We are so glad that you are considering baptism!
Please take some time to review the following information about this next step.
Why Should I Be Baptized?
1. To follow the example set by Jesus... “At that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan.” (Mark 1:9)
2. Jesus commanded it... “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, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:19–20)
3. It demonstrates I am a believer... “We know that we have come to know him if we keep his commands.” (1 John 2:3)
What is the Meaning of Baptism?
Getting lowered into the water represents our sinful nature being dead and buried with Jesus, and as we are lifted out of the water we enter into a new life with Jesus.
“For what I received I passed on to you as of first im- portance: that 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)
Why Be Baptized By Immersion?
1. Because Jesus was baptized this way...
“As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water.” (Matthew 3:16a)
“Just as Jesus was coming up out of the water...” (Mark 1:10)
2. Every Baptism in the Bible was by immersion...
“Then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized him. When they came up out of the water...”
(Acts 8:38–39)
3. The word “baptize” means “to dip or immerse”...
“Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.” (Romans 6:3–4)
Who Should Be Baptized?
Baptism is an important step of obedience that shows others that someone has personally trusted Jesus for their salvation. Every person who believes in Jesus should be baptized. Having decided to trust Jesus alone for their salvation, they follow Him in baptism as a symbol of their new life in Him.
“Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.” (Acts 2:41)
Should I Be Baptized Immediately After Salvation?
The Bible teaches that baptism should follow your decision to become a believer. There is no reason to delay. If you wait until you are “good enough”, you will never feel ready for baptism. Since baptism is a symbol of your salvation, it is OK to wait until the next scheduled baptism.
"But when they believed Philip as he preached the good news of the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.” (Acts 8:12)
What About Children?
All instances of baptism follow an individual’s decision to trust Jesus alone for their salvation. At Level 13 Church, we wait until children are old enough to believe and understand the true meaning of baptism before we baptize them. When a child makes a decision for Christ, we gladly baptize them as a symbol of their faith in Christ.
“’Surely no one can stand in the way of their being baptized with water. They have received the Holy Spirit just as we have.’ So he ordered that they be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked Peter to stay with them for a few days.” (Acts 10:47-48)
Can I Start Serving Before I Get Baptized?
You do not have to wait until you are baptized to begin serving. We want you to schedule your baptism, but we also want you to get plugged in and begin to serve.
Can I Get Baptized if I Have Already Been Baptized?
If you have not been baptized by immersion since asking Jesus into your life, your next step is baptism. If you have been baptized since asking Jesus into your life, there is no need to be baptized again.
What Do l Wear?
Dress in clothes you don’t mind getting wet. You should wear a dark shirt and shorts. Remember to bring a change of clothes and a towel. Arrive 15 minutes before the service is scheduled to begin for last-minute instructions.
If you are interested in being baptized, please contact us.
