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Am I Baptist?

Discussion in 'Baptist Theology & Bible Study' started by Ivon Denosovich, Dec 22, 2007.

  1. Ivon Denosovich

    Ivon Denosovich New Member

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    I've grown up being a member of three independent Baptist churches (at three different times.) I then attended a Southern Baptist church though didn't join. I'm now attending a Christian church in Lexington, KY which doesn't even have an official membership. IIRC, I'm probably still a member of a Baptist Church in Chattanooga that I haven't attended in years.

    I've always thought of myself as Baptist. Even now. But I've read where some here believe that one must go/join a Baptist church for that to be official. I'm not a theologian, far from it, so that could be correct. So, what am I?
     
  2. rbell

    rbell Active Member

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    A spirit-filled mutt?



























    :D :D :D
     
  3. Ivon Denosovich

    Ivon Denosovich New Member

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  4. Ivon Denosovich

    Ivon Denosovich New Member

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    What appealed to me about my current church was its motto I heard on a secular pop station:

    "A church for people who don't like church"

    I hadn't been in church for quite a while before going to this one. (Interestingly, my church only plays Christian rock and I don't like Christian rock. But there's just something about all the nice people that keeps me coming back.) I've told some folks at Quest, my church, that I consider myself Baptist and they're fine with that. This made me wonder: what is a Baptist?
     
  5. webdog

    webdog Active Member
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    A heretic. (just kidding, or course :laugh:)

    I would consider you an independent, southern non denominational baptist :)
     
  6. Not_hard_to_find

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    A Christian.
     
  7. Frogman

    Frogman <img src="http://www.churches.net/churches/fubc/Fr

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    You still belong to a Baptist Church in TN. You still believe baptist distinctives (faith), without the practice, since you are attending a Christian Church.

    I would say you are still baptist. Although you have not been to your home church in a while you are probably still recognized, only as an inactive member. This depends upon the local church I think.

    I have no problem with you attending where ever you wish, but if you still believe baptist distinctives, if it were me, I would be looking for a sound local baptist church. jmho.

    It is good the people in this church are nice and receptive to you regardless of your testimony, the important thing is that the Bible is taught. If you believe the Bible is clearly believed and taught by the baptist distinctives, then you should determine where this Christian church is teaching differently. If you find differences and are ok with them, then you really are in order (faith and practice) with this Christian church and thus are no longer a 'baptist'. Still a beloved Child of God, but not baptist.

    If you find differences in teaching (doctrine) and believe the baptist teaching (doctrine) is Biblical, you remain a baptist and should seek a baptist body of believers to fellowship with.

    IMHO.

    bro. Dallas:wavey:
     
  8. Ivon Denosovich

    Ivon Denosovich New Member

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    I believe in most all baptist distinctives but I'm iffy on baptism by submersion. (Though I personally have been baptized by submersion.) I'm just not sure that that is the only way.

    That was my first objection to even going to this church. But then I thought, "When have I ever agreed (in the theological sense) with a church on everything?"

    Btw, thank you for your very insightful post, Frogman. Please pray I'll make the right decision.
     
  9. Frogman

    Frogman <img src="http://www.churches.net/churches/fubc/Fr

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    Consider the Biblical usage of the word to determine the mode. You can do a search at:
    http://cf.blueletterbible.org/search/lexiconc.cfm?ss=baptize&searchtype=any



    This is true and it is very likely none of us are 100% in agreement with all teachings we will encounter in our local churches.

    You are welcome. I will pray for the leadership of God in your search.

    I don't know what 'brand' of baptist you are but here is a link to the Lexington PB church. It would be some good reading and I know they would welcome you to visit their services whenever you are able.

    http://www.lexpbc.org/

    May God Richly Bless,
    bro. Dallas:wavey:
     
  10. donnA

    donnA Active Member

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    We've always been told you ahev to be a member in baptist church to be part of the baptist only section here, at one time it was active member, as in you actually attend.
    But new ownership, and everything flew out the window here.
     
  11. EdSutton

    EdSutton New Member

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    :tear:

    For shame Ivan Denosovich! Tsk! Tsk! A Baptist church member posting in a "Baptist only" section! :rolleyes:

    Ed
     
    #11 EdSutton, Dec 22, 2007
    Last edited by a moderator: Dec 22, 2007
  12. Tom Butler

    Tom Butler New Member

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    I don't know why you have any doubt about immersion. The Greek "baptizo" clearly means to dip, plunge or immerse. Most sprinkling and pouring churches acknowledge this, and will immerse you if you desire. Sprinkling is a matter of convenience to them, and immersing infants is a problem for them as well.

    About your present church, of course they're going to try to make you feel at home. Of course they're going to put their best foot forward. Isn't that what we all are suppose to do with our visitors or prospects? None of us wants a sign out front that says "visistors not welcome."

    Just because you like the folks there isn't enough. It's not about you. It's about where God would have you serve (not just be served).
     
  13. Timsings

    Timsings Member
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    Faith:
    Baptist

    I think you can be a baptist no matter where your church membership is. The baptist distinctives are practices, but they also represent a state of mind. You can hold that state of mind wherever you are. On another baptist forum I asked this question of some of the members who were members of non-baptist churches. Most said that they did not consider themselves baptists anymore, but they were still members of the forum.

    Tim Reynolds
     
  14. Ivon Denosovich

    Ivon Denosovich New Member

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    I used to strongly agree but I've been told recently (by supposedly someone who knows Greek and seems to be very honest) that that isn't the case. I'm not saying it isn't, I'm just saying I'm not sure.
     
    #14 Ivon Denosovich, Dec 23, 2007
    Last edited by a moderator: Dec 23, 2007
  15. Tom Butler

    Tom Butler New Member

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    I'm not a Greek scholar either, but there are some pretty good ones on the BB. How about it folks, will you exegete "baptizo" for Ivan and me?
     
  16. Tom Butler

    Tom Butler New Member

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    So, what do we have here?

    We have folks who don't mind being identified AS Baptist (or baptistic), but don't want to be identified WITH Baptists.

    And we have folks who still identify with Baptist churches, but don't buy some of the Baptist distinctives.

    I'd like to hear more from those who fit either of these categories. How come?
     
  17. saturneptune

    saturneptune New Member

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    Not really sure folks about the meaning, but all I know is Brother Tom has been trying to get a regenerative infant sprinkling baptism plank passed in our church for years.



    [​IMG]
     
  18. saturneptune

    saturneptune New Member

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    Not to be taken seriously.
     
  19. saturneptune

    saturneptune New Member

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    So what is the standard of length of membership, and how active must one be? For example, if I have been a member of a Baptist church (one) for about as long as you have been alive, drive a van, teach Sunday School, visit, usher, serve as a deacon, does that make me more qualified than you?
     
  20. donnA

    donnA Active Member

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    I don't make the rules. He said he does not go to a baptist church.
     
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