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    More than Water

    One of my earliest childhood memories of church was a pastor walking down the aisle, exhorting us to “remember the waters of our baptism.” “Remember the waters?” I asked myself quizzically. “How can you remember water?” He then proceeded to splash everyone with water, which as a young child simultaneously delighted and confused me.

    Why should we think about baptism? When  a person is baptized, there’s so much more to it than the water. Baptism symbolizes how through faith in Christ, we‘ve become “clothed” with Him (Galatians 3:27). Or in other words, it’s celebrating that we belong to Jesus and that…

    Why Am I Getting Baptized?

    I was baptized some years ago by immersion—but not for the reason you might think. At the time, my fiancé and I were looking for a church to get married in.

    My Awful Baptism Story

    Holding a sunflower stalk, I waited at the foot of the stage. That day, my cell group member was getting baptized.

    Why I Almost Didn’t Get Baptized

    After five years of knowing, believing and growing in my Lord and Savior, I finally got baptized on Christmas Day last year.

    Why I’m Getting Baptized 30 Years On

    I’ve finally made up my mind to attend a baptism class; no one coerced me into doing it. A series of events over the past five years, and especially in recent months, have assured me of my faith and now, 30 years on, I’m ready to publicly declare it.

    Why baptism is more than an individual commitment, it’s a communal declaration!

    Have you ever noticed that baptism is always a public event? You never hear of someone baptizing themselves in the bathtub!

    Discover how to live like sons and daughters of the King!

    We may believe we’re cherished children of God. But do we live like it? Do you need to be reminded of your identity in Christ?

    How God wants to use us to further His kingdom

    It’s hard to believe that a perfect God would use imperfect people to accomplish His plans. But it’s true!

    Embracing God’s transformative work in the traditions we practice

    Baptism can be a powerful declaration of faith. But take God out of the equation, and baptism becomes simply an empty ritual. Gain a new perspective.

    Discover why baptism is so special

    Let’s begin a brand-new conversation on a puzzling Christian practice. We’ll look at Jesus’ own baptism for the answer.

    Michael’s Baptism

    Michael wanted to be baptized. At first his father had reservations about this because Michael is autistic. Autism is a developmental disability that affects a person’s social interaction and communication skills.

    There was no question that 35-year-old Michael had trusted Jesus for salvation, and the church leadership enthusiastically approved his baptism. But he would have to stand in front of the entire congregation.

    Baptism: What Can We Agree On?

    Throughout history, water baptism has been widely regarded as a symbolic entry into the church, yet there are many different views on how it should be practiced. In this booklet, author and former pastor Bill Crowder shares insights from Scripture regarding the history and meaning of baptism. Gain clarity on the importance of baptism today and what can be agreed upon by all who practice it.

    Let’s look to the Scriptures for guidance as we pass down our faith to the next generation

    Tuesday, January 3, 2012

    “By faith Moses, when he was born, was hidden three months by his parents, because they saw he was a beautiful child; and they were not afraid of the king’s command.” (Hebrews 11:23)

    IDEA: The faith of our fathers and mothers contributes to the faith of their children as well as to their own.

    PURPOSE: To help listeners realize how much is at stake in their families as they follow Jesus.

    Baptism & The Lord’s Supper

    Discover why these ordinances address the issues of commitment, devotion, and the gospel.

    Reconciling Our Humanness To Our Being Made New In Christ

    “By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to the place which he would receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going” (Hebrews 11:8).
    IDEA: You’re not the person you used to be, therefore you can never handle life as you used to handle it.
    PURPOSE: To help listeners realize that when God calls us to something, he also calls us away from something.
    Did Abraham simply leave Ur of the Chaldees?
    Did it ever seem strange to you that Jesus called his disciples to follow him and they did?