Understanding the Meaning of Baptism - WHAT CHRISTIAN BAPTISM INVOLVES

 Apart from the requirement for total immersion, the Bible does not provide many details ab0ut baptism. Still the Scriptures do help us to know what is appropriate. For example, Bible principles help baptism candidates know how to dress and also help observers know how to behave. (1 Corinthians 14:40; 1 Timothy 2:9) Today, immersion is usually performed by the elder, and we avoid giving prominence to those who have this privilege. (1 Corinthians 1:14, 15) A baptism is valid whether itis witnessed by a large audience or not. - ACTS 8:36. 

The Bible shows that we should make "public declaration for salvation, "that is, express our faith. (Romans 10:9, 10; see study note on "publicly declare.) How fitting it is, then, that we do so when we get baptized, the very action is crucial for salvation! For that reason, candidates for baptism are asked two questions. The first is, "Have you repented of your sins, dedicated yourself to Jehovah, and accepted his way of salvation through Jesus Christ?" This question focuses on how a person prepared for baptism, and it is similar to the exhortation that Peter gave to the crowd at Pentecost. The second questions is, "Do you understand that your baptism identifies you as one of Jehovah's Witnesses in association with Jehovah's organization?" This question reminds us that we live up to our dedication by cooperating and serving God alongside fellow Christians, just as the first-century disciples did.  (Read Acts 2:38-41.) Those who can wholeheartedly answer yes to both questions qualify for baptism. 

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Understanding the Meaning of Baptism - THE MEANING OF YOUR BAPTISM Conclusion

 Read 1 Peter 3:18-21. In a sense, we can compare the work that do to get ready for baptism to the work Noah did to build the ark. If you are just starting to learn about Jehovah, the work ahead might seem overwhelming, perhaps as massive as job as building Noah's ark. Is all the effort necessary? It certainly was for Noah. God himself designed the ark, and Noah had to follow that design closely to preserve life through the Flood. With faith and God's support, Noah obeyed and built the ark. Like Noah, you can successful do according to "all that God [has] commanded." - GENESIS 6:22.

In verse 21, the apostle Peter wrote that baptism is "saving you." Of course, the simple act of being immersed in water does not bring salvation; not does it somehow wash your sins away. Only the blood of Jesus can cleanse you from sin. (1 John 1:7) However, baptism is a vital part of doing all that God has commanded and serves as your "request for God for a good conscience." Jehovah will be pleased to give you what you asked for. In that sense, baptism is "saving you," or leading you to salvation.

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Understanding the Meaning of Baptism - THE MEANING OF YOUR BAPTISM

 Getting baptized shows publicly that you have accepted the truth about Jehovah God and Christ Jesus, repented of your sins, adjusted your life course to serve Jehovah, recognize Jesus as God's way of salvation, and expressed to God in prayer your sincere desire to do his will in association with His organization. One you make that promises, or dedication, and get baptized, you begin a course that leads to everlasting life. 

When you get baptized, you are completely immersed in water and then raised out of it, as if you had been buried and then resurrected. (Compare Colossians 2:12.) Baptism illustrates the dramatic changes that you have made in your life. How? When you go under the water, you show that you have ended your former way of life. When you come out of the water, you begin your new life centered on doing God's will.

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Understanding the Meaning of Baptism

 "Make disciples . . . , baptizing them." - MATTHEW 28:19.

HOW happy we are when new ones get baptized! Did you know that this joy can be tracked to the very first meeting of the Christians congregation? That meeting included a baptism and a talk that explained the fundamental teaching about baptism. (Acts 2;38, 40, 41) The apostle Paul wrote that "the primary doctrine about the Christ" includes "the teaching on baptisms." (Hebrews 6:1, 2) Although the subject of baptism might seem basic, we need to understand it well. Why? 

Just as a solid foundation can help make a house sturdy, a thorough understanding of baptism can help us have a strong faith. We need this understanding whether we are progressing toward baptism or have been baptized for many years. So in this article, we will answer these questions: "What is the meaning of Baptism? What does Christian baptism involve? And why do we get baptized in the name of the Father, of the Son, and of the holy spirit? 

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How to Help Our Unbelieving Relatives - SHOW THEM THAT YOU LOVE THEM - Conclusion

 Read 1 Peter 3:15. Our family members may not fully understand why we refuse to do certain things, but they will always remember our kind and respectful ways. They also appreciate our effort to make up for the time we cannot spend with them on some occasions. For example, we cannot participate in unscriptural celebration and customs, but we can visit them, have meals together, and give gifts at other times. 

How to Help Our Unbelieving Relatives - NEVER GIVE UP ON YOU RELLATIVES

James missed the opportunity to accompany Jesus in his ministry, but he eventually became a disciple. (Galatians 1:18, 19; 2:9) Though not an early disciple, James obviously took to heart Jesus' teachings. For example, under inspiration he wrote a letter that alludes to the Sermon on the Mount. 

Despite our best efforts, our unbelieving relatives may not show interest in our truth or respond favorably when we show personal interests in them. Why should we give up on them? Because we will be imitating our merciful God, Jehovah and his Son, Jesus, each time we show our relatives kindness. (Luke 6:33, 36) Over time, our loving conduct may move them to change our they feel about us. They may even remember the beliefs we shared with them in the past. If we do not give up on them, we may have the joy of seeing some of our dear relatives join us in true worship! 

Understanding the Meaning of Baptism

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How to Help Our Unbelieving Relatives - SHOW THEM THAT YOU LOVE THEM - Continue

 Read Romans 12:15. If we show interest in our loved ones when they need it most-both in good times and in bad times-we may help them to change their attitude toward us. For example, we could congratulate the on the birth of a child on the birth of a child and give them a gift to show that we share in their happiness. When family members lose a loved one in death, we should speak consolingly to them, offer some practical help, or send them a comforting card. And of course, we could check on them regularly, especially when they are facing hard times. 

Introduce them to fellow believers. When the disciple Andrew identified Jesus as the Messiah, Andrew eagerly introduced his brother Peter to Jesus. (John 1:40-42) Can we do something similar? For example, could we occasionally invite a relative to a meeting or to a meal with our friends? As we introduce him to fellow believers, he will see that Witnesses are normal, decent people. 

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How to Help Our Unbelieving Relatives - SHOW THEM THAT YOU LOVE THEM - Continue

 Consider the example of Anna, a sister in Armenia. Her family spends a lot of time together, especially during birthdays and holidays. When Anna accepted the truth, her relatives began to worry about how her new faith would affect their relationship. They were also worried about her decision to become a Witness would affect her future. How does Anna easer their concerns? "When I visit my relatives," she says, "I share information about my life and what has kept me busy. I also invited to my place and introduce them to my friends. As a result, most of my relatives are well-acquainted with those I am close with and feel comfortable with them." She adds: "Many of my relatives have commented on how happy I am, and they no longer worry about me." 

Take an interest in their lives. After being resurrected, Jesus showed interest in his brother James by appearing to him personally. (Corinthians 15:7) Can you imagine how James must have felt when he realized that Jesus had not given up on him? This reunion likely convinced James that Jesus was the Messiah. After that meeting, James may have helped other members of his family to come to the right conclusion about Jesus' identity.  - ACTS 1:14.

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How to Help Our Unbelieving Relatives - SHOW THEM THAT YOU LOVE THEM

 Even though we are serving Jehovah, we do not want to give our relatives the impression that we have no time for them or that we no longer love them. (Matthew 7:12) How can we show that we care about them? Consider a few ways. 

Keep in touch, and express your love for them.  We show that we love our relatives by regularly letting them know how we are doing. For example, we send them a text message along with a few pictures taken during a vacation, a trip or a get-together with friends. A modest gift or a kind letter may be all that is needed to improve the relationship. By taking the initiative in such ways, we tell them that we love them. 

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How to Help Our Unbelieving Relatives - REMAIN PATIENT AND HOPEFUL

 The Gospel accounts indicate that Jesus remained patient with his brothers. For example, they too were evidently in Cana when Jesus performed his first miracle. (John 2:11, 12) As mentioned earlier, Jesus' siblings did not put faith in him. However, Jesus did not cut ties with them.  The Bible reveals that after about three years after his first miracle in Cana, Jesus was speaking kindly to his brothers. - JOHN 7:5-8. 

Our clear understanding of Jehovah's mercy can help us to remain hopeful. When false religion comes to an end, our relatives may recall that we told them about this event. (Revelation 17:16) They may even join us in pure worship after the great tribulation starts. And if our relatives are facing hard times now, we will certainly do all we can to be there for them. Perhaps they will be more receptive to Bible truths as they see that our love and kindness are genuine. 

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How to Help Our Unbelieving Relatives - LOOK BEYOND NEGATIVE WORDS AND ACTIONS - Conclusion

 Let your conduct speak for you.  Our kind words and actions can move our relatives to change our they feel about us. (Read 1 Peter 3:1, 2.) An unbelieving husband could easily feel left out or upset when his wife attends congregation meetings or goes out in the ministry. Because she does not want to feel that way, she might adjust her schedule of spiritual activities in order to spend more time with him. For example, she could share in the ministry when her husband is busy or not at him. By being flexible and reasonable, a Christian wife might help her husband to reconsider his opinion of the Witnesses. 

Do not feel pressured to respond to all criticism. When Jesus was falsely accused of eating and drinking too much, he did not become defensive. Instead, he encouraged people to look at the facts. (Matthew 11:19) He also showed by his example that he had a balanced view of life. (Compare John 2:2,6-10.) Likewise, do not feel that you have to respond to every criticism. Rather, show your relatives through your actions that you are balanced and happy and let them draw their own conclusions. They may be moved to reject false information that they have heard about us. 

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