God Plunge (Baptism) is going all in for Jesus. The Bible clearly teaches us that baptism is the first step, after making Jesus the Leader and Forgiver of your life. The God Plunge is how we show the world that we are committed to Christ.
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Having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through your faith in the working of God, who raised him from the dead. – Colossians 2:12
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I’m Ready! What now?
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First, look through our God Plunge FAQ. It has a lot of great information on why we get baptized, and why we do it this way.
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Are you ready to take the plunge? Fill out the form below, and someone will be in touch with you very soon. If you have any questions, please email GodPlunge@ChurchOnTheTrail.org.
God Plunge FAQ
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WHY SHOULD I BE BAPTIZED?
To follow the example set by Christ. “At that time Jesus came from Nazareth and was baptized by John in the river” (Mark 1:9).
Because Christ commanded it. “Jesus said, ‘Go then, to all people everywhere and make them my disciple, baptize them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and then teach them to obey everything that I have commanded you’” (Matthew 28:19-20).
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It demonstrates that I really am a Believer. “We know that we have come to know Him, if we obey His commands”
(I John 2:3).
WHAT IS THE MEANING OF BAPTISM?
It illustrates Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection. “Christ died for our sins…He was buried…and He rose again” (I Corinthians 15:3-4). “For when you were baptized, you were buried with Christ, and in baptism you were also raised with Christ” (Colossians 2:12).
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It illustrates my new life as a Christian. “When someone becomes a Christian he becomes a brand new person inside. The old life has passed away and a new life has begun” (II Corinthians 5:17).
“We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life” (Romans 6:4).
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Baptism doesn’t make you a Christian. Only your faith in Christ does that. Baptism is like a wedding ring–it’s the outward sign of the commitment you have made in your heart (see Ephesians 2:8-9).
WHY BE BAPTIZED BY IMMERSION?
Because Jesus was baptized that way. “As soon as Jesus was baptized, He went up out of the water” (Matthew 3:16).
Every baptism in the Bible was by immersion. (for example) “…then both Philip and the man went down into the water and Philip baptized him. When they came up out of the water…” (Acts 8:38-39).
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The word “baptize” means “to dip under water”.
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It best symbolizes a burial and resurrection (see Romans 6:1-11).
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The founders of the major denominations agree: Martin Luther (founder of Lutheran denomination): “I would have those who are to be baptized to be entirely immersed, as the word imports and the mystery signifies.” John Calvin (founder of Presbyterian denomination): “The word ‘baptize’ signifies to immerse. It is certain that immersion was the practice of the ancient church.” John Wesley (founder of Methodist and Wesleyan denomination): “Buried with Him” alludes to baptizing by immersion according to the custom of the first church.”
WHO SHOULD BE BAPTIZED?
Every person who has believed in Christ. A Believer is someone who has realized that their sin separated them from God. They have given up all efforts to reach God through good works or religious activity. They have concluded that Jesus Christ’s death on the cross for their sins is the only thing that can bridge the gap between them and God. A Believer is someone who has decided to trust Christ alone for their salvation. If you have come to that point in your spiritual journey, then you are ready to be baptized (Acts 2:41; 8:12-13).
WHAT ABOUT CHILDREN?
The New Testament shows no example of baptism when the candidate did not request it. All instances of baptism followed an individual’s decision to trust Christ alone for their salvation (Acts 2:41; 8:12; 10:47-48). At Church On The Trail, we wait until the child is old enough to believe and understand the true meaning of baptism before we baptize them. When a child makes a decision for Christ, we gladly baptize them in the Christian faith. Some churches practice a “baptism of confirmation” for children. This custom began about three hundred years after the Bible was completed. This is a time when the parents pledge their commitment to raise their child according to Christian values and beliefs.
While a very meaningful event, this is not Christian baptism. Church On The Trail offers a similar opportunity for parents through its child “dedication” services. As the purpose of baptism is to publicly confess your personal commitment to Christ, it is strongly recommended that every Christian person be baptized after becoming a Believer, even though many of us were “confirmed” as children.
WHAT ABOUT INFANT BAPTISM?
In the Bible we find parents bringing children to Jesus. He held them and prayed for them and told us to welcome them. But he did not baptize them, and he did not tell anyone else to baptize them. So it seems more biblical to wait until after a personal decision to trust Christ has been made by the child. For if baptism signifies salvation (as the Bible teaches), only people who have intentionally received salvation should experience baptism. If you have not experienced believer’s baptism, even though you have experienced baptism as an infant, the full meaning and significance of baptism has yet to take place in your life. We strongly encourage you to be baptized as a Believer in Christ.
WHEN SHOULD I BE BAPTIZED?
As soon as you have believed. “Those who believed were baptized that day” (Acts 2:41). “Then Philip began with scripture and told him the Good News about Jesus. As they traveled along the road, they came to some water, and the man said, ‘Look, here is water! Why shouldn’t I be baptized right now?’ Philip said, ‘If you believe with all your heart, you may.’ The man answered, ‘I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.’ So they went down into the water and Philip baptized him” (Acts 8:35-38).
DOES IT MEAN IT HAS TO BE IMMEDIATELY?
No, what the Bible is trying to teach is that baptism should follow your decision to become a Believer. There is no reason to delay. If you wait until you are “good” enough, you will never feel ready for baptism.
WHAT DO I WEAR?
Dress in clothes you don’t mind getting wet! Dark colored shorts or pants work best. Jeans are not recommended. We will provide you with a God Plunge t-shirt to wear. Make sure that you remember to bring a towel and a change of clothes to wear home. One of our ministry team leaders will be there to get you your t-shirt and answer any last minute questions you might have.
WHO SHOULD I INVITE?
Invite your friends, family and coworkers to celebrate this important event with you. It is a great opportunity to help your loved ones find their way back to God...and grow.
HOW DO I SIGN UP?
Fill out the registration form below and we will get in touch with you right away.
