Loving Jesus

Aim: To be true lovers of Christ—as His redeemed Church.

Doctrine: Loving Jesus involves every part of the Christian's life. This includes all our faculties and associations.

Exegesis: The process by which we grow in our love for Christ: first, our renewed hearts become compliant to His will (vv. 9-11); then, our regenerated souls become witnesses to His grace (vv. 12-15); finally, our redeemed selves continually identify with Jesus and His church (v. 16).

Further application: Why loving Jesus is the ultimate distinguisher between true and false religionists: because tough talk, stale doctrine, and wrong-headed zeal do not make real Christians, but saving faith, leading to love and service, does.

Key verse: v. 16 ''And now why do you wait? Rise and be baptized and wash away your sins, calling on his name.''