BE CAREFUL TO BAPTIZE?

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Baptizing someone by some standards is a rite whereby the one baptized is cleansed, made fit and becomes a part of a Christian group.

Baptism identifies one with Christ as sanctified and holy. Being buried with Him in baptism associates a believer with Christ. It is a testimony to the world.

As a further extension of this rite there have been rituals of blessing animals, fishing fleets and in some cases, houses which in my view may be pushing the envelope too far.

In any case it is an act where something or somebody is considered to be consecrated to GOD for service. There has been an attempt to associate a myriad of things with the Christian faith and be made part of it.

Things that they wish to fall under the Christian umbrella they “Baptize” them in Jesus name in an attempt to give them some spiritual credence.

Some of the lesser items are $25.00 “Jesus Saves” tee shirts and $5.00 “Virgin Mary and baby Jesus decals.” Or perhaps you need a pair of shoelaces imprinted with the slogans "Jesus makes me happy" or "Jesus loves you."

Bumpers stickers are great especially when you cut somebody off in traffic and your bumper sticker says “Christians aren’t perfect only forgiven,” that will win many to Christ.

One of the more blatant attempts is to try to baptize Greed and call it GOD’S prosperity and at the same time the extollers of this heresy are being enriched by preaching their message, one by the way Paul never discovered even though they quote him often.

The attempt to baptize slave music (?) and use it to extol the virtues of Christ is another example of disrespect in worship. It is a “Look at me performance” in disguise as lifting up Jesus.

This blurring of crossing the line allows everything but the vilest of conduct and is accepted by sustainable groups of confessing Christians.

How about baptizing lust and calling it love? No matter how you try to Christianize it - - lust just isn’t love. It may work wonders in the bedroom but won’t sustain a marriage during the difficult times of stress. Desire for ones mate is a must for a happy marriage, and is a long term proposition, for it isn’t only for sexual intimacy and home cooked meals.

So what is your preference; how about some Rose of Sharon postcards or a 1Timothy 4:12 tote bag, and don’t forget the “Seek his will” mouse pad.

"Your word I have hidden in my heart that I might not sin against You" (Psalm 119:11).

"Let not mercy and truth forsake you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart, and so find favor and high esteem in the sight of God and man. Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths" (Proverbs 3:3-6).

I must confess you will find some plaques on my walls with verses on them but if I didn’t have them in my heart they would only be an irritant not a blessing.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ii8SNOisvUM

This post has been linked with Joan Davis Sharing His Beauty