Strange Question

[~Shalhevet~]

can you explain your skepticism of churches? is it in general? do you not want to attend a church on a regular basis, or is the skepticism just pertaining to baptism, or maybe to some church's requirement of membership to be baptized? (again, not all churches required membership.)

Just generally, I don't trust churches. I know that's terrible of me to say, but I don't know. Maybe I should talk to the pastor about it.

[Believer1997]

can you explain your skepticism of churches? is it in general? do you not want to attend a church on a regular basis, or is the skepticism just pertaining to baptism, or maybe to some church's requirement of membership to be baptized? (again, not all churches required membership.)

Just generally, I don't trust churches. I know that's terrible of me to say, but I don't know. Maybe I should talk to the pastor about it.

Do you go to church now ?

[Guest LadyC]

i think there are some churches that give people good reason to be skeptical. but remember, a church congregation (and pastor) is just made up of people, each with their own set of faults and sins. and while some churches are kinda questionable in some areas, i think the majority are accountable for the money that comes and goes, and hopefully the pastor is preaching biblical principals without embellishment and stuff.

but FINDING the right church, the right "fit", can sometimes be a painful process. i don't think anyone should stay where they're not getting fed spiritually, or where they are uncomfortable. this might be hard to find a church that you're comfortable in if you're in a small town. and in fact, it might be just as difficult in a big city because it could take a long, long time to visit all the churches and find the one that is right for you.

[MorningGlory]

Even Jesus, the Lord of all Creation, submitted to John the Baptist instead of baptising Himself. That's the only thing I can think of that gives us direction on the baptism issue, andy.

[Floatingaxe]

There is no reason for a person to baptize himself. We are all a part of the Body of Christ and we need each other. We need to belong to a larger local body. Public baptism is a part of one's public confession of Christ.

Private baptizing oneself is a very odd thing to do and nowhere is it presented in scripture. When scripture commands us it "be baptized", the understanding is that one submits oneself to a "baptizer". We are not to be lone rangers in the Kingdom of God.

If you think you can DIY, you rob the people of God of your joy and in their glorifying God for you.

Ask God to bring you to a GOOD church fellowship where He can PLANT you! There is no perfect church, and that is not a reason to eschew them. He wants to teach you, correct you, grow you, anoint you and use you.

[smileycandy]

I haven't heard of someone baptizing themselves, i do know the Bible says you need to be baptized by a preacher... (:

hope this helps.

[Floatingaxe]

The bible doesn't tell us that a preacher has to baptize. I am not a preacher, but I was a church cell leader and I baptized one of my members.

[enoob57]

Can we baptize ourselves? The reason I ask is that I was baptized as an infant and have been debating getting rebaptized. I'm skeptical about churches and would like to do it myself, if possible. Is that scriptural, or just plain absurd?

well let's see! Can one bury oneself? bury oneself?? nope don't see how!

well let's see! Can one raise oneself? raise oneself?? nope don't see how! Love Steven

[Fez]

Baptism affirms ones obedience to God, ones surrender, one's immersion in His Word.

But is also encourages the body of the church, other believers, as does a testimony (well a testimony should). When we ask for testimonies at home group the rule is 7 minutes, 2 minutes about what you were, and 5 minutes for what Jesus did for you.

So I think baptism should be in public, in front of other believers, in front of the church.

Ask yourself what Jesus did, and follow His lead. You cannot go wrong that way, and the questions become moot.

Blessings

[Arthur Durnan]

Our Lord was baptized by John the Baptist in the Jordan River at Bethabara. I too, in following His example, have baptized hundreds of Christian pilgrims at the same location. Why not emulate your Savior's example & submit to believers' baptism by, for example, your pastor?