I’m sick of churches treating baptism like an event that needs to be put on the calendar.
“Baptism Sunday is next month.”
“Sign up for the next class.”
“We only baptize on certain Sundays.”
Where is that in Scripture?
When people received the revelation of Jesus Christ, believed the Gospel, and repented, they were baptized. They didn’t wait for the church calendar.
Peter preached:
“Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins…” Acts 2:38
Not weeks later. Not when it was convenient. They that gladly received his word were baptized that same day. Acts 2:41
The Ethiopian eunuch heard the Gospel, saw water and immediately asked, “What doth hinder me to be baptized?” Acts 8:36
The Philippian jailer believed and “was baptized, he and all his, straightway.” Acts 16:33
And throughout Acts, the apostles baptized believers in the name of Jesus Christ. See Acts 2:38, Acts 8:16, Acts 10:48 and Acts 19:5.
Why? Because there is power and authority in the name of Jesus Christ. “Whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus.” Colossians 3:17
If you have repented, believed on Jesus Christ, and understand what you’re doing, why wait?
Any pastor worth his salt should be willing to drop what he’s doing and baptize a repentant believer in the name of Jesus Christ.
And if your pastor won’t? Find a godly, Spirit-filled man or woman who understands the Gospel and will.
The Book of Acts didn’t treat baptism like a quarterly church program or photo opportunity.
They preached Jesus.
They repented.
They believed.
They were baptized in His name.
Stop scheduling obedience for later.
Repent. Be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Obey the Gospel.