For the last several years near the end of the summer Celebration Community Church has hosted outdoor baptisms after services. There is just something about being outdoors in a lake or pond that draws us closer to God and to that biblical experience of John the Baptizer immersing Jesus in the waters of the Jordan River.
When people ask me about the meaning of baptism I usually say to them that baptism is a matter of life and death. What I mean by that is that the Bible teaches us that baptism illustrates our alignment with Jesus’ death and burial, "… Christ died for our sins … he was buried …" 1 Corinthians 15:3–4
The Bible also teaches that baptism is not just about death and burial, it is about resurrection and new life. “For when you were baptized, you were buried with Christ, and in baptism you were also raised with Christ.” Colossians 2:12
"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 Corinthians 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 that we may live a new life!” Romans 6:4.
We need to be clear in that baptism doesn’t make you a Christian. Only your faith in Christ does that. Baptism is like a wedding ring; it’s the outward sign of the inner commitment you have made in your heart. The commitment as a believer to follow Christ.
Next Sunday September 11th at 1pm Celebration Community Church will gather at the Luke and Julisa Haines’ Pond five miles west of C3 for a barbeque and baptism.
We invite individuals and families (children under age of 12 need meet with a Pastor first) who have not been baptized by immersion as believers to come and be baptized.
To RSVP your desire to be baptized, go to the C3hays app and click on the “RSVP” tile or call the church office at 625-LIVE.
This is going to be a great day of celebrating being raised to new life in Christ.
Your pastor and partner in ministry,
Kyle
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