In Acts 11 we learn that the “disciples” began to be known by a new name “Christian,” which means, if you claim the name “Christian” you are actually a disciple…
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
Mark 3:13-14
When Jesus called the disciples, He went to a specific place.
He went up to the mountain. Sure, like Paul, He does, from time to time, go out of His way to call people in the middle of their life… but for most of us, He calls us when we come to Him. Did you pray to receive Jesus during a church service? at vacation Bible school? as a result of Sunday School? at a revival service? you’re not alone. The vast majority of people come to Jesus by coming to the church. Bring people to Jesus by bringing them to the mountain. Jesus appointed the twelve disciples, but what were they called to do? what are we called to do? We need to be with Him, spend time in the Bible, in prayer, in serious intentional worship, but also spend time with Him, His body, the church. You have been called, at least in part, to spend time with the church, don’t neglect this important aspect of being a disciple. But they were also sent out to preach. Not to stand behind a pulpit and give three points and a poem, but to tell people outside the church about Jesus. We are called to come into the church and fellowship for encouragement, worship, and to learnt to follow Jesus, but then we must go out and bring others in by sharing the good news that they can!
So who will you bring with you to church this Sunday?
