Getting to witness and conduct baptisms is the highlight of my ministry! It is an amazing honour to celebrate alongside those who are declaring their faith in Jesus and committing to follow him.

Baptisms are a regular part of our church calendar; so I thought it would be beneficial to share 5 quick thoughts on baptism, why it is such a special occasion, and why we should perform baptisms in the first place.

1. Christians believe in "The Great Commission". This is Jesus' instruction to his church, that we are to make disciples and baptise them in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. When Jesus instructs us to do something we should be diligent to act! As a Church we get to fulfil this command and baptise many individuals in our community. I encourage you to attend baptism services to take part in what is a truly momentous occasion.

2. After the Apostle Paul had his extraordinary encounter with Jesus, he was instructed to go to a town called Damascus where a man named Ananias was waiting for him. When Paul arrived, Ananias told Paul about his calling to be in relationship with Jesus, to follow the will of God, and to tell all people about the Gospel. As Christians we all have a calling to be in relationship with God and to tell others about him! We are called to be a light in the darkness. After Ananias encourages Paul, he says "What are you waiting for? Get baptised!!" (Act’s 22:16). So I say to anyone who loves God and who are committed to his will; what are you waiting for?

3. Baptism is an outward symbol of the inward renewal that takes place when we decide to become part of Gods family. The book of 1st Peter says that baptism is not the act of washing dirt off our bodies, but instead symbolises the washing of our hearts that took place when we decided to follow Jesus. Anyone who has had their life renewed by Jesus has the right to publicly celebrate this renewal through the illustration of baptism.

4. Did you know that Jesus was baptised??? John (Jesus' cousin) baptised Jesus in the Jordan river when Jesus was 30 years old. This moment marked the beginning of Jesus public ministry on the earth. When christians choose to follow Jesus, they also choose to follow in his example and are baptised in water. It must be noted that Jesus baptism symbolised something different to the baptism we practise as Christians; but both mark important milestones.

5. Baptist Churches in NSW & the ACT believe: Baptism is an ordinance of the Lord Jesus Christ. It is a declaration of a person's faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour.. It symbolises the believer's identification with Christ in death, burial and resurrection, the remission of sins and the believer's dedication of them-self to God to live and walk in newness of life.

Don’t miss your chance to witness a baptism and celebrate alongside heaven!