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Since our next baptism is scheduled for Sunday, Feb. 25th, I thought I’d take a moment to address some common questions that I hear about the subject.
1. What is baptism?
Baptism is an outward expression of an inward faith. It’s a public declaration of how Jesus changed your life. Being baptized shows others that you’ve decided to follow Jesus and allows them to celebrate this decision with you (Acts 16:31-34).
Baptism doesn’t save a person; it’s the symbol and celebration of salvation (1 Peter 3:21). The power that brought Jesus back to life is the same power Jesus uses to change our lives – and that’s worth getting excited about!
2. Why should I be baptized?
Why does baptism matter? Jesus instructs us to be baptized and set the example by being baptized (Matthew 28:19-20, Mark 1:9).
Obedience to Jesus shows we believe and follow Him. (1 John 2:3). Since Jesus went public about His love for us, we can go public about our love for Him. Being baptized shows that we turn away from a life of sin toward Jesus, the only one who can change us (Acts 2:38-41).
3. When’s the best time to be baptized?
Anyone who commits his or her life to following Jesus is ready to be baptized (Acts 8:12).
4. Do you baptize children?
As parents, we can help point our children to Jesus, but they are the ones who need to decide if they will commit their lives to Him (Romans 10:9).
Baptism always follows the decision to trust Jesus for salvation and a person making a commitment to follow Him (Acts 10:47-48). At EBC, we wait until children are old enough to express their own decision to follow Jesus before we baptize them.
If your child has already asked Jesus into his life, explain what baptism is and what it means. Facilitate the conversation, but don’t dominate it. Don’t hesitate to reach out to Susan Hinemanif you have any questions (susanh@effortchurch.org).
5. What’s the difference between immersing, sprinkling and other ways of baptizing?
Baptisms in the Bible were by immersion. The original word for baptism most often referred to being immersed or submerged in water. Jesus was baptized by being immersed in the water and rising out of it (Matthew 3:16, Mark 1:10).
Submersion in the water symbolizes the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). Being submergedrepresents our death to sin and old way of life and being raised out of the water is a picture of how Jesus raised us and gave us a fresh start in life (Romans 6:3-5).
Is baptism your next step? Contact Pastor Ben at pastor@effortchurch.org.
Win a 2018 Mazda 3 or $15,000. Tickets are available at the church office, $100 each. Only 399 tickets will be sold. The Drawing will be held on April 8th at 7:00PM in the Family Life Center. You need not be present to win. All proceeds will benefit the Effort Christian School and Preschool. Tickets sold in VA only. Virginia Sales Taxes, Virginia Vehicle Titling and Registration fees must be paid by the winner.
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Effort Baptist Church
7820 Thomas Jefferson Pkwy
Palmyra, VA 22963