Starting Point Church

1. TO FOLLOW THE EXAMPLE SET BY CHRIST.

 At that time Jesus came from Nazareth and was baptized by John in the river.  Mark 1:9

 2. BECAUSE 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 teach them to obey everything I have commanded you”  Matt. 28:19-20

3. IT DEMONSTRATES THAT I REALLY AM A BELIEVER .

 ... many of the people who heard him believed and were baptized  Acts 18:8

We know that we have come to know Him, if we obey His commands.  1 John 2:3

 
1. IT ILLUSTRATES JESUS’ BURIAL AND RESURRECTION.

Christ died for our sin ...He was buried ... and He rose again. 1 Corinthians 15:3-4

 For when you were baptized, you were buried with Christ, and in baptism you were also raised with Christ.  Col. 2:12

2. IT ILLUSTRATES MY NEW LIFE AS A CHRISTIAN.

 By our baptism then, we were buried with Him and shared His death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead ...so also we may live a new life.  Rom. 6:4

Baptism is like a wedding ring -- it's the outward symbol of the commitment you make in your heart.

III. WHY DO WE BAPTIZE BY IMMERSION?

 
1. BECAUSE JESUS WAS BAPTIZED THAT WAY.

 As soon as Jesus was baptized, He went up out of the water.  Matt. 3:16

2. EVERY BAPTISM IN THE BIBLE WAS BY IMMERSION.

 (Example)  ... then both Philip and the man went down into the water and Philip baptized him. When they came up out of the water...  Acts 8:38-39

3. THE WORD "BAPTIZE" ACTUALLY MEANS "TO DIP UNDER WATER."

4. IMMERSION BEST SYMBOLIZES A BURIAL AND RESURRECTION!

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 Cor. 5:17

IV. WHO SHOULD BE BAPTIZED?

1. EVERY PERSON WHO HAS BELIEVED IN CHRIST.

Those who believe and accepted his message were baptized ...Acts 2:41

Simon himself believed and was baptized ...  Acts 8:1

But when they believed Philip as he preached the Good News ... and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.  Acts 8:12
 

?????  A GREAT QUESTION   ?????

 
What if I was baptized as an infant?

Some churches baptize infants. At Starting Point Church 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.

The custom of infant baptism began about 300 years after the Bible was completed. It’s a ceremony intended to emphasize a commitment between the parents and God on the behalf of the child. During this ceremony, the parents promise to raise their child in the faith until the child is old enough to make his own personal confession of Christ.

At Starting Point, we have a dedication service for infants and children that emphasize the parent’s role in raising a child to follow Christ.

Therefore, if you were baptized as a baby, we encourage you to make your own choice to be baptized as a believer.

V. WHEN SHOULD I BE BAPTIZED?

1. AS SOON AS YOU HAVE BELIEVED!

Those who believe ... were baptized ... that day!  Acts 2:41

Then Philip began with the scripture and told him the Good News about Jesus. As they traveled along the road, they came to some water, and the man said, 'Look, here is water!  Why shouldn't I be baptized right now?' Philip said, 'If you believe with all your heart, you may.'  The man answered, 'I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.' So they went down into the water and Philip baptized him.  Acts 8:35-38

There is no reason to delay. As soon as you have decided to receive Christ into your life, you can and should be baptized. If you wait until you are "perfect" you'll never be ready. 

We would love to help you take this step of faith!  Please contact us at info@startingpointchurch.com