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1. To follow the example set by JESUS CHRIST.
   “At that time Jesus came from Nazareth and was baptized by John in the river.”
   MARK 1:9
2. Because Christ COMMANDS 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 DEATH and RESURRECTION.
   
   “Christ died for our sins.....He was buried.....and He rose again.”
   I 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 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
   
   “By our baptism then, we were buried with Him and shared His death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead.....so also we may live a new life!”
   ROMANS 6:4
   
   Baptism doesn’t make you a believer - it shows that you already believe. 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 boast.”
   EPHESIANS 2:8-9

III. WHY BE BAPTIZED BY IMMERSION?

1. Because Jesus was baptized that way.
   “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.
   (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
   
3. The word “baptize” means “to dunk under water.”
   The Greek word baptizo means: “to dip, dunk or immerse in water.”
   
4. It best symbolizes 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 imports 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, alludes to baptizing by immersion according to the custom of the first church.”

IV. WHO SHOULD BE BAPTIZED?

1. Every person who has believed 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.....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
   
   At Maryland, we wait until our children are old enough to believe and understand the true meaning of baptism before we baptize them. Some churches practice a “baptism of confirmation” for children. This ceremony is intended to be a covenant between the parents and God on the behalf of the child. The parents promise to raise their child in the faith until the child is old enough to make his own personal confession of Christ. This custom began about 300 years after the Bible was completed.
   
   This is different from the baptism talked about in the Bible, which was only for those old enough to believe. The purpose is to publicly confess your personal commitment to Christ.
   
   At Maryland, we strongly encourage every member to be immersed, even though many of us were “confirmed” as children.

V. WHEN SHOULD I BE BAPTIZED?

1. As soon as you have believed.
   “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 man 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 man answered, ‘I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.’ So they went down into the water and Philip baptized him.”
   ACTS 8:35-38
   
   There is no reason to delay. As soon as you have decided to receive Christ into your life, you can and should be baptized. If you wait until you are “perfect”, you’ll never feel “good enough”!

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. Young children who wish to be baptized are asked to meet before hand with the Children’s Pastor.What should I wear when I am baptized?

We provide a robe, towel and hair dryer, but you will need to bring something to wear under the robe. You may wear what you like but we encourage it to be white as the robes become a little “see through” when they get wet.


Will I have to say anything?

Yes, but not much. You will be introduced by the one baptizing you and asked if you believe “that Jesus is God, died for your sin and rose from the dead.” All you have to do is say, “yes.” Some people ask if we will let them say a few words, and that is allowed as long as there is time.
We encourage people to be baptized during the regular Sunday services as a public confession of their faith in Jesus Christ, but for special reasons we will allow baptisms during the week.
Later, you will be mailed a certificate of your baptism and a baptism card. We encourage you to invite all your relatives and friends to attend your baptism.


Do I have to get baptized during a church service?

Sometimes people are a little intimidated by the big crowd. But consider this: It’s a lot less intimidating than what Jesus went through for you. This is a small sacrifice to make. Secondly, it is a good indicator of your commitment. Sometimes how we start things is how we finish them. Thirdly, by not sharing your testimony with others, you may be missing out on a chance to change a person’s life. Your testimony is powerful…use it. We won’t make you get baptized in front of a large crowd. But don’t let that be an indicator of how you’re going to live your life for Christ.

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