Jerusalem- Replacement Apostle Series

Series: Biblical Cities- Jerusalem [#39]

JERUSALEM- REPLACEMENT APOSTLE

Matthew 23:37

Introduction:

We are continuing in our Series about the most mentioned City in the Bible- Jerusalem.

Matthew 23:37

In our last study, Jesus was being tried in a “Kangaroo Court” as Peter was busy denying that he knew Jesus. The Book of Acts begins with the ascension of Jesus, and they are told to wait in the Upper Room to God tells them to leave. The Apostles were led to replace Judas Iscariot. Tonight, I want us to ask the question, “What do you do when you are experiencing a loss”?

Our family has been dealing with this. I have shared with you about my son and his family raising his niece. We have been awaiting the court date to find out if they were going to keep her or be given back to her mom. We found out today that the Judge gave her back to her mom. Our family is heart broken and we will have to wait and see what the future holds.

As I talked to my son on the phone, I was reminded of a text that 1 of our members sent me- She encouraged me to see this from the mother’s perspective. It caused me to want God’s will in this situation instead of my own.

Acts 1:12-14

When experiencing a loss…

1. Pray.

While this 120 people waited in the Upper Room, they spent a lot of their time praying. It says that they constantly prayed together. I believe that this is probably the greatest downfall of the modern U.S. Church- We don’t pray like we should. I was asked by my 7 year old granddaughter, “How does God answer prayers, because I never hear Him”? What a great question.

God answers prayers…

* Through Scripture.

* Through prayer and meditation.

* Through other Christians.

* Through circumstances.

* Through visions and dreams.

When experiencing a loss…

2. Join together.

Christians, we need each other. God can use your experiences to help others go through similar challenges that you have been through. Fellowship is more than just eating together. Fellowship is meant to join us closer to one another.

Acts 1:15-22

When experiencing a loss…

3. Follow Scripture.

The Book of Psalms explained that a follower of the Messiah would betray Him and that he was to be replaced. They were obedient to the Scripture and chose 2 men. They cast lots to see which man would replace Judas Iscariot. Casting lots was a method that was used in the Old Testament to discover God’s will. Why do we not do this now? Christians have the Holy Spirit of God living within them and no longer need to cast lots, (similar to throwing dice) to know God’s will.

Acts 1:23-26

When experiencing a loss…

4. Trust God.

God chose and they followed. I do not want to make this complicated- When God answers, you have to trust Him that He knows what He is doing. It is not about you.