Why Baptism?

Baptism

Many people come to faith in Christ at different points in their lives, and for some, the decision to be baptized may not have come right away. But regardless of when or where you accepted Christ, or whether you have been baptized before, we want to encourage you to consider taking this important step of going public with your faith through baptism.

Baptism is an outward expression of an inward decision to follow Jesus Christ.

It is a powerful symbol of new beginnings, and it marks the start of a journey of growing closer to God and becoming more like Him. In baptism, we publicly proclaim our faith in Jesus and the change He has made in our lives.

The Bible is clear about the importance of baptism.

In Matthew 28:19, Jesus commands his followers to baptize others in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and in Acts 22:16, the Apostle Paul is told by Ananias "And now why do you wait? Rise and be baptized and wash away your sins, calling on his name." . So, baptism is not just a tradition, it is a command from our Lord, Jesus himself.

If you have accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, but have never been baptized, we want you to know that you are not alone. There are many people in the same situation, and we would be honored to stand alongside you as you take this important step of faith. Being baptized is not just for new believers, it is for anyone who wants to publicly identify themselves with Jesus, regardless of their past.

Baptism is a powerful way to start your journey as a follower of Jesus.

It marks the start of a new chapter in your life and is a powerful reminder of the change Jesus has made in you. As the Bible says,

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!" (2 Corinthians 5:17).

We would love to have the opportunity to stand with you as you go public with your faith. Let us know if you are ready to take the step of being baptized and we will be more than happy to help you make this decision! We believe that your baptism will be a day you will never forget, a moment that you will look back on with joy.

We hope you will consider taking this step and going public with your faith through baptism.

Faith Draws God’s Attention

Faith Draws God’s Attention

I went to Bethlehem once. It’s still hard for me to believe! I rode in a comfy tour bus over the hills that Jesus’ ancestors once walked. I remember imagining these heroes of faith as we rolled past modern scenes.

Rachel being buried near the road to Bethlehem. Ruth gleaning in the fields and meeting Boaz. David shepherding his sheep and being anointed King too. 

My heart raced a bit as our bus stopped at a checkpoint on the West Bank. Would we be welcome? Mary and Joseph had anxiously looked for welcome in this city. As we crossed into the location of the greatest miracle in history, all I could think of was “Jesus was born right here!” 

“As we crossed into the location of the greatest miracle in history, all I could think of was “Jesus was born right here!” ”

God who controls history determined Jesus to be born in this obscure village, but why? The quick answer: to fulfill His prophecy (Micah 5:2) as echoed in the gospels. Yet, long before Micah declared this Word of the Lord, God intricately prepared a message that only this ancient town can preach. It’s a message about faith and it begins with the first mention of Bethlehem in scripture. 

This first mention found in Genesis 35:19 explains that Rachel, who was Jesus’ great-grandmother many times over, was buried along the road near Bethlehem. This is the same road that God’s people would follow into exile centuries later.

Tradition tells us that they would stop near Bethlehem at Rachel’s grave to pray for salvation. They had faith God would keep His promise to return them to their homeland. (Jeremiah 31:14-16; Matt. 2:18) 

“Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for.” Hebrews 11:1-2

God did return His people to their promised land, yet even more so, “when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son…” (Galatians 4:4) God answered their faith-filled prayers for salvation beyond even what they hoped.

Jesus the Messiah could have been born anywhere He chose, but perhaps He was drawn to Bethlehem due to the generations of faith-filled believers and prayers in that location. 

“And without faith, it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.” (Hebrews 11:6)

Are you believing God when you draw near to Him? Do you pray confidently knowing that the Lord hears you?

Allow the history of God’s responsiveness to energize your prayers and be assured that your faith is drawing your Heavenly Father’s attention! 

PRAYER 

Father God, thank You for that because of Christ and my faith in him, I can now come boldly and confidently into Your presence. Please help me to grow my faith in You. Thank You that You hear my prayers and respond to me.

Written by Kristin Fields