A Badge of Discipleship
(Jn. 13:34-35)
Mike Johnson
In John 13:34-35, Jesus told His disciples, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”
In our society today, people are often distinguished by their dress. For example, clothing worn might indicate a person works in the medical field, law enforcement, or serves in the military. People are also distinguished from one another by such things as wealth, learning, and fame. Jesus makes it clear that the distinguishing characteristic of his disciples would not be these types of things but their love for one another. Loving each other might be called their “badge” of discipleship. In the verses, Jesus taught us three ways to love one another. He taught it by:
- Direct Command – He specifically commanded that they love one another. He says, “A new commandment I give to you.” If we want to practice authentic Christianity, we must love one another.
- Example – He stated, “as I have loved you.” Jesus demonstrated love throughout His life. He loved us to the degree that He gave His life for our sins (1 Jn. 3:16). We must also practice this sincere and deep love for others.
- Necessary Inference – He also says, “By this all will know that you are My disciples.” When non-Christians saw this great love among the early disciples, they concluded that they must be followers of Christ.
Many passages in the New Testament speak of the need to love one another. In 1 Peter 1:22, Peter told some they were to “. . . love one another fervently with a pure heart.” Paul told the Thessalonians that he did not need to write to them about brotherly love since they had been “taught by God to love one another (1 Thess. 4:9). In his introduction to 2 Thessalonians, he wrote, “We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is fitting, because your faith grows exceedingly, and the love of every one of you all abounds toward each other” (1:3). The essentiality of love rings clear in God’s Word.
However, we do not just talk about love; our actions should reflect it. This concept is illustrated by our love for Christ, as Jesus said, “If you love Me, keep My commandment” (Jn. 14:15). Paul admonished the Corinthians to show their love by helping the needy Christians in Jerusalem (2 Cor. 8:24). Consider some ways we show our compassion today. We do so by:
- Being sympathetic toward others (1 Pet. 3:8),
- Forgiving someone who repents (2 Cor. 2:7-8),
- Helping those in need (Gal. 6:10, Lk. 10:30-37, Jas. 2:14-16),
- Restoring the erring (Gal. 6:1),
- Showing kindness toward our enemies (Mt. 5:44),
- Not taking vengeance (Rom. 12:19-21),
- Teaching others God’s Word (Mt. 28:18-20).
Our love for others demonstrates that we have spiritual life, not just for others but also for ourselves. 1 John 3:14 assures us, “We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love the brethren. He who does not love his brother abides in death.”
How are we known? Do people know us for traits like pride, having a volatile temper, unwillingness to help others, being a busybody, or a person with whom it is difficult to get along? When people hear your name, what enters their minds? Do they think of a loving and kind person? For example, if people you work with hear that you are a Christian, are they surprised? Are you wearing God’s “badge” of discipleship?
________
The Purpose of Baptism
David A. Cox
“Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” –– (Acts 2:38).
There are two common perspectives regarding the purpose of Baptism. The first view holds that Baptism is not related to salvation; rather, it serves as a public proclamation of one’s faith. This perspective is often summarized as “an outward sign of an inward grace.” The second view asserts that Baptism is essential for obedience and is directly linked to a person’s salvation. It is clear that these two perspectives are in direct conflict with one another. What does the Bible teach about the purpose of Baptism?
Jesus taught that baptism and salvation are interconnected. In Mark 16:15-16, He instructed His disciples to “go and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved.” Just days later, Peter addressed the people in Jerusalem, saying, “Repent, and be baptized, every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins” (Acts 2:38). This clearly indicates that baptism is essential for the forgiveness of sins.
Peter also linked baptism to salvation through the example of Noah. Genesis 6:22 tells us, Noah did everything that God commanded him and built an “ark for the saving of his household” (Hebrews 11:7). Peter refers to Noah’s experience as a foreshadowing of baptism, which now saves us (1 Peter 3:21). He highlights how Noah and his family were delivered from the flood, drawing a parallel to the saving power of baptism. This saving act occurs during baptism because:
- Our sins are “washed away” or forgiven (Acts 22:16; Acts 2:38).
- The old self, burdened by sin, is put to death, and we rise as a new creation in Christ (Romans 6:4-6).
- One enters into a new relationship through Christ (Galatians 3:26-27).
- In this new relationship, an individual is taken from the kingdom of darkness and transferred into the kingdom of God’s beloved Son (Colossians 1:13).
In Baptism, the Bible teaches that we should focus not on the “outward sign” but on “the answer of a good conscience toward God” (1 Peter 3:21b). Baptism is when one is added to the body of Christ, entering into a relationship with God, and being saved from our sins.
Let us remember that when it comes to Baptism, we must align ourselves with what God has said, rather than what man has suggested. Humanity needs salvation from sin, and God has done all He can for us. May we place our complete trust in God and submit entirely to His will.
__________
Things Saul Saw When Blind
John Isaac Edwards
While Saul of Tarsus was on the road to Damascus, he was blinded by a light from heaven (Acts 9:1-9). During the time that Saul was blind, he saw a number of things that most people today don’t see. Let’s notice three things that Saul saw while blind.
(1) That One Can Live In All Good Conscience And Be In Error. The trend in religion today seems to be, “Just let your conscience be your guide.” Saul of Tarsus was guided by his conscience, but he was guided into error. Saul was a man who “made havoc of the church, entering into every house, and hailing men and women committed them to prison” (Acts 8:3). Tell Me Saul, did your conscience bother you while you persecuted the church? Saul said, “I have lived in all good conscience before God until this day” (Acts 23:1). Many today may live in all good conscience in religious matters but still be engaged in religious error.
(2) That A Person Can Be Zealous In His Religion And Be Wrong. Saul revealed to the Galatians that he was a religious man (Gal. 1:13). But Saul was not your ordinary religious man. He was zealous in his religion! In Acts 22:3, Saul testified that he was “zealous toward God.” Furthermore, he announced to the brethren in Galatia, that he was “exceedingly zealous” (Gal. 1:14). The Bible teaches that zeal is essential if one is to please God (Tit. 2:14). Yet, some today may be in the same condition that Saul was in — “concerning zeal, persecuting the church” (Phil. 3:6). It takes more than just being zealous to be pleasing to God!
(3) What A Man Must Do To Have His Sins Washed Away. While Saul lay trembling on the earth, he asked, “Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?” The Lord answered, “Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do” (Acts 9:6). It must be recognized that whatever Saul was told to do in the city, it was imperative if he was to have his sins washed away. Saul was told, “And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord” (Acts 22:16). Saul, while blind, saw that in order to have his sins washed away, he had to be baptized.
Saul of Tarsus saw these things while blind. Can you see them? –
The Old Hickory Bulletin
__________
It is Easier . . .
David Harkrider
It is easier to compromise the truth than to stand for it. It is easier to ignore sin than to expose it. It is easier to justify the sinner than to demand his repentance. It is easier to criticize the preaching of truth than to endorse it. It is easier to be silent than to contend for the faith. It is easier to refuse an admonition than to receive it. It is easier to be worldly than to be godly. It is easier to commit sin than to avoid it. It is easier to neglect than to take heed. It is easier to give sparingly than to give liberally. It is easier to make excuses than to be faithful.
Why is this true? Simply because it is easier to travel the broad way than the narrow way. (Matthew 7:13-14).
__________
Sermon from an Old Couple
Throughout the years, I have heard many wonderful sermons that I have forgotten, but one sermon I have seen, and it has remained in my heart unto this day. It happened on a Sunday morning while on my way to services at a small congregation in Munich, Germany. It was a cold and windy Sunday in November.
After I got out of my warm bed, I looked through the window that was covered with ice ferns. New, deep snow had fallen during the night and covered the streets of the city. I tried to decide whether I should go to services or stay home and just read my Bible.
I realized that the congregation would miss me, for I was the only song leader they had. On the other hand, I would have to walk half a block to catch the bus to church. Finally, I decided to go, but only because I had to lead singing. While I was riding the bus, I noticed two people trying hard to make their path through the deep snow. I recognized the people and knew where they were going. They were brother and sister Trollman, a faithful couple who attended every Sunday. Brother Trollman was a man in his eighties who had lost his eyesight. His only guidance was his 78-year old wife, who was lame in one foot.
They lived in a small two-room apartment and received a small amount of support from the government. Because they could not afford to ride the bus to church, which was about three miles away from their home, they walked the distance every Lord’s Day. Here I was, sitting in a warm bus, unwilling to go to church, forced only by my duty as a song leader, and there, outside in the cold weather, were two elderly people driven to church by their love for the Lord. I was not able to do anything but blush, ashamed of myself and the weak faith and love I had proven for my Lord. I felt like an evildoer in court being judged by my own conscience.
The elderly couple, without their knowledge and without one word, had taught me a greater lesson than ever could be said in words. Through the influence and example, I realized one thing: The only true motive for a Christian to attend services is his strong love for his Maker.
____________________________________________
Sermon Audio
====================================================
Editor: Mike Johnson
www.seekingthingsabove.org