From the earliest days of Christianity, the sacred practice of being baptized in water gave new meaning to one's life. Baptism was a symbolic act filled with mystery: with God's help we die to our old life as we are submerged in the water, and as we are raised up from the water, we are raised to new life (Galatians 3:27).

Baptism was a Jewish practice borrowed and used by the earliest followers of Jesus.  Jesus, as He was being baptized, promised that those baptized in His name would be part of a new life and new movement initiated by Him. Saying yes to Jesus, and His way of life, required being baptized as an acknowledgement of the need for the power of His Holy Spirit in order to live a new life (Matthew 3:11).

As part of this new life anchored in Jesus, baptism becomes the public declaration that one is joining a new family called the Church. This new family, called the Body of Jesus (1 Cor. 12:27), becomes the primary manner in which Jesus makes Himself known in the world. Everyone who is baptized makes a commitment to live in the truth of Jesus' healing power over sin and death rooted in His living body on earth, His Church.

At the180 we continue to affirm and practice the biblical instructions found in the Great Commission of Jesus. In the book of Matthew, we read:   

“Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 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, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Mathew 28:18-20)

Baptism Sunday: October 6, 2024

We will be celebrating Baptisms on Sunday October 6. If you are interested in getting baptized, you must attend a mandatory baptism class Saturday, September 28 at 9:30 AM at the warehouse. If you are ready to take the next step, register below.