Many great things that exist in the world started from humble beginnings. Listen in today as we continue on our study in the gospel of Saint Mark chapter six, as Pastor Landis Fisher teaches on our LORD’s choice of twelve ordinary men who have affected the world in a tremendous way beyond measure. On last LORD’s Day, we heard an introduction for their ministry, in a message called: “The Ministry of the Twelve” a brief expose’ on the first formal dispensing of the disciples into the work of the ministry of Messiah Jesus. Now listen in to a message to deepen our understanding of this vital ministry that Pastor Fisher has called: “Called To Succeed”
Old Testament Scripture Reading: Ezekiel 3:1 – 9 (NASB)
Ezek 3:1 Then He said to me, “Son of man, eat what you find; eat this scroll, and go, speak to the house of Israel.”
Ezek 3:2 So I opened my mouth, and He fed me this scroll.
Ezek 3:3 And He said to me, “Son of man, feed your stomach, and fill your body with this scroll which I am giving you.” Then I ate it, and it was sweet as honey in my mouth.
Ezek 3:4 Then He said to me, “Son of man, go to the house of Israel and speak with My words to them.
Ezek 3:5 “For you are not being sent to a people of unintelligible speech or difficult language, but to the house of Israel,
Ezek 3:6 nor to many peoples of unintelligible speech or difficult language, whose words you cannot understand. But I have sent you to them who should listen to you;
Ezek 3:7 yet the house of Israel will not be willing to listen to you, since they are not willing to listen to Me. Surely the whole house of Israel is stubborn and obstinate.
Ezek 3:8 “Behold, I have made your face as hard as their faces, and your forehead as hard as their foreheads.
Ezek 3:9 “Like emery harder than flint I have made your forehead. Do not be afraid of them or be dismayed before them, though they are a rebellious house.”
New Testament Scripture Reading: Mark 6:6 – 13 (KJV)
Mark 6:6 And he marvelled because of their unbelief. And he went round about the villages, teaching. Mark 6:7 And he called unto him the twelve, and began to send them forth by two and two; and gave them power over unclean spirits; Mark 6:8 And commanded them that they should take nothing for their journey, save a staff only; no scrip, no bread, no money in their purse: Mark 6:9 But be shod with sandals; and not put on two coats. Mark 6:10 And he said unto them, In what place soever ye enter into an house, there abide till ye depart from that place. Mark 6:11 And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear you, when ye depart thence, shake off the dust under your feet for a testimony against them. Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city. Mark 6:12 And they went out, and preached that men should repent. Mark 6:13 And they cast out many devils, and anointed with oil many that were sick, and healed them.
Transforming Power Statements:
#1) The ministries of the Apostles of Jesus Christ are having the most powerful impact on humanity than any movement in the history of mankind, in that not only have they laid the foundation of the Church, but they also are continuing to grow and edify the church and shall continue throughout human History, and shall be celebrated throughout all of eternity.
#2) The biblical concept of “success” has a different meaning than the worldly one and is in many ways the exact opposite, therefore it must be defined according to the reality of the truth {i.e. the Word of God} to be understood during time based on the promised outcome in eternity.
#3) The powers given to the twelve were simply gifts delegated to them by Christ Jesus Himself, and were to be a sign to the lost sheep of the house of Israel to validate the authenticity of the message and open their ears to the call to repentance.
