SIGN UP TO BE WATER BAPTISED AT DESTINY!
We would love to celebrate water baptism at Destiny. We encourage you to read more below about what it means to be baptiSed by water. If you are ready to take that next step, please click on the button and let us know! We will follow up with more instruction.
WHY BE BAPTISED?
You want to follow Christ’s example.
“At that time Jesus came from Nazareth and was baptised by John in the river.” Mark 1:9
Christ commanded it.
Jesus said, “Go then, to all people everywhere and make them My disciples, baptize them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and then teach them to obey everything I have commanded you.” Matthew 28:19-20
It shows you are a believer.
“…many of the Corinthians who heard Him believed and were baptised.” Acts 18:8
Because obeying Christ’s command shows you know Him.
“We know that we have come to know Him, if we obey His commands.” I John 2:3
HOW ARE WE TO BE BAPTIsED?
Like Jesus was baptised – by immersion in water.
“As soon as Jesus was baptised, He went up out of the water.” Matthew 3:16
Every baptism in the Bible was by immersion under water.
(Example) “…then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptised him. When they came up out of the water…” Acts 8:38, 39
WHO SHOULD BE BAPTISED?
Every person who has decided to believe in Christ.
“Those who believed and accepted His message were baptised.” Acts 2:41
“But when they believed Philip as he preached the Good News…and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptised, both men and women.” Acts 8:12
The one requirement for baptism is a belief in Christ. We do not baptize children until they are old enough to understand and believe.
WHEN ARE WE TO BE BAPTISED?
As soon as you have believed!
“Those who believed…were baptised…that day!” Acts 2:41
There is no reason to delay. As soon as a person decides to believe in Christ, they can, and should, be baptised.
WHAT ABOUT BEING BAPTISED TWICE?
Our church recommends that you be baptised again if you have not been baptised by immersion since you became a believer, if your first experience has lost its meaning, or if you were too young for it to be meaningful. It doesn’t devalue a prior experience but simply reflects your desire to be baptised the same way Jesus was baptised.
WHAT IS THE MEANING OF BAPTISM?
It is a symbol of Christ’s burial and resurrection.
“For when you were baptised, you were buried with Christ, and in baptism, you were also raised with Christ.” Colossians 2:12
It is a symbol of your 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
“By our baptism then we were buried with Him and shared His death, in order that just as Christ was raised from the dead also we might live a new life!” Romans 6:4
Baptism does not make you a believer; it shows that you already are one. Baptism does not “save” you, only your faith in Christ does that. Baptism is like a wedding ring – it’s the outward symbol of the commitment you made in your heart.
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith…it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast.” Ephesians 2:8,9
Can My Family Be Baptised Together?
Yes. If each family member understands the meaning of baptism, and each one has personally placed his/her trust in Christ for salvation, we encourage families to be baptised at the same time. It is a wonderful expression of commitment.
Will I Have To Say Anything?
No. At the beginning of the baptism service, the pastor will briefly explain the meaning of baptism. You will wait at the water’s edge for your turn to be baptised. You will be encouraged to share briefly if you would like to, but it is not necessary. The pastor will introduce you, briefly lower you just under the water, and then you will leave the water, dry off, and watch with the others.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR YOUR WATER BAPTISM
We are so happy that you desire to follow the Lord’s example in water baptism – there will probably be others that will be baptised with you.
- Several times a year, we will have baptismal services. This is a time of celebration. You are more than welcome to invite your friends and family to celebrate your baptism. If you want to find out when we will be having our next baptism, please contact the church office.
- Bring a towel and a complete change of clothes. We encourage you to wear a swimsuit with jeans and a darker shirt (that won’t be see-through when wet) over the swimsuit.
- The pastor will explain the meaning of baptism and show you how you will be baptised. The pastor will be baptizing one person at a time. Don’t be surprised when people clap at your baptism. It is a happy experience for every Christian when someone publicly identifies himself or herself as a believer in Jesus Christ by being baptised.
- Shortly after your baptism you will be given or mailed a water baptism certificate.
GOD WILL BLESS YOU AS YOU DEMONSTRATE YOUR FAITH IN CHRIST!
Bap-tize — to dip under water. The Greek word “baptizo” means: to immerse or dip under water. It is the best way to picture a burial and resurrection.