March 18, 2022

Mark 3: 14 (NIV)

He appointed twelve – designating them apostles – that they might be with him and that he might send them out to preach.

There is little done for eternal good by those who preach without having a real, personal relationship with Jesus Christ.*

From among his disciples, Jesus singled out twelve to be his elite inner circle. Up until this point, they had been – unknowingly - auditioning for the job. Now they’re being enrolled in Bible college to prepare them for their new career as preachers. They might not know it yet but the weight of the kingdom was resting on their shoulders.

Jesus would not send them out on their mission without some intensive training, but being with Jesus was the most crucial part of their preparation. I believe that we underestimate the importance of being with Jesus. Bible study and prayer and good works – these are all activities. Being with Jesus is about more than doing. We can’t become like Jesus if we don’t know him. When we are with him, we absorb his words, his character, his Spirit.

We may be discouraged with the state of the church today. We can tell ourselves that God won’t let his church die out, but then we wonder how can it continue like it is. I submit that as long as the world contains at least twelve men who have been with Jesus, the church will revive and thrive.

The church is here to stay because God has said he will accomplish with the church what he needs to accomplish.*