Mark 3:13-19

"These are the twelve [Jesus] chose: Simon (whom he named Peter), James and John (the sons of Zebedee, but Jesus nicknamed them "Sons of Thunder"),..."

"Then [Jesus] appointed twelve of [his disciples] and called them his apostles. They were to accompany him, and he would send them out to preach,..."

How can Jesus be real to me and not just someone I read about on the pages of the Bible? Phil Ware continues his series on The Yearning, our need and desire and longing for Jesus to be real to us and close to us and experienceable in our daily lives.

"He appointed twelve — designating them apostles — that they might be with him and that he might send them out to preach and to have authority to drive out..."

"Afterward Jesus went up on a mountain and called out the ones he wanted to go with him. And they came to him."

"Here was sovereignty. Impatient spirits may fret and fume, because they are not called to the highest places in the ministry; but reader be it thine....."

Inspirational illustration of Mark 3:14 -- 14He appointed twelve--designating them apostles--that they might be with him and that he might send them out to preach.

Where are we going to get trained leaders for our church's future? Phil Ware reminds us of Jesus' practice in preparing his disciples for ministry and leadership.

How in the world did they do this? Rick Brown talks about how we can accomplish the Great Commission in our world today, the same as they did it long ago.