Water Baptism

If you have accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior and you have not yet been Baptized, contact Pastor Nick (302-996-4846) about taking part in Calvary's Water Baptism service. See the below links for related information:

• Why should you be baptized?
• What is the meaning of baptism?
• Why be baptized by immersion?
• Who should be baptized?
• Can my family be baptized together?
• Calvary Assembly of God Baptismal instructions.

Why Should You Be Baptized?

1. To follow the example set by Jesus.

• At that time Jesus came from Nazareth and was baptized by John in the river." Mark 1:9

2. Because Christ commands it.

• "Jesus said, 'Go then, to all people everywhere and make them my disciples, baptize them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and then teach them to obey everything I have commanded you." Matthew 28:19,20

3. It demonstrates that you really are a believer.

• "...many of the people who heard Him believed and were baptized." Acts 18:8
• "We know that we have come to know Him, if we obey His commands." 1 John 2:3

What is the Meaning of Baptism?

1. It illustrates Christ's burial and resurrection.

• "Christ died for our sins...He was burried...and He rose again." 1 Corinthians 15:3,4
• "For when you were baptized, you were buried with Christ, and in baptism you were also raised with Christ." Colossians 2:12

2. It illustrates our new life as a Christian.

• "When someone becomes a Christian, he becomes a brand new person inside. The old life has passed away and a new life begun!" Corinthians 5:17
• "By our baptism then, we are buried with Him and shared His death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead...so also we may live a new life!" Romans 6:4
• Baptism doesn't make you a believer - it shows that you already believe. Baptism does not "save" your faith in Christ does that. Baptism is like a wedding ring - it's the outward symbol of the commitment you made in your heard.
• "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith...it is the gift of God - not by works, so that no one can boast." Ephesians 2:8,9

Why be Baptized by Immersion?

1. Because Jesus was baptized that way.

• "As soon as Jesus was baptized, He went up out of the water." Matthew 3:16

2. Every baptism in the Bible was by immersion.

• Example: "...then both Philip and the man went down into the water and Philip baptized him. When they came up out of the water..." Acts 8:38,39

3. The word "baptize" means "to immerse or dip under water."

• The Greek word baptizo means "to immerse or dip under water."

4. It best symbolizes a burial and resurrection!

• The founders of Christian denominations agree:
  • Martin Luther: "I would have those who are to be baptized to be entirely immersed, as the word imports and the mystery signifies."
  • John Calvin: "The word 'baptize' signifies to immerse. It is certain that immersion was the practice of the ancient church."
  • John Wesley: "Buried with Him, alludes to baptizing by immersion according to the custom of the first church."

Who Should Be Baptized?

Every person who has believed in Christ.

• "Those who believed and accepted His message were baptized..." Acts 2:41
• "Simon himself believed and was baptized..." Acts 8:13
• "But when they believed Philip as he preached the Good News...and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women." Acts 8:12

At Calvary, we wait until our children are old enough to believe and understand the true meaning of baptism before we baptize them. Some churches practice a "baptism of confirmation" for children. This ceremony is intended to be a covenant between the parents and God on the behalf of the child. The parents promise to raise their child in the faith until the child is old enough to make his own personal confession of Christ. This custom began about 300 years after the Bible was completed. This is different from the baptism talked about in the Bible, which was only for those old enough to believe. The purpose is to publicly confess your personal commitment to Christ.

At Calvary Assembly of God, it is a membership requirement that every member must have been baptized the way Jesus demonstrated, even though many of us were "confirmed" as children.

Can My Family be Baptized Together?

Yes! If each family member understands fully the meaning of baptism, and each one has personally placed his/her trust in Christ for salvation, we encourage families to be baptized at the same time. It is a wonderful expression of commitment. Young children who wish to be baptized are encouraged to meet with Children's Church/Sunday School teachers and Pastor Nick.

However, it is important to remember that baptism is a personal statement of faith, not a family tradition. It is usually not wise to delay your baptism while waiting on other family members to accept Christ, particularly children. This puts undue pressure on them, and delays your obedience.

Calvary Assembly of God Baptismal Instructions

If you'd like to be baptized, pick up an information packet from the church foyer or ask Becky or Pastor Nick. Turn in the application in the packet as soon as possible. This informs the pastoral staff of your interest. If you would like postcards to invite family or friends to the service, please ask for them by calling the church office at 302-478-1275. On the day of your baptism, please meet at the pastor's office at 10:00 AM. You will be met by Pastor Nick and baptism coordinators who will explain the service to you and answer any questions. They will escort you to the changing rooms. Be prepared to give a brief testimony of your conversion and Christian experience. Remember to bring 1-2 towels, an extra set of clothing, under clothing and a hair dryer (if desired). Baptismal robes are provided by the church along with plastic bags for your wet clothing. You will then be brought into the baptismal tank, one at a time. The pastor may ask you to share a brief conversion testimony on how you came to know Christ. After your testimony, you will be baptized and then exit the tank to change our clothes. A Certificate of Baptism will be provided. If you have special needs, our pastors can perform a private baptism in special circumstances.

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Matthew 22:34-40 "Hearing that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, the Pharisees got together. One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this question: 'Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?' Jesus replied: 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself. All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.'"