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Question
What are the requirements for taking communion in a Baptist Church? Does one need to be baptized first?
I know to get to heaven one does not HAVE to be Baptized b/c the man on the cross next to Jesus didn't get Baptized, however that was probably due to lack of time and circumstances.
Thank you kindly,
Terri
Yes, Terri, it would have been impossible for that ald to be baptized. Baptism is identification and obedience. You identify yourself with Christ and that you are dead to your old life and risen to a new one. It is also about obedience. We are told that we should be baptized after our salvation so if you do not do so you are not being obedient and that makes it sin unless you are in a circumstance where it is impossible for you to be baptized due to health issues or if you are in prison or something along those lines.
We are told to not take the Lord's Supper lightly or disprespectfuly because it shows that we understand and we are appreciative of what He has done for us as well telling the world that He is coming back. We always give a time of personal meditation before the Lord's Supper to reflect upon that and to provide an opportunity to confess sin and come to the tabe in fellowship with the Lord.
Some churches would not allow you to partake because they would consider you out of fellowship with God and to be sure that you do not partake of the curse that is on people who do not partake of the table in a worthy manner. Some might allow you if you were scheduled to be baptized for your heart is in obedience even if you have not had opportunity to flesh out that heart obedience.
May I ask why you have not been baptized??
May God bless you as you seek His will!!!
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Answers by Expert:
Dr. Ronald E. Shultz
Expertise
I am more of a polemicist than an apologist. I especially desire to answer questions concerning discipleship/holiness, "gray areas", etc. If all you wish is an argument then I am not your man. Sincere seekers only need e-mail me.
Experience
I have ministered in several states since my conversion in 1975. I participate in many forums and have written two books.
Organizations
American Association of Christian Counselors since 2009
Texas Civil Defense since 2008
American Legion since 2002
Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels, since 1994
Life Member NCOA, 1973
Dover AFB Honor Guard, 1971-73
Publications
Poem, "Cowboy Up" published in an anthology by American Poets Society, 2004
Author, Jail House Religion, Xulon Press, 2004
Author, The Power of Holy Women, Xulon Press, 2003
Messianic Literary Corner published 45 poems, 2003+
Tract “Which Way To God” published on http://www.tracts.com/whichway.html, 1998
Several poems published on various web pages, 1997,1998,1999
Author, Metamorphosis, copyrighted, partially published collection of poetry, 1968-94
Article, “Why I Prefer Expository Preaching”, published in Canyonview Bible Seminary's Expositor, 1988
Education/Credentials
Doctor of Theology, Slidell Baptist Seminary, Slidell, LA, 2001, Summa Cum Laude
Master of Theology, Christian Bible College, Rocky Mount, NC, 2000, Summa Cum Laude
Bachelor of Religious Education , Administration minor, Piedmont Baptist College, Winston-Salem, NC, 1982, Cum Laude
Evangelical Teacher Training Association, Teachers Diploma, Winston-Salem, NC, 1982
Other study: Community College of the Air Force, Maxwell AFB, AL - 1975-78
Upper Iowa University, Fayette, IA - 1976-77
Interim Ministry For Today's Churches - 2000
Awards and Honors
Heritage Registry of Who's Who, 2006-2007
Editor's Choice Award, International Library of Poetry, 2003
America's Registry of Outstanding Professionals 2001-2002
Stratmore Who's Who, 2001-2002
Guest Speaker Texas A&M, Commerce, 1999
Gubernatorial Commendation by Texas Veterans Commission, 1999
Dallas VA Certificate of Pride in Public Service, 1999
Guest on the Kevin Bullard radio program KPBC AM 770,1997
Who's Who in the South and Southwest, 1996
Editor's Choice Award, National Library of Poetry, 1995
Who's Who in Poetry, 1992
United States Army Achievement Medal, 1990
Personal testimony dramatized for international radio program Unshackled, 1986
Outstanding Young Men of the South, 1981
United States Air Force Commendation Medal, 1978
Two USAF suggestion awards, 1976
NCO of the Quarter, 1975
Freedom Foundation Award, 1975
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