Why You Should Considering Being Baptized.
This summer we have been walking through the book of Acts. We have seen a simple pattern.
People believe in Jesus
Then they get baptized publicly to celebrate what God has done in their lives.
In Acts chapter two, Peter stands up and preaches the Gospel and it says, “those who receive his word were baptized” (Acts 2:41). Later, Philip shared the gospel with a group of people who where far from God, but it says, “when they believed…they were baptized, both men and women” (Acts 8:12). Even later, Paul meets a women named Lydia and she comes to faith in Christ and soon after, “she was baptized” (Acts 16:15). When people came to faith in Jesus, what always followed was a baptism celebration!
So let me ask, have you placed your faith in Jesus? If you have, have you been baptized?
Often, when I talk to people about baptism their primary reason for not getting baptized is “I’m worried what other people will think about me.”
Maybe you think, people will judge you, people will assume you just became a christian, maybe your introverted and don’t like people looking at you, or you think you will look silly and be embarrassed.
As you think about being baptized, let me give you a few reasons why you should consider getting baptized this summer.
Walk in obedience to Jesus.
First, Jesus modeled baptism for us, in that he was baptized. Then Jesus instructed his disciples to baptized those who would come to faith in Christ (Matt. 28:19). Baptism is not necessary for salvation, but it is something Jesus has called his people to participate in. So, if you’re planning on getting baptized, celebrate that this is an act of obedience to God and will be used by God to bring you great joy and God Glory! Also, as you get baptized you will get to experience physically, what is true of you spiritually. Baptism is one of the tangible ways we get to experience the new life we have in Christ.
Encourage God’s People
Second, by getting baptized publicly, you are allowing our whole church family to celebrate what God has done in you. As a church member, I often wonder “God are you moving or are we just staying busy with gatherings?” What I want more than church growth is stories of God transforming lives. There is nothing that encourages the people of God more than seeing the gospel do a new work in a persons life! So, baptism celebrations matter and bless not just those being baptized but the whole church family! I always walk away from baptism celebrations praising God for how he is saving people, redeeming stories, making things new and bringing more people into His family. So, if you’re considering being baptized know that your step of faith to trust Jesus and be baptized only encourages me in my faith!
Tell God’s Story
Thirdly, there is nothing more powerful to a watching world than when people share how God has done a work in them. People may want to debate different issues but one of the most powerful ways to share the gospel with those outside of the family of God, is by sharing the story God has written in your life. As recovering addicts stand up and share how God has made them whole and as workaholics stand up and share how God has given them a new purpose, those far from God see the power of God at work in peoples lives and God can and does often use that testimony to call new people to faith in Christ. If your considering being baptized, I simply want you to know that it matters, it will bless you, bless our church and be a testimony to a watching world!
Next Steps
Would you pray about being baptized this summer? If God is leading you to be baptized, please join us Sunday July 26th for our baptism class.
Chris Hruska