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[blackribbon]

To be honest, I don't know that any Southern Baptist churches combine the two things. Baptism is to show that you are a Christian...washing away the old man, become new in Christ. To become a member after that, you have to request membership. There are often membership classes so that you can learn what the Baptist church believes (and you can take these without become a Baptist either....you can take them to just understand the Baptist beliefs.) No one will be standing at the other end of the baptismal with a membership card. You are safe.

 

[blackribbon]

I attended a southern Baptist church for years. The one I loved the most you would never have known they were southern Baptist...but their doctrine lined up with this denomination the best. I belonged to this church...but when asked my religion, I always answer "Christian". I am a Christian who attended a Baptist church and was willing to live under their teachings.

 

[mjmcmillan]

or you could just go jump in a lake



Sorry I couldn't resist

I've seen a baptismal service done at a lake, so your suggestion isn't as far-fetched as one might think.

 

[blackribbon]

I was baptized in a lake.

 

[Lone Wolfe]

To be honest, I don't know that any Southern Baptist churches combine the two things. Baptism is to show that you are a Christian...washing away the old man, become new in Christ. To become a member after that, you have to request membership. There are often membership classes so that you can learn what the Baptist church believes (and you can take these without become a Baptist either....you can take them to just understand the Baptist beliefs.) No one will be standing at the other end of the baptismal with a membership card. You are safe.

That's interesting because I've been baptized twice in my life and both times afterwards, I was given a baptism certificate and a membership card with both churches and that's what I wanted to avoid this time? Perhaps I'm assuming this church will do the same and they don't??? I should look into it more before I just assume I guess. Thanks for the insight as this is my first time attending a Baptist church.

 

[memoriesbymichelle]

I've seen a baptismal service done at a lake, so your suggestion isn't as far-fetched as one might think.

I know, but I meant just by himself! I guess he COULD do that even being ordained and all though, right?

 

[memoriesbymichelle]

That's interesting because I've been baptized twice in my life and both times afterwards, I was given a baptism certificate and a membership card with both churches and that's what I wanted to avoid this time? Perhaps I'm assuming this church will do the same and they don't??? I should look into it more before I just assume I guess. Thanks for the insight as this is my first time attending a Baptist church.

If you've already been baptized there is no need for you to do it again and again. Once is enough seriously.

 

[memoriesbymichelle]

I was baptized in a lake.

I know I was just being funny as in ha ha not hee hee . I was baptized in the ocean.

 

[Lone Wolfe]

or you could just go jump in a lake



Sorry I couldn't resist

This sounds like the easiest way to do it, lol. I always wanted to get baptized in a river but, I've never found a church yet that does that? Of course in these parts, I don't know anyone who wants to go in our rivers??? LOL

 

[Lone Wolfe]

Well, that's what my neighbor Ed keeps telling me? He says, "Well Bo, you've been a Christian more than 30 years, you've been baptized twice, you were ordained several years ago and you still don't feel you're good enough or right enough and I don't understand that"? I have no answer for him when he says this and I wonder myself at times too why I feel the way I do at times?

There's much more to the story but, it would take too long to explain it all and most of is boring stuff anyway that most folks have no interest in hearing or reading so... I will let that go there, lol.

I just have always felt that when a Christian "back-slides", it takes a bigger effort and a more serious attitude to make up for lost time? It's nothing I've ever been told by anyone, it's just something I've always felt personally?

Let's just say that in the past 30+ years I've been a Christian, I've spent more time away from God than I have with Him and that's wherein I believe the problem lies???

 

[memoriesbymichelle]

Well that would be kind of working for your salvation, which we cannot do. You've been baptized leave it at that. You have made your public confession (which is what baptism is) so you're good. It matters not what you feel. And don't forget, the thief at the cross could not be baptized and Jesus said "today you will be with me in Paradise" he did NOT say, "too bad you didn't get baptized yet" YKWIM?

 

[Lone Wolfe]

And don't forget, the thief at the cross could not be baptized and Jesus said "today you will be with me in Paradise" he did NOT say, "too bad you didn't get baptized yet" YKWIM?

WOW! I haven't laughed this hard in I don't know how long? Thank you Michelle, I really needed that!!!

LOL

 

[blackribbon]

If my kid is bad, do I love him/her less?

Does he/she have to work harder to earn his/her place in my family after doing a bad thing? (maybe trust won't comes as easily, but love and family membership stays)

The story of the prodigal son shows how God loves us. He doesn't care what we have done...He only cares that we have returned home.

You are baptized. Salvation doesn't come and go based on if we deserve it. The honest truth is none of us deserve it or every will be good enough to. However, salvation comes the day we truly accept God into our hearts as Lord and Savior. It has nothing to do with how we act. Baptism is just the outward expression that you have chosen Christ and want the world to know. It is a ritual...and not even require for salvation (salvation must come first). If you want to be re-baptized as a outward sign of re-dedication and it means something to you, then you can. However, it is not necessary. The fruits of your life are what God wants to see...not lots of rituals.

I was sprinkled as baby. I don't believe that this is baptism...it is my parent's dedicating me, but the choice of salvation was mine to be made when I was old enough to make my own choice. I was dunked as a teenager. It was at an Apostalic church (I think)...and this baptism is good enough even for the Southern Baptist church. My statement of faith was more important...as it should be. Actually, I "felt" nothing...but to be honest, I had been a Christian (by my choice) for as long as I could remember...it wasn't some grand statement because I was already living the life.

 

[memoriesbymichelle]

WOW! I haven't laughed this hard in I don't know how long? Thank you Michelle, I really needed that!!!

LOL

Happy to oblige! There is truth in what I said though, remember that. Gotta go! See you guys on Monday

 

[Lone Wolfe]

Happy to oblige! There is truth in what I said though, remember that. Gotta go! See you guys on Monday

Have a great weekend Michelle! Bye 4 now!