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www.biblegateway.com
THE TWELVE DISCIPLES/APOSTLES*part 9*
Mark 3 v. 13-19 (NIV)
Emphasis on v. 18
13 Jesus went up on a mountainside and called to him those he wanted, and they came to him. 14 He appointed twelve— designating them apostles— that they might be with him and that he might send them out to preach 15 and to have authority to drive out demons. 16 These are the twelve he appointed: Simon (to whom he gave the name Peter) 17 James son of Zebedee and his brother John (to them he gave the name Boanerges, which means Sons of Thunder); 18 Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas...
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Jesus' faithful disciples were ordinary men who became extraordinary because of Jesus Christ. Despite their confusion and lack of understanding during His lifetime, they became powerful witnesses to His resurrection. Their lives were transformed by God's power.
Next is...
THOMAS
*the Twin
*Occupation: Unknown
*Outstanding Characteristics: Courage and doubt.
*Major Events in Thomas' Life:
1) Suggested the disciples go with Jesus to Bethany-even if it meant death.
2) Asked Jesus about where He was going.
3) Refused to believe Jesus was risen until he could see Jesus alive and touch His wounds
*What Jesus said about Thomas:
-Jesus said Thomas believed because he actually saw Jesus after the Resurrection.
* A Key Lesson from Thomas' life: Even when Christians experience serious doubts, Jesus reaches out to them to restore their faith.
CONFESS YOUR DOUBTS & RECEIVE RESTORATION.
Don't stay in doubt, allow Jesus to bring you belief.
Jesus makes impact with ordinary people.
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Prayer: O LORD, the great and awesome God, who keeps His covenant of love with all who love Him and obey His commands, there is a strong urge to pray for Your people as a whole. Thank You for the prayer of Daniel, as it speaks specifically to the needs of today. We have sinned and done wrong Father. We have been wicked and have rebelled; we have turned away from Your commands and laws and made up our own. How foolish and deceptive. We are accepting things You have commanded us not to, in the name of entertainment and compromise. We have not listened to Your servants (through the Bible, at church, teachers, friends, faithful followers & witnesses), who have spoken and continue to speak in Your name. We've become so arrogant, and in other ways just plain lazy. LORD, You are righteous; our unfaithfulness to You and sins against You are creating shame and strongholds that don't belong in life with You. The LORD our God is merciful and forgiving, even though we continuously rebel against You, not obeying the LORD our God or keeping the laws You gave us. We live in our way, transgressed Your law, turned away-refusing to obey; living a life full of disaster and full access granted to the enemy. We don't seek the favor of the LORD by turning from our sins and giving attention to Your truth. There is no way we can judge the people of Israel, because some many years later, we're making the same mistakes. You did not hesitate to bring disaster upon Israel to correct them. LORD, I pray we wake up, and wake up now. For You are righteous in everything You do. Now, O LORD our God, who brought Your people out of Egypt with a mighty hand and who made for Yourself a name that endures to this day, we have sinned, we have done wrong (ADMIT TO ALL OF IT). Father, in keeping with Your righteous acts, hear the prayers and petitions of Your servants. For Your sake, LORD, look with favor on Your church; Your children. Give ear, O God, and hear; open Your eyes and see the desolated areas of the people who bear Your Name. We need You. We do not make request of You because we are righteous, but because of Your great mercy. O LORD, listen! O LORD, forgive! O LORD, hear and act! For Your sake, O my God, do not delay, because your people- we need You and We bear Your Name. This is for You glory and not our own. In the name of Your perfect Son, who has redeemed our lives. Amen (Daniel 9).
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"For the Word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart." Hebrews 4:12
Resources: biblegateway.com, NIV Women's Devotional Bible- Classic Edition, and Life Application Study Bible.
Selected References: Matthew 10:3; John 14:5, 20:24-29, 21:1-13.
The story of Jesus' disciples does not end with the 4 Gospels, it continues in the books of Act and many of the letters.
www.thegoodnews4yourlife.blogspot.com "Providing you with what you already have access to in the most convenient way. So that we all can continue to grow in wisdom & understanding of God." LT
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