Cerebus to be baptized April 1

[Milk]

No, really.

April First. I take the Jesus Plunge.

Just thought I'd add some religion to get us goin.'

[Justin Thyme]

What method? Sprinkle, pour or immerse?

Cerebus, let me tell you I'm happy for you. I'll be serving communion that Sunday Morning. I'll think of you.

[Milk]

Immersion. It's actually the first time I've undergone such a ceremony, and I can't wait. I have a "public confession/profession of Faith" the week before, and then "SPLASH!"

I am really looking forward to it.

[Gary]

Congrats, seriously.

Although something tells me a public confession of sins should be something we could sell tickets to.

[Milk]

Well, I don't think they want me to go into specifics, because people have to get to lunch, dinner, bed (eventually). Just a general acknowedgement that I've sinned and wish to profess my belief.

This is probably the most laid back church I have been in, 'ceptin' The Unitarians, who are a bit too laid back, even for me...

[Justin Thyme]

Cerebus, here's a poem I came across yesterday morning. It inspired a 'blog entry for me. Since you've given me this news, maybe it'll mean something to you.

WHEN I SAY, “I AM A CHRISTIAN”

When I say, “I am a Christian,” I’m not shouting, “I’ve been saved!”
I’m whispering, “I get lost! That’s why I chose this way”

When I say, “I am a Christian,” I don’t speak with human pride
I’m confessing that I stumble-needing God to be my guide

When I say, “I am a Christian,” I’m not trying to be strong
I’m professing that I’m weak and pray for strength to carry on

When I say, “I am a Christian,” I’m not bragging of success
I’m admitting that I’ve failed and cannot ever pay the debt

When I say, “I am a Christian,” I don’t think I know it all
I submit to my confusion asking humbly to be taught

When I say, “I am a Christian,” I’m not claiming to be perfect
My flaws are far too visible but God believes I’m worth it

When I say, “I am a Christian,” I still feel the sting of pain
I have my share of heartache which is why I seek His name

When I say, “I am a Christian,” I do not wish to judge
I have no authority–I only know I’m loved

Copyright 1988 Carol Wimmer
Used with permission

[Felix]

Good poem you found, Darius. Heh, these rotating names are going to be fun.

My description of Christianity from my personal perspective is that I am a recovering sinner, in the process of becoming a Christian, which process will not be completed in my lifetime, and not due to my efforts.

[Thorne]

Congrats, Cerebus. While I personally don't agree with Christianity, if it works for you, run with it and I hope that you get everything out of it that you are seeking.

Of course, I, too would be quite interested in hearing your transgressions.

Oh, wait. I've been to many of your birthday parties over the years.

Nevermind.

[Jay]

I believe Christ is your personal savior, and only though him are your sins forgiven

~J

[tcrashfx]

Good deal, cerebus!

[daworm]

April 1st, eh?

[frogkissinglady]

Does that make him a fool??? just asking...

[Milk]

I like Ironic dates...

I've had many of them before I got married.

[Jay]

Heck, I didn't even notice the date..........I would have wondered if u were fibbing, heh

~J

[Copperhead]

Good on ya, man!

[joedog]

So does this mean he is going to NOT take a drink after he flubs a line during the masquerade?

[Milk]

No, but I may switch to Red Wine...

[Justin Thyme]

Something that I never understood when I was a Baptist and probably the biggest reason that I am now a Methodist is that I was always told that drinking alcohol in any quantity was bad by the leaders of the Baptist Church I attended however, there was this Bible verse that didn't make that teaching ring true:

The Son of man came eating and drinking, and they say, Behold, a gluttonous man and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners! And wisdom is justified by her works.
(Mat 11:19 ASV)

I don't think that Jesus was a gluttonous man or a drunkard but this does indicate to me that He was not a teatotaler.

[bignana]

Congrats. :)

[xterragirl]

Definitely! Congratulations Cerebus!

I also agree that Jesus was not a teetotaler. Being COG, our pastor teaches that we should not drink at all. I feel like it's okay to have a drink, but that one should not drink to excess.

[el Gusano]

My prayers go out to you, Cerebus. I'd attend if I were there. For that matter, I'd dunk you if I were there...

Darius, neither was Jesus a teatotaler, nor a teetotaler.

Nowhere in the Bible does it say that you should abstain completely. In fact, we're told that wine cheers mens' hearts.

However, we are told not to drink too much, and there's only one sure way to make sure you don't drink too much, and that's where many, if not most, Baptists go overboard and try to force the Bible to say that you shouldn't drink at all. They do it by everything from a vague, "Well, the Bible says it somewhere" to changing the meanings of words: "Well, 'wine' does not mean 'wine'." That sort of thing.

BTW, for those who are interested, "baptism" is a transliteration, and it means to immerse or dunk, and cannot mean, in the original language, to sprinkle or pour. To sprinkle or pour would be "raino" or "cheno".

[Milk]

elgusano said:

My prayers go out to you, Cerebus. I'd attend if I were there. For that matter, I'd dunk you if I were there...
(snip)
BTW, for those who are interested, "baptism" is a transliteration, and it means to immerse or dunk, and cannot mean, in the original language, to sprinkle or pour. To sprinkle or pour would be "raino" or "cheno".

Hence my insistence on immersion. Since this church is an outgrowth of the Church of Christ movement, they perform the dunking. It will be an interesting event. One could take odds on whether or not they'll be able to get me back up once I'm in.

It took a lot of searching to find the right Christian Community for this, and my journey as a Christian searching for Truth does not end with this ceremony; it begins.

Acts 2:38.

Thanks for all the heartfelt sentiment of this thread. It means a lot.

[Longshot! [ Saint ]]

I have a "public confession/profession of Faith" the week before, and then "SPLASH!"
--
I've done that before, but they made me leave. It was probably the blood.

You're the Man, Milk. Betterment of your soul is always a good thing, no matter the banner under which it flies. I applaud you.


...Just check yourself for telltale blood stains before you go. (Seriously.)

_(Seriously.)

[Justin Thyme]

longshot said:

...Just check yourself for telltale blood stains before you go. (Seriously.)

Nah, there's wonder working power in the Blood.

[damnyankee]

Good to hear.

" I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the father except through me."

John 14:6

[traveler]

Cerebus, congratulations!

[footylicious]

How wonderful, Milk.