The Sacrament of Baptism: Online Resources   The beginning of Jesus' public ministry came after he was baptized by his cousin John in the Jordan River.  And it was the Lord Jesus who commanded the apostles to go, make disciples of all nations, and baptize in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19).   So the sacrament of baptism (called the "ordinance" of baptism by some Protestant Churches) is fundamental to the Christian faith.   But what is the meaning of baptism and its sign of water?  And should we baptize infants who can't speak for themselves (infant baptism), or only adults who have consciously decided to follow Jesus (believer's baptism)?  Should we baptize by full immersion, or is it sufficient to baptize by pouring or sprinking water over the head of the new Christian.  And does baptism itself really do or add anything, or is it just an outward sign of an invisible salvation that has already taken place?  What is the relationship between baptism and salvation anyway?  What connection does it have to being "born again?"   These questions have often divided Christians over the past 400 years, so it is important to seek answers to them.  The online resources below do just that, drawn from contemporary authors, classic authors such as the Early Church Fathers, and official documents of the Catholic Church.   If you would like to sign up for our free weekly e-mail with links to Dr. D'Ambrosio's commentary on the Sunday readings, special seasonal resources, new posts on our site, updates on when Dr. D will be speaking in your area, a chance to WIN a FREE CD and MORE, be sure to CLICK HERE!