From: YA67@FERRIS.BITNET (carol nemec)
Newsgroups: bit.listserv.christia
Subject: Water Baptism
Date: 12 Apr 92 18:14:00 GMT
Article-I.D.: FERRIS.12APR92.14292091.0015.MUSIC
Comments: Gated by NETNEWS@AUVM.AMERICAN.EDU

List Folk:

As I have observed great variation on this issue in studying denominational
differences in "doctrine," I am somewhat curious about practice.  Therefore,
I have a question (well, several related questions, actually):

1.  What is your (your church's) belief about how baptism should be performed?
    (immersion/sprinkling/other--I know there is at least one "other," but I
    can't recall what it is right now.)

    A.  usually sprinkling but will do accroding to individual's
        preference.  I have only observed sprinkling because it is
        usually infants.


2.  What is your (your church's) belief about WHEN baptism is appropriate (at
    what age or upon what evidence of faith?)


    A.  Infants. The initiative for baptism is from God.  His love for
        sinful human beings who are dead in sin (Eph 2:1-3) and who do
        not deserve His love, brings about their salvation(Eph 2:8-9)
        and also produces fruit-bearing lives which reflect His glory
        (Eph 2:10).  Man does not have a part in God's saving work.
        Baptism is the beginning of God's action in a person's life,
        not the end.  What follows baptism is just as important as
        the baptism.  God's saving action is always to be followed
        by growth in the grace and Knowledge of our Lord and Savior
        Jesus Christ(2 Pet 3:18).  The baptism of an infant must be
        followed by Christian growth and nuturing in God's love
        The nurturing is done by the Christian congregation in
        which the infant is baptized (1 cor 12:13).  The blessings
        attached to baptism, forgiveness of sin, gift of the Holy
        Spirit, faith, union with Christ in His death and resurrection,
        Christ-like living now, and salvation are all God's action
        toward undeserving man.  Adults that have not been baptized
        will want to be baptized to acknowledge what God has done
        for them.  It is the congregation's responsibility to nurture
        all.  Adults and older children will be instructed in the
        doctrines of the church but do not have to complete a study
        to be baptized.  Baptized infants confirm their faith at
        age 13 after 2-3 years of confirmation class(couple hours
        a week of instruction).

3.  Does your denomination baptize into the particular church/denomination
    or into the body of Christ (the first requiring re-baptism upon a change
    of denominations)?

    A.  Congregational response :
    We welcome you into the Lord's family.  We receive you as a
    fellow member of the body of Christ, a child of the same heavenly
    Father, to work with us in His kingdom.


4.  What is the baptismal ceremony like in your denomination/church/tradition/
    whatever?  (i.e., are special clothes worn, is there a formulaic speech,
    are guests expected to be present, etc.)

    A. there is a special liturgy for baptism in the hymnal.
     usually the child is dressed in white.  Most people have
     sponsors for their children, but we didn't.  Other family
     members are usually present but do not participate.

Thanks for the input.

                           Love INC,
                                    ---Kerry
you're welcome,
Carol
Comments: Gated by NETNEWS@AUVM.AMERICAN.EDU