THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING BAPTIZED

 I.       WHY SHOULD I BE BAPTIZED?

 1.       To follow the example set by Jesus.

“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.       It demonstrates that I really am a believer.

“…Many of the people who heard Him believed and were baptized.”         Acts 18:8

 II.      WHAT IS THE MEANING OF BAPTISM?

 1.       It illustrates Christ’s burial and resurrection.

“Christ died for our sins…He was buried…and He rose again.”  I Corinthians 15:3-4

 2.        It illustrates my 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!”     II Corinthians 5:17

 III.   WHY BE BAPTIZED BY IMMERSION?

 Because Jesus was baptized that way.

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

 Every baptism in the Bible was by immersion.

(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

 The word “baptize” means “to immerse in water”.

The Greek word baptizo means “to immerse or dip under water”.

 It best symbolizes a burial and resurrection!

 IV.    Who Should Be Baptized?

 Every person who has believed in Christ.

 “Those who believed and accepted His message were baptized…”   Acts 2:41

 “Simon himself believed and was baptized…”     Acts 8:13

 “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

Regarding Children: At C.O.T.R., we wait until our children are old enough to believe and understand the true meaning of baptism before we baptize them.

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 Baptism Instructions

 1.       If you desire to be Water Baptized, please call the church office, 903-763-4588.

 2.       Meet 30 minutes before the Sunday morning service on the scheduled day of Baptism, in the room to the right of the Baptistry.

• It is very important that all baptismal candidates make this meeting in order to receive further instructions.  Meeting begins promptly at 9:30 a.m.

 3.       Baptismal candidates need to bring with them on the day of Baptism:

•  Towel(s)
• A change of clothes:
• Ladies/Girls need to wear dark colored tops for Baptism.
• Men/Boys are requested to wear a shirt for Baptism.

 4.       Attendants will be present to help you in the dressing rooms.

•  The Ladies’/Girls’ dressing room is to the left of the Baptistry.
• The Men’s/Boys’ dressing room is to the right of the Baptistry.
•  Baptismal robes are available. 

 If you have any questions, please feel free to call the church office at 903-763-4588.