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Phone: 209-383-2273
WHAT IS BAPTISM?
Baptism is the act of a BELIEVING Christian who wants to publicly confess their personal commitment to Jesus Christ. It is the symbolic WASHING AWAY of one’s old, sinful past and the RISING again to live a LIFE God’s way. The act of baptism can be defined as an outward expression of an inward commitment.
WHAT DOES BAPTISM MEAN?
Baptism illustrates Jesus’ BURIAL and RESURRECTION.
“Christ died for our sins…He was buried…he was raised from the dead.” 1 Corinthians 15:3-4
“For you were buried with Christ when you were baptized. And with him you were raised to new life because you trusted the mighty power of God, who raised Christ from the dead.” Colossians 2:12
Baptism illustrates NEW LIFE as a Christian.
“For we died and were buried with Christ by baptism. And just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glorious power of the Father, now we also may live new lives.” Romans 6:4
Baptism doesn´t make you a Christian - it shows that you already believe. Baptism does not "save" you, only your faith in Christ does that. Baptism is like a wedding ring - it's the outward symbol of the commitment you make in your heart.
WHY DO WE GET BAPTIZED?
To follow the example set by JESUS and because Jesus COMMANDED it.
“One day when the crowds were being baptized, Jesus himself was baptized...” Luke 3:21
“Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.” Matthew 28:19
WHEN SHOULD I BE BAPTIZED?
As soon as you BELIEVE! THERE IS NO REASON TO DELAY! As soon as you have put your faith in Jesus’ work on the Cross for you.
HOW DO WE BAPTIZE?
We baptize by immersion, which means to be placed completely under water. We baptize by immersion for two reasons.
Jesus was baptized that way.
“As Jesus was coming up out of the water…” Mark 1:10
Every baptism in the Bible was by immersion.
“He ordered the carriage to stop, and they went down into the water, and Philip baptized him & they came up out of the water…” Acts 8:38-39
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DO WE BAPTIZE INFANTS ?
The Bible teaches that baptism is for those who are trusting in Jesus Christ alone for the forgiveness of their sins and for the fulfillment of all his promises including eternal life (Acts 2:41; 8:12; 10:47–48). Therefore, we recommend children wait until they are better able to understand and wholeheartedly embrace the gospel and resolve to passionately follow Jesus Christ.
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WHAT HAPPENS AFTER IM BAPTIZED?
Baptism identifies you publicly as a follower of Jesus and a part of the "Global Church". It is crucial that you grow in your faith and stay connected to the family. Attending church services, bible studies, & small groups will help you grow in you new walk with God.
I WANT TO GET BAPTIZED
If you have any questions about our next baptism, please call us at (209)383-2273. Or you can talk with an leader during the weekend services.
GO DEEPER…
If you would like to go deeper in your understanding of baptism you can read the verses above. But you can also study Matthew 3:13-17.
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PLEASE CONTACT US IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS OR WOULD LIKE TO BE BAPTIZED. Click link or call 209-383-2273
Child/Baby Dedication
CHRISTIAN LIFE CENTER CHILD/BABY DEDICATION
What is it?
Child Dedication is an opportunity for parents to publicly give thanks to God for their children and, together with the congregation, commit themselves to faithfully raise their children in the fear, knowledge, and joy of the Lord.
The dedication of children is an act of faith in the presence of God and his people in which we solemnly and earnestly offer our children up to God for his wise and sovereign purposes in their lives. As parents, we offer ourselves as well, surrendering to the holy responsibility of being biblical parents and raising our children in the fear, knowledge, and joy of the Lord.
DOES THE BIBLE TEACH THAT PARENTS MUST DEDICATE THEIR CHILDREN?
It would be difficult to make a strong case for requiring the dedication of children in the church—just as it would be difficult to make a case for forbidding it. There are, however, biblical reasons why we encourage Christian parents to dedicate their children:
The person-forming work of God is a stunning display of God’s creative power. Thus, it is fitting in the context of corporate worship to glorify him and praise him for his amazing work (Ps. 111:1-2; 145:10-12).
Child Dedication is an opportunity for parents and the church to publicly acknowledge that our children are gifts from God. It’s also a chance to celebrate this blessing and give thanks to him for these gifts (Job 1:21; Rom. 11:34-36; Ps. 127:3).
Child Dedication is an act of surrender and submission to God and his will for our children, who were ultimately created for his glory and purpose (Isa. 43:6-7; 46:9-11; Eph.1:3-4).
Child Dedication is a declaration of parental and congregational commitment to be examples of godliness, raising our children in the fear, knowledge, and joy of the Lord (Deut. 6:6-7; 20-21; Eph. 6:4).
Child Dedication is a corporate appeal to God for his grace for the sake of our children, in the hope that they will be in Christ, holy and blameless before the Lord (Eph. 1:4) and belong wholly to him forever (2 Thess. 4:17).
ARE THERE ANY REQUIREMENTS FOR DEDICATING MY CHILD?
While God’s ideal intention for child-rearing is a two-parent home, involving a father and mother, His work is redemptive and effective in all types of family situations, as we place our faith in Him and seek to live according to His ways. An authentic dedication to raise children by modeling and instructing them in Christian faith and life requires certain guidelines for those who would participate in the dedication ceremony.
In general, those dedicating a child should be living a Christian life and have significant (if not primary) responsibility for raising the child, along with the following:
• Babies and children through age 5 are eligible for child dedication (if you desire to dedicate an older child, please speak with a pastor about your situation);
• If both father and mother are participating, they need to be married and living together.
• Single parents need to have at least partial custody of and/or regular legally sanctioned involvement in the child’s life;
• An unwed mother or father needs to talk with a pastor beforehand to discuss their situation;
• Grandparents or relatives raising a child need to have legal custody or guardianship.
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Note:
We ask parents to be sure their beliefs line up with CLC's Statement of Faith.
We ask parents to be regular attenders of CLC.
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In dedicating your child to God, you are stating that you are willing to partner with both God and the local church to raise your child in cooperation with God’s intentions. In order to partner with any church, a parent is wise to decide if he or she agrees with its beliefs and vision, in order to be fully committed in their partnership with the church, and to model that commitment to their child.
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PLEASE CONTACT US IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS OR WOULD LIKE TO HAVE YOUR CHILD DEDICATED. Click link or call 209-383-2273
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