In those days Peter stood up among the believers (a group numbering about a hundred and twenty) 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. He was one of our number and shared in our ministry.” (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. Everyone in Jerusalem heard about this, so they called that field in their language Akeldama, that is, Field of Blood.) “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.’ 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, 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. ”So they nominated two men: Joseph called Barsabbas (also known as Justus) and Matthias. Then they prayed, “Lord, you know everyone’s heart. Show us which of these two you have chosen to take over this apostolic ministry, which Judas left to go where he belongs.” Then they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias; so he was added to the eleven apostles. Acts 1:15–26

…“Brothers and sisters, the Scripture had to be fulfilled… Acts 1:16a

“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… Acts 1:20a

… and, “‘May another take his place of leadership. Acts 1:20b 

Do not be yoked together with unbelievers… 2 Corinthians 6:14 

Give to everyone what you owe them… Romans 13:7

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters… Colossians 3:23 

As a Christian, when you have a decision to make…

Consult with ________________________________

Connect with God in _________________________

Then they prayed…. Acts 1:24a

Then they prayed, “Lord, you know everyone’s heart. Show us which of these two you have chosen to take over this apostolic ministry, which Judas left to go where he belongs.” Then they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias; so he was added to the eleven apostles Acts 1:24-26 

…God does not show favoritism. Acts 10:34b 

Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:4

Message Summary:
In Acts 1:15-26, the book of Acts emphasizes that believers have supernatural resources—God's Word and prayer—to make the right decisions. By applying biblical principles and seeking divine guidance, we can confidently navigate life's challenges. The early church modeled this approach, ensuring leadership aligned with God's will.

Key Scripture(s):
Acts 1:24 (NIV) - "Then they prayed, 'Lord, you know everyone’s heart. Show us which of these two you have chosen.'"
Psalm 37:4 (NIV) - "Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart."

Additional Scriptures:
• James 1:5
• Proverbs 3:5-6
• Psalm 119:105
• Philippians 4:6-7
• Romans 8:14
• 2 Timothy 3:16-17
• Colossians 3:16

Start Talking
Find a conversation starter for your group.
• Who is one person you would likely ask for advice if you had a big decision to make? Why that person?
• Do you consider yourself to be pretty decisive or do you like to make decisions more slowly? Has your speed of decision-making (either fast of slow) ever frustrated someone close to you? When?

Start Thinking
Ask a question to get your group thinking.
Ask a volunteer to read Acts 1:15-26
• What’s the difference between waiting actively and waiting passively?
• Do you think it’s difficult to wait actively? Why or why not?
• How do you see the church being active while they were waiting for God to move?
• What was the criteria the group used to choose the man to replace Judas?
• Why do you think they chose based on that criteria?
• How do you see them using wisdom in order to make that choice?
• What are some of the principles we can take from this passage about the right way to make decisions?
• How do you see these people accepting their responsibility to make decisions and at the same time trusting in the sovereignty of God?
• Read Proverbs 16:33. How does this verse echo what you see in this passage?

Start Sharing
Choose a question to create openness
• Is there any decision that you need to move forward on in faith? How can our group help you do that?
• How does that kind of decision-making bring honor to God?
• Is there any issue that the collective wisdom of our group can speak into so that you can move forward in faith?

Start Praying
Heavenly Father, guide us in every decision by Your Word and through prayer. Help us seek Your wisdom above our own, trusting Your Spirit to lead us. May our choices honor You, reflecting our commitment to
follow Christ. Align our hearts with Your will, and grant us peace. Amen.

Start Doing
• Make the commitment to join the new “Witness Challenge” with all of us at the Bridge Church over the next 30-days. Simply text the word “WITNESS” to the number (775) 363-0660 to start receiving daily text/email/video challenges that will help you to begin to share your faith in powerful ways with those around you this month.
•Start the Book of Acts 5 Day Bible Reading Plan (which will lead you through the first five chapters of the Book of Acts). by scanning the QR code below on your phone