A Civilization Reborn: Matthew 10

Matthew 10:1-10, 16-22, 32-33 (NIV)1) Jesus called his twelve disciples to him and gave them authority to drive out impure spirits and to heal every disease and sickness. 2) These are the names of the twelve apostles: first, Simon (who is called Peter) and his brother Andrew; James son of Zebedee, and his brother John; 3) Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus; 4) Simon the Zealot and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him. 5) These twelve Jesus sent out with the following instructions: “Do not go among the Gentiles or enter any town of the Samaritans.6) Go rather to the lost sheep of Israel.7) As you go, proclaim this message: ‘The kingdom of heaven has come near.’8) Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give. 9) “Do not get any gold or silver or copper to take with you in your belts—10) no bag for the journey or extra shirt or sandals or a staff, for the worker is worth his keep.16)  “I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.17) Be on your guard; you will be handed over to the local councils and be flogged in the synagogues.18) On my account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles.19) But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say,20) for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. 21)  “Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; children will rebel against their parents and have them put to death. 22) You will be hated by everyone because of me, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved.32)“Whoever acknowledges me before others, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven.33) But whoever disowns me before others, I will disown before my Father in heaven. TAKEAWAYS1. We either acknowledge Jesus or we disown Jesus.2. We acknowledge Jesus or disown Jesus before others.– Salvation and baptism– What we say– What we do3. The Father will either acknowledge us or disown us