Response:
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In our modern society a high priority is placed upon feelings. "How do you feel about that?" and "How does that make you feel?" are phrases that are used constantly. Because of that, many Christians worry about how they "felt" when they got saved, repented, confessed their sin, got baptized, etc. Please understand that the Bible does not put much emphasis on this. I often say, " Christianity is a religion of facts, not feelings". The Bible does not discuss how a man would feel after being saved, nor how he should feel while being baptized. Everyone's emotions are different, and different people will respond to the same event in different ways.

I have seen people weep after being saved, and others laugh. Some feel joyful, others relieved, some burdened for others, and one man was angry because his own church had never told him how to be saved. Yet they had all received Christ. I'm sure the same could be said about baptism.

I have baptized many who were nervous about it. Some don't like the water, some don't like having to talk in front of a group, some worry about being embarrassed by being immersed in front of others, and some are afraid I will drop them. Likewise, some are very comfortable. The issue is not "how did you feel?". The issues is, did you obey the Lord?

In Luke 5:4-5 Jesus tells Peter to let down his net in order to catch fish. Peter's response indicates that he was skeptical, but he did it anyway, and the Lord blessed him. Peter didn't "feel" right when he obeyed, but the Lord blessed his obedience.

In I Kings 19 Elijah is feeling very discouraged, in fact, he asked to die. He didn't "feel" right, yet the Lord provided him with food, encouragement, and direction.

Two of the fruits of the Spirit are "joy" and "peace". As we grow and mature in the Lord, and as we surrender to Him, the Holy Spirit will produce these characteristics. I hope that over the years you have been allowing the Holy Spirit to have His way in your heart and life so that He can do His work and produce these fruits. They don't necessarily come immediately, just like fruit doesn't grow immediately on a newly planted tree, but as we walk in the Spirit we will begin to win the victory in this area.

I hope this helps. May the Lord bless you.

By Pastor Dr. Mark Montgomery Email: Ask the Pastor Ambassador Baptist Church 1926 Babcock Blvd Pittsburgh, PA 15209 (412)477-3210