Today we are going to continue the sermon series on the Twelve Apostles by examining the life of Matthew “the tax collector.” Before I begin, I want to acknowledge that the book “Twelve Ordinary Men” by John MacArthur was used as the foundation for this sermon series. The choices we make in life often define our character far more than our circumstances. When we make choices in life that not even the “heathen” can live with, shame and guilt come rushing in and as the tides of unworthiness flow into our souls all hope for acceptance, love and validation are soon drowned in a pit of sorrow! We have all made mistakes that are so heinous that we are left wondering if we would ever be forgiven and allowed to serve in God’s kingdom! As a despicable, vile, unprincipled and shrewd tax collector Matthew felt he was beyond salvation and yet the Son of God Himself not only forgave but granted him a position as one of His twelve disciples! The following paragraphs are going to describe the life of Matthew and in doing so suggest that God’s grace has no boundaries and as such no one is beyond redemption!