What is baptism? Is it still important? Are we practicing baptism in the right way? Pastor Ben Kingston teaches us the importance of baptism. Our scripture today is Matthew 3:13-17.

Matthew 3:13-17 – “Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him. But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me? And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him. And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”

I Peter 2:21 – “For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:”

Acts 2:41 – “Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.”

What does baptism not do? It does not save you. It does not wash your sins away.

What does it take to have a scriptural new testament baptism?
Proper candidate – already be saved
Proper mode – full immersion
Proper authority – the church
Proper administrator – whoever the church authorizes.