"Gambling on God" Acts 1: 1-26

this sermon begins the summer series on "significant moments in the Book of Acts."  I am looking forward to looking at some of the different stories in Acts.  As I laid out the summer sermons, I already lament some of the stories that I will not address.

the Book of Acts is actually titled "Acts of the Apostles," although some could argue that it is mainly what Paul is doing, although in the first few chapters there is quite a bit about Peter.  These are the stories that Luke has decided need to be shared to tell the story of the early church.  As we read these stories, we do so from the context of being part of a faith tradition that has be at work for a couple of thousand years.  Yet, we can still learn something from the early church, particularly their commitment and willingness to tackle difficult issues.

The first story we read shares how the disciple to replace Judas is chosen.  some thoughts on that story and the book of Acts.

1. Prayer precedes every major event in Acts (study notes from The New Interpreter's Study Bible, 1956)

2.  Greek word adelphoi is the word translated as "brothers" in 1:14.  It can refer to brothers, sisters, fosters brothers and sisters, cousins,

3.  Imagine a Nominating committee meeting in which the committee draws the names of the people to serve out of a hat.  Is that any different than casting lots?  of course, in the Acts story we are told that two men who were qualified had casts lot to see who would be chose.  i guess it would mean that the Nominating committee would only put the names of those who were qualified in the hat.