Baptism
Why Are Believers Baptized?
The Bible teaches us that every believer should be baptized as an act of obedience (Acts 2:38). Water baptism is the outward testimony to the inward work of the Holy Spirit in a believer’s life when personal faith is placed in Jesus Christ as savior (Acts 8:27-39).
WHY ALL THE WAY UNDER THE WATER?
Choosing to be completely under the water (immersed) is a true picture of how the old sin nature of the believer dies and is buried (going under the water), as well as the resurrection stepping into the new nature of the believer (coming up out of the water).
Baptism Steps
Step 1: Download Baptism PDF
Download the baptism PDF to follow along as you watch the baptism video in step 2.
Step 2: Watch the Baptism Video
Watch the video below to learn more about the purpose of baptism and what to expect.
Step 3: Fill Out The Baptism Form
After completing steps 1 and 2, fill out the baptism form below.
Step 4: The Day of Your Baptism
BRING: a towel and a change of dry clothes. Towels are available if needed.
REMOVE: leather belts, watches, billfolds, glasses, etc.
WEAR: dark colored clothing. You will receive a free black Sonrise T-Shirt.
Water baptism is a profound expression of faith in Jesus Christ and the transformative power of the Holy Spirit within us. True Christianity transcends mere intellectual assent to a set of beliefs; it is a journey of personal transformation, where our thoughts, attitudes, and actions are realigned with God's ways (Romans 8:29). We believe that this process of change should be evident in our lives, not as a pursuit of perfection, for none of us are perfect, but as a commitment to embracing new beliefs, attitudes, actions, and lifestyles through the work of the indwelling Holy Spirit.
One aspect of this transformation relates to our living arrangements. We hold the biblical principle that cohabitation should be reserved for a man and a woman who are legally married. The New Testament exhorts us to abstain from all evil and even the appearance of evil (1 Thessalonians 5:22). Consequently, we cannot perform baptisms for individuals or couples who are cohabiting or are sexually involved outside of marriage. If necessary, the pastor overseeing your baptism will sensitively discuss your situation with you, guided by a spirit of love and understanding.
