“Why is Baptism such a big issue for a Christ-Follower”? I have been asked that question many times in over 30 years of ministry.  Sometimes- I forget the explain the why of baptism and focus on “just do it”.  But, I believe, if we have a big enough “Why” – it changes the whole conversation.  Believer’s Baptism means we are publically identifying with Jesus as our Savior- unashamedly!  Think about it – it sounds a little strange when an adult gets in a big tub or goes to the ocean and another person says something like- “I now baptize you in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit”.  That seems awkward and yet it is so powerful.  It is a mark of obedience and announcement of new life.

About 5 years ago Church at the Bay met together at Honeymoon Island for a baptism experience.  I think we baptized about 15 people.  We gathered together to pray for those who were just baptized and then as the group headed back to the beach – a great day was going to get better!  A lady walked up and asked, “What are you doing”- I explained that we were a church group and we just baptized a group of people.  She asked, “What does someone need to do to get baptized”?  I explained that baptism was a command of Jesus to believers and that the prerequisite was trusting Jesus as your Savior.  She told me, “I have recently trusted Jesus and I want to get baptized- will you baptize me”?  I said sure – and asked some people to come back to the water.  I invited her to Church at the Bay and encouraged her to find a church to call home.  I wondered if we would ever see her again.  About 3 weeks ago a lady was walking toward me with a BIG smile before our worship service.  I didn’t recognize her until she said, “Hi, I am that lady you baptized several years ago at the beach”.  That was so cool- a couple weeks earlier I had thought about her and wondered what ever happened to her.  It was a great experience- and even better- she has been attending the last few weeks.  Go God!

So what is the BIG why behind baptism?

• Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist  (Matthew 3)
• Jesus last words to His church were,  “ ¹⁸ Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. 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. ²⁰ Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:18-20)

I really believe that if Jesus was baptized and He told us to be baptized- we need to obey and identify publicly with Him.  Is that a BIG enough WHY for you?  If so- we will be baptizing Sunday March 3^rd – email Blaine@churchatthebay.com to get more details.

Here is a brief video about baptism…

No video?  Click here…