On January 30th, Calvary Baptist Church in Brewerton will be holding a baptismal and bringing in new members to the church. The importance of baptism has been shown throughout the Bible, and is practiced by all Christian faiths. The Sunday morning service at Calvary begins every Sunday at 11:00, with elective Sunday school classes at 10:00. If you have never seen a baptism, and are looking at your own relationship with God, Calvary’s service, like all churches, are open to everyone.
Why is baptism so important? A good online source for this is http://www.insearchoftruth.org. Of course, the one true source for the answer to this question can be found in The Bible.
From http://www.insearchortruth.org:
“One of the first passages that should be examined is Christ's commission to his apostles:
Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you ... " Matthew 28:19-20
This verse teaches that part of making disciples was "baptizing them". (Please examine the parallel account of this event in Mark's book - Mark 16:15-16). Shortly after receiving this commission, the apostles began to preach Christ. As an example, please listen to the words of the apostle Peter when he was asked what to do to be saved:
Then Peter said to them, 'Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.'" Acts 2:38
The apostle Peter included baptism as a part of being saved and as a condition for receiving the remission of sins. He later states unequivocally that it is through baptism that one is actually saved:
"... when once the Divine longsuffering waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is, eight souls, were saved through water. There is also an antitype which now saves us - baptism (not the removal of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God), through the resurrection of Jesus Christ." I Peter 3:20-21”
Whatever denomination of Christianity you follow, speak with your pastor on the importance of baptism. More importantly, talk to God. Your personal relationship and devotion to God will give you the answers you seek. Consult your Bible, and speak with other Christians more mature in their faith, and God Bless.
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