Thinking about being baptised? Well here’s some really exciting news: we are hoping to hold a baptismal service in June or July and would like to invite any who has made a profession of faith in Jesus to think about being baptised. We are still looking at some dates so at the moment this is a call for us to start talking about it! Once you let us know that you’re interested in being baptised one of our leadership team will contact you.
What is Water Baptism?
In summary water baptism:
- is not a personal choice, but a command for believers (Mark 16:16).
- is a public, outward testimony that indicates a personal, inward faith. It gives evidence of the inner change that has already occurred in the believer’s life.
- identifies the believer with the message of the Gospel, the Person of Jesus Christ and other believers. We’re in this together!
- associates the believer with the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ
- signifies that the believer has “died” to the old life and his or her has been “raised” as a new creation in Christ (Romans 6:1-8; Colossians 2:12).
Who Should Be Baptised?
All believers in Jesus Christ-and only believers-should be baptised (Mark 16:15-16; Acts 8:12, 36-38, 16:31-33, 18:8).
What about Babies and Children?
In this country we have a long history of baptising (or Christening) babies and children. However, this is not our conviction. Here’s why: after Peter spoke at Pentecost, Luke records:
those who gladly received his word were baptised.
Acts 2:41
In the New Testament, every instance in which a person was baptised and his or her identity was given, that person was an adult. In light of Scripture, infant baptism must be ruled out, because infants cannot receive the Word of God and understand it. However, babies can to be dedicated to the Lord just like we see in 1 Samuel 1:26-28 and Luke 2:22-38. Children, or young adults, may be baptised if they are able to receive and understand God’s Word.
In Whose Name Should We Be Baptised?
As part of the Great Commission, Jesus instructed the disciples to baptise
in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
Matthew 28:19
Is Water Baptism Necessary For Salvation?
The Bible clearly teaches that we are saved by grace through faith alone (Ephesians 2:8-9) and according to God’s mercy (Titus 3:5). Water baptism is not an act of salvation, but an act of obedience because of salvation.
How Do I Get Baptised?
If you would like to be baptised, please contact one of the elders by completing this form.We would love to chat to you about your reasons for wanting to be baptised and how we might facilitate as many of your friends and family members being there as possible
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