Water Grave
June 25, 2010 by Mike Knapp
Filed under Spiritual Growth
In my house there’s been a mercy killing
The man I used to be has been crucified
And the death of this man is a final way of revealing
That in a spiritual way, to live I had to die
Now if I let the dead man linger in me
I might get a little idle in my ways
So I’m going down to the celebration River
Gonna take this dead man down to a water grave
I’m going down to the river, my Lord
I’m gonna be buried alive
Cause I want to show my heavenly Father
The man I used to be has finally died
Written by Steve Chapman
Recorded in 1977 by Russ Taff and the Imperials
These are, in my humble opinion, far and away the best lyrics ever crafted about the need, the reason, and the power of water baptism. This Saturday we’re having our first baptism, or “water grave” celebration. We have a man who gave his heart to Christ and is following Him in baptism.
Here’s a little about what we believe about baptism at Lake Hills Community Church.
“By our baptism then we were buried with him and shared his death, in order that just as Christ was raised from the dead also we might live a new life!” (Romans 6:4)
Baptism is cause for celebration. That’s because baptism is your first public profession of faith. It’s a way to show that you’ve accepted Christ. In the same way a wedding ring is used as a symbol of a deep and lasting commitment to a spouse, baptism is a symbol of a deep and lasting relationship with God. If you haven’t been baptized as an adult, we encourage you to not wait another day. Come out and acknowledge God’s love, grace and goodness in your life!.
What Is The Meaning of Baptism?
- It is a symbol of Christ’s burial and resurrection. (1 Corinthians 15:3-4)
- It is a symbol of your new life as a Christian. (2 Corinthians 5:17)
- Baptism does not make you a believer; it shows that you already are one! Baptism does not save you; only your faith in Christ does that.
Why Be Baptized?
- Because you want to follow Christ’s example. (Mark 1:9)
- Because Christ commanded it. (Matthew 28:19:20)
- Because it shows you are a believer. (Acts 18:8)
- Because obeying Christ’s command shows you know him. (1 John 2:3)
- Because something spiritual and powerful happens in your life to help you live the new life you’ve begun. (Romans 6, esp. vv.1-11)
Who Should Be Baptized?
Every person who believes in Christ and has made the decision to follow him. (Acts 2:41)
The one requirement for baptism is belief in Christ. Therefore, at Lake Hills Community, we do not baptize children until they are old enough to understand and believe.
When Are We To Be Baptized?
As soon as a person decides to believe in Christ, he or she can and should be baptized. (Acts 2:41)
How Are We To Be Baptized?
Like Jesus was baptized – by being immersed under water. (Matt. 3:16) Every baptism described in the Bible was by immersion under water. In fact, that’s what baptize literally means. The Greek word “baptizo” means “to immerse or dip under water.” The act of lowering someone beneath water, then lifting them back up to life-sustaining air is a way to picture a burial and resurrection.
Many people have differing views of water baptism and these should never become a point of contention among the family of God. These are a few points on what we believe and why, ” ‘Cause I want to show my heavenly Father, that the man I used to be has finally died.”
If you have questions or concerns about salvation and baptism and would like to talk one-on-one with a pastor, simply contact us.
