Water Baptism

Take Your Next Step of Faith

Water baptism is a powerful public declaration of your faith in Jesus Christ. It is an outward expression of the inward transformation that takes place when someone puts their trust in Him. If you have made the decision to follow Jesus, baptism is one of the most important next steps you can take on your spiritual journey.

Why Should I Be Baptized?

1. Jesus Set the Example

Jesus Himself was baptized, showing us the importance of this step of obedience.

“At that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan.”
Mark 1:9

2. Jesus Commanded It

Baptism is part of the Great Commission Jesus gave to His followers.

“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit...”
Matthew 28:19-20

3. It Demonstrates My Faith

Baptism is a public way of identifying with Jesus and declaring that you belong to Him.

“We know that we have come to know Him if we obey His commands.”
1 John 2:3

What Does Baptism Mean?

Water baptism beautifully illustrates the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

When a believer goes under the water, it symbolizes the old life being buried with Christ. When they are raised from the water, it represents new life in Him.

“Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that He was buried, that He was raised on the third day...”
1 Corinthians 15:3-4

“Having been buried with Him in baptism and raised with Him through your faith in the power of God...”
Colossians 2:12

Why Do We Baptize by Immersion?

At Orchard Beach, we practice baptism by immersion because:

Jesus Was Baptized This Way

“As soon as Jesus was baptized, He went up out of the water.”
Matthew 3:16

It Is the Pattern We See in Scripture

“Then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water... When they came up out of the water...”
Acts 8:38-39

It Best Represents Burial and Resurrection

Immersion clearly symbolizes dying to an old life and being raised to walk in a new life with Christ.

“We were therefore buried with Him through baptism into death... that we too may live a new life.”
Romans 6:4

Who Should Be Baptized?

Anyone who has personally placed their faith in Jesus Christ for salvation should be baptized.

Baptism does not save us; rather, it is a joyful act of obedience that follows salvation and publicly declares our commitment to Christ.

“Those who accepted His message were baptized...”
Acts 2:41

What About Children?

We believe baptism should follow a personal decision to trust Jesus Christ.

Because of this, we encourage children to be baptized once they are old enough to understand salvation, place their faith in Jesus, and understand the meaning of baptism.

“When they believed Philip as he proclaimed the good news... they were baptized.”
Acts 8:12

For children who have not yet made a personal decision to follow Christ, we offer Child Dedications as a way for parents to commit to raising their children in the faith.

What About Infant Baptism?

We deeply respect the significance of infant baptism for many families and church traditions.

However, throughout the New Testament, baptism follows an individual's personal decision to place their faith in Jesus Christ. Because baptism is a public profession of faith, we encourage those who were baptized as infants to consider believer's baptism after making their own commitment to follow Jesus.

When Should I Be Baptized?

The Bible shows that believers were baptized soon after placing their faith in Christ.

“When they believed... they were baptized.”
Acts 8:12

If you have trusted Jesus as your Savior, there is no reason to delay taking this important step of obedience.

Do I Need to Be Baptized Again?

If you have never been baptized by immersion after personally placing your faith in Jesus Christ, baptism is your next step.

If you have already been baptized as a believer by immersion, there is generally no need to be baptized again.

What Should I Wear?

Wear clothes that you don't mind getting wet. We recommend:

• A dark t-shirt

• Shorts or appropriate swimwear

• A towel

• A change of clothes for afterward

Changing areas will be available.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

We would love to celebrate this special moment with you!

Register below or indicate your interest on your Connect Card during a Sunday service, and someone from our team will contact you with information about our upcoming baptism services.

Ready to Be Baptized?

CLICK HERE IF YOU WANT TO BE BAPTIZED!

Have Questions?

We'd be happy to help.

Contact Us:
https://www.orchardbeach.church/contact/

HAVE MORE QUESTIONS?

Contact us here:  https://www.orchardbeach.church/contact/