Devoted to Prayer

Introduction

Acts 1:12–26 HCSB

12 Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mount called the Mount of Olives, which is near Jerusalem—a Sabbath day’s journey away. 13 When they arrived, they went to the room upstairs where they were staying: Peter, John, James, Andrew, Philip, Thomas, Bartholomew, Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, Simon the Zealot, and Judas the son of James. 14 All these were continually united in prayer, along with the women, including Mary the mother of Jesus, and His brothers. 15 During these days Peter stood up among the brothers —the number of people who were together was about 120—and said: 16 “Brothers, the Scripture had to be fulfilled that the Holy Spirit through the mouth of David spoke in advance about Judas, who became a guide to those who arrested Jesus. 17 For he was one of our number and was allotted a share in this ministry.” 18 Now this man acquired a field with his unrighteous wages. He fell headfirst and burst open in the middle, and all his insides spilled out. 19 This became known to all the residents of Jerusalem, so that in their own language that field is called Hakeldama (that is, Field of Blood). 20 “For it is written in the Book of Psalms: Let his dwelling become desolate; let no one live in it; and Let someone else take his position. 21 “Therefore, from among the men who have accompanied us during the whole time the Lord Jesus went in and out among us— 22 beginning from the baptism of John until the day He was taken up from us—from among these, it is necessary that one become a witness with us of His resurrection.” 23 So they proposed two: Joseph, called Barsabbas, who was also known as Justus, and Matthias. 24 Then they prayed, “You, Lord, know the hearts of all; show which of these two You have chosen 25 to take the place in this apostolic service that Judas left to go to his own place.” 26 Then they cast lots for them, and the lot fell to Matthias. So he was numbered with the 11 apostles.

Opening Prayer

Recap last weeks sermon

Last week we looked at how Jesus before He ascended back into Heaven gave the Apostles a mission. That mission was to be His witnesses anywhere and everywhere that they found themselves. That same mission is passed from the Apostles to the churches they founded and cared for, and we too are recipients of that same mission.

So Castlewood has its mission: Be witnesses of Jesus’ resurrection.

Today we are looking at two more components of the early church’s DNA, Discerning God’s will through Scripture and Prayer.

How do we know what God’s will is?

#1 God has revealed His will in the Bible

Peter based on scripture Peter declares the need to replace Judas. He knew that this was God’s will.

Psalm 69:25 HCSB

25 Make their fortification desolate; may no one live in their tents.

Psalm 109:8 HCSB

8 Let his days be few; let another take over his position.

So we know that God reveals His will through His Word (the Bible). This is why we give Scripture primary authority in our lives.

We have already seen what some of those things are in His will.

Discipleship

Missions/evangelism

Baptism and the Lord’s Supper

Wait, wait, wait, its not that simple is it?

Yes and No.

God does reveal His will in the Bible however not every specific detail is there.

We know through the Bible God’s design for marriage, but not who the specific person is.

We know we need to be hard working and not lazy, but not what career or job to take.

We know that we are to be in fellowship with other believers, but not what specific church to join.

We know we are to make disciples, but don’t know who.

We know we are to share the Gospel, but don’t know who will be saved.

So are we just not supposed to know the specifics of certain things?

#2 God reveals His will through Prayer.

So our first place in seeking to discern God’s will is scripture.

Scripture will answer the question of “What is God’s will for __________.” However like some of the examples above you may walk away with a biblical principle in which we then take that to God in prayer.

Notice how the disciples knew from God’s word that they needed to replace Judas. However they did not know the name of the man who was to replace him, that is until they prayed.

When we have the order right we are able to proceed in wisdom and rightly discern God’s will for our lives and His church. God lead the disciples to Matthias and God will lead you and our church to live in His will.

Application for our Church

We will maintain our unity through our devotion to prayer.

Join our corporate prayer time and/or the Prayer Team. Over the next month we will be revamping our Prayer Ministry.

Starting in June we will be moving our corporate prayer time to Sunday AM at 8:15 AM. Our Prayer team will be trained will be seen as warriors! We will introduce other prayer events and activities.

The Bible will remain or primary source of authority.

As we seek direction from God the first place we will turn to is the Bible.

We will teach people from it and challenge people to grow in it.

Application for You

How’s your prayer life? Consider joining our praying the Bible Class.

How’s your knowledge of Scripture? How’s your application of scripture?

Are you living your life through the lens of scripture?

Where do you go first when you are trying to “figure” something out?

When trying to discern the will of God follow these steps:

What does God’s whole counsel say about it? (Don’t just pick one verse) Gather all the information pertinent to the situation. Do your homework. Like the disciples did in choosing a qualified candidate.

Pray and ask God to reveal to you His will for the situation.

Trust that God is sovereign over your decision.

Make a decision

Go with it

What is a decision you are currently needing discernment for right now?

Is it about your employment. or a Job you want.

A move your making.

Is it about how to best use your retirement.

how to raise your kids.

Join this church.

Get baptized.

or maybe you’ve been wrestling with God and your relationship with Him.

Maybe you’ve wandered and you need to get back and realign your life back to His will and plan for your life.

Maybe you came here knowing you didn’t have Christ in your life, but today you are ready to surrender all of yourself and to make Jesus the Lord of your life like John John did.

Whatever your decision is this morning will you be bold and courageous and come. I am here we have some deacons here. We are here for prayer or any decision you want to make today. for those online, hit the respond button and let me know what decision you are making today and i will follow up with you.