Water 

baptism

“Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” Acts 2:38


Being immersed is a critical part of establishing your relationship with Jesus. “We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life” (Romans 6:4).

why is baptism important?

  • The book of Acts contains the best practices of the first century church. The examples of people beginning a relationship with Jesus in the book of Acts are of those who are immediately baptized during the time of conversion (Acts 2:41, 8:12, 8:36-38, 9:18, 16:14-15, 16:33, 18:8, 19:5).
  • We also look to the command in Acts 2:38 (NIV), which says, “Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” Peter’s command at the day of Pentecost was in reply to the question to him and the disciples, “Brothers, what shall we do?”.
  • Not only do we see multiple examples in the first century church of baptism happening at conversion, but we also see it commanded as an important piece of beginning one’s relationship with Jesus (Matthew 28:19-20).

what about baptizing infants?

  • We believe that the decision to be baptized involves more than just the act of baptism itself. Since baptism is for those who have believed, confessed, and repented, we do not practice infant baptism. An infant cannot believe, confess, repent, nor make a decision to follow Christ.
  • However, we do dedicate our children at Discover. Dedication is not salvation, but dedication is a commitment by the parents and the church family to raise children in the name of Jesus.