12 Apostles: James Son Of Alphaeus

G. TRADITION

1. Tradition says that James the son of Alphaeus preached in Palestine and Egypt. Philip Schaff adds he was crucified at Ostrakine in Lower Egypt, where he was preaching the Gospel [History of the Apostolic Church, page 389. Citing Nikephoros, Historia Ecclesiastica II:40.]

2. ILLUS.: JAMES FOLLOWED JESUS!

a. A missionary society wrote to David Livingstone and asked, "Have you found a good road to where you are? If so, we want to know how to send other men to join you."

b. Livingstone wrote back, "If you have men who will come only if they know there is a good road, I don't want them. I want men who will come if there is no road at all." Good News Broadcaster, April, 1985, p. 12.

3. James was obedient to go and preach the gospel. His apostolic symbol is a fuller’s club, probably a reference to the manner of the Lord’s brother’s death, another confusion of the 2 James’.

CONCLUSION

A. ILLUSTRATION: POWER OF COMMITMENT

1. A young boy by the name of James had a desire to be the most famous manufacturer and salesman of cheese in the world.

2. He began with a little buggy pulled by a pony named Paddy. He would drive down the streets of Chicago to sell the cheese. After months, he began to despair because he was not making any money despite of his long hours.

3. One day he stopped and began to talk to his pony, "Paddy, there’s something wrong. We’re not doing it right. I think our priorities aren’t where they ought to be. Maybe we ought to serve God and place him first in our lives."

4. The boy drove home and made a covenant that for the rest of his life he would first serve God and then would work as God directed.

5. Years later, the young boy, now a man, became the Sunday School Superintendent at a Church in Chicago and said, "I’d rather be the Church Sunday School Superintendent than to head the greatest corporation in America. My first job is serving Jesus."

6. So, every time you take a take a bite of

a. Philadelphia Cream cheese,

b. sip a cup of Maxwell House,

c. mix a quart of Kool-Aid,

d. slice up a DiGiorno Pizza,

e. cook a pot of Macaroni & Cheese,

f. spread some Grey Poupon,

g. stir a bowl of Cream of Wheat,

h. slurp down some Jell-O,

i. eat an Oreo cookie or Stove Top, remember this boy and his pony, and the promise James L. Kraft made to serve God and work as He directed.

B. THE CALL

1. Let’s determine to follow Jesus as this common disciple did, and left an uncommon heritage.

2. Prayer for commitment & salvation.