BAPTISM To Be Announced Soon
DATE: TBD
TIME: TBD
VENUE: TBD
Directions​
14550 New Halls Ferry Rd, Florissant, Missouri
Complete the form below to reserve your spot
Not sure about baptism?
Below are answers to the most common questions and objections people have about being baptized.
What Is The Meaning of Baptism?
Baptism is an important symbol of the new life that is created when someone becomes a follower of Jesus. It illustrates Christ’s burial and resurrection. (1 Corinthians 15:3-4) (Colossians. 2:12).
It also illustrates my new life as a Christian. (2 Corinthians 5:17) (Romans 6:4)
Baptism doesn’t make you a believer – it shows that you already believe. Baptism does not “save” you, only your faith in Christ does that. Baptism is like a wedding ring – it´s the outward symbol of the commitment you make in your heart.
Who Should Be Baptized?
What if I don't feel good enough?
Some people say – “Once I get my spiritual act together, then I’ll do it.” “Let me get on track with God first.” This is a complete misunderstanding of baptism. Baptism is not about someone who has already become Christ-like. It’s about beginning the process. You don’t have to have your whole life together. That’s the whole point. This is about starting; this is about beginning. That’s all.
Jesus didn’t say – “Come to me all of you who have gotten your act together.” No – He said – “Come to me all of you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest.”
If everybody waited until they got their act together to get baptized, nobody would ever get baptized. This isn’t about reaching a certain spiritual level. It’s about the decision that you’ve made to begin. It’s a reflection of the life you are wanting to live. Not the one you have lived or the one you’re living now.
People who get baptized are people who have miles to go in terms of understanding all of the ins and outs of the Christian faith. They still have questions they can’t answer. They’ve got miles to go in applying their faith into their marriages, their jobs, their finances, their habits. But that doesn’t matter. What matters is that they’ve crossed the line and have begun following Jesus. They’ve crossed the line of faith. That’s what makes you ready for baptism.
When Should I Be Baptized?
You should be baptized as soon as you believe. (Acts 2:41) (Acts 8:35-38) There is no reason to delay. 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´ll never feel “good enough”!
What if I don't think It's urgent?
Some people say – why hurry – there’s no rush. There’s no urgency, no need to do it right away. It can wait. The problem is that throughout the Bible, the sequence is always the same. Hear, believe and then be baptized. Hear, believe, be baptized. In fact, one day thousands made a decision for Christ, and the Bible says that those who believed were baptized that day, which is why throughout the Bible there is never a need for delay at all. You should be baptized as soon as you believe.
What if I think I've waited too long?
Another excuse is that I’ve delayed so long that there’s been too much time between my decision for Christ and getting baptized. Maybe it’s been so long since you made your decision you’re almost embarrassed to be baptized. Because you’ve been a Christian maybe 5, 10, 15, 20, 30 years. Don’t let pride get in the way of this important step of obedience that will lead to God’s blessing in your life.
Don’t let any more time go by. And by the way – you will not be alone. Every time we have a baptism -, there are several people who have been Christians for a while and are just now taking this step. So you’re not going to feel out of place at all. If anything, you’re going to be looked at with great admiration because you’re showing how seriously you take your spiritual commitments. And you’re going to be doing this for God. You’re going to be doing this out of obedience no matter what.
What if I'm not ready to join the church?
Some people believe that if they get baptized they are automatically becoming a member of First Love. No. Baptism does not automatically make you a member of this church. Now, baptism is required if you want to become a member (either at a previous church or this one), but getting baptized does not make you a member or force you into membership at all.
Why Does First Love Church Baptize By Immersion?
We baptize by immersion because Jesus was baptized that way (Matthew 3:16). Every baptism in the Bible was by immersion (Acts 8:38-39) and the Greek word baptize means “to immerse or dip under water”.
What Will My Baptism Be Like?
At the beginning of the service, one of the Pastor’s will briefly explain the meaning of baptism. You will wait in the water for your turn to be baptized. The Pastor will introduce you, briefly lower you just under the water and raise you up above the water, and then you can leave the water, dry off, and watch the others. Later you will receive your baptism certificate. We encourage you to invite all your relatives and friends to attend your baptism.
What Should I Wear?
Women should wear shorts and a top. Men may wear shorts and t-shirts. Bring a change of clothes, a towel, and a plastic bag for your wet clothes. No swimsuits please