When we decide to follow Jesus, our first public step of obedience is water baptism. Baptism is symbolic of the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The Bible teaches we should be baptized to show that we are leaving our old life behind to be raised into a new way of life with Jesus. At River City Church, we practice full immersion water baptism rather than sprinkling. We believe baptism should involve a conscience choice by the person being baptized; therefore, we do not practice infant baptism. However, we do provide child dedications.

Here are some Bible passages to help you understand the importance of baptism: 

• Matthew 3:16-17 - “When Jesus was baptized, he went up immediately from the water. The heavens suddenly opened for him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming down on him.  And a voice from heaven said, ‘This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well-pleased.’”
• Acts 8:12 - “But when they believed Philip, as he proclaimed the good news about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, both men and women were baptized.”
  

• Matthew 28:18-20 - “Jesus came near and said to them, ‘All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth.  Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,  teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.’”
• Acts 2:41 - “So those who accepted his message were baptized, and that day about three thousand people were added to them.”
• Romans 6:4 - “Therefore we were buried with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, so we too may walk in newness of life.”
• Colossians 2:12 - “...when you were buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the working of God, who raised him from the dead. “

We want to celebrate the biggest decision of your life with you! If you have never been baptized, sign up for our baptism class so you can participate in our next water baptism.

Call the River City Office at 208-743-7101 for more information.