chatfield where we’ll have a picnic & baptism celebration.
In the water, we’ll ask you to read your short written testimony of “What Jesus means to me” (more on this below). It is perfectly acceptable to express your feelings, it’s likely your Dwell Family will join with you with cheers & joy as you celebrate your faith in Jesus!
We will pray with you & guide you through “baptism by immersion” just like Jesus experienced, then you’ll be led out of the water to dry off & join the celebration for others that are being baptized.
After the fact, we’ll send you a certificate commemorating this incredible decision, your commitment to Jesus!
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Absolutely! As long as each of your family members understands what it means to be baptized, we welcome the opportunity to baptize you at the same time! If children are under the age of 8, we think the parents, as priests of their home, should play a major part in their kids’ baptism & should ensure that they understand what baptism means. If you’d like more info or a “parent’s guide” to teaching your children about baptism, we’d love to help.
Our only requests are these: 1) that family members not feel pressure to be baptized, and 2) that family members not wait until others ‘are ready’. Baptism is a personal decision just like faith—each member of the family should follow the Lord’s leading when He asks us to follow in obedience.
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We think baptism is a celebration to be shared! Inviting family & friends to attend your baptism is an amazing way to share your new faith and give others the opportunity to celebrate with you. In our experience, even family or friends who may not be religious are usually happy to attend & support you.
“I’m ready to follow Jesus’ example
in water baptism!”
To register yourself or your child for our next baptism, click the proper button below.
1 Peter 3:21