Getting baptized this Sunday

[Guest sanctification]

Hi everyone!

Well I am planning on getting baptized this Sunday at 6pm pacific ST.

I would like to tell you about some of my concerns. I am not a "churched" individual. I have been a Christian for a few years but I haven't ever had fellowship with a body for more than maybe a year total in my life. So maybe you all could offer me some advice on a few things I am wondering about?

1) I was abused growing up and my mom was/is also abused mentally by my dad's persuasive arguments to take part in the emotionally-devastating-abuse in the last five years. Because of the abuse that we have suffered my mom could not come to my wedding or the birth of my child even though she was sitting at home doing nothing and 15 minutes away. She missed the first year of my child's life, she didn't get to see me graduate from college or buy my first home.

My dad is agnostic and my mom became a believer through partly my preaching during these years where I was abandoned as I described. So she is a baby Christian who happens to be, at this point, at the other end of the country away from all her family as well as her children and she is so sad about it that she is starting anti-depressants. She is the mommy-kind of mom, she just loves to lavish support and protection for her children but she gets swayed out of her good ways by my dad's anger. It only takes a couple of weeks after she has withdrawn from my life like that that she sorely regrets it, after my dad's arguments subside.

She said to me a year ago "Will you please wait for me when you get baptized?? I've missed all the milestones in your life, all the important ones, and this is the only one left. I want to be there this time. Can you wait for me?" She and my dad fly back home every so often to see family.

But I signed up to get baptized because I saw it in my church bulletin and have been looking forward to it for a couple years now. After I signed up I remembered my mom's request.

Should I wait for my mom until her next trip back? Or should I get baptized now?

2) I was invited to bible studies with a cult called the International Church of Christ, where they told me that because I had not been baptized, I had not received the Holy Spirit and I was not saved. This happened two years ago. This was the instigator into my heart to understand the purpose of water baptism; that it does not save me but it is a witness to other men so that He can be glorified in their lives. It is a commandment but it does not change my relationship with God. Not the act, anyway. So I understand this much.

But what I have not yet so far taken the time to thoroughly know for myself is what difference it makes at all. I have read the scriptures about what it symbolizes, but what difference does it make to you as Christians? I guess I am asking for your testimonies, more than scriptures, but scriptures, if they are more than the bare bones, will be helpful too.

3) My whole family is not saved (not talking about my husband). Except my mom, and perhaps my grandma now too (iffy). But when I became a believer, there was not a single cousin, aunt, nothing. No one knew God. With as quick as this baptism has been scheduled, the opportunity to invite them all will be lost if I do it this Sunday. When I talked to the Pastor he said he was going to talk a little about baptism just because I told him that my family was not saved. I want them all to come so badly, and I think many of them would. Some of them have never been to church before. Think of the evangelistic opportunity! Isn't that what baptism is designed for? For witnessing to others that I am serious about Jesus? Isn't this valuable in God's sight? And if so should I wait?

4) Here is the reason not to wait: God always blesses us through obeying his commands, and we should never hesitate to do it. God is capable of saving my family without them seeing my baptism.

5) I called my pastor on Wed and he still has not called back or left a message. I wanted to talk with him about these things but it's not working out. Shouldn't I discuss this before I go ahead?

When I first signed up to get baptized, I was full of joy thinking about it. But that joy has been overshadowed so much by all these issues that my own mind thinks I should just call it off. What do you think? What do you think God wants me to do?

[Guest sanctification]

I really wish that you all would speak your minds and hearts to me independent of what I am about to share.... Please don't let this sway you unless you think you were mistaken.... And if you were mistaken in your original opinion will you admit it to me? I want to see if I am being led by my flesh or by God's Spirit, and it will help me to hear what your thought processes are....

I have prayed a couple of times about this, and here is what God told me:

Regarding my mom:

"Your mom is in my hands! I've got her. I will complete My work. You and your milestone baptism are not the absolution of her guilt over past blunders--I AM the absolution of her guilt! She must find her answers in me, and she already is in sore need to turn to me as she is already."

Regarding this Sunday or waiting 5 weeks (which is when they'll be back again):

"Do it now! Do it now! :il: [He reminded me of Philip and the Eunuch.] "I bless you in your response to me coming from the heart. Remember the joy you had when you first signed up to be baptized? That joy is where you were truly serving me, regarding this act."

Thank you so much for thinking this through with me! As I have said, this issue is weighing heavily on me. I only get one chance to be baptized, and I want to have no regrets of doing it ill-informed or out of sinful motivations somewhere deep inside.

Sanc

[Guest there]

Go for it Sanc on Sunday and the Lord Yeshua bless and keep you.

It is between you and your walk with the Lord and we serve Him first Family second.

He has opened the door of your heart so listen to Him. That's what it is all about.

You being here telling us of your baptism on Sunday is also a testimony. We may not see you get wet but i know my heart and prayers are with you. Praise the Lord.

Please post and let us know how it went.

I was baptised with my 2 sons in 6th Nov 1999. It was placed on my heart to be baptised and even though there were incredible obstacles the Lord opened a door that no one could shut. And His will was done.

We first Look to Him and don't let anything stop us. Even though it would be nice for your mum to be there maybe the Lord is showing her through you that she is not to allow herself to be intimidated by your father. And through all of this He will have a plan that we may not see.

Praying for you and your family and all blessings of the Lord Yeshua be upon you on Sunday. :hug:

YSIC

Hellen

[traveller]

First, let me say that your second post really says it all. "Remember the joy when you first decided to be baptised?" Ah yes. Joy. Sanc, it's between you and our LORD. This is your step of telling the public on which side of the fence you are. I can certainly understand your mom wanting to be there, but it's not about her. And, maybe it is to a degree. You know, the Lord can use every circumstance to His glory. Your mom needs encouragement to stand in her own knowledge of her strenght in the Lord.

Secondly, you askedfor experiences. OK. I was baptised a long time ago when I was just a child. Here is some background on me and why this has bearing for this post.

My Testimony

If you read my testimony you will notice that I said I did not remember my baptism. Just last year I decided to be baptised again, NOT for any reasom except that I could not remember my first baptism, nor what was in my heart at the time. Truly, I felt led to do this and as the time got closer my joy increased! I was like a kid in a candy store! I enjoyed the entire experience!. And it was amazing! I was in a room right before the baptism with a young man that THOUGHT he had been baptised as a child, but had not. His mother said that he must have had a very vivid dream about it because it took her days to convince him that he had not been baptised. And there I sat. I had been baptised but could not remember. Anyway, I was so very joyful throughout the entire event and I loved it. I felt so close to my Lord.

That night I woke up in the middle of the night and was just lying there in that limbo state between fully awake and sleep, when I distinctly remembered walking down the aisle in the First baptist Church, hand in hand with my brother, going forward to publically say that I made the decision to give my life to Christ. And, as I lay there thinking of it, it was like I was doing it all over again. My Father gave me back that memory.

Why do I think that our Father gave me back those memories? Here's what I think. I think it was because I walked where I felt the Holy Spirit leading me, and I allowed my joy of HIM to fill my thoughts. In other words, I think it was love. I had asked for the return to innocence so many times, and at this point in my life, when I walked down that aisle, I was washed clean. He was reminding me that I was clean, not becasue of the baptism, but because of what Jesus did for me. When I accepted that, I was white as snow. I just have to tell you that I love my Lord and am so very thankful for His workings in my life. One thing is for sure, it's not a boring life!

Be in prayer about it. But please, don't quench your joy in the Lord. Go as He leads you.

God bless you and I'll be thinking of you! :il:

[Guest Calamity]

Whew! That was a good testimony, Trav.

Sanct, baptism is between you and the Lord, like the others are saying. I have a soft spot about family, though, and would have a problem, like you, in feeling bad about my mom, especially if she was abused mentally, not being able to come, knowing that she wanted to.

Anyway, here is a thought. Could you possibly get someone to videotape it for you? Does the church provide that, or do you know someone with a video camera that would do that for you? Then, you could give that to your mom.

The thing is, even if they come up in a few weeks, will she really be able to go to your baptism if you wait until then? If she's missed everything else, because of her husband's mental/emotional abusive ways, why do you feel so sure she will go through with going to your baptism? If she's lived this way (in the emotional abuse), for so long, chances are she is not going to suddenly change and stand up to her husband, if he doesn't want her to go. I know it's possible, but not likely. That doesn't mean she doesn't want to, or doesn't care, but emotional abuse is hard for someone to live with, especially for years and years, and it wears a person down, takes away their self esteem and does all sorts of things to them.

We can give you our "advice", but this is really a decision you are going to have to pray about, and decide yourself.

About my baptism. At the age of 10, I got saved and baptized. Well, after that, especially when I was in my late 30's, I really got bothered by it. Like Trav said she couldn't remember being baptized, I couldn't remember all the details about when I got saved. Then, I got to doubting whether or not I was, and if I was old enough to really know what I was doing. This wasn't the normal doubt that subsides after a while, but it was totally taking me over to where I almost couldn't function. I was miserable.

It may have been Satan messing with me, but if it was, it backfired on him, because I made sure I was saved. Our pastor was coming over to talk to our son about his upcoming baptism (he was 8 years old, and this was about 10 years ago), and by the time he got to our home, I was so distraught about my own salvation that I talked with him, and told him about it, and we prayed and now I am 100% positive that I am a child of the King. No doubt at all, and I also got re-baptized. I remembered mine as a child of 10, but I did it all over again. Asking the Lord into my heart and to be my Lord and Saviour, and to forgive my sins, tears running down my face and all. It was a tremendous experience and I felt like the weight of the world had just slipped off my shoulders.

I was so excited at my baptism! I can't begin to describe the feeling. Afterwards, when I was at the front of the church and the people were coming by hugging me and shaking hands, there was such a joy and comfort and warmth in my heart that I can't describe it. I knew, positively knew, as sure as I was standing there then, that I would see these folks again in heaven. No doubts anymore.

For at least probably 2 or 3 weeks after this, I felt literally, like I was almost floating in bed. I was so peaceful and full of joy like I've never felt before. I'd go to sleep praying and wake up praying. This started before my re-baptism, after I made sure I was truly saved. I remember during the time I was doubting my salvation, one day I was walking my son to school, and I distinctly remember thinking or praying, one or the other, that if I could only be sure, positive, that I had my salvation, that I could handle anything else at all, because salvation is the most important thing and the most important personal decision anyone can make. And everything else is secondary. Anyway, since then, believe me, I have handled a lot, with the help of Christ. And that thought/prayer keeps coming to mind... "If I only knew for sure, then I could handle anything else..."

Sanct, I can't tell you whether to wait or not. Just keep praying and let the Holy Spirit lead you on this, and don't let Satan take your joy. He loves to do that!

[Catsmeow]

Sanctification:

The idea of video taping is an excellent one! My husband was baptised in his later years and I sat in the front and photographed him getting "dunked" (LOL)...

I sympathise with you greatly. I know it's difficult for you to "go it alone" but you have your husband and child to rejoice with you. It is a glorious event.

I am concerned about the teachings of the Church of Christ - that they are a cult and put people under tremendous bondage. Please DO NOT LISTEN to what they say.

You were saved, as was the thief on the cross, the moment you said, "Lord, save me."

God hears the heart cry of the deaf/mute and he can hear the cry of a thief hanging on a cross. How much more so a child coming to him in earnest faith and asking for forgiveness.

If they try to lay a guilt trip on you and tell you you're not saved...I'd

run. Run far and fast from cults. They are like a cancer disquised as something good but are in fact toxic to the soul.

We are baptised out of obedience. We are justified by our faith. What follows is obedience done in love and honor of our Heavenly Father.

You don't need to be put under this kind of bondage...live in the freedom that Christ brings us; not in the bondage of cults.

Bless you and congratulations on your wonderful decision to honor God with your baptism. Bless you greatly! Cats

[Guest yod]

No matter what you decide...

Welcome to the Kingdom!

Hallelujah!

[other one]

I have prayed a couple of times about this, and here is what God told me:

Regarding my mom:

"Your mom is in my hands! I've got her. I will complete My work. You and your milestone baptism are not the absolution of her guilt over past blunders--I AM the absolution of her guilt! She must find her answers in me, and she already is in sore need to turn to me as she is already."

Regarding this Sunday or waiting 5 weeks (which is when they'll be back again):

"Do it now! Do it now! :il: [He reminded me of Philip and the Eunuch.] "I bless you in your response to me coming from the heart. Remember the joy you had when you first signed up to be baptized? That joy is where you were truly serving me, regarding this act."

Looks to me like God has answered your question for you. The reason I think this is because your mother seems to mean a lot to you, and if you were thinking in the flesh it would seem to me that you would tell yourself to wait. If the message you are getting is go for sunday it seems to me to be from God and not yourself.

Your mother loves you very much and when you explain to her what you have to us, she will most likely understand...

I like the video taping idea.

[WayneB]

I have prayed a couple of times about this, and here is what God told me:

Regarding my mom:

"Your mom is in my hands!  I've got her.  I will complete My work.  You and your milestone baptism are not the absolution of her guilt over past blunders--I AM the absolution of her guilt!  She must find her answers in me, and she already is in sore need to turn to me as she is already."

Regarding this Sunday or waiting 5 weeks (which is when they'll be back again):

"Do it now!  Do it now!  :il:  [He reminded me of Philip and the Eunuch.]  "I bless you in your response to me coming from the heart.  Remember the joy you had when you first signed up to be baptized?  That joy is where you were truly serving me, regarding this act."

Thank you so much for thinking this through with me!  As I have said, this issue is weighing heavily on me.  I only get one chance to be baptized, and I want to have no regrets of doing it ill-informed or out of sinful motivations somewhere deep inside.

Sanc

I just saw this...

Looks like the Lord answered your question for you. Isn't awesome when He speaks, sometimes in a whisper.

This is between YOU and GOD...and you are right, the Eunuch did not wait. Actually, it is believed that the Church in North Africa was started by that very same eunuch. Be obedient and the Lord will handle the rest. Put it ALL in His hands.

Bless you,

Wayne

[Guest sanctification]

What a wonderful blessing it is to read all of your responses. You are all so kind to me. I know it was a long couple of posts and you read it and considered it all carefully just for me, and I feel so loved!

I will be reading all of these responses till the time right before I get baptized, and when it is done I will tell you about what happened

Yes, I am going through with it tomorrow because you all are right, the more we lean on His grace the better our standing at the judgment seat, and it takes a greater faith to go and do this without waiting for the more favorable circumstances. I trust God for the blessing I cannot see.

Thank you for reminding me about videotaping. I am sure my mom would watch it, and maybe my dad too!

It is hard to lay down an opportunity (seems like the only) to see someone, like my grandma for instance, who has probably never been in a church in her whole life, and knowing that she probably would come for my sake, and just giving that up and letting it go.

Please keep writing to me if you have something in your heart.

Thank you so very much, Sanc