Water Baptism
We believe that baptism is an important step of obedience for every person who has accepted Christ as his or her Savior. While that may look slightly different right now, we want to celebrate and honor this decision. Here’s what water baptism looks like in this season:
1. SIGN UP
Register to be baptized below, and we will reach out to you with details leading up to your baptism date. Baptisms will take place during the 9 am and 11 am services, indoors.
2. SHARE YOUR STORY
We value the opportunity to hear about God’s work in your life. Prior to baptism, you will have the opportunity to share a brief live testimony. If you need help preparing this, we’re happy to help.
3. CELEBRATE
Anyone who wants to watch and rejoice with those who are making this decision is welcome to join us for service, just make sure all your guests register for service.
If you have made a decision to follow Jesus as your Savior, then water baptism is the next step in your journey.
We typically recommend kids wait until 5th grade to be baptized so that they have a better understanding of baptism.
For more information, reach out to info@rcalvary.org.
Matthew’s Story
View transcript of Matthew's story
I’m Matthew Boedeker, and growing up in the church I knew what faith was. I knew God. I thought I had my own faith, and thought I knew everything I really needed to just watching my parents.
But growing up I struggled heavily with depression and suicide thoughts for about 13 years. And that hasn’t really changed until just last year. I had always tried trusting God, but I had always gone to my past. I could never move on from that. And trying to deal with all that, I went into alcohol heavily, and used that as my go-to, and never really gave it up or anything. I was drinking basically every night, on the weekends, every time I had any free time.
And so I came to Calvary last June, and I started to see God within the church, how loving and caring everyone was towards me being new. It was kinda difficult at first, but I quickly began to realize that this is my family. And I got really connected very quickly, which I was surprised by.
And then last September, I decided to just give up alcohol because I couldn’t do it anymore. I still was having the thoughts and everything, and I just couldn’t do it. I was at my breaking point. And so, I decided to give it up and fully devote myself to give everything to God, and to actually trust Him, to leave my past behind me.
And He started to begin to change things and open doors for me, but at the beginning of the year, I realized that all my depression and suicide thoughts had just vanished randomly. And I felt free, and I just kept trusting Him and giving Him everything. And I know He has so much more planned for me, and I know He has a use for me. There’s purpose for my life. It’s not just useless. I know that this is where God has me and I’m really excited to see what He has to do in my life, and it wouldn’t have happened if I didn’t make the choice to just give everything to Him and actually trust Him.
Who should be baptized in water?
Every believer.
Acts 2:38 (NIV)
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.
Why should we be baptized in water?
Jesus commanded it.
Matthew 28:19-20 (NIV)
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
It is a way to identify with Jesus.
Romans 6:3-5 (NIV)
Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we will certainly also be united with him in a resurrection like his.
Jesus is our example.
Matthew 3:13-15 (NIV)
Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. But John tried to deter him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?”
Jesus replied, “Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.” Then John consented.
When should we be baptized in water?
As soon after our commitment to Christ as possible.
Acts 16:30-33 (NIV)
He then brought them out and asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household.” Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all the others in his house. At that hour of the night the jailer took them and washed their wounds; then immediately he and all his household were baptized.
What happens at water baptism?
You have a sense that you have pleased God by obeying His Word.
It is possible for unhealthy lifelong habits to be broken.
Such controlling behaviors can be conquered through obedient faith in Christ.
Romans 6:4-6 (NIV)
We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.
For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we will certainly also be united with him in a resurrection like his. For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin—
You may experience the infilling of the Holy Spirit.
Acts 19:5-6 (NIV)
On hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. When Paul placed his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied.
Is water baptism what makes you righteous in God's sight?
No.
Our faith in Christ’s completed work on the cross of Calvary is what makes us righteous.
Ephesians 2:8-9 (NIV)
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.
Water baptism is an act of obedience.
It does not make us righteous, but it is evidence that we are righteous in God’s sight.
Does Calvary Assembly baptize infants?
That is not our tradition.
Our understanding of Scripture is that water baptism is the response of a person who has repented of their past life and believes in Christ’s atoning work. A baby really has nothing to repent of.
At Calvary Assembly we do practice baby dedication.
This is the commitment of parents to raise their child in the knowledge of God. It is also a time when parents acknowledge their desire to have God’s purpose fulfilled in their child’s life. This is a spiritually significant moment in the life of the child and parents.
How does baptism occur at Calvary Assembly?
We observe immersion.
The word “baptize” means to plunge under. It is a powerful illustration of identifying with the death and resurrection of Jesus.
Each person is baptized as Jesus commanded…
Matthew 28:19 (NIV)
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
How does baptism work at Calvary Assembly? Check out this video to find out more!