What does baptism mean?
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Baptizō - to dip, to dunk, to plunge, to sink, to immerse

Different uses of baptism in scripture:
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Baptized / Immersed with the Holy Spirit
Acts 1:5 for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.

Baptized / Immersed in Suffering
Mark 10:37–38 James and John said to Jesus, “Grant us to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your glory.” Jesus said to them, “You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, or to be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized?”

Baptized / Immersed in the miraculous work of God in the Exodus
1 Corinthians 10:1-2 For I do not want you to be unaware, brothers, that our fathers were all under the cloud, and all passed through the sea, and all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea

Baptized / Immersed into the body of believers
1 Corinthians 12:13 For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and mall were made to drink of one Spirit.

Baptized / Immersed into Christ
Galatians 3:27 For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ

Baptized / Immersed in Water
1 Corinthians 1:17 For Christ did not send me to baptize (plunge in water) but to preach the gospel, and not with words of eloquent wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power

Why water baptism is not optional for the believer:
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1. Because Jesus did it (Matthew 3:13-17)

Jesus was baptized:
- To fulfill biblical predictions about the messiah
- To inaugurate His ministry
- To foreshadow what He would do for us
- To set an example for us to follow

2. Because Jesus commands it (Matthew 28:19-20)

3. Because it’s a public declaration
- Expressing, faith, conversion, commitment.

What does baptism picture?
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Symbolism of water throughout the Bible:
A. Water Points to Purification
B. Water Points to Salvation
C. Water Points to Eternal Life

Baptism is a picture of purification, salvation and eternal glorification.

Baptism is a picture of Christ’s death, burial and resurrection and our union with him in it.

Baptism is a picture of new life.

Who should be baptized?
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Everyone who believes. We never read in scripture where someone baptized who doesn’t believe.

When should a believer be baptized?
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- Immediately, as soon as possible, usually the first act of obedience of a believer.
- Bible doesn’t prescribe a baptism class, but there’s wisdom in wanting to see if faith is genuine.

Why people don’t get baptized?
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- Unbelief
- Pride / Fear
- Tradition

Is it okay to be Re-Baptized?
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- If first as an infant – yes
- If after becoming believer for the first time - yes
- If as a recommitment - it's not necessary, but not wrong (can be similar to renewal of wedding vows)

What prevents you?
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- Believe in Jesus and receive his free gift of salvation.
- If you have not made the decision to be baptized, take steps towards it.
- If you have been believers baptized remember, rejoice and (like Phillip) help others take steps towards it.