adversity – Kanisa la Christadelphian huko Anderlecht

trekking -pilgrimage - man on top of the mountain - wandelaar op uitkijk in de bergen — Foto door Oziel Gu00f3mez op Pexels.com

At the start of our trek or pilgrimage, we were convinced that the world is going wrong. Those who wished to join the pilgrims were also convinced that we should explore a different way of life.

All those who join the pilgrimage we undertake realise that it is better to ignore the world and prepare to continue on the right path.

For example, travellers will have to choose the right platform to get on the right train. As well, when they leave the station, they have to take the right path to step over the right fields and valleys. Here is a moment when travellers feel free to let the outside world know where they are going.

Then we will be able to see that the world is getting out of the way for the person who knows where he is going. For many will see the travellers as strangers and want to avoid them. Just like all the forefathers who wished to live according to the Laws of God. Like their days, our days on earth are like a shadow, and there is none to abide (1 Chronicles 29:15)

Even though our entire company is not the easiest, and we encounter many setbacks, we want to continue the journey in all circumstances. Those who further join are like us convinced that there is a higher party involved, who will act as a Master and will indeed continue to save us from everything harmful. Our faith in the sent of God gives us strength and confidence and makes us safe from his heavenly kingdom. To him be the glory during all future periods of time. (2 Timothy 4:18)

Many people have preceded us in faith. They all died in faith, without having received the promises. They were filled with faith and managed to persevere through it. Like many before us, we are looking for a promised land where peace will reign. Even though it may not be the first day, we still want to fully provide ourselves so that we will be ready to enter the narrow gate of that promised Kingdom at any time of the day or of our journey.

But all who participate in the trek will have to make a choice during the journey to indicate that they are partakers of Jesus Christ’s community of brothers and sisters. Then it comes down to indicating to those present that one recognises God’s position and authority. Jehovah is recognised as „the Supreme . . over all the earth”, the Creator and Universal Sovereign (Psalm 36:9; 83:18; 2 Kings 19:15). At some point during the journey one must proceed to accept Jehovah as Supreme, as Father, but also as his Judge, Legislator and King. (Isaiah 33:22; Psalm 119:102; Revelation 15:3, 4.)

But in addition, one must recognise Christ’’s position and authority and realise that he is the one through whom God has provided „ with a corresponding ransom” (1 Timothy 2:5, 6). In addition, one accepts Jesus as Jehovah’s „Loyal Witness and as the ”King of kings„. (Rev 1:5; 19:16.)

If one shows sufficient insight into the Biblical Truth, one must also dare to take the step of presenting oneself as a baptismal candidate and moving into the sealing of brotherhood in Christ, through complete immersion in water, as purification of sins or complete laundering with the ‘burial’ of old life and entering a ‘new life‘.

It is a symbolic act that one expects when the candidate is ripe enough to take such a step. Christian immersion in water therefore does not wash away sins. Not baptism, but the pouring out of Jesus’’s blood and the ‘calling of his name’ make forgiveness possible. (Hebrews 9:22; 1 John 1:7.)

22 Yes, according to the Law nearly all things are cleansed with blood,+ and unless blood is poured out no forgiveness takes place.+ (Hebrews 9:22)

7 By means of him we have the release by ransom through the blood of that one,+ yes, the forgiveness of our trespasses,+ according to the riches of his undeserved kindness. (Ephesians 1:7)

Symbolically, from the darkness of this world, we go through the wall of water, to come straight into the light of the world of Christ. In that light, we want to continue our journey together to be connected in Jesus’ name.

7 However, if we are walking in the light as he himself is in the light, we do have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.+ (1 John 1:7)

We will continue step by step, and as we take further paths we hope that several will join us and that candidates will also emerge who indicate that they want to continue through life as brothers or sisters in Christ.

Preceding