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DTSTAMP:20260907T113705Z
UID:78-2463568@encounterchurchfw.org
DTSTART:20250223T160000Z
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CLASS:PUBLIC
CREATED:20260809T091142
DESCRIPTION:Baptism at Encounter Church\nA Public Declaration of an Inward 
 Transformation\n Held the Last Sunday of Every Month - Service Begins at 1
 0:00 AM\nWater baptism is one of the most powerful and meaningful steps a 
 believer can take after placing their faith in Jesus Christ. It is more th
 an a church tradition or religious ceremony—it is an act of obedience\, 
 a public declaration of faith\, and a celebration of the new life we have 
 in Christ.\nAt Encounter Church\, we believe baptism is an outward express
 ion of the inward transformation that has already taken place through salv
 ation. While baptism itself does not save us\, it boldly proclaims that we
  have died to our old way of living and have been raised to walk in the ne
 w life Jesus has given us.\nWhy Should I Be Baptized?\nJesus Himself was b
 aptized\, not because He needed forgiveness\, but to fulfill righteousness
  and set an example for every believer.\n\n"Then Jesus came from Galilee t
 o John at the Jordan to be baptized by him... Jesus answered\, 'Permit it 
 to be so now\, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.
 '"\n— Matthew 3:13–15\n\nIf Jesus chose to be baptized\, then as His f
 ollowers\, we joyfully choose to follow His example.\nBaptism Is an Act of
  Obedience\nBefore Jesus ascended into heaven\, He gave His disciples a cl
 ear command:\n\n"Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations\, bapt
 izing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit
 ."\n— Matthew 28:19\n\nNotice that baptism isn't presented as an optiona
 l extra for "super Christians." It is one of the very first steps of obedi
 ence after becoming a disciple of Jesus.\nBishop Gary Oliver often reminds
  us that obedience positions us for God's promises. Baptism is one of thos
 e beautiful moments where our obedience becomes our testimony.\nWhat Does 
 Baptism Symbolize?\nThe Apostle Paul explains the beautiful picture behind
  baptism:\n\n"Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death
 \, that just as Christ was raised from the dead... even so we also should 
 walk in newness of life."\n— Romans 6:4\n\nWhen you go under the water\,
  it symbolizes:\n\nYour old life being buried with Christ.\nYour sins bein
 g forgiven through His finished work on the cross.\nLeaving behind your ol
 d identity\, old habits\, and old ways.\n\nWhen you rise from the water\, 
 it represents:\n\nResurrection life.\nA new beginning.\nWalking in the fre
 edom\, purpose\, and victory found in Jesus Christ.\n\nIt's a powerful dec
 laration that says:\n"The old me is gone. I belong to Jesus now."\nBaptism
  Doesn't Save You—Jesus Does\nSalvation comes by grace through faith in 
 Jesus Christ alone.\n\n"For by grace you have been saved through faith... 
 it is the gift of God."\n— Ephesians 2:8–9\n\nBaptism is not what save
 s us.\nRather\, baptism is our joyful response because we have already bee
 n saved.\nIt's much like wearing a wedding ring. The ring doesn't make som
 eone married—it simply tells the world they belong to someone. Baptism t
 ells the world\, "I belong to Jesus."\nYour Testimony Matters\nEvery bapti
 sm tells a story.\nA story of grace.\nA story of forgiveness.\nA story of 
 redemption.\nThe waters of baptism become a public testimony that God stil
 l transforms lives today.\nYour family sees it.\nYour church celebrates it
 .\nHeaven rejoices over it.\nWho Should Be Baptized?\nIf you have personal
 ly placed your faith in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior and have neve
 r been baptized as a believer\, we encourage you to take this next step.\n
 You don't have to have everything figured out.\nYou don't have to be perfe
 ct.\nYou simply need a surrendered heart that says\,\n"Jesus\, I'm followi
 ng You."\nWhat Can I Expect?\nOn Baptism Sunday\, our ministry team will g
 uide you through every step of the process. We'll celebrate with you\, pra
 y over you\, and witness this incredible milestone in your walk with Chris
 t.\nPlease bring:\n\nA change of clothes\nClothing suitable for baptism (d
 ark-colored shirt and shorts are recommended)\n\nIf you have questions\, o
 ur team will be happy to help you prepare for this special day. \nIf you 
 didn't bring a change of clothes\, don't worry—we have extra baptism clo
 thing and towels available so you can be baptized the same day. If the Hol
 y Spirit is leading you to publicly declare your faith in Jesus Christ\, w
 e'll be ready to celebrate that decision with you.\n\n"Today\, if you hear
  His voice\, do not harden your hearts." — Hebrews 3:15\n\nDon't let clo
 thing be the reason you wait. If God is calling you\, we'll help you take 
 your next step.\nTake Your Next Step\nIf Jesus has changed your life\, don
 't keep it private.\nLet your baptism become a testimony of God's faithful
 ness and your commitment to follow Him wholeheartedly.\nAs Bishop Gary Oli
 ver often teaches\, God honors faith\, and He blesses obedience. Baptism i
 s one of the first opportunities we have to say\, "Lord\, I'm all in."\nWe
  would be honored to celebrate this life-changing moment with you.\n\n"Tho
 se who accepted his message were baptized..."\n— Acts 2:41\n\n\nEncounte
 r Church\n10180 Rolling Hills Dr.\nBenbrook\, TX 76126\nBaptism Sunday\nTh
 e Last Sunday of Every Month\nYour next step of faith could become someone
  else's testimony of hope. Come celebrate the new life that is found in Je
 sus Christ!
LAST-MODIFIED:20260809T091142
LOCATION:10180 Rolling Hills Dr\, Benbrook TX 76126   
SUMMARY:Baptism Sunday
URL;VALUE=URI:https://encounterchurchfw.org/events/baptism-sunday--78/2025-
 02-23
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