We are excited that you are interested in baptism. At THE ROCKS we believe that baptism is an important step of obedience for every person who has accepted Christ as his/her Savior. These web pages have been designed to explain baptism at our church and the steps necessary to being baptized at an upcoming service. We consider it a privilege to walk with you as you take this next step on your spiritual
journey. The following pages are intended to contain all the information you’ll need, but if after checking them out, you have further questions, feel free to contact us at info@therocks.org.au
Christians are people who believe that the blood of Jesus Christ, shed on the cross, provides the sole basis for the forgiveness of sin. Therefore, salvation occurs only when a person places his or her faith in the death and resurrection of Christ as the sufficient payment for his or her sin.
If you have accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, then you are ready to be baptized. Just like a bride and groom show others their love for one another by wearing wedding bands, your baptism is
your opportunity to show others that you have accepted Christ and are now walking with Him.
If you have any questions about how to begin a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, please contact us
Baptism is a way of showing others that a person has entered into a relationship with Jesus Christ. It symbolizes what took place in his/her heart at the time of salvation:
- Acceptance of Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.
- Sharing in His death and resurrection illustrated by going under the water (dead to our old life), then rising again (new life).
- Being symbolically washed clean, our sins being forgiven by His death on the cross.
Because Jesus instructed us to be baptized, baptism is an act of obedience. While it is not necessary for salvation, it demonstrates submission to God. We immerse at THE ROCKS because we believe Scripture shows that Jesus modeled that for us as the way to publicly acknowledge our faith in Him.
In some denominations, infant christening represents a decision made by parents that they are dedicating their child to Christ.
It’s a very important time for parents to commit to raise their children in accordance with the teachings of Scripture. It is important to remember that whether you were christened as a baby or your parents participated in a baby dedication, that doesn’t make you a Christian. Only a personal acceptance of Christ’s death on the cross for your sins can do that. While we recognize the right of other churches to practice infant christening, we understand Scripture to teach that only professing believers qualify for baptism.
The baptism process has been designed to be both simple and meaningful. From the registration form to the baptism meeting, each step has been carefully planned with you in mind:
Watch the baptism message. Watch Andy Stanley’s message on baptism by clicking here.
Complete the baptism application. Once we receive your application we’ll contact you to schedule your videotaping and baptism.
Read about making your video. We want you to be as comfortable and prepared for the video as possible. Click Here (Link to ‘Making your Video’ page)
Attend a meeting and film your testimony.
Get baptized! Baptisms take place usually on a saturday morning. Both baptism video and testimony video will be shown on one of our sunday services.
The next Baptism date is 30th April 2011, 10am-12pm
One of the most powerful aspects of baptism at THE ROCKS is the video testimony shown right before each person’s baptism. The video allows each person to share how Christ has been working in her life. Prerecording allows them to do as many takes as necessary, while sharing the message they have thoughtfully and prayerfully prepared ahead of time.
Many people ask, “Do I have to do the video?” The answer is yes, if a person wants to get baptized at THE ROCKS. Baptism is meant to be a public profession, and it is an incredible opportunity to share God’s message of redemption with thousands of people. We have witnessed time and time again the effect these videos have had on people’s lives.
Another important reason for the videos is that we as a congregation grow in our faith by watching these life-changing stories. It allows friends, family, and even those you don’t know to celebrate the amazing transformation God has worked in your life.
Some people are nervous about taping their stories, but we work hard to make the process both simple and fulfilling.
During the week before the baptism we have a meeting with baptism candidates and go over everything they need to know about the baptism process in general, and the videotaping in particular. Baptism candidates need to make an appointment for the video taping, which takes place a week or two before your baptism.
We want baptism to be a meaningful and enjoyable experience, and we look forward to walking through it with you!
