We have seen 14 people get water baptized this year! What a celebration!!! This is a HUGE deal in the life of someone who is following Jesus and we are here for it! Here are 4 important reasons to get water baptized.
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Why Get Water Baptized?
But why do we get water baptized? Here are four reasons why we think it is important for you to get water baptized after you have given your heart to Jesus.
#1. Jesus got water baptized.
As Christians, we are trying to follow in the footsteps of our Savior. In Matthew 3:13-17, Jesus himself got water baptized! When he went to the Jordan River, his own cousin, John, did not feel like he was qualified to baptize Jesus (I know I wouldn't feel qualified either!). And yet Jesus told him that this is what had to be done.
If Jesus humbled himself to be water-baptized, then we should do the same. He has set the stage for us. He has shown us the standard. If you've never been water baptized, I want to encourage you to take the plunge and sign up to get water baptized!
#2. Water baptisms is symbolic for a new life in Christ.
Not one time in his life did Jesus ever sin. He never messed up. He never made a mistake. Unlike us, the Bible tells us in Romans 3:23 that all of us have missed the mark. Since Jesus was water baptized, so we know that does not wash away our sins. Baptism is not how we receive salvation. Instead, water baptism is a symbolic act to show our new life in Christ.
Water Baptisms is a public declaration of an inward transformation.
Author Unknown
Getting baptized is a public declaration of an inward transformation. When you go down into the water it is as if you are dying to sin and the old self. When you are brought back up out of the water, you are coming up into the new life with Christ! What an experience!
#3: I am declaring to the world that I follow Jesus!
I love baptism Sundays! These days feel like a huge party to me! We are celebrating this new life in Christ. But one of my favorite parts is when the person getting baptized brings their friends and relatives. Water baptism is not something you do alone. Instead, we rally around you as the body of Christ to celebrate this decision
When you make the decision to get baptized, you are declaring to the world, 'I follow Jesus now!' At our church, we like to film you and take pictures to share on your social media. Why? Because we want to declare to the world that I have made a decision to follow Jesus!
#4: Water Baptisms is the next step.
Living for Jesus is a life-long journey. You will never 'arrive' on this side of heaven. We are constantly growing and learning more about him. When you give your heart to Jesus, water baptisms is the next step on that journey. In Acts 8, there was a man who was talking to Philip. He gave his heart to Jesus and without any delay he saw some water and was baptized!
If you have recently accepted Jesus into your heart, getting water baptized is the next step for you. If you gave your heart to Jesus a long time ago, but you've never got baptized, now is the time! If you got baptized as a kid, but don't really remember, there's nothing wrong with doing it again! Now is the time!
If you want to get water baptized, we would LOVE to baptize you!
Sign up here.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Depending on what your background looks like when it comes to church, you may have had different experiences when it comes to water baptisms. Here are some questions people have asked.
Q: Will I get wet?
A: Yes! At The Heart LA Church, we believe in full immersion. That means you get in the tank and we dunk you 100% under the water. You will get wet!
Q: Can my baby get water baptized?
A: Many parents get excited about their relationship with Jesus and want the whole family to be baptized. We encourage each person to make their own decision for Jesus. We recommend a child is at least 8 years old to be water baptized so they can make that decision for themselves. For babies, we have a special time where we dedicate babies to the Lord. This includes a time of prayer and blessing over the baby and the family.
Q: What do I wear to get baptized?
A: At our church, we provide you with a black baptism shirt. However, we recommend you come in black and loose fitted clothes (no dresses or skirts). You can also bring a towel to dry off afterwards.