Choosing the 12

 Mark 3:7-12 

(1)  Jesus "withdrew" (from the towns to the rural areas) - why?  - Matt. 12:14-15 - was aware that Pharisees and religious leaders trying to kill him

(2)  when they "touched" Him ... were they healed?
on one hand, it doesn't say!  However, seems implied!
Luke 8:43-44 - woman with issue of blood ... "touched hem of garment...."

(3)  demons ... they recognized Him
                   .... they (unwillingly) obeyed Him.  Jesus tells them to keep quiet - He has authority over demons

Next Section = Mark 3:13-19
(with Luke 6:12-13 - "prayed all night")

Focus on the 12
(1)  Jesus calls them a 2nd. time!  1st. time = "follow"
                                                   2nd time = special office!!

(2)  He appoints them to....
     (A)  be with Him - constant companion, special students
     (B)  go out from Him - ie:  carry the gospel
And  (C)  He grants authority (and power) to drive out evil spirits, heal all diseases - Matt. 10:1
And  (D)  He designates them Apostles!!

Greek word apostle = messenger/ one sent
BUT... this is different - spelled with lower case a
Vs.  capital A = an office, position, title....

These (except Judas) will become Representatives for Christ AND Spokesmen for Christ (after His ascension)
They hold a Unique place in church history!!

They will be the ones to (1) define the gospel
                                    (2)  establish church doctrine
                                    (3)  interpret Old Testament prophecies of Messiah
                                   (4)  Speak for Christ in His (physical) absence

This will be come to know as Apostolic Authority!!
  We are just as much in need of answers in the 21st. century ans in the 1st. century

Qualifications of an Apostle?  Acts 1:21-22
      (1)  with Christ throughout His earthly ministry
      (2)  an eye witness to the resurrection
      (3)  appointed by Christ Himself (through the lots in the case of Matthias)

Question:  What about Paul?
Answer:  he claimed to ... (1)  meet the Risen Lord
                                       (2)  be taught by the Risen Lord
                                       (3)  be appointed by the Risen Lord
Example:  Titus 1:1 - (this explicitly stated in 9 letters)

AND ... the Apostles accepted Paul's claims and endorsed his ministry
Example:  2 Pet. 3:15-16

And so Apostolic Authority was established and accepted 
Scriptural examples:
Eph. 2:19-20 - "built on foundation of Apostles and Paul"
2 Pet. 1:16 - "eyewitnesses of His majesty"
1 John 1:1-3
And Paul and his revelations .... Gal. 1:11-12

So... early church --> Acts 2:42
Recognizing ... this was NOT the Apostles' doctrine;  but (rather) = Jesus' doctrine!  given to the Apostles

Any Application?  for us today?

#1.  Our faith is in Jesus Christ.
BUT, what we know of Him is found int he Words of the Apostles.  This is where we go for our faith.

#2.  God chooses whom He will (for His work).  We must decide IF we'll accept the call.  - to salvation, to service, to a task, to a lifestyle.....
AND we must decide if we'll stick!!  example:  Judas Iscariot

#3.  Your call is similar to that of the Apostles.  ie... to be with Him, to go our FOR Him - you'll never be an Apostle, but can be apostle.

NOTE:  if you accept His call to serve.....
      (1)  you'll never feel adequate to the task - 1 Cor. 2:3
because
      (2)  you'll never be adequate to the task!!  (God's work = the work of the Holy Spirit!) - 1 Cor. 15:9-10

#4.  Being a faithful follower means great blessings.  BUT ... it doesn't necessarily mean great comfort! 
Example:  11 of the 12 Apostles were martyred!  2 Tim. 3:12

#5.  God uses ordinary people to Make a Difference.  (to change the world)!!
Example:  #1 = the 12!!  Ex. #2 = people like you

Closing Scripture:  Heb. 10:35-36