November 23, 2025
Chosen To Serve
- Matt Nickoson
Sermon Notes
Acts 1:8bNIV
“and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
Acts 1:11 NIV
“Men of Galilee,” they said, “why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.”
What do I do while I wait for Jesus to return?
- Make Disciples (Jerry Harris)
- Be Obedient to whatever God asks (Andy Grimes)
- Worship Him
- Pray in the Spirit
- Use your gifts
Acts 1:20 NIV
“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.’ (Quote from Psalms 109:8 NIV)”
The Apostles were clearly men who studied God’s word deeply.
Acts 1:21 NIV
“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,”
Acts 1:22 NIV
“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.”
A disciple is anyone who commits to learn from and follow after Jesus.
An apostle is anyone who has been sent with God’s authority as a witness.
I am convinced there is a difference between the gift of “apostle” (i.e., a person who is “sent” as a witness like a church planter or missionary) and the office of “Apostle” (i.e., one of the 12 who were there from the beginning and witnessed the resurrection).
Ephesians 4:7 NIV
But as to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it.
“a grace… given” means that God has filled each of us who have trusted in Jesus with the Holy Spirit.
The Spirit empowers each of us with “gifts” so that each local Church can grow and become all God has envisioned for us.
Ephesians 4:11 NIV
So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers,
The work of church Leaders is to equip “the body” to do the work of their Church.
Ephesians 4:11-12 NIV
So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up.
Ephesians 4:16 NIV
From him (Jesus) the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.
Have you found your place of service in the body at Kingsway yet?
Acts 1:23 NIV
So they nominated two men: Joseph called Barsabbas (also known as Justus) and Matthias.
Acts 1:24-25 NIV
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.”
Notice the absolute confidence The Apostles had that Jesus was ruling from Heaven and fulfilling his promise to be “with them to the very end” (Matthew 28:20).
Acts 1:26 NIV
Then they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias; so he was added to the eleven apostles.
Have you ever wondered what it must have felt like to be the guy Jesus didn’t choose?
3 tips for finding your place in God’s Kingdom:
1. Make peace with God’s timing and plan.
2. Don’t make excuses for why it can’t be you.
3. Ask the question, “Where does Kingsway need me?”
Colossians 3:23 NIV
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters,