To follow the example set by Christ. Jesus was baptized and wants us to baptize others.

In Matthew 3:16, we learn about the time when Jesus Himself was baptized before He started His ministry on earth. If the Son of God pursued baptism, so should we. Later, Jesus told us in Matthew 28:19-20 He wants us to spread His message of love. He told us to continue baptizing and being baptized! Okay, Jesus. We’re happy to obey. ‍

Because Christ commanded it.
“Jesus said, ‘Go then, to all people everywhere and make them my disciple, baptize them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and then teach them to obey everything that I have commanded you.'” (Matthew 28:19-20) “We know that we have come to know Him, if we obey His commands.” (1 John 2:3)‍

Because you’ve decided to follow Jesus and want people to know. It demonstrates that I really am a Believer.

Making the decision to become a follower of Christ is the best decision you’ll ever make. When you make a life-changing decision like this, you want to tell everyone about the new hope you’ve found in Jesus! You want to let people know you believe God is real. Our faith should be personal, but not private. Baptism is about going public with your faith.

It illustrates Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection.
“Christ died for our sins…He was buried…and He rose again.” (1 Corinthians 15:3-4)  “For when you were baptized, you were buried with Christ, and in baptism you were also raised with Christ.” (Colossians 2:12)

It illustrates my new life as a Christian.
“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)  “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 6:4)

Baptism doesn’t make you a Christian.
Only your faith in Christ does that.  But it does make you obedient.  It shows that you’re serious about your faith.  Baptism is like a wedding ring – it’s the outward sign of the commitment you have made in your heart (see Ephesians 2:8-9)

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

Every baptism in the Bible was by immersion.
(for example) “…then both Philip and the man went down into the water and Philip baptized him.  When they came up out of the water…” (Acts 8:38-39)

The word “baptize” means “to dip under water.”

It best symbolizes a burial and resurrection (see Romans 6:1-11).

The founders of the major denominations agree:
Martin Luther (founder of the Lutheran denomination): “I would have those who are to be baptized to be entirely immersed, as the word imports and the mystery signifies.”

John Calvin (founder of the Presbyterian denomination): “The word “baptize” signifies to immerse.  It is certain that immersion was the practice of the ancient church.”

John Wesley (founder of Methodist and Wesleyan denomination): “Buried with Him” alludes to baptizing by immersion according to the custom of the first church.”

Every person who has believed in Christ.  A Believer is someone who has realized that their sin separated them from God.  They have given up all efforts to reach God through good works or religious activity.  They have concluded that Jesus Christ’s death on the cross for their sins is the only thing that can bridge the gap between them and God.  A Believer is someone who has decided to trust Christ alone for their salvation.  If you have come to that point in your spiritual journey, then you are ready to be baptized (Acts 2:41, 8:12-13).

The New Testament shows no example of baptism when the person did not request it.  All instances of baptism followed an individual’s decision to trust Christ alone for their salvation (Acts 2:41, 8:12, 10:47-48).  At Bay Shore we wait until the child is old enough to believe and understand the true meaning of baptism before we baptize them.  As a general rule, we wait to baptize children who are at least 10 years or older. When a child makes a decision for Christ, we gladly baptize them into the Christian faith.

*Kids Dedications : A few times a year we have Kids dedications where we bring our children and dedicate them to the Lord following the Biblical pattern. Mary and Joseph brought Jesus and dedicate him in the temple, as written about in Luke 2:22-23.

In the Bible we find parents bringing children to Jesus.  He held them and prayed for them and told us to welcome them.  But he did not baptized them, and he did not tell anyone else to baptize them.  So, to us, it seems more Biblical to wait until after a personal decision to trust Christ as Savior has been made by the child themself.  If baptism is a public profession of salvation (as the Bible teaches), only people who have intentionally received salvation should experience baptism.

We believe baptism is a public profession of salvation (as the Bible teaches), only people who have intentionally received salvation should experience baptism.

If you have not experienced adult baptism since giving your life to Christ, even though you have experienced baptism as an infant, the full meaning and significance of baptism has yet to take place in your life.  We strongly encourage you to be baptized as an adult believer in Christ.

As soon as you have believed.  (Acts 8:12) “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.

No, but 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.

Seek God daily. The most important commandment God gives us is to love Him above anything else. When you love someone, you seek a relationship with them. Right? Whether that means a scheduled, daily quiet time before work, a new Bible Plan, or even constant prayers throughout the day just acknowledging Him. Seek God and a relationship with Him.

A wonderful place to start is with our Following Jesus book. Free copies are available in the lobby at each of our campuses.

Find community. Nothing is harder than trying to do life alone. Finding people to walk alongside you in life is key to staying on the right path. God created us as social people, no matter how introverted you are. Your tribe is there to help you, sharpen you, and support you. Join any of our groups to find your crew.

Start serving. Whether it’s working with kids, being creative, or just being ridiculously good at making someone smile, God’s given you specific talents. And He wants to work through you. Serving will change your life! Take your gift and get plugged in at our church by joining any of our serving teams.