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baptism form
WHY CONSIDER BAPTISM?
< Next Baptism: Sunday July 14 -- between services Baptism Orientation: Sunday June 16th -- 10:30am Links below: parental consent form for Grade 6-10 students online form for submission Baptism is important… …because of our obedience to Jesus Christ. Jesus said, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” As our love for Jesus increases, so will our desire to do what he says. Love and obedience include baptism. The disciples were baptized. The earliest Christian converts were baptized (Acts 2:38). Jesus’ last words to his earliest followers were recorded in Matthew 28:19 “Therefore go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.” Obedience to Jesus Christ includes baptism. …because of what it communicates to others. Our baptism communicates to others that we are new persons in Christ. (2 Cor. 5:17) We are beginning a new life, and the old way of life is gone. We are also communicating that faith in Christ comes first, and then baptism is an expression of faith. Baptism is not necessary for salvation (Eph. 2:8-9). However, salvation is necessary before baptism. In baptism, we are telling others that we are now followers of Jesus Christ. Baptism powerfully communicates the transformation of what God has done and is doing in a person’s life. We encourage everyone being baptized to bring along both believing and non-believing friends, or family who could witness this event. Our baptism communicates the message of the Gospel. “For you were buried with Christ when you were baptized. And with him you were raised to a new life because you trusted the mighty power of God, who raised Christ from the dead” (Col. 2:12). Christ died, was buried and rose again. When Jesus died, he was buried in a tomb. Baptism is a drama re-enactment of what Jesus did for us – only it is in water and only for a few seconds. That’s why Westwood practices baptism by fully submerging the person in water. The Christian is completely immersed in water in order to follow the Bible’s practice as closely and meaningfully as possible. Most Westwood baptisms are conducted in a large water tank, in full view of others. Baptism communicates that we are now identified as Christ-followers. The original Bible word, ‘baptidzo,’ literally means “to dip, to plunge, to place into a liquid.” Just as a cloth placed into a vat of dye is “identified” with the dye, so in baptism, a Christian is identified with Jesus Christ. You have “clothed yourselves with Christ” (Galatians 3:27). Through baptism we also identify with the church (the body of Christ), “…we have all been baptized into Christ’s body by one Spirit, and we have all received the same Spirit” (1 Corinthians 12:13). …because of what it means. Biblical baptism is a commitment. Jesus said, “If anyone acknowledges me publicly here on earth, I will openly acknowledge that person before my Father in heaven. But if anyone denies me here on earth, I will deny that person before my Father in heaven.” (Matthew 10:32-33). Baptism is a great expression of our commitment to Jesus Christ. What age should I be baptized? We recommend sixth grade be the earliest a student consider baptism. Many kids at an early age have the capacity to love God and have a personal relationship with Jesus. However, because of the seriousness of baptism we believe it should be reserved at an age when children/students can… Why we recommend being baptized here, not just anywhere… Not a believer? First and foremost, be sure to investigate who Jesus Christ is and receive Him as your only hope for salvation and as the leader of your life. Discuss with a friend you consider to be a believer, or contact the church office to talk with one of the pastors (230-6700). Never baptized as a believer? If you were baptized as a child, it was the intent of your parents that you would one day be a follower of Christ. Your baptism as a believer (adult and/or adolescent) can be viewed as the fulfillment of your parents’ wishes. It in no way repudiates the baptism you received as a child.To be baptized at Westwood, write “BAPTISM” on the back of a blue Connect Card and drop it in the offering or call the church office at 230-6700. Baptized as a believer? Remember your baptism with joy as a time you communicated the importance of your faith, demonstrated your willingness to obey Jesus, and identified yourself as a whole-hearted follower of Jesus. Pass on to others the importance of baptism, and encourage others to participate. I want to get baptized at Westwood; what should I do now? 1. Fill out the baptism sign-up form requesting to be baptized by clicking on launch form button at the bottom. 2. Prepare a one-page “testimonial” of your commitment to Jesus Christ. Include the following three concepts: (you can use the online form at the bottom to submit, or email to the church office here.) 3. Attend one of the baptism orientation (see online form for dates) meetings to prepare for the baptism event. 4. Grade 6-10 students must complete a parental consent form that states they believe their student is prepared for this important event.