As followers, disciples, and saved believers of Jesus Christ, we have been given from God certain church congregational rites. What are the rites? We have the rite to partake in communion (The Lord Supper), another ordination ceremonies, building up of the priesthood of believers (Pastors )  and (Deacons), and the one we did here today Baptism. Baptism is given only to those who believe in Jesus as their Savior and have assurance of Salvation.

The Baptist belief we believe in full immersion in water, symbolizing purification of one’s soul or what we would call a regeneration, and an admission to the Church congregation that one is now committed to fulfilling God’s will in their lives. Immersion is preformed by immersing the entire body of the person being baptized in water. Representing the cleansing of the entire body from sins after believing in Jesus Christ as ones personal savior.

Acts 2:41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.

Acts 2:42 And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.

Your immersion is to testify and declare that by your faith in Jesus who died, was buried, and was resurrected. That you have crucified your old life, buried it, and have been reborn into a new life in the Holy Spirit.

Colossians 2:12 Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.

As a pastor will question candidates on their profession of faith. Asking them “Do you know Jesus as your personal Lord and Savior?” Normally they say “Yes!” Then we proceed in the baptism process I would then state “I baptize you brother or sister ______.  In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This is the power and authority in which is given to Pastor’s to baptize in.

Yes, deacons can do this too. I fact strong believers can too as long they do it correctly. These verses were given to all disciples. This includes me and you. Remember God wants all things to be done decent and in order, this is why most churches leave these duties up to the Pastors and deacons.

Matthew 28:18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.

Did Jesus say some power, or all power is given unto me. If this is the case, what are we all waiting for? A sign?  We don’t need a sign when it is written for us to read.

Matthew 28:19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:

Jesus commands us to Go! Reading this should be sign enough for you.

Matthew 28:20 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. Amen.

We can clearly see that these are commands to all believers. Will all do this no!  Why? Because we are not progressing in our faith we need to move beyond the milk and get to the meat of God’s word so that we can enjoy the blessing of God in our lives.  Can anyone see it yet? Do you see the vision when you can participate in the regeneration of lost souls. Restoring to them the Joy and happiness in life, of being renewed. Now full of hope.

Mark 1:3 The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.

Are you willing to be one crying in the wilderness for your God? Do you have what it takes? God is asking for bold mighty men and women of valor to step up are you one? Can you tell people to get down to Straight Street and get your life straightened out. Like Paul…

Mark 1:4 John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins.

John still baptized them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, and preached the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins. This is what we do today.

Mark 1:5 And there went out unto him all the land of Judaea, and they of Jerusalem, and were all baptized of him in the river of Jordan, confessing their sins.

Did this say that he was to stay only in one place to do this work no wherever you go do this. John did it in Judaea, and in Jerusalem all along the Jordan River.

We nee to be warning the people we come in contact with that Jesus said…

Mark 1:15 And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.

Time is of the essence, and we need to move quickly for you want them to make a decision. Their decision is life or death. Eternal life or eternal death. Heaven or hell your choice and their choice.

Obedient better than sacrifice.

 John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. Amen.