Below you will find info about why you should get baptized and what baptism means.  Also, at the bottom of the page are details about the next steps necessary to move forward with getting baptized.  As always, reach out to us with questions!

Why Baptism?

I. Jesus participated in baptism

In Matthew 3:1-10 Jesus was baptized.  Jesus was God, and he humbled himself to receive what God had for him through baptism.  Baptism was an external act that signified an internal change for Jesus.  The same is true for us when we choose to follow through with baptism. 

II. Scriptures encourage baptism

The book of Acts is the story of how the church was started.  When people responded to Jesus in the book of acts, they were baptized.  This occurred in the following chapters: Acts 2:38, Acts 8:26-40 and Acts 16:16-40.  An easy book of Acts baptism formula to remember is Acts 2 x Acts 8 = Acts 16. 

What is Baptism? 

I. Baptism includes moral repentance.

There is no living human that can reach God’s standard of morality on their own.  In fact, Romans 3:11-12 says “no one seeks God, all have turned aside.”   This is the human problem that is common to all men and women.  Because of this, God wants us to repent and proclaim through baptism that we need him to clean and purify us.  Scriptures to consider on this topic include Romans 3:10-12, Romans 6:1-7, Matthew 3:1-10. 

II. Baptism includes a sense of belonging 

Being baptized in the name of Jesus is to take on new identity, and therefore implies a sense of belonging to God.  In fact, soon after Jesus was baptized, God the Father spoke from heaven and said, "This is my son in whom I am well pleased."  God made clear that Jesus belonged to him, as His son.  And we must remain aware that baptism prepares us for more of what God has for us.  Scriptures to consider on this topic include Matthew 3:17, Matthew 28:16-20. Acts 2:38 and Acts 22:16. 

III. Baptism includes the Holy Spirit

Being baptized includes a moment of further expectation.  Believers should expect to seek after the Holy Spirit to engage us dynamically.  Scriptures to consider on this topic includes Acts 19:1-6, Matthew 3:11, Acts 2:38 and I Corinthians 12:13. 

Want to get Baptized? 

I. First step – decide to get baptized

If God has put it on your heart a desire to get baptized, decide now to participate in our next baptism event to occur on Sunday, April 28.  To sign up to get baptized, click and complete the baptism form below. 

II. Second step – participate in baptism class

If you would like to get baptized, your next step is to participate in our next baptism class, to occur the Sunday prior to baptism Sunday. 

III. Third step – get baptized

On Sunday, April 28, you will then be baptized for the forgiveness of your sins and the gift of the Holy Spirit!  

Congratulations on joining the story that God has for you!  Questions: please contact Pastor Otto Ramos, pastorotto@vlchurch.com.

Click here to complete a Baptism Information Request