Final thought and next steps

A final thought and next steps towards Baptism

There have been some big ideas and things to consider in the previous pages.

A final key concept associated with baptism is 'covenant'.

We still make covenants in some legal proceedings. Probably the best picture of covenant is marriage. In the Christian wedding service, declarations are being made that unite the bride and groom making them one. All that they are and had as individuals is now shared mutually. A similar thing happens in baptism. The baptised person is united with God. All that God is and has is now accessible to them. And, they are saying, all they are and have now belongs to God.

They are inextricably linked one to the other.

Covenants come with promises - promises to accept the offer and promises to keep the agreement. In baptism the covenant is that God will restore relationship and give himself to you 100% - your part is to give yourself to him 100%..

It's important to be able to make these declarations with integrity.

If you can, that is terrific! Here’s the next steps:

There are four functional things you need to consider if you want to progress to baptism or confirmation.

Firstly, come to church (if you haven’t already). People are always baptised into a community, so come and hang out with us, get to know us! We meet on Sunday at 10am at 40 Liffey St, Canning Vale. Or you can join us online if you're not able to come in person for practical or health reasons - thebillabong.online.church

Secondly, contact myself at luke@thebillabong.org.au to let me know you’re interested. This gets things under way.

Thirdly, examine the bible passages mentioned and be prepared to discuss baptism or confirmation with myself or a member of our staff. Relax, this is not a quiz! You may just have some questions for us, and we might have some questions for you if we don't know you yet.

Fourthly, a date will be assigned for the baptism or confirmation, the process will be explained and, if necessary, a visit to the church to run through the baptism/confirmation will be agreed upon.

Thank you for the privilege of introducing you to baptism and confirmation at The Billabong!

God Bless,

Luke (Minister, The Billabong)