beautifully expressed it in 2 Samuel 22, verse three of which says: “My God is my rock. I shall take refuge in him.” Let your faith be of tested quality, purified like fine gold, but of greater value before Jehovah. (1 Pet. 1:7) Let it be not like an uncontrolled, windblown wave of the sea, but like a ship under control, now anchored securely against a storm, now moving forward surely on course under the propelling force of God’s spirit. (Jas. 1:6, 7) Be sure you have “the faith” that Jesus spoke of, that you are following “The Way” as the apostles did, and that yours is the faith that pleases God.—1 John 5:4.

Are You Ready for the Responsibilities of a Baptized Witness?

“Now as they were going over the road, they came to a certain body of water, and the eunuch said: ‘Look! A body of water; what prevents me from getting baptized?’”—Acts 8:36.

1. What changes for a person does Christian baptism bring?

LIKE a man moving from one country to a new one, learning a new language and taking up a new occupation, so is the step of Christian baptism. The person making this move leaves this old system with its ties and allegiances and comes over into association with those of God’s spiritual nation, becoming part of the New World society of Jehovah’s people world wide. While still in the world, they are no longer a part of it, as they now recognize the power and authority of God’s heavenly government, his kingdom, in their lives. And instead of being divided nationalistically or linguistically, they now learn the “pure language” that all Jehovah’s people speak in common, the language of truth from the Scriptures. (Zeph. 3:9) Finally, they take on a new assignment of work, entering into the service of their Creator, making that the first interest in their lives.

2. How can one become a disciple of Christ?

² Are you ready for such a move? Obviously it would take considerable thought, planning and prayer. That is why Jehovah’s witnesses do not encourage anyone to rush into baptism without first thoroughly learning what it means and what the responsibilities of a baptized Witness are. Yet the work that Jesus commanded be done and that Jehovah’s witnesses world wide are engaged in is to prepare sincere people for just such a move. Their work is to “make disciples of people of all the nations, baptizing them . . . teaching them.” (Matt. 28:19, 20) This is not a mere matter of putting one’s name on a church membership roll, or subscribing to some creed to qualify for membership, which status may then be maintained indefinitely regardless of the person’s course of conduct. To be a disciple of Christ a person must first qualify through study, acquiring faith by hearing the Word of God, and then deciding to make this move