Why indeed? Philip baptized him right then and there. That's how the early church saw it — salvation and baptism belonged together. Not as a formula, and not as something that saves you in itself, but as the natural, immediate, joyful response of someone who has surrendered their life to Jesus.

Let me be clear: water baptism does not save you. You are saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ alone. But here's the way I like to put it: saved people get water baptized. It is a public declaration. It is an act of obedience. It is your way of telling the world — and yourself — that something has changed.

There is something deeply spiritual happening in baptism. When you go down into that water, it is a picture of death and burial — the old you, the old way of living, is gone. When you come up out of that water, it is a picture of resurrection — you are walking in newness of life. You are identifying yourself with the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Four reasons I encourage every believer to be baptized in water: First, Jesus Himself was baptized and commanded us to follow His example. Second, the early church practiced it immediately and universally. Third, it is your public profession — your moment of saying, out loud and in front of witnesses, "I belong to Jesus." And fourth, there is a spiritual dynamic in it that, I'll be honest, I don't fully understand — but I know God honors it.

If you've given your life to Christ but have never been water baptized, I want to encourage you to take that step. It matters. Contact us and we'll set it up — we'd love to celebrate with you.