Do Not Delay Baptism

 

Welcome to Multiply, a Podcast for Village Church Planters, pastors, and Christian leaders, and I am your host today, Daneille Snowden. 

We are going to continue our discussion about water baptism and enter the question: Why do individuals delay their baptism? When asked by a populace of people, the reasons they give are fear, unworthiness, conflicting traditions, and maybe believing one must be formal and wear formal attire, etc. 

To Delay, is defined as the act of postponing, hindering, or causing something to occur more slowly than normal  The Verb for Delay in the Greek is derived from Chronos, meaning to take time, tarry, or linger.

 Yet, we witness in God’s Word that there was no delay after one accepted Jesus as their Savior. 

In Acts 16:31-33, the apostles did not delay baptism once people believed.

Paul, who was Saul, was immediately baptized: Acts 9:17-19.

And in Acts 2:41, “Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.” 

We all must be reminded of what is happening when someone is baptized. We can begin with Jesus' baptism. This powerful act revealed His identity as the Son of God; it displayed the Trinity and told of His death and resurrection for the sins of mankind. 

And after His baptism, He left a private life to pursue His mission publicly. 

For you see that “Baptism affirms each believer’s union with Christ. It is an act of faith that proclaims a new relationship with God.” (NVP Trainer’s Guide Tm.1 Ed.2)

During the summer months, my husband and I are part of a team that hosts what is called ‘The Jesus Rallies’. We have witnessed several people give their hearts to Jesus. Towards the end of the worship time, we have a tank of water where we have witnessed several people, through the years, being baptized. 

As we are baptized, we become identified with Christ Jesus’ death and resurrection.  “Baptism affirms belief in Christ, forgiveness of sin, and unity with Christ.” (Train & Multiply Term 2)

The baptism experience truly is life-changing for the believer and those who witness it. It builds the faith of fellow believers and testifies to others who are still searching for hope. For me, when I was baptized, my soul truly felt in unison with my Jesus; I felt closer to Him as I stepped out in obedience and love. 

This has been Multiply. Will you please share this podcast with others? Visit our website: vcpencouragement.org to discover this podcast and more. 

God bless!