"The Story Continues"
EPISODE 123
Follow the Apostle's Journey
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The greatest storytellers love to leave us hanging until their next installment. While not as common in our binge-watching age, "To be continued ..." keeps us guessing about what's to come.
Luke continues his fantastic narrative of Jesus' accomplishments with the book of Acts — following his apostle's progress after Jesus ascended to heaven.
Power Promised
"... wait for the promise of the Father, which, he said, "... you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now ... you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you"" (Acts 1:4-5, 8).
During his life, Christ backed up his powerful preaching with incredible miracles as proof. But now that he's leaving, how will the world confirm the instruction of his apostles to be true? As Jesus promised, the Holy Spirit would also give them power!
While many false apostles claimed to be from Christ, only true apostles were able to back up their message with miracles. Do you believe the words of Christ AND his apostles, or are you listening to someone other than them?
Scope Set
"... and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth" (Acts 1:8).
Before Jesus ascended to heaven, he assigned them an exclusive job title: witnesses in the world! But how would they remember all the events of the last three years? As Jesus said, "... the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you" (John 14:26).
Soon they'd leave the confines of Jerusalem and journey throughout the whole world, sharing what they had seen. And their message speaks to us even today. Will you listen to their testimony and believe in Jesus today?
Ally Added
"And they prayed and said, "You, Lord, who know the hearts of all, show which one of these two you have chosen to take the place in this ministry and apostleship from which Judas turned aside to go to his own place." And they cast lots for them, and the lot fell on Matthias, and he was numbered with the eleven apostles" (Acts 1:24-26).
With Judas' betrayal and suicide, they were down a worker. So they called on God to provide them with another apostle. While we don't know much about Matthias' work, we see that God was still helping them after Jesus ascended.
And God is still helping us today. Calling on him in prayer, he cares for us and offers to support us in uncertain times (1 Peter 5:7). He thoroughly equips us with all the tools we need to serve him (2 Tim. 3:17)!
So jump back into Luke's powerful words, and follow along as the apostles continue Christ's work on earth.
