5
Understanding Baptism
| Bro David and Sis Jacklyne Wanjala
(Chwele, Kenya)
W
e can now understand better the descrip-
tion of baptism as “the answer of good
conscience towards God.” (1 Peter 3:21).
Jesus himself was baptised and said, “Thus it
becomes us (is fitting for us) to fulfil all right-
eousness.” (Matthew 3:15). “He that believes
and is baptised shall be saved.” (Mark 16:16).
Baptism can only be real when a person knows
about the Gospel and believes that by accept-
ing the gift of salvation in Jesus Christ there
is forgiveness of sins and the hope of eternal
life in the Kingdom of God.
Baptism is both a birth and a death. When a
person is completely “buried” in water it is a
symbol of being buried with Christ. By his
death and resurrection Jesus destroyed the
power of death. When the person comes up
out of the water a new life commences. It is
like a new birth into the family of God. The
new life is now linked to the life of the risen
Lord Jesus. At the second coming of Jesus,
God promises to give eternal life to faithful
members of His family (John 3:5, Acts 8:35,
Romans 6:3-9).
Look for the Good Things
| Bro David B Yelulani (Banket, Zimbabwe)
A
s each year draws to a close it seems nat-
ural to look back and to reflect on what
has taken place over the past twelve months
and even further back. In many cases, these
occurrences play a significant role in your
attitude towards the unknown future, and as
a result your attitude and your actions could
well be governed or influenced by past expe-
riences. There is often a tendency to dwell on
adverse circumstances and this can seriously
affect your outlook on life to the detriment of
yourself and others close to, or dependent
upon you.
Looking back over the events that have taken
place, lay the emphasis on all the good things
that have happened. By all means learn from
past mistakes, but do not become burdened
by failures so that you lose sight of God’s gra-
ciousness in your life. As you recall the many
good aspects of your life during this past year
you cannot but see and be thankful for the
presence of the Living Christ with you in all
circumstances. Just as He has protected and
provided for you in the past, so will Jesus be
your constant companion in the future.
T
The Jordan River ~ Israel
he grass may be greener on
the other side, but it still
has to be mowed.
Hebrews 13:5 KJV
“Let your conversation be without
covetousness; and be content with such
things as ye have: for he hath said, I will
never leave thee, nor forsake thee.”