Mark 16:15-16

SERMON #1

TITLE: You Go TEXT: Mark 16:15-16 PROPOSITION: The Great Commission is still in effect. QUESTION: Why? KEY WORD: Questions SCRIPTURE READING: Same

INTRODUCTION:

1. The last words a person speaks are often most remembered.

2. Final requests and wishes are granted.

3. Deathbed confessions are accepted in courts.

4. Here is the final command, last wish of Jesus on earth.

What is Jesus asking of us?

1. Must everyone sell their home, quit their job, and move to some foreign land?

2. Is Jesus requiring all of us to become preachers?

3. What training is required for this work?

Who should do this? (You)

1. In a command (imperative) the subject is an understood “you”

2. The subject is the person addressed.

3. If I am speaking to my son, “Mow the lawn” - not addressed to others

4. Jesus is speaking to the eleven remaining apostles (Mark 16:14)

5. Preachers, elders, deacons, SS teachers

6. Pew-packers, all members, all who have learned should share that with others

7. Not required:

a. Experience

b. Training - Theology, mission work, Bible college

c. Special skills - Scripture memorized, counselor, Greek and Hebrew

What should I do? Go

1. Present active = “as you are going” - wherever, whenever, as you go about our activities, whoever you come in contact with

2. This could mean - Russia, China, Central America, Fargo, North Dakota

3. Isaiah 6:8 - Who can I send? Who will go for us? Here am I, send me

Who should I teach? Whole creation (KJV - every creature)

1. We must be a respecter of persons

2. All who don’t know - need to know

Am I included in this command?

1. Matthew 28:18-19 - Go - teach - baptize - teach them to keep commands (including this one)

2. 2 Timothy 2:2 - leaned from me - teach to faithful men - teach others also

3. How did you hear the gospel message?

4. How did they learn the gospel message?

5. Everyone in this room is included:

a. You are one who needs to hear and obey the gospel

b. You are one who must share the message with others

SERMON #2

TITLE: Baptism Saves TEXT: Mark 16:15-16 PROPOSITION: Baptism is important to our salvation. QUESTION: What? KEY WORD: Objections SCRIPTURE READING: Same

INTRODUCTION:

1. Religious debate scheduled on Baptism - debater got sick - another filled in

2. After the 1 st speaker spoke for 45 minutes about baptism not being important or necessary for salvation - substitute read Mark 16:16

3. 1 st speaker spoke another 45 minutes - 2 nd speaker looked in his Bible - "It is still there."

4. Why do so people object to the command of baptism?

Believe that baptism denies the grace of God

1. Ephesians 2:8-9 - We are saved by grace

2. Titus 2:11 - Grace of God brings salvation

3. Grace = a gift, not deserved or earned

4. Baptism does not change or cancel the fact of God’s grace

Reject salvation by merit (works)

1. We are not saved by works (of merit) - Salvation cannot be earned

2. There is another kind of “works” - actions taken to receive the gift

3. Fill out form, drop in box - drawing - given a new car - Did you earn the car? No. Was it a gift? Yes. Did you have to do something to get the car? Yes, fill out form, drop in box

4. We are commanded to obey - Hebrews 5:8-9; Acts 5:32; Galatians 3:1

5. Baptism is NOT a work of merit by which one earns salvation.

6. Baptism is an act of obedience to receive the free gift.

7. BTW - Faith is also a “work” (John 6:29)

Salvation is by “faith alone”

1. Many passages teach faith is necessary for salvation

2. NOT by faith only - James 2:24

3. There are many things said to save us - Blood, Life of Jesus, Death, Faith, Love of God, Obedience, Grace, Hearing the gospel, Repent, Confession of our faith

4. None of these things will save us alone - the combination is required

Saved by the Blood of Jesus - Not the water of baptism

1. From the side of Jesus came blood AND water (John 19:34)

2. 1 John 5:6-8 - NOT by water only - Baptism alone will not save

Conclusion:

1. Jesus died, shed his blood, for the salvation of all men

2. His blood will not save you, until you come to that blood for cleansing

3. The Blood of Jesus is the WHAT of salvation; Baptism is the WHEN of salvation