Have you been baptized? If not, take a moment to think about it. Maybe ask yourself why? Or why not? This coming Sunday we have our church picnic out at Pattison Park. The picnic is free and will begin at 12:30. Afterwards we will be having a baptism service. Anyone interested in being baptized in the lake at Pattison Park should contact me ASAP. We would love to have you join us!
At Bayside we believe strongly that every Christ follower should be baptized. We do not believe that baptism is a means to salvation. In other words, we don't believe that baptism saves you. We firmly believe that we are saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ (Ephesians 2:8). There is nothing you can do to earn or deserve salvation. Only by faith in Jesus Christ are we saved from our sins and reconciled to God. But we do believe that once you are saved you should be baptized.
Did you know the word baptized actually means "to dip under?" At Bayside we believe in baptism by immersion. We do not baptize by sprinkling. The reason is because of the definition of baptism as well as the fact that all the baptisms recorded in the Bible were by immersion. Including the baptism of Jesus! (Matthew 3:16)
Baptism is a representation and symbolism of Christ's burial and resurrection. When we are dipped under the water it is representing the death and burial of Christ. When we are lifted back up out of the water it represents Christ's resurrection to new life. (Colossians 2:12) The meaning of baptism illustrates our new life as a Christian (Romans 6:4).
Why should you be baptized? To follow the example set by Christ (Mark 1:9), because Christ commanded it (Matthew 28:19-20), and because it demonstrates that you really are a believer in Christ (Acts 18:8, 1 John 2:3).
One last thing you might ask is - what if I was baptized as an infant? Some churches baptize infants, at Bayside we don't. We only baptize those who have made a decision to believe in Christ's death as the payment for their sin. In the Bible, men and women were baptized following their belief in Jesus. At Bayside, we have a dedication service for babies, but we do not baptize them. But if you were baptized as a baby we encourage you to be baptized by immersion as a believer.
I hope you take a few moments and think about being baptized. If you would like to talk more about it please contact me. I would love to answer any questions you have and help you come to a better understanding of God's word.
-PT
