Next Baptisms
Have you been prompted by God’s Word and Spirit to follow Christ in public baptism?
Therefore, make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." – Matthew 28:19-20
In a direct command Jesus told his disciples to baptize new disciples. In the book of Acts we see many examples of the disciples doing just that – baptizing new believers in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:41, 8:38, 9:18, 10:47).
Baptism is an important step for believers, people who have placed their faith in Jesus Christ. If you believe that Christ died for your sins and that He is your only hope for eternal life, then baptism might be the next step in your journey of faith.
Baptism is a visible picture of an invisible reality. Upon trusting Christ, you were baptized by the Holy Spirit into the death, burial and resurrection of Christ. This is something that we can't actually “see.” Water baptism pictures the fact that, as a believer, you are buried with Him (immersed in water) and raised with Him (coming out of the water) to new life. Does baptism save me? NO. Salvation comes through faith in Christ alone. Baptism is not necessary for a new life in Christ and the assurance of heaven (John 3:16, Eph. 2:8-9, Rom. 1:16).
Why do people decide to get baptized?
Many believers are baptized simply as an act of obedience to Christ’s command in Matthew 28:19. In addition, others see it as a way to publicly confess their faith in Christ. It can be an outward sign to family members and friends that you have decided to follow Jesus. Water baptism can be a special moment where you physically sense what God has done for you in Christ.
These services are being planned to include the testimonies of baptism. If God is so prompting you, please contact us and we will prepare you for this important day. Call the office 232-2765, e-mail aardoin@amesefc.org or dstaff@amesefc.org , or indicate your interest on the Worship Response Card and place it in the offering. You will be sent a fact sheet and an information sheet to fill out and return.