8th Nov 2012. By Ezra Chim. CM –
Saturday, November 3, was an exciting, powerful day of transformation and celebration as a number of faithful members of The Local Church Kuala Lumpur requested to be baptized as a declaration of their new life in Christ. Making the day even more special was the presence of many relatives and Christian brothers and sisters who gave their fullest support and encouragement.
The Bible teaches that water baptism is an important step in the life of a Christian. Jesus Christ Himself was baptised with water at the beginning of his ministry (Mark 1: 9-10, Luke 3:21). The Lord Jesus Christ commanded every believer to be baptised with water (Matthew 28:19-20).
Baptism is a public profession of faith in Christ. It is symbolic of the death, burial and resurrection of Christ. It is a declaration to the world that we have died to sin and have been raised with Christ to walk in newness of life (Romans 6:4). Baptism is a beautiful, ancient tradition practiced by the apostles and the first church. Jesus was baptized as an example for us.
It is an act of obedience to the command of Jesus Christ. It symbolizes the spiritual cleansing through divine forgiveness and newness of life experienced by believers by virtue of their identification with Christ in His death and resurrection.
Being baptized in water was a life changing experience. Baptismal candidates felt so pure, clean and refreshed after the event. It was the best feeling ever. The old self was gone; and a new creation sets in. Congratulations to all the candidates!
At the end of the ceremony, the leaders blessed all of them with an inspiring prayer, encouraging them with the freedom that comes with burying the past and being made new in Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17).
Scripture References (NIV) :
Mark 1:9-10 (NIV) – The Baptism of Jesus
9 At that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. 10 Just as Jesus was coming up out of the water, he saw heaven being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove.
Luke 3:21 – The Baptism of Jesus.
21 When all the people were being baptized, Jesus was baptized too. And as he was praying, heaven was opened
Matthew 28:19-20
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.”
Romans 6:4
4 We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.
2 Corinthians 5:17
17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come:The old has gone, the new is here!
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