Baptism is a common word to people of Christian faith and is still something many in our culture have heard of our sceen.  However, not all Baptism’s are the same.  When you say Baptism, what does that really mean?  Do some we see infant baptism to other we see it as a beleivers baptism.  Others may see it as a covenant while some see it as a decision of faith.  Some may believe that sprinkling or pouring water is okay, while others believe in full emersion or dunking.  So what is baptism?
Recently we had a Baptism Sunday at Broadman…we saw six people baptized.  Some has a Catholic background and where baptized as an infant, but came to realize that it was now their decision to be baptized and follow Jeus.  Others had be Christians for nearly 40 years…but had never been baptized and needed to step out in faith.  One was a child who recieved Chrsit during VBS but was scared of the water and a par of googles and his faith in Jesus helped him overcome his fears.  All of them had a different story that led them to that day and to their baptism, but they all had one thing in common – They all had professed Jesus as Lord and Savior, and each one desired to be Baptized as an act of following Jesus and associating their lives with Jesus.

Baptism is a beautiful thing.  But sadly it seems to be a controversial thing about Christian faiths because we fail to follow the Scriputures and in stead follow church traditions or rituals.  I would like to express an opininon that we need to make sure we do baptism for the right reasons and by the right methods so that we fulfill God’s purposes of Baptism.

I propose we look at the word baptize (Baptizo)…batpize, baptize, wash…by means to make “fully wet.” Or “Bapto” to cover wholly with water…to stain.  This literally means to immerse, dunk or submerge for religious purposes.

With this understand I submit that a believer (not an infant) should be baptized and made fully wet by means of immersion.

Biblically, we have Christ’s example, Christ’s command through the Great Commandment, Christ’s Church using baptizm by immerision in the book of Acts and the Symbolic connection and association with Christ’s death, burial and resurrection.  There is simply no other way to have Biblical baptism but to baptize by Jesus’ example and command.  Nor can we avoid the powerful symbology of being bured with Christ in baptismal waters to be raised to walk in the newness of life that we have in Christ.  For all who are buried with Christ in baptism have put on Christ to live for HIm.

May our act of baptism be a reminder to others that we serve the RISEN LORD.

For those who have not been baptized I ask you the same question that the Eunuch asked Philip in the book of Acts – “What is keeping me from being baptized?”

May you experience the power of the sacred waters of baptism in your life…may we be buried with HIm to be raised with Him to put on Him!!!!

Blessings!

PC