Station 4 / 10
Baptism
Go public with Jesus, the way He told us to.
You're probably here if
- you've trusted Jesus but haven't been baptised
- you were baptised as a child and wonder what it means for you now
- you're nervous about standing up in front of people
- you're not sure why it matters if faith is in the heart
What this is
Jesus told His followers to make disciples and baptise them (Matthew 28:19). From the church's first day, those who believed were baptised (Acts 2:41).
Paul links baptism with Jesus' death, burial and resurrection: the old life is buried and you rise to a new one (Romans 6:3-4). It is Jesus' command and gift, and it marks you publicly as His.
Christians differ on when and how to baptise: children of believers or only those who confess faith, immersing or pouring, a sign of faith or a means of God's grace. Ask your church leaders what they practise and why.
Nervous is okay. You're not performing. You're saying in front of God's people: I belong to Jesus.
Hold on to this
We were therefore buried with Him through baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may walk in newness of life.
Read slowly: The jailer's nightActs 16:25-34
25About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. 26Suddenly a strong earthquake shook the foundations of the prison. At once all the doors flew open and everyone’s chains came loose. 27When the jailer woke up and saw the prison doors open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself, presuming that the prisoners had escaped. 28But Paul called out in a loud voice, “Do not harm yourself! We are all here!” 29Calling for lights, the jailer rushed in and fell trembling before Paul and Silas. 30Then he brought them out and asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” 31They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved, you and your household.” 32Then Paul and Silas spoke the word of the Lord to him and to everyone in his house. 33At that hour of the night, the jailer took them and washed their wounds. And without delay, he and all his household were baptized. 34Then he brought them into his home and set a meal before them. So he and all his household rejoiced that they had come to believe in God.
Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. This promise belongs to you and your children and to all who are far off—to all whom the Lord our God will call to Himself.” With many other words he testified, and he urged them, “Be saved from this corrupt generation.” Those who embraced his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to the believers that day.
Or aren’t you aware that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? We were therefore buried with Him through baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may walk in newness of life.
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.
And having been buried with Him in baptism, you were raised with Him through your faith in the power of God, who raised Him from the dead.
Where to next
- Talk to a church leaderTell a pastor or leader you'd like to be baptised. If you were baptised as a child, ask what your church teaches.
- Ask about a baptism courseAsk if your church runs a short course before baptism. If so, sign up and bring your questions.
- Prepare a short storySome churches ask how you came to faith. Write three or four sentences: before, meeting Jesus, now.
- Invite family and friendsInvite the people who know you. It's a natural way to tell them what Jesus has done.
- Read Romans 6:1-11Read it slowly the week before, and ask God to make what baptism pictures real in you.Read Romans 6:1-11
Watch out: Putting it off
It's easy to wait until you feel more ready. Baptism isn't a reward for maturity. It's an early step of obedience.
Pray
Jesus, thank You that I am joined to You in Your death and in Your new life. Give me courage to say publicly that I belong to You. Let my life after baptism match what it shows.
4 weeks at this station
A short step most days, about five minutes, with two open days a week. Read any day ahead; you tick it off on its day.