BAPTISM
 

What is Baptism?

Baptism is the public celebration announcing your personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

What Baptism isn't:

  • Baptism does not save you: this means that it doesn't purchase your way to heaven, assure you a personal relationship with Jesus, and does not wash away your sins.
  • Baptism does not automatically make you a member of Life or of any denomination. Baptism is in obedience to the Scriptures.

Why Do It?

1. Because Jesus did it (Matthew 3: 13-17):

13Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. 14But John tried to deter him, saying, "I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?" 15Jesus replied, "Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness." Then John consented. 16As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and lighting on him. 17And a voice from heaven said, 'This is my Son, whom I love;' with him I am well pleased."

2. Because Jesus commands you to do it in obedience (Matthew 28: 18-20):

18Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19Therefore go and make disci­ples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.

How to Do it?

Followers of Jesus in the Bible where plunged into water (Acts 8:35-38):

35Then Philip began with that very passage of Scripture and told him the good news about Jesus. 36As they traveled along the road, they came to some water and the eunuch said, "Look, here is water. Why shouldn't I be baptized?" 37Philip said, "if you believe with all your heart, you may." The eunuch answered, "I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God." 38And he gave orders to stop the chariot. Then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized him.  

The original word in the Bible for Baptized is "Baptizo" and it's specific meaning is "to immerse in a body of water."

Being plunged into water is symbolic in two ways:

  • It symbolizes Jesus' death, burial and resurrection.
  • It symbolizes your death to sin and your new life in Jesus. (Romans 6:3-4) 3 Or don't you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 4We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.

    • When To Do It?

    Followers of Jesus in the Bible were baptized right after making a focused commitment of their lives to Jesus (Acts 16:29-33):

    29The jailer called for lights, rushed in and fell trembling before Paul and Silas. 30He then brought them out and asked, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?" 31They replied, "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved - you and your household." 32Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all the others in his house. 33At that hour of the night the jailer took them and washed their wounds; then immediately he and all his family were baptized.
    This is a celebration of what God is doing in your spiritual journey. Please feel free to invite your friends and family members who can celebrate with you at this upcoming baptism event.

    What to Bring:

    Men:

    Swim trunks or cut offs, towel, comb/brush, large plain white T-Shirt and a plastic grocery bag for wet clothes and towel.

    Women:

    One Piece Swimsuit or Dark T-shirt and shorts, towel, comb/brush, plastic bag for wet clothes and towel.

    Please be at the baptism site at least 30 minutes prior to the scheduled baptism time.

    What Will Happen?

    1. Change into your swimwear
    2. The Baptizer will meet with the group, pray with everyone and organize the group in order of baptism
    3. You will be baptized
    4. You can then change into your warm, dry clothes and meet up with your friends and family.
     

    What will be said during baptism?

    "This is our brother/sister in Christ (First Name) (Last Name).
     
    (First Name) have you made a focused commitment of your life to Jesus Christ?
     
    (Your declaration: "Yes")
     
    Are you sure that He has forgiven you of all your sin?
     
    (Your declaration: "Yes")
     
    Are you saying before these witnesses that you are following Jesus for the rest of your life-No turning back?
     
    (Your declaration: "Yes")
     
    Then (First Name) I baptize you, not in the authority of men but in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit as my brother/sister in Christ.
     
    [cue] Buried with Christ in baptism ... and raised to live a new life!"
    Note: When you're being baptized ... Hold your nose on the cue and gently sit back as though there is a chair behind you.

    Interested in being baptized?

    Please fill out this form:

    About Yourself:

              First Name:     Last Name:
              Address: ; City, State, Zip:
              Contact Phone #
              eMail Address:
             

    Your story:

     Please use the following text fields and tell us a little bit more about why you want to be baptized:
     
    1. How I met Christ:

    2. Why I want to be baptized (what is your understanding of baptism; why is it important to you to make this step?):

     

     3. I have the following questions, concerns, objections to being baptized by immersion:

     

     
     
    Mailing Address: 5555 Redwood St.; Suite 100; Las Vegas, NV 89118 | 702.547.5433  |