Step 1: Salvation
What must you do to be saved?
In order to receive salvation, you must first recognize that you need Jesus and He is the ONLY one that can save you.
Secondly, you need to confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, and you will be saved. Romans 10:9
That’s it! Salvation is not a mystical process. It is designed to connect you to your first love, Jesus Christ.
STEP 2: Baptism by Water
Once we have committed our lives to Christ, the Bible commands us to signify that commitment through baptism. Baptism allows us to identify with Christ and the local body of believers.
What is the meaning of baptism?
- It illustrates Christ’s burial and resurrection. (Colossians 2:12)
Why should I be baptized?
- Because I have received new life through Christ. (Romans 6:4)
- To follow the example set by Christ. (Mark 1:9)
- Because Christ calls us to do it. (Matthew 28:19)
Why should I be baptized by immersion?
- Christ was baptized that way. (Matthew 3:16)
- Every baptism in the Bible was by immersion. (“Baptizo” to immerse or dip under water)
Who should be baptized?
- Every person who has believed in Christ. (Acts 2:41 and Acts 8:12)
Step 3: Membership
We believe that joining a church is one of the most important decisions you will make in your life. In our Membership class, you will learn the foundations of the faith, the history and vision of the church, and bible based teaching on what it means to be a Christian.
For more information about our next Membership class click here.
Step 4: Baptism in the Holy Spirit/Holy Ghost
Even after reading what we have provided here, you may still have questions or be uncomfortable. That's OK. We encourage you to continue pray, invest in teachings on the Holy Spirit, and feel free to talk to our Elders and other seasoned believers who can help you better grasp what Baptism in the Holy Spirit is all about.
What is Holy Spirit baptism and how does it differ from water baptism?
In Matthew 3:11, John the Baptist said it best:
“I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance. But he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:”
What is the Holy Spirit?
God is one (Deuteronomy 6:4), but expresses himself in three ways, or as a “Godhead” (1 John 5:7), Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
The Holy Spirit is the third person of the Godhead that Jesus sent to us (John 14:26, 1 John 5:7). This is the “mystery” of God (Colossians 2:2). He his powerful enough to be ONE God yet expresses Himself in three ways:
- Father/God
- Son/Jesus
- Holy Spirit/Holy Ghost
What is the gift of the Holy Spirit and Holy Spirit baptism?
The gift is to be filled to the point of overflowing with (baptized, immersed in) the Holy Spirit; to have Him literally living on the inside of you and helping you to live life the way God intends.
The scriptures outline several specific characteristics of His, the Holy Spirit’s, presence in your life. He will be your:
- Comforter (John 14:26)
- Teacher (John 14:26)
- Helper (John 14:26, John 7:38)
- Power Source (Acts 1:8)
Why do we encourage Holy Spirit baptism?
Luke 11:13 basically tells us that our God knows how to give us what will be most beneficial in our walk with Him. Being filled with the Holy Spirit will equip you with the supernatural power of God to live the way He desires and see your relationship with Him soar to new heights!
How do I receive the Holy Spirit?
Receiving the gift of the Holy Spirit is very similar to receiving the gift of salvation.
To receive the Holy Spirit, you simply confess that you desire Him, believe that God will send Him to you (John 14:26), and receive Him. The bible says in Luke 11:9: “Ask, and it shall be given you…”
It’s that simple!
How do I KNOW I’ve received the Holy Spirit?
First, the Word of God tells you that if you ask something from God, you will receive it. God’s Word is true.
Secondly, the Word of God clearly reveals that those who were filled with the Holy Spirit spoke with tongues (Acts 2:2-4; 10:44-46 and 19:2-6). God was very specific in outlining this fact in His Word to eliminate any confusion or doubt; each person who received the Holy Spirit also received the manifestation of tongues. It may sound strange at first, but the more you pray in the Spirit, the more comfortable you will become.