Baptism by immersion in my pool!

[DaRev]

What nonsense?

Most of Christianity practice a lower view of Baptism as if it were not a Sacrament. For some reason they can't imagine the Lord's Supper anywhere but in the church, but they do baptize in bath-tubes, swimming pools or whatever exotic place they can think of because this is more of an "event" then a sacrament.

Agreed

The issue at hand is not so much the location, but the reverance and understanding of what is behind the act of baptism.

Agreed

Doing it outside the church is a huge distraction and does give a false witness of what we preach, teach and believe concerning the sacrament.

Agreed

To many, they don't care about things like that, even many pastors wouldn't care.

Sadly, I agree with this too.

But they should. We all should care about what practice says to the world and to each other. Our practice should reflect what we teach and confess.

Agreed, which is why a Baptism at a pool party is nonsense.

While we do confess that the amount of water doesn't matter, we also do confess that we do not practice what the Baptists practice, nor do we believe what they believe and we should not confuse anyone because what God does in this sacrament is the most awesome thing besides the incarnation/crucifixion/resurrection.

Baptism unites us with Christ's crucifixion and resurrection.

 

[Confess]

]

I suppose that there needs to be an icon thingy for sarcasm.

 

[TCat]

Well since it's her Baptsim and between her and God and she since she chooses to be immersed the way Christ was I think it's fine.

Not long ago we had a major discussion about using wine in Communion because Christ did and some people suggested that we had no right to change it by using grape juice but they have no problems dripping water on someone in place of immersion as Christ was?

Any way my friend would either have to use the Baptist Church down the street's Baptistry or someones pool.
She is choosing a pool and wants to have her church family and friends help her celebrate her baptism!

I am not sure why that's a problem, we had a party after my baby's baptism to celebrate her new birth right after church on Sunday morning. It was really nice and since it was summer the kids were swimming while the adults ate brunch. It did not affect the wonderful significance of what God did in the Baptism and we enjoyed the gathering of friends and family together.

I think it's terrific and know that our Pastor's will agree.

 

[DaRev]

Well since it's her Baptsim and between her and God and she since she chooses to be immersed the way Christ was I think it's fine.

Not long ago we had a major discussion about using wine in Communion because Christ did and some people suggested that we had no right to change it by using grape juice but they have no problems dripping water on someone in place of immersion as Christ was?

Was Christ immersed? Where in the Scripture does it describe the method of His baptism?
It doesn't.

Any way my friend would either have to use the Baptist Church down the street's Baptistry or someones pool.
She is choosing a pool and wants to have her church family and friends help her celebrate her baptism!

Actually it's Christ's baptism. It's God who is doing the work, not her.

I am not sure why that's a problem, we had a party after my baby's baptism to celebrate her new birth right after church on Sunday morning. It was really nice and since it was summer the kids were swimming while the adults ate brunch. It did not affect the wonderful significance of what God did in the Baptism and we enjoyed the gathering of friends and family together.

But the party and the event of the Baptism were two completely different events. The Baptism was done in the church and the party elsewhere AFTER the Baptism event.

I think it's terrific and know that our Pastor's will agree.

So what you're saying is that the Pastor isn't even aware of this idea yet?? I hope y'all aren't too disappointed if he happens to say no.

 

[TCat]

I don't know why she is choosing immersion but I'm glad she is. As for the party, you better believe it! Our pastors have already said they would baptise her when and where she chose and have used pools in the past so that's not an issue.
As for the celebration, I can't think of a better thing to celebrate, a nre life in Christ, a rebirth from the Holy Spirit, I'll bet the angels will be celebrating!!!
And when 30-40 Christian friends are gathering to rejoice with her I'd say thats better than any church building.

 

[TCat]

I'm curious Rev, if someone came to you asking for baptism by immersion would you send them to another pastor or just tell them no?

 

[TCat]

I reread several of the posts, why does it matter what the Baptists do? We are not Baptists not do we care how they do whatever it is they do. I doubt being immersed will make her Baptist.

I thought Baptism was by God, through the Holy Spirit and commanded by Jesus. She is not being Baptised into Lutheranism or Baptistism she is being Baptised unto God into Christianity.

If the amount of water doesn't matter, and if I do know the Bible doesn't say we must be Baptised in a Church then what is the big deal?

This will be a gathering of Christian friends and a baptism done by a Christian pastor in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

I'm sorry not everyone thinks a celebration of new life afterward is appropriate. I am overjoyed that this unchurched young women has come to a saving faith and now desires Baptism. I look forward to rejoicing with her now and in eternity.

 

[DaRev]

I'm curious Rev, if someone came to you asking for baptism by immersion would you send them to another pastor or just tell them no?

I would teach them the proper doctrine of baptism and that it is God's work in us.

 

[TheCosmicGospel]

Well since it's her Baptsim and between her and God and she since she chooses to be immersed the way Christ was I think it's fine.

It's pool party, so let me jump in. But I see this at the heart of the problem, this me and God thinking.

This is the Baptist approach to everything. Why they use no creeds. They don't want to come between the individual and their God.

Find me one individual in the Bible. Good luck with that. Is she joining the Church Universal or the Y? Maybe this would guide her in her thinking and what you need to point out.

Baptism is as much dieing to self. I do not see that in a pool party. You can find pastors who go along with any thing these days, including PDL.

Baptism belongs in worship settings when we acknowledge our corporate responsibility. That is what the cross should remind us. Being joined to God in a corporate action joins us to one another as members of the Body. The early church contained no individuals. It was the farthest thing from their thinking and still should be. This is foreign to the Evangelical and Fundamental landscape of today, and apparently Lutherans are not far behind.

Pool party and BBQ afterwards. Cool. Have a cake and kegger too.

Jesus did not have a car, pool, refrigerator, house...how far does she want to take this? Far as I know, the Jordon River is still available. You can probably order some online. Everything else is for sale.

Reminds me of the joke. The son tells the father he doesn't need a job because Jesus didn't. The father then reminds the son that Jesus didn't have a car either.

Peace,
Cos

 

[Flipper]

I'm a huge admirer of John the Baptist. Not to the point of enjoying locusts & honey, but you get my point.

I've always wanted to get baptized again in a river by full immersion like he did.

But from what I read here, since it wasn't done in a church, and was done by full immersion, I guess John wasn't really baptized. That's a blow on my Biblical understanding.

 

[TCat]

I do think she is joining the Church, not just a local congregation, and asking the 30+ people she knows to join with her in a more intimate setting for the vows.

As for the pool party afterward, that is not the main focus, that is simply the celebration afterward.
Am I reading this right, the main arguement for not thinking this is a good idea is that people don't think having a POOL party afterward is ok?

When she and I first talked about her being baptised I told her some of the options. Baptism in the traditional sanctuary during one of the two morning services, or in the traditional sanctuary during one of those two services on Sunday morning. Or she could be baptised by one of the pastors in our prayer chapel any time really with just a small group of family and friends.

For whatever reason she feels led to be baptised by immersion, maybe the Holy Spirit is encouraging her in this, maybe He has plans that we are not aware of. Again, I don't know why but rather than go to a church which has an indoor or outdoor fountain baptistry she wants to use either a river or pool. Since I live a couple of blocks from church, and have a pool she has decided to do it here.

I just happen to think that it will be terrific with people who care about her and her faith and growth in Christ. I think it will be a powerful witness and loving intimate setting with all of us supporting her as God works through her.

I had not thought of a kegger, but I will keep it in mind!

 

[DaRev]

I do think she is joining the Church, not just a local congregation, and asking the 30+ people she knows to join with her in a more intimate setting for the vows.

Herein lies the problem. The Christian Church on earth is represented by the local congregations. How can she join the "Church" apart from the assembly? In the New Testament the word Church means "assembly", not just a bunch of friends gathering around a swimming pool, but those who have been called, gathered, enlightened, and sanctified by the Holy Spirit.
If she doesn't want to join a congregation and attend regular Divine Service and receive God's gifts in the Means of Grace, then why is she even considering being baptized?

If she's being baptized by a Lutheran pastor, I hope that she has gone through proper catechetical instruction beforehand.

As for the pool party afterward, that is not the main focus, that is simply the celebration afterward.
Am I reading this right, the main arguement for not thinking this is a good idea is that people don't think having a POOL party afterward is ok?

I think if you read what was posted, nobody has suggested that the pool party is a bad idea. Having the baptism in the midst of a pool party instead of before the altar of God is a bad idea. It sets a bad precedent, especially for those who may be weak in the faith and might think that such practices are OK.

I just happen to think that it will be terrific with people who care about her and her faith and growth in Christ. I think it will be a powerful witness and loving intimate setting with all of us supporting her as God works through her.

But how will this happen if she is not joining the visible Church on earth?

 

[DaSeminarian]

Herein lies the problem. The Christian Church on earth is represented by the local congregations. How can she join the "Church" apart from the assembly? In the New Testament the word Church means "assembly", not just a bunch of friends gathering around a swimming pool, but those who have been called, gathered, enlightened, and sanctified by the Holy Spirit.
If she doesn't want to join a congregation and attend regular Divine Service and receive God's gifts in the Means of Grace, then why is she even considering being baptized?

If she's being baptized by a Lutheran pastor, I hope that she has gone through proper catechetical instruction beforehand.



I think if you read what was posted, nobody has suggested that the pool party is a bad idea. Having the baptism in the midst of a pool party instead of before the altar of God is a bad idea. It sets a bad precedent, especially for those who may be weak in the faith and might think that such practices are OK.



But how will this happen if she is not joining the visible Church on earth?

When I made my comment I was under the assumption that she had been properly catechized. I thought though that the Pastor needs to be contacted to see what he thinks. The points you make here are excellent. I will keep these in mind when I become pastor.

 

[Confess]

PROBLEM: Any way my friend would either have to use the Baptist Church down the street's Baptistry or someones pool.

Then this person doesn't even confess to be Lutheran? So this person wants to be baptized, but it doesn't matter what teaching they are baptized under?

That is a very luke warm faith.

 

[dinkime]

PROBLEM: Any way my friend would either have to use the Baptist Church down the street's Baptistry or someones pool.

Then this person doesn't even confess to be Lutheran? So this person wants to be baptized, but it doesn't matter what teaching they are baptized under?

That is a very luke warm faith.

her friend is confessing to be Lutheran, but feels she should be baptized by imersion, the only places available are a Baptist church or a pool...

 

[LilLamb219]

Lutherans are the ones who say that the amount of water doesn't matter.
Does this "Lutheran" know what Lutherans believe in regards to baptism if the focus right now is on the amount of water applied?

 

[porterross]

I'm a huge admirer of John the Baptist. Not to the point of enjoying locusts & honey, but you get my point.

I've always wanted to get baptized again in a river by full immersion like he did.

But from what I read here, since it wasn't done in a church, and was done by full immersion, I guess John wasn't really baptized. That's a blow on my Biblical understanding.

Just how many Christian churches do you think existed in John's time?

Baptized AGAIN?

 

[TCat]

Wow, I had not idea that it was such a HUGE problem to be immersed. Most of the time we baptise babies who for obvious reasons cannot be immersed but I did not realize that Adults coming into the Christian faith in the Lutheran church are NOT to be immersed.
I just don't understand why this is such a problem.

It is God working faith in her, she feels led to be baptised at this time and would like to be immersed. I am just thrilled that she feels that Baptism is the next step she is being led to take in her walk with Christ.

Before I met her the family did not attend church although her parents had both grown up Lutheran and were baptised as children. Considering that her family was unchruched for the last 20 years and are now actively involved in a thriving, growing Christian community. Considering that her parents refused to even look for another church after being hurt when their former church split. I think it is terrific that her faith and that of her families is growing.

I don't think she feels that the amount of water is the important part of the baptism. I think it is more the idea of being buried with Christ and rising up clean in Him. There is probably some symbolism that she wants to partake in but she does understand the means, has talked to the pastor's and taken classes.

 

[porterross]

Is this an LCMS church?

 

[DaRev]

Wow, I had not idea that it was such a HUGE problem to be immersed. Most of the time we baptise babies who for obvious reasons cannot be immersed but I did not realize that Adults coming into the Christian faith in the Lutheran church are NOT to be immersed.
I just don't understand why this is such a problem.

It is God working faith in her, she feels led to be baptised at this time and would like to be immersed. I am just thrilled that she feels that Baptism is the next step she is being led to take in her walk with Christ.

Before I met her the family did not attend church although her parents had both grown up Lutheran and were baptised as children. Considering that her family was unchruched for the last 20 years and are now actively involved in a thriving, growing Christian community. Considering that her parents refused to even look for another church after being hurt when their former church split. I think it is terrific that her faith and that of her families is growing.

I don't think she feels that the amount of water is the important part of the baptism. I think it is more the idea of being buried with Christ and rising up clean in Him. There is probably some symbolism that she wants to partake in but she does understand the means, has talked to the pastor's and taken classes.

It doesn't seem that you are actually reading anything that is being posted. I suggest you go back through the thread and read what people are actually saying.