What is Baptism?
Baptism is an act instituted by Jesus Christ, involving God, the believer and the Christian community.
In baptism, new believers confess their faith and share what God has already done in their lives. It is also a moment of ‘letting go’, where new Christians entrust themselves to God’s grace and to the resurrection power of Jesus, who overcomes death and leads us into new life. The waters of baptism are a meeting place where human trust and the life-giving work of God come together.
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If you are thinking about baptism, start by reading Acts 2:22–47, then explore the resources and questions below.
THE PROCESS OF BAPTISM
1.The Christian life can be seen as stepping stones across a stream. The first is conversion, the second is baptism. In Acts 2:38, baptism follows conversion and does not produce salvation.
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2. The Differences between infant and believer’s baptism
Believer’s Baptism
Voluntary
Follows faith
Immersion
Celebrates new birth
Promises made by the believer
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Infant Baptism
Involuntary
Precedes faith
Sprinkling (see p.32)
Anticipates new birth
Promises made on behalf of the child
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Why be baptised?
a) In obedience to Jesus’ teaching (Matthew 28:16–20)
b) Following Jesus’ example (Matthew 3:15)
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What happens in baptism?
A symbol of cleansing from sin (Acts 22:16)
A symbol of union with Christ in His death, burial and resurrection
(Acts 2:22–28; Romans 6:4)
An entry into the church (1 Corinthians 12:12–13)
A sign of conversion and the presence of God’s Spirit (Acts 2:33, 38)
A sacrament: God meets you in a special way through your obedience (Acts 19:6)
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What happens after baptism?
Baptism is not the end but the beginning of discipleship. As you grow in faith, it’s important to actively seek God through spiritual disciplines (Acts 2:42–47).
Baptism, church membership and service are closely linked. Baptism marks entry into the worldwide church; membership expresses commitment to a local church.
A special moment is Baptism
Filled with hope and optimism
With faith we journey forward
Personal Commitment to the Lord
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Born again to a new life with the king
Given God's presence and his blessing
Live like Jesus and give compassion to all
Become a Disciple and follow the call
- Pam Thompson 2021
Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 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, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
- Matthew 28 v18-20
Here is a video of the first baptism in our new baptistry, along with some recent baptisms at Avenue.
The baptistry is shaped as a cross, reflecting the words of the Apostle Paul in Romans 6: “Do you not know that all of us who have been baptised into Christ Jesus were baptised into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.”
Believers' Baptism of Awat at Avenue Baptist Church on the 17th of April 2022
Believers' Baptism of Awat at Avenue Baptist Church on the 17th of April 2022
Believers' Baptism of Caroline at Avenue Baptist Church on the 17th of April 2022
Marys' baptism 11th October 2020
