And Satan Smiled.....

 Dr. Mike Murphy

June 28, 2026

 

“Quiet.  I once longed for it, but now it haunts me.  It surrounds me, punishing me for what I have not done, and for what brought me to this place.  I still ask myself how I got here. How did I end up at this place?  I did nothing, but doing nothing soon became the evil that faced me and the sin that convicted me. From the small flicker of flames soon came a blazing fire.  A fire that not only consumed all who were close to it, but eventually those that watched from a distance.  A fire that grew so large it could no longer be controlled.  A fire that most chose to try and escape, until many, like myself, had nowhere left to run.  A fire that engulfed and destroyed this land.  A fire that has now consumed me.”

(And Satan smiled.)

“For thirty-two years I have served as a pastor.  I have served at an average size church in the Midwest of this country for the last twenty-six of those years.  I served the church each day.  I have been there for the good times, and I was there through the bad times.  I was there when the church saw its’ pews full, and I remained faithful to the church at times when there was plenty of room on those same pews.  I was there as the church built a new sanctuary.  I was there as it added a fellowship hall and a gymnasium.  I was there for the births of many of its’ youngest members.  And I was there as many of its’ oldest members left this earth. 

Each day I was there.  And each day I watched as the faces of those I looked out at on Sunday morning changed.  As they changed, the values they brought with them also changed. Just as this nation changed, the changes that came to this church happened slowly at first. But over the past few years they have escalated until they were out of control.  Words that were once viewed as nothing  more than rejected suggestions eventually became the law of the land. Values that were once spurned, soon found themselves endured by the people. Then those values that were endured, became an accepted part of our society, soon celebrated and embraced.  And before we even knew it, those embraced values became the standard, the law we were told to live by.  What we once did not question as wrong,  became the standard that all were forced to see as right.”

(And Satan smiled.)

“As the standards changed, the fire found the door of the churches of this nation.  Would these churches stand by the words the Bible taught them, or would they rethink those words to fit the beliefs of our society?  Many bowed to the pressure, teaching that the Lord’s standard of old did not apply to this world today.  Some taught that God’s Words were nothing more than fables, suggestive stories for good men to live by.  Stories not designed to teach a standard, or a way of salvation, but a recommendation to help men overcome. Others believed that the God of the past was not the same God of today.  God knew more today that he did when the words of the Bible were written.  The God of today had come to accept many of the things He once saw as wrong.”

(And Satan smiled.)

“Then there were those that stood firm, teaching that God’s Word was the only truth. His Word was unchanging, His teachings were unwavering.  The words and examples He gave to us yesterday, are the same words and examples He gives to us today.  At first they were dismissed, uneducated fools babbling about things they could never understand.  But as the issues grew, their stances stayed just as firm.  Soon they were seen as intolerant, hate-filled bigots who stood in the way of progress.  As these values continued to grow, those that spoke out became less and less.  But a few did not lose their voice, continuing to hold steadfast in God’s Word.  But the harder they held to the Word, the more despised they became.

The day finally came when their teachings were no longer accepted.  Their words and views were considered so hateful they could no longer even be tolerated.  Their words caused harm to society,  standing in the way of this nation’s progression.  Soon laws were written and passed to ensure their words could not be heard, and that their actions must confirm the new found values of our nation.  Many faded into the background out of fear. But others continued to speak, and refused to be a part of this change.  At first they were outcast, no longer allowed to speak.  Almost overnight, this nation began to take stronger action on anyone who refused to accept these changes.  Pastors who stood firm soon found themselves facing charges. Many of these were the lucky ones. Others found their churches and homes burnt to the ground.  And what happened to so many others was simply unspeakable, crimes committed against them and their families that the government deemed unworthy to prosecute.  We watched as ‘freedom of speech’ became ‘freedom from speech’, and God’s Word was replaced by society’s voice.”

(And Satan smiled.)

“I followed many others, I decided to take no stand.  We would remain silent on the issues.  Our church would focus strictly on God’s love, and avoid all other topics.  Our church board agreed, that although we did not agree with many of the issues of the day, we would not speak on them.  They would hold no place in our church.  Some around us taught that God’s grace and His truth were entwined, that you could not know one without the other.  We took a different approach, only teaching God’s mercy, and leaving the rest up for interpretation. We figured if we avoided the issues, the issues would avoid us.  We believed that compromise would keep the focus of this nation from the doors of our church.

We watched in horror as many churches around us were closed.  Their doors shut because of the words that had been spoken from their pulpits.  As we prayed for these people, in the back of our minds we were just glad it was not us facing this persecution.  But when those that spoke out were silenced, society did not stop.  It was no longer enough to remain silent, it became required that these new found values had to be accepted within the walls of every church, and spoken of from the pulpit each Sunday.  Persecution was now knocking on the door of our church.”

(And Satan smiled.)

“Society and our nation now turned to me for an answer.  I tried everything I could to show those who questioned us that we were no threat.  I showed them every sermon I had given over the past several years, not a one speaking on the issues that troubled this country. But my examples were not enough.  I pleaded with them for a compromise, telling them that we would never try to interfere with how they lived their lives, if they would just let us live ours. My pleas of compromise were mocked.

I was now standing face to face with my own choice.  I would either conform my beliefs and those of my church with the values of society, or I would face the consequences that would follow.  At that moment the truth of what I had done all these years overwhelmed me.  I had compromised God, and now I was left with nothing to stand on.  My fate was not being decided today, but had been sealed years ago when I let fear drive me.  I had denied God, and placed my hope in my own understandings.  Without even realizing what I was doing,  I had fought this fight until now on the side of man, not on the side of God.  And I was about to be sentenced by man as a traitor, as I suddenly realized that I could no longer raise my sword in the air against the Lord.”

(And Satan smiled.)

 

“I will never again see my church, I will never again speak from its’ pulpit.  I do not even know what has become of it or anyone who graced its’ walls.  All I know are the dingy stones and bars that I see each day.  I spend each day reflecting on the lost opportunities of my past. I pray each day for forgiveness, and I realize that if this horrible place does not kill me, the anguish of what I have done soon will.

I now find myself alone. Contained by these four walls. Locked away because I am seen as a threat to others.  The words I once refused to speak, society is now afraid others may hear from me.  Now that I have found my voice Lord, I have no one left to speak with. Now that I have found the words, there is no one around to hear them. I now sit in the quiet, and the remembrance of my own silence is all that is left to torment me.”

(And Satan smiled.)

Before it is too late, it is time the Church rose up, and removed the smile from Satan’s face.

The Father's Day Present

Dr. Mike Murphy
June 21, 2026

As his dad entered the diner, he looked at his face as if he had never seen it before.  A face he had seen all his life, was a face he seemed to be looking at for the first time.  He noticed the gray and balding that was continuing to come his hair. And he noticed the wrinkles that were starting to form. Wrinkles, he was sure he had placed there through the years.

His life had not turned out the way he had planned.  And if was far from the life his father had wanted for him.  At seven, his mom had passed after battling for weeks with pneumonia.  But despite the devastation of the lose, his father had always been there. Each day as he grew up, his father made sure he had all he needed for school.  Was there loyally at each football and baseball game he had ever played. And each Sunday, his father was always up early, to make sure they were both ready for church.

Through the best of times and the worst of times, his father had always been there. And as he grew into his teenage years, those “worst of times” had come far more often. To say he had grown to be rebellious would be an understatement.  So often finding himself in trouble as a teen, and so often turning to his father in need of help. And as the years continued, the rebellion did not cease.  He went into the military as a young man in search of escaping all his problems, only to find it had brought to his life even greater problems. Problems that had shamefully lead to a dishonorable discharge. As he made his way back into society, he did nothing but carry those problems with him.  Problems that soon found him in even more trouble, and problems that soon found him serving time behind bars. And each time he saw trouble raise up its’ ugly head, he had asked his father to met with him, over lunch, to talk. To apologize to his father, and to ask his father for help in getting through each of those problems.

In the eight months since he had gotten out of prison, he had looked to get his life back on track.  Blessed to be able to find a good job, and blessed to find a girlfriend that had far more to offer him that the trouble that had always found him.  A woman, who each day demand more from him. And who each day, he could not imagine hurting by bringing trouble into his life again. But as he sat there that day, watching as his father entered the diner, he bowed his head, because he knew he soon had news he had to tell his father again.

As he made eye contact with his father, the biggest of smiles came to his father’s face. And soon, he found himself again in the familiar embrace of his father’s arms. As they sat at the table, passing small talk, and placing their order, he knew he could no longer put off the news he had called his father to the diner that day to tell him.

“Dad, I asked you to join me for lunch today, because I have some news I need to let you know about.”

As his father heard these words, the events of the past all came rushing back.  All the times of sadness and disappointment he had experienced each time his son had asked him to join him at this diner. And as he came this time, he had prayed that what he would see was a change.  Not a repeat, of all he had seen before.

“Chris, what has happened this time?  What trouble have you gotten into now?  So often I have prayed for you, that the Lord would find a way into your heart and guide you. So many nights I have worried about you. Not knowing if the trouble you have always found, would lead to the moment I would never be able to see you again.”

As Chris bowed his head, his father continued.  “There is so much I want for you. And there is nothing I would not give up for all to come to you.  But Chris, I just do not know if I can do this again.”

As Chris heard the words, he sat in silence.  A silence that seemed to last a lifetime. And as a lifetime passed, Chris slowly began to raise his head to speak.  “Dad, there is not enough time in a year for me to tell you all the apologies I owe you. Not enough minutes in the day for me to tell you just how sorry I am for all I have put you through.  And I am so sorry for the sorrow you now feel here today. I just wanted to get with you, as I have something I want to give to you.”

As Chris finished the words, he reached into his pocket, and pulled out a small envelope addressed to his father.  As he placed it in his father’s hands, his dad held it unsure what to do next. Unsure of how a small envelope could make this situation any better.

“Before you speak again, would you please just open it, Dad.”  As he heard the words, Frank looked again at the small envelope.  With each glance of the envelope. time stood still. He began to lift the flap from the back, only to find a small, white card placed inside, with a few simple words written on it.  Simple words, that brought tears to his eyes as he read, “This is to personally invite you Sunday to the baptism of Christopher Ryan Smith.”

As Frank sat in that diner with tears growing in his eyes, he heard his son again speak.  “Dad, I know tomorrow is Father's Day, and I could not think of a greater gift to share with you than to personally invite you to be there as I let the world see, I have given my life to Christ.  Happy Father's Day, Dad!”

In Search Of Mayberry

Dr. Mike Murphy
June 14, 2026

Being like most men, I am an expert channel surfer.  I can wear the numbers off a remote in less than a month.  As I sat the other day to talk with a long time friend, I found myself with the phone in one hand and the remote in the other.  Over two hundred and fifty channels, and I still could not find a thing to watch. As I told my friend of my dilemma, he joked with me that maybe I could find an old episode of the Andy Griffith Show.

Like so many others, I grew up watching reruns of the Andy Griffith Show.  It had often been a running joke for many of us that we would love to find Mayberry one day.  Move there, and put the worries of this world behind us. To find this simple town, where you spend the day talking with your friends and neighbors, not texting to them on the cell phone as we go about our busy lives.  A place where you not only know your neighbor’s names, but desire to help your neighbor with their needs. A town where the greatest worries involved making sure the jail cell was unlocked for Otis on weekend nights, whether Barney knew where the bullet was for his gun, and how you would find good hiding places in order to get rid of Aunt Bee’s pickles.

Mayberry takes us back to a simple, but good life.  A life where “love thy God”, and “love thy neighbor” were more than just words that had once been read on a page(Matthew 22:36-40).  A place and time where morals were not an afterthought, but a forethought. A place where right and wrong were not decided in the moment, but practiced and keep in the hearts and minds of each every moment.  A place where good was not sought in the minds of men, but looked for in the One who created the heart of man.

If we were to search this world for Mayberry today, we would spend a lifetime and not find the place or town.  In a world where so many of us seek a Mayberry, we find ourselves in a world that looks to destroy the very concept behind Mayberry.  A world we live in that is filled to the brim with confusion. A world where good is no longer sought, because it is believed to be nothing more than a passing thought.  A world where man is told to look within himself for good, instead of seeking the only One who can show him what true goodness is.

We watch as the world today seeks to define good without God.  Man looks for good in his own nature, instead of finding good in God’s standards and teachings.  Man looks to define good by his own vision, not through God's eyes, and not in relation to God’s purpose.  Famous atheist Richard Dawkins once attempted to define good and evil without God. He did it this way, “Humans have always wondered about the meaning of life...life has no higher purpose than to perpetuate the survival of DNA...life has no design, no purpose, no evil and no good, nothing but blind pitiless indifference”.  Despite the meaningless purpose that Dawkins sees life holding, look at the conclusion about life we see in his words.  In the midst of all of Dawkins words, even the most devout atheist is left trying to define and explain the impossible. If right and wrong is ultimately for survival, then right or wrong will be seen differently in every situation.  Based on Dawkins way of thinking, there could never be a standard of right or wrong that man could live by. No standard by which laws could be given, no expectation by which crime could ever be stopped. Without a standard of right and wrong, whatever I deemed necessary in my situation, could never be denied me.  The very thing I might see as right today, could well become the very thing my neighbor decides is wrong tomorrow. Without even realizing it, Dawkins has made Scripture’s point. Without God, without Him setting a standard that clearly defines good and evil, man would never know what good and evil is. Without God, man is left with nothing more than chaos as the governing force of our lives. 

As we look at the chaos of this world today, we see our society constantly seeking to explain good without God.  But when the honest man takes a moment to think, he quickly realizes where the conclusion of this argument leads.  C. S. Lewis once found himself in this very position, looking for good in every direction but “Up”. Of this, he would go on to write, “A man does not call a line crooked unless he has some idea of a straight line.”  C.S. Lewis came to the conclusion in his life, that without God, he was incapable of defining good.  That without God, he had no way of ever understanding what is good. And all this led him to realize that only in having a personal relationship with God, could he ever come to see good(Exodus 34:6, James 1;17).  Lewis came to love and understand what the Word of God tells us, “And Jesus said to him, ‘Why do you call Me good? No one is good except God alone.’”(Luke 18:19). Realizing, you cannot have good without God. You cannot know good if you do not first know God.  And you cannot see good without first seeing God. 

It is from this basic acknowledgement that only the Lord can define for us good and evil, that draws us back to the simplicity of Mayberry.  A place where we see good and evil so clearly defined. A place where our love for our Lord, and our call to love our neighbor, takes center stage.  A place that reminds us, if He is truly the love of our life, then our concern for our neighbor will be found as a priority in our life. 

Mayberry draws us back to a place where the neighbor we stand beside as we worship Him on Sunday, is still found in the thoughts and concerns of our heart come Monday.  A love for our neighbor that finds us quicker to reach out a hand to them, than to be found gossiping about them. A love that finds us looking to share what we have with them, not remembered for the grudge we held for days against them.  And a love that leads us to want to share Christ with them, because at some point in our life, a loving and faithful neighbor was willing to share Christ with us(Matthew 7:12).

Mayberry, a place of simple goodness so many of us wish we could find, a place we wish we could call home while we are here on this earth.  We would love nothing more than to be able to talk to Helen at the PTA meetings. Or to be able to step in the Barber Shop and tell Floyd “just take a little off the top”.  Or even to be able to ask Goober to check the oil as we fill up our gas tank. But as we long for this perceived utopia on this earth, we must realize that the goodness we seek does not come at the hands of man.  Mayberry is not our perfect town because of anything man has done, or because of anything a single resident of this town could do. When we watch the episodes we soon realize that the goodness we seek lies behind the scenes, in the only One who could make each of  our lives truly good! The only One who can define good. And the only One who can show us the perfection of its’ meaning!

So as I finish my story, I again pick up my remote.  And as I flip through the channels, I see so many filling the screen of my television with theories of failed logic, instead of His truth of proven wisdom.  Men and women who try to describe for me the good of this world, without the perfect hand of the One who created this world. A goodness man looks in every direction for but one, “Up”.  So once again, I find myself flipping the channels in search of Mayberry.

Praying the true definition of good will fill each of your lives! Even if it means you have to eat a couple of Aunt Bee's pickles!

Moving Day!

Dr. Mike Murphy
June 11, 2026

Among my many, many faults and shortcomings, not always asking others for prayer is near the top of that list.  I have always found it easier to pray for others than to ask them to pray for me. Looking to lead others in prayer for those around me in need, instead of directing that focus to the problems in my life.  And I must admit, it often leaves me trying to put the proverbial lipstick on a pig, With the cancer, others will frequently contact or message me, asking me, out of concern, how I am doing. And usually, I am quick to dismiss them, moving on to other subjects the first chance i get.

Recently though, the dismissals have become a lot harder, as the cancer is taking a greater toll.  Often leaving me facing struggles more each day that are increasingly difficult to put a good face on, and move the conversation away from. Showing me that one day soon, the cancer will leave me facing a permanent address change. But as that “moving day” draws nearer, I find the Lord is giving me little glimpses of what my new home is going to be like.

“But as it is written: What eye did not see and ear did not hear, and what never entered the human mind-- God prepared this for those who love Him.”(1 Corinthians 2:9). We read those words, and we think to ourselves just how glorious Heaven will be. But as we look closely at those words, we soon realize that mankind does not know a word that can come close to describing how amazing Heaven will actually be.  Heaven will be perfect, and without seeing perfection, there is just no way we can begin to describe what we think that perfection will look like. Simply put, we have nothing in this world to compare it to. Nothing in this world that gives us a glimpse of a place where suffering will be felt no more. Where conflict will no longer be seen. And where disappointment will never be experienced again. A place where temptation, and the evils of this world, will never again have a single ounce of influence on our lives.

Heaven will be a place where our friendships will be even closer, as there will be no disagreements or misunderstanding.  A place where all our relationships will be open and honest, as the complications of our sinful nature will be left behind.  Heaven will be a place where our work and our rest will go hand in hand. As we serve Him each day, our work will be found as perfect, sweeter than anything we can imagine, never leaving us bored for a single second.  And Heaven will be a place where our longing for home will finally be fulfilled. A place where our hunger to know Him more will forever be quenched, and a place where satisfaction will no longer need to be defined.

The glory of Heaven will not be felt in our anticipation, but will be known each day in His presence.  Think about that. All you know about Christ now, will pale beside being able to hear His voice speak to you each day.  And as our Lord creates a new Heaven and a new earth, we will share in that wondrous world with Him. A world of such perfection, the wolf will then live with the lamb(Isaiah 11:6-7).  A place of continuous joy, where we will be able to finally put all the pieces of the puzzle together, and realize just how perfectly all fits into His eternal plan.

As I now struggle with the cancer, and anticipate the approaching of that day, a verse from His Word continues to comfort me. “Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will hold on to you with My righteous right hand.”(Isaiah 41:10).  My life is not a measure of the ups and downs that this cancer might bring to me. My life is a sum of His love, and His undying grace. And through His love, and by His grace, I am blessed each day, to get a little glimpse of what this “moving day” soon holds for me.

Each day, the Lord gives me a glimpse of Heaven, as He blesses me to be able to look at so many of you.  Most days as I turn on my computer, or check my phone, I see or hear each of the messages all of you send me. Messages of prayer and encouragement, that ask the Lord to keep His hand of protection over me. Messages of sincerity, that come my way with all the concerns each of you have as to how I am feeling. Messages that often are nothing more than a simple picture of something you know will uplift me. Messages of stories of how Christ is working in the lives of others.  Messages of hope, that tomorrow will hold for me a better day. All messages that offer a small reflection of the true love and compassion that Heaven will offer, as you take the time out of your busy day to check on me. Giving me a glimpse of the brotherly and sisterly love that Heaven will be overflowing with.  

As so many of you send me your questions each day about Scripture, and how the Word of God applies to our life, the Lord also gives me a little glimpse of what Heaven will be like.  In each, I see your sincere desire to know more about His Word, and about our Savior. A true yearning and craving in each of you to know Him more, to know everything you can possible learn about Him.  To be feed by a truth that only He can bring us. And with each new fact you learn, you do not sit quietly on that knowledge, you look to to use it to feed others. Each new detail you learn about Him, you find yourself wanting to praise Him more.  And with each of those praises, with each desire in you to know Him more, I am blessed to get a little glimpse of what each of my coming days will soon hold.

And as I watch and hear the concern that so many of you have for this world and this Church, the Lord also gives me a little glimpse of what Heaven will be like.  I see in you a compassion for all that only He can offer. A compassion that brings you to your knees in search of the certainty that will come from His lasting answers, not just leading you to turn to your fellow man in the hope he might have a temporary solution.  A compassion that helps all around you each day to understand, true peace will only come from the Prince of Peace. And that true hope, is only found in His presence.

There is no denying, I cannot even begin to imagine or fully understand what the Lord has in Heaven waiting for me.  But as I see the compassion each of you offer, the desire each of you have to know Him more, and the hope each of you find in the presence of His arms, the Lord gives me a little glimpse of just what Heaven has waiting for me.  The slightest of glimpses at the way to spell that word that no man yet knows. The perfect word to describe all that Heaven will have to offer. But each day until that word is perfectly known to me, I thank Him for allowing me to understand the perfection of that word a little more as I see it reflected in all of you.

I pray on the day you hear that I have officially moved, you will not be saddened by my leaving.  Knowing that in my new address, I am more alive than ever. And as the days draw ever closer to my “moving day”, my mind wanders forward to the day each of you will be moving also.  A day that as you stand in His presence, and find all your questions answered, you will look over your shoulder to see someone standing there with a smile so big it will not fit on their face.  And as you look closely, I hope you will begin to realize that smile has a familiar presences. A presences that you cannot help but walk over and speak to. Because behind that biggest of smiles, you will find me!

Praying the Lord gives each of you a little glimpse of Heaven today!

The True League Of Extraordinary Gentlemen!

 

Dr. Mike Murphy

July 7, 2026

Ordinary men by the world’s standards.  The world saw nothing special or spectacular about them. They were just working men.  Not a one was a professing clergymen.  None had been called to the priesthood.  Most were considered uneducated for the day they lived. If you had decided you need a group of men to build a religion on, these would have probably been near the bottom of your list. But when Christ called them, their lives became extraordinary!

Through these “ordinary” man, Christ changed the world as we know it. They took the message of Christ to parts of the world they never thought they would have ever seen, and they touched the lives of people they could have never imagined they would have known.

So what do we know about each of these men?  Who were they, and where did they come from?  After the Ascension of Christ, what became of these men? Let us take a look at what the Bible, history, tradition, and legend tells us about these "extraordinary" men.

Andrew

The Bible tells us that Andrew was one of the first of the disciples of Christ. Along with his brother Simon Peter, Andrew was a fishermen from the city of Bethsaida.  Andrew was a follower of John the Baptist, leaving him when called to follow Christ.  Andrew was quick to recognize Jesus as the Messiah, finding his brother to let him know of the Promised One.

We can learn much about Andrew by what is not said.  Andrew was quick to lead his brother to follow Christ, but was willing to step into the background as his brother became a leader of the disciples and of the early church.  We see in Andrew a man who had a thirst for the truth in God’s Word.  We also see a fisherman who was willing to drop his own nets so he could become a fisher of men.  Andrew knew that when he found Christ, he found everything he was looking for.

Church history and tradition tells us that in Andrew’s latter ministry, he took the Good News as far as the Caspian Sea.  He later ministered in Turkey, then went on to Greece.  It was here, in Patras, Greece that Andrew was said to be crucified on a x-shaped cross. After being whipped severely, Andrew was tied to the cross in order to prolong his agony. For three days, Andrew continued to preach to all who would listen, until he finally met his death.

Bartholomew or Nathanael

The Bible tells us that Nathanael came to be a disciple in a very unusual way.  The Book of John tells us that Philip approached Nathanael, telling him to come meet the Messiah that was promised.  Nathanael replied to Philip, “Can any good thing come out of Nazareth?”  When Nathanael approached Christ, Jesus told all around him that Nathanael was without deceit, willing to follow where the truth might lead him.  When he realized who Jesus was, Nathanael was quick to call Him the Messiah(John 1:45-51).  Nathanael shows us a man who was willing to overcome his skepticism and prejudices in order to find the truth.

Church history and tradition tells us that Nathanael would take a copy of Matthew’s Gospel to India, and would latter minister in modern-day Turkey and in Armenia.  It was while preaching the message of Christ in Armenia that Nathanael would be flayed to death by a whip,

James the Son of Zebedee

Was the son of a fisherman from Capernaum.  He was a part of the inner circle of Jesus, along with his brother John and Peter.   Three times, we are told, these men witnessed events none of the other disciples saw.  James and John were referred to as ‘Sons of Thunder’(Mark 3:17) because of their feverish personalities that Christ would soon temper with love.

There are writings that claim James ministered in Spain to Jewish colonist, before returning to Jerusalem.  The Bible records James as being the first of the apostles to face death(Acts 12:2).  Herod had James killed with the sword because of his faith.  Most historians believe this occurred around 44AD.  There is an interesting legend that surrounds the death of James.  It is said that the man that gave false witness against James, leading to his death, watched as James was led to die.  As he watched, he could not believe the joy he saw in James.  He suddenly came to believe that the Savior this man had preached of must be the One True God.  This man is said to have began shouting his love for Christ as James was led to his execution.  Because of this man’s actions, legend says that he was immediately ordered to face death also, and was beheaded next to James.

James the Son of Alphaeus

Also known as James the Less.  James is only mentioned four times in the Gospels, all when listing the disciples.  Many think he was called James the Less, because he carried a lesser role than James, the brother of John.  This could not be farther from the truth!  The title ‘Lesser’ comes from the Greek word mikros, which means young or small in stature.

We know little about the ministry of James.  Many have tried to credit him with writing the Book of James.  Evidence, and most Christian scholars, believe the author of the epistle to be James, the brother of Christ.  Tradition tells us that James was crucified in Egypt while he was preaching the Gospel.

John

John was the brother of James, and the son of a fisherman from Capernaum.  John referred to himself as ‘the disciple whom Jesus loved’.  From this many refer to John as John the Beloved.  John was a part of the inner circle of Jesus.  He was the only disciple present at the trial of Jesus  and was the only disciple that is mentioned to have been present at the Cross.  Jesus entrusted John with the care of his mother(John 19:27).

John’s ministry carried tremendous weight on the early church.  He wrote the Gospel of John in a way to show all that Jesus was who He said He was.  He wrote his letters, 1, 2, and 3 John to encourage faith and to warn against false teachings.  And he was given the Book of Revelation, so we may have hope in what the future holds, and may know the signs that will signal the return of Christ to reign on this Earth.  John served the church in Jerusalem for many years, then served the church in Ephesus.  We are told that while in Ephesus, John was arrested and sent to Rome.  He was boiled alive in a large basin of oil, but escaped unharmed.  We are told he was then exiled to the island of Patmos, where he lived for several years.  Eventually John was freed, and according to early church history, lived out his life in Ephesus until his death around 98 AD. John was the only one of the apostles to die a peaceful death.

Jude or Thaddeus

Little is known of Jude, only that he is listed among the disciples.  Many credit him as the author of the Book of Jude, but most worthy scholars do not. The author of the epistle of Jude tells us he is the brother of James, in other words the half brother of Jesus, called Jude. 

Tradition says that Jude was one of the first apostles to take the message of Christ to the Gentile world.  He is said to have witnessed and preached in the area of modern day Beirut, and was said to have martyred in Edessa around the year 65 AD.

Matthew

Also known as Levi, Matthew was a tax collector or publican from Capernaum.  Matthew would have collected duties on all who wished to trade goods in the city.  Tax collectors were required to pay all taxes in advance to Rome, then would collect from all the citizens and those travelling through the city in order to reimburse themselves.  Most publicans were very corrupt, because they made themselves wealthy by extorting citizens for their own profit.  When Christ called Matthew, he experienced a life change unlike anything he could have expected.  Matthew left behind the pleasures of this world for the promise Christ showed him of an eternal life.

The ministry of Matthew greatly affected the Christian world.  He would write the Gospel of Matthew, and his past traits served him well in doing so.  As a tax collector, Matthew would have been trained to keep accurate records and to be a keen observer to details.  Matthew wrote his Gospel just this way, showing Jews and the world how Jesus had fulfilled the promises and prophecies written about the long hoped for Messiah. Writings and records show us that Matthew ministered for several years around the area of Jerusalem.  He later took the message of Christ to Ethiopia, where we are told he was martyred, stabbed to death while preaching God’s Word.

Peter

Simon, the brother of Andrew, was a fishermen from the city of  Bethsaida. Peter was a part of Jesus’ inner circle, and was considered the leader of the disciples because his is always the first name listed.  Jesus renamed him Cephas, the Aramaic word for ‘rock’.  The Greek word for ‘rock’ is ‘petros’, thus we get the name we all know, Peter.  He was a man we could all associate ourselves with. He often showed the greatest of faith, but at other times we saw in him doubt. But his faults never stopped Peter from seeking God, and following His Son.

Peter’s ministry began like no other. On the day of Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit filled the apostles, Peter became so overwhelmed that he began to preach out loud to the crowd.  About three thousand came to Christ that day, the Bible tells us(Acts 2:41-42).  God called Peter to preach to the Gentiles.  and it was Peter who told the church council in Jerusalem that the Gentiles should not have to convert to Judaism first in order to be saved(Acts 15).

Church history and tradition tells us that it was the persecution of Christians in Jerusalem that led Peter to Rome, where he is said to have also preached.  We are told that Peter was imprisoned and brutally beaten for some time.  We are told that Peter was to be crucified, but said he was unworthy to die as his Savior had.  Peter was then crucified on a x-shaped cross, upside-down, fulfilling the words Christ give to him(John 21:18).  Legend tells us, that when Peter was imprisoned and beaten, he preached daily to those who jailed him.  Despite all he suffered, he converted his jailers and forty-seven others to Christ.

Philip   

Like others, Philip was a fisherman from Bethsaida.  He was one of the first to be called to follow Christ, and we see the excitement he brought  with him.  We soon read of Philip proclaiming the Promised Messiah to others, as we see him telling the skeptical Nathanael(John 1:45-46).  We also see two examples of Philip that many of us can easily identify with.  We see Jesus testing Philip at the feeding of the five thousand(John 6:1-14).  In John 14:8-9, we see Philip not understand that Christ and God were One.  Philip sought the Savior, but could only see him by his earthly experiences.  It was only after he saw the Resurrection and the Ascension that he truly understood who Christ is.

Tradition says that Philip preached for several years in the area of Scythia, before ministering in Hierapolis in Asia Minor, modern day Turkey.  We are told it was here that Philip was martyred.  Legend says that Philip converted the the wife of the Roman proconsul in the city.  Out of anger, the proconsul ordered Philip crucified.

Simon the Zealot

Also called Simon the Canaanite, little else is told of this disciple.  But we can learn much from Simon!  Some versions will refer to Simon as the Zealot, while others will refer to him as the Canaanite.  This is not in contrast to each other, as we can probable see truth in both.  It is likely he came from the region of Canaan, which at the time had a strong presence of Zealots.  The Zealots believed that only God could rule over Judea, and looked to rebel against Rome in order to accomplish this goal.  This was tried in 66 AD during the Great Jewish Revolt, as the Zealots successfully overtook Jerusalem.  But four years later, the Romans destroyed the city and the Temple.  

We see in Simon what an incredible peace only Jesus can bring!  Among the twelve disciples we see a Zealot, and in Matthew, one who worked for the Roman government. Both came to see that the true rule of the Lord is in our heart and soul when we allow Christ and the Holy Spirit to occupy it, no matter what government man may choose.  Simon came to have a zeal for Christ, not for the desires of man!

Church history and tradition tells us that Simon left Jerusalem to minister in Egypt. Later he would minister in Persia.  It is here we are told that Simon was martyred because he refused to deny Christ, and sacrificed to the sun god.

Thomas

Thomas was also called Didymus, meaning ‘twin’ in Greek.  We are not told who this twin was.  Most of us know Thomas by the story of ‘Doubting Thomas’, where he refused to believe Christ had risen until he could see and touch the physical wounds.  Although little is known. we can learn a tremendous lesson from Thomas.  If we will honestly seek God’s Truth, even if we show our doubts and struggles, God will reveal Himself to us

Early church writings and tradition tells us that Thomas ministered throughout Syria and India.  We are told he was a fearless evangelist and was a great early church builder.  It was during one of these missionary trips to India, that Thomas was killed with the spear of a soldier.

Matthias

Little is known of Matthias, except that the Bible tells us he was chosen to replace Judas(Acts 1:12-26).  We do know a lot about Matthias from the requirements these verses tell us was necessary to be chosen to replace Judas. We are told he had to have been present during the entire ministry of Christ, and that he would have to witnessed  both the Resurrection and the Ascension.  So we know from this that Matthias was present with Christ throughout His time on this earth.

Church history tells us that Matthias ministered in the area of Armenia.  It was here that he was martyred, stoned and then beheaded.

Twelve ‘ordinary’ men who would forever go on to change the world.  Luke tells us that these men “turned the world upside down”(Acts 17:6), and that they did!  They faced every obstacle the world could throw their way, but with Christ by their side they prevailed.  They were mocked, spit on, cursed, beaten, whipped, and all but one faced their death in the most horrific of ways.  And they all did it gladly, never forgetting the call and the purpose Christ gave them.  Not a one went out into the world for his own glory, but was lead only by the truth in God’s Word. Their reward would not come in this life, but in the promise of what the future held. Their names will never be forgotten!  They will be written on the walls of the future city for all to see(Revelation 21:14)!

As we reflect back on the ministry of Christ, I hope each of you will take a moment and remember each of these men  As you do, ask yourself this question. Is the call Christ gives to us today, any less than it was when He called each of these men to follow Him?  If Christ could forever change the world with twelve ‘ordinary’ men, what could he do with twelve of us today?  What if that call today was not just twelve, but twelve hundred?  Twelve thousand? Or what if that was twelve million?.

Twelve men that most cannot tell you the names of, that much of history has forgotten.  But names we should never forget.  Men that changed this world unlike most others.   The “True League Of Extraordinary Gentlemen”!