BAPTISM
The Importance of Being Baptized
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Baptism is a solemn and a joyful event in the life of every believer. The Bible says that when a person is baptized, they live an entirely new life. In other words, they are born again!
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Below, you'll find some information about baptism at AWC. Additionally, if you're considering being baptized or would like more information about baptism, email us at connect@awcandrews.com
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1. Why should I be baptized?
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One reason that we should be baptized, is to follow the example set by Jesus. Jesus traveled more than 60 miles from Nazareth to the Jordan to be baptized by John (Mark 1:9).
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Another reason is because Jesus commanded it. Before ascending to heaven, Jesus instructed his disciples to go and make disciples of all nations and to baptize them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost.
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Finally, when I get baptized it demonstrates that I really am a believer. “We know that we have come to know Him, if we obey His commands.” (1 John 2:3)
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Frequently asked Questions
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2. What is the meaning of baptism?
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It illustrates Christ's death, burial, and resurrection.
"For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures," (I Cor. 15:3-4, NKJV)
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"For you were buried with Christ when you were baptized. And with him you were raised to new life because you trusted the mighty power of God, who raised Christ from the dead." (Col. 2:12, NLT)
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It illustrates my new life as a Christian.
"Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life." (Rom. 6:4, NKJV)
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3. Why be baptized by immersion?
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Because Jesus was baptized this way.
“As soon as Jesus was baptized, He went up out of the water.” (Matthew 3:16)
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Every baptism in the New Testament was by immersion.
(One 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
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The very word "baptize" means to immerse in water. The Greek word baptizo means to "immerse or dip under water."
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4. Why be baptized in Jesus name?
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The Bible says that whatever we do, in word or deed, do in the name of the Lord Jesus (Col. 3:17); at AWC we believe this includes baptism.
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The Bible also tells us that there is salvation in no one other than Jesus.
“And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12, ESV)
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Every baptism in the New Testament Church was in the name of Jesus
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In Acts 2:38 there were 3,000 believers added
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In Acts 8:16 the Samaritans were baptized in Jesus name
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In Acts 10:48 Cornelius and his household were baptized in Jesus name
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In Acts 19:5 the men of Ephesus were baptized in Jesus name
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5. Who should be baptized?
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Every person who has believed in Christ.
“Those who believed and accepted His message were baptized...” (Acts 2:41)
“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)
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At AWC, we wait until our children are old enough to believe and understand the true meaning of baptism before we baptize them. Even though many of us we "confirmed" as children, every AWC member must be baptized the way Jesus demonstrated.
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6. When should I be baptized?
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As soon as you have believed!
“Those who believed...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)
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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 feel “good enough”!
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7. I would like to be baptized. What next?
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Congratulations on your decision! Please let us know about your decision in person or email us at connect@awcandrews.com. We would love to pray with you and discuss the next steps.
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