I attend a non-denominational Christian church. My step sister, who attends the same church, does not lead a life that indicates any sort of moral standards or any sort of comittment to Christ. Yet she is getting baptised today, for the sole purpose of pleasing her dad. My faith is very important to me, as is the concept of baptism; I have no desire whatsoever to be there when it happens. I realize I don't have any right to judge, but I just don't want to be there. My family, however, would like me to come. Am I wrong? Should I go?
2007-08-18 11:25:32 · 16 answers · asked by Matt B 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
pray about that...i wouldnt go if i felt that way
2007-08-18 11:43:40 · answer #1 · answered by holly B 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Oh yes, absolutely go to this baptism. If she is getting married "for her dad" -- fine, the meaning of baptism has to do with conducting the household in a Christian matter anyway and she is simply following orders here as the entire households did in the New Testament days. She may think she is "pleasing her dad" but the reality is his authority and it's her father who is doing the right thing.
By the way, you also need to know that baptism is accepted or rejected by God, not your stepsister, in the same way that he accepted Jacob's circumcision but not Esau's under the covenant. God will do as God wills. Support your stepsisters baptism. It is God who is in charge of it.
2007-08-19 00:48:11 · answer #2 · answered by ccrider 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I attend a non-denominational Christian church also. Talk to her about why she's really doing this. But I would recommend that you go to the baptism, not necessarily for your family, but to show your support for your sister. Also, the best thing you can do is pray for her that she really accepts Jesus into her life.
2007-08-18 19:00:40 · answer #3 · answered by kaz716 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If it is a water baptism, then it means nothing to God but only an outward showing to the world that you are in the body of Christ. If it is a baptism of the holy spirit, then you should go and help lay hands on her for her to receive the holy spirit. I received the holy spirit with out a water baptism and it was a powerful force.
2007-08-18 18:35:47 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is through Baptism that we are "born again" (or "born from above") of "water and of the Spirit" (John 3:3-5).
The Old Covenant was entered into through circumcision; the New Covenant is entered into through Baptism.
Just as children were once circumsized as infants, they are now baptized as infants because the Kingdom of God, which is entered into through Baptism, most certainly includes them.
Baptism leaves an indelible mark on the soul, so one may be baptized only once.
The earliest extra-Biblical writing we have on the topic is the Didache, a 1st c. document known as "The Teachings of the Twelve Apostles." On the topic of Baptism, it reads:
But concerning baptism, thus baptize ye: having first recited all these precepts [i.e., all that is included in the Rite of Baptism], baptize in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, in running water; but if thou hast not running water, baptize in some other water, and if thou canst not baptize in cold, in warm water; but if thou hast neither, pour water three times on the head, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. But before the baptism, let him who baptizeth and him who is baptized fast previously, and any others who may be able. And thou shalt command him who is baptized to fast one or two days before.
If you believe in the Lord Jesus Christ but have not been baptized, be baptized as soon as possible, and have your children baptized, too!
"Ego te baptizo in nomine Patris, et Filii, et Spiritus Sancti."
2007-08-21 01:05:55 · answer #5 · answered by cashelmara 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You are so wrong about this on many levels.
She is unbaptized, therefore not yet a Christian,
so she's just learning to become a Christian.
You are a Christian, but you are condemning her.
I don't think you understand the concept of Baptism.
It's to wash away our sins & become new persons in Christ.
Not being there to welcome her, is the height of hypocrisy.
Besides, if your family wants you, you should do it for them.
Stop drawing all attention away from her & to yourself.
You sound like the elder brother who would not welcome
his prodigal brother back, after he repented.
2007-08-18 18:38:43 · answer #6 · answered by Robert S 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
This is family, you don't get to chose family, only friends. Your step sister may have an epiphany at her baptism. Would you want to be there for that? Your being there also shows support for her feeble attempt to improve, even if only to make some one else happy. Would you like her to improve?
2007-08-18 18:38:19 · answer #7 · answered by Aunt Karen 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Matt,
I would go for their benefit and let her know that you are serious about GOD and hope that at some point she is also. I believe that there are times that we do things for others even if it is not what we feel is "right". Have a wonderful evening.
Thanks,
Eds
PS... We also attend a Non-Denominational Church.
.
2007-08-18 18:39:05 · answer #8 · answered by Eds 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Go, and spend the entire time praying to God, through Jesus of Nazareth, that the Holy Spirit reaches her through the baptism.
2007-08-18 18:44:08 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes I would. Take all the people you can to get fed the word of God. We need to bring many people to church. God knows and sees all. He Knows who to call. Don't get angry and hate, just pity those who are lost and try to pull them from the fire.
2007-08-18 18:34:08 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would confront your step-sister and point out the error of her ways. If she will not listen, then go to your father. If nothing changes, refuse to go and let them know why you are refusing.
2007-08-18 18:43:25 · answer #11 · answered by Scott 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋