Responding to Jesus’ Call
October 21/22 2023
Daniel Im, Lead Pastor

1. Jesus calls those He wants
· Jesus went up the mountain and summoned those he wanted, and they came to him. He appointed twelve, whom he also named apostles…” (Mark 3:13-14a CSB)
· You did not choose me, but I chose you… (John 15:16 CSB)
· See! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me. (Revelation 3:20 CSB)
· He appointed the Twelve: To Simon, he gave the name Peter; and to James the son of Zebedee, and to his brother John, he gave the name “Boanerges” (that is, “Sons of Thunder”); Andrew; Philip and Bartholomew; Matthew and Thomas; James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus; Simon the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed him. (Mark 3:16-19 CSB)
· “Their names, however, like the even longer list of names in Rom 16:1–16, stand as silent witnesses to the truth that the existence of the church is indebted to the labors of those who for the most part remain unknown and unnamed.” - William L. Lane

2. Jesus calls us to be with Him
· He appointed twelve, whom he also named apostles, to be with him… (Mark 3:14a CSB)
· After this, Jesus and his disciples went to the Judean countryside, where he spent time with them and baptized. (John 3:22 CSB)
· Discipleship is a relationship before it is a task, a “who” before a “what.” - James Edwards
· Reading the Bible and praying daily is foundational in our relationship with Jesus

3. Jesus calls us to do what He does
· He appointed twelve, whom he also named apostles, to be with him, to send them out to preach, and to have authority to drive out demons. (Mark 3:14-15 CSB)
· “The call and commission of the Twelve is representative of that of all Jesus’ followers.” - James Edwards
· We are all called to preach the gospel
· We all have the authority to drive out demons
o He went into all of Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and driving out demons. (Mark 1:39 CSB)
o In addition, a multitude came together from the towns surrounding Jerusalem, bringing the sick and those who were tormented by unclean spirits, and they were all healed. (Acts 5:16 CSB)
o Jesus came near and said to them, “All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:18-20 CSB)
o Finally, be strengthened by the Lord and by his vast strength. Put on the full armor of God so that you can stand against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this darkness, against evil, spiritual forces in the heavens. For this reason take up the full armor of God, so that you may be able to resist in the evil day, and having prepared everything, to take your stand. (Ephesians 6:10-13 CSB)

How will you respond to His call?