The task of making disciples has been outlined by Jesus. His clear and foundational commission does not require amendments or additions, rather making disciples is a matter of obedience for the church’s commitments to orthodoxy and orthopraxy.
Observations:
- Jesus isn’t giving a formula for a ritual, but the categorical “means” for making disciples
- Orthodoxy (right belief) and Orthopraxy (right behavior) are the responsibility of the church
- The church is essential for making disciples
- Right belief leads to right living
Conclusions: The church is God’s vessel for making disciples, thus…
- Baptism is the lasting sign of initiation for disciples
– into the visible local church family & the universal church family - Immersion in the Triune God must by necessity define the church
- Therefore, we must take seriously our identity in baptism and our doctrine as Trinitarian
Application: For you and I to take God’s church seriously…
- You must root your identity in God the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit
I am a child of God b/c I’m adopted by the Father
I am redeemed by Jesus b/c the God-man is a suitable substitute for my sin
I am born again by the Spirit b/c He has sealed & regenerated me as a new creation - Saturate your soul with this God – How immersed are you?
- Demonstrate your “baptism” as a participant member of the church: the body of Christ
Matthew 16:13-16
“When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?” They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”
Romans 10:9
“If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”
Romans 16:26
“[Jesus is] now revealed and made known through the prophetic writings by the command of the eternal God, so that all nations might believe and obey Him.”
1 Timothy 4:16
“Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.”
Titus 3:8
“This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone.”
Romans 12:1
“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.”
Ephesians 4:1
“As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received.”
Colossians 2:6
“So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him.”
Ephesians 4:4-6
“There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.”
Acts 2:41
“Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.”
Acts 2:38
“Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”
Acts 8:15-16
“When they arrived, they prayed for the new believers there that they might receive the Holy Spirit, because the Holy Spirit had not yet come on any of them; they had simply been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.”
Acts 10:48
“So he ordered that they be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked Peter to stay with them for a few days.”
Acts 19:5
“On hearing this, they were baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus.”