Baptism | Pastor Peter Thomas

Baptism

Matthew 28:19 + John 3:5 = ACTS 2:38. In other words, Mark 16:16.

For those preparing for water baptism, this is the next step in surrendering to the LORD our God. You have decided to follow the Lord Jesus Christ and it is a serious lifestyle commitment.

In the King James Version (KJV) -

Leviticus 20:7

Sanctify yourselves therefore, and be ye holy: for I am the LORD your God.

Hear what the Apostle Peter has to say.

Acts 2:37-39

37 - Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?

38 - Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

39 - For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.

All candidates for water baptism are asked to take off every piece of jewelry and all ornaments. Put away these strange gods. No candidate will be baptized with any jewelry whatsoever or make-up (no cosmetics). No mascara. No nail polish (fingers or toes). No gel nails or acrylic nails and designs. The work of the manicurist is condemned by God's holy writ. Don't let your nail technician lead your soul to destruction. Get out of the beautician parlor. Exit the beauty salon. This is a Bethel experience (Genesis 35:1-5). ‘Bethel’ in Hebrew בֵּית אֵל means ‘House of God’.

Genesis 35:1-5

1 - And God said unto Jacob, Arise, go up to Bethel, and dwell there: and make there an altar unto God, that appeared unto thee when thou fleddest from the face of Esau thy brother.

2 - Then Jacob said unto his household, and to all that were with him, Put away the strange gods that are among you, and be clean, and change your garments:

3 - And let us arise, and go up to Bethel; and I will make there an altar unto God, who answered me in the day of my distress, and was with me in the way which I went.

4 - And they gave unto Jacob all the strange gods which were in their hand, and all their earrings which were in their ears; and Jacob hid them under the oak which was by Shechem.

5 - And they journeyed: and the terror of God was upon the cities that were round about them, and they did not pursue after the sons of Jacob.

If you are a Sister, the long-sleeved garment will be all white from head to toe. Your head is to be wrapped properly with white baptismal head-covering. Cover thoroughly and your outer white garment should not be anything that is skin tight, but of a heavier type of material (such as cotton or a baptismal robe) to prevent revealing contour. No weaves or wigs. Your natural hair suffices. No pants. Women are not to wear anything that pertains to a man (Deuteronomy 22:5). While some denominations and churches may seem to downplay this, this is taken very seriously by me, as well as our Ministry. You may contact us for further instructions prior to baptism.

Deuteronomy 22:5

The woman shall not wear that which pertaineth unto a man, neither shall a man put on a woman's garment: for all that do so are abomination unto the LORD thy God.

If you are a Brother, the same interdiction applies. White long-sleeved shirt and a darker color pants (or a baptismal robe) is appropriate, nothing tight fitting. Absolutely no jeans! Your head must not be covered. Men should not have long hair (no locks, dreadlocks, braids or extensions). Be well groomed.

When you take these items off, you don’t put them back on!

Romans 6:3-4

3 - Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?

4 - Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.

By agreeing to water baptism, you clearly affirm your faith in the Lord Jesus Christ as your Saviour and renounce all sin. That also means that prior to being baptized, you totally relinquish drinking of any alcoholic beverage, all smoking (including e-Smoking / e-Cigarettes and any smoking paraphernalia, etc.), and gambling. In addition, you agree to uphold the Doctrine put forth in our Statement of Faith and to live a God-fearing life, representing us in the highest order.

Deny worldly pleasures. Deny everything. (Matthew 16:24).

Matthew 16:24

Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.

Do not deviate from the things that I am telling you. Follow me as I follow Christ.

In the words of Apostle Paul – ( full context )

1 Corinthians 11:1-3

1 - Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.

2 - Now I praise you, brethren, that ye remember me in all things, and keep the ordinances, as I delivered them to you.

3 - But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God.

In all things, follow God’s Order!

For more information concerning baptism, please visit our Statement of Faith page and go to the section ‘Baptism’.

Grace and Peace,

Pastor

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