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Daily Scripture
 
"Commit your way to the Lord, trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass."

Psalm 37:5

BAPTISM DEMONSTRATES PEOPLE'S UNDERSTANDING OF THE GOSPEL

The believers understood that baptism is a declaration of faith, but not necessary for salvation in Christ.

March 24, 2008

by Patrick Hatcher

The Tanda Church in Guinea recently had a baptism for 11 believers that helped to show the people's understanding of the Gospel.

The ceremony had been postponed for a while so the entire Tanda missionary team could be present.

Before the ceremony, the NTM missionaries "sat down with each believer to check their understanding of the biblical reason for baptism," wrote Dave and Lori Hernandez.

"They wanted to make sure the believers, having been brought up in a very ritualistic culture, clearly understood that baptism is a declaration of faith and an outward symbol of an internal spiritual truth, but that it is not necessary for salvation in Christ."

It's a good thing the missionaries did that.

"In the end, there were a few that did not truly understand the meaning and reasons for baptism, so they were encouraged to keep pursuing God's Word and see if baptism would come at a future date," wrote Dave and Lori.

The rest were baptized, and we celebrate with them on their public act of inward faith and trust in Jesus.

Pray for the growing Tanda church, that they would be encouraged and challenged with the Gospel.