Baptism

Because we should follow the example set by Jesus.

At that time Jesus came from Nazareth and was baptized by John in the river.”

—Mark 1:9

Because Jesus commands it.

Jesus said; “Go then, to all people everywhere and make them my disciples, baptize them in the name of the father, the son, and the Holy Spirit, and then teach them to obey everything I have commanded you.

—Matt 28:19-20

It demonstrates that I really am a believer.

“. . . many of the people who heard Him believed and were baptized.”

—Acts 18:8

It illustrates Christ’s death and resurrection.

“For when you were baptized, you were buried with Christ, and in baptism you were also raised with Christ.” —Col. 2:12

It illustrates my new birth as a Christian.

“When someone becomes a Christian he becomes a brand new person inside. The old life has passed away and a new life has begun!”

—2 Cor 5:17

“By our baptism then, we were buried with Him and shared His death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead.... So also we may live a new life!” —Rom 6:4

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Baptism does not “save” you, only your faith in Christ can do that. Rather it is a step of obedience and a public profession of your faith in Jesus Christ. It symbolizes the believer’s death, burial, and resurrection with Jesus to walk in newness of life. Much like a wedding ring, baptism is an outward symbol of the commitment you have made in your heart. “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith. It is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast.” —Ephesians 2: 8, 9

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Because Jesus was baptized that way.

“As soon as Jesus was baptized, He went up out of the water.”

–Matthew 3:16

Because every baptism in the Bible was by immersion.

“ . . . Then both Philip and the man went down into the water and Philip baptized him when they came up out of the water . . .” —Acts 8:38-39

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Every person who has made the decision to believe in Jesus and has begun a relationship with Him.

“Those who believed and accepted His message were baptized. . .” —Acts 2:41

“Simon himself believed and was baptized.” —Acts 8:13

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At Cornerstone, we wait until children are old enough to believe and to have made their own decision to follow Jesus Christ and to understand the true meaning of baptism before we baptize them.

Some churches practice a “baptism of confirmation for children.” This ceremony is intended to be a covenant between the parents and God on the behalf of the child. The parents promise to raise their child in the faith until the child is old enough to make his own personal confession of Christ. This is different from the baptism talked about in the Bible, which was only for those old enough to believe.

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At Cornerstone, we encourage every person to be baptized the way Jesus demonstrated, even though many of us were “confirmed” as children. We recommend that you be baptized again if you have not been baptized by immersion since you became a believer. As soon as you have decided to receive Christ into your life, you can and should be baptized. If you wait until you are “perfect,” you will never feel “good enough.”

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Here at Cornerstone, we ask that a child be old enough to have made their own decision to follow Jesus, usually no earlier than eight or nine years old.

If your child is not yet old enough to have made their own decision to follow Jesus Christ, our CKiDS jr. ministry periodically holds baby and child dedication ceremonies during which we dedicate those children to God. This practice follows the example of the Old Testament story of Hannah in 1 Samuel:1, when Hannah dedicated her young son to the Lord before Eli the priest. We believe that when parents dedicate a child to God, with the support of family, friends and the church body, you are making a commitment to provide a spiritual foundation for the child’s life to be built upon. We will provide you with a “dedication certificate” and children’s New Testament. Just as with baptism, please invite your family and friends to be there for the dedication of your child or children. Please call the Church Office or check our website to find out when our next baby and child dedication is being held.

Yes! However, it is important to remember that baptism is a personal statement of faith, not a family tradition. It is usually not wise to delay your baptism while waiting for other family members to accept Christ, particularly children. This puts undue pressure on them and delays your obedience.

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We ask that you wear dark-colored shorts, and we will provide you with a T-shirt to commemorate your public declaration. We provide changing rooms, so be sure to bring a change of clothes, a towel, and a plastic bag for your wet clothes.

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The water in our baptismal pool is pre-heated to a comfortable temperature for you.

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All of our Pastors can perform a private baptism in special circumstances.

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