"Keep Following" Jesus After Baptism

 "If anyone want to come after me, let him disown  himself and pick up his torture stake day after day and keep following me" -LUKE 9:23.

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This article can help all of us to reflect on the meaning of our dedication. In particular, it can help those who recently got baptized to remain faithful.

IT IS a joy to get baptized and become part of Jesus' family. Those who in that privileged position would agree with the word os the psalmist David, who said: "Happy is the one whom you [Jehovah] choose and bring near to reside in your courtyards." - Psalm 65:4.

Jehovah does not bring just anyone into his courtyards. As discussed in the preceding article, he chooses to draw close to those who prove that they want a relationship with him. (James 4:8) When you dedicate yourself to Jehovah and get baptized, you draw closer to Jehovah in a special way. You can be sure that thereafter he will "pour out on you a blessing until there is nothing lacking. - MALACHI 3:10; JEREMIAH 17:7,8.

Baptism, of course, is just the beginning. After you take that step, you want to live to do your best to live to live up to your dedication vow, even in the face of temptations or tests of faith. (Ecclesiastes 5:4, 5.) As a disciple of Jesus, you will follow Jesus' example and commands as closely as possible. (Matthew 28:19, 20; 1 Peter 2:21) This article will help you do that.

Next time: "KEEP FOLLOWING" JESUS DESPITE TRIALS AND TEMPTATIONS

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