baptism | Broken Believers

We are to follow the example of Jesus Christ

Those who accepted his message were baptized. (Acts 2:41)

Repent and be baptized. (Acts 2:38)

Having been buried with him in baptism and raised with him through your faith in the power of God. (Col. 2:12)

One of the most significant and vital decisions we will make is to follow Jesus Christ into the waters of baptism. This is just mere obedience to the Lord’s command to be baptized. It is a public pronouncement or declaration to the physically seen world and to the invisibly unseen world of the Spirit. It takes faith to be authentically ready for baptism. You will be taking a stand.

“Baptism was to put a line of demarcation between your past sins when you are buried with Him by Baptism–you are burying your past sins–eradicating them–putting a line in the sand saying that old man is dead and he is no longer alive any more and I rise up to walk in the newness of life.”

T.D. Jakes

I would strongly suggest that you attend to the process listed below. You will find there is a big difference to truly being baptized, and just getting wet!

A word to “older” believers: There may come a time when you feel that you would want to be baptized again. I believe that this is not only allowable, but commendable. You may have not had a good understanding of the baptismal process, but now it makes sense. I would encourage you to follow your hearts.

The Interrogative Process

I. A series of questions is then asked, to which the reply is always “I renounce them”:

Do you renounce Satan and all the spiritual forces of wickedness that rebel against God?
Do you renounce the evil powers of this world which corrupt and destroy the creatures of God?
Do you renounce all sinful desires that draw you from the love of God?

II. The second half of the query is asked, to which the reply is always “I do”:

Do you turn to Jesus Christ and accept him as your Savior?
Do you put your whole trust in his grace and love?
Do you promise to follow and obey him as your Lord?

“Indeed, baptism is a vow, a sacred vow of the believer to follow Christ. Just as a wedding celebrates the fusion of two hearts, baptism celebrates the union of sinner with Savior.”

Max Lucado

III. The Apostles Creed can and maybe should be recited:

I believe in God, the Father Almighty,

maker of heaven and earth.

And in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord,

who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,

and born of the virgin Mary,

suffered under Pontius Pilate,

who was crucified, died and was buried.

He descended into hell.

and on the third day He rose again from the dead.

He ascended into heaven

and sits at the right hand of the Father.

From thence He will come to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit,

the holy catholic Church, (not to be confused with Catholicism)

the communion of saints,

the forgiveness of sins,

the resurrection of the body,

and the life everlasting. Amen.

What is the value of water baptism? (askthepastors.wordpress.com)
I will never forget my Baptism (brusharbors.wordpress.com)

This is the CCM group “The Imperials.” The song (which was a hard choice) is “Water Grave.” They recorded a lot of music in the 70s and 80s. They were regarded as “golden,” with a substantial presence in the CCM scene.

From Wikipedia– “The Imperials are an American Christian music group that has been around for over 45 years. Originating as a southern gospel quartet, the innovative group would become pioneers of contemporary Christian music in the 1960s. There have been many changes for the band in membership and musical styles over the years. They would go on to win four Grammys, and be inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame.”

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Imperials

They are unquestionably one of the leaders in early CCM. I guess if I was to choose a second song it would be “Sail On” which musically and lyrically is a tremendous song. You’ll have to look for it on YouTube yourself, but it will be worth it, I guarantee it.