What is Baptism?
Jesus commanded all of His followers to get baptized (Matthew 28:19). Baptism involves the full immersion of a professing believer-in-Christ into a body of water as a means to publicly demonstrate one’s commitment to follow Jesus, and inclusion into the Body of Christ. This act models and reminds us of Jesus’ own baptism, as well as his own death, burial and resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). It further symbolizes our own death to sin, spiritual rebirth, and new life in Jesus Christ. Water baptism does not save us, but is fulfilled out of obedience to Jesus and reflects our spiritual baptism by the Holy Spirit into the Body of Christ. Salvation is obtained by faith alone in Christ alone and not by works or deeds.
The following are some verses from the Bible regarding Baptism and spiritual rebirth for further study: Luke 3:21; John 3:3; Acts 2:38-41 & 8:35-38 10:44-48, 18:8 & 19:4-6; Romans 6:3-14; Galatians 3:26-27; Colossians 2:11-12; Titus 3:5-6; Hebrews 10:22; 1 Peter 1:3, 3:21;
Who can get Baptized?
The Bible teaches that Baptism should be a conscious act that a Christ-follower personally chooses to engage in out of commitment and obedience to Jesus Christ. If you were baptized as an infant, or done so without your full awareness, you should get re-baptized to demonstrate your personal, conscious decision to follow Jesus.
When & How to get Baptized?
Baptism is one of the most exciting events in a new believers life as it represents an opportunity to “go public” with one’s faith! At The Church on the Corner, baptisms are performed publically during our regularly scheduled Sunday Services. We encourage individuals getting baptized to invite as many family members and friends as possible to attend and witness this event. The public demonstration of this act serves as a powerful testimony, to those observing, of the Gospel as it reenacts Jesus’ death, burial and resurrection. We further encourage individuals to prepare a short statement to share during the ceremony of why they would like to get baptized.
If you are interested in getting baptized, please let us know by filling out an online Connection Card. Pastor Tom Cullen will then contact you to set up a meeting and date for your Baptism.
What is Communion?
Jesus commanded all of his followers at his final Passover Feast, or Last Supper, to remember him through the sharing of the bread & wine (grape juice). This meal is also known as Communion. The elements of the bread & juice each serve as reminders of the body and blood of Jesus Christ that were sacrificed for us and served to represent the New Covenant that believers enter into with God.
By participating in this ceremony, a person shows that they have put their trust in the body & blood of Jesus Christ to pay for their sins. Also that they belong to the Body of Christ which is the Church.
Communion provides Christ-followers with a regular opportunity to make themselves right with God and with other believers by confessing their sins to God before taking the bread & juice. It also provides an opportunity for the believer to reaffirm their unity and fellowship with other believers in the Body of Christ within their local church.
At The Church on the Corner, we serve Communion once a month during our Sunday worship service time. All are welcome to join in this ceremony with us as long as you are a follower of Jesus Christ!
A special note: While we are doing church online during this time of shelter-in-place, participants are welcome to use whatever elements from their homes that are available to symbolize Jesus’s body and blood. These elements do not need to be actual bread or grape juice.
For further study, please read the following verses in the Bible: Jeremiah 31:31-34, Matt. 26:17-29, Mark 14:12-25, Luke 22:14-20, John 6:51-58, 1 Cor. 10:16-17, 11:17-34