In Matthew 28.19, Jesus commanded the church to baptize people as an integral part of what we call the Great Commission. This month on Sunday the 23 rd , we will be having our baptism service.

This is perhaps one of the most profound things we get to witness. It is so exciting to see someone publicly confess their Lord and Savior in this act of early obedience. It is important to note that baptism is not necessary for salvation and that baptism doesn’t somehow impart special grace to recipients apart from faith. That being said, baptism can have a wonderful effect on the young believer.

It is no small thing to recognize what baptism represents in our life. First, baptism symbolizes our death to sin. To Sin, we are no longer slaves. Paul says in Romans 6:4, “We were therefore buried with (Jesus) through baptism into death…” Our immersion into water demonstrates the death of our old selves. Baptism also represents our new life. When we are raised from under the water, it symbolizes our re-birth. What an exhilarating thought!

Baptism encourages and strengthens our faith. It also encourages all those who are present. Scripture speaks of believers being baptized by one Spirit into one body. In other words, on June 23 rd , we will be baptizing people as a symbol of their commitment to the church. When a person becomes a Christian, the Holy Spirit takes up residence, and he or she is born into God’s family. That’s why it is important that we as a church body come out to support those who are taking this important step in their faith. I promise you will be blessed as well!