Morning Prayer Sermonette from KFUO Radio

Acts 1:15-26

·51 min·5 clips

How did the early church survive ten days of uncertainty after Jesus ascended, and what does that teach us about our own hostile times?

The episode is a Bible class session recorded for KFUO Radio, led by a guest pastor teaching from the Daily Lectionary text. It begins with an opening prayer and a reminder of the church's farewell reception causing background noise. The host frames the Book of Acts as 'The Encore to Easter,' setting the scene in the awkward ten-day period after Jesus's Ascension but before Pentecost, a time of waiting and uncertainty for the disciples. He connects this to modern times, noting hostility toward Christians and church decline. The study delves into Acts 1:15-20, where Peter addresses about 120 believers, using Scripture to explain Judas's betrayal and death, highlighting Peter's reliance on God's Word rather than personal authority. The host discusses the apparent discrepancy between Matthew's and Luke's accounts of Judas's death, arguing they fit together. He then covers verses 21-26, detailing the qualifications for an apostle: being an eyewitness from John's baptism to the Ascension and a witness to the resurrection. The host explains the nomination of Joseph Barsabbas and Matthias, two otherwise unknown figures, and the casting of lots that selected Matthias. This leads to a discussion on how God guides decisions, comparing ancient lots to modern pastoral calls, with the host sharing that his church, St. Paul's, has been without a senior pastor for nearly two years. Participants ask questions about the Holy Spirit's work before Pentecost, the validity of casting lots today, and the criteria for apostles. One participant shares a personal anecdote about a unanimous chaplain selection feeling Spirit-led. The host concludes by emphasizing apostolic authority, the centrality of Jesus's resurrection, and the call for all Christians to be witnesses in a hostile world. The session ends with a benediction.

As heard by us

Acts becomes a lesson in authority, forgiveness, and witness.

Acts is handled as a church class that widens its frame, moving from Peter and the apostles to the upper room, Easter evening, Pentecost, and the work of witness within one sustained argument.

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Why you'd press play

You get Acts as Easter's encore: Jesus' authority, forgiveness, and witness.

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