By Ben Berto
38 Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the [a]remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Ats 2: 38 nkjv
SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTISTS CONFESS BELIEF IN CHRIST. “By baptism we confess our faith in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and testify to our death to sin and of our purpose to walk in newness of life. Thus, we acknowledge Christ as Lord and Saviour, become His people, and are received as members of His church. Baptism is a symbol of our union with Christ, the forgiveness of our sins, and our reception of the Holy Spirit. It is by immersion in water and in contingent on an affirmation of faith in Jesus and evidence of repentance of sin. It follows instruction in the Holy Scriptures and acceptance of their teachings.” Fundamental Beliefs 14.
May I tell you a story? Nyangwira, who lived in Central Africa, did not consider baptism to be merely an option. For more than a year she had studied her Bible. She longed to become a Christian. One evening she shared with her husband the things she had learned. Outraged, he shouted, “I don’t want this kind of religion in my home and if you keep on studying, I’ll kill you!” Although she was crushed, Nyangwira continued studying and soon was ready for baptism. Before leaving for the baptismal service, Nyangwira knelt respectfully before her husband and told him she was to be baptized. He picked up his large hunting knife and shouted, “I told you that I don’t want you to be baptized. The day you are baptized,. will kill you . But Nyangwira, determined to follow her Lord, left with her husband’s threats resounding in her ears. Before entering the water, she confessed her sins and dedicated her life to her Saviour, not knowing whether she would be laying down her life for her Lord that day, too. Peace filled her heart as she was baptized. When she returned home, she brought the knife to her husband. “Have you been baptized?” he asked angrily. “Yes”, replied Nyangwira simply. “Here’s the knife.” Are you ready to be killed?” asked her husband. “Yes, I am,” she replied. Amazed at her courage, the husband no longer had the desire to kill her.
Jesus in His sermon on the mount said this, “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.11 Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. 12 Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you. Matthew 5: 10-12
The Lord is the Christians’ Shepherd. This promise we find in the Psalms, Psalm 23. Let Brenda Walsh continue. “Life’s journey is full of twists and turns, and without a guide, we are sure to be lost. However, we don’t have to go through this difficult and challenging maze alone, because we have a Saviour who will guide us each step of the way. Jesus calls upon us to follow Him, and place our feet in His footsteps so we will never make a wrong turn!
We can claim this beautiful promise in Psalm 23, NLT. (New Living Translation) The Lord is my Shepherd; I have all that I need. He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honour to his name. Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me. You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. You honour me by anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings. Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the Lord forever.” The only directions in life we need are…Follow the good Shepherd.”
For those who want to follow God completely, here is His promise. In John 14: 1-3, NKJV He said, 14 “Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. 2 In My Father’s house are many [a]mansions; if it were not so, [b]I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.
May God be with us all. Amen.
To contact us: Our website is www.abundantlifeadventist.ca. Worship with us every Saturday Sabbath, the seventh day of the week. Genesis 2: 2, 3, Exodus 20: 8-10, Isaiah 58: 13, 14; Isaiah 66: 22, 23; Matthew 5: 17-19; Revelation 22: 14, John 14: 1-3, Rev. 6:6-12, Romans 8: 35-39
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