Baptism Sunday

On July 21, we will not meet for our regular worship gathering at the community center. Instead, we are meeting at Lake Ballinger for some food and fun. It will also be an opportunity for anyone to be baptized. But before we head to the lake, let’s talk a bit more about baptism. What is baptism, and why is it important enough for us to cancel our regular worship gathering to provide an opportunity for baptism?

What is Baptism?

Acts chapter two tells of Peter sharing the story of Jesus with a large crowd. Those who believed what Peter was saying, that Jesus is the son of God who died on the cross so that we can be in relationship with him, asked Peter, what do we do now? 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) This story becomes a pattern throughout the rest of the New Testament. As people heard Jesus’ story and believed in him, they were baptized. Baptism is an act of commitment in which a new believer publicly declares their belief in Jesus. What it looks like is dipping underwater and coming back out as a way to identify with the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ as we surrender our ways to His way. Following the direction and example from the New Testament, we continue to practice baptism today as a vital part of our walk with God.

Why Be Baptized? 

We believe that Jesus calls all people into relationship with him, and that he wants everyone to spend eternity in heaven with him. Yet sin separates us from God. Through Jesus’ death on the cross, he takes away our sin so we have a path to restore the relationship that was broken. In this way, Jesus’ salvation offered to us is exclusive in that it comes only from Jesus. And yet it is fully inclusive in that it is a free gift to all people, no matter your story. Life with Jesus is the beginning of the restoration of all things. To be baptized is to declare a commitment to the work of Jesus to restore all things to their original purpose and intended beauty. As such, baptism is cause for celebration.

Celebrating Baptism

At Missio we celebrate baptism in a number of ways. We believe baptism is one of the most exciting moments in a person’s journey of faith. It is a life changing moment as we declare our love for Jesus publicly. You can be baptized on Sunday mornings during worship in front of the whole church, in a Missio Community on a weeknight, in a river or lake around the city, or in a bathtub at your house. Regardless of the time, the place, or the number of people present with you, we love to celebrate as people decide to express their love for Jesus through baptism.

Learn More and Next Steps

If you are considering baptism or simply want to learn more about it, fill out the form below and one of our leaders will connect with you. Wherever you are on your journey of faith we want to walk with you. Being in relationship with Jesus is what we are created for and is the greatest adventure we will ever go on in this life.