BAPTISM

...Have you been baptized by immersion since receiving Christ as 
Savior?  Baptism is a response of obedience to Jesus Christ as Lord
(Acts 2:38, 41).  Although baptism does not save, it demonstrates 
our recognition of the Lordship of Christ over every aspect of our 
lives.  "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in
the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 
teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you:
and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world"
(Matthew 28:19-20).

GOD'S PURPOSE
-We declare our new life in Christ through baptism (Acts 2:41; 8:35-38,
16:25-34).
-The essentials of the gospel ---death, burial, resurrection of Jesus,
are portrayed in baptism (I Corinthians 15:1-4)
-Your spiritual death, burial and resurrection are pictured in baptism 
(Romans 6:3-4).

OUR NEED
-We need to confess Christ publicly through baptism soon after we are
saved (Matthew 10:35).
-We need to obey Christ's command (Matthew 28:19).
-We need to join the fellowship of the church family (Acts 2:41).
-We need to follow Christ's example (Matthew 3:13-15).

GOD'S PROVISION
-Jesus began His public ministry with baptism (Mark 1:9-11)
-Immersion in water (placed under) is the proper way to be baptized
(Acts 8:38).
-Jesus has given authority to the local church to baptize (Matthew
28:19-20).

OUR RESPONSE
-Request the local church to baptize you.
-Be baptized as an expression of obedience to Christ (Acts 2:41).
-Influence others through your baptism (Acts 16:31-33).
...In summary, the essentials of baptism are: Believe in Jesus for
salvation; ask the local church for baptism; be immersed in water.

MY COMMITMENT: Father, I want to obey You and let others know I have
a new life in Jesus Christ.  Bless me as I follow Jesus in baptism.