I was saved a few months ago. I am a stay at home mother with a husband who has no interest in church so I attend church every day on tv when he is not home. I want to be babtized but churches near me require I attend their church for months before they will baptize me. I honor my husband by keeping my faith to myself. His father lead me in my faith and was a Pentecostal preacher. He briefly lost his faith and stopped preaching but is now as faithful as ever. Can my father in law baptize me since no one else is willing to?
Chelsea you don't need anyone around to be saved and baptized Confess romans 10:9+10 and believe, I've known people who got born again in closets, hospital beds, jail cells, etc. that is between you and the father also to receive Holy spirit is the same thing, God is more willing to give than we are to receive. Also no body is good enough that's why we have a saviour its not given by merit its given because we need it and God knows that. All things of God are given freely, we just need to do whats written to recieve. Also you don't need water look at Acts 1:4-6 so believe and receive. God Bless
Hello Chelsea. Further to what Adam has written & what I had earlier written to someone else who was in a similar situation to you: there are some Churches who will want you to fellowship with them & even participate in their Bible studies so that they can know you & establish your testimony by your witness & faithfulness before they will baptize. However, that is not a biblical requirement - generally Christians of the New Testament churches were baptized very soon after believing/being saved upon the testimony of salvation - baptism by the Spirit (being born again) & water baptism essentially go hand-in-hand.
Since you have now felt the need to be baptized, have you spoken to the preacher who first led you to the Lord? Even though he may be old or possibly incapable, he can verify your faith & even suggest/appoint someone to baptize you. And baptism does not need to be done in a baptismal font in a Church building - a river, a swimming pool, the beach, etc. would do just fine. Generally, the one who shares the Gospel & leads that person to salvation should also take the responsibility to see to the baptism ( Acts 8:27-39) - but I realize that nowadays, that's certainly not the case & baptism becomes just an added-on appendage.
And continue to be a loving wife to your unsaved husband - I can hardly imagine how difficult & distressing such a situation can be at times. Let your devotion to the Lord & your love & faithfulness to your husband always be evident to him, that he would have no accusation against your life & witness, & perchance, by your exemplary behaviour, your witness might speak mightily to his heart of the power of Christ & the Gospel. Remain strong in the Lord, sister.
I'm not aware of any requirements the Bible has for someone baptizing another. But it's my opinion, that the person should be a Christian and should already be baptized him or herself. The examples of people baptizing in the Bible were Christian leaders (disciples).
But I also don't believe all churches require membership to be baptized. In my decades of church involvement, I'm not aware of any church that required that. The churches would happily baptize anyone who wanted to be- it's something encouraged and celebrated, not discouraged. So, I believe that if you simply asked a few more churches that you would find a 'yes', unless you have certain demands or requirements yourself you have imposed on them, such as not doing it during a service, but privately. God bless!
Thank you so much for taking the time to talk to me and guide me in faith so swiftly. Bless you for all you have done for me. I pray that anything ailing you or weighing on you is healed just as swiftly as you have helped me. In jesus' name I pray. thank you Lord. Amen
I have called all the churches I could find in my town as well as the two towns south. I have tried many times over the years. They all require proof of my christianity. I'm not being picky I've tried catholic Baptist Christian Pentecostal and others. They all believe I should defy my husband and leave our child with him for however many sundays it takes before they think I'm worthy of being baptized and am ready to dedicate myself to their church. They say that's what a real Christian would do, and if I'm not willing to do that I'm just a pretender. I'm willing to get caught sneaking around to be baptized, I just prefer to do it on a morning my husband is working without staying through the service, I have never been a good liar so I would tell on myself as soon as he gets home, but I cant defy my husband week after week for months and expect to keep my husband. He treats me very well and doesn't mind my faith as long as it doesn't affect him. He is very protective so I only drive for emergencies I am not permitted to leave the house for anything else since I tend to panic when alone outside. I dont even care if I'm sprinkled dipped or tossed in a river but i can not find a single church willing. Am I a pretender or are these people pharisees? I don't want to be baptized if I'm a pretender since I feel that would be disrespectful but I also dont see the point of being baptized by people of false faith. Jesus talks about the importance of being baptized of water but no one is willing. will I be able to go to heaven if I have only had a spiritual baptism?
Greetings Chelsea perhaps this may be some insight look at 1 Corinthians 7:10-15 written to the Church of God I.E. body of Christ it is absurd to think that God wants people to divorce since husband and wife was His Idea. For a christian to state because he or she doesn't believe leave, who says God can't work in their heart to believe anyway he covered it look art verse 14 carefully, the unbelieving wife is sanctified by believing husband and vice versa, to me that's a loving God I've seen religious people condemn husband or wife in relations that were fine and tell them because one or the other did not believe to leave and they stayed together and the other Got Born again. So my input stay faithful to Gods Word and keep loving God and your husband and let Gods Word and your walk be the witness.
if you have truly and correctly generated salvation for your soul, (ROM; 3;24,25,26) you have been spiritually baptized into Christ Jesus. Water baptism today is only a symbol of your faith, an outward sign. Much like your wedding band. Also it is a physical work, and no work can generate salvation. It can only come upon you by FAITH. Be VERY WARY of what any church may say, ALWAYS go to scripture (KJV) to compare what man says and what GOD says. If you feel you must in some way outwardly profess your Faith, there are many ways other than water baptism to do that.
In very truth, God accepts the penitent sinner purely on the act of true repentance for sins & faith in the Lord Jesus Christ ( Acts 16:31-33). That's the Holy Spirit's Work to draw you to God & give you faith to believe ( Ephesians 2:8,9). Water baptism doesn't save or even help in the saving of a person's soul - only one's faith in Christ's finished Work on the Cross does. If anything we do (even baptism) is added to faith, then it's no longer faith but of works ( Titus 3:4-6), & one can then unwisely say "I helped in securing my salvation". Our salvation lies only in the Cross & in believing it to be so. But baptism is an important step in a believer's Christian life.
I pray the Lord would help you & guide you in your difficult situation at home & provide a clear way to proceed with a water baptism with the consent of your husband. Every blessing in Christ.
Hi again Chelsea. You may not have read my earlier response to you, so if I may just add to it because of what you've written here.
Firstly, avoid a Roman Catholic water (sprinkling) baptism. The RC Church's baptism has a different meaning & significance from the New Testament pattern. In RC baptism, one is baptised into the Church (to become a member of the RC community). It's a 'sacrament' of committal to God & the Church & removal of original sin, whereas 'believers' baptism' is an act, subsequent to spiritual re-birth, that identifies oneself with Jesus' Death & Resurrection and serves as a witness to one's own conscience, to others & to the enemy of our souls, that we have left the old life of sin & put on Christ Who gave His Life for us.
From what you've written, I feel those Churches you've been in contact with, are not understanding or sympathetic about the situation you're in at home. Do you believe that your husband will react angrily if you get baptised or even leave the home? Is he generally a 'controlling or overbearing' person', or do you really believe that because of your propensity to panic that he's showing concern? Not knowing the full situation there, it seems that, if he has a good relationship with his father, then his Dad needs to have a talk with him. If he hasn't a good relationship, get the advice from your father-in-law as to what should be done. Is your husband so antagonistic to Christian things, which would cause him to react so badly? And yes, you shouldn't hold things from his knowledge; it could end up much worse in the long run.
He is a very good husband, we talk out and reach all decisions mutually. I am afraid to drive with our child in the car because I've never been a good driver. I only drive once a year if that. I shouldn't have said permitted it implied that he has dominion over me and he is a very loving and gentle husband. He is not a Christian hater. He is completely fine with my faith even my wanting to be baptized my urging him to pray which he does and he gives generously to those in need on his own. however he is not ok with it affecting him. He does not want to be forced to go to church I as the mother do everything for our child and home. We have a small kitchen but if you were to ask him to find the sugar he would be lost. I feel since all he does is work and I do not the house and child are my full responsibilities. I do not allow him to change diapers or now that potty training is over I do not allow him to take our daughter to the bathroom because I want to teach her from the start not to uncover herself in front of any males, which makes him and his father very happy. Sunday is his only day with us. He devotes the other 6 days a week to work. We go to his fathers house have an early dinner we have our family time and since his father was a preacher at one time I also ask for help with any spiritual/ bible things I dont understand. His father lost his faith briefly and stopped preaching and now just as devote as ever I would prefer him to do the baptism which would be full submersion by his faith since he lead me to christ but have not spoken to him about it lately. He stopped preaching due to his divorce Pentecostals are not allowed to preach in that instance he wants it done at his church and for me to attend with his son and all his family. His father is a boomer and still holds to the older rules so I'm not sure if he would be willing to baptize me at his home.
Thank you Chelsea for sharing further about this situation & your home life. That was very kind of you to do so & gives us a better understanding & fuel for prayer for you & your situation.
I was heartened to read of the great husband that he is & the openness & understanding you share between yourselves (and of course, also the dividing of family & work responsibilities). So, there seems to be no problem on that front, except for his disinterest in the weightier spiritual matters that are before him. And as Dianne has well written & quoted, that "the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the (believing) wife". Even as "marriage is honourable in all", though one spouse may be without saving faith, the other's love for Christ & by its visible expression, will have a positive effect on the other. Just as a believer's walk amongst the unsaved issues forth as a "fragrance of Christ", how much more will the Spirit of Christ bless one's marriage & work in the unbelieving spouse for his good. Your life & witness of being a joyful child of the King will undoubtedly bring the sweet presence & bearing of the Spirit on his heart.
I can understand that your divorced father-in-law can no longer preach & that ruling is valid on several fronts. But he can still see to your water baptism and baptise you, or even give you suggestions to consider concerning at which Church or a public area that can be done at. At least if you have the consent, if not support, from your husband, then your baptism would be all the more special to you. Thank you for keeping in touch Chelsea & may the Lord clearly direct you in this important step in your Christian walk & give grace to your dear husband, to the end that one day the scales from his heart will be torn away & he will understand his real needs, which only Christ can fulfil.
Thank you all for your love and support and wise guidance. You have all rush to help me spiritually and I cant express how much I appreciate all of you. Thank the Lord for each and every one of you. May God bless each of you for all the kindness you have shown me. God bless.
Since you have now felt the need to be baptized, have you spoken to the preacher who first led you to the Lord? Even though he may be old or possibly incapable, he can verify your faith & even suggest/appoint someone to baptize you. And baptism does not need to be done in a baptismal font in a Church building - a river, a swimming pool, the beach, etc. would do just fine. Generally, the one who shares the Gospel & leads that person to salvation should also take the responsibility to see to the baptism ( Acts 8:27-39) - but I realize that nowadays, that's certainly not the case & baptism becomes just an added-on appendage.
And continue to be a loving wife to your unsaved husband - I can hardly imagine how difficult & distressing such a situation can be at times. Let your devotion to the Lord & your love & faithfulness to your husband always be evident to him, that he would have no accusation against your life & witness, & perchance, by your exemplary behaviour, your witness might speak mightily to his heart of the power of Christ & the Gospel. Remain strong in the Lord, sister.
I'm not aware of any requirements the Bible has for someone baptizing another. But it's my opinion, that the person should be a Christian and should already be baptized him or herself. The examples of people baptizing in the Bible were Christian leaders (disciples).
But I also don't believe all churches require membership to be baptized. In my decades of church involvement, I'm not aware of any church that required that. The churches would happily baptize anyone who wanted to be- it's something encouraged and celebrated, not discouraged. So, I believe that if you simply asked a few more churches that you would find a 'yes', unless you have certain demands or requirements yourself you have imposed on them, such as not doing it during a service, but privately. God bless!
.
In very truth, God accepts the penitent sinner purely on the act of true repentance for sins & faith in the Lord Jesus Christ ( Acts 16:31-33). That's the Holy Spirit's Work to draw you to God & give you faith to believe ( Ephesians 2:8,9). Water baptism doesn't save or even help in the saving of a person's soul - only one's faith in Christ's finished Work on the Cross does. If anything we do (even baptism) is added to faith, then it's no longer faith but of works ( Titus 3:4-6), & one can then unwisely say "I helped in securing my salvation". Our salvation lies only in the Cross & in believing it to be so. But baptism is an important step in a believer's Christian life.
I pray the Lord would help you & guide you in your difficult situation at home & provide a clear way to proceed with a water baptism with the consent of your husband. Every blessing in Christ.
Hi again Chelsea. You may not have read my earlier response to you, so if I may just add to it because of what you've written here.
Firstly, avoid a Roman Catholic water (sprinkling) baptism. The RC Church's baptism has a different meaning & significance from the New Testament pattern. In RC baptism, one is baptised into the Church (to become a member of the RC community). It's a 'sacrament' of committal to God & the Church & removal of original sin, whereas 'believers' baptism' is an act, subsequent to spiritual re-birth, that identifies oneself with Jesus' Death & Resurrection and serves as a witness to one's own conscience, to others & to the enemy of our souls, that we have left the old life of sin & put on Christ Who gave His Life for us.
From what you've written, I feel those Churches you've been in contact with, are not understanding or sympathetic about the situation you're in at home. Do you believe that your husband will react angrily if you get baptised or even leave the home? Is he generally a 'controlling or overbearing' person', or do you really believe that because of your propensity to panic that he's showing concern? Not knowing the full situation there, it seems that, if he has a good relationship with his father, then his Dad needs to have a talk with him. If he hasn't a good relationship, get the advice from your father-in-law as to what should be done. Is your husband so antagonistic to Christian things, which would cause him to react so badly? And yes, you shouldn't hold things from his knowledge; it could end up much worse in the long run.
Go to Page 2.
I was heartened to read of the great husband that he is & the openness & understanding you share between yourselves (and of course, also the dividing of family & work responsibilities). So, there seems to be no problem on that front, except for his disinterest in the weightier spiritual matters that are before him. And as Dianne has well written & quoted, that "the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the (believing) wife". Even as "marriage is honourable in all", though one spouse may be without saving faith, the other's love for Christ & by its visible expression, will have a positive effect on the other. Just as a believer's walk amongst the unsaved issues forth as a "fragrance of Christ", how much more will the Spirit of Christ bless one's marriage & work in the unbelieving spouse for his good. Your life & witness of being a joyful child of the King will undoubtedly bring the sweet presence & bearing of the Spirit on his heart.
I can understand that your divorced father-in-law can no longer preach & that ruling is valid on several fronts. But he can still see to your water baptism and baptise you, or even give you suggestions to consider concerning at which Church or a public area that can be done at. At least if you have the consent, if not support, from your husband, then your baptism would be all the more special to you. Thank you for keeping in touch Chelsea & may the Lord clearly direct you in this important step in your Christian walk & give grace to your dear husband, to the end that one day the scales from his heart will be torn away & he will understand his real needs, which only Christ can fulfil.
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