Following Jesus
When did it become so complicated to make a profession of faith, to accept Jesus as the Son of God and be baptized?
Last week Haley, our 9 year old Grand daughter, told her mom she was ready to be baptized. We have talked to her and she and I read the Bible every night( when I'm not working - hope she does when I am working). She wants her Uncle Josh to baptize her. I didn't realize it was a complicated matter, full of "church doctrine" to be baptized.
I contacted the preacher where we attend (it is a Southern Baptist). Told him of Haley's desire and asked if there would be a problem with her Uncle preforming the baptism. He called me last night at work to discuss this. He wanted to know if Josh was licensed and where was he "ordained." I asked what that had to do with him baptizing Haley. According to their church regulations, only an ordained or licensed person can baptize. I told him I had a problem with that. I read in my bible that any one can teach anyone else about the Lord and when that person reaches a decision, that any believing/saved person can preform the baptism. Am I totally out in left field with this????
I have an aunt and uncle in New Mexico who have had Bible study in there home for many years. They have a pool in there back yard. When someone receives Jesus and wishes to be baptized, they preform this in their pool. To my knowledge, neither my aunt or uncle are "ordained" or "licensed" as I have been told they must be, but they are believing Christians.
I guess I haven't been too informed all my life. My dad preached many times as we were growing up and I don't ever remember hearing him or Mom referring to his "ordination" or holding a license. What about all those "circuit riding preachers" in the past? I do know that when some one gets married the preacher says, "By the power vested in me by the State of-----." Never asked what power that was (and I am sure Greg is going to give me a much needed lesson on all this).
Another thing, I asked the preacher if there would be a problem for Haley to be baptized the same day she makes a profession of faith in front of the church. He said it would be better if that was done first and then she was baptized later, after she became a member of "the church". Again, my bible says, God added them to the church as many as were saved (Acts). I was trying to coordinate getting Teri and Josh with us for this important occasion. Now it has turned into an unnecessary ordeal.
I wish it was summer, we would gather around the pool and baptize her here at the farm with family around. By the way, Josh has been licensed as an ordained minister so there shouldn't be a problem, but naturally there was. He has graciously agreed to talk with the preacher and try to work this out. I feel like there should not be any problem when a SOUL is being saved, but evidently there is.
Last week Haley, our 9 year old Grand daughter, told her mom she was ready to be baptized. We have talked to her and she and I read the Bible every night( when I'm not working - hope she does when I am working). She wants her Uncle Josh to baptize her. I didn't realize it was a complicated matter, full of "church doctrine" to be baptized.
I contacted the preacher where we attend (it is a Southern Baptist). Told him of Haley's desire and asked if there would be a problem with her Uncle preforming the baptism. He called me last night at work to discuss this. He wanted to know if Josh was licensed and where was he "ordained." I asked what that had to do with him baptizing Haley. According to their church regulations, only an ordained or licensed person can baptize. I told him I had a problem with that. I read in my bible that any one can teach anyone else about the Lord and when that person reaches a decision, that any believing/saved person can preform the baptism. Am I totally out in left field with this????
I have an aunt and uncle in New Mexico who have had Bible study in there home for many years. They have a pool in there back yard. When someone receives Jesus and wishes to be baptized, they preform this in their pool. To my knowledge, neither my aunt or uncle are "ordained" or "licensed" as I have been told they must be, but they are believing Christians.
I guess I haven't been too informed all my life. My dad preached many times as we were growing up and I don't ever remember hearing him or Mom referring to his "ordination" or holding a license. What about all those "circuit riding preachers" in the past? I do know that when some one gets married the preacher says, "By the power vested in me by the State of-----." Never asked what power that was (and I am sure Greg is going to give me a much needed lesson on all this).
Another thing, I asked the preacher if there would be a problem for Haley to be baptized the same day she makes a profession of faith in front of the church. He said it would be better if that was done first and then she was baptized later, after she became a member of "the church". Again, my bible says, God added them to the church as many as were saved (Acts). I was trying to coordinate getting Teri and Josh with us for this important occasion. Now it has turned into an unnecessary ordeal.
I wish it was summer, we would gather around the pool and baptize her here at the farm with family around. By the way, Josh has been licensed as an ordained minister so there shouldn't be a problem, but naturally there was. He has graciously agreed to talk with the preacher and try to work this out. I feel like there should not be any problem when a SOUL is being saved, but evidently there is.
posted by Three C Farm at
10:27 AM
2 Comments:
A classic case of what happens when relationship with Jesus becomes religion. This is absolutely ridiculous!
AMENNNNN!!!!!! Greg.
I thought this was just a Church of Christ problem. What a ridiculous (I know Greg already said it and I "amened" him. But it is totally ridiculous.)
What would happen if they were in a place where they discovered Jesus and wanted to be baptized and there was no one ordained?
The one being baptized and the one doing the baptizing really have nothing to do with one another other than the assistance of dunking someone. The work is all done through the power of the Holy Spirit through the blood of Jesus and His resurrection.
How ridic.....!!!!!!!!
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