Going Public!
Because Jesus instructed us to be baptized, baptism is an act of obedience. While it is not necessary for salvation, it demonstrates submission to God and the decision to follow Christ. We immerse because we believe that Scripture shows that Jesus modeled that for us as the way to publicly acknowledge our faith in Him.
Baptism doesn't save you; it's an act of obedience and a symbol of salvation (1 Peter 3:21). Baptism is the outward expression of an inward reality. It's a public declaration of how Jesus changed your life. Being baptized shows others that you've decided to follow Jesus and allows them to celebrate this decision with you (Acts 16:31-34).
When Christians are baptized, they are immersed under water to identify with the death and burial of Jesus, and then raised out of the water to identify with His resurrection. The power that brought Jesus back to life is the same power He uses to change our lives- and that's worth getting excited about.
We believe that every person has a story and every story exists for the glory of God. When you get baptized at Hope Community, you'll have the opportunity to tell your story and allow others to see God's transforming power in your life.