Memory Verse
"It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up." (Ephesians 4:11-12)
Introduction
Every story has a beginning, and yours goes all the way back to the disciples. One disciple in particular, Peter, is a big figure in the Church. He's depicted in paintings, he wrote a couple of books in the New Testament, and it's said he has this sweet gig a the pearly gates. But back in the book of Acts, none of this was on his radar. In fact, all the disciples were a little confused. Jesus had always made the decisions, but suddenly the disciples--a group of ordinary Joes--were alone. They must have thought, We're here, but what are we supposed to do?
They went to work anyway, starting with the decision to replace Judas. Jesus had selected 12 disciples; therefore, it seemed important to continue to have 12. The disciples prayed that God would show them the right person, and God did. Matthias was chosen to replace Judas.
From there it's all history. Everything was happening according to God's plan. Little did the disciples know they were the beginning of the Church of Jesus Christ. The church you attend today can be traced back to these original followers of Christ.
This week we're looking at the apostles, the people Paul referred to as the foundation of the church. As we study them, try to put yourself in their shoes. Think about what it would've been like to see the early Church get started. imagine how people might have treated them. Try to picture the kind of faith the apostles must have had.
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