Acts 1:15-26 "The Twelfth Apostle"

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Please turn in your Bibles to Acts 1, we are covering VSS 15-26 today.

Last time we were together, we read Jesus’ final instructions to His disciples…

V4 says “He commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the Promise of the Father...” which Jesus titled “The Baptism With the Holy Spirit.”

And, they obeyed… In Acts 1:12-14 we read last week… “Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a Sabbath day’s journey. 13 And when they had entered, they went up into the upper room where they were staying: Peter, James, John, and Andrew; Philip and Thomas; Bartholomew and Matthew; James the son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot; and Judas the son of James. 14 These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers.”

All obeying Jesus’ command… all waiting for the Baptism With the Holy Spirit.

And, that’s where we pick up today… which leads us to a controversial passage where Peter addresses 120 disciples… citing Scripture that a Twelfth Apostle must be selected.

But, is it Matthias or Paul? Most scholars I read and listen to choose Matthias over Paul.

I have historical considered Paul as the Twelfth Apostle, but as I studied through this passage, I am now on the fence… and frankly leaning hard towards Matthias. But, I see good points for both views.

Today, I am going to present arguments for both Matthias and Paul, but I strongly encourage you…

“Be a Berean”… ‘search the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things are so.’

And, let me remind you, this passage is not core to Christian Doctrine… we are not to divide over this passage.

And, whether Peter was correct -or- incorrect in choosing Matthias… either way, there are great applications for us today.

I was blessed as I pondered these things, and I pray you are blessed today as well.

The Title of Today’s message is “The Twelfth Apostle.”

Let’s Pray!

Acts 1:15-26 “And in those days Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples (altogether the number of names was about a hundred and twenty), and said, 16 “Men and brethren, this Scripture had to be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit spoke before by the mouth of David concerning Judas, who became a guide to those who arrested Jesus; 17 for he was numbered with us and obtained a part in this ministry.” 18 (Now this man purchased a field with the wages of iniquity; and falling headlong, he burst open in the middle and all his entrails gushed out. 19 And it became known to all those dwelling in Jerusalem; so that field is called in their own language, Akel Dama, that is, Field of Blood.)20 “For it is written in the Book of Psalms:‘Let his dwelling place be desolate,And let no one live in it’;and,‘Let another take his office.’ 21 “Therefore, of these men who have accompanied us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, 22 beginning from the baptism of John to that day when He was taken up from us, one of these must become a witness with us of His resurrection.” 23 And they proposed two: Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias. 24 And they prayed and said, “You, O Lord, who know the hearts of all, show which of these two You have chosen 25 to take part in this ministry and apostleship from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place.” 26 And they cast their lots, and the lot fell on Matthias. And he was numbered with the eleven apostles.

Before we begin to dissect this passage… let’s first observe some admirable traits of the disciples.

First, it’s worthy to note that these disciples were obedient to following Jesus.

In His three years of earthly ministry, Jesus went all over the place… Galilee, Samaria, Judea, Perea, Gadara, Caesarea… they followed Jesus all over…

And, now, He leads and they follow as they wait in Jerusalem.

And, this blessed me… and it should challenge us all.

You see, these disciples left their careers… left their homes… their loved ones… their home towns… ALL to follow Jesus.

When Jesus grabs a hold of your life… when He grabs a hold of your heart… when He saves and changes you…

How can you resist when He says, “Follow Me”?

Second, observe that these disciples were dedicated to one another and to prayer. Jump back to V14 “These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication… ”

Note a few words in V14- “continued”… “one accord”… “prayer and supplication.”

Continued meaning “continually devoting themselves.”

They were devoted to prayer and supplication…

Prayer (which is a general term for praying)…

And supplication (which is a petition for one’s needs)…

And, look HOW they did it… with “one accord” by def. mean “with one mind” or “unanimous.”

Repeatedly in Acts we will see the disciples described as being in “one accord.”

This unique Greek word, helps us understand the uniqueness of the Christian community.

It’s a compound of two words meaning to "rush along" and "in unison".

One scholar wrote, “The image is almost musical; a number of notes are sounded which, while different, harmonize in pitch and tone. As the instruments of a great concert under the direction of a concert master, so the Holy Spirit blends together the lives of members of Christ's church.”

The words “one accord” should remind us how we are the hands and feet of Christ… different parts… but, one body.

The early church was men and women who were harmonious… and dedicated to prayer.

Still so important for us today.

Third, note that these were people of the word.

While waiting in Jerusalem for the Promise of the Father, in VSS 15-16, we see that Peter stands up, and he cites Scripture…

Peter bases His decision in the word… and it’s an accurate citation from the Psalms…

A passage Peter would know by reading Scripture.

And, whether Peter was right or wrong in this passage today… he was certainly right in using Scripture as a basis for his decision.

And, this should challenge us all… when we have big decisions in life… how do we make them?

By human logic? By emotion? Desire? By what makes financial sense?

If this is your method, and you don’t invite God in… you may be better casting lots.

It’s vital that we allow God’s Spirit to lead, pray and find confirmation in His word.

So, let’s take and apply these three lessons from the disciples.

Let’s be a people that Follow Jesus.

Let’s be a people “who continue with one accord in prayer and supplication.”

And, let’s be a people who make decisions as guided by God’s Holy Spirit, prayer, and His word.

Well, let’s now look at this passage verse by verse… starting with V15…

Acts 1:15 “And in those days Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples (altogether the number of names was about a hundred and twenty), and said…”

In those days… those days after Jesus’ death, burial, resurrection, and ascension…

Now back in Jerusalem… waiting on the Promise of the Father…

In those 10 days of waiting… we know it was 10 days because…

There are 50 days between Passover and Pentecost…

Acts 1:3 states Jesus was seen forty days. From Passover to Ascension was 40 days. And, from Ascension to Pentecost (Acts 2:1)… 10 days.

10 days of waiting done well by the disciples, as discussed earlier, and as seen in…

Luke 24:52-53, “And they worshiped Him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy, 53 and were continually in the temple praising and blessing God. Amen.”

I especially appreciate the disciples waited well in these days.

There are times in life where God tells you to wait, BUT this doesn’t mean to stand idle and do nothing.

Jesus understood even at age 12… remember when Mary & Joseph lost Jesus and found Him three days later. He was “…in the temple in the midst of teachers, both listening to them and asking them questions.”

Remember what Jesus said to His parents?

Luke 2:49 “Why did you seek Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father’s business?”

Jesus had many years to wait before His ministry began, but while He was waiting… He was about His Father’s business.

That’s waiting well. And, that’s what we see with the disciples here in Acts.

So, as they wait, Peter… who is a man of action… stands and speaks to these 120 disciples… V16…

Acts 1:16-17 “Men and brethren, this Scripture had to be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit spoke before by the mouth of David concerning Judas, who became a guide to those who arrested Jesus; 17 for he was numbered with us and obtained a part in this ministry.”

One thing that was obviously on the mind of the disciples during these ten days of waiting, was Judas Iscariot.

No doubt they were wrestling with a number of emotions surrounding Judas’ betrayal of Jesus… and his betrayal of their friendship.

Plus, there was no chance to reconcile, because he then killed himself.

And, perhaps this is where Peter is… trying to reconcile these things… and then this fisherman has amazing insights from the word.

And, it was amazing… Peter had no formal training, yet he was able to connect this life circumstance… the betrayal of Judas to a specific scriptures… and speak with authority that these were fulfilled in Judas’ betrayal.

And, it seems he was correct, but Peter didn’t come up with these insights on his own.

So, how did Peter do these things?

First, in Acts 4:13 when the Jewish High Council / the Sandhedrin observed Peter and John, we read, “Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated and untrained men, they marveled. And they realized that they had been with Jesus.”

For three years they had followed Jesus… heard His teachings… the living word speaking the written word…

They were being washed… cleansed… molded into the image of the Son… sanctified for three years.

In John 20:22, Jesus “…breathed on them, and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit.”

Any reception of the Holy Spirit… in part or in full is helpful.

And, probably most significant as to why Peter linked the Psalms as fulfilled in Judas is because prior to His ascension, Jesus opened the understanding of the disciples to fulfilled OT Messianic scriptures.

In Luke 24:44-45, Jesus said, “These are the words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things must be fulfilled which were written in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms concerning Me.” 45 And He opened their understanding, that they might comprehend the Scriptures.”

Peter wasn’t yet baptized with the Holy Spirit, but He had been with Jesus.

And, if you are spending time with Jesus… if you are in His word… even if you are uneducated and untrained…

Jesus will open your understanding… and make you a bold witness for Him… and people will marvel… and God will be glorified.

In VSS 18-19, Peter recounts the suicide of Judas… with T.M.I. … if I might say…

But, he was a fisherman… being gentle and PC was not who he was…

Acts 1:18-19 “(Now this man purchased a field with the wages of iniquity; and falling headlong, he burst open in the middle and all his entrails gushed out. 19 And it became known to all those dwelling in Jerusalem; so that field is called in their own language, Akel Dama, that is, Field of Blood.)”

Judas was paid thirty pieces of silver to betray and deliver Jesus to the chief priests (Matt 26:14)… which Judas did when he led a cohort of Roman soldiers, officers from the chief priests and Pharisees to Gethsemane… where they arrested Jesus.

We read in Matt 27:3-8 “Then Judas, His betrayer, seeing that He had been condemned, was remorseful and brought back the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders, 4 saying, “I have sinned by betraying innocent blood.” And they said, “What is that to us? You see to it!” 5 Then he threw down the pieces of silver in the temple and departed, and went and hanged himself. 6 But the chief priests took the silver pieces and said, “It is not lawful to put them into the treasury, because they are the price of blood.” 7 And they consulted together and bought with them the potter’s field, to bury strangers in. 8 Therefore that field has been called the Field of Blood to this day.”

Judas was paid to betray Jesus, but later threw the silver pieces into the Temple. The priests could not accept the blood money into their treasury, so they purchased with Judas’ money the potter’s field… the Field of Blood. Therefore, Judas indirectly purchased this field since it was with his betrayal money.

Now how Judas died is a bit of a mystery… the word “hanging” in Matthew 27 means “to strangle,” so that leads some scholars to think “rope.”

But, in Acts 1 Peter stated Judas fell “headlong” or “head first” and his intestines gushed out.

A person who hangs themselves by a rope jumps feet first… not head first.

Which gives credence to the theory that Judas impaled himself… jumping onto a spear… and ripped his belly open…

Whatever the case… we have a fellowship lunch later, so I don’t want to go too far down this trail.

So… moving on… in V20, Peter cites two Psalms as proof texts to replace the office of Apostle that Judas left vacant.

Acts 1:20 “For it is written in the Book of Psalms: ‘Let his dwelling place be desolate, And let no one live in it’; and, ‘Let another take his office.’

Psalm 69:25 reads, “Let their dwelling place be desolate; Let no one live in their tents.”

This is an imprectory Psalm of David where he pronounces curses against his enemies. There are Messianic foreshadowings in this Psalm…

And, as king David was betrayed… King Jesus was also betrayed… therefore… Peter connects this Messianic Psalm to Judas’ betrayal of Jesus.

The second Psalm Peter quotes serves as the justification to choose another Apostle… Psalm 109:8 reads, “Let his days be few, And let another take his office.”

Another imprecatory Psalm written by David, which Peter applies to the betrayal of Jesus by Judas.

It’s amazing that Peter connected these verses as fulfilled in Judas’ betrayal of Jesus.

But, we know the disciples were following Jesus… they were in prayer… and Jesus opened their understanding to Scripture… specifically fulfilled OT scripture in Him.

So, many good scholars trust these verses and the criteria for choosing the Twelfth Apostle… as accurate and reliable.

Other scholars, are skeptical of Peter’s actions here, and look back to the last command of Jesus in Acts 1:4 where Jesus “… commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the Promise of the Father…”

Jesus told them to wait. Jesus never instructed, “Hey, and while you are waiting… come up with the criteria for and elect a Twelfth Apostle for Me.”

Well, let’s look at this criteria in V21…

Acts 1:21 “Therefore, of these men who have accompanied us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, 22 beginning from the baptism of John to that day when He was taken up from us, one of these must become a witness with us of His resurrection.”

So, the Twelfth Apostle must have met two criteria…

First, he must have been a disciple during Jesus’ entire three years ministry… from baptism to the Ascension.

Second, he must have witnessed Jesus’ resurrection… which is a keystone to our Christian faith.

Those in favor of Matthias as the Twelfth Apostle use this criteria as a proof against Paul… for Paul did not meet this criteria.

Those in favor of Paul, would question how Peter even came up with this criteria in the first place.

Now, if Peter was wrong here, (which I’m not sure that he was)… but, if he was… it’s a great reminder for us to wait on the Lord and be obedient to His instruction.

When I think of Peter, I can’t help but remember the many times he was out of order… speaking before thinking… a man of action, but not very calculated.

“Ready, fire, aim” could have been his motto.

Peter amazingly walked on water, but his faith waned and he sank. Jesus said to Peter, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?”

Peter rebuked Jesus’ prediction that He would die and rise again. Then, Jesus rebuked Peter “Get behind Me, Satan! You are an offense to Me, for you are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men.”

At the Mount of Transfiguration, Peter suggested setting up tents for Jesus, Moses, and Elijah. From Heaven, the Father Himself interrupted Peter with a bright cloud and a voice that came out of the cloud, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him!”

And, now… PRE-PENTECOST… this same Peter… who is not yet baptized with the Holy Spirit… stands, cites scripture, and chooses criteria for the Twelfth Apostle.

So, I understand the argument that Peter was yet once again… ahead of God.

There are times in life, when God clearly leads you down a path… just as Jesus commanded the disciples “… not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the Promise of the Father…”

And, we can wait well… do all the things the disciples were doing… follow Jesus… be in one accord… be about the Father’s business, BUT there is a danger when we start to add our own good ideas.

And, this passage feels a bit like the same old Peter… trying to help Jesus out… like when Peter tried to save Jesus and cut off Malchus’ ear at the Garden of Gethsemane.

Jesus said to Peter, Matt 26:52-54 “Put your sword in its place, for all who take the sword will perish by the sword. 53 Or do you think that I cannot now pray to My Father, and He will provide Me with more than twelve legions of angels? 54 How then could the Scriptures be fulfilled, that it must happen thus?”

Jesus had things under control. His arrest… death… burial… resurrection… it had to happen to fulfill scripture.

Jesus didn’t need Peter’s help. Jesus could have prayed and the Father could have sent enough angels to wipe out the entire earth’s population.

And, now, Scripture must again be fulfilled… there must be a Twelfth Apostle… Peter was right about that, but were the disciple ahead of God in their choosing?

I’m not sure that they were, but that’s an argument for Paul.

Peter very likely remembered back to when the Rich Young Ruler walked away sorrowful when Jesus told him to “… sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven ; and come, follow Me.”

We read in Matt 19:27-28 “Then Peter answered and said to Him, “See, we have left all and followed You. Therefore what shall we have?” 28 So Jesus said to them, “Assuredly I say to you, that in the regeneration, when the Son of Man sits on the throne of His glory, you who have followed Me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.”

Peter was right that there must be a Twelfth Apostle. But, did Jesus need Peter’s help in making the choice of the Twelfth Apostle?

And, the application for us today is clear. Be obedient to how God leads you… but, be careful when you think your good ideas will add to God’s commands.

Or, Jesus may have to put Malchus’ ear back on for your mistake as well.

Well, let’s take a look at the candidates… VSS 23-25

Acts 1:23-25 “And they proposed two: Joseph [meaning “May God add”] called Barsabas [meaning “Son of Abba”], who was surnamed Justus [Just / Righteous; quite the selection of names], and Matthias [meaning “Gift of God”].

Judging by their names… they are both great candidates.

Of the 120 disciples in this large upper room, these two men are narrowed down.

Both had been with Jesus from the beginning of His ministry, and witnessed all of it… including His resurrection and ascension.

Amazing that this is the first time we hear their names. They are probably wonderful brothers in the Lord, and I look forward to meeting them one day in heaven. I want to hear their stories.

Side-note on “Stories”: In my work with Youth For Christ, one of the most simple ways of building relationships with teens starts with the question, “Tell me your story.”

It’s a powerful request that builds a bridge… builds trust… expresses sincere interest… and helps us to understand the other person… so we can love them better.

Try it out. “Tell me your story.”

Well, back to these two disciples… Justus and Matthias.

Proponents for Paul would argue that Peter and the disciples are limiting God in His choice… and they have a point.

How many times in life have we given God and either/or option… “Which one God… Door #1 or Door #2?”

But God often reveals to us something totally different.

And the point is… you can’t limit God. When you are seeking Him… pray and present all that you know before Him, but also be prepared that God may move in a way that you completely do not anticipate.

And, what we know about Paul is that he is specifically chosen by Jesus in Acts 9… as Jesus appeared to Paul on the road to Damascus. Jesus instructed the disciple Ananias in a vision to find Saul of Tarsus… and lay hands on him so he may receive his sight.

Ananias is a bit hesitant because Saul persecuted the church, and then we read in Acts 9:15 "But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel.”

Paul would also open his letter to the Galatians… Gal 1:1 “Paul, an apostle (not from men nor through man, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father...”

Strong points for Paul as the Twelfth.

But, let me put my “Matthias hat back on” and raise another question… Was Paul appointed to the office of an Apostle (as in the Twelve Apostles)… or was he called more generically as an Apostle which means “to send out.”

The closest word we can find in the bible for a modern “Missionary” is Apostle… as Missionaries are ‘sent out ones.’ And, certainly, this was Paul’s calling.

The Bible lists many Apostles who are not part of the closed office of the Twelve Apostles:

Barnabas (Acts 14:14)

Andronicus and Junia (Rom 16:7)

Apollos (1 Cor 4:6-9)

James, Jesus’ half-brother (Gal 1:19)

Epaphroditus (Phil 2:25)

Silvanus and Timothy (1 Thes 1:1 and 2:6)

There are even unnamed Apostles. One article I read listed 25 confirmed Apostles in the Bible.

So, there is a valid argument that Paul was an Apostle, as in a “sent one,” but did not hold the office as one of the Twelve Apostles.

But, what about the lives of Paul and Matthias?

Matthias disappears into obscurity… never again mentioned in scripture, and the fruit of Paul’s labors are well evident.

But, is Matthias’ obscurity enough to disqualify him?

If obscurity disqualifies, what about the rest of the Apostles who are relatively obscure? Are they disqualified?

The Book of Acts does not focus on the ministries of most of the Apostles.

Peter’s ministry is prominent.

John is listed accompanying and ministering with Peter.

James is mentioned as martyred in Acts 12:2.

All eleven Apostles are listed in Acts 1:13 by name only, but most of their ministries are not mentioned… except in Church History.

And, there are various traditions for Matthias as well…

The most popular tradition holds he died as a martyr for Christ in Ethiopia…

But, I think the most compelling reason why I flipped from thinking Paul is the Twelfth Apostle to Matthias… is what I read in scripture.

And, this should always be our basis. What does the word say?

Who cares what I think… or how I feel… or about popular public opinion… what does the word say? That should be our world view… a biblical world view.

And, related to Paul and Matthias, there are several scriptures that refer to a complete list of Twelve Apostles prior to Saul’s conversion.

When Paul was still Saul and persecuting the church… twelve is the number of the Apostles in Scripture.

After Judas betrayed Jesus and died… we often read about “the eleven.” But, listen to these verses…

On the day of Pentecost, we read Acts 2:14 “But Peter, standing up with the eleven…”

Peter plus 11 Apostles = 12 Apostles.

When choosing deacons, in Acts 6:2 we read, “Then the twelve summoned the multitude of the disciples and said, “It is not desirable that we should leave the word of God and serve tables.”

Paul is still Saul at this point, and Twelve Apostles are present.

And, later, Paul himself distinguishes himself from the Twelve.

Speaking about Jesus’ resurrection appearances, Paul wrote in 1 Cor 15:5-8 “He was seen by Cephas, then by the twelve. [the Apostolic office] 6 After that He was seen by over five hundred brethren at once, of whom the greater part remain to the present, but some have fallen asleep. 7 After that He was seen by James, then by all the apostles. [the Apostolic calling, but not office] 8 Then last of all He was seen by me also, as by one born out of due time.”

Paul… not listed with the Twelve… born out of due time… meaning Paul’s birth was “untimely” by def.

It’s the idea of a premature birth as compared to a full term birth.

Paul’s conversion was not in sync with Jesus’ earthly ministry. This gives credence to the criteria Peter listed earlier in VSS 21-22.

These verses are compelling biblical evidence that Matthias is more likely the Twelfth Apostle.

But, do you know how we will know for certain? The New Jerusalem.

After the Millennial Reign of Christ, Eternity is ushered in. And, we read this description of the city- the New Jerusalem…

Rev 21:14 “Now the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and on them were the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.”

When we get to heaven, go check out the foundations of the New Jerusalem and see who’s name is written… Matthias or Paul. That’s how you’ll know for sure.

But, in this lifetime, make sure you get to heaven first.

If you don’t know Jesus… if you’ve never accepted Him as Lord. If you’ve never prayed that pray welcoming Him into your life… let today be that day!

Well, let’s wrap up looking at VSS 24-26…

Acts 1:24-26 “And they prayed and said, “You, O Lord, who know the hearts of all, show which of these two You have chosen 25 to take part in this ministry and apostleship from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place. 26 And they cast their lots, and the lot fell on Matthias. And he was numbered with the eleven apostles.”

They were continually in prayer, but here… once again they pray…

Always good to bath big decisions in prayer.

These verses are steeped in trusting in the sovereignty of God. If God wanted the process to stop… it would have stopped.

But, we never see this decision of choosing Matthias contested or condemned elsewhere in scripture.

Proponents for Paul argue against casting lots as a valid means to determine God’s will… and I would agree that today, with the giving of the Holy Spirit, having God’s word, and prayer… we should not flip coins, roll dice, or draw straws to determine God’s will.

But, consider that this was Pre-Pentecost… the Holy Spirit had not yet been given. So, they go back to a practice the Lord utilized many times in Scripture…

Read Numbers, the land was divided by lots.

God’s will and some of the Temple offices were determined by casting lots in Joshua 18 & 1 Chron 24.

The Urim and the Thummim in Exo 28 and Lev 8 are thought to be some kind of method to determine God’s will similar to lots.

Again, God’s sovereignty is on display because we read in Pro 16:33 “The lot is cast into the lap, But its every decision is from the LORD.”

The lot was cast, but God sovereignly determined the outcome.

And, I well pleased to know that this is the last time we see lots cast in the Bible… which I don’t think is an accident…

I think this is intentional to close out this practice… because what will we see next week?

Acts Chapter 2… The Holy Spirit descends!

The disciples will forever be changed by God’s overflowing Spirit that empowers them.

Lots were no longer be needed because God Himself now indwells us.

And, we can determine His will as we… Follow Jesus… wait… pray… are in His word… are in one accord… and are led by His Holy Spirit.

Amen? Let’s Pray!

Communion Reading: 1 Cor 11:23-29

“...the Lord Jesus on the same night in which He was betrayed took bread; 24 and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, “Take, eat; this is My body which is broken for you; do this in remembrance of Me.” 25 In the same manner He also took the cup after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood. This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.” 26 For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death till He comes. 27 Therefore whoever eats this bread or drinks this cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. 28 But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of the bread and drink of the cup. 29 For he who eats and drinks in an unworthy manner eats and drinks judgment to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body.”

Please distribute the elements...

Communion is a time for us to look three directions…

We look back remembering Jesus’ sacrifice… His broken body and shed blood for the remission of our sins.

His new covenant. Salvation by faith and in grace.

Look forward in hope of His imminent return… we proclaim the Lord’s death till He comes. He is coming.

Finally, look inward… and, examine yourself…take communion in a worthy manner.

This is your time to do business with God.

Once you have prayed… take the communion elements individually.

Our worship team will play one worship song, and then close us in prayer.

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If you have never accepted Jesus as Lord...

...either let the cup pass and do not partake in communion -or- the better option...

...accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior today.

Pray to God and tell Him you believe in Jesus and accept Him as your Lord and Savior, and ask for forgiveness.

...then take communion. And, be sure to let us know. Salvation is something to celebrate!