Raised to life in Baptism!
Baptism is a powerful declaration of faith, symbolizing the believer’s transformation through Jesus. At Journey Church, we baptize those who have made a personal decision to follow Christ, immersing them fully in water as a reflection of His death, burial, and resurrection. This act represents the old life being washed away and the new life—raised to life—through the saving power of Jesus. We believe baptism is a biblical step of obedience, a public testimony of repentance, and a commitment to live righteously by the grace of Jesus and the power of the Holy Spirit. If you’ve placed your faith in Christ, don’t wait—take this next step in your journey of faith.
Scripture References: Matthew 28:19-20, 1 Corinthians 12:12-13, Romans 6:4-11, Colossians 2:12, Acts 2:38,41, Acts 8:26-40.
Six Common Questions About Baptism
1. What is baptism?
Baptism is an outward expression of an inward change. It’s a public declaration of how Jesus changed your life. Being baptized shows others that you’ve decided to follow Jesus, and allows them to celebrate this decision with you (Acts 16:31-34). Baptism doesn’t save a person; it’s a symbol and celebration of salvation (1 Peter 3:21). The power that brought Jesus back to life is the same power Jesus uses to change our lives – and that’s worth getting excited about!
2. Why should I be baptized?
Jesus instructs us to be baptized and set the example by being baptized (Matthew 28:19-20, Mark 1:9). Obedience to Jesus shows we believe and follow Him. (1 John 2:3). Because Jesus went public about His love for us, we can go public about our love for Him. Being baptized shows that we turn away from a life of sin toward Jesus, the only one who can change us (Acts 2:38-41).
3. When’s the best time to be baptized?
For everyone who decides to follow Jesus, baptism is the next step. Anyone who commits his or her life to follow Jesus is ready to be baptized (Acts 8:12).
4. Do you baptize children?
As parents, we can help point our children to Jesus, but they are the ones to decide if they will commit their lives to Him (Romans 10:9). Any instance of baptism follows a person’s decision to trust Jesus for his or her salvation and commitment to follow Him (Acts 10:47-48). At Journey Church, we wait until children are old enough to express their own decision to follow Jesus and understand the meaning of baptism. (Child Dedication Service)
5. What’s the difference between immersing, sprinkling and other ways of baptizing?
Baptisms in the Bible were by immersion. The original word for baptism most often referred to being immersed or submerged in water. Jesus was baptized by being immersed in the water and rising out of it (Matthew 3:16, Mark 1:10). Submersion in the water symbolizes the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus (1 Corinthians 15:34). Being submerged underwater represents our death to sin and old way of life, and being raised out of the water is a picture of how Jesus raised us and gave us a fresh start in life (Romans 6:3-5).
6. Do I need to be baptized again?
If you haven’t been baptized by immersion since you decided to follow Jesus, we want to help you take your next step of being baptized. Once you’ve taken that step, there’s no need to be baptized again.
7. When does baptism take place at Journey?
Baptism is offered once a quarter at Journey Church. If you’re ready to take this next step in your faith, stay connected for upcoming baptism dates and sign-up opportunities!