Baptism
WATER BAPTISM...TAKING A CLOSER LOOK
WHAT IS THE MEANING OF BAPTISM?
1. It illustrates Christ's burial and resurrection.
"Christ died for our sins... He was buried... and He rose again." --I Cor. 15:3-4
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!" --2 Cor. 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!" --Rom. 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 make 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
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." --Matt. 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
The word Baptize means "To dip under water"
The Greek work Baptizo means "To immerse or dip under water".
It best symbolized a burial and resurrection!
WHO SHOULD BE BAPTIZED?
Every person who has believed Christ.
”Those who believed and accepted His message were baptized…” Acts 2:41
At Orchard Grove, we wait until our children are old enough to accept Christ as their Savior and understand the true meaning of baptism before we baptize them.
Some churches practice a “baby or children's dedication” for their 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 make a personal confession of their faith in Christ. At Orchard Grove, we encourage everyone to be baptized the way Jesus demonstrated.
If you are interested in Parent/Child Dedication, 
click here.
WHEN SHOULD I BE BAPTIZED?
As soon as you have believed.
"Those who believe...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.
However, it is important to remember that baptism is a personal statement of faith, not a family tradition. It is usually not wise to delay your baptism while waiting on other family members to accept Christ, particularly children. This puts an undue pressure on them, and delays your obedience.
WHAT SHOULD I WEAR WHEN I AM BAPTIZED?
Women should wear dark shorts/pants and a dark top, which will preserve modesty. Men may wear a swimsuit/pants and dark t-shirt. Bring a change of clothes, a towel, and a plastic bag for your wet articles of clothing. We provide changing rooms.
WILL I HAVE ANYTHING TO SAY?
At the beginning of the service, Pastor Chris will briefly explain the meaning of baptism. You will wait at the edge of the pool for your turn to be baptized. Pastor Chris or another leader will introduce you, briefly lower you just under the water, and then you can leave the pool, dry off, and watch the others. Later you will be mailed a certificate of your baptism certificate and a dvd. We encourage you to invite all your relatives and friends to attend your baptism.
WHAT IF I HAVE SPECIAL NEEDS?
All of our Pastors can perform a private baptism in special circumstances.
DO I NEED TO SIGN UP?
Yes! Stop by the Information Table for more information.
Please watch the website and bulletin for upcoming baptismal dates.
