The Apostles: Encourgement for Christians

Chette · 01-14-2006, 11:32 AM

I don't know if this is the right thread for this...

I don't need encouragement but I do want to share a very encouraging revelation from God

As you get to know these guys, you may start to wonder if Jesus should have had His head examined for picking them. They weren't all that bright, and a lot of them had quick flaws, and weakness that got in the way of Jesus was trying to do

The 12 Apostles
Christian, Who do you see yourself in them?

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1. PETER (Mark 8:29)
- a quirk mister
- impulsive loudmouth
- He speaks first before asking
- He denied Jesus three times

But something happened to peter. After Jesus' ressurection the former wise guy was truly change. The reality of Christ true Identity and power made Peter see life in the new way. He become one of the hardest workers, and strongest leaders in the church. True he didn't lose his flaws, but God turn them into strengths. Ever feel like an absolute geek? Peter's example can give hope to anybody who ever felt inadequate. He's proof that God really can use anybody.

Peter: Teachable heart

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2. ANDREW (John 1:41)
- first disciple
- a silent worker
- doesn't seem to care much being noticed
- hardworking

His real talent is evangelism. He doesn't care if he is not being recognize. He is much more concern of praising God other than praising himself. He works silently. Because he knows that God isn't interested in how much attention you get or how popular you are. He's far more interested in how much you're willing to do for Him. No matter how invisible you think you are, you can bring people to Jesus.

Andrew: a silent worker

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3. JOHN (John 20:2-4; 1 tim 4:12)
- youngest
- quick temper
- aggresive
- loving
- brave

The point is... He is young, but God used him. Just as how God used Timothy. It made me remember the verse when Paul said to Timothy "Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers" (1 Tim 4:12). You're never too young to take your faith seriously and become like Jesus. Even how Young you are... God can use you

John: Willing to serve God even in His young age

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4. PHILIP (Mat 10:32)
- forgotten Apostle (Sometimes)
- He believed
- He told someone else (Nathaniel) that He found Christ
- He shares the good news.

You really can't say He "Evangelize" Actually He is just "Sharing" Jesus' Love and news. Just like how Billy Graham always tell us before "Share Jesus... Tell someone about Jesus". For every Billy graham in the world, there are thousands of Philip. Not everybody has a great speaking ability or deep spiritual insight. But Philip had himself and that's what He gave to Christ.

Philip: The Heart to Share

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5. JUDAS (Son of James, not Judas Iscariot) (John 14:23)
- He seeks for the truth, always.
- obscure guy with awful name
- always asking questions

We have Judas, son of James. After Jesus' crucifixion... Judas has become a bad/evil name. But there is one Judas who stayed in the circle of Jesus. He always like to ask questions, and we should be thankful that He is like that. Because of his questions... Jesus can clarify His teachings. As God's plan from the beginning to use people who love him to be his messengers... us.. the Christians.

Judas (son of James): Seeker

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6. BARTHOLOMEW (Nathanael) (John 1:46)
- a snob (before he met Jesus)
- with a bad reputation
- willing to proved wrong

He was snob. He didn't believe Jesus at first. When he found out that Jesus is a "Nazarene" He jumped to conclusions. For him, He had a bad image of Nazareth and Nazarenes- in mind, it influenced his thinking about Jesus, Still he did have a quality that some of us don't- He is willing to be proved wrong. He is willing to be rebuked. When He met Jesus, He changed his mind right away.

Bartholomew (Nathanael): Open-minded

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7. MATTHEW (Levi) (Luke 5:31)
- tax collector
- publican
- persecuted by his friends and family
- had done a lot of bad things before

Jesus took a man, made a man a disciple... who has a bad past. Who victimized hundreds or maybe thousands of people and made him a servant. He used a guy who tricked many men in the past. The one who you can say a "Sinner" since he is a tax-collector. Truly God can change a person 180 degrees :P

Matthew: willing to be changed.

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8. JAMES (Matthew 20:26-27)
- quick temper
- aggressive
- pushy
- ministry - career
- energetic
- tacky

Thou, He may seem annoying and tacky. (Some Christians are like that) if they are willing like James, God can use that kind of energy in good use for building His kingdom. Whether you go into full time or not, making it career or not, with a little drive, you can really get some good things done in your church and community. But just remember to let God manage your career. Make it your goal to push his agenda and not your own (just like what James did)

James: Energetic/making ministry a career.

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9. JAMES (Son of Alpheus) (Eph 4:15)
- short (little)
- physical problems

Even he has physical problems, he is short and people don't take him seriously... God choose Him. So No matter what your height, you can grow tall in Christ. Christ doesn't look at the appearance of a person. All of us are 'apples of his eyes'. No matter how look, how talented you are... it really doesn't matter. What matter is you are willing to be use.

James: Committed to Christ

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10. SIMON THE ZEALOT (not peter) (Titus 2:14)
- violent (Matt 10:4)
- activist
- hated Romans
- trouble maker

Before He was a violent person. A member of a fanatical group who wanted to overthrow the Roman government by force. These guys terrorize the countryside, causing trouble and bloodshed wherever they went-anything to hassle the hated Romans, who controlled the land and lives of the Jews. But after He met Jesus... that He became a real revolutionary but not through violence. Jesus wasn't offering a violent or military solution to people's problems. He wanted to free them spiritually-one person at a time. So Simon learned the hard way, that violence doesn't work. His violence turns into zealot.

Simon the Zealot: Zealot

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11. THOMAS (John 20:29)
- a Skeptic
- critical
- slow to believe
- negative thinker (John 11)

Ah.. a Skeptic... who became an apostle? Cool huh? ^_^. But God chose him, why? Maybe because even though he was hard to convince, Thomas really was committed to finding the truth. God created each of us with a spiritual sense that can be developed through our relationship with him. If we let our faith become brain centered, we can miss out on some big spiritual benefits.
Thomas: Skeptic

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12. JUDAS ISCARIOT (John 6:70)
- traitor
- prideful
- money-lover
- guilty

We all know Judas. Judas Iscariot. The Apostle who betrayed Jesus. Who sold Jesus for 30 pieces of silver. But did you know that after he sold Jesus to the priests/romans... He felt guilty? and thus killed himself? Why would he killed himself? Why not just repent and ask forgiveness for what he has done? That Situation... Jesus death and Judas death.. represent two kinds of death. A death of a Godly man and a death of a worldly man. The Godly death.. is full of forgiveness and repentance. The death of a worldly man is full of pride and un-repentance. Judas did not repent. He tried to pay for his sins. through death.. but we know that is not worth it. You cannot save yourself.

Also, you may say.. "Ahh yes.. Judas Iscariot is a bad guy etc.." but before you say that.. ask yourself.. aren't you betraying Jesus sometimes? We Christians, admit it or not.. sometimes betray Jesus but unlike Judas, we repent. Anyway... Judas Iscariot is a proof that God really can use anybody - even bad people with selfish motives - to work out his plans.

Judas Iscariot: Prideful

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Special Apostle: PAUL (1 Cor 15:10)
- killer of Christians
- persecutor of Christians
- when He became Christian, God used him mightily.
- God revealed him the word "grace"

Apostle Paul was chosen to replace Judas Iscariot (or that's what people thought) But he was more than that. Before, he was a prosecutor of Christians. HE HATED Christians. But after encountering Jesus, His Life changed and became a powerful apostle or a person God used for His kingdom. One of the good characteristic of Paul.. is that he is humble. Humility. He give all the CREDIT to God (1 Cor 5:10). And even though he travels a lot, shipwrecked three times, robbed, sleepless, cold and hungry in countless places. He endured everything and thus God blessed him so much.

Paul: Humble, giving all the credit to God

01-14-2006, 11:32 AM	#1
Chette Chette Edit Disciple	The Apostles: Encourgement for Christians I don't know if this is the right thread for this... I don't need encouragement but I do want to share a very encouraging revelation from God As you get to know these guys, you may start to wonder if Jesus should have had His head examined for picking them. They weren't all that bright, and a lot of them had quick flaws, and weakness that got in the way of Jesus was trying to do The 12 Apostles Christian, Who do you see yourself in them? -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1. PETER (Mark 8:29) - a quirk mister - impulsive loudmouth - He speaks first before asking - He denied Jesus three times But something happened to peter. After Jesus' ressurection the former wise guy was truly change. The reality of Christ true Identity and power made Peter see life in the new way. He become one of the hardest workers, and strongest leaders in the church. True he didn't lose his flaws, but God turn them into strengths. Ever feel like an absolute geek? Peter's example can give hope to anybody who ever felt inadequate. He's proof that God really can use anybody. Peter: Teachable heart -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2. ANDREW (John 1:41) - first disciple - a silent worker - doesn't seem to care much being noticed - hardworking His real talent is evangelism. He doesn't care if he is not being recognize. He is much more concern of praising God other than praising himself. He works silently. Because he knows that God isn't interested in how much attention you get or how popular you are. He's far more interested in how much you're willing to do for Him. No matter how invisible you think you are, you can bring people to Jesus. Andrew: a silent worker -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3. JOHN (John 20:2-4; 1 tim 4:12) - youngest - quick temper - aggresive - loving - brave The point is... He is young, but God used him. Just as how God used Timothy. It made me remember the verse when Paul said to Timothy "Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers" (1 Tim 4:12). You're never too young to take your faith seriously and become like Jesus. Even how Young you are... God can use you John: Willing to serve God even in His young age -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4. PHILIP (Mat 10:32) - forgotten Apostle (Sometimes) - He believed - He told someone else (Nathaniel) that He found Christ - He shares the good news. You really can't say He "Evangelize" Actually He is just "Sharing" Jesus' Love and news. Just like how Billy Graham always tell us before "Share Jesus... Tell someone about Jesus". For every Billy graham in the world, there are thousands of Philip. Not everybody has a great speaking ability or deep spiritual insight. But Philip had himself and that's what He gave to Christ. Philip: The Heart to Share -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 5. JUDAS (Son of James, not Judas Iscariot) (John 14:23) - He seeks for the truth, always. - obscure guy with awful name - always asking questions We have Judas, son of James. After Jesus' crucifixion... Judas has become a bad/evil name. But there is one Judas who stayed in the circle of Jesus. He always like to ask questions, and we should be thankful that He is like that. Because of his questions... Jesus can clarify His teachings. As God's plan from the beginning to use people who love him to be his messengers... us.. the Christians. Judas (son of James): Seeker -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 6. BARTHOLOMEW (Nathanael) (John 1:46) - a snob (before he met Jesus) - with a bad reputation - willing to proved wrong He was snob. He didn't believe Jesus at first. When he found out that Jesus is a "Nazarene" He jumped to conclusions. For him, He had a bad image of Nazareth and Nazarenes- in mind, it influenced his thinking about Jesus, Still he did have a quality that some of us don't- He is willing to be proved wrong. He is willing to be rebuked. When He met Jesus, He changed his mind right away. Bartholomew (Nathanael): Open-minded -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 7. MATTHEW (Levi) (Luke 5:31) - tax collector - publican - persecuted by his friends and family - had done a lot of bad things before Jesus took a man, made a man a disciple... who has a bad past. Who victimized hundreds or maybe thousands of people and made him a servant. He used a guy who tricked many men in the past. The one who you can say a "Sinner" since he is a tax-collector. Truly God can change a person 180 degrees :P Matthew: willing to be changed. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 8. JAMES (Matthew 20:26-27) - quick temper - aggressive - pushy - ministry - career - energetic - tacky Thou, He may seem annoying and tacky. (Some Christians are like that) if they are willing like James, God can use that kind of energy in good use for building His kingdom. Whether you go into full time or not, making it career or not, with a little drive, you can really get some good things done in your church and community. But just remember to let God manage your career. Make it your goal to push his agenda and not your own (just like what James did) James: Energetic/making ministry a career. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 9. JAMES (Son of Alpheus) (Eph 4:15) - short (little) - physical problems Even he has physical problems, he is short and people don't take him seriously... God choose Him. So No matter what your height, you can grow tall in Christ. Christ doesn't look at the appearance of a person. All of us are 'apples of his eyes'. No matter how look, how talented you are... it really doesn't matter. What matter is you are willing to be use. James: Committed to Christ -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 10. SIMON THE ZEALOT (not peter) (Titus 2:14) - violent (Matt 10:4) - activist - hated Romans - trouble maker Before He was a violent person. A member of a fanatical group who wanted to overthrow the Roman government by force. These guys terrorize the countryside, causing trouble and bloodshed wherever they went-anything to hassle the hated Romans, who controlled the land and lives of the Jews. But after He met Jesus... that He became a real revolutionary but not through violence. Jesus wasn't offering a violent or military solution to people's problems. He wanted to free them spiritually-one person at a time. So Simon learned the hard way, that violence doesn't work. His violence turns into zealot. Simon the Zealot: Zealot -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 11. THOMAS (John 20:29) - a Skeptic - critical - slow to believe - negative thinker (John 11) Ah.. a Skeptic... who became an apostle? Cool huh? ^_^. But God chose him, why? Maybe because even though he was hard to convince, Thomas really was committed to finding the truth. God created each of us with a spiritual sense that can be developed through our relationship with him. If we let our faith become brain centered, we can miss out on some big spiritual benefits. Thomas: Skeptic -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 12. JUDAS ISCARIOT (John 6:70) - traitor - prideful - money-lover - guilty We all know Judas. Judas Iscariot. The Apostle who betrayed Jesus. Who sold Jesus for 30 pieces of silver. But did you know that after he sold Jesus to the priests/romans... He felt guilty? and thus killed himself? Why would he killed himself? Why not just repent and ask forgiveness for what he has done? That Situation... Jesus death and Judas death.. represent two kinds of death. A death of a Godly man and a death of a worldly man. The Godly death.. is full of forgiveness and repentance. The death of a worldly man is full of pride and un-repentance. Judas did not repent. He tried to pay for his sins. through death.. but we know that is not worth it. You cannot save yourself. Also, you may say.. "Ahh yes.. Judas Iscariot is a bad guy etc.." but before you say that.. ask yourself.. aren't you betraying Jesus sometimes? We Christians, admit it or not.. sometimes betray Jesus but unlike Judas, we repent. Anyway... Judas Iscariot is a proof that God really can use anybody - even bad people with selfish motives - to work out his plans. Judas Iscariot: Prideful -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Special Apostle: PAUL (1 Cor 15:10) - killer of Christians - persecutor of Christians - when He became Christian, God used him mightily. - God revealed him the word "grace" Apostle Paul was chosen to replace Judas Iscariot (or that's what people thought) But he was more than that. Before, he was a prosecutor of Christians. HE HATED Christians. But after encountering Jesus, His Life changed and became a powerful apostle or a person God used for His kingdom. One of the good characteristic of Paul.. is that he is humble. Humility. He give all the CREDIT to God (1 Cor 5:10). And even though he travels a lot, shipwrecked three times, robbed, sleepless, cold and hungry in countless places. He endured everything and thus God blessed him so much. Paul: Humble, giving all the credit to God __________________ Lord, We call out to your Spirit, We cry out for our nation. We desire to see Philippines as a nation living for you. Lord, we cry out for revival...
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