Companions When Jesus first called His twelve disciples, He called them not primarily to be ministers, that was secondary. Neither did He call them to heal the sick, to cast out demons, or even to preach the Kingdom of Heaven, all that too was secondary. So why did he call them? His primary purpose was for them to be with Him. All these other things and more He eventually equipped them and sent them to do, but first He called them to be with Him. Mark 3:14-15 And he ordained twelve, that they should be with him... later He would send them forth to preach, and to have power to heal sicknesses, and to cast out devils. But first they were called to be with Him. The Living Bible gives it this way: "Then he selected twelve of them to be his regular companions." The twelve were called Disciples, later they were referred to as Apostles which has the meaning "sent one" or "messenger." Followers of Christ and His teachings became, and are still, known today as disciples. Jesus continues today to call us to be with Him. And when the call is answered Jesus brings eternal life, we are born again. A relationship is created and established and we become "Regular Companions." Some will tell us that we don’t have to do anything to receive salvation, and become His disciples, that Jesus saves us as soon as we respond to His call, but contrary to belief, we do have to do something, we have to respond. Revelation 3:20-22 Jesus says, "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me." Jesus does not enter a house uninvited, We do have to hear and open the door. So we have to do something? Yes, we have to answer the door. We could refuse to hear and not answer the door, but when we do answer, He enters and we become regular companions with He who stands and knocks. We also enter, into something new, we not only enter in beyond the veil, into His presence, we are seated, positionally, with Jesus on His throne and inherit all things (Rev-3 21) and He acknowledges that He is our God and we are His sons and daughters (Rev 21:7) Are you His disciple, His "regular companion"? If not what are you doing hanging out in the world? Don’t you hear that knock? Answer the door. When we were children we learned what it meant to have a best friend, someone to whom we could tell our secrets, someone we could rely on to always be on our side when we needed help. Later on those childish things seemed unimportant, but best friends always remained best friends. Even in our twilight years a best friend is a delight and a comfort. You would think that marriage would end such relationships, but it doesn’t. We all like to have a best friend, someone with whom we can talk with openly and honestly and even sometimes receive council and advice. Experiences shared by best friends help one another over some of life’s rough spots. It is always nice to have such a friend. There are, however, times and circumstances when it become unwise to burden a best friend with intimate and personal issues. A line has to be drawn somewhere or the best friend relationship is likely to come to an abrupt and regretful ending. Where does one turn for help and council when big trouble is on the horizon? More than just a best and understanding friend is needed when your children are involved with drugs, crime, adultery, suicidal tendencies, or just plain rebellion. Or perhaps the marriage is in big trouble. Of course the world says get professional help, find a psychiatrist. Even a best friend may advise that. There is, in all probability, some very good professional help to be had, but we have seen the results of a few others that create more problems than they solve. When all else fails, read the directions. Great! And just where does one find these directions? Most likely in a book laying around the house somewhere called The Holy Bible. The Bible is sometimes referred to as the "Manufacturer’s Hand Book" We buy a new car or some electronic devise, for example, and it comes with an operating manual, so what’s wrong with an operating manual for proper operation of the machine we live inside of? Oh, but that’s religion, and besides who can understand the Bible with all the Thees, Thous , and begats? I did talk with the pastor, and he was very nice and understanding, but all he wanted to talk about was Jesus and what He could do for me. I don’t think he realizes how serious my problems are. I want solutions for some real problems not religious or spiritual advice. I have people living under my roof that need help and they don’t even see it, and the pastor wants me to find help in a two thousand year old book or listen to him who has never been married or experienced the kind of problems I have, Give me a break! Have we tried talking things over with the one who wants to be our best friend, our confidant, our trusted, constant, and "Regular Companion," the one, and the only one, that knows all the answers and has all the solutions and stands at the door ready able and willing to do for us what no mortal man can do. We need to be reminded that He is the giver and Sustainer of life and cares for us more than we can possibly know. Let this be a gentle reminder that we need to renew our trust in Him and dependance on Him every day. When man advises and instructs us, and at the same time we hear that still small voice of our "Regular Companion" telling us something, we need to ask ourselves, who should we believe? And move out smartly, in that direction, with positive assurance.

And Jesus walked in the temple in Solomon's porch John 10:23 ...
and they were all with one accord in Solomon's porch Acts 5:12

Auts and Pauline

Read an open letter from Auts on The events of September 11

Read Auts letters on Repentance, Redemption and Forgiveness

Read some of Auts Prior Porch Issues

Read a remarkable account of Jesus’ intervention and healing of Auts Why the Sad Countenance

Read a paper on tithing  by Arthur L. Manning 3rd