Baptism

Where the spiritually thirsty draw water from the well of life, Jesus Christ.

Baptism

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.

²⁶Then God said, "Let us make man in our image, in our likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, over all the earth, and over all the creatures that move along the ground." ²⁷ So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.

And the LORD God said, "The man has now become like one of us, knowing good and evil. He must not be allowed to reach out his hand and take also from the tree of life and eat, and live forever."

Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God.

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

who have been chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through the sanctifying work of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ and sprinkling by his blood: Grace and peace be yours in abundance.

May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.

The Reason

The reason we believe in baptism is its illustrates Christ’s burial and resurrection and our new life as a Christian, however, it doesn’t make you a believer - it shows that you already believe. Baptism does not "save" you, only your faith in Christ does that. Baptism is like a wedding ring - it’s the outward symbol of the commitment you make in your heart. As soon as you believe you should be baptized. There is no reason to delay. As soon as you have decided to receive Christ into your life, you can and should be baptized.

I Corinthians 15:3-4, Colossians. 2:12, 2 Corinthians. 5:17 Romans 6:4, Ephesians 2:8,9 Acts 2:41, Acts 8:35-38

We Believe

We believe in Baptism by immersion because that’s the way Jesus was baptized, and how every other baptism was done in the bible. The Greek word baptize means literally "to immerse or dip under water" and it’s the best symbolization of the burial and resurrection!

Matthew 3:16,Acts 8:38-39

Everyone

Every person who has believed in Christ should be baptized, however, at The Well, we wait until our children are old enough to believe and understand the true meaning of baptism before we baptize them. Some churches practice a "baptism of confirmation" for children. This ceremony is intended to be a covenant between the parents and God on the behalf of the child. This custom began about 300 years after the Bible was completed. This is different from the baptism talked about in the Bible which was only for those old enough to believe.

Acts 2:41, Acts 8:13, Acts 8:12

WHEN SHOULD I BE BAPTIZED?

As soon as you have believed. "Those who believe...were baptized...that day!" --Acts 2:41 "Then Philip began with the scripture and told him the Good News about Jesus. As they traveled along the road, they came to some water, and the man said, ´Look, here is water! Why shouldn´t I be baptized right now?´ Philip said, ´If you believe with all your heart, you may.´ The man answered, ´I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.´ So they went down into the water and Philip baptized him." --Acts 8:35-38 There is no reason to delay. As soon as you have decided to receive Christ into your life, you can and should be baptized. If you wait until you are "perfect", you´ll never feel "good enough"!

CAN MY FAMILY AND FRIENDS BE BAPTIZED TOGETHER?

Yes! If each person understands fully the meaning of baptism, and each one has personally placed his/her trust in Christ for salvation, we encourage families to be baptized at the same time. It is a wonderful expression of commitment. However, it is important to remember that baptism is a personal statement of faith, not a family or group tradition. It is usually not wise to delay your baptism while waiting on others to join you. This puts an undue pressure on them, and delays your obedience.

WHAT SHOULD I WEAR WHEN I AM BAPTIZED?

Women should wear shorts and a top or a swimsuit. Men may wear shorts, t-shirts or a swimsuit. Bring a change of clothes, a towel, and a plastic bag for your wet clothes.

WILL I HAVE TO SAY ANYTHING?

At the beginning of the service, Pastor Greg will briefly explain the meaning of baptism. You will wait in the water for your turn to be baptized. The Pastor will introduce you, briefly lower you just under the water, and then you can leave the water, dry off, and watch the others. Later you will receive your baptism certificate. We encourage you to invite all your relatives and friends to attend your baptism.