Topical Sermons - Executable Outlines

A. HE SAID, “BAPTIZING THEM...”
1. He wanted His apostles to baptize people - Mt 28:19; cf. Mk 16:15-16
2. Which His apostles were quick to do - Ac 2:38; 8:5,12; 10:48; 16:30-34
Mark A. Copeland
B. WHY DOES JESUS WANT YOU TO BE BAPTIZED...?
1. As commanded by Peter, baptism is...
a. For the remission of sins - Ac 2:38
b. Remember, Jesus wants to free you from the burden of sin!
2. As explained by Paul, in baptism you...
a. Are united with Christ in His death and raised with Him to a new life - Ro 6:3-7
b. Put on Christ - Ga 3:27
c. Experience God’s work, Who forgives you of sin and raises you with Christ - Co 2:11-13
[Jesus therefore desires for you to enter in with this new relationship with Him. Have you been
baptized? If so, then Jesus also desires that you...]
III. THAT YOU KEEP HIS COMMANDMENTS
A. HE SAID, “TEACHING THEM TO OBSERVE...”
1. Baptism is only the beginning, there are more commands to follow - Mt 28:20
2. Doing what He says is what it means to be His disciple - cf. Jn 8:31
B. WHAT ARE SOME OF HIS COMMANDMENTS?
1. To love the brethren - Jn 13:34-35
a. Which is one way we show the world we are truly His disciples
b. Which implies the necessity of active involvement in a local congregation
2. To bear fruit - Jn 15:8
a. Such as saving souls, serving others, growing in grace
b. Unless we bear fruit, we will be cut off - Jn 15:1-2,6
c. Bearing fruit comes only through a personal connection with Jesus - cf. Jn 15:4-5
CONCLUSION
1. Our study was not intended to be exhaustive...
a. Certainly there is more that Jesus would desire of us
b. For He taught many other things
1) Some taught to His apostles while on earth
2) Others taught to His apostles through the Spirit - Jn 16:12-13
2. But I wanted to use the current popularity of WWJD to simply remind you...
a. Not only to ask “What Would Jesus Do?” in a particular situation
b. But to ask “What Would Jesus Desire?” of you right now!
3. I hope I have encouraged you to reflect on what Jesus would want you to do today:
a. If you have not committed to become His disciple...
b. If you have not been baptized...
c. If you are not observing His commands...
What would Jesus desire for you?
Topical Sermons 421