Hello.   I want to talk to you for a few minutes about baptism. 

Being baptized is a very significant step of faith for every follower of Christ.  We place great importance on being baptized. And with good reason. Jesus himself was baptized. In fact, after Jesus rose from the dead and before he ascended into heaven, he left his followers with a few simple instructions.  He said, “Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and the Holy Spirit; teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.

 Not long after this, the apostle Peter preached to a large crowd.  And that day, 3,000 people chose to follow Christ, and we were baptized right then and there.  As the story of the early church unfolds, we can see many other examples of new believers who chose to be baptized.

 As you consider baptism, consider these three words; symbolism, celebration, and sacrament.  The act of being baptized is filled with symbolism.  In Romans 6, we find a very descriptive explanation of the significance of baptism.  It uses the act of being immersed under the water as a representation of death and resurrection.  Being lowered under the water symbolizes death like being buried to sin.  This is your way of saying we our putting your old sinful life to death.  And then being raised from the water symbolizes being raised to a new life in Christ.  Of course, the use of water represents the cleansing that comes when we ask Jesus to forgive us of our sins.

Baptism is also a time of celebration.  It's a momentous event—kind of like a birthday celebration.  We invite our church family and friends to celebrate our new life in Christ.  And it's great to know that the entire church community is available to support and encourage us; now and for years to come.  It's their way of saying hey, we are here to walk with you and to help you along the way.  

Baptism is a sacrament or a holy ordinance.  It's not to be taken lightly.  Many people remember their baptism as a profound event in their lives.  There's something about the act of being baptized that increases our faith and enhances our relationship with God.  We really do experience God's grace in a special and unique way.

Now the act of baptism itself doesn't save you, but it does seal your intention to follow God.  It's like signing your name on an important document.  While this signature is binding, it really is only as valid as the character of the person signing it.

Baptism is an official declaration of a lasting commitment to God.  You're declaring that you have asked Jesus into your life, and you're choosing to follow him.  

Now you may be thinking, “I'm not sure I can do this. What happens if I fail?” Well, the Bible says in First Corinthians 10:13  “No test or temptation that comes your way is beyond the course of what others have had to face.  All you need to do is remember that God will never let you down.  He'll never let you be pushed beyond your limit. And he'll always be there to help you come through it.” (MSG)

On the other hand, God knows that even the most sincere and devoted Christians may one day fail. We hope it never happens.  But if it does, remember you don't have to be defeated.  Don't be afraid to admit when you fallen.  Remember that God loves you and he wants you to succeed.  Don't dwell on your failure instead put your trust in God.  You may also want to find a friend or call someone that you trust who can help you and encourage you to keep moving forward.

So now that we've talked about what baptism is, let's review some things that baptism is not.  Baptism is not the same as joining the church.  In fact Evangelical churches of all shapes and sizes baptize believers.  Baptism does not save you. Baptism is only an outward expression of what has already taken place in your heart.

I like to say it this way if you were baptized, and you've not given yourself to Christ, then you go into the water as a dry sinner and you come out of the water a wet sinner.  

Baptism isn't a guarantee that you're going to go to heaven.  In fact it's up to you to keep following God and growing in your faith. 

Now, I haven't spent much time quoting scripture and making profound theological observations.  But I hope this information will give you some things to consider as you prepare for baptism.   If you're interested in learning more about baptism, I encourage you to speak to your pastor or a mature believer.  I'm praying your baptism will be an amazing time when you experience God in a whole new way.