I. Why be baptized?
1. Because you want to follow Christ's example.
"At that time Jesus came from Nazareth and was baptized by John in the river." Mark 1:9

2. Because Christ commanded it.
Jesus said, "Go then, to all people everywhere and make them my disciples, baptize them in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, and then teach them to obey everything I have commanded you.." Matthew 28:19-20

3. Because it shows you are a believer.
"…many of the Corinthians who heard him believe and were baptized."
Acts 18:8

4. Because obeying Christ's command shows you know Him.
"We know that we have come to know Him, if we obey His commands."
1 John 2:3

II. What is the meaning of baptism?
1. It is a symbol of Christ's burial and resurrection.
"Christ died for our sins…he was buried…and he rose again."
1 Corinthians 15:3, 4

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

2. It is a symbol of your new life as a Christian.
"When someone becomes a Christian he becomes a brand new person inside. The old life has passed away and a new life has begun!" 2 Corinthians 5:17

"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!" Romans 6:4

Baptism does not make you a believer, it shows that you already are one! Baptism does not "save" you, only your faith in Christ does that. Baptism is like a wedding ring. It's the outward symbol of the commitment you made in your heart.

"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith…it is the gift of God - not by works so that no one can boost."
Ephesians 2:8, 9

III. How are we to be baptized?

1. Like Jesus was baptized - by being immersed in water.
"As soon as Jesus was baptized, He went up out of the water." Matthew 3:16.

2. Every baptism in the Bible was by immersion under water.
(example) "…then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized him. When they came up out of the water…" Acts 8:38, 39

3. The word "Baptize" literally means "to dip under water".
The Greek word "baptizo" means "to immerse or dip under water."

4. It is the best way to picture a burial and resurrection.
The founders of denominations agree:

Martin Luther… "I would have those who are to be baptized to be entirely immersed as the word imparts and the mystery signifies."

John Calvin… The word 'baptize" signifies to immerse. It is certain that immersion was the practice of the ancient church."

John Wesley…"Buried with Him, alluding to baptizing by immersion according to the custom of the first church."

IV. Who should be baptized?

Every person who has made the decision to believe 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 of the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women."
Acts 8:12

"Simon himself believed and was baptized…" Acts 8:13

The one requirement for baptism is belief in Christ! We do not baptize children until they are old enough to understand and believe.

V. When are we to be baptized?
As soon as you have believed! You shouldn't delay.

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 eunuch 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 official answered, I believe Jesus Christ is the Son of God. Then both Philip an the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized him." Acts 8:36-39 (Paraphrase)

There is no reason to delay. As soon as a person decides to believe in Christ he can and should be baptized.

What about being baptized twice?
Our Church recommends that you be baptized again if you have not been baptized by immersion since you became a believer. It doesn't devalue a prior experience but simply reflects your desire to be baptized in the same way Jesus was baptized. Every New Hope member has been baptized by immersion as Jesus demonstrated and commanded us to follow.

Can my family be baptized together?
Yes! If each family member understands fully the meaning of baptism and each one has personally placed his/her trust in Christ for salvation, we encourage families to be baptized at the same time. It is a wonderful expression of commitment.

Will I have to say anything?
No. At the beginning of the baptism service, the pastor will briefly explain the meaning of baptism. You will wait at the edge of the water for your turn to be baptized. The pastor will introduce you, briefly lower you just under the water, and then you will leave
the water, dry off and watch with the others.

God will bless you as you demonstrate your faith in Christ!

Instructions for Your Baptism

We are so happy that you desire to follow the Lords example in baptism. There will probably be others being baptized with you. Hundreds of people like yourself have been baptized at New Hope in pools and the ocean.

1. In August we hold one beach baptism at Crown Point Shores. All other baptisms are held at the pools of various members of New Hope. There is plenty of room around the pools and at the beach for your friends and relatives to celebrate your baptism with you. A schedule of upcoming baptism dates can be obtained by calling the church office (482-7087).

2. The beach baptism is scheduled on a Sunday at 6:00 pm. All others are scheduled at 2:00 pm. The pastor will explain the meaning of baptism and show you how you will be baptized.

3. Bring a towel and a hair dryer (if desired). We encourage women to wear a swimsuit or shorts and a top. Men may wear a swimsuit and a plain T-shirt. You will be given a white robe to wear over your swimsuit or clothes. You will be able to change clothes in the rest rooms if you desire.

4. The pastor will be baptizing one person at a time, but families will enter the pool together for a picture.

5. At least a week prior to the baptismal service, elementary age children must meet with the Minister to Children to ensure they fully understand and are ready for baptism. Call the church office to set up an appointment.

6. Don't be surprised when people clap at your baptism. It is a happy experience for every Christian when someone publicly identifies themselves as a believer by being baptized.

7. After the baptismal service there will be a brief reception for you. Light refreshments will be served. Your family and friends are encouraged to stay for this special time.

8. There will be an announcement in the bulletin when your baptism certificate is available for pick up.