Keep Working Toward Baptism - WHY SOME HOLD BACK - Continue

 In his illustration of the sower, Jesus described heart conditions that could prevent a person from making spiritual progress. Yet, Jesus also showed that some would hear "with a fine and good heart" and respond the Kingdom message. (Luke 8:5-15) If you are concerned that your heart is divided, do not give up. With God's help, you can "acquire a new heart," one that will respond to his guidance. Ask Jehovah in prayer to help you soften your heart so that Kingdom truth can flourish. - EZEKIEL 18:31; 36:26. 

Some young people who love Jehovah fail to progress to baptism because of the influence of others. For example, some school counselors might advise students to "keep an open mind" about moral standards, even those that violate God's standards. But such advice can lead to disaster. (Psalm 1:1, 2; Proverbs 7:1-5) You can avoid this danger by following the example of the psalmist who told Jehovah: "I have more insight than all my teachers, because I ponder over your reminders." - PSALM 119:99. 

Next time: Keep Working Toward Baptism - WHY SOME HOLD BACK - Conclusion

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Keep Working Toward Baptism - WHY SOME HOLD BACK -Continue

 Some who want to please God focus on the cost of doing so. Of course, it is wise to consider the cost of any decision. (Luke 14:27-30) Some, though, worry about the sacrifices they will have to make in order to serve God. Candace, who was raised around the truth, felt that way when she was offered a Bible study as an adult. She says: "I knew what I should be doing for Jehovah, but part of me held back because I enjoyed what I was doing in the world. I knew that it would hard to give up those things." Others are concerned about the high standard of conduct for those who get baptized They worry that after baptism, they will commit a serious sin and be removed from the congregation. If such concerns ae holding  you back, what can you do? 

When we want to buy something, we look not only the cost but also the value. If the value of the item is far greater than the cost, we will likely buy it right away. Likewise, when we consider whether to get baptized, we should focus not sole on the cost of the changes we must make but on the great value of a good relationship with Jehovah. Jesus used two illustrations to teach this point. (Read Matthew 13:44-46.) In each illustration, a man gladly sold all his possessions so that he could buy the valuable item he had found. You too have found something of great value-the truth about the Kingdom. If you wonder whether living in harmony with the truth it worth the effort, think carefully about Jesus' illustrations. You might ask yourself: 'Am I truly convinced of the value of what I have found? Do I treasure my relationship with Jehovah, the hope he has given me, and loving brotherhood?' Depending on your answers, you can focus on building your appreciation for the truth or identifying what is holding you back from acting on what you know. 

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Keep Working Toward Baptism - WHY SOME HOLD BACK

 Some hold back from getting baptized out of fear. For example, although they want to serve Jehovah, they are afraid that they will never be good enough to please. If you feel this way, review Bible verses that can convince you that Jehovah does not expect perfection and that he is pleased with your worship when you give him your best.  (Psalm 103:13, 14; Colossians 3:23) If you fear opposition, ask Jehovah to give you the same confidence expressed by the psalmist who wrote: "Jehovah is on my side; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?"- PSALM 118:6. 

Some who love Jehovah put off getting baptized because they think that they lack sufficient knowledge. But how much do you really need to know? Consider a Scriptural example. After an earthquake shook the prison where the apostle Paul ad Silas were being held, they witnessed to the jailer and his household.  The man and his family likely understood that a miracle had taken place. Additionally, they learned a great deal that night. As a result, they were moved to get "baptized without delay." (Acts 16:25-33) If you know Jehovah, love him with your whole heart, have gained a basic knowledge of Bible teachings, have repented of your sins, and are determined to keep living by his standards, you are ready for baptism. - MARK 12:30. 

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Keep Working Toward Baptism

 "Now is the especially acceptable time." - 2 CORINTHIANS 6:2. 

HAVE you dedicated yourself to Jehovah and symbolized that dedication by water baptism? If so, you requested a clean conscience from God. (1 Peter 3:21) In doing so, you have set a fine example for both young ones and new ones associating with your congregation. So you have made an excellent  decision! What, though, if are not baptized yet? No doubt you love Jehovah and want to do his will. You know that baptism is vital in order for you to have your sins forgiven and to gain Jehovah's approval. (Acts 2:38; 40) But you may still hold back. What can help? In this article, we will consider (1)why some hold back from getting baptized, (2) why it is wise to keep the end close in mind, and how (3) you will benefit from working toward baptism without delay. 

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Understanding the Meaning of Baptism - "IN THE NAME OF THE FATHER AND OF THE SON OF THE HOLY SPIRIT - Conclusion

 In the name of the Son. We recognized Jesus as the only-begotten Son of God. Jesus is "the way," the only way whom we can have a good relationship with Jehovah. (John 14:6) Jesus is also our Redeemer, the one who died for us so that we might gain life. That knowledge moves us to follow his example every day of our life, not just when we get baptized. (1 John 2:6) So we zealously preach, as he did, letting nothing deter us.(Luke 4:43) We are even willing to endure persecution for loyally serving God. (2 Timothy 3:12) We respect Jesus as the "head of the congregation," so we gladly submit to those whom he entrusts to take the lead and to care for his followers." - EPHESIANS 4:8, 11, 13; 5:23.

In the name of the holy spirt. We accept the truth about the holy spirit. It is, not a person or part of a Trinity, but God's active force. We recognize that holy spirit guided the prophets and the Bible writers, so we regularly read the Bible and foll0w its teachings.  (2 Peter 1:20:21) And we avoid committing serious sins, such conduct could not only block God's spirit from reaching us but also hinder the free flow of his spirit in the congregation. -EPHESIANS 4:30. 

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Understanding the Meaning of Baptism - 'IN THE NAME OF THE FATHER AND OF THE SON AND OF THE HOLY SPIRIT"

 Jesus demanded that the new disciples be baptized "in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the holy spirit." (Read Matthew 28:18-20.) What did he mean? In the Bible, the word for "name" often refers to someone's reputation. It can also refer to the position and the authority represented by a name. So when we do something "in the name of" someone or something, we recognize the authority behind that name. (Compare Matthew 10:41; see study note on "because he is prophet.") Consider how you can recognize the position and the authority of the Father and of the Son as well as the role of God's holy spirit.

In the name of the Father.  We acknowledge Jehovah s our heavenly Father, or Life Giver. He is the almighty God, the Creator of all things.  (Read Revelation 4:11.)  We recognize him as the Hearer of prayer. and we use his personal name respectfully and freely when we pray to him and speak to others about him. (Psalm 65:2) Yet, more is involved in getting baptized in the name of the Father. Peter's listeners at Pentecost already knew about Jehovah, but they now needed to recognize him as the loving Provider of everlasting salvation through Jesus Christ. - ROMANS 5:8. 

Next time: Understanding the Meaning of Baptism - "IN THE NAME OF THE FATHER AND OF THE SON AND OF THE HOLY SPIRIT" - Conclusion 

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Understanding the Meaning of Baptism - WHAT CHRISTIAN BAPTISM INVOLVES -Conclusion

 Even before you begin learning the truth, you may have lived a reasonably good life and never committed any serious sins. Or you may have been raised by Christian parents, who helped you to love Jehovah. Do you still need to repent and get baptized to gain God's favor? Yes, regardless of our background, we must all recognize that we inherited sin, which alienated us from God.  (Psalm 51:5) As we come to know Jehovah, though, we choose to put his will ahead of ours. Once we do that, we can repent of our previous course and turn around-begin following a way of life that pleases our Father in heaven. We can then get baptized. - ACTS 3:19. 

If you previously got baptized as an adherent of another religion, you still need to get baptized as one of Jehovah's Witnesses. Why? Because you did not then sufficiently understand the truth about Jehovah God and Jesus. And if you dedicated yourself to God in prayer, your promise would not have based on a correct understanding of his will. When the apostle Paul met men in Ephesus who previously got baptized without having the needed understanding of Christian teaching, he arranged for them to get rebaptized.  (Acts 19:1-5) Likewise today, baptism is valid only if it is based on an accurate knowledge of God's will. 

Next time: Understanding the Meaning of Baptism - "IN THE NAME OF THE FATHER AND OF THE SON AND OF THE HOL SPIRIT" 

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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.

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

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