We should sit them down and explain they will experience persecution for the rest of their lives. Family and friends will abandon them. They will be mocked and ridiculed. They could lose their jobs and homes. Their children might shun them. The world will hate them because they first hated Jesus.
They could spend their lives with nothing but God Holy Spirit offering them support, guidance and comfort. If they live long enough for the great persecution they may be put to death for their profession of faith.
Then ask, “do you consider yourself worthy to suffer for our Lord Jesus Christ”?
Or…. We could just give them a hug and welcome them to the club.
Peace to you
Just to join a Baptist church?
I doubt when John baptized he said any of that before he baptized each person. (Not that that has anything to do with joining a church)
But I would say the same thing about the apostles. I don’t think they told everyone that their lives would be miserable if they joined the church. Actually, I think people knew it when they joined. The church was being persecuted. And today, the majority of people who are coming to Christ are people (100% of them) who have made fun of and mocked others for doing right.
If you have grown up in church, you are familiar enough with it from the start and not necessarily guiltless from the other perspective.
If you have come from outside of churches, you have probably spent enough time with people who mock Christianity if not being one of them who mocked.
I don’t think it’s necessary.
Even Paul got the full message after joining.
Acts 9:16
For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake.
