Baptism not about location

We had a backyard barbecue last week that included water baptism.

Some friends of the young man being baptized were there to be a part of the important time in his life. One of the ladies was a little taken back by the baptism happening in a swimming pool, as she was from a formal church background.

She was soon rejoicing with rest of us over the good things God is doing in the life of the young man being baptized. The focus became what was happening, not where it was happening.

I've personally baptized people in a lot of different places, including the baptismal at the church, in Lake Tahoe, Eagle Lake, Truckee River, Jordan River, in swimming pools, and even "sprinkled" a precious lady in a local hospital.

What does the Bible have to say about baptism? Can't cover it all here but briefly:

Jesus in the Great Commission told His disciples to go into all the world and make disciples, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit as recorded in Matthew 28:18-19. Water baptism is a good thing because Jesus said to do it.

The place it should be done is outlined in the story of Philip the evangelist and the Ethiopian eunuch found in Acts 8: 35-38, which gives us a valuable principle:

"Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning at this Scripture, preached Jesus to him. Now as they went down the road, they came to some water. And the eunuch said, 'See, here is water. What hinders me from being baptized?'"

Then Philip said, "If you believe with all your heart, you may." And he answered and said, "I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God." So he commanded the chariot to stand still. And both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water, and he baptized him. (Acts 8:35-38)

Believe in Jesus and be baptized, in the water, wherever that may be.

• Louie Locke is pastor of Fountainhead Foursquare Church in Carson City. For information, visit www.fountainheadcc.org.