MESSAGE NOTES

Sunday June 1, 2025

Sermon Title: Back to the Upper Room
Examples for the modern church from the first church
Primary Text: Acts 1:12–26

I. Devoted in Prayer

  • First response after the Ascension: not planning, but prayer (v.14).

  • They were in one accord — not just gathered, but united in Spirit.

  • This is the foundation for true discipleship and spiritual power.

  • Key Insight: You cannot walk in power unless you first walk in prayer.


II. Anchored in Scripture

  • Peter addresses Judas’ betrayal by turning to the Scripture (Psalm 69:25; 109:8).

  • He sees their situation through the lens of God’s Word, not personal reaction.

  • Key Insight: Ministry & Discipleship without The Word becomes directionless.


III. Faithful in Witness

  • Qualifications for new apostle: someone who had walked with Jesus from John’s baptism to the resurrection - a faithful witness.

  • They pray again and cast lots - an act of scriptural trust, not superstition. (Lev 16:8; Josh 18:6, 8)

  • God chooses Matthias — someone we don’t hear about again, but someone God appointed.

  • Key Insight: The Church doesn’t need celebrities — it needs the faithful - those who have walked with Jesus.

Conclusion

  • We are still in the time between promise and fulfillment.

  • Like the early church, our call is to wait faithfully:

    • Devoted in prayer

    • Anchored in Scripture

    • Faithful in witness

    • Led by the Spirit

Final Charge: God still appoints unlikely people for eternal purposes.

Presentation

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Jerusalem from SW

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Church of the Dormition

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"Torah Arch"

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Western Hill

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Western Hill

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Basilica of Saint Pudentiana

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Mosaic at St. Pudentiana