Podcasts about Alphaeus

The Greatest Leadership Myth in the world today: INDIVIDUALSaccomplish great things.Nothing of SIGNIFICANCE has ever been achieved by an INDIVIDUALacting alone.Below the surface, what seem like SOLO ACTS, are always TEAMEFFORTS.MYTH: INDIVIDUALS accomplish great things.TRUTH: TEAMS accomplish great things.“It takes 10 hands to score a basket.”—John WoodenYou can't accomplish anything of SIGNIFICANCE without a TEAM.Luke 6:12-13 One of those days Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, andspent the night praying to God.   When morning came, he called his disciples tohim and chose twelve of them, whom he also designated apostles:3 Leadership Lessons From Jesus On Teamwork1. Very few things are as IMPORTANT as the TEAM you SURROUNDYOURSELF with.Vision Caster, Theologian, Teacher/Communicator, Manager, Teambuilder,Creative, Writer, Recruiter, Conflict Arbitrator, Musician, Counselor, FinancialExpert, Construction, Real Estate, Audio/Visual, Graphic Design, (knoweverything about) Kids, Students, College, Adults, Special Needs, Seniors, FoodService, Funerals, Weddings, Social Media, Marketing, Crisis Management,Human Resources, Legal, Web Design, Development, SecurityGod's DREAM for you will be determined by the STRENGTH of the TEAMaround you.2. When choosing a team, prioritize TEAMWORK over TALENT every time.Luke 6:14-16 Simon (whom he named Peter), his brother Andrew, James, John,Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James son of Alphaeus, Simon who wascalled the Zealot, Judas son of James, and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor.Acts 4:13   When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that theywere unschooled, ordinary men…“Talent wins games, teamwork wins championships.”—Michael JordanActs 4:13 When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they wereunschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these menhad been with Jesus.3. Jesus prioritized INVESTING IN and EMPOWERING His team.Matthew 10:1 Jesus called his twelve disciples together and gave them authorityto cast out evil spirits and to heal every kind of disease and illness.AUTHORITY—the power or right to make decisions.If you want things done RIGHT, you have to do it YOURSELF“It is amazing what you can accomplish if you don't care who gets thecredit.”—Harry TrumanYou can't accomplish anything of significance without a TEAM.Do you have the RIGHT TEAM around you?

Luke 6 : 12 - 23 12 Now it came to pass in those days that He went out to the mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God. 13 And when it was day, He called His disciples to Himself; and from them He chose twelve whom He also named apostles: 14 Simon, whom He also named Peter, and Andrew his brother; James and John; Philip and Bartholomew; 15 Matthew and Thomas; James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon called the Zealot; 16 Judas the son of James, and Judas Iscariot who also became a traitor. 17 And He came down with them and stood on a level place with a crowd of His disciples and a great multitude of people from all Judea and Jerusalem, and from the seacoast of Tyre and Sidon, who came to hear Him and be healed of their diseases, 18 as well as those who were tormented with unclean spirits. And they were healed. 19 And the whole multitude sought to touch Him, for power went out from Him and healed them all. 20 Then He lifted up His eyes toward His disciples, and said: "Blessed are you poor, For yours is the kingdom of God. 21 Blessed are you who hunger now, For you shall be filled. Blessed are you who weep now, For you shall laugh. 22 Blessed are you when men hate you, And when they exclude you, And revile you, and cast out your name as evil, For the Son of Man's sake. 23 Rejoice in that day and leap for joy! For indeed your reward is great in heaven, For in like manner their fathers did to the prophets. Glory be to God forever.

Today's Topics: 1, 2, 3, 4) Father Charles Murr joins Terry Gospel - Matthew 10:1-7 - Jesus summoned His Twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits to drive them out and to cure every disease and every illness. The names of the Twelve Apostles are these: first, Simon called Peter, and his brother Andrew; James, the son of Zebedee, and his brother John; Philip and Bartholomew, Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James, the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddeus; Simon the Cananean, and Judas Iscariot who betrayed Jesus. Jesus sent out these Twelve after instructing them thus, "Do not go into pagan territory or enter a Samaritan town. Go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. As you go, make this proclamation: 'The Kingdom of heaven is at hand.'" Memorial of Saint Augustine Zhao Rong, Priest, and Companions, Martyrs Saint Augustine and Companions, pray for us! Bishop Sheen quote of the day

Gospel Matthew 10:1-7 Jesus summoned his Twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits to drive them out and to cure every disease and every illness. The names of the Twelve Apostles are these: first, Simon called Peter, and his brother Andrew; James, the son of Zebedee, and his brother John; Philip and Bartholomew, Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James, the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddeus; Simon the Cananean, and Judas Iscariot who betrayed Jesus. Jesus sent out these Twelve after instructing them thus, "Do not go into pagan territory or enter a Samaritan town. Go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. As you go, make this proclamation: 'The Kingdom of heaven is at hand.'" Reflection The Old Testament, it's a long story of God working with a group of people, the Jews. And wanted so much for them to understand the fullness of the kingdom of God that was to come through the work of Jesus. What we see in this passage is Jesus giving authority to his disciples to go and to preach and teach his message. And it's fascinating, in Matthew's Gospel that he doesn't send his disciples to the Gentiles, but to the house of Israel. And he's hoping maybe in a last ditch effort, hoping that he can convert the Jews to understanding that Jesus is the fullness of God the Father. Closing Prayer Father, you have never truly left the Israelite people. You continue to long for them to understand fully who you are. And when you send your disciples first to them, we see clearly a sign in you that you long for things, even though it may take centuries for them to change. Ultimately, when the kingdom comes, they will change. And we ask this in Jesus' name, Amen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Friends of the Rosary,Priests, bishops, cardinals, and popes throughout the centuries are the descendants of the twelve apostles of the Lord, who Christ Jesus summoned at that time to proclaim the kingdom of heaven, as we read today in the Gospel of Matthew (Matthew 10:1-7).These first disciples and apprentices were sent on a mission with the authority to drive out demons and unclean spirits and cure every disease and illness.They were instructed to rescue "the lost sheep of the house of Israel.""The names of the Twelve Apostles are these:first, Simon called Peter, and his brother Andrew;James, the son of Zebedee, and his brother John;Philip and Bartholomew,Thomas and Matthew the tax collector;James, the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddeus;Simon the Cananean, and Judas Iscariotwho betrayed Jesus."Ave Maria!Jesus, I Trust In You!Come, Holy Spirit, come!To Jesus through Mary!Here I am, Lord; I come to do your will.Please give us the grace to respond with joy!+ Mikel Amigot w/ María Blanca | RosaryNetwork.com, New YorkEnhance your faith with the new Holy Rosary University app:Apple iOS | New! Android Google Play• ⁠July 9, 2025, Today's Rosary on YouTube | Daily broadcast at 7:30 pm ET

Jesus summoned his Twelve disciplesand gave them authority over unclean spirits to drive them outand to cure every disease and every illness.The names of the Twelve Apostles are these:first, Simon called Peter, and his brother Andrew;James, the son of Zebedee, and his brother John;Philip and Bartholomew,Thomas and Matthew the tax collector;James, the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddeus;Simon the Cananean, and Judas Iscariotwho betrayed Jesus.Jesus sent out these Twelve after instructing them thus,"Do not go into pagan territory or enter a Samaritan town.Go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.As you go, make this proclamation: 'The Kingdom of heaven is at hand.'"

Wednesday of the Fourteenth Week in Ordinary TimeMatthew 10:1-7Jesus summoned his Twelve disciplesand gave them authority over unclean spirits to drive them outand to cure every disease and every illness.The names of the Twelve Apostles are these:first, Simon called Peter, and his brother Andrew;James, the son of Zebedee, and his brother John;Philip and Bartholomew,Thomas and Matthew the tax collector;James, the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddeus;Simon the Cananean, and Judas Iscariotwho betrayed Jesus.

+ Holy Gospel according to St. Matthew 10: 1 – 7 Then Jesus summoned his twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits to drive them out and to cure every disease and every illness.The names of the twelve apostles are these: first, Simon called Peter, and his brother Andrew; James, the son of Zebedee, and his brother John; Philip and Bartholomew, Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James, the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddeus; Simon the Cananean, and Judas Iscariot who betrayed him. Jesus sent out these twelve after instructing them thus, "Do not go into pagan territory or enter a Samaritan town. Go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. As you go, make this proclamation: 'The kingdom of heaven is at hand.'”The Gospel of the Lord

Mt 10:1-7Jesus summoned his Twelve disciplesand gave them authority over unclean spirits to drive them outand to cure every disease and every illness.The names of the Twelve Apostles are these:first, Simon called Peter, and his brother Andrew;James, the son of Zebedee, and his brother John;Philip and Bartholomew,Thomas and Matthew the tax collector;James, the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddeus;Simon the Cananean, and Judas Iscariotwho betrayed Jesus.Jesus sent out these Twelve after instructing them thus,"Do not go into pagan territory or enter a Samaritan town.Go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.As you go, make this proclamation: 'The Kingdom of heaven is at hand.'"

JUNE 22 | III The Advancement of the Kingdom | Mark 3:7-19Jesus withdrew with his disciples to the lake, and a large crowd from Galilee followed. When they heard about all he was doing, many people came to him from Judea, Jerusalem, Idumea, and the regions across the Jordan and around Tyre and Sidon. Because of the crowd he told his disciples to have a small boat ready for him, to keep the people from crowding him. For he had healed many, so that those with diseases were pushing forward to touch him. Whenever the impure spirits saw him, they fell down before him and cried out, “You are the Son of God.” But he gave them strict orders not to tell others about him. Jesus went up on a mountainside and called to him those he wanted, and they came to him. He appointed twelve that they might be with him and that he might send them out to preach and to have authority to drive out demons. These are the twelve he appointed: Simon (to whom he gave the name Peter), James son of Zebedee and his brother John (to them he gave the name Boanerges, which means “sons of thunder”), Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James son of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus, Simon the Zealot and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him.

JUNE 22 | III The Advancement of the Kingdom | Mark 3:7-19Jesus withdrew with his disciples to the lake, and a large crowd from Galilee followed. When they heard about all he was doing, many people came to him from Judea, Jerusalem, Idumea, and the regions across the Jordan and around Tyre and Sidon. Because of the crowd he told his disciples to have a small boat ready for him, to keep the people from crowding him. For he had healed many, so that those with diseases were pushing forward to touch him. Whenever the impure spirits saw him, they fell down before him and cried out, “You are the Son of God.” But he gave them strict orders not to tell others about him. Jesus went up on a mountainside and called to him those he wanted, and they came to him. He appointed twelve that they might be with him and that he might send them out to preach and to have authority to drive out demons. These are the twelve he appointed: Simon (to whom he gave the name Peter), James son of Zebedee and his brother John (to them he gave the name Boanerges, which means “sons of thunder”), Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James son of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus, Simon the Zealot and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him.

JUNE 22 | III The Advancement of the Kingdom | Mark 3:7-19Jesus withdrew with his disciples to the lake, and a large crowd from Galilee followed. When they heard about all he was doing, many people came to him from Judea, Jerusalem, Idumea, and the regions across the Jordan and around Tyre and Sidon. Because of the crowd he told his disciples to have a small boat ready for him, to keep the people from crowding him. For he had healed many, so that those with diseases were pushing forward to touch him. Whenever the impure spirits saw him, they fell down before him and cried out, “You are the Son of God.” But he gave them strict orders not to tell others about him.Jesus went up on a mountainside and called to him those he wanted, and they came to him. He appointed twelve that they might be with him and that he might send them out to preach and to have authority to drive out demons. These are the twelve he appointed: Simon (to whom he gave the name Peter), James son of Zebedee and his brother John (to them he gave the name Boanerges, which means “sons of thunder”), Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James son of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus, Simon the Zealot and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him.

JUNE 22 | III The Advancement of the Kingdom | Mark 3:7-19Jesus withdrew with his disciples to the lake, and a large crowd from Galilee followed. When they heard about all he was doing, many people came to him from Judea, Jerusalem, Idumea, and the regions across the Jordan and around Tyre and Sidon. Because of the crowd he told his disciples to have a small boat ready for him, to keep the people from crowding him. For he had healed many, so that those with diseases were pushing forward to touch him. Whenever the impure spirits saw him, they fell down before him and cried out, “You are the Son of God.” But he gave them strict orders not to tell others about him. Jesus went up on a mountainside and called to him those he wanted, and they came to him. He appointed twelve that they might be with him and that he might send them out to preach and to have authority to drive out demons. These are the twelve he appointed: Simon (to whom he gave the name Peter), James son of Zebedee and his brother John (to them he gave the name Boanerges, which means “sons of thunder”), Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James son of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus, Simon the Zealot and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him.

JUNE 22 | III The Advancement of the Kingdom | Mark 3:7-19Jesus withdrew with his disciples to the lake, and a large crowd from Galilee followed. When they heard about all he was doing, many people came to him from Judea, Jerusalem, Idumea, and the regions across the Jordan and around Tyre and Sidon. Because of the crowd he told his disciples to have a small boat ready for him, to keep the people from crowding him. For he had healed many, so that those with diseases were pushing forward to touch him. Whenever the impure spirits saw him, they fell down before him and cried out, “You are the Son of God.” But he gave them strict orders not to tell others about him. Jesus went up on a mountainside and called to him those he wanted, and they came to him. He appointed twelve that they might be with him and that he might send them out to preach and to have authority to drive out demons. These are the twelve he appointed: Simon (to whom he gave the name Peter), James son of Zebedee and his brother John (to them he gave the name Boanerges, which means “sons of thunder”), Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James son of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus, Simon the Zealot and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him.

JUNE 22 | III The Advancement of the Kingdom | Mark 3:7-19Jesus withdrew with his disciples to the lake, and a large crowd from Galilee followed. When they heard about all he was doing, many people came to him from Judea, Jerusalem, Idumea, and the regions across the Jordan and around Tyre and Sidon. Because of the crowd he told his disciples to have a small boat ready for him, to keep the people from crowding him. For he had healed many, so that those with diseases were pushing forward to touch him. Whenever the impure spirits saw him, they fell down before him and cried out, “You are the Son of God.” But he gave them strict orders not to tell others about him. Jesus went up on a mountainside and called to him those he wanted, and they came to him. He appointed twelve that they might be with him and that he might send them out to preach and to have authority to drive out demons. These are the twelve he appointed: Simon (to whom he gave the name Peter), James son of Zebedee and his brother John (to them he gave the name Boanerges, which means “sons of thunder”), Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James son of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus, Simon the Zealot and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him.

JUNE 22 | III The Advancement of the Kingdom | Mark 3:7-19Jesus withdrew with his disciples to the lake, and a large crowd from Galilee followed. When they heard about all he was doing, many people came to him from Judea, Jerusalem, Idumea, and the regions across the Jordan and around Tyre and Sidon. Because of the crowd he told his disciples to have a small boat ready for him, to keep the people from crowding him. For he had healed many, so that those with diseases were pushing forward to touch him. Whenever the impure spirits saw him, they fell down before him and cried out, “You are the Son of God.” But he gave them strict orders not to tell others about him.Jesus went up on a mountainside and called to him those he wanted, and they came to him. He appointed twelve that they might be with him and that he might send them out to preach and to have authority to drive out demons. These are the twelve he appointed: Simon (to whom he gave the name Peter), James son of Zebedee and his brother John (to them he gave the name Boanerges, which means “sons of thunder”), Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James son of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus, Simon the Zealot and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him.

JUNE 22 | III The Advancement of the Kingdom | Mark 3:7-19Jesus withdrew with his disciples to the lake, and a large crowd from Galilee followed. When they heard about all he was doing, many people came to him from Judea, Jerusalem, Idumea, and the regions across the Jordan and around Tyre and Sidon. Because of the crowd he told his disciples to have a small boat ready for him, to keep the people from crowding him. For he had healed many, so that those with diseases were pushing forward to touch him. Whenever the impure spirits saw him, they fell down before him and cried out, “You are the Son of God.” But he gave them strict orders not to tell others about him. Jesus went up on a mountainside and called to him those he wanted, and they came to him. He appointed twelve that they might be with him and that he might send them out to preach and to have authority to drive out demons. These are the twelve he appointed: Simon (to whom he gave the name Peter), James son of Zebedee and his brother John (to them he gave the name Boanerges, which means “sons of thunder”), Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James son of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus, Simon the Zealot and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him.

JUNE 22 | III The Advancement of the Kingdom | Mark 3:7-19Jesus withdrew with his disciples to the lake, and a large crowd from Galilee followed. When they heard about all he was doing, many people came to him from Judea, Jerusalem, Idumea, and the regions across the Jordan and around Tyre and Sidon. Because of the crowd he told his disciples to have a small boat ready for him, to keep the people from crowding him. For he had healed many, so that those with diseases were pushing forward to touch him. Whenever the impure spirits saw him, they fell down before him and cried out, “You are the Son of God.” But he gave them strict orders not to tell others about him. Jesus went up on a mountainside and called to him those he wanted, and they came to him. He appointed twelve that they might be with him and that he might send them out to preach and to have authority to drive out demons. These are the twelve he appointed: Simon (to whom he gave the name Peter), James son of Zebedee and his brother John (to them he gave the name Boanerges, which means “sons of thunder”), Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James son of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus, Simon the Zealot and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him.

JUNE 22 | III The Advancement of the Kingdom | Mark 3:7-19Jesus withdrew with his disciples to the lake, and a large crowd from Galilee followed. When they heard about all he was doing, many people came to him from Judea, Jerusalem, Idumea, and the regions across the Jordan and around Tyre and Sidon. Because of the crowd he told his disciples to have a small boat ready for him, to keep the people from crowding him. For he had healed many, so that those with diseases were pushing forward to touch him. Whenever the impure spirits saw him, they fell down before him and cried out, “You are the Son of God.” But he gave them strict orders not to tell others about him. Jesus went up on a mountainside and called to him those he wanted, and they came to him. He appointed twelve that they might be with him and that he might send them out to preach and to have authority to drive out demons. These are the twelve he appointed: Simon (to whom he gave the name Peter), James son of Zebedee and his brother John (to them he gave the name Boanerges, which means “sons of thunder”), Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James son of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus, Simon the Zealot and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him.

JUNE 22 | III The Advancement of the Kingdom | Mark 3:7-19Jesus withdrew with his disciples to the lake, and a large crowd from Galilee followed. When they heard about all he was doing, many people came to him from Judea, Jerusalem, Idumea, and the regions across the Jordan and around Tyre and Sidon. Because of the crowd he told his disciples to have a small boat ready for him, to keep the people from crowding him. For he had healed many, so that those with diseases were pushing forward to touch him. Whenever the impure spirits saw him, they fell down before him and cried out, “You are the Son of God.” But he gave them strict orders not to tell others about him.Jesus went up on a mountainside and called to him those he wanted, and they came to him. He appointed twelve that they might be with him and that he might send them out to preach and to have authority to drive out demons. These are the twelve he appointed: Simon (to whom he gave the name Peter), James son of Zebedee and his brother John (to them he gave the name Boanerges, which means “sons of thunder”), Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James son of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus, Simon the Zealot and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him.

JUNE 22 | III The Advancement of the Kingdom | Mark 3:7-19Jesus withdrew with his disciples to the lake, and a large crowd from Galilee followed. When they heard about all he was doing, many people came to him from Judea, Jerusalem, Idumea, and the regions across the Jordan and around Tyre and Sidon. Because of the crowd he told his disciples to have a small boat ready for him, to keep the people from crowding him. For he had healed many, so that those with diseases were pushing forward to touch him. Whenever the impure spirits saw him, they fell down before him and cried out, “You are the Son of God.” But he gave them strict orders not to tell others about him. Jesus went up on a mountainside and called to him those he wanted, and they came to him. He appointed twelve that they might be with him and that he might send them out to preach and to have authority to drive out demons. These are the twelve he appointed: Simon (to whom he gave the name Peter), James son of Zebedee and his brother John (to them he gave the name Boanerges, which means “sons of thunder”), Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James son of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus, Simon the Zealot and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him.

JUNE 8 | II The Authority of the King | Mark 2:13-28Once again Jesus went out beside the lake. A large crowd came to him, and he began to teach them. As he walked along, he saw Levi son of Alphaeus sitting at the tax collector's booth. “Follow me,” Jesus told him, and Levi got up and followed him.While Jesus was having dinner at Levi's house, many tax collectors and sinners were eating with him and his disciples, for there were many who followed him. When the teachers of the law who were Pharisees saw him eating with the sinners and tax collectors, they asked his disciples: “Why does he eat with tax collectors and sinners?”On hearing this, Jesus said to them, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” Now John's disciples and the Pharisees were fasting. Some people came and asked Jesus, “How is it that John's disciples and the disciples of the Pharisees are fasting, but yours are not?”Jesus answered, “How can the guests of the bridegroom fast while he is with them? They cannot, so long as they have him with them. But the time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them, and on that day they will fast.“No one sews a patch of unshrunk cloth on an old garment. Otherwise, the new piece will pull away from the old, making the tear worse. And no one pours new wine into old wineskins. Otherwise, the wine will burst the skins, and both the wine and the wineskins will be ruined. No, they pour new wine into new wineskins.”One Sabbath Jesus was going through the grainfields, and as his disciples walked along, they began to pick some heads of grain. The Pharisees said to him, “Look, why are they doing what is unlawful on the Sabbath?”He answered, “Have you never read what David did when he and his companions were hungry and in need? In the days of Abiathar the high priest, he entered the house of God and ate the consecrated bread, which is lawful only for priests to eat. And he also gave some to his companions.”Then he said to them, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. So the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath.”

JUNE 8 | II The Authority of the King | Mark 2:13-28 Once again Jesus went out beside the lake. A large crowd came tohim, and he began to teach them. As he walked along, he saw Levi son ofAlphaeus sitting at the tax collector's booth. “Follow me,” Jesus told him, andLevi got up and followed him. While Jesus was having dinner at Levi's house, many taxcollectors and sinners were eating with him and his disciples, for there weremany who followed him. When the teachers of the law who were Pharisees saw himeating with the sinners and tax collectors, they asked his disciples: “Why doeshe eat with tax collectors and sinners?” On hearing this, Jesus said to them, “It is not the healthy whoneed a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, butsinners.”  Now John's disciples and the Pharisees were fasting. Some peoplecame and asked Jesus, “How is it that John's disciples and the disciples of thePharisees are fasting, but yours are not?” Jesus answered, “How can the guests of the bridegroom fast whilehe is with them? They cannot, so long as they have him with them. But the timewill come when the bridegroom will be taken from them, and on that day theywill fast. “No one sews a patch of unshrunk cloth on an old garment.Otherwise, the new piece will pull away from the old, making the tear worse.And no one pours new wine into old wineskins. Otherwise, the wine will burstthe skins, and both the wine and the wineskins will be ruined. No, they pournew wine into new wineskins.” One Sabbath Jesus was going through the grainfields, and as hisdisciples walked along, they began to pick some heads of grain. The Phariseessaid to him, “Look, why are they doing what is unlawful on the Sabbath?” He answered, “Have you never read what David did when he and hiscompanions were hungry and in need? In the days of Abiathar the high priest, heentered the house of God and ate the consecrated bread, which is lawful onlyfor priests to eat. And he also gave some to his companions.” Then he said to them, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man forthe Sabbath. So the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath.”

JUNE 8 | II The Authority of the King | Mark 2:13-28 Once again Jesus went out beside the lake. A large crowd came tohim, and he began to teach them. As he walked along, he saw Levi son ofAlphaeus sitting at the tax collector's booth. “Follow me,” Jesus told him, andLevi got up and followed him. While Jesus was having dinner at Levi's house, many taxcollectors and sinners were eating with him and his disciples, for there weremany who followed him. When the teachers of the law who were Pharisees saw himeating with the sinners and tax collectors, they asked his disciples: “Why doeshe eat with tax collectors and sinners?” On hearing this, Jesus said to them, “It is not the healthy whoneed a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, butsinners.”  Now John's disciples and the Pharisees were fasting. Some peoplecame and asked Jesus, “How is it that John's disciples and the disciples of thePharisees are fasting, but yours are not?” Jesus answered, “How can the guests of the bridegroom fast whilehe is with them? They cannot, so long as they have him with them. But the timewill come when the bridegroom will be taken from them, and on that day theywill fast. “No one sews a patch of unshrunk cloth on an old garment.Otherwise, the new piece will pull away from the old, making the tear worse.And no one pours new wine into old wineskins. Otherwise, the wine will burstthe skins, and both the wine and the wineskins will be ruined. No, they pournew wine into new wineskins.” One Sabbath Jesus was going through the grainfields, and as hisdisciples walked along, they began to pick some heads of grain. The Phariseessaid to him, “Look, why are they doing what is unlawful on the Sabbath?” He answered, “Have you never read what David did when he and hiscompanions were hungry and in need? In the days of Abiathar the high priest, heentered the house of God and ate the consecrated bread, which is lawful onlyfor priests to eat. And he also gave some to his companions.” Then he said to them, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man forthe Sabbath. So the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath.”

JUNE 8 | II The Authority of the King | Mark 2:13-28Once again Jesus went out beside the lake. A large crowd came to him, and he began to teach them. As he walked along, he saw Levi son of Alphaeus sitting at the tax collector's booth. “Follow me,” Jesus told him, and Levi got up and followed him.While Jesus was having dinner at Levi's house, many tax collectors and sinners were eating with him and his disciples, for there were many who followed him. When the teachers of the law who were Pharisees saw him eating with the sinners and tax collectors, they asked his disciples: “Why does he eat with tax collectors and sinners?”On hearing this, Jesus said to them, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” Now John's disciples and the Pharisees were fasting. Some people came and asked Jesus, “How is it that John's disciples and the disciples of the Pharisees are fasting, but yours are not?”Jesus answered, “How can the guests of the bridegroom fast while he is with them? They cannot, so long as they have him with them. But the time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them, and on that day they will fast.“No one sews a patch of unshrunk cloth on an old garment. Otherwise, the new piece will pull away from the old, making the tear worse. And no one pours new wine into old wineskins. Otherwise, the wine will burst the skins, and both the wine and the wineskins will be ruined. No, they pour new wine into new wineskins.”One Sabbath Jesus was going through the grainfields, and as his disciples walked along, they began to pick some heads of grain. The Pharisees said to him, “Look, why are they doing what is unlawful on the Sabbath?”He answered, “Have you never read what David did when he and his companions were hungry and in need? In the days of Abiathar the high priest, he entered the house of God and ate the consecrated bread, which is lawful only for priests to eat. And he also gave some to his companions.”Then he said to them, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. So the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath.”

JUNE 8 | II The Authority of the King | Mark 2:13-28 Once again Jesus went out beside the lake. A large crowd came tohim, and he began to teach them. As he walked along, he saw Levi son ofAlphaeus sitting at the tax collector's booth. “Follow me,” Jesus told him, andLevi got up and followed him. While Jesus was having dinner at Levi's house, many taxcollectors and sinners were eating with him and his disciples, for there weremany who followed him. When the teachers of the law who were Pharisees saw himeating with the sinners and tax collectors, they asked his disciples: “Why doeshe eat with tax collectors and sinners?” On hearing this, Jesus said to them, “It is not the healthy whoneed a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, butsinners.”  Now John's disciples and the Pharisees were fasting. Some peoplecame and asked Jesus, “How is it that John's disciples and the disciples of thePharisees are fasting, but yours are not?” Jesus answered, “How can the guests of the bridegroom fast whilehe is with them? They cannot, so long as they have him with them. But the timewill come when the bridegroom will be taken from them, and on that day theywill fast. “No one sews a patch of unshrunk cloth on an old garment.Otherwise, the new piece will pull away from the old, making the tear worse.And no one pours new wine into old wineskins. Otherwise, the wine will burstthe skins, and both the wine and the wineskins will be ruined. No, they pournew wine into new wineskins.” One Sabbath Jesus was going through the grainfields, and as hisdisciples walked along, they began to pick some heads of grain. The Phariseessaid to him, “Look, why are they doing what is unlawful on the Sabbath?” He answered, “Have you never read what David did when he and hiscompanions were hungry and in need? In the days of Abiathar the high priest, heentered the house of God and ate the consecrated bread, which is lawful onlyfor priests to eat. And he also gave some to his companions.” Then he said to them, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man forthe Sabbath. So the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath.”

JUNE 8 | II The Authority of the King | Mark 2:13-28 Once again Jesus went out beside the lake. A large crowd came tohim, and he began to teach them. As he walked along, he saw Levi son ofAlphaeus sitting at the tax collector's booth. “Follow me,” Jesus told him, andLevi got up and followed him. While Jesus was having dinner at Levi's house, many taxcollectors and sinners were eating with him and his disciples, for there weremany who followed him. When the teachers of the law who were Pharisees saw himeating with the sinners and tax collectors, they asked his disciples: “Why doeshe eat with tax collectors and sinners?” On hearing this, Jesus said to them, “It is not the healthy whoneed a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, butsinners.”  Now John's disciples and the Pharisees were fasting. Some peoplecame and asked Jesus, “How is it that John's disciples and the disciples of thePharisees are fasting, but yours are not?” Jesus answered, “How can the guests of the bridegroom fast whilehe is with them? They cannot, so long as they have him with them. But the timewill come when the bridegroom will be taken from them, and on that day theywill fast. “No one sews a patch of unshrunk cloth on an old garment.Otherwise, the new piece will pull away from the old, making the tear worse.And no one pours new wine into old wineskins. Otherwise, the wine will burstthe skins, and both the wine and the wineskins will be ruined. No, they pournew wine into new wineskins.” One Sabbath Jesus was going through the grainfields, and as hisdisciples walked along, they began to pick some heads of grain. The Phariseessaid to him, “Look, why are they doing what is unlawful on the Sabbath?” He answered, “Have you never read what David did when he and hiscompanions were hungry and in need? In the days of Abiathar the high priest, heentered the house of God and ate the consecrated bread, which is lawful onlyfor priests to eat. And he also gave some to his companions.” Then he said to them, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man forthe Sabbath. So the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath.”

JUNE 8 | II The Authority of the King | Mark 2:13-28 Once again Jesus went out beside the lake. A large crowd came tohim, and he began to teach them. As he walked along, he saw Levi son ofAlphaeus sitting at the tax collector's booth. “Follow me,” Jesus told him, andLevi got up and followed him. While Jesus was having dinner at Levi's house, many taxcollectors and sinners were eating with him and his disciples, for there weremany who followed him. When the teachers of the law who were Pharisees saw himeating with the sinners and tax collectors, they asked his disciples: “Why doeshe eat with tax collectors and sinners?” On hearing this, Jesus said to them, “It is not the healthy whoneed a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, butsinners.”  Now John's disciples and the Pharisees were fasting. Some peoplecame and asked Jesus, “How is it that John's disciples and the disciples of thePharisees are fasting, but yours are not?” Jesus answered, “How can the guests of the bridegroom fast whilehe is with them? They cannot, so long as they have him with them. But the timewill come when the bridegroom will be taken from them, and on that day theywill fast. “No one sews a patch of unshrunk cloth on an old garment.Otherwise, the new piece will pull away from the old, making the tear worse.And no one pours new wine into old wineskins. Otherwise, the wine will burstthe skins, and both the wine and the wineskins will be ruined. No, they pournew wine into new wineskins.” One Sabbath Jesus was going through the grainfields, and as hisdisciples walked along, they began to pick some heads of grain. The Phariseessaid to him, “Look, why are they doing what is unlawful on the Sabbath?” He answered, “Have you never read what David did when he and hiscompanions were hungry and in need? In the days of Abiathar the high priest, heentered the house of God and ate the consecrated bread, which is lawful onlyfor priests to eat. And he also gave some to his companions.” Then he said to them, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man forthe Sabbath. So the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath.”

JUNE 8 | II The Authority of the King | Mark 2:13-28 Once again Jesus went out beside the lake. A large crowd came tohim, and he began to teach them. As he walked along, he saw Levi son ofAlphaeus sitting at the tax collector's booth. “Follow me,” Jesus told him, andLevi got up and followed him. While Jesus was having dinner at Levi's house, many taxcollectors and sinners were eating with him and his disciples, for there weremany who followed him. When the teachers of the law who were Pharisees saw himeating with the sinners and tax collectors, they asked his disciples: “Why doeshe eat with tax collectors and sinners?” On hearing this, Jesus said to them, “It is not the healthy whoneed a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, butsinners.”  Now John's disciples and the Pharisees were fasting. Some peoplecame and asked Jesus, “How is it that John's disciples and the disciples of thePharisees are fasting, but yours are not?” Jesus answered, “How can the guests of the bridegroom fast whilehe is with them? They cannot, so long as they have him with them. But the timewill come when the bridegroom will be taken from them, and on that day theywill fast. “No one sews a patch of unshrunk cloth on an old garment.Otherwise, the new piece will pull away from the old, making the tear worse.And no one pours new wine into old wineskins. Otherwise, the wine will burstthe skins, and both the wine and the wineskins will be ruined. No, they pournew wine into new wineskins.” One Sabbath Jesus was going through the grainfields, and as hisdisciples walked along, they began to pick some heads of grain. The Phariseessaid to him, “Look, why are they doing what is unlawful on the Sabbath?” He answered, “Have you never read what David did when he and hiscompanions were hungry and in need? In the days of Abiathar the high priest, heentered the house of God and ate the consecrated bread, which is lawful onlyfor priests to eat. And he also gave some to his companions.” Then he said to them, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man forthe Sabbath. So the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath.”

Tuesday – Acts 1:9-149 After Jesus said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight. 10 They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. 11 “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.” 12 Then the apostles returned to Jerusalem from the hill called the Mount of Olives, a Sabbath day's walk[c] from the city. 13 When they arrived, they went upstairs to the room where they were staying. Those present were Peter, John, James and Andrew; Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew; James son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James. 14 They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers.

As they watched, he was taken up and disappeared in a cloud. They stood there, staring into the empty sky. Suddenly two men appeared in white robes! They said, “You Galileans, why do you just stand here looking up at an empty sky? This very Jesus who was taken up from among you to heaven will come as certainly and mysteriously as he left.” So they left the mountain called Olives and returned to Jerusalem. It was a little over half a mile. They went to the upper room they had been using as a meeting place: Peter, John, James, Andrew, Philip, Thomas, Bartholomew, Matthew, James, son of Alphaeus, Simon the Zealot, Judas, son of James. They agreed they were in this for good, completely together in prayer, the women included. Also Jesus' mother, Mary, and his brothers. Acts 1:9-14 MSGFaithfulness to God's mission should mark the life of a person who has given their heart to Him. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:10 ESV1) Connected Together we are a formidable force and a strong witness for God and the beauty of His family on Mission.All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord's Supper), and to prayer. A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord's Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved. Acts 2:42-47 NLT2) AccountableReal conversations before a decision is made is the kind of accountability God calls us to. Take good counsel and accept correction, that's the way to live wisely and well. We humans keep brainstorming options and plans, but GOD's purpose prevails. Proverbs 19:20-21 MSGLoyalty is Godly, but surrounding yourself with people who will empowering unwise or broken decision making can devastating to you and God's mission.  Plans succeed through good counsel; don't go to war without wise advice. Proverbs 20:18 NLTIf you have no real accountability in your life, or you only have a Nathan, then you're likely to end up with a Bathsheba. But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. James 3:17 NLT3) Focused Noah did everything as the LORD commanded him. Genesis 7:5 NLTIf your priority list for living comes from any source besides God's word and will, your gonna miss on mission.4) HopefulBut those who trust in the LORD will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:31 NLTMy hope is based on my confidence in God's leading and faithfulness. 5) Fruitful Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. John 15:2 ESVThe life of the faithful will always bear fruit, even in times of drought and difficulty!

As they watched, he was taken up and disappeared in a cloud. They stood there, staring into the empty sky. Suddenly two men appeared in white robes! They said, “You Galileans, why do you just stand here looking up at an empty sky? This very Jesus who was taken up from among you to heaven will come as certainly and mysteriously as he left.” So they left the mountain called Olives and returned to Jerusalem. It was a little over half a mile. They went to the upper room they had been using as a meeting place: Peter, John, James, Andrew, Philip, Thomas, Bartholomew, Matthew, James, son of Alphaeus, Simon the Zealot, Judas, son of James. They agreed they were in this for good, completely together in prayer, the women included. Also Jesus' mother, Mary, and his brothers. Acts 1:9-14 MSGFaithfulness to God's mission should mark the life of a person who has given their heart to Him. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:10 ESV1) Connected Together we are a formidable force and a strong witness for God and the beauty of His family on Mission.All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord's Supper), and to prayer. A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord's Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved. Acts 2:42-47 NLT2) AccountableReal conversations before a decision is made is the kind of accountability God calls us to. Take good counsel and accept correction, that's the way to live wisely and well. We humans keep brainstorming options and plans, but GOD's purpose prevails. Proverbs 19:20-21 MSGLoyalty is Godly, but surrounding yourself with people who will empowering unwise or broken decision making can devastating to you and God's mission.  Plans succeed through good counsel; don't go to war without wise advice. Proverbs 20:18 NLTIf you have no real accountability in your life, or you only have a Nathan, then you're likely to end up with a Bathsheba. But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. James 3:17 NLT3) Focused Noah did everything as the LORD commanded him. Genesis 7:5 NLTIf your priority list for living comes from any source besides God's word and will, your gonna miss on mission.4) HopefulBut those who trust in the LORD will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:31 NLTMy hope is based on my confidence in God's leading and faithfulness. 5) Fruitful Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. John 15:2 ESVThe life of the faithful will always bear fruit, even in times of drought and difficulty!

Pastor Jon Verwey 13 Once again Jesus went out beside the lake. A large crowd came to him, and he began to teach them. 14 As he walked along, he saw Levi son of Alphaeus sitting at the tax collector's booth. “Follow me,” Jesus told him, and Levi got up and followed him. 15 While […]

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every single day. And a big shout-out today to Jeffrey Brewer from Festus, MO. William, thank you for being a part of this movement through Project23. You are making a difference. This one's for you. Today, we're looking at Mark 3:13-19: And he went up on the mountain and called to him those whom he desired, and they came to him. And he appointed twelve (whom he also named apostles) so that they might be with him and he might send them out to preach and have authority to cast out demons. He appointed the twelve: Simon (to whom he gave the name Peter); James the son of Zebedee and John the brother of James (to whom he gave the name Boanerges, that is, Sons of Thunder); Andrew, and Philip, and Bartholomew, and Matthew, and Thomas, and James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus, and Simon the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him. — Mark 3:13-19 Jesus went up a mountain, away from the crowds, and called a group of disciples to himself. Not to witness his miracles—but to be with him. That's where all true Christian mission begins: with presence, not performance. After all, Christian mission has Christ in the name. Jesus calls them in before he sends them out. Don't miss that basis. Before they ever preached a sermon or cast out a demon. Before they healed. Before they traveled. Before they led. Before they were sent. Jesus called them in to be with him. It's easy to miss that in a world that celebrates productivity. We often think God is most pleased when we're doing something for him. But Jesus modeled that relationship with him always comes before responsibility for him. We must experience his transformation from within to accomplish his duty without. Jesus's mission always starts with this: sit with him—then step out for him. Our mission is rooted in presence, not performance. It's about being formed by the one we follow—not just doing ministry in his name, or worse, doing it in our own strength and slapping his name on top. For example, consider the men mentioned in this text today. They were ordinary disciples, like you and me. There was nothing extraordinary about them. Except for the fact that they had been with Jesus and he empowered them to extraordinary things because of him. They were not impressive men. Not one of them. But they did extraordinary things. Take John Mark, for example. There was nothing extraordinary about him. He bailed on Paul, and then Paul refused to take him on another mission trip. In this Gospel, he writes down the story of Jesus told by Peter, who was very impulsive and even denied Jesus. Today, we hold an extraordinary book in our hands because men like the ones listed here have been with Jesus. Today, focus more on being with Jesus than doing for him. Let that time fuel the work he wants to do with you—and through you—tomorrow. ASK THIS: How has your busyness overshadowed your time with Jesus? What keeps you from simply being with Jesus before serving? In what ways do you rely on your strength instead of his? Who are you seeking to impress—Jesus or others—and why? DO THIS: Sit quietly with Jesus for ten minutes today before doing any task for him. PRAY THIS: Lord Jesus, thank you for calling me into your presence before sending me out. Help me rest in your nearness so I can serve from your strength. Amen. PLAY THIS: Abide.

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every single day. We are in the Gospel of Mark. Visit the website and purchase the Scripture Journal for this study so that you can follow along with us. I am giving a shout-out today to Tony Wendt from Neenah, WI. Thank you for being a monthly partner in Project23 and helping us share the Gospel with millions as we work our way through the entire Bible. Today, we're looking at Mark 2:13-14: He went out again beside the sea, and all the crowd was coming to him, and he was teaching them. And as he passed by, he saw Levi the son of Alphaeus sitting at the tax booth, and he said to him, “Follow me.” And he rose and followed him. — Mark 2:13-14 Levi wasn't looking for Jesus. He was busy doing what he always did—collecting taxes, padding his pockets, ripping off his own people. He was despised by people. Rejected by locals. Labeled a traitor. The guy nobody thought Jesus would want, Jesus wanted. Jesus walks right up to him and says two words that changed everything: "Follow me." No elaborate speech. No warning to his present posse. No preconditions to the call. Just a command that cuts through the shame, guilt, and isolation. And Levi responds. Immediately. He doesn't overthink it, unlike many others. He doesn't argue with a man he doesn't even know. He just gets up and goes. That's what happens when Jesus calls. He sees beyond your past. He sees beyond your reputation. He calls you to leave your booth behind—whatever old life you've been sitting in—and walk into a brand-new identity. If you're wondering whether Jesus could ever want someone like you, remember Levi. You're exactly the kind of person Jesus came to call. So, what booth are you still sitting in today? It's time to leave it behind, get up, and follow Jesus. #FollowMe, #NewIdentity, #Project23 ASK THIS: What old identity have you been clinging to that Jesus is calling you to leave behind? How would you respond if Jesus said "Follow me" to you right now? What fears keep you seated instead of standing up to follow? Who in your life needs to hear that Jesus calls outsiders like Levi? DO THIS: Identify one “booth” you're stuck at—some place where shame, fear, or comfort is keeping you seated. Stand up. Take one step today toward following Jesus more fully. PRAY THIS: Jesus, thank you for seeing me when others overlook me. Give me the courage to leave behind anything that holds me back from following you. Amen PLAY THIS: I Thank God.

Saturday, 10 May 2025   Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James the son of Alphaeus, and Lebbaeus, whose surname was Thaddaeus; Matthew 10:3   “Philip and Bartholomew, Thomas and Matthew, the taxman. Jacob the ‘of Alphaeus,' and Lebbaios, having been denominated Thaddaeus” (CG).   In the previous verse, Jesus' apostles began to be listed. The next names in the list begin with “Philip.”   Philip has been with Jesus since the time He was in Judea, as is recorded in John 1. However, he is only first mentioned here in Matthew's gospel. This was a common Greek name, especially because of the founder of the monarchy of the Macedonians, Philip, the father of Alexander the Great.   The name is derived from philos, friendly, and hippos, a horse. As such, it signifies Lover of Horses. Next, it says, “and Bartholomew.”   This is not a given name, but signifies Son of Talmai. The word bar is the Aramaic word for son. Talmai would be the name of his father. It means Plowman. Hence, he is Son of Plowman. Bartholomew is believed to be the same as Nathanael.   If so, he was from Cana in the Galilee, as is recorded in John 21:2. The two were together in John 1:44. As such, it would make sense that they are listed together and probably were sent out together. Nathanael is from the Hebrew Nethanel. It means Given of God or God has Given. Next in the list is “Thomas.”   The name is derived from the Hebrew to'am, twin. As such, his name means Twin. He is also called Didymus, the Greek word for Twin. Next, it says, “and Matthew, the taxman.”   Matthew was introduced in Matthew 9:9. He is the tax collector called by Jesus, who is also known as Levi. In Mark and Luke, Thomas and Matthew are named in reverse order.   The seeming implication is that Matthew and Thomas are twins, with Matthew being the older. However, in his humility, he places his brother Thomas, the twin, first. Whereas the other two place him according to birth order. This is only speculation, but it does fit. Next, it says, “Jacob the ‘of Alphaeus.'”   Jacob is derived from the Hebrew Yaaqob, the meaning of which was explained in Matthew 1:2. His father is identified as Alphaeus. It is believed to be derived from the Hebrew name Heleph found in Joshua 19:33.   That comes from the noun kheleph, an exchange. In other words, “Your compensation for this will be this.” That comes from khalaph, a verb signifying to pass on or pass through. The sense is still of a change, though. Thus, the name means Change or Exchange. Next, it says, “and Lebbaios.”   This name is only found in some Greek texts. Others skip it and go straight to his other name. This name is believed to be derived from the Hebrew word lev, the heart. The extended word derived from that is levav. This gives the sense of courage (and in being heartened).   Therefore, the name probably means Heart, Courageous, Sentimental, or Lionlike. In other words, something to do with the condition of the heart. Of him, it says, “having been denominated Thaddaeus.”   In other words, this is a name bestowed upon someone. The name is believed to be derived from the Aramaic word tadday, the breast. As such, it may be a somewhat euphemistic way of calling him something like Breast Boy, meaning “mommy's boy.” It may speak of his immaturity or of his inability to break away from her control.   Life application: In these names, like in all things in the Bible, we are being given information about other things. Some of these names will make connections back to Old Testament passages so that when they are studied, typology will be revealed.   It is not wise to jump to sudden conclusions, making dubious connections until a thorough study of the words and names is made. This is especially true when using English translations. Quite often, people will read a passage that may have the same English word in the Old Testament that is found in a passage in the New Testament.   From there, a conclusion is made that there is a pattern or parallel. However, when the root words are studied, it is discovered that there is no etymological connection. In other words, a pretext was formed by wrongly associating two passages which had nothing to do with one another.   This is quite common, and it has led to piles and piles of incorrect deductions. However, once such incorrect connections are made, they quickly get passed on and become standard teachings, even though they are wrong. As such, it is always best to take patterns and parallels based on English words with a grain of salt until one is sure that the connection is valid. Therefore, be circumspect in what you accept.   Lord God, thank You for the challenge Your word presents us. We are given this treasure and should, therefore, handle it carefully. Help us to remember to do so at all times. May we never teach something that is not first checked out and substantiated to be correct. Help us in this, O God. Amen.

Preached at St Paul Lutheran Church, Rockford, Illinois on May 5th, 2025.Support Rev Fisk at SubscribeStarOrder Rev Fisk's books at AmazonCatch Rev Fisk on A Brief History of Power podcastFor video, visit Rev Fisk's Rumble channel Get the Mad Mondays newsletter, a round up of news from a Christian perspective with encouragement from Rev FiskFind out more about the Sons of Solomon, a prayer discipline for men

Are You Willing To Follow Without Recognition Mark 3:16-19 16These are the twelve he appointed: Simon (to whom he gave the name Peter), 17James son of Zebedee and his brother John (to them he gave the name Boanerges, which means “sons of thunder”), 18Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James son of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus, Simon the Zealot 19and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him.

“That Sunday evening the disciples were meeting behind locked doors because they were afraid of the Jewish leaders. Suddenly, Jesus was standing there among them! ‘Peace be with you,’ he said. As he spoke, he showed them the wounds in his hands and his side. They were filled with joy when they saw the Lord!” (John 20:19–20 NLT) If we were telling the origin story of the Christian church, this would be a compelling first scene. A handful of Jesus’ followers hiding behind closed doors, shell-shocked, confused, and too scared to show their faces in public. Suddenly the risen Jesus miraculously appears in the flesh, victorious over sin and death, confirming the truth of everything He taught and promised them. At some point, either while Jesus was in the room or after He left, the truth must have dawned on them. If the One they served is more powerful than sin and death, then (1) they had nothing to fear, and (2) the world needed to know. We see their newfound boldness and sense of purpose in the passages that follow. That’s the power of the resurrection. Armed with that power, this small group of believers changed the world. And most of them sacrificed their lives to do it. According to church tradition, Peter took the gospel to Pontus, Galatia, Bithynia, Cappadocia, and Asia. He was crucified upside down because he told his executioners that he wasn’t worthy of being crucified in the same manner as Jesus. Andrew spread the gospel through what is now Russia, Turkey, and Greece. He, too, was crucified. Thomas wasn’t present when Jesus first appeared to the disciples in John 20. And he doubted their story. But when Jesus appeared again, and Thomas saw Him, his doubts disappeared. He took the Good News of Jesus’ resurrection all the way to India. He died after being impaled by the spears of four soldiers. Philip spread the gospel in North Africa and Asia Minor. After he converted the wife of a Roman official, the official had him put to death. Matthew, the tax collector, traveled to Persia and Ethiopia to spread Jesus’ message. He was stabbed to death. Bartholomew accompanied Thomas to India and also shared the gospel in Armenia, Ethiopia, and Southern Arabia. He was crucified. James, the son of Alphaeus, shared the Good News of Christ throughout Syria. He was stoned and then clubbed to death. Simon took the gospel to Persia. He was put to death there when he refused to make a sacrifice to the sun god. Matthias was the man chosen to replace Judas Iscariot. He shared the gospel in Syria, where he was burned to death. John is believed to be the only disciple who died a natural death. He was exiled to the penal colony of Patmos. The apostle Paul traveled extensively to share the gospel. He was beheaded in Rome. The apostle John ended his Gospel with these words: “Jesus also did many other things. If they were all written down, I suppose the whole world could not contain the books that would be written” (John 21:25 NLT). Among the “many other things” was the impact Jesus had on a small group of ordinary people. He changed their lives forever. And, in turn, they changed the world in His name. As Jesus’ followers, we’re still called to change the world—one life at a time. We have Good News to share—the best news, in fact. If we’re faithful to our calling, we can impact lives for eternity. Reflection question: In what ways would you like to be bolder in sharing your faith with others? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest PartnerSupport the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

To become a follower of Jesus, visit: https://MorningMindsetMedia.com/MeetJesus (NOT a Morning Mindset resource) ⇒ TELL SOMEONE ABOUT THE MORNING MINDSET - Your personal recommendation can make an eternal difference in the lives of the people you know! STEP ONE: Go to http://YourMorningMindset.com STEP TWO: Share that page with someone you know! ➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖ TODAY'S SCRIPTURE: Mark 3:13–19 - [13] And he went up on the mountain and called to him those whom he desired, and they came to him. [14] And he appointed twelve (whom he also named apostles) so that they might be with him and he might send them out to preach [15] and have authority to cast out demons. [16] He appointed the twelve: Simon (to whom he gave the name Peter); [17] James the son of Zebedee and John the brother of James (to whom he gave the name Boanerges, that is, Sons of Thunder); [18] Andrew, and Philip, and Bartholomew, and Matthew, and Thomas, and James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus, and Simon the Zealot, [19] and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him. (ESV) ➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖ FINANCIALLY SUPPORT THE MORNING MINDSET: (not tax-deductible) -- Become a monthly partner: https://mm-gfk-partners.supercast.com/ -- Support a daily episode: https://MorningMindsetMedia.com/daily-sponsor/ -- Give one-time: https://give.cornerstone.cc/careygreen -- Venmo: @CareyNGreen -- Support our SPANISH TRANSLATION: https://MorningMindsetMedia.com/supportSpanish -- Support our HINDI TRANSLATION: https://MorningMindsetMedia.com/supportHindi -- Support our CHINESE TRANSLATION: https://MorningMindsetMedia.com/supportChinese  ➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖ FOREIGN LANGUAGE VERSIONS OF THIS PODCAST: SPANISH version: https://MorningMindsetMedia.com/Spanish HINDI version: https://MorningMindsetMedia.com/Hindi CHINESE version: https://MorningMindsetMedia.com/Chinese  ➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖ CONTACT: Carey@careygreen.com  ➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖ THEME MUSIC: “King’s Trailer” – Creative Commons 0 | Provided by https://freepd.com/ ***All NON-ENGLISH versions of the Morning Mindset are translated using A.I. Dubbing and Translation tools from DubFormer.ai ***All NON-ENGLISH text content (descriptions and titles) are translated using the A.I. functionality of Google Translate.

Luke 6:1–19 (ESV)1On a Sabbath, while he was going through the grainfields, his disciples plucked and ate some heads of grain, rubbing them in their hands. 2But some of the Pharisees said, "Why are you doing what is not lawful to do on the Sabbath?" 3And Jesus answered them, "Have you not read what David did when he was hungry, he and those who were with him: 4how he entered the house of God and took and ate the bread of the Presence, which is not lawful for any but the priests to eat, and also gave it to those with him?" 5And he said to them, "The Son of Man is lord of the Sabbath." 6On another Sabbath, he entered the synagogue and was teaching, and a man was there whose right hand was withered. 7And the scribes and the Pharisees watched him, to see whether he would heal on the Sabbath, so that they might find a reason to accuse him. 8But he knew their thoughts, and he said to the man with the withered hand, "Come and stand here." And he rose and stood there. 9And Jesus said to them, "I ask you, is it lawful on the Sabbath to do good or to do harm, to save life or to destroy it?" 10And after looking around at them all he said to him, "Stretch out your hand." And he did so, and his hand was restored. 11But they were filled with fury and discussed with one another what they might do to Jesus. 12In these days he went out to the mountain to pray, and all night he continued in prayer to God. 13And when day came, he called his disciples and chose from them twelve, whom he named apostles: 14Simon, whom he named Peter, and Andrew his brother, and James and John, and Philip, and Bartholomew, 15and Matthew, and Thomas, and James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon who wa

To become a follower of Jesus, visit: https://MorningMindsetMedia.com/MeetJesus (NOT a Morning Mindset resource) ⇒ Get a copy of the MM Companion Journal: https://MorningMindsetMedia.com/journal ➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖ TODAY'S SCRIPTURE:   ➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖ FINANCIALLY SUPPORT THE MORNING MINDSET: (not tax-deductible) -- Become a monthly partner: https://mm-gfk-partners.supercast.com/ -- Support a daily episode: https://MorningMindsetMedia.com/daily-sponsor/ -- Give one-time: https://give.cornerstone.cc/careygreen -- Venmo: @CareyNGreen -- Support our SPANISH TRANSLATION: https://MorningMindsetMedia.com/supportSpanish -- Support our HINDI TRANSLATION: https://MorningMindsetMedia.com/supportHindi -- Support our CHINESE TRANSLATION: https://MorningMindsetMedia.com/supportChinese  ➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖ FOREIGN LANGUAGE VERSIONS OF THIS PODCAST: SPANISH version: https://MorningMindsetMedia.com/Spanish HINDI version: https://MorningMindsetMedia.com/Hindi CHINESE version: https://MorningMindsetMedia.com/Chinese  ➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖ CONTACT: Carey@careygreen.com  ➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖ THEME MUSIC: “King’s Trailer” – Creative Commons 0 | Provided by https://freepd.com/ ***All NON-ENGLISH versions of the Morning Mindset are translated using A.I. Dubbing and Translation tools from DubFormer.ai ***All NON-ENGLISH text content (descriptions and titles) are translated using the A.I. functionality of Google Translate. To become a follower of Jesus, visit: https://MorningMindsetMedia.com/MeetJesus (NOT a Morning Mindset resource) ⇒ Get a copy of the MM Companion Journal: https://MorningMindsetMedia.com/journal ➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖ TODAY'S SCRIPTURE: Mark 3:13–19 - [13] And he went up on the mountain and called to him those whom he desired, and they came to him. [14] And he appointed twelve (whom he also named apostles) so that they might be with him and he might send them out to preach [15] and have authority to cast out demons. [16] He appointed the twelve: Simon (to whom he gave the name Peter); [17] James the son of Zebedee and John the brother of James (to whom he gave the name Boanerges, that is, Sons of Thunder); [18] Andrew, and Philip, and Bartholomew, and Matthew, and Thomas, and James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus, and Simon the Zealot, [19] and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him. (ESV) ➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖ FINANCIALLY SUPPORT THE MORNING MINDSET: (not tax-deductible) -- Become a monthly partner: https://mm-gfk-partners.supercast.com/ -- Support a daily episode: https://MorningMindsetMedia.com/daily-sponsor/ -- Give one-time: https://give.cornerstone.cc/careygreen -- Venmo: @CareyNGreen -- Support our SPANISH TRANSLATION: https://MorningMindsetMedia.com/supportSpanish -- Support our HINDI TRANSLATION: https://MorningMindsetMedia.com/supportHindi -- Support our CHINESE TRANSLATION: https://MorningMindsetMedia.com/supportChinese  ➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖ FOREIGN LANGUAGE VERSIONS OF THIS PODCAST: SPANISH version: https://MorningMindsetMedia.com/Spanish HINDI version: https://MorningMindsetMedia.com/Hindi CHINESE version: https://MorningMindsetMedia.com/Chinese  ➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖ CONTACT: Carey@careygreen.com  ➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖ THEME MUSIC: “King’s Trailer” – Creative Commons 0 | Provided by https://freepd.com/ ***All NON-ENGLISH versions of the Morning Mindset are translated using A.I. Dubbing and Translation tools from DubFormer.ai ***All NON-ENGLISH text content (descriptions and titles) are translated using the A.I. functionality of Google Translate.

To become a follower of Jesus, visit: https://MorningMindsetMedia.com/MeetJesus (NOT a Morning Mindset resource) ➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖ TODAY'S SCRIPTURE: Mark 2:13–14 - [13] He went out again beside the sea, and all the crowd was coming to him, and he was teaching them. [14] And as he passed by, he saw Levi the son of Alphaeus sitting at the tax booth, and he said to him, “Follow me.” And he rose and followed him. (ESV) ➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖ FINANCIALLY SUPPORT THE MORNING MINDSET: (not tax-deductible) -- Become a monthly partner: https://mm-gfk-partners.supercast.com/ -- Support a daily episode: https://MorningMindsetMedia.com/daily-sponsor/ -- Give one-time: https://give.cornerstone.cc/careygreen -- Venmo: @CareyNGreen -- Support our SPANISH TRANSLATION: https://MorningMindsetMedia.com/supportSpanish -- Support our HINDI TRANSLATION: https://MorningMindsetMedia.com/supportHindi -- Support our CHINESE TRANSLATION: https://MorningMindsetMedia.com/supportChinese  ➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖ FOREIGN LANGUAGE VERSIONS OF THIS PODCAST: SPANISH version: https://MorningMindsetMedia.com/Spanish HINDI version: https://MorningMindsetMedia.com/Hindi CHINESE version: https://MorningMindsetMedia.com/Chinese  ➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖ CONTACT: Carey@careygreen.com  ➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖ THEME MUSIC: “King’s Trailer” – Creative Commons 0 | Provided by https://freepd.com/ ***All NON-ENGLISH versions of the Morning Mindset are translated using A.I. Dubbing and Translation tools from DubFormer.ai ***All NON-ENGLISH text content (descriptions and titles) are translated using the A.I. functionality of Google Translate.

Tuesday, 8 April 2025   As Jesus passed on from there, He saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax office. And He said to him, “Follow Me.” So he arose and followed Him. Matthew 9:9   “And Jesus, passing thence, He saw a man sitting upon the tax-booth, being called Matthew. And He says to him, ‘You follow Me.' And, having arisen, he followed Him” (CG).   In the previous verse, it noted that the multitudes marveled and glorified God who had given such power to men as to heal the paralytic. As noted, the healing was both physical and spiritual. Jesus had said that the man's sins were forgiven. The fact that He healed the man physically substantiated His words concerning forgiveness. Thus, the crowds marveled. Next, it says, “And Jesus, passing thence.”   A new word is found here, “paragó.” It is derived from para, beside, and agó, to lead, bring, carry, etc. Therefore, it signifies “to lead near.” Strong's Lexicon says –   “The verb ‘paragó' is used in the New Testament to describe the action of leading or bringing something or someone alongside or past a certain point. It can imply a physical movement or a metaphorical passage, such as the passing of time or events.”   To understand the metaphorical meaning, Paul says in 1 Corinthians 7:31, “For the form of this world is passing away [paragó].”   Looking at the eight literal uses of the word in the gospels, each gives the sense of passing near a person or persons who become a part of the ongoing narrative. Such is the case here where Matthew next records, “He saw a man sitting upon the tax-booth.”   Here is another new word, telónion. It is derived from telónés, the dreaded tax collector who seems to pop up in every society. In this case, the word telónion refers to his place of business. Today, we might say “tax office.” In the case of Israel at the time, it was probably a booth or a table where taxes were collected. Of this person, a typical dreaded and disdained publican, it next says, “being called Matthew.”   In Mark, the name is Levi the son of Alphaeus. Luke simply calls him Levi. They are the same person, but Matthew anticipates his designated apostolic name at this time. In the selection of the apostles, both Mark and Luke will call him Matthew. Of him, he next records, “And He says to him, ‘You follow Me.'”   Although it is only speculation, it is possible that this calling actually comes after some sort of previous interaction. It may be that Matthew has heard Jesus speak, or they may have personally conversed about some matter or another.   Whatever is the case, Jesus knew that this person was ready to leave his duties as a tax collector and take on a completely different pursuit. And so, it next says, “And, having arisen, he followed Him.”   Matthew made the wisest decision he could possibly have made. He may not have even realized it at the time. Or it may be that in hearing that this man could forgive sins (based on the previous passage), he may have thought, “This is what I need. I'm a reprobate to my society and a sinful man.” Whatever prompted him, he heard the call and responded.   Life application: There is a calling to come to Jesus to be saved. If you have responded to that through belief, you are saved. But there may be an additional calling upon you. You may have the inner desire prompting you to become a missionary, tell others about the word, become a preacher, or plaster your car with Jesus bumper stickers.   Whatever you are prompted to do, if it is glorifying of God and not contrary to the Bible, don't quench it. Rather, respond in a manner that will get the ball rolling and then continue to do what is necessary to keep it going. Fan the flames of the passion within you.   Matthew was asked to follow, and He did. You may have been designed by God in your makeup, time, position, etc., to follow Him in a particular way. So, get up and go!    As a bonus concerning tax collectors and what Matthew was brought out of, take time today to listen to Taxman by the Beatles. A couple thousand years after Matthew was brought out of his life of taxing others, people still write about what they think about this profession. If a taxman can be called by Jesus to do other, greater things, so can you.   Lord God, You have called sinners to come unto You through the precious shed blood of Christ. I'm a sinner! I responded on that glorious day. Now, help me to continue to follow closely beside You all my days. To Your glory, I pray. Amen.  

Who Is Jesus? // Week 4 // Jesus Empowers WomenPastors JF and Ashley WilkersonHebrews 1:1-3a NIV 1 In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, 2 but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe. 3 The Son is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word.John 1:14 NIV 14 The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.Galatians 3:26-28 NIV 26 So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, 27 for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. 28 There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.Luke 6:12-16 NIV 12 One of those days Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God. 13 When morning came, he called his disciples to him and chose twelve of them, whom he also designated apostles: 14 Simon (whom he named Peter), his brother Andrew, James, John, Philip, Bartholomew, 15 Matthew, Thomas, James son of Alphaeus, Simon who was called the Zealot, 16 Judas son of James, and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor.Luke 10:1 NIV After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them two by two ahead of him to every town and place where he was about to go.Luke 8:1-3 NIV 1 After this, Jesus traveled about from one town and village to another, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God. The Twelve were with him, 2 and also some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases: Mary (called Magdalene) from whom seven demons had come out; 3 Joanna the wife of Chuza, the manager of Herod's household; Susanna; and many others. These women were helping to support them out of their own means.“Phoebe, the deacon who carried the letter from Paul and read it aloud to her house church. Prisca (Priscilla), whose name is mentioned before her husband's name (something rather notable in the Roman world) as a coworker with Paul. Mary, a hard worker for the gospel in Asia. Junia, prominent among the apostles. Tryphaena and Tryphosa, Paul's fellow workers in the Lord. The beloved Persis, who also worked hard for the Lord.”  Dr. Barr emphasizes that Junia was acknowledged as “prominent among the apostles,” indicating her significant role in early Christian leadership. She notes that more women than men are identified by their ministry in Romans 16.  - Dr. Beth Allison Barr in The Making of Biblical WomanhoodLuke 10:38-42 NIV 38 As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. 39 She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet listening to what he said. 40 But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!” 41 “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, 42 but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”John 4:4-10 NIV 4 Now he had to go through Samaria. 5 So he came to a town in Samaria called Sychar (Shechem), near the plot of ground Jacob had given to his son Joseph. 6 Jacob's well was there, and Jesus, tired as he was from the journey, sat down by the well. It was about noon. 7 When a Samaritan woman came to draw water, Jesus said to her, “Will you give me a drink?” 8 (His disciples had gone into the town to buy food.) 9 The Samaritan woman said to him, “You are a Jew and I am a Samaritan woman. How can you ask me for a drink?” (For Jews do not associate with Samaritans.) 10 Jesus answered her, “If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water.”John 4:11-12a NIV 11 “Sir,” the woman said, “you have nothing to draw with and the well is deep. Where can you get this living water? 12 Are you greater than our father Jacob…John 4:19; 24-26 NIV 19 “Sir,” the woman said, “I can see that you are a prophet…” 24 God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.” 25 The woman said, “I know that Messiah” (called Christ) “is coming. When he comes, he will explain everything to us.” 26 Then Jesus declared, “I, the one speaking to you—I am he.”

The Apostles III - James, Son of Alphaeus - Mt. 10:2-4

(Hebrews 10:25) You can worship God in many places, but there are some things you can only do as you meet with God's people. Today we discover seven simple, plain Bible reasons to regularly assemble in a local church. (0964250313) ----more---- Why Go To Church? Why go to church? I mean, honestly, what's the point? Why did the Lord intend that his people would meet together? You know, we've learned already that the word church means “a called out assembly.” Now, while the purpose of the church doesn't stop with the assembly, it does start there. Some people have so emphasized the fact that the church works outside the walls (which I believe) that we've forgotten, that we're still supposed to meet with God's people. The assembly part is important because, in the meeting of the New Testament church, the ministry is set in motion. It is as we fellowship, as we come together, as we are edified, as we grow, that then we can function in this world. Hebrews 10:25 says this, “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.” There's a lot of truth wrapped up in Hebrews 10:25.  We Are Not To Forsake The Assembling Of Ourselves Together.  Do you remember the Lord Jesus said, “For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them” (18:20). There's something precious to Christ about His followers assembling. When the Lord Jesus was on earth, He very often took His disciples aside, by themselves, so He could teach them. May I submit to you? He still wants to do that. And then the Bible says in this verse, as the manner of some is, boy, that describes the world we're living in. Here we are, the end of the age when the assembling of God's people ought to mean more and more, and instead, it seems it means less and less to many Christians. On the average Lord's Day morning, you can drive through the community and see people doing almost everything except going to meet with God's people. May I tell you that's not the Lord's way?  We Are To Exhort One Another. “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is, but exhort one another.” This is one of the great keys that unlocks the purpose of why we should assemble together. In fact, the previous verse, verse 24 says, “And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works.” We've come to the place in our world today where people even look at church selfishly. What can I get out of it? Are my children going to have a good time? How is this going to benefit us? We ought to turn the thing around. It should not be about “what I can get out of the church meeting?” but “what can I contribute?” “How can I be a blessing?” 1 Corinthians 12 tells us that all of the members are connected to the body. All of the members are under the head of the body, which is the Lord Jesus, but they all contribute to one another. We Are To Remember The Founder Is Coming Back. All are participants. None are dispensable. And so we ought to start looking at the local assembly and thinking, what can I do to make my church all God wants it to be? How can I be the kind of member of this called-out assembly that will help us move forward to the glory of God, and then listen to the powerful end of Hebrews 10:25, “and so much the more as ye see the day approaching.” What day is he talking about? He's referring here to the day of the Lord's return. Friend, Jesus is coming back. The Founder is about to return. The Head of the church is going to show up. And I don't know about you. I'd be terribly ashamed for Him to find me totally disconnected from all the other members when He arrives I want Him to find me in my place, doing exactly what God wants me to do. So it brings us back to the question.  Why go to church? Why did the Lord establish that we should meet? Let's see what says. Let's study the example of the early church, in the New Testament.  Here Are Seven Bible Reasons We Go To Church 1. We Assemble To Pray.  This is very important. And we begin here. Maybe, perhaps not where you thought I would begin. Everybody wants to run to the preaching, and I love preaching, let me tell you, I love to do it. And I love to hear it. But why don't we begin with prayer? Because that's where God began. What did Jesus command his disciples to do? Go to the upper room and pray. Acts 1:13-14. We read these words: “And when they were come in, they went up into an upper room, where abode both Peter, and James, and John, and Andrew, Philip, and Thomas, Bartholomew, and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon Zelotes, and Judas the brother of James. These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren.” The first meeting in the New Testament church after the Ascension was not an evangelistic crusade, not a revival meeting, not a Bible study. It was a prayer meeting. Why? Because prayer sets everything else in motion. When we meet together, we should come together to pray with and for one another and notice it's something everybody can do. Not just the men were doing it. The women were praying. So we meet together to pray.  2. We Assemble To Hear The Word Of God 1 Thessalonians 5:20 says, “Despise not prophesying.” What's your attitude towards the preaching and teaching of the Word of God? You see, the New Testament church didn't have their own copies of the Scriptures when they came together. There was an expectation to hear the Bible read. They hear these inspired writings expounded. I wonder if there's still that same hunger and thirst in us. When we come together, we ought to come together excited to hear the Word of God.  3. We Assemble To Sing Colossians 3:16 instructs us to speak to and encourage one another “in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs.” The Bible says, “speaking to one another.”  We speak to ourselves when we sing. We speak to God when we sing. However, we also speak to one another as we sing. We should sing from our hearts.  4. We Assemble To Give  Number four, the assembly met together to give. Oh yes, you knew that was going to be mentioned because it's given in Scripture. 1 Corinthians 16:1-2, “Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come.” It's powerful. On the Lord's Day, bring your tithe and bring your offerings. Be a giver.  5. We Assemble To Exhort One Another.  It was all about edifying, building up each other. It's not about me; it's about us. It's not about what I can gain, but what I can give. And here's the beautiful secret. As you give and minister and exhort. Guess what the Lord does in you? He does the same building up in your heart in life.  6. We Assemble To Observe The Ordinances.  God left us with two ordinances: Baptism and the Lord's Supper. You must have a visible local church to be able to physically baptize. You also must to have a local assembly to administer the Lord's Table. These are church ordinances. They don't belong to me as an individual. They belong to the local assembly.  7. We Assemble For Fellowship.  Come full circle back to the first principles in at the end of Acts 2 we have this beautiful little snapshot of the early New Testament church. Observe Acts 2:42, “And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.”  That passage goes on to report on the ministry of the Word. Those assemblies of believers set in motion a chain reaction outside the assembly of the church. We carry our faith outside the church walls. But it all must begin by meeting together. From this, we minister to those who are outside our assembly. Could it be that we're getting so little done in this world? Because the meeting of the New Testament church has gotten skewed by so many things. Perhaps we started thinking so selfishly about it. I remember asking a man one time to come to our church and he said, “Oh, I worship God in the woods.” And I said to him, “Wonderful, I worship God in the woods.” And he looked at me a little surprised, and I said, “I don't go to church simply to worship. I want to worship when I go. I believe in corporate worship, but worship is not a group sport, worship is the individual heart attitude.” You can worship anywhere and everywhere. Yes, you can worship God in your living room, but no, you cannot exhort one another in your living room. Be Faithful You can't be a blessing and help to the whole local church by never being there. I challenge you today. Belong and don't just belong. Be there. When the church meets together. Let it mean something to you to be with God's people. If the church was so important that Christ died for it, don't you think our lives ought to be connected to it? Make up your mind this Lord's Day, at the very next appointed meeting of your local assembly, by the grace of God, you're going to be there. “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.” You can worship God in many places, but there are some things you can only do as you meet with God's people. Today we discover seven simple, plain Bible reasons to regularly assemble in a local church.

John 18:15–17 (Listen) Peter Denies Jesus 15 Simon Peter followed Jesus, and so did another disciple. Since that disciple was known to the high priest, he entered with Jesus into the courtyard of the high priest, 16 but Peter stood outside at the door. So the other disciple, who was known to the high priest, went out and spoke to the servant girl who kept watch at the door, and brought Peter in. 17 The servant girl at the door said to Peter, “You also are not one of this man's disciples, are you?” He said, “I am not.” (ESV)Acts 1:6–14 (Listen) The Ascension 6 So when they had come together, they asked him, “Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” 7 He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” 9 And when he had said these things, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. 10 And while they were gazing into heaven as he went, behold, two men stood by them in white robes, 11 and said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.” Matthias Chosen to Replace Judas 12 Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a Sabbath day's journey away. 13 And when they had entered, they went up to the upper room, where they were staying, Peter and John and James and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot and Judas the son of James. 14 All these with one accord were devoting themselves to prayer, together with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brothers.1 Footnotes [1] 1:14 Or brothers and sisters. In New Testament usage, depending on the context, the plural Greek word adelphoi (translated “brothers”) may refer either to brothers or to brothers and sisters; also verse 15 (ESV)Acts 2:1–8 (Listen) The Coming of the Holy Spirit 2:1 When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. 2 And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. 3 And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested1 on each one of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance. 5 Now there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men from every nation under heaven. 6 And at this sound the multitude came together, and they were bewildered, because each one was hearing them speak in his own language. 7 And they were amazed and astonished, saying, “Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? 8 And how is it that we hear, each of us in his own native language? Footnotes [1] 2:3 Or And tongues as of fire appeared to them, distributed among them, and rested (ESV)

Today's Topics: 1) Gospel - Mark 3:13-19 - Jesus went up the mountain and summoned those whom He wanted and they came to Him. He appointed Twelve, whom He also named Apostles, that they might be with Him and He might send them forth to preach and to have authority to drive out demons: He appointed the Twelve: Simon, whom He named Peter; James, son of Zebedee, and John the brother of James, whom He named Boanerges, that is, sons of thunder; Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus; Thaddeus, Simon the Cananean, and Judas Iscariot who betrayed Him. Memorial of Saint Francis de Sales, Bishop and Doctor of the Church Saint Francis, pray for us! Bishop Sheen quote of the day 2) "Sins of the flesh" may lack "angelicality" but they are hurting the Vatican https://cruxnow.com/news-analysis/2025/01/sins-of-the-flesh-may-lack-angelicality-but-they-are-hurting-the-vatican 3) Francis' autobiography mocks clerical vestments under the cloak of humility https://www.knightsrepublic.com/single-post/francis-autobiography-mocks-clerical-vestments-under-the-cloak-of-humility 4) Sean Duffy led his family in praying the Hail Mary before his confirmation hearing https://gatewayhispanic.com/video/sean-duffy-leading-his-family-in-praying-the-hail-mary-before-his-confirmation-hearing/

Read OnlineAs he passed by, he saw Levi, son of Alphaeus, sitting at the customs post. Jesus said to him, “Follow me.” And he got up and followed Jesus. Mark 2:14How do you know the will of God for your life? In his spiritual classic, The Spiritual Exercises, Saint Ignatius of Loyola presented three ways in which we come to know the will of God. (See mycatholic.life/ignatius for more.) The first way is the clearest and most definitive way. It is a time in which the person experiences a “clarity beyond doubting” as a result of a special grace of God. In describing this experience, Saint Ignatius mentions the passage quoted above as an illustration of this experience.There is little said about this call of Levi in the Gospel of Mark, which is also recorded in Matthew's Gospel (Matthew 9:9). Levi, who is also known as Matthew, was going about his occupation of collecting taxes at his customs post. It appears that Jesus spoke only these two simple words to Levi: “Follow me.” As a result of these two words, Levi abandons his former life and becomes a follower of Jesus. Why would Levi do such a thing? What was it that convinced him to follow Jesus? Clearly there was much more than just a two-word invitation from Jesus that convinced him to respond.That which convinced Levi was a special grace of God which produced within his soul a “clarity beyond doubting.” Somehow Levi just knew that God was calling him to abandon his former life and embrace this new life. There was no long discussion, no weighing of the pros and cons, no prolonged thinking about it. Levi just knew, and he responded.Though this form of clarity in life is rare, it's important to be aware of the fact that sometimes God does act this way. This is a great gift when it happens! And though this depth of instant clarity is not always the way God speaks to us, it's important to acknowledge that God does speak to us this way at times.Reflect, today, upon this call of Levi. Ponder this inner certitude he was given in that moment. Try to imagine what he experienced and what others may have thought of his choice to follow Jesus. Be open to this same grace; and if you ever feel as if God speaks to you with such clarity, be ready and willing to respond without hesitation.My dear Lord, thank You for calling us all to follow You without hesitation. Thank You for the joy of being Your disciple. Give me the grace to always know Your will for my life and help me to respond to You with total abandonment and trust. Jesus, I trust in You.Source of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2025 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.Featured image above: The Calling of Saint Matthew By Giovanni Paolo Panini