Preparation for Water Baptism
The Elders have prepared this explanatory booklet to help prospective baptismal candidates understand the implications of being baptized. The following statement reflects the position of Omaha Bible Church on the ordinance of baptism.
The Elders urge those who have placed their faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, understanding the cost and commitment of being a disciple, to be baptized.
Baptism is performed only for people who have, according to the above statement, 'placed their faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, understanding the cost and commitment of being a disciple.'
Since salvation is pictured in water baptism, the section from the church constitution detailing the topic of salvation follows:
We believe that salvation is the gift of God's grace given to all who God has elected to salvation. It includes all that God does in saving the elect from the penalty, power and presence of sin and in restoring him to a right relationship with God. As such it is solely the work of God from initiation to completion. It cannot be gained or earned by good works, but is a free gift for all who put their trust in Jesus Christ and His finished work on the cross. All who so trust in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord are forgiven and saved from their sins and made righteous before God and born into the family of God by the regenerating work of the Holy Spirit. God's purpose for saving His elect is that they bring glory to Him by their lives.
Eph 1:7 Eph 2:8,9 John 1:12 2Cor 5:21 Phil 1:6 Titus 2:11-14
AN IMPORTANT NOTE TO PARENTS
We do not have a minimum age requirement for baptismal candidates. However, everyone being baptized must personally and clearly understand the gospel, the fundamental truths about Christ, salvation, and water baptism.
Parents are not to coach their child for the interview or help with the writing of their testimony.
While we hope that all Christian parents regularly teach their children the truths of the faith, it should not be done in order to simply get them baptized.
Read this entire booklet.
Closely study these Scriptures Dealing with Discipleship
Closely study The Cost of Discipleship
Answer the questions for your Personal Response
Read over Preparing for The Baptism
Write out Your Personal Testimony
For further study on baptism the following is available from Omaha Bible Church. Audio messages on baptism, salvation and discipleship include The Truth about Baptism PAM01)and Putting Your Faith Into Action (PA01). Schedule an interview with the Elders (usually two will be present) by calling the church office (402) 573-1897 or email us.Plan 30-45 minutes for this interview. At this time, you may want to ask questions about any issue, doctrine or church practice. The interview must be conducted a minimum of one week in advance of the baptism service.
Scriptures Dealing with Discipleship
The following is a review of the Scriptures that deal with discipleship. The word 'disciple' is synonymous with the term 'believer' or Christian.
Acts 11:26
Therefore, what is true of a disciple must be true of one who has saving faith.
Closely study these Scriptures Dealing with Discipleship:
All persons should be made disciples and be baptized.
Matt 28:18-20
When a person is water baptized, they are making a public statement with two important points:
1) IDENTIFYING THEMSELVES AS A FOLLOWER OF CHRIST.
The only requirement for water baptism is salvation. Salvation is the result of believing and trusting in the gospel. Everyone is a sinner and the penalty for sin is death. Jesus Christ, God's Son, came to die on the cross to pay that penalty for mankind. Those who place their faith and trust in Him as Savior and Lord receive Him and the forgiveness of sin He provides.
A disciple is identified with the Master and is not 'above' or exempt from being like his Master.
Matt 10:24-28
2) COMMITTING THEMSELVES TO CHRIST.
A person truly trusting in the person and work of Jesus Christ is born again. However, while many people verbally agree with the ideas expressed in the gospel, they have not personalized them through a commitment to Christ. The following sections and Scriptures give the test of true, saving faith (being a disciple).
ALLEGIANCE TO GOD, NOT OTHERS is required in discipleship. One's allegiance to the Lord does not demand separation from loved ones for separation's sake, but may be required because the Lord Jesus Christ will not share His rightful spot with anyone.
Matt 10:34-39
THE OWNERSHIP OF SELF is transferred to God. This is expressed as a denial of self. Only Christ shall own our heart, our life, our affection and our allegiance.
Matt 16:24-26
The Cost of Discipleship
Each person is to count the cost in denying others, self, and material possessions. One or more of these may compete for Christ's rightful place. In Luke 14:25-33 Jesus senses that some are following him for the wrong or superficial reasons. He stresses a high standard for discipleship and emphasizes the gospel's conditions in the strongest terms.
Luke 14:25
Relating to Others and Self Luke 14:26
Paying the Price Luke 14:27
Evaluating the Cost of Discipleship Luke 14:28-30
The Willingness to Pay the Price Luke 14:31-33
Personal Response
Answer these questions as you evaluate the genuineness of your faith and your decision to be baptized:
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What are some life-affecting implications if you identify yourself as a follower of Jesus Christ by being baptized?
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Have you considered the cost of discipleship on your own life? Is there anything that stands between you and Jesus Christ that may distract you from having a pure devotion to Him?
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Do you understand and accept what it means to be a disciple of Jesus Christ?
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Do you want to be identified as a follower of the Lord Jesus Christ?
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Do you want to be a follower of Jesus Christ so much that you are willing to pay whatever relational and material price that may be demanded of you as His follower?
Preparing for the Interview
Be prepared to share your testimony. Typical questions are:
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How does a person become a Christian?
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What does it mean to you to identify yourself as a follower of Jesus Christ and to commit yourself to Him?
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When did you trust Christ for salvation?
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What evidences are present in your life that you have truly been born again?
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What do you understand about the command of Scripture to be baptized?
Your Written Testimony:
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You are asked to write out your testimony (200 words or less) which will be shared with the interviewing elders first (bring to interview) then, with the congregation at your baptism.
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As indicated, please give some background information about yourself and then your testimony of how God has worked in your life to bring you to salvation.
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If both of you as a married couple intend to be baptized, there needs to be a separate testimony from each of you.
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You can hand write it legibly or, if you have a computer and printer, you can print it. Please follow this basic format for your testimony.
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Please bring this testimony to your interview with the Elders.
Preparing for the Baptism
Based on what happens during the interview, the Elders will either encourage you to be baptized or recommend a delay for reasons they will give.
Omaha Bible Church practices baptism by immersion.
The water is waist deep and heated. Any physical disability questions should be discussed with the Elders. In order to protect the health of others, individuals suffering from any communicable disease should discuss their condition with the elders before being baptized.
You are encouraged to invite your friends and family to your baptism.
Your testimony as a baptized believer will give you an additional opportunity to share your faith in Jesus Christ.
What to Bring to Wear:
You will need to wear clothing that will not become see-through when wet (a dark sweatshirt and jeans work well). Other items you will need to bring include dry clothes, a towel, and any other needed toiletries.
Meet in the Pastor's Office:
At 5:15 p.m. on the Sunday of your baptism along with the baptizing pastor, his assistant and other candidates.
The Baptism:
A "dry demonstration" showing how baptisms are done will be given before your baptism to clarify any uncertainties. If you are unsure about the way it is done or have particular fears, the pastors will help you at this time.
The Testimony in Baptism:
You will be introduced to the congregation by the pastor. You will be asked to share your testimony at this time or you may make prior arrangements to have the pastor do this for you. A question (or questions) about your profession may be asked requiring your response. For example, "Do you profess Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior?"
The Baptism:
At the end of your testimony the pastor will indicate for you to grasp on to his wrist with both hands. For the baptism, the pastor will say something like this: (Your name), upon your profession of faith in Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord we baptize you in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. At that point you will be laid backwards into the water and then immediately brought back up out of the water.
Response of the Congregation:
Following your baptism, we will ask you to make yourself available for congratulations and encouragement from the Omaha Bible Church family. We praise God for your testimony.
Personal Testimony
Include current date.
Personal & Family History Information:
In a few sentences, please tell about your immediate family, where you are from, your vocation, length of time at Omaha Bible Church and ministry involvement, if any.
Your Personal Testimony:
Describe it in three parts:
1) What led you to trust Christ for your salvation? In other words, what was happening in your life which caused you to see your need for Christ?
2) Explain when or how you placed your faith in Christ.
3) Talk about some changes in your life that you have observed since trusting in Christ.
Please remember to bring your personal testimony with you to the interview.
This Online Brochure is available for distribution in printed format.To obtain this and other Online Brochures please contact us.
