Baptisms

The next baptism will be held on March 4, 2012 during the 9:20am service.

Register Here!  

Please read the following information regarding baptism at OCC (there's contact information toward the bottom of this page should you have questions). If your child would like to be baptized and is between the ages of 10 and 16, please e-mail OCC Student Ministries. If your child is under 10, please e-mail OCC's Children's Ministry.

 

What Is Christian Baptism?      

Christian baptism is immersion in water as a public statement of one"s new identity in Christ, having received Him by faith as Savior and Lord. Baptism does not save a person. Rather, baptism is the first act of obedience for one who has been saved. The model given to us in the Bible is that baptism immediately follows conversion.

"Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day." Acts 2:41

Why Should I Be Baptized?

• To follow the example set by Jesus.

"At that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan." Mark 1:9

• Because Christ Himself commands it.

"Then Jesus said to them… "Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.'" Matthew 28:19

• To publicly demonstrate that I really am a believer.

"And many… who heard him believed and were baptized." Acts 18:8

• To openly demonstrate my desire to obey Christ and my willingness to come under His Lordship in my life.

"Why do you call me "Lord, Lord" and do not do what I say?" Luke 6:46

• Baptism is the act that initiates the Christian into the fellowship of the believers.

"For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body…" I Corinthians 12:13

What Is The Meaning Of Baptism?

• It illustrates Christ's death, burial and resurrection.

"Christ died for sins according to the Scriptures… He was buried… He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures." I Corinthians 15:3-4

"… Having been buried with Him in baptism and raised with Him through your faith in the power of God, who raised Him from the dead." Colossians 2:12

This is why baptism is done by immersion rather than by sprinkling.

• Baptism illustrates my new life as a Christian.

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!" 2 Cor. 5:17

"We were therefore buried with Him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life." Romans 6:5

Who Is A Candidate For Baptism?

• Those who hear the Gospel.

"… and many… who heard him believed and were baptized." Acts 18:8

• Those who believe in Christ.

"Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved..." Mark 16:16

• Those who repent of sin.

"Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins." Acts 2:38

• Those who confess Christ with their mouth.

"… If you confess with your mouth "Jesus is Lord" and believe in your heart God raised Him from the dead you will be saved." Romans 10:9

• Those who in good conscience pledge their life to Christ.

"… Baptism that now saves you… not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a good conscience toward God." I Peter 3:21

What About Babies/Kids?

Overlake offers "Believer's Baptism" and therefore do not offer infant baptism. We do offer infant dedication as it is modeled in the Bible (1 Samuel 1:27-28; Luke 2:22; Matthew 19:13-15). If you have any questions about baptism theology or want more info about what Overlake believes about baptism, e-mail Pastor Josh McQueen. Learn more about infant dedication and schedule one for your child at the link above.

PLEASE NOTE: Children age 10 and under who love Jesus and would like to be baptized are asked to do 3 things before they're "cleared" to be baptized:

1. Download or pick up our "Baptism Workbook," and discuss its content with parents, writing down answers to the questions.
2. Parents, please make an honest assessment, whether or not you believe your child is ready to be baptized or not.
3. E-mail the Children's Pastor, Bob Lee. We will either schedule a meeting to go over the answers in the workbook, or will approve your child for baptism.

Need More Information?

Baptism is also discussed at our Tuesday evening Membership Class (click that link for date details). Still have questions about baptism? Please e-mail Andrea Monson or call 425.895.5902.

 

Looking for info about Baby Dedications?  

You'll find it HERE!