question about baptism

[OzarkWoman]

OK, I am the baptismal classes and that is fine. My pastor says he does not want to baptize me if I am still smoking or drinking. Why is this please? Why is it that I can't just go a bit slower with all of this anyway?

[Gibs]

O W,

He should have explained why to you. It is because Baptism is a symbal of complete death of the old person and then rising up out of the water a symbal of the new bith from above and a new person that fully does the will of Jesus Christ.

Surrender fully all of self to Christ and be dead of all that old and detrimental things to your body as it is the temple of the Holy Spirit that needs to dwell within you to be born anew from above. In other words the house needs to be fully cleansed of all that pollutes it. Then the Holy Spirit can move in. We can only serve one Master as until we have given all that we are we are still serving another and Christ cannot come in.

That is blunt but it is the truth and that is what you want I'm sure.

You see He is a Jealous Bridegroom.

His Blessings to you to surrender all.

1Jo 4:4 ¶ Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.

[Woody]

OK, I am the baptismal classes and that is fine. My pastor says he does not want to baptize me if I am still smoking or drinking. Why is this please? Why is it that I can't just go a bit slower with all of this anyway?

So sorry to hear this OzarkWoman. This is an old unbiblical tradition. Praise God - many pastors are either ignoring it or suggesting that you stop the smoking and drinking for the day before and of your baptism.

I would suggest that if you really want to get baptized and still smoke - that you go to another denomination and get baptized. Continue to attend the SDA church of course. And then when you get victory or get a new pastor - join the SDA church on profession of faith.

[Stan]

Ozarkwomen.. you will get many diverse opinions here, none are official statements.

I suspect most Adventist would not agree with what Woody just said.

I would say keep on worshiping where you are, keep on rejoicing, let the Lord lead.

I battled with smoking for several years, and then one day I quit, I was baptized later.

Overcoming something, be it smoking, drinking, gossiping, etc etc is a wonderful experience.

I have seen too many experiences where a Pastor will baptize 8 year olds, or anyone 'at will' as well as others who do things that you spoke about, who end up not having people stay, and in one recent case, the whole church shut down.

Victory over ANYTHING is something to rejoice over.

Repentance has become passé, even though it is a main topic in the New Testament.

There are bigger issues than smoking in life, but let me tell you, it feels soooooo good to quit. (But not for the first 5 days )

Smoking or not, you will always get support here.

Courage

[Woody]

Stan's approach is a good option too. I would have no problem with either way that you might choose to do. Whatever fits best OzarkWoman.

[OzarkWoman]

Originally Posted By: OzarkWoman

OK, I am the baptismal classes and that is fine. My pastor says he does not want to baptize me if I am still smoking or drinking. Why is this please? Why is it that I can't just go a bit slower with all of this anyway?

So sorry to hear this OzarkWoman. This is an old unbiblical tradition. Praise God - many pastors are either ignoring it or suggesting that you stop the smoking and drinking for the day before and of your baptism.

I would suggest that if you really want to get baptized and still smoke - that you go to another denomination and get baptized. Continue to attend the SDA church of course. And then when you get victory or get a new pastor - join the SDA church on profession of faith.

I would not want to be baptozed by someone I barely knew and, therefor, had no real respect for.

[Woody]

Quote:

I would not want to be baptozed by someone I barely knew and, therefor, had no real respect for.

And if that's the way you feel - that is fine. I was just trying to propose different options. Like I said - the option Stan mentioned is a good one also. How do you feel about what he said?

[OzarkWoman]

Quote:

I would not want to be baptozed by someone I barely knew and, therefor, had no real respect for.

And if that's the way you feel - that is fine. I was just trying to propose different options. Like I said - the option Stan mentioned is a good one also. How do you feel about what he said?

I am going to quit cold turkey just as soon as I finish off the few packs that I have left. The drinking is no big deal to me because it isn't a habit of any kind.

The thing that bothers me is that I see other members of the church that do smoke.

[Woody]

Quote:

I am going to quit cold turkey just as soon as I finish off the few packs that I have left. The drinking is no big deal to me because it isn't a habit of any kind.

Cool. Will keep you in my prayers.

[OzarkWoman]

Quote:

I am going to quit cold turkey just as soon as I finish off the few packs that I have left. The drinking is no big deal to me because it isn't a habit of any kind.

Cool. Will keep you in my prayers.

Thank you!

[jasd]

QR frame:

An adult has in the neighbourhood of some 20 feet of matter in his or her GI tract, which translates to - a bit worse than smoke or alcohol for the makin's of a temple depending upon spiffy-clean.

HS don't wanna be livin' in anybody's GI tract. An' if HS ain not preferrin' to live in the lungs of a smoker and/or the blood/belly of an imbiber - He or She ought not mind living in one's heart and/or in one's spirit. Plenty room there. I think HS would prefer to live in one's spirit - being as He or She is likewise, Spirit.

Now, if you choose to travel with a group of fellow travelers - you have to expect to tow the norms of that group. It's only fair to them and a Xtian is obliged to be fair, yes? One ought not join with them proving only to be a source of embarrassment to them as represented by their dogmas and doctrines.

Besides, ain nuthin' wrong with giving up the dangers of smoking and the inebriateness of drinking. One can always find other ways and things working detrimentally to one's health and sanity.

Quittin' cold turkey is a good idea.

Just don't be leaving any hindmost out there, as that's what the devil will grab - the hindmost. Tha's what the Book sez. ;-)

[OzarkWoman]

Actually, I think your analogy is way off, especially since others smoke and some even drink to excess.

BTW, I went ahead and got rid of my smokes and haven't smoked since last night.

[Woody]

Actually, I think your analogy is way off, especially since others smoke and some even drink to excess.

BTW, I went ahead and got rid of my smokes and haven't smoked since last night.

Praise God OzarkWoman. I hope you will come here and keep us informed each day. We are here to support you in your effort.

And if you fall - we are here to pick you up. Praying for you.

[Gail]

BTW, I went ahead and got rid of my smokes and haven't smoked since last night.

Praise the Lord!!! One of Jesus' gifts to us was that He wants us to have is an abundant life:

Quote:

John 10:10

The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.

Smoking is just one thief that will rob you of a quality life. I wish that other person at your church would learn that, too!

There will be many such robbers that Satan will throw your way because he's only interested in debilitating us. I thank the Lord that you have a good support system to help you with this smoking thief! And that is besides the power that Jesus Himself gives you through His word and His life and shed blood and the Holy Spirit. We are all pulling for you!!

Some of those robbers will be secret things that you will be inspired by Scripture to renounce. You may not feel like opening up those cans of worms to the open, but the tools and strength God gives you are the same on His end. Praise the Lord He does not leave us comfortless!

If you ever need some more prayer support, feel free to ask anytime! Even privately in a Private Message if you want We are more than happy to hold up a sister in Jesus and child of God

[Naomi]

Actually, I think your analogy is way off, especially since others smoke and some even drink to excess.

BTW, I went ahead and got rid of my smokes and haven't smoked since last night.

[jasd]

>>Actually, I think your analogy is way off, especially since others smoke and some even drink to excess.<<

Ahh, I’m disappointed, as I think it’s spot-on; however, I confess that the latter clause eludes me. Well, that’s just me. ;-)

>>BTW, I went ahead and got rid of my smokes and haven't smoked since last night.<<

Cold Turkey, eh? Good on top you!—as smoking has proved extremely detrimental to one’s well-being.

May all propitiousness be yours in the coming days, months, and years.

[phkrause]

Actually, I think your analogy is way off, especially since others smoke and some even drink to excess.

BTW, I went ahead and got rid of my smokes and haven't smoked since last night.

My dad quit cold turkey and so did my mom. My mom never smoked again, but my dad did after a while. Than one day he decided again to quit and never smoked again. So I will be praying for you. To go back to your OP, you asked about why! In my opinion I think it has to do with members being weak in there faith. In the NT, I believe its Paul, mentions that we should not do things that might be a bad witness to members that are not strong yet in there faith. Not sure it that answers you question but for me, that's always been my understanding.

[M. T. Cross]

Best of luck to you Mrs Ozark. May you beat the demon I have fought with for well over 20 years.

[Gail]

Sounds like it's time for a group hug!!

[CoAspen]

OK, I am the baptismal classes and that is fine. My pastor says he does not want to baptize me if I am still smoking or drinking. Why is this please? Why is it that I can't just go a bit slower with all of this anyway?

You raise a good and valid question. It is the only two 'sins' you are officially required to give up. All others, well.....!! If all sins were required 'stopped', the church would be empty...can't have that!!

Actually it's about the joining the church, not an acceptance by God. Joining and acceptance are two different things that quite often get confused. Wish it weren't that way, because it is only natural to feel if the church doesn't want you than maybe God doesn't either.

[Woody]

Originally Posted By: OzarkWoman

OK, I am the baptismal classes and that is fine. My pastor says he does not want to baptize me if I am still smoking or drinking. Why is this please? Why is it that I can't just go a bit slower with all of this anyway?

You raise a good and valid question. It is the only two 'sins' you are officially required to give up. All others, well.....!! If all sins were required 'stopped', the church would be empty...can't have that!!

Actually it's about the joining the church, not an acceptance by God. Joining and acceptance are two different things that quite often get confused. Wish it weren't that way, because it is only natural to feel if the church doesn't want you than maybe God doesn't either.

Excellent CoA.

OzarkWoman. Just make sure you realize that God loves and accepts you even if the church officially does not.

[Dr. Rich]

Woody, those are nice fuzzy words, but how do you know that they are the truth? Lets not play games here as becoming baptized is a serious matter, one that I find and see that many believe is a frivilous thing. There is no question that God wants as many as will choose Him and His words over their own words and life style, but that is a very personal matter to many. And true, there is no such thing as taking drugs, smoking and drinking moderatly being down right sinful. But taking His yoke means doing what HE wants you to do from then on, meaning seeking the real truth, knowing it and obeying it by following the words of Jesus.

But I do agree with you, that it is not the man made rules (28 doctrines) that counts, but the rules or the ten commandments of God that counts as only by them will all of us be judged by. Rev. 12:17

[Woody]

Quote:

But I do agree with you, that it is not the man made rules (28 doctrines) that counts, but the rules or the ten commandments of God that counts as only by them will all of us be judged by. Rev. 12:17

Yes. We are judged by the commandments. But those who accept Him are judged by the keeping of them that Jesus did - so that they can no longer condemn us. The record of my feeble keeping of the commandments - will be covered up by the perfect record of how JESUS kept them.

WE are not saved by what we DO but by whom we know.

[Dr. Rich]

Yes Woody, Jesus showed us that it can be done and Rev. 12:17 shows us that few will actually be doing the same thing. It can be done. God can't allow any sin at all to be in anyone who is in His family. The circle yin and yang is the lie Satan wants everyone to believe and is the foundation of Eastern religions. Please don't be foolish enough to believe that God will allow sin in heaven.

[Dr. Rich]

Oh, it's not Whom you know, but whom HE knows. We show our love for God by keeping all of the commandments and following or obeying the words of Jesus. Many will be surprised to hear the words telling them that He never knew them.