Love God Greatly: Sold OutSample
Matthew was a tax collector for the Romans. Although tax collectors were deeply despised by the Jews and considered outcasts, Jesus chose Matthew to be a disciple. Matthew invited Jesus to dinner, and Jesus was unashamed to eat with him and the sinners who attended. Jesus’ mission from God is to save sinners - to meet them where they are and offer new life and new hope in Him.
What efforts are you making to introduce unbelievers to Jesus like Matthew? Where are you struggling with judging, dismissing, and disregarding sinners like the Pharisees? Believers are called to represent Jesus to the lost. We are commanded to be light in a dark world, to stand for truth in a world of lies, and to be healing salt in a decaying culture. No soul is beyond God’s grace.
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About this Plan
Many can name the cast of their favorite TV show or the full roster of their favorite team. But few Christians know the names of all twelve of Jesus’s disciples. These are the twelve: Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother; Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas, and Matthew the tax collector; James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus; Simon the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him (Matthew 10:2-4). These were the twelve men Jesus chose to become his closest companions and ministers during his three-year ministry. And these are the twelve men whose lives we will be studying in this six-week Love God Greatly study. As it became clear to the disciples who Jesus really is, and as the Holy Spirit came upon them, their faith grew and their passion for their Savior was ignited. They became men who were not only willing to give up family and home but men who were willing to give up their very lives for the glory of Jesus. This did not happen because they were more special than any of us. This is the result of the power of God in them. Men who were fearful became bold. Men who were ignorant became wise. Men who were confused as to where they were to go or what they were to do became clear about their calling. A real encounter with Jesus changes people. As you study these twelve men, look not only at the various experiences these men had and how this close encounter with Jesus changed them but also at how you can be changed as well. So grab your favorite beverage, crack open your Bible, and let’s encounter this same Jesus together, reading and writing what God speaks into our hearts along the way. For more encouragement, join us at LoveGodGreatly.com where you’ll find further insights, community, and content to supplement your time in God's Word!
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