Taking the Plunge: Jesus’ Call to Baptism
This Sunday was a beautiful reminder that baptism is more than a moment in the water—it is a public expression of faith, obedience, and new life in Jesus Christ. In his message, “Taking the Plunge: Jesus’ Call to Baptism,” Rev. David Morehouse explored why baptism has remained such an important part of following Jesus from the earliest days of the Church until today.
Drawing from Jesus’ Great Commission in Matthew 28, Rev. Morehouse brought the message down to three essential truths: Jesus told us to be baptized; belief comes before baptism; and baptism is a symbol. We are not baptized in order to earn salvation. Rather, baptism points to the salvation we have already received by grace through faith in Christ. As Romans 6:4 reminds us, going into and rising from the water beautifully represents our identification with the death and resurrection of Jesus—and the new life we have in Him.
Those truths became especially meaningful as we witnessed three people take that step of faith. Mark McKinnon, son of Heather McKinnon, returned to be baptized surrounded by family and friends before continuing his journey in Newfoundland, where he serves as a valued member of the Canadian military and is part of The Crossing Church. With the support of his church and Pastor Andrew Porter, our congregation had the privilege of standing alongside Mark as he publicly declared his faith in Jesus.
It was also a deeply emotional moment for our First Baptist family as Catalina Ortiz, our Communications Coordinator, and her husband, Juan Pablo Perez, were baptized before their upcoming move back to Colombia. While their departure brings sadness, their baptism was also a beautiful testimony to what God has done in their lives during their time in Moncton. Before beginning this new chapter, they wanted to take this step surrounded by the church family that has become such an important part of their journey with Christ.
Rev. Morehouse closed with the story of Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch in Acts 8 and one powerful question: “What is to stop me from being baptized?” Sometimes we hesitate because we feel unprepared, embarrassed, too old, too busy, or simply unsure. But baptism is not about having everything figured out or being “good enough.” It is about believing in Jesus and choosing to follow Him in obedience.
What is stopping you from taking that step? If you have placed your faith in Jesus but have never been baptized, we would love to walk alongside you, answer your questions, and help you learn more about baptism and church membership. Contact the First Baptist Church office to start the conversation. Your next step of faith may begin with one simple question: What is to stop me?
