In Matthew Chapter 10, we learn the names of the 12 disciples whom Jesus called to be his apostles. Luke 6:13-16 says, One day soon afterward Jesus went up on a mountain to pray, and he prayed to God all night. At daybreak he called together all of his disciples and chose twelve of them to be apostles. Here are their names: Simon Peter Andrew (Peter’s brother) James (son of Zebedee) John (James’s brother) Philip Nathaniel (also called Bartholomew) Thomas (the one who doubted) Matthew (the tax collector aka Levi) James (son of Alphaeus) Thaddeus (aka St.Jude) Simon (the zealot) Judas Iscariot (the betrayer) who was replaced by Matthias. These 12 men each gave their life to carry out the message given to them by Jesus Christ. This past year, I recently learned that Jesus had many disciples - but only 12 were called to be his foundation stones. “There were three gates on each side - east, north, south, and west. The wall of the city had twelve foundation stones, and on them were written the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.” Revelation 21:13-14 12 men died to self and gave their lives as a living sacrifice to send forth the message of Jesus Christ. Matthew 10:2-8 says, Jesus sent out the twelve apostles with these instructions: “Don’t go to the Gentiles or the Samaritans, but only to the people of Israel - God’s lost sheep. Go and announce to them that the Kingdom of Heaven is near. Heal the sick, raise the dead, cure those with leprosy, and cast out demons. Give as freely as you have received!” Jesus said so much more, which I will explore tomorrow. But for now, I ask you two questions: #1 - Why do you think Jesus told these 12 men to only address the Israelite nation? #2 - How can a person say they know God but not be aware of His presence when He is with them? I mean, this is not a foreign God. This is the Most High God standing in the flesh right in front of them. The creator Elohim. The supplier and provider, Jehovah Jireh. The healer and banner, yet they could not see. The master and sanctifier was speaking “The Kingdom of Heaven is near” and still they could not hear. Now I have another question. Paul was an apostle too, but he was called after Jesus died, resurrected and ascended back into Heaven. Paul was handpicked to spread the gospel message to the Gentiles. He is also considered an apostle - because he was sent to spread the gospel. How could a man who hated Christians suddenly turn from killing them to wanting save them? There had to be a miraculous transformation! Acts 9 speaks to the conversion of Paul, who's birth name was actually Saul. He was on the road to Damascus, getting ready to go kill more Christians when suddenly a light shone around him from heaven, and he heard a voice call out to him. Jesus spoke to him in that moment, and created a way for him to be forgiven. So, let me ask you - If Jesus can call out to Paul from Heaven and give him an important work to do, then what makes you think he can't do that for you too? #Maranatha
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