READY TO TAKE YOUR NEXT STEP?
Good Hope & Hartselle
Sunday
During the 9:45 and 11:15 Services
Madison
Sunday
During the 10:30 AM Service
LEARN MORE ABOUT BAPTISM
Baptism is a symbol of a covenant and commitment, much like a wedding ring. When a couple marries, they give each other a wedding ring. This ring does not make them married; the promise and covenant they made to each other make them married. The ring is a symbol to others of that promise and covenant they made in their hearts to each other. Like the wedding ring, baptism is a symbol that testifies before God and man of the commitment and covenant a person has made in his hear with Jesus. At the same time, baptism is more than just a symbol. There is a genuine spiritual work that is accomplished in the waters of baptism. According to Colossians 2:11-12, God cuts away our old sin-loving nature from our hearts.
All those who have committed themselves to Jesus Christ as their Lord, by turning away from sin and trusting in Him, should be baptized. For this reason, we do not baptize babies or children who are too young to make a conscientious decision to follow Christ. While babies may be dedicated to the Lord from birth (1 Samuel 1:21-24), baptism is reserved for believers. Once you have committed yourself to Jesus Christ and acknowledge Him as Lord by turning away from sin and trusting in Him, you are ready for water baptism.
Jesus, the creator of the universe, was water baptized (Mark 1:9-11), and He commands all believers to follow His example (Matthew 28:19-20; 1 Peter 2:21). Baptism is an act of confession and identification with Christ. It is a demonstration of your covenant with God and your commitment to Christ.
Baptism is to be done by immersion in water because the Greek word “baptize” literally means to immerse or dunk. Jesus was immersed (Matthew 3:13-17), the early church immersed (Acts 2:41), and the New Testament teaches nothing but immersion.
You should get water baptized at your first opportunity after you have received Christ as Lord and Savior (Acts 8:35-39, 16:30-34. 18:8). Baptism occurs at Daystar on the first Sunday of each month after the 11:15 am service at the Good Hope & Hartselle Campuses, and after the 10:30 am service at the Madison Campus.