The Essential Importance of Baptism by Pastor Brent Lokker

This Saturday at Blazing Fire, we’re going to be celebrating the baptisms of many people who, because of Christ’s sacrificial death on the cross, will symbolically and prophetically bury all the remnants of their past as they’re submerged under the baptismal water. They will come up out of the water in newness of life, new creations in Christ Jesus! (2 Cor. 5:17) So is baptism necessary? I guess it all depends on what you’re asking. If you’re asking, “Am I saved and will I be escorted into heaven when I pass from this life if I’m not baptized?” then the answer is baptism isn’t necessary to be saved. The Scriptures make it very clear that belief in Jesus as your Savior is the key: “If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”  Romans 10:9 But if you’re asking, “Is baptism necessary in order to experience the fullness of all that Jesus paid on the cross for me?” my answer is an unequivocal YES! Baptism is symbolic of your old life dying as you receive your new life in Christ, but it is so much more than just symbolism. The spirit realm of God’s Kingdom is far more real than what we see with our eyes in the natural realm. I am convinced that in baptism, there’s a demarcation that’s unmistakable from heaven’s vantage point. And what does that signify for the one being baptized? ·       Complete identification with Christ—You are ONE with Him! (Col. 2:11-15) ·       An agreement that your old life ruled by an evil master called sin is over and one with for good!  You have a new master, Jesus, who is good and grants you his freedom instead! (Romans 6:2-6) ·       Agreement that as His favored child, you are right with God and can jump into His Papa’s arms any time you want without fear or guilt or shame! (Galatians 3:26-27, 1 John 3:1) ·       An entrance into a life ruled by the Spirit of God where anything is possible! (Acts 2:38, Acts 16:5-7) You can listen to my message on Baptism from last Saturday, explaining these passages, at the link below. Jesus made a choice to be baptized and He instructed us to do the same. He even empowered us to baptize others before He ascended into heaven. Whoa! Baptism must be a significant part of our spiritual journey, don’t you think?  If you are a follower of Jesus but you’ve never been baptized, this Saturday is your opportunity! Step up and take this opportunity to identify yourself with Jesus for all eternity…heaven is watching with great excitement and anticipation! To let us know you want to be baptized, simply write to Pastor Karena at karena@blazingfire.org Because this is a great celebration, after the baptisms, we’re going to worship our King together, take communion and go through a “fire tunnel” of empowerment to take the Good News out with us everywhere we go! This will be an epic night to be sure. And if you’ve never been baptized and choose to do so this Saturday, it will truly be a night you won’t forget. I hope you can join us. With Much Love and Anticipation,                                                        Pastor Brent