Strike While The Iron Is Hot?

[Digging4Truth]

Originally Posted by OneAccord

I agree. Before Phillip baptized the Ethiopian, he taught him about baptism. Before Peter baptized on the day of Pentecost, the converts were instructed about baptism. Before Paul baptized the 12 Ephesian brothers, he instructed them about baptism. I think the phrase "strike when the iron is hot" is misapplied here. New converts are usually caught up in enthusiam and express a desire to be baptized without understanding the purpose and significance of baptism. Usually, those who are baptized without some very basic instruction don't last very long. I think they should be instructed as to the purpose of baptism and what is expected of them once they are baptized.
'Course that might cut down on the number we baptize, but with some basic instuction, those who are baptized are likely to last.

Some great points here.

And truthfully, I don't even really see that there would be any fewer being baptized. What's a few minutes instruction going to cost?

Are they going to walk out while we take a few moments to explain the significance of what is about to happen?

To want to baptized them so quickly that you can't afford a few minutes to open the word to them and explain what is about to occur seems to built on fear rather than faith... to me at least.

[OneAccord]

Originally Posted by Steve Epley

All penitent folks were immediately baptized in Acts. We keep the baptistry filled and clothes ready. We want them to get justified before they leave.

I respectfully disagree. I find very basic instruction in every virtually biblical example of baptism in the Book of Acts. Peter preached the Gospel (which included Acts 2:38) before people were baptized. In Acts 8, Phillip preached Jesus to the Ethiopian (which, no doubt, included teaching on water baptism). Paul was instructed to call on the name of the Lord and be baptized. Cornelius household were taught about baptism before they were baptized. And Paul instructed the Ephesain brethren in the Word before they were baptized. It would seem that it is more scriptural that converts be instructed in the matter of water baptism before they are baptized. But thats just my thoughts.

[RevDWW]

Originally Posted by OneAccord

I respectfully disagree. I find very basic instruction in every virtually biblical example of baptism in the Book of Acts. Peter preached the Gospel (which included Acts 2:38) before people were baptized. In Acts 8, Phillip preached Jesus to the Ethiopian (which, no doubt, included teaching on water baptism). Paul was instructed to call on the name of the Lord and be baptized. Cornelius household were taught about baptism before they were baptized. And Paul instructed the Ephesain brethren in the Word before they were baptized. It would seem that it is more scriptural that converts be instructed in the matter of water baptism before they are baptized. But thats just my thoughts.

How much inistruction does it take? If the message or bible study they responded too, has the Gospel included wouldn't you baptize them after they repented? Who is going to get Baptized without being told what baptism is?

[OneAccord]

Originally Posted by RevDWW

How much inistruction does it take? If the message or bible study they responded too, has the Gospel included wouldn't you baptize them after they repented? Who is going to get Baptized without being told what baptism is?

Why yes, I would baptize them after they had repented. However, I would take a few minutes of "one on one time" to ensure they understand the significance of water baptism before I baptize them. Because this is the biblical example. And, lets say the sermon or Bible Study was on, say, healing, and there was no mention of baptism. In our church, baptism is not the main meassage. We don't mention baptism in every breath. It may not even be mentioned in the service. So, a little instruction is in order, just like the Bible teaches.

I forgot to mention... We have an on-going "New Converts Class" in our church. New Converts are invited to attend to recieve instruction on living the Christian Life. We require new converts to attend one class (where they are taught about baptism) before they are baptized. The class only lasts 20 to 30 minutes.

[RevDWW]

Originally Posted by OneAccord

Why yes, I would baptize them after they had repented. However, I would take a few minutes of "one on one time" to ensure they understand the significance of water baptism before I baptize them. Because this is the biblical example. And, lets say the sermon or Bible Study was on, say, healing, and there was no mention of baptism. In our church, baptism is not the main meassage. We don't mention baptism in every breath. It may not even be mentioned in the service. So, a little instruction is in order, just like the Bible teaches.

I agree, the baptizee should know reason for being the baptizee.....

[Rhoni]

Originally Posted by Scott Hutchinson

Suppose someone comes to an altar and repents in a church service or revival meeting. And they request baptism ,should you go on and immediately baptism them burying them with Him in the name of The Lord or you should instruct them about baptism and then take them to a watery grave?
Or should one strike while the iron is hot so to speak?

You should sit down with them, usually an altar worker can do this, and show them the need for baptism and the method, then allowing them to make their own decision about it. If they don't fully understand offer them a Bible Study with one of your altar leaders who is also a discipler who teaches from the word.

Blessings, Rhoni

[RevDWW]

The Gospel is simple. It's not rocket science. What does it take to explain that with repentance you die to your sins, with baptism the dead is buried, and coming out of the water is a representation of the resurrection. Jesus dies, was buried , and arose. And so should all that have faith in Him.


That's not hard to understand.

[SDG]

Originally Posted by RevDWW

The Gospel is simple. It's not rocket science. What does it take to explain that with repentance you die to your sins, with baptism the dead is buried, and coming out of the water is a representation of the resurrection. Jesus dies, was buried , and arose. And so should all that have faith in Him.


That's not hard to understand.

But ... nah.

[RevDWW]

Originally Posted by Daniel Alicea

But ... nah.

Obey are perish. It's that simple is it not?

[SDG]

Originally Posted by RevDWW

Obey or perish. It's that simple is it not?

No gray area????