Today my daughter got baptized, signifying her decision to follow the Lord Jesus. A day of great rejoicing for my heart, as it is with each of my children as they commit to the Messiah.

She had approached my a few months ago, speaking of her heart and desire to get baptized. On top of that great news, she honored me with the request for her ol’ dad to perform the ceremony. This was shocking for me, for I am a layman and not ordained in any ministry. I let her know that the church leadership would have to approve of this request (in order to provide no offence), and if acceptable, I would be overjoyed to witness this confession of faith first hand. To my great relief, the church only requested to know of my commitment to the Lord, of which I gladly confessed Jesus as my Savior.

In the following week, I spread the good news of my daughters intent of baptism with any who would listen, and many were happy with the news. Even those not committed to the Lord spoke well of the news.

Except.

One of my oldest friends did not rejoice. He is a passionate man, having confessed of his faith for decades, and has a deep desire to evangelize the lost. At one point in his families life, they entered into mission training for the land of Indonesia. He has sought to honor God in his faith!

He spent years living with us early on, and we had many great times of study. I look back on those days as a time of growth for us both, and he has been a dear brother.

At times it has been difficult to communicate with him, as he is in a foreign land and I sometimes loose his information. Nevertheless, we have been in communication recently and when I spoke of my good news, he came off as condescending, metaphorically looking down on me, telling me I am confused.

Carl – don’t be fooled by religion – baptism isn’t for believers today. Haven’t you read your Bible? As a matter of fact, the Lord’s supper isn’t a requirement of the New Testament church either.

What?

My friends, as those in the Body of Christ, we are to rejoice when others rejoice. This teaching he has recently fallen under is separating him from the Body of Christ, not only doctrinally (in my opinion), but also in his attitude towards those in the Body.

Of course my perception of his condescension is simply that – my perception. Yet the fact that he would encourage the denial of the two consistently accepted ordinances of the church for the last two thousand years, speaks of a haughtiness this teaching breeds. It breaks my heart to see my brother being deceived!

Nevertheless, my daughter is getting baptized and I rejoice. Her transformation in the last few years has been heart warming, and the public declaration of her faith is worth rejoicing in.

Rejoice with me, and may God be glorified in His many works!

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