Invitation to be Baptized

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AnthonyR
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Invitation to be Baptized

Post by AnthonyR »

Disclaimer: Some may find heresy herein. All must judge for themselves that which is evil and that which is of Christ. What I am to share I ask for the reader’s non-judgment, for all I have to share herein is Love, and that which Christ has asked me to do. This message is to all people: Mormon, Catholic, Protestant, Atheist, Agnostic, Jew, non-religious, Black, White, Hispanic, etc… Please read with an open mind, and seek for the Lord’s counsel.

The Lord Jesus Christ wishes for many to enter into the waters of baptism, be cleansed, enter into a covenant to serve Him (which is most likely done in your heart before baptism), obey His voice, and His commandments (which is not just the rigid strict things in the scriptures, but obeying the small simple things He asks as you build a personal relationship with Him). Then receive the baptism of fire and of the Holy Ghost which comes unto a humble, penitent man/woman after being immersed into the water through baptism.

Recently, within the past year, I had been seeking diligently if I had the authority to baptize in the name of Christ. I have been commissioned by the Mormon church to baptize when I was 19 years old. But I had sought for Christ’s voice to give me the authority. A few months ago, I was in the depths of humility, asking my Lord to forgive me of my sins and misdeeds. Something significant happened to me the next morning. I was in the act of installing carpet (that is my trade) and I felt a profound peace coupled with Love. I moved to a more private place in the home, knelt, and felt/saw angels surround me. I felt they were close within 10 feet circumference of me. Christ then came through the midst of them, and straight to me. With plainness, He spoke and said; “I give you authority to baptize in my name.” I asked Him if there was more He wished to tell me. He said yes, “you will have many opportunities to baptize.” I asked if there was more, He then said “Don’t be fearful”. (The message was given coupled with a tangible love which was proof to me it came from the Lord, and was not from the adversary.) I wondered at what it was I had to fear. He then showed me that which I fear. Notwithstanding my fears, my allegiance lies with the Lord and no other, and I wish to do all things He commands me.

ALL those who believe in the Doctrine of Christ are welcome to be baptized. If you believe in the words spoken next, and have a desire to be immersed into living waters and be baptized, see my contact information at the end. (Note: This is not being baptized into a church, but singly unto the Lord by one having authority to do so.)

The Doctrine of Christ, as explained by a humble man of Christ named Nephi living in 600 - mid 500 B.C.:
If the Lamb of God, he being holy, should have need to be baptized by water, to fulfil all righteousness, O then, how much more need have we, being unholy, to be baptized, yea, even by water! And now, I would ask of you, my beloved brethren, wherein the Lamb of God did fulfil all righteousness in being baptized by water? Know ye not that he was holy? But notwithstanding he being holy, he showeth unto the children of men that, according to the flesh he humbleth himself before the Father, and witnesseth unto the Father that he would be obedient unto him in keeping his commandments. Wherefore, after he was baptized with water the Holy Ghost descended upon him in the form of a dove. And again, it showeth unto the children of men the straitness of the path, and the narrowness of the gate, by which they should enter, he having set the example before them. And he said unto the children of men: Follow thou me. Wherefore, my beloved brethren, can we follow Jesus save we shall be willing to keep the commandments of the Father? And the Father said: Repent ye, repent ye, and be baptized in the name of my Beloved Son. And also the voice of the Son came unto me, saying: He that is baptized in my name, to him will the Father give the Holy Ghost, like unto me; wherefore, follow me, and do the things which ye have seen me do. Wherefore, my beloved brethren, I know that if ye shall follow the Son, with full purpose of heart, acting no hypocrisy and no deception before God, but with real intent, repenting of your sins, witnessing unto the Father that ye are willing to take upon you the name of Christ, by baptism—yea, by following your Lord and your Savior down into the water, according to his word, behold, then shall ye receive the Holy Ghost; yea, then cometh the baptism of fire and of the Holy Ghost; and then can ye speak with the tongue of angels, and shout praises unto the holy One of Israel. But, behold, my beloved brethren, thus came the voice of the Son unto me, saying: After ye have repented of your sins, and witnessed unto the Father that ye are willing to keep my commandments, by the baptism of water, and have received the baptism of fire and of the Holy Ghost, and can speak with a new tongue, yea, even with the tongue of angels, and after this should deny me, it would have been better that ye had not known me. And I heard a voice from the Father, saying: Yea, the words of my Beloved are true and faithful. He that endureth to the end, the same shall be saved. And now, my beloved brethren, I know by this that unless a man shall endure to the end, in following the example of the Son of the living God, he cannot be saved. Wherefore, do the things which I have told you I have seen that your Lord and your Redeemer should do; for, for this cause have they been shown unto me, that ye might know that gate by which ye should enter. For the gate by which ye should enter is repentance and baptism by water; and then cometh a remission of your sins by fire and by the Holy Ghost. And then are ye in this strait and narrow path which leads to eternal life; yea, ye have entered in by the gate; ye have done according to the commandments of the Father and the Son; and ye have received the Holy Ghost, which witnesses of the Father and the Son, unto the fulfilling of the promise which he hath made, that if ye entered in by the way ye should receive. And now, my beloved brethren, after ye have gotten into this strait and narrow path, I would ask if all is done? Behold, I say unto you, Nay; for ye have not come thus far save it were by the word of Christ with unshaken faith in him, relying wholly upon the merits of him who is might to save. Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men, Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life. And now, behold, my beloved brethren, this is the way; and there is none other way nor name given under heaven whereby man can be saved in the kingdom of God, And now, behold, this is the doctrine of Christ, and the only and true doctrine of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, which is one God, without end. Amen.
If you believe in these words, and have a desire to be baptized in the name of Christ, contact me. I take no glory in myself. All glory and honor goes to my Lord Jesus Christ.

[email protected]
(801) 750-6175

All are welcome to share this on their social media or blog pages if prompted to do so. Thanks.

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AI2.0
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Re: Invitation to be Baptized

Post by AI2.0 »

Thank you for sharing your story, I do have a question. I assume that you were baptized at an earlier age. Do you consider you own baptism to be valid?

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AnthonyR
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Re: Invitation to be Baptized

Post by AnthonyR »

AI2.0 wrote:Thank you for sharing your story, I do have a question. I assume that you were baptized at an earlier age. Do you consider you own baptism to be valid?
Yes. I do consider my baptism at an earlier age to be valid.

minorityofone
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Re: Invitation to be Baptized

Post by minorityofone »

Anthony

That is a wonderful testimony brother. God bless you and the wheat you will gather. Thank you for waiting until The Lord told you you could baptize before doing it. So let me ask you, do you need 7 women to ratify this? Can thomas s monson change your mind? How could you need anything else if The Lord gave you the authority?
Thank you for sharing your experience. Do not fear is good advice. There are many truths that will be too much for many people to bear.

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Thinker
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Re: Invitation to be Baptized

Post by Thinker »

LDS and similar baptisimal ordinances can be beautifully symbolic, but I believe and I think scripture regarding baptism has often been misinterpreted. "God is no respector of persons." God doesn't care if you were baptized or not, what God cares about is your heart - that you've been born of God.

Consider deeper possible meaning of John 3:5:
"Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God."
In order to experience "the kingdom of God within you" (Luke 17), you must have a body to experience such "within."
Birth from our mothers' wombs (amniotic fluid) is being born of water.

Although baptismal ordinance can symbolically represent being born spiritually and physically, being born physically and spiritually already meets the requirement.
Being born (again & again) of the spirit... is repenting and regularly turning back to God.
"God is love."
"...everyone that loveth is born of God." - 1Jn. 4:7
"...whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world." -1Jn. 5:4

minorityofone
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Re: Invitation to be Baptized

Post by minorityofone »

Thinker wrote:LDS and similar baptisimal ordinances can be beautifully symbolic, but I believe and I think scripture regarding baptism has often been misinterpreted. "God is no respector of persons." God doesn't care if you were baptized or not, what God cares about is your heart - that you've been born of God.

Consider deeper possible meaning of John 3:5:
"Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God."
In order to experience "the kingdom of God within you" (Luke 17), you must have a body to experience such "within."
Birth from our mothers' wombs (amniotic fluid) is being born of water.

Although baptismal ordinance can symbolically represent being born spiritually and physically, being born physically and spiritually already meets the requirement.
Being born (again & again) of the spirit... is repenting and regularly turning back to God.
"God is love."
"...everyone that loveth is born of God." - 1Jn. 4:7
"...whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world." -1Jn. 5:4

I agree with this. If the Spirit (which someone was baptized with) tells you to be baptized by water as a symbol of the relationship and commitment you have made with Christ then I say do it for sure. If the Spirit never tells you to be baptized then I imagine it is not something necessary for you....

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rewcox
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Re: Invitation to be Baptized

Post by rewcox »

minorityofone wrote:
Thinker wrote:LDS and similar baptisimal ordinances can be beautifully symbolic, but I believe and I think scripture regarding baptism has often been misinterpreted. "God is no respector of persons." God doesn't care if you were baptized or not, what God cares about is your heart - that you've been born of God.

Consider deeper possible meaning of John 3:5:
"Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God."
In order to experience "the kingdom of God within you" (Luke 17), you must have a body to experience such "within."
Birth from our mothers' wombs (amniotic fluid) is being born of water.

Although baptismal ordinance can symbolically represent being born spiritually and physically, being born physically and spiritually already meets the requirement.
Being born (again & again) of the spirit... is repenting and regularly turning back to God.
"God is love."
"...everyone that loveth is born of God." - 1Jn. 4:7
"...whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world." -1Jn. 5:4

I agree with this. If the Spirit (which someone was baptized with) tells you to be baptized by water as a symbol of the relationship and commitment you have made with Christ then I say do it for sure. If the Spirit never tells you to be baptized then I imagine it is not something necessary for you....
Both of you just roll your own as you go along.

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Thinker
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Re: Invitation to be Baptized

Post by Thinker »

rewcox wrote:Both of you just roll your own as you go along.
Would you prefer I blindly roll as some imperfect false god tells me to?
Could it be I'm trying with all of my might mind and strength to find God - to do God's will - and maybe that isn't how the majority roll?
The way is narrow - because few want to be the odd man out. Most want to join a herd - whether it is religious or political.

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marc
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Re: Invitation to be Baptized

Post by marc »

Baptism has been a part of the Lord's covenant people since Adam, who was carried by the Spirit of the Lord into the water. Isaiah talks about the waters of Judah, which Nephi quotes and is interpreted by Joseph Smith as the waters of baptism. Alma baptized hundreds of people in the waters of Mormon. This ritual cleansing (Hebrew Tevilah) is a full body immersion that was not traditionally done only once in one's lifetime.

Joseph Smith and others were baptized more than once in their lives. Rebaptism was a principle, which probably symbolized "renewing" one's covenants. The act of baptism itself is making a covenant. Rebaptism, though a principle as old as mankind, stopped in the late 1800s in the LDS church, but even Brigham Young and probably all LDS were baptized again when they came to Utah and established churches again unto the Lord, if I recall church history.

In near eastern covenant theology the King had all power and authority. It would not be unreasonable for the Lord to once again invite faithful disciples to be baptized from a covenant point of view as in ancient days, even if their first baptism was valid and acceptable before Him. By responding to the King's message by carrying out the required action connected with the invitation we are honoring the King and therefore coming under the protective covering of the King. Baptism is a living witness that we are willing to honor our King (Father in Heaven). As such it was done anciently in the Mikveh (Hebrew bath/font) before any priest could even approach the Tabernacle in the Wilderness (much less the holy place). This is my understanding, anyway, for what it's worth.

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rewcox
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Re: Invitation to be Baptized

Post by rewcox »

Thinker wrote:
rewcox wrote:Both of you just roll your own as you go along.
Would you prefer I blindly roll as some imperfect false god tells me to?
Could it be I'm trying with all of my might mind and strength to find God - to do God's will - and maybe that isn't how the majority roll?
The way is narrow - because few want to be the odd man out. Most want to join a herd - whether it is religious or political.
As Coachmarc said, baptism has been around sine the beginning. For some reason you like to do your own thing.

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ajax
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Re: Invitation to be Baptized

Post by ajax »

rewcox wrote:
Thinker wrote:
rewcox wrote:Both of you just roll your own as you go along.
Would you prefer I blindly roll as some imperfect false god tells me to?
Could it be I'm trying with all of my might mind and strength to find God - to do God's will - and maybe that isn't how the majority roll?
The way is narrow - because few want to be the odd man out. Most want to join a herd - whether it is religious or political.
As Coachmarc said, baptism has been around sine the beginning. For some reason you like to do your own thing.
As coachmarc said, re-baptisms are nothing new.

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Thinker
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Re: Invitation to be Baptized

Post by Thinker »

rewcox wrote:
Thinker wrote:
rewcox wrote:Both of you just roll your own as you go along.
Would you prefer I blindly roll as some imperfect false god tells me to?
Could it be I'm trying with all of my might mind and strength to find God - to do God's will - and maybe that isn't how the majority roll?
The way is narrow - because few want to be the odd man out. Most want to join a herd - whether it is religious or political.
As Coachmarc said, baptism has been around sine the beginning. For some reason you like to do your own thing.
There have been many things that have been around since the beginning of recorded his-story.
Does that make every one of them godly?

Rewcox, why do you engage in cognitive distorted ideas like jumping to your conclusion that I'm doing my own thing?
How do you know that what I think, express and do is of God or not?
If it's of God, then it's God's thing, not "my own thing" - but rather a unique expression of the "kingdom of God within" me.

IE: Coachmarc is (or was) a fitness coach, right?
Is he "doing his own thing" - or is he doing something similar like my brother did in coaching me with cross fit?
But does he coach exactly like my brother? Nope. I'm pretty sure he doesn't.
Yet, would they both help me get a good work out? Probably.
We're not cookie cutter people, Rewox. It's ok to THINK for ourselves.

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rewcox
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Re: Invitation to be Baptized

Post by rewcox »

Thinker wrote:Rewcox, why do you engage in cognitive distorted ideas like jumping to your conclusion that I'm doing my own thing?
How do you know that what I think, express and do is of God or not?
If it's of God, then it's God's thing, not "my own thing" - but rather a unique expression of the "kingdom of God within" me.

IE: Coachmarc is (or was) a fitness coach, right?
Is he "doing his own thing" - or is he doing something similar like my brother did in coaching me with cross fit?
But does he coach exactly like my brother? Nope. I'm pretty sure he doesn't.
Yet, would they both help me get a good work out? Probably.
We're not cookie cutter people, Rewox. It's ok to THINK for ourselves.
Do you say, but do different? You definitely think for yourself, just not consistent with the scriptures.

Maybe it is related to the way you cross fit....
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jockeybox
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Re: Invitation to be Baptized

Post by jockeybox »

rewcox wrote:
Thinker wrote:
rewcox wrote:Both of you just roll your own as you go along.
Would you prefer I blindly roll as some imperfect false god tells me to?
Could it be I'm trying with all of my might mind and strength to find God - to do God's will - and maybe that isn't how the majority roll?
The way is narrow - because few want to be the odd man out. Most want to join a herd - whether it is religious or political.
As Coachmarc said, baptism has been around sine the beginning. For some reason you like to do your own thing.
Do you have an issue with people early in the church being rebaptized? Joseph didn't seem to have a huge issue with it. Do you know something he didn't?

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rewcox
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Re: Invitation to be Baptized

Post by rewcox »

jockeybox wrote:
rewcox wrote:
Thinker wrote:Would you prefer I blindly roll as some imperfect false god tells me to?
Could it be I'm trying with all of my might mind and strength to find God - to do God's will - and maybe that isn't how the majority roll?
The way is narrow - because few want to be the odd man out. Most want to join a herd - whether it is religious or political.
As Coachmarc said, baptism has been around sine the beginning. For some reason you like to do your own thing.
Do you have an issue with people early in the church being rebaptized? Joseph didn't seem to have a huge issue with it. Do you know something he didn't?
I thought this conversation was about baptism. As a member of the LDS church, re baptism isn't necessary.

For Denver's community, it appears to be a requirement. So if this is what you are about, then I suppose you will do it. But you are not doing it for the LDS church, you are doing it for Denver.

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marc
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Re: Invitation to be Baptized

Post by marc »

Ten points for the hook grip.

redj
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Re: Invitation to be Baptized

Post by redj »

Ill cross fit with CLB anyday! ;) got her number?

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SkyBird
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Re: Invitation to be Baptized

Post by SkyBird »

"although a man should be baptized an hundred times it availeth him nothing, for you cannot enter in at the strait gate by the law of Moses, neither by your dead works."

(Doctrine and Covenants | Section 22:2)

As I see it baptism is simply a dead "symbol" of the letter of the law. Every mortal who has come to earth has come through the watery womb and must be "born again" and "circumcised" without hands and become a "new creature" in holiness and virtue. For those who need the "letter of the law" to feel good about themselves, I have no objection... Christ himself suffered himself to be baptized to satisfy the "letter of the law" but to himself he knew it is the "spirit of the law" that really changes a man from the carnal to a "new creature" of God.

"For I testify again to every man that is circumcised (or baptized), that he is a debtor to do the whole law.
4 Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace.
5 For we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith.
6 For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision (baptism) availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love.

(New Testament | Galatians 5:3 - 6)

"Marvel not that all mankind, yea, men and women, all nations, kindreds, tongues and people, must be born again; yea, born of God, changed from their carnal and fallen state, to a state of righteousness, being redeemed of God, becoming his sons and daughters;
26 And thus they become new creatures; and unless they do this, they can in nowise inherit the kingdom of God.

(Book of Mormon | Mosiah 27:25 - 26)

To accept "a state of righteousness" by faith is available to all mortals who have come to earth, regardless of race or religion. We all have the innate ability to become again, the sons and daughters of God by manifesting in thought, word and deed the attributes, character and perfections of godliness...this message has never changed since Adam and Eve were upon the earth.

minorityofone
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Re: Invitation to be Baptized

Post by minorityofone »

Here is a question for everyone

Why in the world would you perform ANY ritual if the Holy Ghost did not tell you to?

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rewcox
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Re: Invitation to be Baptized

Post by rewcox »

MOO, Skybird, Thinker. Ya'll preach strange doctrine. Very strange.

You roll your own.

minorityofone
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Re: Invitation to be Baptized

Post by minorityofone »

rewcox wrote:MOO, Skybird, Thinker. Ya'll preach strange doctrine. Very strange.

You roll your own.
Rewcox,

I asked a question. Was it not a good question? Why would anyone get baptized or perform any other ritual if the Holy Ghost didn't tell them to do it?

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rewcox
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Re: Invitation to be Baptized

Post by rewcox »

minorityofone wrote:
rewcox wrote:MOO, Skybird, Thinker. Ya'll preach strange doctrine. Very strange.

You roll your own.
Rewcox,

I asked a question. Was it not a good question? Why would anyone get baptized or perform any other ritual if the Holy Ghost didn't tell them to do it?
You're repeating to death, like Robert, although he has been better lately.

I think most people are baptized because of the Holy Ghost, even the little ones. Of course I'm talking LDS. Not sure about the communities.

minorityofone
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Re: Invitation to be Baptized

Post by minorityofone »

That in no way answered the question. How many people are baptized because God told them as individuals that they needed to be baptized? Do you think it is 1 percent even? Yes a small percentage of people feel the Holy Ghost before baptism but among them how many are actually told by the Holy Ghost that they should get baptized? Most likely they feel the Spirit about something else then a minister or missionary says, "oh yeah and you need to be baptized". Then the web of cunning entrapment begins.

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rewcox
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Re: Invitation to be Baptized

Post by rewcox »

minorityofone wrote:That in no way answered the question. How many people are baptized because God told them as individuals that they needed to be baptized? Do you think it is 1 percent even? Yes a small percentage of people feel the Holy Ghost before baptism but among them how many are actually told by the Holy Ghost that they should get baptized? Most likely they feel the Spirit about something else then a minister or missionary says, "oh yeah and you need to be baptized". Then the web of cunning entrapment begins.
MOO, you've lost that loving feeling, hence your status. You preach entrapment. You preach false doctrine.

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ajax
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Re: Invitation to be Baptized

Post by ajax »

rewcox wrote: I thought this conversation was about baptism. As a member of the LDS church, re baptism isn't necessary.
And not initially prohibited. Many wonderful accounts of early saints being re-baptized. Who prohibited it? Why? When?

And why would somebody now want to prohibit someone else from doing it?

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