1. My Baptism We often place emphasis on baptism. This is a point that separates us from many denominations. Today, let me tell you about my baptism.

2. My Baptism Was: A One Time Event Some are re-baptized because: Too young Wrong reason or motive Baptism is not repeated each time we sin 1 John 2:1 My little children, these things I write to you, so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.

3. My Baptism Was: A One Time Event Baptism is not repeated each time we sin Simon – was baptized, later he sinned Acts 8:20 You have neither part nor portion in this matter, for your heart is not right in the sight of God. Acts 8:22 Repent therefore of this your wickedness, and pray God if perhaps the thought of your heart may be forgiven you.

4. My Baptism Was: A One Time Event Baptism is not repeated each time we sin Simon – was baptized, later he sinned If the sin is public / harms the church – we ask for forgiveness from the church Acts 8:24 Then Simon answered and said, "Pray to the Lord for me, that none of the things which you have spoken may come upon me."

5. My Baptism Was: Based on my faith Not Faith in the preacher, elders, teacher, family Faith in my parents who have faith in God But – my personal faith in Jesus I decided to follow Jesus

6. My Baptism Was: Based on my faith Acts 8:36-37 36 Now as they went down the road, they came to some water. And the eunuch said, "See, here is water. What hinders me from being baptized?" 37 Then Philip said, "If you believe with all your heart, you may." And he answered and said, "I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God." Mark 16:16 He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.

7. My Baptism Was: After my confession of faith Faith is in our mind and heart It must come out in some active way – visible We must confess that we are now a believer in Jesus and ready to live for Him

8. My Baptism Was: After my confession of faith Romans 10:9-10 9 that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

9. My Baptism Was: After my confession of faith Matthew 10:32-33 32 "Therefore whoever confesses Me before men, him I will also confess before My Father who is in heaven. 33 But whoever denies Me before men, him I will also deny before My Father who is in heaven.

10. My Baptism Was: A burial in water The water can be a pool, lake, river, stream, or a fiberglass baptistry It can be indoors or outdoors It can be running or still, heated or cold The only requirement: There must be enough water to be immersed (buried) John 3:23 Now John also was baptizing in Aenon near Salim, because there was much water there. And they came and were baptized.

11. My Baptism Was: A burial in water Colossians 2:12 buried with Him in baptism, in which you also were raised with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead. Romans 6:4 Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.

12. My Baptism Was: A burial in water It followed the example in Acts 8:38-39 38 So he commanded the chariot to stand still. And both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water, and he baptized him. 39 Now when they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught Philip away, so that the eunuch saw him no more; and he went on his way rejoicing.

13. My Baptism Was: For the forgiveness of my sins Acts 2:38 Then Peter said to them, "Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Acts 22:16 And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord.'

14. My Baptism Was: For the forgiveness of my sins 1 Peter 3:21 There is also an antitype which now saves us--baptism (not the removal of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God), through the resurrection of Jesus Christ

15. My Baptism: Required the blood of Jesus 1 John 5:6 This is He who came by water and blood--Jesus Christ; not only by water, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit who bears witness, because the Spirit is truth. John 19:34 But one of the soldiers pierced His side with a spear, and immediately blood and water came out

16. My Baptism: Required the blood of Jesus Ephesians 1:7 In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace Revelation 1:5b To Him who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood,

17. Your Baptism? Have you been baptized into Christ? Are you ready to make that decision today?