New Problem

[Faith]

Right. And we are expected to seek it.

But the issue isn't that simple--not just which church is right and the others wrong.

And, with respect, it's not sufficient to say that "Christ died for our sins, so us believing in him is the key to eternal life, and that's it period." (Or something similar to that.)

We need to keep two things in mind;

1) which are the teachings/doctrines that are essential to our standing with God, and which are teachings that are characteristic of some denomination or other but which do not rise to the level of an essential doctrine? For example, The Faith vs. Works dispute that is often debated is a biggie, but whether Baptism should be by immersion, triple immersion, or pouring the water actually is not.

And then...

2) If you cannot decide, you aren't therefore at liberty to avoid involvement with all the Christian churches, saying that it's impossible to know who's right, so you'll just read your Bible by yourself and that's all. Doing that disregards the substantial admonitions in the New Testament about believers fellowshipping with each other, resolving disputes through the Church, receiving the sacraments, participating in corporate worship, and more.

I went to a non denominational church or awhile before deciding on Lutheranism. They did Baptisms by full immersion. I wish that my current church did that or at least would baptize me again but they don’t re-baptize.

 

[Lamb]

1 Timothy 4:16 Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.

That verse is why we are to keep in the Word. If we hear something in the church that seems off, question it. Go to the bible and read and pray that the Holy Spirit gives you insight. Hint: it will always lead back to Jesus as Savior.

 

[Lamb]

I went to a non denominational church or awhile before deciding on Lutheranism. They did Baptisms by full immersion. I wish that my current church did that or at least would baptize me again but they don’t re-baptize.

If your baptism was in the name of the Trinity, and a valid baptism, there is no need for any other baptism because God did it right the first time.

The amount of water is not listed in the bible. As long as there was water of some kind, it's a valid baptism. Don't doubt what God has begun in you as His work through the waters of baptism and by His Word.

 

[Albion]

I went to a non denominational church or awhile before deciding on Lutheranism. They did Baptisms by full immersion. I wish that my current church did that or at least would baptize me again but they don’t re-baptize.

Theologically speaking, there can be no "re-baptism." The first one was indelible, even if the person later fell away from the faith and then repented; and the only exception would be a conditional baptism if there was a good reason to suspect that the first baptism was defective, such for instance if it was not performed in the name of the Triune God or didn't use water at all.

But as for immersion, I know that there are people who feel that a baptism by immersion provides a more powerful image than if it were done otherwise, but what is required is for water to be applied to the candidate's body in some manner. The earliest image of a baptism, by the way, appears to be one from a catacomb showing Christ standing in the waters of the River Jordan while water is poured over his head. There is also no hint in the New Testament to the effect that he was immersed instead.

 

[Faith]

This other ND church I went to for a little while has an annual event where they baptize by immersion in their pond/lake. They have tons of people being dunked in the water, plus music and food trucks.

 

[Faith]

This other ND church I went to for a little while has an annual event where they baptize by immersion in their pond/lake. They have tons of people being dunked in the water, plus music and food trucks.

It looks like a fun filled, faith filled afternoon.

 

[Lamb]

This other ND church I went to for a little while has an annual event where they baptize by immersion in their pond/lake. They have tons of people being dunked in the water, plus music and food trucks.

Again, it is as if you think you're missing out on something.

Listen to God who did your baptism right the first time. It would be a smack in the face to God to tell Him He did it wrong.

 

[Faith]

Again, it is as if you think you're missing out on something.

Listen to God who did your baptism right the first time. It would be a smack in the face to God to tell Him He did it wrong.

Yes,I do sometimes feel like I’m missing out on something, It was a difficult decision to join the Lutheran church because there were pros and cons to several of the churches I looked at.
But, you’re right,it would be kind of like a smack in the face to tell God He did it wrong the first time,…….a time I don’t even remember,

 

[Lees]

@Faith

My apologies

Lees

 

[Lamb]

My opinion on your water baptism:

First, our faith in Christ comes first. Then we are obedient to be water baptized. It is our faith that secures our eternal life, not water baptism.

Second, but water baptism is important in a Christians life. It is commanded by Christ. (Matt. 28:19) And it plays a role in our walk of salvation, our sanctification, in this life. (1 Peter 3:20-21) It is an outward demonstration of what has occurred in our lives. Death, burial, and resurrection with Christ. Gives us a good conscience towards God.

Third, If the baptism you don't remember was infant baptism, then all you did was get wet. Faith comes first. So you would not be getting 're-baptized'. You would be getting now, baptized.

Fourth, the method of water baptism doesn't matter, in my opinion. Whether water has been sprinkled or poured, or you are immersed, is no matter. The matter is your decision to follow Christ's example and command to be baptized.

Fifth, it doesn't have to be done by a church, or even a pastor. Any believer can water baptize. If you know other believers, and can meet at someones house who have a pool or a creek, one can baptize you there.

My opinion.

Lees

In her OP she distinctly requested advice from LCMS members. You are not even Lutheran. So don't even try to turn this into a baptism debate.