Baptism :
One of the fundamental principles of our beliefs and doctrine is the teaching and practice of water baptism.

Why Baptism ?
Jesus taught that his followers should go into all the world and preach the gospel. Whoever believes and is baptised shall be saved (St. Mark 16 V 15 & 16)

He further declared that "Except a man or woman be born again… of the water and of the spirit he cannot enter into the kingdom of God".
St John 3 V 5.

 
Brother Mark Linton being baptised in Jesus' name by Pastor Keith and Elder Bill.

The Apostles of Christ continued steadfastly in the teachings of Jesus in the early church. In order for any believer to be initiated into the body of Christ water baptism was prescribed as a essential step following repentance. Acts 2 V 38.

How to Baptise ?
Baptism must be performed by total immersion of the candidate in water in the name of Jesus Christ.

 
Sister Deidre is about to be "Buried" in Baptism in the name of Jesus.

Before Baptism:
The believer who is to be baptised is instructed and taught from holy scriptures the meaning and importance of this most important step.

In a similar manner to the marriage vows, baptism is not be entered into lightly and without careful thought.

Meaning of Baptism:
In baptism the candidate is immersed or buried totally in water as a sign that they are abandoning the past life of sin. The former lifestyle is renounced, past sins are washed away and the water symbolises a medium of separation between the former and new life styles.

One rising from the water comes forth as a type of resurrection from the dead and begins from that point onwards to walk in a new life. (Romans 6 V 3-8) while at the same time identifying with the death, burial and resurrection of Christ.

When a heart is truly convicted and that believer experiences a sense of God's overwhelming love, baptism becomes the next logical step along the road to total commitment to Christ and his service.

There is sometimes a compulsion to be baptised which is so strong that no matter how late the hour or how cold the water, it must be done.

The emotions experienced and witnessed during a Baptismal service are very compelling. Usually there are tears - of joy that the day has finally come that one is "Now" in the body of Christ.

 
Sister Millie with tears of joy
on the night of her baptism
in freezing cold water.