Baptism ?
 

A friend wants to get baptized. That’s awesome and wonderful.

However, he wants ME to dunk him.

I’m not a minister, so…??

Thoughts?

Re: Baptism ?
 

Baptize him.

Re: Baptism ?
 

Well, then down to the lake we go. I don’t see it happening at the building.

Re: Baptism ?
 

Just don't hold him under too long.

:heeheehee

Re: Baptism ?
 

If you go to a church with a pastor, ask him. He may be totally find with that. Many pastors even want the person that gave the Bible study to baptize the new convert.

Re: Baptism ?
 

Some view it this way: 1 Jesus was the original authorizer of Jesus Name baptism, who authorized the Apostles, Mt 28.19. 2 The Apostles authorized others to also baptize, by laying on the hands of the presbytry. 1 Timothy 4.14. This view makes preachers the only authorized persons and those who haven't been 'sent forth' by those who are authorized as unauthorized.

Some trivia: 1 Some will say that only a person who has been baptized in Jesus name has authority to baptize another in the Name. But which authorized person performed the first baptism? 2 Jesus never baptized anyone in his own name. 3 Somewhere along the line, the Apostles must have realized that they weren't baptized in Jesus name and then must have started to baptize one another, though some had been baptized by a validated baptizer, John Baptist.

If you choose to baptize your friend, before doing so consult with the Pastor of your church. When baptized, you are entering the Body of Believers and a local church, but if the new convert is entering-in to a fellowship on a point of controvery, then its not the best way to start out.

If an authorized baptism is the only valid baptism, what does this say of the power of the Word, or the power of the Name? Doesn't saying so add a step in the validation process of baptism which isn't clearly commanded in Scripture? Would adding a step to the validation process be undermining the power of the Name?

Re: Baptism ?
 

The only valid authorized baptism is when a repentant believer is baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins. I can't find the verse that says "only specially appointed Christians may baptize a person". The church of God doesn't have "clergy" like the world's religions.

Re: Baptism ?
 

:thumbsup

Re: Baptism ?
 

Went to the lake this afternoon. I didn’t drown him :lol

Does this make me a minister now? (Jk)

Re: Baptism ?
 

When therefore the Lord knew how the Pharisees had heard that Jesus made and baptized more disciples than John,

2 (Though Jesus himself baptized not, but his disciples,