Baptism is for believers, it is not for infants

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1 WE RE EXCITED FOR YOU! We are so glad you have decided to put your faith and trust in Christ. Your decision to receive Christ as your Lord and Savior is just the beginning! The Bible describes your decision this way: You have turned (repented) from your sin and put your faith (believed) in Jesus to experience forgiveness, the free gift of salvation, and peace with God. In our church, we often use the following diagram to help us understand the Christian life: 1. God has a design for our lives 2. Each one of us chooses to depart from God s design. The Bible calls that sin. 3. Because of our sin, we are separated from God and find ourselves in brokenness and begin to experience guilt, shame, etc. We really do not want to stay in brokenness. Many times we try other things to relieve the pain, guilt, shame, etc. 4. At some point we begin to think about turning in a different direction. Ultimately, we realize we need to turn, to change and express that we are sorry for our sin. 5. As we hear or choose to receive the message of the gospel, and believe that Jesus died on the cross for our sin, was buried and rose again for us to be free from our guilt, we receive eternal life. 6. Because we believe the gospel, now we can begin to recover and pursue God s design for our lives. And, you are not done... following Jesus is a constant adventure! You will continue to repent, experience His grace and forgiveness and be able to recover peace with God and pursue His design every day of your life.

2 As a new believer, you can begin to take steps that Christians have taken all over the world for more than 2000 years. The Bible teaches us to take these next steps with a local church body. We are ready to help as your church family! FIRST, IS THE STEP OF BELIEVER S BAPTISM We want to make sure that you understand the meaning of baptism and know how to prepare for this special time. For steps on how to prepare for your baptism, see the last page of this booklet. Baptism is obedience to the Bible Baptism is mentioned 70 times in the New Testament. Jesus Himself was baptized as an example for us (Matthew 3:16-19) and He commands all believers to be baptized (Matthew 28:19) Baptism is for believers Salvation is by grace, through faith in Jesus Christ. Belief in Jesus Christ is what makes you a believer, not baptism. Baptism is for believers AFTER they have put their faith in Christ. Every person baptized in the book of Acts did so after he/she believed. Baptism is by immersion The word baptism means to immerse. Every description of baptism in the Bible indicates that immersion was the common method. Through descriptions such as plenty of water (John 3:23), came up out of the water (Mark 1:10), went down...came up out of (Acts 8:36) and others, it is clear that immersion was the practice. The symbolism of baptism as described in Romans 6 can only be fulfilled through immersion. Baptism is symbolic Baptism is a symbol of the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus. It is a visual picture that we have died to an old way of life without Jesus and are alive to a new life in Christ. It demonstrates that Jesus died on the cross, was buried and rose again, giving us the hope and promise of eternal life in Him. It identifies us with Christ and with His body, the church. (Romans 6:3-9 and Ephesians 4:4-6) Baptism is a public testimony to the church In our church, believer s baptism (immersion) is required for membership. The Bible gives account in the book of Acts when the believers were baptized. These were the first baptisms of record and they took place with the local body of believers. When a believer was baptized, they were joining a church. The church family witnessed and celebrated this together. Because believers all over the world practice baptism, this ties us to Christians of all times all over the world! Baptism is for believers, it is not for infants. In some churches, infant christening or infant baptism is practiced for children. Though many times this represents a decision by parents to raise their children.

3 to know God and follow God, it is important to note that infant baptism is not connected to the child s own personal belief. While we recognize the good heart and benevolent intent of infant baptism or christening, it is our practice to wait until a person is old enough to articulate their own personal faith in Jesus before allowing them to be baptized. Parent/Child Dedication We certainly recognize the desire of parents to commit to raise their children to know God. We want to partner with parents and we encourage parents to participate in the journey of faith with their kids by celebrating milestones along the way. For that reason, we practice Parent Child Dedication as a celebration and milestone for parents and families as well as our church family. For more information, please contact our Kids Ministry. ALONG WITH BAPTISM IS CHURCH MEMBERSHIP In the Bible, being a part of a church family was a big deal. The New Testament describes the very first churches that were established by the apostles. There are several examples of Peter, Paul, Stephen and others gathering those who believed to worship, receive instruction, and live in community with one another (Acts 2:41, 2:47). Throughout Paul s letters to pastors and churches, he gives instructions about leadership, accountability, conduct, offerings, etc. Throughout the New Testament, we are instructed to assemble together (Hebrews 10:24,25), to use our gifts to build up our church family (Ephesians 4:15,16). We are told that pastors are to exercise leadership (Hebrews 13:17), that churches are to exercise discipline within the church family (I Corinthians 5:1,2, Matthew 18:15-20). The Bible clearly teaches that every Christian should be connected with a church family. HOW DO I JOIN? Steps for Membership 1. Attend First Connection This is the front door to our church family. You will learn about the history of our church and how to get connected, growing, and serving. This class happens at all of our campuses and while the material covered is the same, each campus will have its own schedule and unique feel. You will get a chance to meet your pastors, church leaders, and others like yourself who are taking steps towards getting connected. This one time class is a requirement for membership. If you would like to register for First Connection, simply complete the Get Connected card or visit our website.

4 2. Share your faith story with us First, In order to join our church, you should be able to tell us about how you understood you needed to turn from your sin and put your faith in Jesus. If you have never done that or if you are not able to articulate your story well, we will help you! Then, share with us your baptism experience. If you have never been baptized by immersion, we will be glad to help you! We can schedule an appointment to talk through your story with you to plan and celebrate your baptism. Note: In addition to your story, if you have been a member of another church within our network (Southern Baptist), we will be glad to follow up with your church to officially transfer membership records. *Associate membership This is an option given to college students who are attending Family Church while they are in school locally or for others who live in Florida seasonally. This allows you to keep your membership at your home church and still enjoy the benefit of being part of a church body while you re here. 3. Sign the card indicating your desire to join Very simply, this is your decision and we want to hear from you! THEN, WE INVITE YOU TO PARTICIPATE IN THE LORD S SUPPER I Corinthians 11 As explained above, after putting your faith in Christ baptism is the next step that demonstrates publicly you are a believer. In the Bible, people who believed, were baptized (Acts 2:41). As we attempt to stay as faithful as possible to the teachings in Scripture, we understand that all believers were baptized and became members of a church. (Acts 2:42-47) As a part of that church family, they would participate in the family meal together. The Lord s Supper or Communion is practiced in the assembly, meaning the organized local church body. As explained in I Corinthians 11: 23-26, the Lord s Supper is patterned after the Last Supper that Jesus had with His disciples. It is symbolic in nature and should be taken regularly, with baptized believers, in the context of a church family. The bread or cracker represents His body that was broken and the wine or juice represents His blood that was shed for us. It is a time of remembrance of the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ on the cross and the relationship we have in Him. It is a time to reflect in our own hearts as we consider our relationships with one another. And, it is a time of looking forward to that glorious day when He comes again and will make all things right. PREPARING FOR YOUR BAPTISM Step 1: Prepare your faith story As we meet with you, we will help you clarify any questions that you may have and help you to clearly and simply share your story. Your story and how God has transformed your life could possibly lead someone else to trust in Christ. The questions below will help you to think through your story and help you write it down. What was your background of growing up in church or not in church? What was your understanding of God? Of Jesus? _How did you come to or what made you think about the fact that you had sinned against God or were guilty before God and separated from God? Do you recall a particular time, place or point in your life where it all came together, and you understood the gospel? If so, describe:

5 PREPARING FOR YOUR BAPTISM Step 1: Prepare your faith story As we meet with you, we will help you clarify any questions that you may have and help you to clearly and simply share your story. Your story and how God has transformed your life could possibly lead someone else to trust in Christ. The questions below will help you to think through your story and help you write it down. What was your background of growing up in church or not in church? What was your understanding of God? Of Jesus? How did you come to or what made you think about the fact that you had sinned against God or were guilty before God and separated from God? Do you recall a particular time, place or point in your life where it all came together, and you understood the gospel? If so, describe: What is your understanding of how Jesus Christ has overcome/removed your guilt before God and separation from God? Were there people who influenced your decision to trust in Christ? Why do you want to be baptized? Now that you have thought through your responses, combine them into a simple paragraph. After you have prepared your story, you may bring it with you or send it to the staff member who is helping you prepare for and schedule your baptism. Step 2: Make an appointment We would love to meet with you and help you prepare for your baptism. There are several ways to make a baptism appointment: Call the office and ask for the staff member with whom you are connected Call the office , ext us at connect@gofamilychurch.org During this appointment, you can set up a time to be baptized that works best for you and your family. It is a great celebration and you will want to think about the people in your life with whom you want to share this time. We baptize at any church gatherings or at the beach on scheduled events.* *Specific details for baptism will be discussed in the meeting.

6 JIMMY SCROGGINS Becoming a Christian at age six, Jimmy Scroggins desire was to live his life for Jesus. Intending to pursue a military career, law school, and political involvement, he accepted an appointment to the United States Military Academy at West Point. Shortly thereafter, a bout with cancer resulted in a change of course and ultimately a sense of God s calling to preach. He married his wife Kristin in 1994 and they are the proud parents of eight children: James, Daniel, Jeremiah, Isaac, Stephen, Anna Kate, Mary Claire, and Caleb. Jimmy graduated from Arcadia High School and earned his Undergraduate Degree in Economics from Jacksonville University in He earned his Master of Divinity Degree and his Doctor of Philosophy from the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in 1996 and 2003, respectively. Prior to his call to pastor the First Baptist Church of West Palm Beach in July 2008, Dr. Scroggins served in dual roles as Dean / Professor of Youth Ministry and Evangelism at Boyce College, and Teaching Pastor at Highview Baptist Church in Louisville, Kentucky. NEXT STEPS in My Spiritual Journey Baptism, Church Membership & Lord s Supper 1101 South Flagler Drive West Palm Beach, FL P: W: gofamilychurch.org