The Oak Ridge Boys Elvira

Enjoying a little "Elvira" at the Kentucky State Fair last night! Giddy up!

Bryan's Baptism Story

This past Sunday, I showed this video of a PCC member talking about the difference Jesus has made in his life. I love these baptism stories!

Baptism: What's the Big Deal?

This Sunday morning, we're going to talk about the purpose and importance of baptism. No doubt that baptism is an emotional topic for many people. There are so many opinions about baptism, depending upon one's religious background and tradition. Our goal for this Sunday is to simply unpack what the Bible says about baptism. Because ultimately, it doesn't matter what we think or what church tradition thinks. It's all about what the Bible says.

As we gear up for this Sunday, I thought I'd post some FAQ about baptism. You'll have to come this Sunday for further explanation :)

BAPTISM FAQ

WHY BE BAPTIZED?

1. Because you want to follow Christ’s example.

Mark 1:9
At that time Jesus came from Nazareth and was baptized by John in the river.

2. Because Christ commanded it. (Matthew 28:19)


WHAT IS THE MEANING OF BAPTISM?

1. It is a symbol of Christ’s burial and resurrection.

1 Corinthians 15:3-4
Christ died for our sins…he was buried…and he rose again.

Colossians 2:12
For when you were baptized, you were buried with Christ, and in baptism you were also raised with Christ.

2. It is a symbol of your new life as a Christian. Baptism is the outward symbol of the commitment you made in your heart.

2 Corinthians 5:17
What this means is that those who become Christians become new persons. They are not the same anymore, for the old life is gone. A new life has begun!

Romans 6:4
By our baptism then we were buried with Him and shared His death, in order that just as Christ was raised from the dead also we might live a new life!


WHO SHOULD BE BAPTIZED?

Every person who has made the decision to believe and commit their lives to Christ.

Acts 2:41
Those who believed and accepted His message were baptized.

Acts 8:13
Simon himself believed and was baptized.


HOW ARE WE TO BE BAPTIZED?

1. Like Jesus was baptized—by being immersed in water.

Matthew 3:16
As soon as Jesus was baptized, He went up out of the water.

2. Every baptism in the Bible was by immersion under water.

EXAMPLE:
Acts 8:38-39
Then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized him. When they came up out of the water…

3. The word “baptize” (the Greek word “baptizo”) literally means “to dip, to plunge.”

4. It is the best way to picture a burial and resurrection.


WHEN ARE WE TO BE BAPTIZED?

As soon as you have believed! You shouldn’t delay.

Acts 2:41
Those who believed…were baptized…that day!