Episode Transcript
[00:00:02] Hello. It is World Changers here and we wanted to do a video to help people understand water baptism, a step of faith. So my name is Claire. I'm with World Changes Church. We're going to explore the foundational truths of the Christian faith to help you grow in your journey with Jesus. We're diving into an important subject here, and that is water baptism. You may be a new believer, you may be a believer for a long time. You may have thought you were water baptized and maybe you're not. And you may have heard about this water baptism, but what does it really mean? Is it just a religious ritual or is there something deeper? So let we're going to go through some segments. Segment one Is water what is water baptism? So let's start with that basic question. Water baptism is an outward expression of an inward transformation. It's a symbolic act where a believer is immersed in water to publicly declare their faith in Jesus Christ. It represents one dying to sin and being raised to new life in Christ. Romans 6:3,4 really emphasizes this for us in Scripture, the obedience to Jesus. It's a command in Matthew 28:19, Matthew 28:19, and it's a public testimony of your faith in Acts chapter 238 41. Please read these and the document will be available also to show you these scriptures. Think of it like a wedding ring. The ring itself doesn't make someone married, but it symbolizes the commitment they've made. In the same way, baptism is a visible sign of your commitment to follow Jesus. Segment 2 why should a Christian be baptized? You might be wondering, do I really need to? Why is it important? So think of Jesus in Matthew 3:13 to 17.
[00:01:59] He himself was baptized by John the Baptist, setting the example for all of us. If Jesus, who was sinless, was baptized, how much more should we. It's a command, not just an opinion. You know, we follow everything biblical when we're looking at being a Christian and coming to our fullness of being a Christian. And Jesus said in Matthew chapter 28, verse 19, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. It strengthens your faith. Baptism is a spiritual marker in your life. When doubts come, you can look back and say, hey, I made a public declaration to stand for Christ. And that is what I'm going to reposition right back into.
[00:02:44] And Segment three, what happens when you get baptized? So you're immersed in water, fully, fully immersed. This represents the death and burial of your old sinful self. And Life, you're raised up out of the water. This rest, this represents the resurrection to new life in Christ. And you publicly declare your faith. You're telling the world, I belong to Jesus. The Bible says in 2 Corinthians, chapter 5, verse 17, if anyone is in Christ, a new creation has come. The old is gone and the new is here. Baptism is a symbolic and beautiful way to declare this new life in front of as many people as you can. And so what we're going to look at just some common questions about baptism.
[00:03:31] So does baptism save me? Is a common question? No. Salvation comes by grace and through faith in Jesus Christ. Ephesians, chapter 28 to 9. Baptism doesn't save you. It's simply a public and personal, internal and external response to that beautiful salvation.
[00:03:52] What if I was baptized as a baby? Infant baptism is a dedication by parents, a choice by parents. But biblically, baptism is a personal decision made after salvation of your own choice. If you were baptized or christened at a baby, you will now, but you now understand the gospel and Jesus in your heart. Getting baptized as a believer is a great next step. Do I need to be baptized to go to heaven? Absolutely not. The thief on the cross next to Jesus Christ himself was, was there. He hadn't been baptized. But Jesus still said, today you will be with me in paradise. In Luke 23, verse 43. However, baptism is a step of obedience and it helps us to grow in our faith.
[00:04:38] So how would you prepare for a baptism? If you are thinking I want to get baptized, here's how to prepare. Obviously this is the first step. One, understand what baptism really means. It's not perfection or performance. It's about your dedication, public dedication and that symbolism to follow Jesus. Talk to a pastor or church leader. They'll guide you on how to take this step and how to make this a beautiful and such a significant event in your life. And you know, the main thing is inviting your friends and family. This is such an amazing testimony for you to share with the world your salvation. How to walk out. Your salvation is a public celebration of your faith and we want as many people to share that with you as possible. The Bible says in Acts 20, chapter 2216 and now what are you waiting for? Get up, be baptized and wash your sins away. Calling on his name. So if you're ready, take this step of faith on your journey. I really hope to. We hope it world changes. To hear from you, just sign below. You would have seen this video on our podcast or you would have seen it on any other channel. Actually, it could be anywhere that you've seen this, but please reach out to world changes. Goal coast and let's pray before we wrap up. Heavenly Father, thank you for the gift of salvation and for calling us to a new life in Christ. I pray for those who are considering baptism that you would give them the courage and the clarity in their hearts. May their faith be strengthened as they take this step of obedience. Bless them as they walk into newness of life and may their testimony bring glory to you. In Jesus name. Amen. So if you're ready, do find us. If you found this on Church we or on our website or on our podcast, there will be a way to sign up for our next baptisms. Thank you very much.
