Footnotes and Witness

This is our 4th episode about the apostles, the disciples, Jesus' crew! This episode is about James and John. They are referred to as "sons of Zebedee". That is their father. They are first mentioned in Matthew 4:21

Scripture references:
James' death: Acts 12:2
called "sons of thunder": Mark 3:16-19 from the account in Luke 9:51-56 (they ask to rain fire down on the Samaritans)
History of Samaria: 1 Kings 16 - Omri 1 Kings 16:25 and Ahab 1 Kings 16:30/33
Good Samaritan story: Luke 10:30-37
James and John ask to sit with Jesus: Mark 10:32-45
Paul calls them pillars: Galatians 2:9 (Cephas = Peter)

Reflection Questions:
What is the boldest thing you have ever prayed for?
What is important enough to you to write about?
Would you rather tell your story to someone or have them read it? 
What can you tell about Jesus' character based on how He treated these brothers?

Contact me at https://www.deborahjmckenzie.com/podcast

Reflection questions:
What prevents you from sharing your testimony?
Are you currently in community with a faith group you trust?
What prevents your trust?
Have you been the person to hear gossip? To spread gossip?

3 roles in witnessing:
Big stage brave
small story share
the one to trust

Record or write: just get started! 2 different options to start getting your testimony down: timeline or snapshot. Just ask: Where was God? Just start small.
So be the person who doesn’t betray the trust. Be the person others can rely on.

Second set of disciples- Continuing in our study of the disciples: Peter and Andrew (brothers)

Peter (known as Simon): name means "rock"
occupation= fisherman
first mentioned in Matthew 4:18

Scripture references: denial 3x Luke 22:54-62; redemption of denial John 21:1-17
historical reference to death: Origen (historian from 200 AD) "Peter was crucified at Rome with his head downwards, as he himself had desired to suffer"

Reflection questions:
What is your favorite outburst of Peter's?
What do you see about Jesus concerning His interactions with Peter?

Andrew (brother to Peter): name means "manly"
occupation = fisherman
first mentioned Matthew 4:18
Things to note: originally a disciple of John the Baptist (John 1:35-40)

Reflection questions:
Would you follow a sibling?
How would you compare Andrew to Peter?

First Apostles episode-taking a dive into our first 2 apostles/disciples: Matthew and Thomas

Matthew: first mentioned in Matthew 9:9 
name= gift of God
occupation= tax collector
Special things to note= author of the book of Matthew; wrote one of 2 lineages of Jesus Christ; called Levi
Reflection questions: What do you think about Matthew's character based on his profession and/or writings?
Have you ever felt left out or unwelcome?

Thomas: first mentioned Matthew 10:3
name = twin
Scripture references = story of doubt John 20:19-2; story of loyalty to the death for Jesus John 11:11-16; asks Jesus to know the way John 14:1-7
Reflection questions: What if you were only known by your weakest moment?
What word describes your faith today?

Episode resources:
inference definition: conclusion reached on the basis of evidence and reasoning
https://www.blueletterbible.org
Article on the books of the apocrypha: https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/what-is-the-apocrypha

Thanks for checking out my new podcast Footnotes and Witness. This episode is the intro that explains what this is all about. Also, this is the start a series studying the apostles/disciples of Jesus Christ. By looking at who Jesus chose to have in His crew, we learn characteristics about Jesus. When we see Jesus rightly, we can more easily see Him in our own lives. 

Resources:
https://www.blueletterbible.org/

Any "biblical definition" I use on the show come from this amazing FREE resource. 
Definitions:
apostle: a delegate, messenger, one sent forth with orders
disciple: a learner, pupil, disciple

Reflection Questions:
Does your current faith stand up to life?
Do you believe you can read the Bible on your own?
What is something that is currently a barrier to you when reading the Bible?
Are you currently part of a local church?
Are there past traumas that hinder you from seeing Jesus Christ rightly?
What purpose do you see the Bible having in your life?
What do you think you might learn from studying the lives of the apostles?

2 questions to always keep in mind when reading the Bible:
Where is Jesus Christ in this passage?
What does this passage tell me about the character of God?

Benediction:
Hebrews 13:20-21
Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen

I believe the Bible is for everyone at all times. When you begin to see Jesus Christ rightly, you can more easily see Him in your own life. When you tell your witness, your story, God is glorified and communities are enriched. We should all have a safe place to tell our witness and I believe that could be the church. Life and all its ups and down are made that much richer when we live life together.