North American Mission Board

Personal Commitment Guide (Currently Out of Print).

Baptism.

Have you been Baptized since receiving Christ as your savior?

Baptism is a response of obedience to Jesus Christ as Lord (Acts 2:38, 41). Although baptism does not save, it demonstrates our recognition of the lordship of Jesus Christ over every aspect of our lives. "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world" (Matthew 28:19-20).

God's purpose

• We declare our new life in Christ through Baptism (Acts 2:41; 8:35-38; 16:25-34).
• The essentials of the gospel-death, burial, resurrection of Jesus are portrayed in Baptism.
• Your spiritual death, burial, and resurrection are pictured in baptism (Romans 6:3-4).

Our Need

• We need to confess Christ publicly through baptism soon after we are saved. (Matthew 10:32).
• We need to obey Christ command (Matthew 28:19)
• We need to join the fellowship of the church family (Acts 2:41).
• We need to follow Christ example (Matthew 3:13-15).

God's provision

• Jesus began his public ministry with Baptism. (Mark 1:9-11).
• Some denominations believe immersion in water is the proper way to be baptized. (Acts 8:38).
• Jesus has given authority to the local church to baptize.

Our response

• Request the local church to baptize you.
• Be baptized as  an expression of obedience to Christ (Acts 2:41).
• Influence others through your baptism. 
• In summary the essentials of baptism are: Believe in Jesus for salvation, ask the local church for baptism.

My commitment: 

Father I want to obey You and let others know I have a new life in Jesus Christ. Bless me as I follow Jesus in Baptism.