JESUS & HIS TWELVE DISCIPLES

Tonight, Wednesday, February 11, at 7:00 p.m., join your Calvary Chapel family for coffee at 6:00 p.m., followed by the service at 7:00 p.m. in the Holy Ground Café or online through our website (www.calvaryinv.com), Facebook, and YouTube (Calvary Inverness), as we continue our journey through the New Testament in the Gospel of Matthew (9:35-10:42).

Peter, Andrew, James, John, Philip, and Matthew—six of the twelve men Jesus chose as His witnesses to Israel of His mission.

Ordinary men, equipped and empowered by Jesus to follow and learn from Him. Each was specifically chosen after spending an entire night praying and communing with His Father.

They weren’t supernatural or super saints. They were men who loved God and their families, answered the call to follow Jesus, and left everything behind. Men who had nothing to offer except their loving obedience. Men who, after spending three and a half years with Jesus, would go out into all the world with the glorious gospel.

When Jesus called them to follow Him, He explained their mission, message, and method for representing Him across Israel. It marked the start of a global ministry.

Jesus didn’t shy away from warning them about the opposition and persecution they would face from their families, friends, religious leaders, and fellow countrymen. It would serve as a stark reminder that the suffering they experienced was rooted in the hatred that sinful mankind harbored toward a holy God, whom they would stand before to hear their condemnation for rejecting His Son.

The twelve were challenged to consider the cost, but not to be afraid. Even though it would be no easy task, the Lord promised to be with them, and when they were arrested, He would give them the courage to speak up and boldly proclaim the message He would give them.

Today, the church is called to follow the example of these twelve ordinary men—to be Christ’s ambassadors to a culture similar to His day, to live out their faith boldly, and when opportunities arise, to proclaim the gospel, pray for the sick, and encourage fellow believers with the hope of who Jesus is.

I’m excited to continue this journey with you through the twenty-seven books of the New Testament, trusting that none of us will remain the same as we grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Please pray for a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the entire Calvary Chapel family.

In His Strong Love,

Pastor