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Baptism
Are you ready to go all in?
Baptism
If you’ve made the decision to trust and follow Jesus, it’s time to take your next step. Baptism is how we express our allegiance to Jesus and enter into the new life of following him. If you are ready to be baptized or if you would simply like to talk with someone about what it means to follow Jesus, we here at Iowa City Church would like to help you on your journey.
Jesus was baptized. Jesus commanded baptism. The early church practiced baptism. Baptism has been part of Christianity from the early days of the church. Matthew 3:13-17 | Matthew 28:18-20 | Acts 2 | Ephesians 4:4-6
When you understand that you are a sinner and your sin separates you from God, when you believe the truth about Jesus (that He is God in the flesh and he died on the cross and arose from the dead for your sins), and when you are ready to follow Jesus as Lord, then you are ready to be baptized.
In the Bible, baptism is associated with the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus, clothing ourselves with Christ, the putting off of our sinful nature, and the washing away of our sins. Romans 6:3-5 | Galatians 3:26-27 | Colossians 2:9-15 | Acts 22:16 | Acts 9
In the original Greek language, the word translated “baptize” in our Bibles is “baptizo,” which means to immerse or to submerge. And, with regard to baptism, many Bible verses mention “coming up out of the water” or being “buried with Christ.” Matthew 3:16 | Romans 6:4 | Colossians 2:12
All the Bible stories of people being baptized follow the pattern of hearing, believing, and responding to the Gospel in faith and obedience. This would be a good time to thank your parents for wanting you to know Christ, but it is a great time to make the decision to follow Christ for yourself.
Any baptized Christian (family, friend, or pastor) can baptize you. We encourage you to ask the person who has encouraged you or been instrumental to you in your faith walk. Antioch pastors are more than willing to baptize you.
Children may be baptized at Iowa City Church when they are old enough to understand, believe, and respond to the gospel in faith. Special baptism studies are available for children and students who feel they are ready or have questions about baptism. We offer baby dedication throughout the year for parents who wish to commit themselves to raising their children in a God-honoring way.
Whatever you are comfortable in. We provide towels in our changing rooms.