Next Water Baptism Date - August 4, 2024
Adult Water Baptism
We are so excited that you have chosen to be water baptized at Rise Church. It is very important that each person who is baptized understands what the Bible teaches about water baptism. Water baptism allows new believers the opportunity to proclaim their faith and follow the example and command of Jesus by being baptized in water.
Five Biblical Water Baptism Truths
1. Baptism is a public expression
A public expression that a believer has accepted Jesus Christ as his or her personal Savior.
Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them.
Acts 2:41
2. Baptism is not a condition of salvation
Water baptism is not a condition of salvation, but trusting in the sacrifice Jesus Christ made on the cross is the only way sins are forgiven. We do recognize, at the same time, that Jesus asked us to get baptized and even modeled it for us.
But when they believed Philip as he preached the good news of the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.
Acts 8:12
3. The reason we baptize through immersion...
The Bible teaches that the reason we baptize through immersion is that all of the biblical examples of baptism were immersions. The word "baptism" itself comes from the Greek word "baptizo", which means to immerse completely.
As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water.
Matthew 3:16a
As Jesus was coming up out of the water ...
Mark 1:10
4. Baptism is a symbol of...
The Bible teaches that baptism is a symbol of the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. When we get baptized we are demonstrating that we identify with the power of Jesus to save. We trust in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus for salvation.
Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.
Romans 6:3-4
5. Baptism is a celebration of...
The Bible teaches that baptism is a celebration of how new believers have passed from death to life. Our new life in Jesus is because we are "born again", not because we are baptized.
Having been buried with him in baptism and raised with him through your faith in the power of God, who raised him from the dead.
Colossians 2:12
Water Baptism For Children
At Rise, we encourage children to follow Jesus and give them opportunities to make that decision. Our hope is that they not only learn about Jesus but also know Him by walking with Him every day. One of the ways we can walk in obedience is to follow Jesus' example and be water baptized. For more information on Water Baptism for children click here.
Questions For Your Child
As you discern if your child is ready to be water baptized, here are some questions to ask your child:
When did you decide to follow Jesus and become saved?
Answers that indicate your child understands: Your child should have a specific memory of when they understood what Jesus did for them and that they need Jesus in their life. It may have been at church, at home, or even sometime when he/she was alone.
What does it mean to be water baptized?
Answers that indicate your child understands: It means I'm following Jesus; It means I'm a Christian, and I want to show the world; It's a picture of what Jesus has done on the inside of me.
Why do you want to be water baptized?
Answers that indicate your child understands: because Jesus was and He tells us to also; because I'm a friend of Jesus, and I want to follow Him.
If you think your child understands what it means to be water baptized:
Please register your child for the next water baptism event.
If you think your child is not ready for Water Baptism
If you don't feel your child understands what it means to be water baptized, it's appropriate to wait. Remember, water baptism does not save - that is done by your child trusting Jesus. During this time, let your child observe water baptism and talk to them about what it means. You may continue to go through the questions/answers above with your child to spur them on in their personal relationship with Jesus.