On October 30th, Heartland will once again be having a baptism ceremony at the church during the 10 AM service. If you have received Jesus as your Savior but have never been baptized, I would urge you to consider being a part of this special baptismal celebration.
Charles Spurgeon, the famous 19th century preacher said that up until the time he was baptized, he was afraid to confess Christ. But after he was baptized he his fear and never again hesitated to boldly profess his faith. He likened his baptism to “crossing the Rubicon or burning the boats. No retreat was possible after that, nor have I ever wanted to go back to the world from which I then came out."
Spurgeon’s words underscore the power and importance of baptism. The Bible teaches that baptism symbolizes our entrance into an assembly of believers. It is a powerful symbol that our old Life has been buried and we have been raised to newness of life through Jesus' resurrection.
While the Bible teaches that baptism is not essential to salvation, the Bible does teach that baptism is an act of obedience. The Scripture commands us in Matthew 28:19 to "Go and make disciples; baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit."
Through baptism we publicly declare that we are no longer our own, but have been bought by Christ’s blood. And as Jesus’ public ministry did not begin until after His baptism, so baptism is for each of us a powerful symbol of our public service for God.
So if you would like to be baptized and declare publicly that you are "all in" please check the connection card this week or call the church office for more information.
What an awesome privilege to be able to follow Jesus' example and be baptized! It will be a step of faith that you will never forget.
Charles Spurgeon, the famous 19th century preacher said that up until the time he was baptized, he was afraid to confess Christ. But after he was baptized he his fear and never again hesitated to boldly profess his faith. He likened his baptism to “crossing the Rubicon or burning the boats. No retreat was possible after that, nor have I ever wanted to go back to the world from which I then came out."
Spurgeon’s words underscore the power and importance of baptism. The Bible teaches that baptism symbolizes our entrance into an assembly of believers. It is a powerful symbol that our old Life has been buried and we have been raised to newness of life through Jesus' resurrection.
While the Bible teaches that baptism is not essential to salvation, the Bible does teach that baptism is an act of obedience. The Scripture commands us in Matthew 28:19 to "Go and make disciples; baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit."
Through baptism we publicly declare that we are no longer our own, but have been bought by Christ’s blood. And as Jesus’ public ministry did not begin until after His baptism, so baptism is for each of us a powerful symbol of our public service for God.
So if you would like to be baptized and declare publicly that you are "all in" please check the connection card this week or call the church office for more information.
What an awesome privilege to be able to follow Jesus' example and be baptized! It will be a step of faith that you will never forget.
