The second reason Jesus called the men to him: “that he might send them out to preach.”
Which we easily understand. They were, after all, spiritual heralds of God’s Christ. But who are we as Christians if not salt of the earth, light of the world, Matthew 5:13-14, shining “like stars in the universe” Philippians 2:15? Learning all we can about Jesus so we can more effectively teach all we learn? Discipleship begins as we personalize Christ’s life. It continues as we objectify all we embody by witnessing to others. Impression without expression can lead to depression. The surest way to keep personal faith in Christ robustly alive is to keep it actively shared with others, as Paul said in Philemon 6. For Christ activated in life circumstances proves how powerful he is and how influential we can be. The third reason Jesus called the men to himself: “that they might have authority to drive out demons.” Demon possession, coupled with death, posed the greatest challenge Jesus faced. And he flawlessly demolished both in his ministry. To abbreviate this point, understand: Christ’s believers face strong opposition, especially in an America enchanted by the illusion of religious diversity. Never fear defending and proclaiming his Singularity as God’s One and Only Son and humanity’s One and Only Hope. Christians may individually fail as witnesses. Only because we don’t access Christ’s authority over life. Never because he lacks or doesn’t exercise that authority. Churches may fail, but only because they for too long continue making too many mistakes to survive. Never by being true to the principles of church growth repeatedly stressed in Acts. Colleges may fail by courting intellectual pride in lieu of Bible truth. Never by submitting the human intellect to faith in Christ that seeks to evangelize unsaved people. Jeremiah 9:23, coupled with I Corinthians 1:26-31, especially verses 30-31, summarize Mark 3:13-15. Jesus Christ has all authority. He delegates it to believers who willingly witness to others. And, when they do, the Holy Spirit works to achieve God’s purpose in forgiving sin. We need not boast of our strength in service; instead we boast that God’s grace, despite our weaknesses, achieves his will. Amen. Fini
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