Why We Baptize in the River

Next Sunday afternoon (at 4:00 PM) the church will gather at Bogue Falaya Park in downtown Covington to participate in a time of baptism for new believers.

This may seem a bit unusual because we have a beautiful baptismal pool in our new worship center, but we do it for a reason.

Why baptism and why in the river?

First, we baptize because of the consistent teaching of Holy Scripture. Baptism is one of the two ordinances (commandments) found in Scripture for the church to practice. As a result, as far as I am aware all Christian groups practice baptism.

Second, we follow our method of baptism because of the teaching of Holy Scripture as well. In the New Testament, everyone saved was baptized. The baptism came after salvation and not before it. Like Jesus, those in the early church were baptized (the word itself means “to dip”) or immersed in the water.

Third, we baptize because of the example of Jesus who was baptized by John the Baptist at the beginning of His ministry and because Jesus gave the command to go into all the world with the gospel and to baptize and teach those new disciples (Matthew 28:18-20).

Fourth, we baptize because by doing so we identify with the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. Paul made this plain (Romans 6:1-11). When we are lowered into the water, we identify with the death and burial of Christ. When we are raised out of the water, we identify with His resurrection.

Finally, we baptize at the river to remind ourselves of Jesus’ own baptism in the Jordan River and to emphasize to our community and to ourselves of the magnificent hope we have in Christ.

Please join us as we witness the baptisms. If you have not yet turned to Christ or followed Him in baptism, please let your teachers, pastors, or deacons know. We would love to point you toward Christ.

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2 Responses

  1. Bro Waylon,
    I agree with you totally.
    I have thought that baptism in a river or Lake is publicly testifying of ones conversation.
    I am blessed and overwhelmed with how simple yet profound you explain the scriptures.
    God bless you as you continue to use this means to proclaim God’s love

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