Lessons from Apostle Andrew

We won and we are so blessed to have a speaker here today. We had an awesome time with him during the classes that he had and we have been blast through that. I want to get one clarification on what the bulletin was brought the

the ones that want to become a member and the Christian Life classes is not going to be together. It's going to be separate. So just so you know that the ones that want to become a member and it's Chris and glasses. It's going to be separate. And so if anyone would like to join us this afternoon at 2, there's still room upstairs and if we have to fill it up then we do that. It's the same cost.

At this moment, I would ask her brother stand to come up here and I will give the time over to him.

That's have a word of prayer your father, and we just want to thank you once more for a beautiful day that you have given us in for this privilege that we have to come together like this and we are so thankful for this brother that he was wanting to come out here and especially for this morning that he's willing to share the word with us, and I just pray that you will bless him. Thank you very much. Thank you Jesus. Amen.

Good to be with you this morning and to be able to share from the word of God, but I have to be quite honest with you though. I am actually brought a golf shirt a long. Because I thought it would be warm. Not that I thought it would go golfing. I would really like to golf to but I thought it would be the warmer in there though. I did check the temperature, isn't it? I think it's pretty consistent with the temperatures are but I'll tell you this I check the temperature at home this morning and it was -31 with about a -14 all this is Celsius. You know anything about Celsius, but anyway, I think -4 - 40 Celsius and I think mine is 40 Fahrenheit are the same. I think and the windshield was -40 and they were talking about a frostbite warning.

WIC if I my wife and I would kind of laugh about it. We we get an opportunity at least once a year to go south and work is really warm and but we kind of laugh about it then you just have to Make sure you stay in the car when it's running and all that kind of stuff been staying warm houses. And and also make sure we have lot of international students that come whether they're from Korea or Africa or Myanmar Hora Paraguay or Brazil and you make sure that when they come and sometimes they come at the end of December so they get this kind of weather and they haven't ever had anything close to it. You make sure that we get all the right clothes for them and warm jacket some tubes and everything and you can just see them walking around just all covers and bundled and everything but that's fine because they stay warm at least then but yeah, but it's good to be here and I've never been to Tiger Town before and I was asking and I was asked by a faculty member when I told him where I was going to say as well Tiger Town. How is Tiger Town and I did get John I think did John did tell me he looked it up and how was it become or how it was named tiger town. Anyway, I thought maybe there tigers around but haven't seen any yet. Anyway, it's good to be here and I'll just share God's word with you and begin with this this illustration of this story. The year was 2008 2018 about 11 years ago and I had the school gave me some time off that we can call it a sabbatical but some time off to do some teaching another little bit of writing and what I did in these six months I went to Ukraine and I also went to the country of Georgia. I've been involved for a number of years in a Ministry where we train cap and church leaders in 1993 about this call from this individual. He said how would you like to go to Russia? Well, I guess I said I wouldn't mind but what he told me he was asking if I would go and speak at some teen camps as well as a family Camp all this start and I also got involved in the board of that Ministry called King adventures and So eventually Ukraine sometimes number of times as well as like I said, Russia and Georgia. But anyway in 2008, I went to visit the countries did some teaching in Ukraine and Georgia and after I arrived in the capital city of Georgia, which is called balisi the city of over two million people. We drove to the conference center where I was to teach And that's why we were driving along they pointed out to me this Fortress. So it was not on top of a mountain but a good size heel and they said it was built in the 6th century. the 6th century about 1,400 years ago. Well after I finished teaching I taught a class for a week. We went to visit that fortress on that hill and it also included a church now from on the hill as we were looking at this was quite quite high up there. We're also looking into the valley and they were pointing out down there not getting really ever see it, but they said down there. There's a there's a church that was built in the 4th century. So 1600 years old. What are my conversations with a people at the conference and there was students there from Georgia Armenia and Azerbaijan that area there we talked about how the gospel had come to that part of the world. And they told me that Andrew the apostle and the 12th apostle.

You'll have to turn to Acts chapter one. They chose the 12 Apostle and his name was Matthias. It was these two Apostles that came to that region in the first century. They had brought the gospel there. Well won't turn to it this morning, but Matthew 28 verses 18 through 20 is the Great Commission and Jesus gives the Great Commission and his disciples are there and it's interesting and he talks about going as you are going if it's if the command is actually to make disciples as you are going Make Disciples of all Nations, and these Apostles actually in disciples actually did that but listen to some of these and I've as I've done little traveling around the world have become more and more interested in this and me when I have some time me do a little more research on this where these Apostles went. We we know the Apostle Peter. He was in prison several times and Drew slim. He went on to Babylon. And then all went on to Rome James the Apostle went to Spain and he was the first to die almost all of these are fossils died of work their lives were taken. They were martyred for their faith. John went to Turkey which is Ephesus and his date. He was exiled to the island of Patmos. He founded and built churches throughout. All of Asia Philip went to South Russia. And which is also Ukraine Asia Minor turkey some also say he went to France Pyrenees. The only apostle that is associated with with France Bartholomew went to Asia Minor with Philip also to India. Apparently he went to Armenia and died and Azerbaijan. Thomas went to Babylon Persia and India some also say to the country of China.

Matthew took several missionary Journeys and but he went over to Ethiopia and Egypt that part of the world James bleat was believed to be the first Bishop of the Syrian Church food. Winter many a Syrian Iran Simon went to the Zealot went to Egypt North Africa Spain and Britain and Matthias went Armenia and where I was saying and Andrew with the Georgia turkey and South Africa or so south of Russia, and it's interesting how these apostles. They were commissioned by God as you are going Make Disciples of all Nations and they actually they did that now I'm going to speak just a little bit and I don't know if you've ever heard a sermon on the Apostle Andrew. You're going to learn a little bit about Andrew this morning, hopefully. Andrew when we think of Andrew we often think of Peter the Apostle Andrew the brother or brother of a Peter in the gospels, it's always that way but Andrew also has a story then we're going to look at some of the things this morning and say Here's the thing we can learn something from Andrew story. We can learn that God calls and uses ordinary people like you and me. He does. Our part is to obey and as I said before people don't talk about Andrew as they talk about Peter, but Andrew was an effective witness of Jesus just as his brother. Peter was known as quickly look at some basic information about Andrew as a good Mennonite. We would want to know who his parents are right cuz you might be related. I'm just kidding, but it's been interesting.

Are you going we might be related?

Now there's no mention. There's no mention of Andrew's parents in the gospels. But from historical records, his parents were Jonas or John and Joanna. Okay. We do know that Andrew had a brother called Peter, but whether Andrew was younger or older. We don't know. We also don't know if Andrew had other brothers and sisters. But anyway, Andrew had a brother. What was Andrews occupation? He was a fisherman.

Any fishermen here? I wouldn't think so you like to fish though. I don't do much. We have a pretty good size lake Lake Manitoba Lake Winnipeg is a pretty big lake. But anyway, he fished for a living where the occupation and one that occupied are required a lot of hard work. And the one that at times was very dangerous. We could turn to Mark chapter 4 in where that storm came on the disciples and Jesus and Jesus calms the storm. He was on the Sea of Galilee. Where did he live it says that Andrew lived in bethsaida, which was on the northeast part of the Sea of Galilee. So that makes sense then that he live right by the Sea and that he was a fisherman today on he and his brother were fishermen, but by Trade Mark chapter one also talks about Andrew and Peter having a house in capernium, which was just a little bit West of bethsaida so they may have lived there as well. But again always right on the Sea of Galilee where they fished Andrew was a disciple of John the Baptist. First of all and Rose will talk about them. They just a little bit. He was also one of the 12 original apostles.

It's recorded in Matthew Mark and Luke.

And that's how I study and I didn't realize this. He's considered the patron saint of Scotland.

Anybody been to Scotland? I'm hoping to go there someday, I won't tell you what I'm tell tell you why I'd like to golf a golf course there. But I'd like to buy the things to any way up several centuries after the death of Andrew some of his relics. What's a relic and could be something like that cloth or whatever something from him. We're brought by a missionary named rule to Scotland to a place then known as fight, but now known as Saint Andrews and best known as the site of a world famous golf course in club anybody like to golf here.

Because of this he is known as the patron or national saint of Scotland. In fact, November 30th of every year is remembered as st. Andrews feast day there. He's also considered to be the patron saint of both Byzantium and Russia because of his missionary activities in those countries. Let's let's look at some lessons that we can learn from Andrew. First of all, the first lesson that we can learn from Andrew is his obedience to the call of God on his life is obedience to the call of God on his life if you have your Bibles or as I say it my church as well if your iPhone's turn with me to Matthew chapter 4 Matthew chapter 4 in verses 18 through 20. Matthew Chapter 4 verses 18 through 20

as Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee. He saw two brothers Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake before they were fishermen. Come follow me. Jesus said and I will make you Fishers of Men at once. They left their Nets and followed him going on from there. He saw two other brothers James the son of Zebedee and his brother John they were in a boat with their father Zebedee preparing their Nets. Jesus called them as well and immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him. This word is a word called immediately. And then and are they also translates it at once there appears to be no hesitation from these men and following Jesus. Jesus called Andrew to follow him and Andrew did no questions asked he is considered to be the first of the Apostles to follow Jesus. This word for follow can be used in two ways one can of just generally follow after now, like I said Inn in Canada, we have snow and that my wife and I also have some grandchildren and sometimes will be out in the snow and we'll make this path and they follow you in the snow. They can follow you that way just general sense of following but this word for follow also has the idea of following as a disciple. To commit oneself to Jesus and this is what Andrew did now let's consider the ramifications for a moment. Andrew has a secure job while we might Is fishing a secure job. Well, anyway a secure job and His brother in his and Andrew are asked as well as John and John are James and John are asked to follow Jesus. Jesus asked and route to leave all of that behind and follow him as a disciple. Not than a general sense of Simply walking down the path after Jesus. God calls us to follow him. It might mean that we leave a life of security and certainty for one of insecurity and uncertainty and we know many people who have done this we've done it you've done that as well Andrew did this as many others have done since so the first lesson we can learn from Andrew is he is obedience to the call of God on his life, but there's another lesson that we can learn from Andrew. It's his commitment and bringing people to Jesus. Most reference isn't to Andrew in the New Testament simply include him on a list of the 12 apostles or group. Hang with his brother Peter. But in the Gospel of John specifically in the Gospel of John he appears he acts as an individual three times who bring someone to Jesus and just very quickly looking at the four gospels, and we talked about this in class yesterday. Each one of the gospels seasoning has a bunch of the same a group of people that it's written to it's written to Ross as well. We can learn a lot from it as well. But also written to a group of people with a specific message and the gospel of Matthew was written to the Jews showing and proving that Jesus was the Messiah marking and that's 28 chapters long Marcus 60 chapters long, and it's the shortest gospel and it focuses on Jesus as the suffering servant. The Gospel of Luke was written to the Gentiles US Written to the Gentiles to show that Jesus Christ was also came and came for us. The gospel is also the Gentiles is also are also part of God's plan in family. Then you come to the Gospel of John. Gospel of John to show shows that Jesus became and the word became flesh. And what does it say? And dwelt Among Us the word became flesh and dwelt among us and then we go to that very familiar versus or verse is John 3:16 for God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have everlasting life God became in man. So that salvation could be brought to us. Let's come back to Andrew in the Gospel of John. He's mentioned three times only this gospel and teach any one of these three times. He's bringing someone to Jesus. Let's look at John chapter 1 you could turn to John chapter 1 and vs 35 through 42. John chapter 1 and verses 35 through 42

the next day John was there again with two of his disciples when he saw Jesus passing by he said look the Lamb of God when the two disciples heard him say this they followed Jesus turning around Jesus. Saw them falling and asked. What do you want? They said Rabbi, which means teacher. Where are you staying? Come he replied and you will see so they went and saw where he was staying and spent that day with him. It was about the tenth hour Andrew Simon Peter's brother was one of the two who heard what John it said and who had followed Jesus. The first thing the first thing Andrew did was to find his brother Simon and tell him we have found the Messiah that is the Christ and he brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said you are Simon son of John you will be called cephas which when translated is Peter. So that's the first time in the Book of John we see where Andrew is bringing someone to Jesus now. Let's turn to John chapter 6. John chapter 6 and verse 1

John chapter 6 verse 1 sometime after this Jesus cross to the far shore of the Sea of Galilee that is the Sea of tiberias and a great crowd of people followed him because they saw the miraculous signs. He had performed on the sick. Then Jesus went up on a Mountainside and sat down with his disciples. The Jewish Passover feast was near when Jesus looked up and saw a great crowd coming toward him. He said to Philip where shall we buy bread for these people to eat? He asked this only to test him for your he already had in mind what he was going to do. Philip asked you answered him eight months wages would not buy enough bread for each one or two want to have a bite another of his disciples Andrew. Andrew Simon Peter's brother spoke up and often we don't we don't think of this Andrews sign Peter's Brothers smoked out and he points out this little guy here. He says Andrew says here is a boy with five small barley Loaves and two small fish. But how far will they go among so many It will come back to that. Here's another scripture passage and John John chapter 12 John chapter 12 verses 20 through 22. And this is the third instance were Andrew. Bring someone to Jesus. John chapter 12 verses 20 through 22

Now there were some Greeks among those who went up to worship at the feast they came to Philip who is from the state of in Galilee with the request through a survey said we would like to see Jesus. Philip went to tell Andrew Andrew and Philip intern told Jesus

I know if you've thought of that probably haven't and I hadn't before I started studying this but it's interesting. So first of all when Andrew hears about Jesus, he goes and tells his brother Peter. We have found the Messiah. It was important news one commentator says that this act of Andrew is as great a service to the church as ever any man ever did. Andrew bring his brother Peter to Jesus. Here's another incident the boy with the Five Loaves and the two fish who Andrew brought to Jesus. Why? We're not sure this boy had some food and perhaps Andrew thought that Jesus could do something with the food cuz he probably done something before it doesn't say it. But we do know that Andrew brought him to Jesus. The third incident is where Andrew and Philip bring some Greeks to Jesus Greeks who wanted to meet Jesus each time. We meet Andrew and this up and this gospel. He is bringing someone to Jesus and it's a consistency worth noting and only John record this the other gospel writers. Don't say anything. But again, it comes back to John's reading right or reason for writing his story of the life of Jesus. Apparently in the Episcopal church, and I'm not that familiar with it. The fellowship of Saint Andrew is devoted to encouraging personal evangelism and the bringing of one's friends to a knowledge of the gospel of Christ. It's the nature of the Christian experience that those who enjoy it want to share it with others. We might think that because we cannot talk to large groups of people. We can't have much influence Andrew broad only a few De Jesus he made a difference and we can do the same both Peter and Andrew and their possible witness were important.

An elderly man walking the beach at dawn noticed a young man ahead of him picking up a starfish and throwing it into the sea. Catching up with a young man. The elderly man asked him what he was doing. The answer was that the strand of starfish would die if left until the morning sun.

But the beach goes on for miles and miles and there are millions of starfish said the elderly man. How can your effort make a difference? The other man who looked at the starfish in his hand and threw it safely into the waves. He said this it makes a difference to this one. I think we get the message God can use all of us to bring others to Jesus. Our part is to be faithful and obedient. So that's the second lesson that we learn from Andrew. And here's a third lesson in the final lesson that we learn from Andrew and that's this. Andrew's commitment in following or two following Jesus to the nth Andrew was with Jesus to the end at the Mount of Olives at Jesus Ascension. Let's read some verses in Acts chapter one Acts chapter 1 verses 9 through 13.

Acts chapter 1 verses 9 through 13

After this is after he said this he returned referring to Jesus. He was taken up before their very eyes and a cloud hit him from their site. They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going when suddenly two men dressed in white Stood Beside them. Men of Galilee they said why do you stand here looking into the sky the same Jesus who has been taken from you into heaven will come back in the same way. You have seen him going to heaven. Then they returned to Jerusalem from the hill called the Mount of Olives a Sabbath days walk from the city when they arrived they went upstairs to the room where they were staying those present were Peter John James and Andrew Phillip and Thomas Bartholomew and Matthew James, son of alphaeus and Simon the Zealot and Judas son of James. They all joined together constantly in prayer along with them women and Mary the mother of Jesus and with his brothers. Andrew made his commitment to follow Jesus and he did follow him. His ministry was not like his brother at least that is what we assumed but we nonetheless but nonetheless Andrew was faithful to the ministry to which God had called him. He was on the apostles. But after this after this, there is no mention of him in the New Testament.

So what happened? 2 p.m.

You look on look on the internet, and I'm just kidding. Where do you do skate some historic and historian still have helped us with this. It's believed that Andrew went to the foothills of the Caucasus Mountains. Then again, that's where will George is right around there. I flew over the Caucasus Mountains. Absolutely. Amazing. Amazing. In what year? What year were the Winter Olympics held in Sochi?

I forget 2016. You know, I forget anyway, they were we flew right over there amazing. He took the gospel to there to present a Georgia. He preached to the sky things as far as the cast Caspian Sea. He also went to a turkey and then went to Greece He travel to other places Southern Russia, which is Ukraine now but ended back in Patriots or patras Greece, but it was here that he was martyred for his faith during the reign of Nero under the governor of Patriots batres. It's believed that he was crucified and was bound not nailed to the cross so that his suffering would be longer. He hung on the cross for 3 Days in severe pain but continue to tell people around him of the love of God.

Got calls and uses ordinary people like you and me to do his work. The more obscure Andrew is often described in terms of his relationship to his famous brother. That's all right, because God was using Andrew as well to do great things.

Any of you ever heard of Isaac Newton?

Isaac Newton was some hits his famous encounter with the falling. Apple and he was the one who introduced the laws of gravity in the 1600 which revolutionized studies in astronomy. But you know that if it weren't for a person called an individual called Edmund Halley. The world might never have learned from Newton. It was Haley Who challenged Newton to think through his original Notions Haley corrected Newton's mathematical errors and prepare geometrical figures to support his discoveries Haley coach the hesitant Newton to write his great work mathematical principles of natural philosophy. Anybody read that this week probably not Healy edited edited and supervise the publication and actually financed its printing even though Newton was wealthier and easily could have afforded the printing cost. Historians call it one of the most selfless examples in the annals of science Newton began almost immediately to reap the rewards of prominence while Haley received little recognition or little credit. But here's the thing Haley did use he did use the principles from that to predict the orbit and return of the comet. Ever heard of Halley's Comet that come to Texas. I'm just kidding. Halley's Comet But only after his death, did he receive any recognition or a claim? And because the comet returns only returns every I think the route 76 years, it's not very often. The notice is rather infrequent, but here's the thing. Haley remained devoted scientist who didn't care who receive the credit as long as the cause was being advanced. Others have played Haley's real John the Baptist set of Jesus. He must become greater. I must become less Barnabas was content to interrupt introduce others to Greatness many pray to uphold the work of a Christian leader or organization. Such selflessness advances the kingdom. So we have Andrew to thank this morning for his enthusiasm for bringing people to Jesus, even though some people like his brother. Peter will be remembered more than Andrew what we learn from this is that God calls and can use all of us. May God help us to be obedient and faithful to what he has called us to do. I meant