New Beginnings International Church is a church with an uncompromising commitment and dedication to evangelism. Our goal is to teach God's people to experience the fullness of God for themselves. This has been the commitment of the church from its foundation.

It began as a mere vision placed in the spirit of Pastor Esau Waters, who had a passion for seeing souls saved for Jesus. As Pastor Esau Waters prayed more and more, God began to show him that he and his wife would begin to pastor again. His vision was that the multitudes would come to know Jesus as LORD and SAVIOR!

While serving as Elders under Pastors Peter D and V Francis Nunn, in Treebeek, The Netherlands, God began to bring back the prophecy that was spoken over Pastors� Waters that they would begin a church in Europe.

Praying and talking with their Pastors, God had already had it in Pastor Peter D Nunn that a ministry should be started in Geilenkirchen Germany. With the blessings of their pastors, the vision of New Beginnings began to birth fervently in both Pastors heart.. ...

"For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry." (Habbakuk 2:3)

A door was open when the chaplain of Geilenkirchen NATO Base approached Pastor Venetia about starting a service on base. Seven months after talking and praying with their Pastors and using Abraham like faith, New Beginnings International Ministries doors were opened and dedicated to the Lord on July 16, 2006 with 32 people.

Eph 4:11-13 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ:

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�Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Amen. (Matthew 28:19-20)

The mission of New Beginnings International Ministries is to teach born again believers in the Tri-border area who they are in Christ Jesus and how to live a victorious life in their covenant rights and privileges. The fulfillment of that mission takes place when those believers become rooted and grounded enough in God's Word to reach out and teach others these same principles.

We are called to lead people, primarily born-again believers, to the place where they operate proficiently in the biblical principles of faith, love, healing, prosperity, redemption and righteousness, and to the place where they can share those principles with others.

We are called to assist believers in becoming rooted, grounded and established in the Word of God by teaching them to give God's Word first place in their lives (Colossians 1:23, Psalm 112).

We are called to reveal the mysteries, the victorious revelations of God's Word, that have been hidden from the ages (Colossians 1:25-28).

We are called to build an army of mature believers, bringing them from milk to meat, from religion to reality. We are called to train them to become skillful in the word of righteousness, to stand firm in the spiritual warfare against the kingdom of darkness (Hebrews 5:12-14, Ephesians 6:10-18).

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THE SCRIPTURES

The Bible is the inspired Word of God: the product of the holy men of old who spoke through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. As recorded in the New Testament, New Covenant is accepted as our infallible guide in matters concerning conduct and doctrine. (II Timothy 3:16, I Thessalonians 2:13, and II Peter 1:21)

THE GODHEAD

o Our God is One, but manifested in three persons - the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit; all being co-equal. (Philippians 2:6) God the Father is the source of the Word. (John 14:28)

o The Son is the Word made into flesh, the One begotten, and has existed with the Father from the beginning. (John 1:1, John 1:14, John 1:18)
o The Holy Spirit proceeds forth from both the Father and the Son, and is eternal. (John 15:26)

MAN, HIS FALL AND REDEMPTION

Man is a created being, made in the likeness and image of God. However, through Adam�s transgression and fall, sin came into the world. ?All have sinned and come short of the glory of God. As it is written there is none righteous, no not one.? Jesus Christ, the Son of God, was manifested to undo the works of the devil. He gave His life and shed His blood to redeem and restore man back to God. (Romans 5:12, Romans 3:23, Romans 3:10, I John 3:8)

ETERNAL LIFE AND NEW BIRTH

Man�s first step toward salvation is Godly sorrow that worketh repentance. The new birth is necessary to all men; and when fulfilled, it produces eternal life. (II Corinthians 7:10, I John 5:12, John 3:3-5)

WATER BAPTISM

Baptism in water is a direct commandment of our Lord, and is for believers only. The ordinance is a symbol of the Christian�s identification with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection. (Matthew 28:19, Romans 6:4, Acts 2:4)

INFILLING OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

The infilling of the Holy Spirit is a gift from God as promised by the Lord Jesus Christ to those who are believers in this dispensation. (Matthew 3:11, John 14:16-17, Acts 2:38- 39, Acts 19:1-7, Acts 8:36-39, Col. 2:12)

SANCTIFICATION

The Bible teaches that without holiness no man can see the Lord. We believe in the doctrine of sanctification as a definite, yet progressive work of grace, commencing at the time of regeneration and continuing until the consummation of salvation. (II Corinthians 3:18, Hebrews 12:14, II Peter 3:18, Philippians 3:12-14)

DIVINE HEALING

Healing is for the physically ill and is forged by the power of God through the prayer of faith and by the laying on of hands. It is provided for in the atonement of Christ, and it is the privilege of every member of the church today. (Mark 16:18, James 5:14-20, I Peter 2:24, Isaiah 53: 4-5)

RESURRECTION OF THE JUST AND THE RETURN OF OUR LORD The angels said, �This same Jesus shall so come in like manner.� His coming is eminent (sure). When He comes, �Behold, I show you a mystery; we shall not all sleep, but all shall be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruptible, and this mortal must put on immortality. So, when this corruption shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory� (I Corinthians 15:51-55)

�Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into the heavens? This same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen Him go into heaven.� (Acts 1:11)

HELL AND ETERNAL DAMNATION

The one who physically dies in his sins without Christ is hopelessly and eternally lost in the lake of fire; and therefore, has no further opportunity of hearing the gospel or for repentance. The lake of fire is literal. The terms �eternal� and �everlasting� are used in describing the duration of punishment of the damned in the lake of fire. These terms also carry the same thought and meaning of endless existence used in noting the duration of joy the saints possess in the presence of God. (Heb. 9:27, Rev. 19:20)

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Why we stand when we sing:

�Then the Levites of the children of the Kohathites and of the children of the Korahites stood up to praise the Lord God of Israel with voices loud and high.� (2 Chronicles 20:19)

Why we clap our hands:

�Oh clap your hands, all you peoples! Shout to God with the voice of triumph!� (Psalm 47:1)

Why we lift our hands:

�Thus I will bless You while I live; I will lift up my hands in Your name.� (Psalm 63:4)

�Therefore I desire that the men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting.� (1 Timothy 2:8)

Why we have audible praise unto God:

�I will bless the Lord at all times: His praise shall continually be in my mouth.� (Psalm 34:1)

�So when they heard that, they raised their voice to God with one accord and said: Lord, You are God, who made heaven and earth and the sea, and all that is in them.� (Acts 4:24) Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands.� (Psalms 100:1)

Why we sing in tongues and in English:

�For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my understanding is unfruitful. What is the result then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will also pray with understanding. I will sing with the spirit, and I will also sing with the understanding.� (1 Corinthians 14:14-15)

Why we have this type of worship:

�But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth: for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.� (John 4:23-24)

Why we sing choruses as well as hymns:

�And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation: but be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord.� (Ephesians 5:18-19)

�Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.� (Colossians 3:16)

Why we have prophesy:

�But he who prophesies speaks edification and exhortation and comfort to men.� (1 Corinthians 14:3)

�But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all�to another the working of miracles, to another prophesy.� (1 Corinthians 12:7,10)

�For you can all prophesy one by one, that all may learn and all may be encouraged.�

(1 Corinthians 14:31)

�Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others judge.� (1 Corinthians 14:29)

�Therefore brethren, desire earnestly to prophesy, and do not forbid to speak with tongues.� (1 Corinthians 14:39)

�I wish you all spoke with tongues, but even more that you prophesied; for he who prophesies is greater than he who speaks with tongues, unless indeed he interprets, that the church may receive edification.� (1 Corinthians 14:5)

�If any one speaks in a tongue, let there be two or at the most three, each in turn, and let one interpret.� (1 Corinthians 14:27)

Why do we speak in tongues? But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to evey man to profit withal. For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; to another faith by the same spirit, to another the gift of healing by the same Spirit, to another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues.� ( ICor. 12:7-10)

�I would that ye all spake with tongues, but rather ye prophesied: for greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying. If a man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at most by three, and that of course; and let one interpret. Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues.� ( I Cor. 14:5, 27&39)

Why musical instruments are a part of the worship service: �Praise Him with the sound of the trumpet: Praise Him with the flute and harp! Praise Him with the timbrel and dance: Praise him with stringed instruments and flutes! Praise Him with loud cymbals: Praise Him with high sounding cymbals!� (Psalm 150:3-5)

Why the whole church prays at once for specific needs:

�So when they heard that, they raised their voice to God with one accord and said: Lord, You are God, who made heaven and earth and the sea, and all that is in them.� (Acts 4:24)

Why we anoint with oil and pray for the sick:

�Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the Name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins he will be forgiven.� James 5:14-15)

Why Do We Dance: �Let them praise His name in the dance: let them sing praises unto Him with the timbrel and harp� (Psalm 149:3)

Why we bow and kneel: �O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the Lord our Maker.� (Psalm 96:6)

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Children�s Church

The purpose of children�s church is to raise a Holy Nation of youth for God. To REACH those who don�t know Christ and ADOPT them as our very own, to create lifelong DISCIPLES who will SERVE in faith and spread His LOVE throughout the world. (Children 4 years - 12 years old)

LOVE (LADIES OF VIRTOUS EXCELLENCE)

It is the expressed purpose of LOVE to educate women spiritually, emotionally, and physically so they can discern their worth (purpose) and influence; and to enable them to discover their purpose and passion.

Men's Fellowship

What does it mean to be a husband, father and a son? Come and spend an hour with Pastor and the brothers to explore what it means to be a whole man that is after the heart of God.

Music Ministry

The mission of the Music Department is to lead the congregation in praise and worship of God the Father and our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To present the highest level of excellence in music that is attainable. This level of excellence is required of every member of the music ministry. This commitment to excellence is not limited to musical skill and talent, but is also required to be apparent in their overall Christian walk. Every member is considered a worship leader and as such' must conduct him or herself as a true Christian leader.

It is furthermore the goal of the Music Department to never compromise the integrity of this Ministry by presenting musical presentations that are substandard, ungodly or worldly in nature. Finally, it is the goal and objective of this Music Department to strive to achieve musical excellence through the same kind of love, compassion, faithfulness, strength, truthfulness, self-control, patience, and motivation for service displayed by our Great Example Setter, Jesus Christ

Ushers & Greeters

As anointed greeters and ushers, the mission is to exemplify KINDNESS and LOVE when assisting Gods people.

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Singles' Ministry (To Be birthed)

To establish lifelong relationships with singles that transcends the lines of race and gender. To develop whole, strong Christian singles with a spirit of love, who will stand for holiness and righteous living without compromise.

Teen Ministry (To be Birthed)

� A ministry just for teens

� Provide an environment where teens learn the word of God that would could spiritual growth in away that is relevant to them and let�s not forget the fun!
� Doing exciting outings from snowboarding, lazar tag, bowling, weekend-youth retreats and an annual lock in

Intercessory Prayer Team (To be Birthed)

The primary purpose of Intercessory Prayer Ministry is to maintain a circle of prayer around Pastors Esau and Venetia Waters, every aspect of the church, and the Tri-Border community

To encourage members to participate in prayer on designated days.

To motivate all members to become intercessors

To encourage our youth to develop a prayer circle within the youth ministry.

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COMMUNION

In a congregation such as New Beginnings International Ministries Church, members come from many different backgrounds. Some of us are experiencing new spiritual ideas for the first time. Some have come from churches which place great emphasis on formality and ritual, some from churches which have placed their focus on the concerns of social welfare, and still others from churches, much like ours which center their ministry in the Bible. Nowhere is there a greater diversity of experience than in the manner in which we celebrate the Lord's Supper. Even some of the strong Bible believing churches practice the Lord's Supper in different ways or at different intervals than we do here at New Beginnings International Ministries.

For these reasons, it is good to see what the Bible teaches about this memorial given to us by the Lord.

"And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, blessed it and broke it, and gave it to them and said, Take, eat, this is My Body. Then He took the cup, and when He had given thanks He gave it to them, and they all drank from it. And he said to them, This is my Blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many. Assuredly, I say to you, I will no longer drink of the fruit of the vine until that day when l drink it new in the Kingdom of God." (Mark 14:22-25).

WHY DO WE PARTICIPATE IN THE LORD'S SUPPER?

The Lord Himself commanded us to do this!

The Apostle Paul wrote, "For I received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus in the night in which He was betrayed took bread... (and)took the cup also saying. Do this In remembrance of Me. For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup you proclaim the Lord's death until He comes."

Just as we follow the Lord's command to be baptized and understand it to be a picture of His death, burial, and resurrection. We follow His command to partake of the communion feast with one another and understand that this is a picture of His body being crucified on the cross and His Blood being shed for our sins. The central purpose of the Lord's Supper is to bring the sacrifice Christ and all its blessed results to mind. Each time around the table we are again reminded of how great His love is for each of us is. Paul emphatically tells us that we should not eat or drink "without recognizing His Body" (I Corinthians 11:29).

WHAT IS THE LORD'S SUPPER?

There is a paradox here. The feast, as it was celebrated in the Bible, is always eaten with two simple elements, bread and the fruit of the vine. The Lord has chosen two common and ordinary elements to remind us, whenever we eat them of His sacrifice and love for us. While these elements become especially meaningful at the time of communion, they are also there to remind us of this love at every meal of the day.

The paradox is, that though the elements are only natural food, the Lord has caused us to think of them as representing His Body and Blood. We, who are saved, who are covered by the Blood of the Lamb and who are part of the Body of Christ, are instructed at this time to judge ourselves rightly so that we will not be judged (I Corinthians 11:31). Thus, we are provided a special time for repentance.

HOW SHOULD WE COME TO THE TABLE?

We should be examining our lives. We should not hesitate to set things right with our fellow believers and with the Lord.

WHEN SHOULD WE COME TO THE TABLE?

The Bible does not give a clear and specific command but Acts 20:7 implies that the disciples in Troas celebrated the Lord's Supper on the Lord's Day. Paul knew when he arrived there, early in the week, that the disciples would gather for Communion on the first day of the week and that he would be able to preach to them. The rebuke to the Corinthians in I Corinthians 11 :2-2l, coupled with I Corinthians 16:2, has an implication that on the first day of the week the Corinthian Church met to gather at the Lord's Table and to bring their offerings.

In the Old Testament, the priest came each week to eat the Bread of the Presence from the Golden Table of the Tabernacle (Lev. 24:59). The bread is a type of Christ (John 6:27-59). The Table appears to be a type of the Lord's Table. The priests of the New Testament, that is, all the believers (I Peter 2:9), gather about the Lord's Table to partake of Communion a bread just as the priest of the family of Aaron ate from the Golden Table of the Bread of the Presence.

The question remains, when should we come to the Table? Each Sunday, each Wednesday, once a month, twice a month, when?

All of the above is correct as well as any other time you might believe to be appropriate. Whether it be once a week or once a month, whether it be at home or at the church services, Jesus set the pattern when He said, "As often as you do it, do it in remembrance of me."

WHY BREAD AND GRAPE JUICE?

The Bread symbolizes two things. The Body of Jesus that which was broken for our well being and also the church (the Body of Christ) through which we draw fellowship, unity, and a working understanding of the Kingdom of God. The grape juice symbolizes the blood of Jesus, which is shed for the remission (removal) of our sins.

"The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ? For we being many are one bread, and one body: for we are all partakers of that one bread' (I Corinthians 10:16-17).

WHAT SHOULD WE DO WHEN WE PARTAKE? In the few minutes that we remember Jesus in the way He requested we can do a self examination or worship. Without our permission, our minds can wander from one subject to another if not purposefully directed. Satan will even use the quiet time to accuse us of sin and remind us just how unworthy we really are.

For this reason, we are instructed in how to occupy our thoughts during Communion. I Cor. 11:28 tells us to examine ourselves. This self-examination will lead us to evaluate our priorities in life as revealed by our calendars and checkbooks! We can assure the Lord of our love and loyalty to Him. We ought to commit our lives to some place of meaningful service. We need to consider how vital church services are for our growth.

The second area the Bible deals with is in I Cor. 11:29, where we are told to "discern the Lord's Body". Usually we tend to think that this refers to the physical body of Jesus at Calvary. This is certainly in harmony with His command to "Do this in remembrance of Me". However, much of the context of I Corinthians has to do with the Body of Christ. We are directed to consider the Church, our local assembly and the entire world wide Body of Christ.

When we meditate after eating the symbols, we must thank God for the Church and commit ourselves to its success in getting the Gospel out. Why not pray for the person on either side, for those behind us and in front of us, for those we have sent over seas and for the pastor and his staff? Pray for open doors for the future and pray for the present opportunities. "Discerning the Lord's Body" includes all of this!

It is therefore fitting that we should begin to sing songs of praise, worship, and commitment as we respond to the Lord's invitation to His Table. It is quite acceptable and proper that the congregation sing in a fresh awareness of the oneness and a unity of the Church.

The observance of the Table of the Lord is meant to be a time of great purpose and power. It isn't a lengthy time, but it doesn't need to be. The observance of the Lord's supper (Communion) is done each 1st Sunday immediately following Praise and Worship. Due to the sacredness and reverence of this time, no one is allowed to enter the sanctuary during the Communion service. You are allowed to enter upon completion of the service. The Communion service lasts approximately 15 minutes.

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Jesus said, "Go into all the world and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit." Matthew 28:19.

Every conversion that is described in any detail at all in the New Testament after the establishment of the church includes baptism. Belief was always a prerequisite. True belief in Jesus as Savior and Lord was the condition that had to exist before on Christian baptized another, Acts 8:36-38. Baptism was never willingly administered to an unbeliever. It is impossible to obey the Lord and at the same time refuse to be baptized. It is not only a great responsibility to be baptized, but a wonderful, glorious opportunity to be identified with our Lord in this marvelous way.

Baptism ". . . means the ability to face God with a clear conscience, for there is in every true baptism the virtue of Christ's rising from the dead.", I Peter 3:21. We must be very careful not to conclude that baptism saves, for Ephesians 2:8-9 says, " by grace are you saved through faith." We are not saved by church membership, faithful attendance, the Lord's supper, or baptism, or all of these things put together. We trust ourselves to Jesus Christ as our Savior, and He alone has the power to save.

Baptism symbolizes the death burial, and resurrection of Jesus and our own relationship to His victory over sin, death and the grave, Roman 6:35. The one being baptized is presenting himself as a dead person to be buried with Christ saying, "I am finished with the old life. I want to live in the power of the Resurrection Life of Jesus. I will be loyal to the kingdom of god."

HOW DOES GOD EXPECT ME TO BE BAPTIZED?

Many of the large denominations employ the practice fob sprinkle water over the candidates' head for their baptism. Some perform the same ordinance by pouring water over the body. While still other churches still immerse or put the candidate completely beneath the water for an instant. Which is right?

The New Testament was originally written in Greek. The Greek word for baptism is "baptizo", which mean to dip or immerse. The Greek for the act of pouring is "Cheo". Greek for sprinkling is "raino" would be used, is pouring, "Cheo". If the form made no difference: then "budraino". Greek scholars, ancient and modern, are in complete accord on this matter.

The circumstantial evidence furnished by the scriptures, themselves, is for immersion. John was baptizing at Enon, near Salem, because there was much water, or many waters, (John 3:23). Jesus, Himself, "...when He was baptized went up straightway out of the water..." (Matthew 3:16) "... was baptized .. in Jordan ( River) ...coming up out of the water..." (Mark1:9-10). Philip took the Ethiopian "down into the water" ( Acts 8:39) after his baptism. The Apostle Paul told the Colossians that baptism was a form of "burial" (Colossian 2:12) with Christ. To the Romans (6:4), Paul told them that they were baptized into Christ's death by burial and likened it to a form or planting ( or covered up, Romans 6:5)

Baptism is symbolic, symbolizing the burial and the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. This symbol would be destroyed in sprinkling and pouring Sprinkling as a mode of baptism was begun by the Roman Catholic Church and was originated by them as a fact and can be read in the Edinburgh Encyclopedia Vol.3, page 236, Article "Baptism".

Should I be re-baptized if I have been sprinkled? It is not for any man to judge another. Man's responsibility is to respond to the truth as it is revealed to him. Only God has the answer. Ask God, then obey.

We read in the New Testament about a preacher who was confused about baptism ( Acts 18:25 19:5). Apollos was a Greek, still baptizing people in the baptism or repentance as John had. He didn't know of Jesus' ministry and Lordship. When he was convinced, we don't know for sure if he was re-baptized, but we know his convert were immersed in the Name of the Lord.

The Bible way then is to respond to the new truth and not be ashamed of it. Many of our loved ones perhaps have been sprinkled; they responded to the truth they knew. Each of us must do likewise responding in the manner the Lord has shown us through His Word and His servants.

HOW DO WE BAPTIZE?

There is some confusion in the church world today as to the method of baptism. Should we baptize in Jesus name only or should we be baptized in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost? This question comes from the book of Acts where we read repeatedly the command to be baptized in the name of the Lord.

Why the straight forward reference to the name of Jesus? I believe Acts 19:16 best explains this question. Paul found certain believers worshipping at Corinth and asked

"Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed?"

They responded that they did not understand what Paul meant by the Holy Ghost. Paul then asked, "Unto what then were ye baptized?", or by what authority have ye been baptized? Were they baptized by the laws of the Jewish purification, John's baptism or by what authority? They then responded, "by John's baptism, or by the authority of John the Baptist. Paul then replied that John had baptized with the power and authority of God, but now there was a new and everlasting covenant. Jesus had paid the price for sin and had conquered hell, death and the grave. Now it was time to recognize the authority of Jesus Christ, to identify with His death, burial and resurrection. They willingly obeyed and received the indwelling Spirit of God as well as the baptism of the Holy Spirit. All that we do in the New Testament Church is done in the authority of the name of Jesus, for there is no other name given among men whereby we must be saved. All power in heaven and earth rest upon that name and the ability of the believer to use that name.

WHAT METHOD DO WE USE?

We believe that it is pleasing to God when we totally immerse those who come for water baptism. We are buried with Him in baptism and raised to walk again in the newness of life. What should be said over the person being baptized if anything? Jesus established this in Matthew 28:18-19... "All power is given unto me in Heaven and in Earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the Name qf the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost."

WHAT DO WE SAY?

In an effort to silence those who would say you must be baptized in the name of the Lord we say the following:

"In obedience to the command of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and based, on the profession of your faith, I now baptize you in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost in the authority of the name of Jesus."
The men who are to be baptized should bring a towel, slacks, a white shirt, white socks, and a change of clothes. The women who are to be baptized should bring a towel and a change of clothes (suitable for maintaining moisture without being transparent after becoming wet). Preferably, a dark T-shirt, dark pants, white socks, and a change of clothes.

SHOULD MY BABY BE BAPTIZED?

The practice of infant christening comes from an old doctrine that babies were guilty of sin inherited from Adam. Therefore, they were christened or "christianized" and give a "Christian name". Now we understand that we become a Christian by receiving Christ as our Savior by faith and then we obey Him in immersion or baptism as he commands. "By grace are ye saved through faith..." This capacity is beyond the grasp of an infant who is christened.

There is no precept or example in the New Testament for infant baptism. Throughout the Scriptures, there are certain elements always connected with baptism. Jesus told His disciples (Matthew 28:19-20) to teach or make disciples, then to baptize them. Infants cannot be taught in this capacity. Mark's Gospel account of the same incident (Mark 16: 15, 16) indicates one must be a believer and be baptized. A baby cannot exercise this kind of faith. In Acts 2:37, 38, the Apostle Peter was preaching, the people were convicted of their sin and wanted to know how to be saved. Peter told them to repent and be baptized. Conviction and repentance are beyond infants' minds. Philip told the Ethiopian he could be baptized if he believed with his whole heart. The man confessed Christ first, then was baptized (Acts 8:36, 37).

In the "household" baptisms that are elaborated on in the New Testament it is clearly shown that these conditions were present. The baptized were hearers and believers, they rejoiced, and they served.

Then surely God must consider a child "safe" if not saved. Otherwise He would have given definite instructions in His Word. II Samuel 12:15-23 indicates that a baby went to its eternal reward after death where its godly father would also go after his death (heaven).

We do not baptize babies. However, we do follow the tradition of blessing babies and dedicating them to the Lord. After a married couple is blessed with a child, many times others want to be a part of the child's development and spiritual growth. Babies are dedicated to the Lord with parents, God-parents committed to teaching and training the child in things of God.

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