Water Baptism

"Those who believe and accept His message were baptized..."
Acts 2:41

Aloha Saint,

Water Baptism is an outward indication of the inner change
that takes place in our lives when we receive Jesus as our Savior!

This public indentification with Christ is not a "symbolic act".
In baptism, you are saying you believe His promise to forgive
and transform (change) you.

The Lord provided a positive example for us by being baptized
by John the Baptist. After Jesus' death and resurrection and just
before He ascended to heaven, He instructed His disciples to go
make disciples and to baptize them (Matthew 28:16-20)

Our baptism is an opportunity to identify with Jesus. Just as He
died, was buried and resurrected, we can be raised from the
waters of baptism to walk in the newness of life. Water Baptism
establishes a definite point in our lives where we bid our old
lifestyle good-bye.

Mahalo for making the decision to proclaim that you are one of His!

Welcome to the Family,
Pastor Sonny Shimaoka

Water Baptism-Why?

-Because you want to follow Christ's example
"At that time Jesus came from Nazareth and was baptized by John in the river." -Mark 1:9

-Because Jesus commanded it
"Jesus said, Go then, to all people everywhere and make them my disciples, baptize them in the name of the Fater, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and then teach them to obey everything I have commanded you." -Matthew 28:19-20

-Because it shows that you are a believer
"...many of the Corinthians who heard Him believed and were baptized." -Acts 18:8

Because obeying the Lord's command shows that you know Him
"We know that we have come to know Him, if we obey His commands" -1John 2:3

Water Baptism-What is it?

It is a symbol of Christ's burial and resurrection
"Christ died for our sins...He was buried...and He rose again." -1 Corinthians 15:3-4

-It is a symbol of your 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". -2 Corinthians 5:17

"By our baptism then we were buried with Him and shared His death, in order that just as Christ was raised from the dead also we might live a new life!" -Romans 6:4

NOTE: Baptism does not make you a believer, it shows that you are already one! Baptism does not "save" you, only your faith in Jesus Christ does that. Baptism is like a wedding ring - it's the outward symbol of the commintment you made in your heart.

"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith...it is the gift of God - not by works, so that no one can boast." -Ephesians 2:8-9

Water Baptism-How?

-In the same way that Jesus was baptized - by being immersed in water
"As soon as Jesus was baptised, He went up out of the water." -Matthew 3:15

-Every baptism in the Bible was full imersion under water
The greek word "baptize" literally means to dip under water.

NOTE: In my opinion this is a great way to picture a burial of your old self and the resurrection of your new self!

Who Should Be Baptized?

-Every person who believes in Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior.
"Those who believe and accept His message were baptized." -Acts 2:41

"But when they believed Philip as he preached the Good news...and the Name of Jesus Christ, They were baptized both men and women". -Acts 8:12