Life is filled with big decisions. Some are so exciting we can’t wait to celebrate them. Some are so challenging that we know we’ll need help to follow through.
Baptism is about both — celebrating with others, and inviting them to be a part of your journey.
Every time a person chooses to begin a relationship with Jesus Christ and follow Him for life, God and all in heaven celebrate. In fact, if you have chosen to follow Jesus, he has already celebrated your choice. The next phase of this spiritual party — is that you celebrate with other followers your newfound relationship. And the way Jesus asked us to launch this celebration is with baptism.
What it is?
Baptism is a symbolic demonstration that a change has taken place in your heart and life. While baptism itself doesn’t transform or “save” you, it says that you have given your life to Jesus and that your life isn’t just “yours” any longer. Baptism also publicly invites others to celebrate with you and help you stay the course of the new life you’ve chosen.
Why we do it?
We baptize people for several reasons: First and foremost, we do it because Jesus modeled it Himself and taught that it should be done.
For those being baptized, this important step personally identifies them with the death and resurrection of Jesus, marks their decision to follow Him, and connects them with a community of people who share the same commitment.
For our church, it powerfully reminds us of the cause it is for celebration when someone gives his or her life to Christ, and the role we are called to play in helping that person grow.
What it looks like?
In front of a crowd of people, Jesus was submerged into a river by his cousin, John. Later, the first Christians were baptized as soon as they decided to dedicate their lives to following Him, many times the same hour they first confessed faith in Jesus. They were immersed in water, symbolizing the end of their old lives, and emerged to begin their new lives as followers of Jesus Christ.
The Crossroads follows that same ancient example. We baptize people during our weekend services, at small group gatherings, in the courtyard — or wherever else God’s people have gathered — and we celebrate together these exciting decisions and the lives they will shape.
For more information on how you can be baptised, email Doug Lake or call 623-466-7964.
