I got the Holy Ghost 4 years before baptism in Jesus name for which I am thankful. However its not a good thing when Preachers do not baptize straightway. They are not following the
Apostolic practice and that leads to the confusion in the hearts of people.
The big mess over one or three steps is caused by
mens experiences not by the doctrine of the new birth. One repents and perhaps receives the Spirit and they are thrilled and rightly so. But if baptism is put on hold then after time passes
it does not mean so much to them. They have already been serving the Lord in what they know so its hard to conceive they have not been
"fully saved". Trust me thats the way my own experience was.
Yet it cannot be gainsayed or resisted that Jesus said he who believes
AND IS BAPTIZED shall be saved. Or that Peter said Repent
AND BE BAPTIZED for the remission of sins and so on.
When Preachers leave something out of the preaching that should be in its trouble. And no I dont think you have to mention or preach
Acts 2:38 all the time. But when you are talking to one seeking salvation yes be like the Apostles. Tell them what they
MUST DO.