I've been going to church for almost 3 years now, but still haven't been baptised !!! I feel like I have overcome some sins (By the grace of God) but still struggling with others. Is this normal ??? I'm not even sure if I am saved, because TWO pastors from two DIFFERENT churches BOTH said that I don't need to be baptised to be saved, but from what I have read in the KJV bible, MOST if not ALL the scriptures say repent AND be BAPTISED ??? BOTH pastors have said that I just have to repent and ask JESUS in to my heart, and if we believe, we receive !!! (But that just sounds like it's from the pits of hell to me !!!) BOTH pastors say that I'm taking the scriptures TOO literally, yet NONE of the things that we pray about to my knowledge get answered, Like people being healed from sickness or for people's salvation. I've even started questioning whether I am a REAL Christian or not ??? To my knowledge, I don't know ANYNONE from church that have managed to lead ANYONE to CHRIST, yet I know that most, have witnessed to people. I'm not even sure if I'm doing things right or if any of my prayers are being answered or whether I'm just doing it all in vain ??? Please can you pray for my salvation and ask GOD to help me to stop sinning, because I have mentioned this to BOTH pastors in the past and not really felt any reassurance from any of them. I also disagree with a lot of their doctrine and feel restless during the services and feel like a hypocrite for keep going to their church, yet I know that the devil is subtle and possibly trying to separate me from other Christians because nobody else around me are Christians other then the people at church. I also dreamt that I was in a church and the pastor was Mark Strong (An actor) Not sure whether GOD is trying to tell me something or whether Satan is trying to deceive me ??? Thank you in advanced and |Father God, I pray that you bless everyone that uses this site. In Jesus name I pray. Amen :)
One of the best tools satan has is to make you doubt yourself and your Christianity. Believe in Jesus Christ, trust God. Sometimes miracles happen that we don't know about. God always listens and answers according to His will. We are all forgiven of our sins if, we believe in Jesus. His blood will wash us as white as snow to be presented to the Father. Never be discouraged, ask God for strength, depend on His mercies, wisdom, love, protection and guidance. I have found out that God and Jesus can overcome any of my anxieties, burdens and deficiencies with His perfect love. God and Jesus will never leave you. Pray for wisdom as you read the Bible. God will comfort you and lead you. He nor Jesus will ever let you down. God bless you. Allow God to take control. Lay your burdens and anxieties at Jesus's feet.
I think the reason some say baptism is encouraged, but not 'required' is verses like John 3:16.
However, in my opinion, that's only part of the picture; there's so many other verses to consider like Acts 2:38.
You already read the scriptures, you already want to do it, and you absolutely should. So, please do it, despite the pastors opinion. Since churches that normally would do this probably do this on a limited basis during the virus, if you don't want to wait any longer, all you need is another person, such as a pastor or minister, to baptize you. You could get permission to be baptized with a church's facilities on another day, or you could do it in a lake, pool, or hot-tub or any number of places that are just as valid. The key is that you know what it symbolizes and its helpful to read the scriptures beforehand so you know exactly what it means.
May God bless you and congratulations on your decision!
Firstly, Sorry for the late reply, I thought that I had already replied to you, but it doesn't seem to appear here for some reason, so I'm not sure if you received it. Thank you for your advice on me being baptised, and for all your words of encouragement and I will study the scriptures that you have suggested. I have been on this site many times since I started on my Christian walk, but only recently noticed the prayer request section a few days ago. Everyone on here has been so encouraging and helpful. I just wish that I would have noticed it sooner, as it could have saved me a lot anxiety.
May God bless you and your family :)
May God bless you and your family :)
I think the reason some say baptism is encouraged, but not 'required' is verses like John 3:16.
However, in my opinion, that's only part of the picture; there's so many other verses to consider like Acts 2:38.
You already read the scriptures, you already want to do it, and you absolutely should. So, please do it, despite the pastors opinion. Since churches that normally would do this probably do this on a limited basis during the virus, if you don't want to wait any longer, all you need is another person, such as a pastor or minister, to baptize you. You could get permission to be baptized with a church's facilities on another day, or you could do it in a lake, pool, or hot-tub or any number of places that are just as valid. The key is that you know what it symbolizes and its helpful to read the scriptures beforehand so you know exactly what it means.
May God bless you and congratulations on your decision!
Firstly, Sorry for the late reply, I thought that I had already replied to you, but it doesn't seem to appear here for some reason, so I'm not sure if you received it. Thank you for your advice on me being baptised, and for all your words of encouragement and I will study the scriptures that you have suggested. I have been on this site many times since I started on my Christian walk, but only recently noticed the prayer request section a few days ago. Everyone on here has been so encouraging and helpful. I just wish that I would have noticed it sooner, as it could have saved me a lot anxiety.
God bless you & your family
Kind Regards
Claire
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