Who Comes Next?
Acts 1:12-26
12 Then the apostles returned to Jerusalem from the hill called the Mount of Olives, a Sabbath day’s walk from the city. 13 When they arrived, they went upstairs to the room where they were staying. Those present were Peter, John, James and Andrew; Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew; James son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James. 14 They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers.
15 In those days Peter stood up among the believers (a group numbering about a hundred and twenty) 16 and said, “Brothers and sisters, the Scripture had to be fulfilled in which the Holy Spirit spoke long ago through David concerning Judas, who served as guide for those who arrested Jesus. 17 He was one of our number and shared in our ministry.”
18 (With the payment he received for his wickedness, Judas bought a field; there he fell headlong, his body burst open and all his intestines spilled out. 19 Everyone in Jerusalem heard about this, so they called that field in their language Akeldama, that is, Field of Blood.)
20 “For,” said Peter, “it is written in the Book of Psalms:
“‘May his place be deserted;
let there be no one to dwell in it,’
and,
“‘May another take his place of leadership.’
21 Therefore it is necessary to choose one of the men who have been with us the whole time the Lord Jesus was living among us, 22 beginning from John’s baptism to the time when Jesus was taken up from us. For one of these must become a witness with us of his resurrection.”
23 So they nominated two men: Joseph called Barsabbas (also known as Justus) and Matthias. 24 Then they prayed, “Lord, you know everyone’s heart. Show us which of these two you have chosen 25 to take over this apostolic ministry, which Judas left to go where he belongs.” 26 Then they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias; so he was added to the eleven apostles.
This Sunday’s service can be viewed on our Facebook page @ Sunday, August 6, 2023
Who comes next?
When I wrote the title for the sermon this week, I smiled and laughed to myself. I thought immediately of my father in law, Bill, and one of his favorite skits- Abbott and Costello's, Who's on First? It's a chaotic skit and a silly one with a play on words all the way through. And, rather confusing too! I'm not sure they ever understood who was on first.
This week we will be studying Acts 1 again, catching up in the story of how the primitive church chose leadership, replaced Judas, and moved forward with a common goal- testifying to the Resurrection of Jesus Christ.
And, we find ourselves in the story as apostles- sent ones who are also sent out to represent and share Jesus, which is one of several descriptors of an apostle.
As the church, we are people who get to testify about Jesus- how He has changed our lives, why we live now for Him, not just ourselves. And invite others to experience Jesus for themselves.
This Sunday, we also get to enjoy awesome fellowship, Communion and some good potluck food around tables. I'm looking forward to seeing you all.
In Christ,
Pastor Kari
Email: Kari@newdaycov.org