The Church: Baptism

The local church is a group of saved people who identify with one another and seek to glorify God by regularly gathering together to: worship Him and proclaim His Word; affirm one another’s profession of faith by the right practice of baptism and the Lord’s Supper; and, display to the world His gospel by their authentic love.

1. Baptism is an initiation rite.
Acts 19:1-7

2. Baptism is an initiation rite that follows conversion.
Acts 16:14-15
Matthew 28:16-20
Acts 2:36-40

3. Baptism is an invitation rite that follows conversion and leads to membership in the church.
Acts 2:36-41
“Whatever may be said of baptism as it is now generally understood and practiced, and of the personal religion of those who practice it, it was originally appointed to be the boundary of visible Christianity.” - Andrew Fuller, Practical Uses of Christian Baptism (Published 1802)
Acts 5:12-14
Acts 8:1-3