Answering questions about baptism.
This Sunday, my message is based on the stained glass window in our sanctuary that depicts the baptism of Jesus. The Bible tells us that when Jesus started His ministry He approached John the Baptist and submitted to be baptized. The Bible says that John had a little problem with this John said, "...I have need to be baptized by You, and do You come to me" (Matthew 3:14)?
But Jesus responded, "...Permit it at this time; for in this way it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness" (Matthew 3:15).
Why was it necessary for Jesus to be baptized? I will answer those questions in the message Sunday.
Now, fast forward to Matthew 28. Before Jesus ascended to heaven, He told His disciples, "Go ye therefore and teach all nations, baptizing them..." So, every person who believes in Jesus is supposed to be baptized. But how are we to be baptized? That subject has been the source of disagreement among Christians for years. Some Christian groups sprinkle. But Baptists believe that the Biblical way to baptize is by immersion. In fact, that's how we got our name. Baptists have a saying that sums up our beliefs in baptism. It is, "Believers baptism by immersion only." That means the only people who should be baptized are believers and then, it should be done by immersion.
So, this Sunday, I'm going to wade off into the baptismal waters (figuratively and literally) and we are going to try to answer some of these questions.
But Jesus responded, "...Permit it at this time; for in this way it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness" (Matthew 3:15).
Why was it necessary for Jesus to be baptized? I will answer those questions in the message Sunday.
Now, fast forward to Matthew 28. Before Jesus ascended to heaven, He told His disciples, "Go ye therefore and teach all nations, baptizing them..." So, every person who believes in Jesus is supposed to be baptized. But how are we to be baptized? That subject has been the source of disagreement among Christians for years. Some Christian groups sprinkle. But Baptists believe that the Biblical way to baptize is by immersion. In fact, that's how we got our name. Baptists have a saying that sums up our beliefs in baptism. It is, "Believers baptism by immersion only." That means the only people who should be baptized are believers and then, it should be done by immersion.
So, this Sunday, I'm going to wade off into the baptismal waters (figuratively and literally) and we are going to try to answer some of these questions.
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