November 7, 2014

From Gary... A cold hard fact and a soothing blessing!!!






















The love of my life said to me this morning: "Is it Friday, already? How quickly the times go by!!!"  And my response was something about being retired and enjoying life.  The thing is: not everyone feels like this.  There are Christians in the Middle East and in the Ukraine who are suffering just because they believe in Jesus as LORD!!!  If they would (or perhaps even COULD) send us a letter- I wonder what would be in it?  Perhaps something like...

2 Corinthians, Chapter 1
 3  Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort; 4 who comforts us in all our affliction, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, through the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.  5 For as the sufferings of Christ abound to us, even so our comfort also abounds through Christ.  6 But if we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation. If we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which produces in you the patient enduring of the same sufferings which we also suffer.
For some Christians, life is like the winter scene above- cold and dark!!!  Yet, as surely as the sun will rise, warmth and blessing will eventually come their way.  If not in this life, then in the next!!!!!   When I think of all the suffering around the world, I realize that even suffering can be a blessing and at the same time a lesson for us all.  Please, today, say a prayer for those suffering for the cause of the Christ!!! And for ourselves as well- that we might learn from the strong confident faith that resides within those who are suffering!!!

From Gary... Bible Reading November 7



Bible Reading   
November 7

The World English Bible



Nov. 7
Isaiah 45-48

Isa 45:1 Thus says Yahweh to his anointed, to Cyrus, whose right hand I have held, to subdue nations before him, and strip kings of their armor; to open the doors before him, and the gates shall not be shut:
Isa 45:2 "I will go before you, and make the rough places smooth. I will break the doors of brass in pieces, and cut apart the bars of iron.
Isa 45:3 I will give you the treasures of darkness, and hidden riches of secret places, that you may know that it is I, Yahweh, who call you by your name, even the God of Israel.
Isa 45:4 For Jacob my servant's sake, and Israel my chosen, I have called you by your name. I have surnamed you, though you have not known me.
Isa 45:5 I am Yahweh, and there is none else. Besides me, there is no God. I will strengthen you, though you have not known me;
Isa 45:6 that they may know from the rising of the sun, and from the west, that there is none besides me. I am Yahweh, and there is no one else.
Isa 45:7 I form the light, and create darkness. I make peace, and create calamity. I am Yahweh, who does all these things.
Isa 45:8 Distil, you heavens, from above, and let the skies pour down righteousness. Let the earth open, that it may bring forth salvation, and let it cause righteousness to spring up with it. I, Yahweh, have created it.
Isa 45:9 Woe to him who strives with his Maker-- a clay pot among the clay pots of the earth! Shall the clay ask him who fashions it, 'What are you making?' or your work, 'He has no hands?'
Isa 45:10 Woe to him who says to a father, 'What have you become the father of?' or to a mother, 'To what have you given birth?' "
Isa 45:11 Thus says Yahweh, the Holy One of Israel, and his Maker: "You ask me about the things that are to come, concerning my sons, and you command me concerning the work of my hands!
Isa 45:12 I have made the earth, and created man on it. I, even my hands, have stretched out the heavens; and I have commanded all their army.
Isa 45:13 I have raised him up in righteousness, and I will make straight all his ways. He shall build my city, and he shall let my exiles go free, not for price nor reward," says Yahweh of Armies.
Isa 45:14 Thus says Yahweh: "The labor of Egypt, and the merchandise of Ethiopia, and the Sabeans, men of stature, shall come over to you, and they shall be yours. They will go after you. They shall come over in chains; and they will bow down to you. They will make supplication to you: 'Surely God is in you; and there is none else. There is no other god.
Isa 45:15 Most certainly you are a God who hid yourself, God of Israel, the Savior.' "
Isa 45:16 They will be disappointed, yes, confounded, all of them. Those who are makers of idols will go into confusion together.
Isa 45:17 Israel will be saved by Yahweh with an everlasting salvation. You will not be disappointed nor confounded to ages everlasting.
Isa 45:18 For thus says Yahweh who created the heavens, the God who formed the earth and made it, who established it and didn't create it a waste, who formed it to be inhabited: "I am Yahweh; and there is no other.
Isa 45:19 I have not spoken in secret, in a place of the land of darkness. I didn't say to the seed of Jacob, 'Seek me in vain.' I, Yahweh, speak righteousness. I declare things that are right.
Isa 45:20 "Assemble yourselves and come. Draw near together, you who have escaped from the nations. Those have no knowledge who carry the wood of their engraved image, and pray to a god that can't save.
Isa 45:21 Declare and present it. Yes, let them take counsel together. Who has shown this from ancient time? Who has declared it of old? Haven't I, Yahweh? There is no other God besides me, a just God and a Savior; There is no one besides me.
Isa 45:22 "Look to me, and be saved, all the ends of the earth; for I am God, and there is no other.
Isa 45:23 By myself have I sworn, the word has gone forth from my mouth in righteousness, and will not return, that to me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear.
Isa 45:24 They will say of me, 'There is righteousness and strength only in Yahweh.' " Even to him shall men come; and all those who were incensed against him shall be disappointed.
Isa 45:25 In Yahweh shall all the seed of Israel be justified, and shall glory.
Isa 46:1 Bel bows down, Nebo stoops; their idols are on the animals, and on the livestock: the things that you carried about are made a load, a burden to the weary animal.
Isa 46:2 They stoop, they bow down together; they could not deliver the burden, but themselves are gone into captivity.
Isa 46:3 "Listen to me, house of Jacob, and all the remnant of the house of Israel, that have been borne by me from their birth, that have been carried from the womb;
Isa 46:4 and even to old age I am he, and even to gray hairs will I carry you. I have made, and I will bear; yes, I will carry, and will deliver.
Isa 46:5 "To whom will you liken me, and make me equal, and compare me, that we may be like?
Isa 46:6 Some pour out gold from the bag, and weigh silver in the balance. They hire a goldsmith, and he makes it a god. They fall down--yes, they worship.
Isa 46:7 They bear it on the shoulder, they carry it, and set it in its place, and it stands, from its place it shall not move: yes, one may cry to it, yet it can not answer, nor save him out of his trouble.
Isa 46:8 "Remember this, and show yourselves men; bring it again to mind, you transgressors.
Isa 46:9 Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me;
Isa 46:10 declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times things that are not yet done; saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure;
Isa 46:11 calling a ravenous bird from the east, the man of my counsel from a far country; yes, I have spoken, I will also bring it to pass; I have purposed, I will also do it.
Isa 46:12 Listen to me, you stout-hearted, who are far from righteousness:
Isa 46:13 I bring near my righteousness, it shall not be far off, and my salvation shall not wait; and I will place salvation in Zion for Israel my glory.
Isa 47:1 "Come down, and sit in the dust, virgin daughter of Babylon; sit on the ground without a throne, daughter of the Chaldeans: for you shall no more be called tender and delicate.
Isa 47:2 Take the millstones, and grind meal; remove your veil, strip off the train, uncover the leg, pass through the rivers.
Isa 47:3 Your nakedness shall be uncovered, yes, your shame shall be seen: I will take vengeance, and will spare no man."
Isa 47:4 Our Redeemer, Yahweh of Armies is his name, the Holy One of Israel.
Isa 47:5 "Sit in silence, and go into darkness, daughter of the Chaldeans; for you shall no more be called the mistress of kingdoms.
Isa 47:6 I was angry with my people, I profaned my inheritance, and gave them into your hand: you did show them no mercy; on the aged have you very heavily laid your yoke.
Isa 47:7 You said, I shall be mistress forever; so that you did not lay these things to your heart, neither did remember the latter end of it.
Isa 47:8 "Now therefore hear this, you who are given to pleasures, who sit securely, who say in your heart, I am, and there is none else besides me; I shall not sit as a widow, neither shall I know the loss of children:
Isa 47:9 but these two things shall come to you in a moment in one day, the loss of children, and widowhood; in their full measure shall they come on you, in the multitude of your sorceries, and the great abundance of your enchantments.
Isa 47:10 For you have trusted in your wickedness; you have said, None sees me; your wisdom and your knowledge, it has perverted you, and you have said in your heart, I am, and there is none else besides me.
Isa 47:11 Therefore evil will come on you; you won't know when it dawns: and mischief wil fall on you; you will not be able to put it away: and desolation shall come on you suddenly, which you don't know.
Isa 47:12 "Stand now with your enchantments, and with the multitude of your sorceries, in which you have labored from your youth; if so be you shall be able to profit, if so be you may prevail.
Isa 47:13 You are wearied in the multitude of your counsels: let now the astrologers, the stargazers, the monthly prognosticators, stand up, and save you from the things that shall come on you.
Isa 47:14 Behold, they shall be as stubble; the fire shall burn them; they shall not deliver themselves from the power of the flame: it shall not be a coal to warm at, nor a fire to sit before.
Isa 47:15 Thus shall the things be to you in which you have labored: those who have trafficked with you from your youth shall wander everyone to his quarter; there shall be none to save you.
Isa 48:1 "Hear this, house of Jacob, you who are called by the name of Israel, and have come forth out of the waters of Judah; who swear by the name of Yahweh, and make mention of the God of Israel, but not in truth, nor in righteousness
Isa 48:2 (for they call themselves of the holy city, and stay themselves on the God of Israel; Yahweh of Armies is his name):
Isa 48:3 I have declared the former things from of old; yes, they went forth out of my mouth, and I showed them: suddenly I did them, and they happened.
Isa 48:4 Because I knew that you are obstinate, and your neck is an iron sinew, and your brow brass;
Isa 48:5 therefore I have declared it to you from of old; before it came to pass I showed it to you; lest you should say, 'My idol has done them, and my engraved image, and my molten image, has commanded them.'
Isa 48:6 You have heard it; see all this; and you, will you not declare it? "I have shown you new things from this time, even hidden things, which you have not known.
Isa 48:7 They are created now, and not from of old; and before this day you didn't hear them; lest you should say, 'Behold, I knew them.'
Isa 48:8 Yes, you didn't hear; yes, you didn't know; yes, from of old your ear was not opened: for I knew that you did deal very treacherously, and was called a transgressor from the womb.
Isa 48:9 For my name's sake will I defer my anger, and for my praise will I refrain for you, that I not cut you off.
Isa 48:10 Behold, I have refined you, but not as silver; I have chosen you in the furnace of affliction.
Isa 48:11 For my own sake, for my own sake, will I do it; for how should my name be profaned? and my glory I will not give to another.
Isa 48:12 "Listen to me, O Jacob, and Israel my called: I am he; I am the first, I also am the last.
Isa 48:13 Yes, my hand has laid the foundation of the earth, and my right hand has spread out the heavens: when I call to them, they stand up together.
Isa 48:14 "Assemble yourselves, all you, and hear; who among them has declared these things? He whom Yahweh loves shall perform his pleasure on Babylon, and his arm shall be on the Chaldeans.
Isa 48:15 I, even I, have spoken; yes, I have called him; I have brought him, and he shall make his way prosperous.
Isa 48:16 "Come near to me and hear this: "From the beginning I have not spoken in secret; from the time that it was, there am I." Now the Lord Yahweh has sent me, with his Spirit.
Isa 48:17 Thus says Yahweh, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: I am Yahweh your God, who teaches you to profit, who leads you by the way that you should go.
Isa 48:18 Oh that you had listened to my commandments! then had your peace been as a river, and your righteousness as the waves of the sea:
Isa 48:19 your seed also had been as the sand, and the offspring of your body like its grains: his name would not be cut off nor destroyed from before me.
Isa 48:20 Go you forth from Babylon, flee you from the Chaldeans; with a voice of singing declare you, tell this, utter it even to the end of the earth: say you, Yahweh has redeemed his servant Jacob.
Isa 48:21 They didn't thirst when he led them through the deserts; he caused the waters to flow out of the rock for them; he split the rock also, and the waters gushed out.
Isa 48:22 "There is no peace," says Yahweh, "for the wicked." 
 
Nov. 7
2 Timothy 1

2Ti 1:1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, according to the promise of the life which is in Christ Jesus,
2Ti 1:2 to Timothy, my beloved child: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.
2Ti 1:3 I thank God, whom I serve as my forefathers did, with a pure conscience. How unceasing is my memory of you in my petitions, night and day
2Ti 1:4 longing to see you, remembering your tears, that I may be filled with joy;
2Ti 1:5 having been reminded of the unfeigned faith that is in you; which lived first in your grandmother Lois, and your mother Eunice, and, I am persuaded, in you also.
2Ti 1:6 For this cause, I remind you that you should stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands.
2Ti 1:7 For God didn't give us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control.
2Ti 1:8 Therefore don't be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner; but endure hardship for the Good News according to the power of God,
2Ti 1:9 who saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given to us in Christ Jesus before times eternal,
2Ti 1:10 but has now been revealed by the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who abolished death, and brought life and immortality to light through the Good News.
2Ti 1:11 For this, I was appointed as a preacher, an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles.
2Ti 1:12 For this cause I also suffer these things. Yet I am not ashamed, for I know him whom I have believed, and I am persuaded that he is able to guard that which I have committed to him against that day.
2Ti 1:13 Hold the pattern of sound words which you have heard from me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.
2Ti 1:14 That good thing which was committed to you, guard through the Holy Spirit who dwells in us.
2Ti 1:15 This you know, that all who are in Asia turned away from me; of whom are Phygelus and Hermogenes.
2Ti 1:16 May the Lord grant mercy to the house of Onesiphorus, for he often refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain,
2Ti 1:17 but when he was in Rome, he sought me diligently, and found me
2Ti 1:18 (the Lord grant to him to find the Lord's mercy in that day); and in how many things he served at Ephesus, you know very well.

From Mark Copeland... The Challenge Of Following Jesus (Matthew 8:18-22)

                        "THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW"

               The Challenge Of Following Jesus (8:18-22)

INTRODUCTION

1. As Jesus went about His earthly ministry, He was often followed by
   large multitudes...
   a. Drawn by His teachings - Mt 7:28-8:1
   b. Attracted by His miracles - Mt 8:16-18

2. Some of those who followed Him wanted to become His disciples...
   a. Willing to be taught by Jesus - e.g., Mt 5:1-2
   b. Wanting to follow Jesus as their Lord and Master - e.g., Mt 8:19

3. Jesus would later command His apostles to make disciples of all the
   nations...
   a. As found in The Great Commission - Mt 28:19-20
   b. Clearly Jesus wanted people to become His disciples

4. But Jesus never misled the multitudes...
   a. It would not be easy to be His disciple
   b. Following Him would be a challenge!

5. In our text for today's study (Mt 8:18-22), we find Jesus responding
   to two individuals regarding the matter of discipleship...
   a. "The hasty scribe" who wanted to become a disciple
   b. "The reluctant disciple" who needed to be reminded of what it
      meant to be a disciple

[This passage should remind us of "The Challenge Of Following Jesus",
taken seriously by all who would be His disciples.  For instance, in 
the case of "the hasty scribe" we learn...]

I. ONE MUST BE WILLING TO COUNT THE COST

   A. THE SCRIBE'S OFFER...
      1. He expressed a willingness to follow Jesus anywhere - Mt 8:19
      2. A commendable offer, but does he know what it means?

   B. THE MASTER'S REPLY...
      1. Jesus informed the scribe that He was homeless - Mt 8:20
         a. As an itinerant preacher, Jesus had no place to call home
         b. Many a night might be spent with no roof overhead
      2. To follow Jesus at that time would mean to leave all
         a. As was necessary for Peter, Andrew, James, and John - Mt 4:
            18-22
         b. As was encouraged of the rich young ruler - Mt 19:21

   C. ONE NEEDS TO COUNT THE COST BEFORE BECOMING A DISCIPLE...
      1. As Jesus told the multitudes who followed Him - Lk 14:25-33
      2. One does not have to become homeless to follow Jesus today, 
         but we must still:
         a. Love Him more than family and life
         b. Forsake all by making Him the Lord and Ruler of our lives
      3. In our zeal to win souls, do we neglect to tell people the 
         cost of becoming a disciple of Jesus?
         a. The cost of observing all that Jesus commands? - Mt 28:20
         b. A cost that might require a radical change in one's life?
            1) E.g., quitting jobs that interfere with holy living
            2) E.g., leaving friends who seek to lead one astray
            3) E.g., changing lifestyles, or getting out of unlawful
               marriages
         c. That one's repentance is fundamental to the gospel message? 
            - cf. Lk 24:46-47; Ac 2:38; 3:19; 17:30-31; 20:20-21

[When a person wants to follow Jesus, that is wonderful!  But we should
remind people there is a cost involved, one they need to consider 
before they commit.

For those who are already disciples, we must not forget "The Challenge
Of Following Jesus".  In the case of "the reluctant disciple", we are
reminded that...]

II. WE MUST BE WILLING TO PAY THE PRICE

   A. THE DISCIPLE'S REQUEST...
      1. He desires to forego following Jesus in order to bury his
         father first - Mt 8:21
      2. Sounds like a devoted son, what harm is there in his request?

   B. THE MASTER'S RESPONSE...
      1. Jesus tells him to follow Him and let the dead bury their own
         dead - Mt 8:22
         a. I.e., let the spiritually dead bury the physical dead
         b. Others could handle such familial tasks, his responsibility
            was to answer to a higher calling
      2. Jesus often made it clear...to follow Him meant putting Him
         before family
         a. As we saw earlier - Lk 14:26
         b. As He taught His disciples in preparing them for The 
            Limited Commission - Mt 10:34-37
         c. As He set the pattern on one occasion when His family was
            seeking Him - cf. Mt 12:46-50

   C. WE NEED TO PAY THE PRICE OF BEING DISCIPLES...
      1. As disciples, we are taught there may be a price to pay to
         remain faithful
         a. As Paul taught the new disciples on his first journey 
            - Ac 14:21-22
         b. As Paul wrote to Timothy at the end of his life - 2Ti 3:
            10-12
      2. Far too often, disciples today want to first "bury the dead",
         such as:
         a. Putting family responsibilities before the Lord
            1) E.g., missing services to entertain visiting family or
               friends
            2) Did not Jesus tell Martha some things take precedent
               over the desire to be a gracious host? - Lk 10:38-42
         b. Accepting jobs when they know it will hinder their service
            to the Lord
            1) E.g., occupations that are so demanding, one has little
               time or energy left
            2) You might think them necessary to support family, but
               did not Jesus promise that God will provide if you put
               the kingdom first? - Mt 6:31-33
      3. In our zeal to provide for our families, do we forget that we
         are disciples of Christ?
         a. There are many good and noble things that can be done in
            relation to kin and occupation
         b. But as disciples of Christ, we have a higher and more noble
            calling - 1Pe 2:9-10
            1) As a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy 
               nation, God's own special people
            2) To proclaim the praises of God who called us out of
               darkness into His marvelous light
         c. If we can't "bury the dead" without neglecting our service
            to Jesus, then we must "let the dead bury the dead"!

CONCLUSION

1. In many places, the Lord's church suffers through neglect...
   a. Attendance is sporadic
   b. Service rendered is minimal
   c. Discipleship is practiced only when convenient

2. There may be many reasons for this, but I suspect two head the 
   list...
   a. Teaching the gospel without mention of the cost of discipleship
   b. Disciples who have forgotten there is a price to pay for 
      following Jesus

3. In an age of "easy believism", do not forget "The Challenge Of
   Following Jesus"...
   a. Let "the hasty scribe" remind you to count the cost of becoming a
      disciple
   b. Let "the reluctant disciple" remind you of the need to pay the
      price of being a follower of Jesus!

This is one of the paradoxes of Christianity:  the salvation that Jesus
offers is a free gift, but it comes at a high cost.  Jesus truly "paid
it all", so one cannot earn their salvation; but as our Savior and Lord
He requires that we have the servant mentality:

   "So likewise you, when you have done all those things which you
   are commanded, say, `We are unprofitable servants. We have done
   what was our duty to do.'"  (Lk 17:10)

Have you counted the cost?  Are you willing to pay the price?  Both are
required to follow Jesus!

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2011

From Mark Copeland... The Call Of Matthew (Matthew 9:9-13)

                        "THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW"

                      The Call Of Matthew (9:9-13)

INTRODUCTION

1. Who is a suitable prospect...
   a. For the kingdom of God?
   b. For becoming a disciple of Jesus Christ?

2. Who among your neighbors, friends, etc., do you think are most
   likely to receive the gospel?
   a. Those who are devout, religious, and respectable?
   b. Or those who may be ungodly, irreligious, and socially 
      unacceptable?

3. If any passage ought to give us caution against pre-judging suitable
   prospects for the gospel...
   a. It should be Mt 9:9-13
   b. In which we read of "The Call Of Matthew"

[In this passage we learn lessons by way of precept and example 
regarding discipleship and the mind of Christ that we do well to 
remember.  Let's begin by turning our attention to...]

I. MATTHEW'S CALL AT WORK

   A. MATTHEW, THE MAN...
      1. His name was also Levi - cf. Mt 9:9; Lk 5:27
      2. Mark mentions him as the son of Alphaeus - Mk 2:14
         a. Note that another apostle, James, was also named the son of
            Alphaeus - Mt 10:3
         b. This has led some to think they were half-brothers, but
            many doubt this
   
   B. MATTHEW, THE TAX COLLECTOR...
      1. His occupation was one of collecting taxes for Rome
      2. The term "publican" describes this position, filled by Jews
         contracted by the Romans to collect taxes from their brethren
      3. As such, they were highly despised and equated with sinners
         - cf. Mt 9:11; 18:17

   C. MATTHEW, THE CALLED DISCIPLE...
      1. Perhaps to the amazement of many, Jesus tells him to "Follow 
         Me" - Mt 9:9a
         a. This was a call to become His disciple - cf. Mt 4:18-22
         b. Contrary to what may have been the expectations of many,
            Jesus saw something in Matthew that made him a suitable
            prospect
      2. Matthew demonstrates that Jesus' estimation of him is not 
         unwarranted
         a. He accepts the call of Jesus:  "he arose and followed Him"
            - Mt 9:9b
         b. Just as Peter, Andrew, James and John had done earlier
      3. Of course, this same tax collector, despised by his Jewish
         brethren...
         a. Became one of the twelve apostles - Mt 10:1-4
         b. Wrote this gospel of Matthew attempting to save his own
            brethren in the flesh!

[That such a despised tax collector could be a useful disciple to Jesus
becomes apparent even more as we read next about...]

II. MATTHEW'S FEAST AT HOME

   A. THE NATURE OF THE GUESTS...
      1. Matthew threw a feast in honor of his new Master - Mt 9:10
         a. But then..."many tax collectors and sinners came"
         b. Who "sat down with Him and His disciples"
      2. As host, Matthew undoubtedly invited and permitted his ungodly
         friends to sit and mingle with the Lord and His disciples!
      -- Didn't Matthew know what social customs he was violating?  Of
         course, but he had already learned a lesson that was about to
         be taught to others
   
   B. THE CHALLENGE OF THE PHARISEES...
      1. This religious sect of the Jews are shocked - Mt 9:11
         a. The Pharisees were separatists (the name means "separated
            ones")
         b. They were strict observers of the traditions of the elders,
            especially when it came to ceremonial cleanness - Mk 7:3
      2. They wonder why Jesus would eat with tax collectors and 
         sinners (the latter likely including prostitutes)
         a. They inquire of Jesus' disciples
         b. Likely they did so standing outside, as the disciples
            themselves went in an out, for it is unlikely the Pharisees
            would dare go into such a gathering of sinners!

   C. THE RESPONSE OF THE SAVIOR...
      1. An explanation for why it is proper for Him to mingle with
         sinners - Mt 9:12-13
         a. It is the sick, not those who are well, who need the care
            of a physician
         b. So it sinners, not the righteous, who need Someone calling
            them to repentance
      2. A rebuke for what was lacking in their own lives - Mt 9:13
         a. Sacrifice without mercy means nothing, as taught in Hos 6:6
         b. Implying that their religious devotion lacked the quality
            of mercy, or they would not have so despised sinners in
            need of salvation

[In the call of Matthew followed by the feast at his house, Jesus by
precept and example taught important lessons concerning evangelism and
discipleship. To elaborate, let me share...]

III. SOME OBSERVATIONS

   A. DON'T PREJUDGE YOURSELF OR OTHERS...
      1. Don't think one is ever too wicked to become a disciple of
         Jesus
         a. Either yourself or someone else
         b. Few could surpass Paul for the sins of which he was guilty,
            yet the Lord saved him - cf. 1Ti 1:12-16
      2. Jesus sees people, not for what they are, but for what they
         can become
         a. As in the case of Simon, whom He called Cephas (Peter) 
            - cf. Jn 1:40-42
         b. Peter did not live up to his name (a rock), until several
            years of growth as a disciple
      3. We must never forget...
         a. Jesus died to save sinners
         b. No Christian is perfect, only forgiven
         c. A saint is a sinner who keeps on trying
         d. Churches grow out of weakness, not strength
            1) I.e., willing to accept weak, imperfect members, helping
               to them grow
            2) A church never grows by turning away weak people
         e. What Jesus said to the Pharisees:  "...tax collectors and
            harlots enter the kingdom of God before you" - Mt 21:31
                        
   B. DON'T CONFUSE SEPARATION WITH ISOLATION...
      1. It is true that we must be separate - cf. 2Co 6:14-17
         a. We cannot have fellowship with sin
         b. We cannot engage in the wicked deeds of others
      2. But we must not isolate ourselves - cf. 1Co 5:9-12
         a. We may withdraw from an erring brother, true
         b. But we cannot withdraw from those in the world
      3. While not of the world, we have been sent into world - Jn 17:
         15-18
         a. To be the salt of the earth, we must mingle with the meat 
            - Mt 5:13
         b. To be the light of the world, we must shine in the darkness
            - Mt 5:14-16
      -- While we must be concerned about the influence of the wrong
         kind of friends (1Co 15:33), we must be willing to reach out
         to those who are lost!

   C. DON'T FORGET THE IMPORTANCE OF MERCY...
      1. We cannot receive forgiveness if we are not merciful - Mt 6:
         14-15
      2. We will be judged by a standard with no mercy if we are not
         merciful - Jm 2:12-13
      3. Religion (sacrifice) without mercy is not pleasing to God!

CONCLUSION

1. In "The Call Of Matthew", Jesus demonstrated the transforming power
   of the gospel...
   a. Able to take a despised tax collector and turn him into a beloved
      apostle
   b. Able to appeal to social outcasts, providing love and hope for a
      new life

2. By the feast at his house, Matthew demonstrated the transforming
   power of the gospel...
   a. Turning one who likely had been motivated by greed into a 
      gracious host
   b. Making one who may have formerly reveled in the evil conduct of
      his friends, now concerned about their spiritual well-being

If upon honest reflection of this passage we see ourselves more like
the Pharisees than Jesus or his new-found disciple, may the words of
Jesus move us to repent of our self-righteousness:

   "Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who
   are sick. But go and learn what this means: `I desire mercy and
   not sacrifice.' For I did not come to call the righteous, but
   sinners, to repentance." (Mt 9:12-13)

Are you in need of the spiritual healing provided by the Great 
Physician...?

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2011

From Mark Copeland.... Moved By Compassion (Matthew 9:35-38)

                        "THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW"

                     Moved By Compassion (9:35-38)

INTRODUCTION

1. A major problem regarding evangelism today is the lack of 
   motivation...
   a. Many Christians seem to lack the motivation to teach others
      1) Years go by, and little is done to share the gospel
      2) Rather than being troubled by this fact, many just attain a
         state of complacency
   b. Yet motivation is "the steam that drives the train"
      1) With proper motivation, a Christian will seek to save the lost
      2) Even if they don't know how, they will not rest until they are
         doing something that might lead others to Christ
      
2. What motivated Jesus to save the lost?
   a. What prompted Him to come to this earth?
   b. What propelled Him to go from city to city with the gospel of the
      kingdom?
   c. What moved Him to endure the shame and pain of dying on the
      cross?

3. Several factors could be listed...
   a. His strong sense of purpose (to do His Father's will) - Jn 6:38
   b. The Father's love (which He wanted to share) - Jn 15:9; 17:26
   c. The potential condemnation those He sought to save (of which He
      warned) - Mt 10:28
   d. The joy set before Him (helping Him to endure the cross) - He 12:
      2
   -- Each of these factors can help motivate us as well

4. But there was one factor which is mentioned in the text for our 
   study today...
   a. Our text is Mt 9:35-38, in which we read of the on-going ministry
      of Jesus
   b. Notice verse 36, "But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved
      with compassion for them..."

[Compassion for the lost...could the lack thereof explain why many
Christians do not actively seek to save others?  To help answer that
question, let's first take a closer look at...]

I. JESUS' COMPASSION FOR THE LOST

   A. JESUS HAD COMPASSION FOR THE LOST...
      1. As mentioned on numerous occasions
         a. In our text - Mt 9:36
         b. Prior to feeding the five thousand - Mt 14:14
         c. Prior to feeding the four thousand - Mt 15:32
         d. Toward various individuals
            1) A leper - Mk 1:40-41
            2) A demon-possessed man - Mk 5:1-20 (cf. verse 19)
            3) The widow of Nain who had lost her son - Lk 7:11-15
            4) The two blind men - Mt 20:30-34
      2. He was moved with compassion when He saw people:
         a. Weary and scattered, like sheep without a shepherd
         b. Suffering from diseases, demon possession, and hunger

   B. HIS COMPASSION MOVED HIM...
      1. To heal the sick and demon-possessed, raise the dead, and feed
         the hungry
      2. To personally teach those in need of a Shepherd - cf. Mk 6:34
      3. To call upon His disciples to pray for more laborers - Mt 9:
         37-38
      4. To send out His disciples as laborers - Mt 10:1-7

[Jesus was truly "Moved By Compassion" for the lost.  Thus motivated,
He did what He could to meet their needs, especially their need for
salvation!  Now let's a few moments to consider...]

II. OUR COMPASSION FOR THE LOST

   A. DO WE HAVE COMPASSION FOR THE LOST?
      1. Are we moved when we see...
         a. Multitudes of people who are without Christ?
         b. Individuals who are lost in sin?
      2. Can we say we have compassion for the lost, if we've made...
         a. No effort to teach someone the gospel?
         b. Little effort to even get to know those who are lost?
      3. What have you done in the past year for the lost?
         a. The answer to this question reveals much about our 
            compassion
         b. Are you pleased with the answer?
                  
   B. HOW CAN WE DEVELOP COMPASSION?
      1. Does our inactivity suggest a lack of compassion?
         a. Is it evident that we have not been as concerned for the
            lost as we should be?
         b. What can we do to develop compassion?
      2. Compassion for lost souls can be developed by...
         a. Letting God teach us how to love - 1Th 4:9; 1Jn 3:16-17
            1) God teaches us through the example of His Son
            2) By frequent contemplation of God's love for us, the more
               we will love others!
            -- Thus the Word of God is essential for developing 
               compassion
         b. Spending time around people
            1) To love people, we need to get to know them
               a) As stated by Will Rogers, "I never met a man I did 
                  not like"
               b) The more we come to know people, the more likely we
                  become concerned about their well being
            2) We need to beware of becoming isolated from people
               a) Certain technological advances can be a hindrance to
                  getting out and being with people (e.g., television,
                  air conditioning, computers)
               b) Remember, Jesus was often moved by compassion when
                  among the "multitudes" and "individuals"

   C. HOW SHOULD COMPASSION MOVE US?
      1. To do whatever we can do...
         a. Such as teach others - cf. Mk 6:34
         b. Unable to teach?  Then compassion should move us to:
            1) Learn to teach others - cf. He 5:12; 1Pe 3:15
            2) Make arrangements for others to be taught
               a) As Philip did for Nathaniel - Jn 1:45-46
               b) As Cornelius did for family and friends - Ac 10:24,33
      2. To seek to involve others in saving the lost...
         a. By praying that the Lord will send more laborers - Mt 9:38
            1) This is something everyone can do
            2) Even if we can't yet teach, we can pray! - 2Th 3:1
         b. By sending out others to teach - Mt 10:1,5-7
            1) Jesus did more than teach and pray, He trained and sent
               out His disciples
            2) We can be involved with sending out others also
               a) Encouraging the training of those willing to teach
               b) Supporting financially those who go out to teach 
                  - Php 4:15-16; 3Jn 5-8

CONCLUSION

1. Without compassion for the lost, there is no "steam"...
   a. We may have the knowledge and the opportunity to teach others
   b. But like a train on a track with no steam, we will just sit there
   -- Is that what we have been doing regarding evangelism?  Could it
      be we are lacking the "steam" necessary for evangelism?

2. With compassion for the lost, we will not rest until we are doing
   something...
   a. It may not be the same thing as others, but it will be something
   b. If we don't know how or what to do, compassion will motivate us
      to keep looking, studying, etc., until we find something to do
   -- For as the "steam" builds, we will not be satisfied until we
      begin moving and releasing the steam, just as Jeremiah said:

   "Then I said, `I will not make mention of Him, nor speak anymore
   in His name.' But His word was in my heart like a burning fire
   shut up in my bones; I was weary of holding it back, and I could
   not." (Jer 20:9)

May the example of our Lord Jesus, the true Word of God, whose 
compassion moved Him to save us, burn in our hearts until we too are
"Moved By Compassion"!

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2011

From Mark Copeland... The Twelve Apostles (Matthew 10:1-4)

                        "THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW"

                      The Twelve Apostles (10:1-4)

INTRODUCTION

1. Upon what is your faith in Jesus Christ based?
   a. His miracles?
   b. His teachings?
   c. His resurrection from the dead?

2. In reality, our faith is based upon the words of the apostles of
   Jesus Christ...
   a. Apart from their gospels and letters, we know virtually nothing
      about Him
   b. They are the ones who tell us about His life, miracles, and
      resurrection

3. Jesus acknowledged that our faith in Him would depend upon their 
   word...
   a. As indicated in His prayer for us - Jn 17:20
   b. The Lord expected us to believe in Him through their word

4. Who are these men upon which our faith is based?
   a. What does the Bible and history tell us about them?
   b. Are they credible witnesses that we should believe?
   c. What is their role in the church of our Lord?

5. In Mt 10:1-4, we find the names of the twelve apostles...
   a. Matthew lists their names as they were sent on "The Limited
      Commission" - Mt 10:5-7
   b. While Mark and Luke records their names when they were actually
      appointed as apostles - cf. Mk 3:13-19; Lk 6:13-16
   
[In this lesson I wish to focus our attention on "The Twelve Apostles",
upon whom our faith is based, for whom we should be so grateful.  Let's
start by taking a closer look at...]

I. THE IDENTITY OF THE APOSTLES

   A. THE FIRST FOUR...
      1. Simon, who is called Peter
         a. Introduced to Jesus by his brother, Andrew - Jn 1:40-41
         b. Given the name Cephas (Peter) by Jesus - Jn 1:42
         c. A fisherman, called to follow Jesus along with Andrew 
            - Mt 4:18-20
         d. Known for being impetuous; for example:
            1) When Jesus walked on the sea - Mt 14:25-29
            2) When Jesus foretold His death and resurrection - Mt 16:
               21-23
            3) When Jesus foretold of some who would stumble - Mt 26:
               31-35
            4) When Jesus was arrested in the garden - Jn 18:10-11
         e. Known for his failures; for example:
            1) Doubting when walking to Jesus on the sea - Mt 14:30-31
            2) Denying the Lord three times - Mt 26:69-75
            3) Leading himself and others into hypocrisy - Ga 2:11-13
         f. But eventually living up to meaning of his given name (a 
            rock)
            1) Restored by Jesus after His resurrection - Jn 21:15-19
            2) Directing the selection to replace Judas Iscariot - Ac 1:15-26
            3) Preaching the first gospel sermon on the day of
               Pentecost - Ac 2:14-41
            4) Instrumental in the church at Jerusalem during its early
               years - Ac 3-6; cf. Ga 1:18; 2:1-10
            5) The first to proclaim the gospel to the Gentiles - Ac10-11; 15:6-11
      2. Andrew, brother of Simon
         a. A disciple of John the Baptist, he was one of Jesus' first
            disciples - Jn 1:35-40
         b. He led his brother Simon (Peter) to Jesus - Jn 1:41-42
         c. A fisherman, called to follow Jesus along with Simon - Mt 4:18-20
         d. He introduced some Greeks to Jesus - Jn 12:20-22
      3. James the son of Zebedee
         a. Brother of John - Mt 10:2
         b. A fisherman, called to follow Jesus along with John - Mt 4:
            21-22
         c. Perhaps because of fiery temperment (evidenced in Lk 9:
            52-54), he and his brother were called "Sons of Thunder"
            by Jesus - Mk 3:17
         d. While seeking glory, they were promised suffering - Mk 10:
            35-40
         e. Indeed, James was the first of the apostles to be killed 
            - Ac 12:1-2
      4. John, brother of James
         a. Called along with his brother, James - Mt 4:21-22
         b. Along with brother and father, they were partners with 
            Peter - Lk 5:10
         c. Like his brother, he appeared quick to judge others - cf. 
            Lk 9:49,54
         d. But he became "the beloved disciple whom Jesus loved"
            1) Who sat next to Jesus during the Last Supper - Jn 13:23
            2) Who was given charge to care for Jesus' mother - Jn 19:
               26-27
            3) Who was among the first to see the empty tomb - Jn 20:
               2-8
            4) Who recognized Jesus following the resurrection - Jn 21:
               7
            5) Who made a veiled reference to himself as the author of
               the Gospel of John - Jn 21:20-24
      -- Of these four, Peter, James and John became "the inner circle"
         of Jesus' disciples.  These three were present when Jesus 
         raised Jairus' daughter (Mk 5:37), witnessed the 
         transfiguration (Mt 17:1), and were summoned by Christ for 
         support during His agony in Gethsemane (Mt 26:36-37).

   B. THE REMAINING EIGHT...
      5. Philip
         a. Called by Jesus, the day after He met Peter and Andrew - Jn 1:43
         b. From Bethsaida, home of Peter and Andrew - Jn 1:44
         c. He led Nathaniel to Jesus - Jn 1:45-46
         d. He with Andrew brought the inquiring Greeks to Jesus - Jn 12:21-22
         e. He was the one who asked Jesus, "Show us the Father" - Jn 14:8-9
      6. Bartholomew
         a. He is traditionally considered to be Nathanael, because he
            is connected to Philip in the lists of the apostles in the
            Gospels - Mt 10:2-4; Mk 3:16-19; Lk 6:14-16
         b. If so, then he was introduced to Jesus by Philip - Jn 1:
            45-46
         c. And was praised by Jesus as having no guile - Jn 1:47-51
         d. He lived in Cana, and saw Jesus after the resurrection - Jn 21:1-14
      7. Thomas
         a. He was also called The Twin (Didymus) - Jn 20:24
         b. At one point he was willing to die for Jesus - Jn 11:16
         c. After the resurrection, he required empirical evidence
            before he would believe that Jesus was alive - Jn 20:24-25
         d. A week later, such evidence was provided - Jn 20:26-28
      8. Matthew the tax collector
         a. Also known as Levi - Mt 9:9; Mk 2:14; Lk 5:27
         b. Called the son of Alphaeus, leading some to think he was
            related to James the son of Alphaeus - Mk 2:14; 10:3
         c. Called to follow Jesus from his tax office, and later gave
            a feast at his home in honor of Jesus - Mt 9:9-13
      9. James the son of Alphaeus
         a. He may be "James the Less", son of Mary (who witnessed 
            Jesus' death, sought to prepare Him for burial, and found
            the tomb empty) - Mk 15:40; 16:1
         b. Other than in the lists of apostles, he is not mentioned
            elsewhere in Scripture
     10. Lebbaeus, whose surname was Thaddaeus
         a. Evidently the same as "Judas, not Iscariot" (Jn 14:22) and
            "Judas, brother of James" - Lk 6:16; Ac 1:13
         b. He is not mentioned elsewhere in Scripture
     11. Simon the Cananite (Cananaean)
         a. Also called "the Zealot" - Lk 6:15; Ac 1:13
         b. As such he had been a member of a radical party seeking to
            destroy Roman rule
     12. Matthias, who replaced Judas Iscariot the betrayer
         a. Judas, of course, would later betray Jesus and hang himself
            - Mt 26:14-16,47-50; 27:3-10
         b. In his place, Matthias was chosen - Ac 1:15-26
         c. He had evidently been with Jesus from His baptism until His
            ascension - cf. Ac 1:21-22

[What an amazing and diverse collection of men upon which to trust the
continuation of His mission!  Men with personal failings, from opposite
ends of the political spectrum.  Yet Jesus took this band of men, 
worked with them for three years, and through them turned the world
upside down! Let's now consider what is revealed in Scripture about...]

II. THE MINISTRY OF THE APOSTLES

   A. AS WITNESSES FOR THE RESURRECTION...
      1. Jesus had shown Himself alive through various proofs - Ac 1:
         1-3
      2. Jesus commissioned them to testify concerning Him - Ac 1:8
      3. Peter explained that the apostles were to be witnesses for the
         resurrection - Ac 1:21-22
      4. Thus they testified again and again - Ac 2:32; 3:15; 4:33; 5:
         30-32; 10:39-41; 13:29-31
      -- The apostles served the important role of providing historical
         and legal proof that Jesus arose from the dead, so that our
         faith in Him might rest on a solid basis!

   B. AS TEACHERS FOR THE DISCIPLES...
      1. Jesus did not reveal all during His earthly ministry - Jn 16:
         12
      2. The Holy Spirit would reveal all the truth, working through
         the apostles - Jn 16:13-14; cf. 14:25-26
      3. Thus the apostles' doctrine became the authority for the 
         church, as commissioned by Jesus - Mt 28:20; Ac 2:42
      4. This doctrine they preserved in their writings - e.g., 2Pe 3:
         1-2
      -- Through His apostles, Jesus continues to instruct His church
         as we continue stedfastly in their teachings!

   C. AS THE FOUNDATION FOR THE CHURCH...
      1. The church is built upon the foundation of the apostles, with
         Christ as the corner-stone - Ep 2:19-22
         a. Their eyewitness testimony is the basis of our faith
         b. Their teaching is basis of our doctrine and practice
      2. Their names are even depicted as written on the foundation for
         the New Jerusalem, which is the Lamb's bride (the church) 
         - Re 21:9-10,14

[To such a small and simple group of men Jesus entrusted the future of
His church!  Was His trust well-founded?  Well, consider what we know
from Scripture and tradition concerning...]

III. THE DEDICATION OF THE APOSTLES

   A. IN CARRYING OUT THE GREAT COMMISSION...
      1. They were commanded to make disciples of all the nations - Mt 28:19
         a. We read of the early work of the apostles in Jerusalem, 
            Judea and Samaria in the book of Acts
         b. We can also read Peter's letters to those througout Asia
            Minor (Turkey)
      2. From sources outside the Bible, we are told:
         a. Peter is thought to have travelled to Rome, and possibly
            Babylon - cf. 1Pe 5:13
         b. Andrew is said to have preached in Bithynia, Scythia,
            Greece, and among the Parthians
         c. James the brother of John is said to have preached in
            India and Spain before he was beheaded by Herod
         d. John, brother of James, spent time in Patmos, later in
            Ephesus, and is thought by some to have established the
            churches of Smyrna, Pergamos, Sardis, Philadelphia,
            Laodicea, and Thyatira
         e. Philip ministered in Phrygia
         f. Bartholomew is said to have taken the gospel of Matthew
            to India
         g. Thomas is also thought to have travelled to India
         h. Matthew is said to have preached 15 years in Palestine,
            and then went to Ethiopia, Macedonia, Syria, Persia,
            Parthia and Medea
         i. James the son of Alphaeus - little is known of any work
            outside Jerusalem
         j. Thaddaeus is said to preached in Syria and Edessa
         k. Simon the Zealot is said to have preached the gospel in
            Mauritania, Africa, and even in Britain
         l. Matthias is thought to have gone to Damascus
         -- While much of the above is not known for sure, it does seem
            to coincide with Paul's statements concerning the spread of
            the gospel - Ro 10:14-18; Col 1:23

   B. IN GIVING THEIR LIVES FOR THE LORD...
      1. The apostles suffered much for the Lord
         a. As He warned them - Jn 15:18-20
         b. As Paul described in 1Co 4:9-13
      2. But they did more than suffer discomfort, in most cases they
         gave their lives
         a. Peter - crucified upside down in Rome
         b. Andrew - imprisoned in Greece, then crucified on a cross,
            the two ends of which were fixed transversely in the ground
            (from which came the term, St. Andrew's Cross)
         c. James - beheaded by Herod - Ac 12:1-2
         d. John - the only apostle thought to avoid a violent death
         e. Philip - scourged, thrown into prison, and afterwards
            crucified
         f. Bartholomew - said to have been placed into a sack and 
            thrown into the sea, some say he was crucified
         g. Thomas - thrust through with a spear in India
         h. Matthew - said by some to have died a natural death, by
            others that he died in Ethiopia, being slain with a halberd
            (pike fitted with an axhead) in the city of Nadabah
         i. James the son of Alphaeus - stoned by the Jews for 
            preaching Christ
         j. Thaddaeus - unknown
         k. Simon the Zealot - suffered martyrdom under Trajan; some
            think crucified in Britain
         l. Matthias - said to have been stoned and then beheaded

CONCLUSION

1. Do we appreciate the significance of the "supreme sacrifice" these
   men made?
   a. Their willingness to suffer and die strengthens the credibility
      of their testimony
   b. And what is that testimony?   That Jesus died for our sins and 
      rose from the grave!
   -- They were not motivated by money or power; they were compelled by
      events they could never deny having seen and heard!

2. Through "The Twelve Apostles", we see the power of faith in Christ,
   transforming...
   a. Judgmental disciples into apostles of love (e.g., John)
   a. Political enemies into beloved brethren! (e.g., Matthew and Simon
      the Zealot)
   b. Cowards who denied Jesus into confessors who died for Him (e.g.,
      Peter)

3. In "The Twelve Apostles", we have the basis for faith in Christ,
   providing...
   a. The foundation of our faith in Christ through their testimony
   b. The foundation of our belief and practice through their writings

May we who are "built on the foundation of the apostles" (Ep 2:20),
never forget these 12 humble disciples who faithfully answered the call
of their Lord.  May their example inspire us to greater faithfulness in
our service to Christ!

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2011