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As You Consider Baptism
We are so glad that you are considering baptism! On
behalf of the family of believers here at Cherry Hills Community
Church, we want to encourage you in the decision you are making to be
baptized in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! This is an
important decision for a variety of reasons and, hopefully, the
information listed below will be helpful to you. If, after reading the
following material, you still have questions or concerns, please call
Pastor Mike Anderson 303.325.8221 or Baptism and Dedication Ministry
Assistant, Lisa Ham 303.325.8428; or any other pastor on staff familiar
to you. They will be glad to talk or meet with you.
The Meaning of Baptism
Baptism is one of two sacraments (i.e., an important
practice, sacred pledge) instituted by Christ that symbolizes the truth
and grace of His message. This act of obedience that you are
considering is both for you, the believer, and the building of His
church.
"By the act of baptism, a person becomes a part of the
visible Church, for it is a sign and a seal of the Covenant of Grace
for believers and their children. As a sign it proclaims God's
forgiveness and our redemption in Jesus Christ. As a seal, God marks us
as adopted children of our heavenly Father. It indicates our engrafting
into Christ, our rebirth, the remission of sins and our ability by the
power of the Spirit to walk in newness of life. This sacrament is to be
continued by God's people until the end of the world" (The Book of
Order, The Evangelical Presbyterian Church).
In simple terms, baptism reminds us of what Jesus did
for us. He was killed and buried (going under the water), but came up
out of his tomb and was made alive again (coming up out of the water).
Baptism also demonstrates what God has done in our lives. When you ask
Jesus into your heart, you too “die” to your old sinful self. You bury
the old self, but you don’t stay dead. You are made clean. You are
“born again!” You get a new start in life because God has forgiven all
your sins and given you a new heartfelt desire to love and follow him
(Romans 6:3,4).
So when you are baptized, you are both remembering and
celebrating what Jesus did for all of us in giving his life and what
Jesus has done in your life when you accepted him into your heart.
The Importance of Baptism
First, baptism shows that you want to follow Jesus’
example. Jesus was baptized not because he had his sins forgiven. He is
perfect. Jesus was baptized, in part, as an example for us. Secondly,
Jesus commanded that his followers be baptized (Matt. 28:19). So, when
you choose to be baptized, you are also being obedient. Thirdly, by
being baptized you are showing your family, friends and the world that
you have chosen to follow Christ. You are not ashamed of Christ or of
being a Christian, instead you are glad to be counted as one of his
followers. Fourthly, baptism is the sign of the “new covenant,” God’s
promise to save his people, the church. When you are baptized, you are
not only identifying yourself with Jesus, but also with the rest of the
people he has saved. Baptism shows your commitment to Jesus Christ and
the church.
And lastly, no one becomes a Christian or reserves a
spot in heaven by being baptized. Neither are you condemned to hell if
you are not baptized. Baptism is a symbol of what God has already done
in your life through faith in Jesus Christ.
How does Cherry Hills view the method of baptism?
The
biblical references to baptism do not demand a particular method of
“washing” or “washing over.” Throughout church history, the three
accepted methods of baptism have been immersion, dipping and
sprinkling. All three of these methods are consistent with the meanings
of the word “baptize.” The value of the sacrament of baptism is in the
life and heart of the believer, not in the amount of water used. We
believe that the method is a minor issue and therefore leave that
decision to the individual. For many older children and adults,
immersion is preferred simply because the whole body experience more
substantially expresses the symbolism of death and resurrection in
Christ.
What is the difference between baptism and dedication of a child?
Child baptism is a sacrament of the church that recognizes the parents'
intention to raise their child in the faith and instruction of our Lord
Jesus Christ, with the hope that the symbolism of baptism will one day
prove true in the soul of the child. This sacrament also affirms the
congregation's responsibility to be a supportive community of faith. In
recognizing the redemptive work of Jesus Christ (Romans 6:3,4) infant
baptism trusts that through the faith of the parents and the presence
of the Holy Spirit, children will be sealed in God until the day they
personally accept Christ as their Lord and Savior.
Child dedication is a celebration of the church that
recognizes many of the same things as child baptism, while placing
greater emphasis on the child's decision to receive Christ and to be
baptized when he or she is old enough to understand what that means.
Here at Cherry Hills we
honor both traditions. Perhaps for spiritual or family reasons,
different people will be drawn to one or the other. When considering
the choice, keep in mind that the significance of this milestone comes
through the decision to faithfully dedicate one's life to the Lord
Jesus Christ.
What are the requirements for baptism or dedication at Cherry Hills?
We
welcome participation in baptism for those age five years or older who
accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior and are ready to confess their
faith. To prepare for a meaningful experience, we encourage all
participants to meet with a pastor or attend one of several class
options or pre-baptism events.
Are there any requirements for family in order to have our child, age four and younger, dedicated or baptized?
Either one or both parents (or grandparents) must be registered as members of Cherry Hills.
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When are dedication and baptism offered?
We conduct baptisms and child dedications during Sunday morning worship
services three times a year. We also offer semi-private dedication and
baptism services for up to 12 families at a time in the Chapel. These
are typically offered once a month on Sundays from 12 - 1 p.m.
Additionally, we conduct an annual Immersion Baptism service at Cherry
Creek Reservoir in August for followers of Christ who are ready and
willing to make a public confession of their faith.
For
baptism or dedication of a child age four years or younger, we require
that one or both parents or grandparents be registered as official
members of the church as a result of completing our Discovery Class,
which is offered several times each year.
What if I am not a member?
Anyone
five years and older who knows Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and
Savior and are ready to confess their faith, may be baptized at Cherry
Hills Community Church. We encourage all participants to then meet with
a pastor, attend a specific class through Jr. High or Children's
Ministry, or the Family Baptism Celebration Night. If you are not a
member and your child is under five years of age, you may attend a
Discovery Class for membership prior to the baptism/dedication date.
Who Can Participate or Attend?
This baptism is for anyone who has made a conscious
decision to accept Jesus Christ into their life as Lord and Savior and
who is willing to demonstrate this before God, His church and the world
that their soul’s desire is to live for Christ. If you are of the age
(we suggest no younger than 5) and maturity to understand the
commitment you are making and willing to respond when asked, “Who is
your Lord and Savior?” By answering, “Jesus Christ”, we wholeheartedly
encourage you to participate!
The following is a summary of the process as described
by the conference of Evangelical Presbyterian Churches to which CHCC
belongs:
“The recipient shall make affirmative response in
professing faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, affirming
intention to walk in newness of life as one of those who have given
their names to Christ. The recipient shall further affirm faithfulness
and support of the Church and of the particular church" (E.P.C.).
Baptism is not a secret ritual. It is a public event
and a celebration. Feel free to invite your friends and family to attend.
What To Expect After Baptism
For some people baptism is an emotional time, where
they feel overwhelmed with God’s Spirit and His love. For other people
it serves more as an important marker in their lives, a point in time
they can look back on to remind themselves of what God has done in
their lives. Invite God to use this experience to touch your heart and
mind in ways that will bless you, remind you that He is in your heart,
and help make you the person He wants you to be. (And don’t forget to
bring a towel and some dry clothes.)
A Word to Parents
Children younger than five are encouraged to wait until
they can better grasp the significance of baptism. However, sometimes
older children also may not be ready to take this step in their faith.
No matter what the age, talk with your child and pray for God’s
discernment as to their readiness. Look for a basic understanding of
the gospel message (i.e., God loves us, sending his son Jesus to take
the punishment for our sins; we receive the gift of forgiveness and
salvation when we admit our sins and give our hearts and lives to him)
and a desire to now love and follow God and His son Jesus Christ.
Additional Thoughts and Scripture
Baptism symbolizes Christ's death and resurrection, and
our union with him through our own "death and resurrection." Colossians
2: 11,12; 3:3; Romans 6:5
Baptism is a reminder that we are free from sin and
able to live a new life. Romans 6:4.
Baptism is a symbolic representation of a spiritual reality (i.e., an outward sign of an inward grace).
"You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, for all of you
who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ" (Galatians 3:26,27).
Additional scripture:
- Romans 6: 1-4
- Matthew 3:13-15
- Acts 2: 36-4
- I Peter 3:18-22
The following questions may help you in preparing for sharing your testimony:
- When and how did you become a Christian?
- Who, besides the work of the Holy Spirit, most influenced you to become a Believer?
- What has mostly motivated you to get baptized at this time?
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