Baptism

Miami Beach Community Church Baptism

An Invitation to Receive the Sacrament of Holy Baptism

Baptism is a covenant—or a promise—that you make with God. When you get baptized, you promise to serve Him and follow His commandments to the best of your abilities.

If you’ve ever read the New Testament, you’re probably familiar with the story where Jesus visits John the Baptist to be baptized. “Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him. But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me? And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness” (Matthew 3:13-15). Even Jesus, who never sinned, was baptized to show obedience to God and be the example for us to follow.

Baptized into Christ

What does Baptism signify?

If the meaning of baptism could be boiled down to one word, that word would be identification. Baptism speaks primarily of a personal, public identification with Jesus Christ. The sacrament of baptism is an outward visible sign of the grace of God. Through baptism a person is joined with the universal church, the body of Christ. In baptism, God works in us the power of forgiveness, the renewal of the spirit, and the knowledge of the call to be God’s people always.

New life in Jesus Christ

How does Baptism take place?

Baptism with water and the Holy Spirit is the sign and seal of our common discipleship. Since baptism is God’s gift, the Holy Spirit is called to be upon the water and those being baptized. The act of baptism also marks the beginning of new life of discipleship with Christ, the human response to that gift. It is your personal identification with the greatest act of human history—the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Baptism doesn’t save you—salvation comes by faith alone (Ephesians 2:8-9).

What happens at the Baptism service?

During the worship service, your family will be invited to gather around the Baptism Font. Parents, in consultation with the pastor, may choose sponsors or godparents for infants and young children who are to be baptized. In addition, you may invite any close friends and family to join you. Those who stand with your family will be asked if they “promise, through prayer and example, to support and encourage the person being baptized to be a faithful Christian?” A similar question is then asked of the congregation. The pastor will then ask the individual being baptized, or the parents several questions. A prayer of thanksgiving and blessing is said over the Baptism waters. The pastor will then take the person and baptize them in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Following the act of Baptism, the pastor will introduce the individual as the newest member of our church. If you are an adult or youth and choose to be immersed, arrangements can be made to perform the baptism on the beach.

How do we arrange for the Baptism?

Baptism is a personal celebration in the lives of the individual candidates and their families. It is also a celebration with in the local church family and a recognition of its commitment. Baptism may take place at any worship service where the community is gathered or a private ceremony can be arranged. To initiate the process, please complete the online form and a church representative will call you back or call the church office at 305-538-4511.“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, teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you”. – Matthew 28:19, 20