The Perfect Church, Part 2
Hebrews 10:25
“The Perfect Church, Part 2” is episode #716 of the Adventures in Odyssey audio series. It was written by Paul McCusker and Marshal Younger, and originally aired on October 13, 2012.
Summary
After Matthew sees the problems and conflicts at his own church, Whit sends him on an Imagination Station adventure to witness the very first church in the book of Acts.
Plot
Matthew Parker falls into the well, but is transported to a different location with the help of the Imagination Station. He finds himself in jail with Peter, John and the other apostles. Peter tells him that they were arrested for preaching in the temple. A moment later, a bright light fills the jail, and they see an angel. The angel tells them that they are free and instructs them to go back to the temple to speak to the people. Matthew meets up with Rhoda again. Rhoda tells Matthew that Ananias and Sapphira are dead. Ananias and Sapphira promised to give all the money to the church, but they only gave a portion of it. They lied to Peter and to God. Everyone thinks that Peter killed them, but Matthew believes that they dropped dead on their own. The Sadducees find Peter and the apostles and have them taken to the high priest.
Matthew and Rhoda go back to Seth and tell them that Peter and the apostles have been arrested again. Matthew doesn't understand why they don't just preach somewhere else. Seth tries to get him to understand that the temple is the very place they need to preach. Seth, Rhoda, and Matthew go to the temple to try to argue for his release. Peter is released, and they see that the guards beat Peter and the apostles as a warning. Matthew explains to Stephen that he didn't expect any of this. He thought everything would be perfect and people would get along. He knew that there were arrests and beatings, but he didn't think that there would be arguing over Hellenists and Gentiles. Stephen tries to comfort Matthew, by saying that God works through fallen men and women to accomplish His purposes and that the Holy Spirit is there to guide them. He then says that it's his turn to speak in the temple. Matthew is concerned for Stephen, but Stephen isn't worried. He's content that whatever happens is in the hands of God.
Rhoda takes Matthew to the hill where they crucified Jesus. Rhoda explains that the hill became an inspiration to all believers- a reminder that if Jesus can take His pain and turn it into a victory, then we can face whatever comes our way. Rhoda sees her father run around a corner and they run after him.
They find Seth in a panic. He tells them that they've arrested Stephen and charged him with blasphemy which, according to their law, means death. Seth tells Rhoda to tell her mother. Rhoda and Matthew try to get closer for the trial. They hear Stephen's defense. The crowd and Sadducees find Stephen guilty. Matthew runs into Saul and Saul tries to get Matthew to lead him to other believers.
They pass through a door and the Imagination Station takes Matthew to Rhoda's house. Rhoda, Seth, and Debra are preparing to leave. After Stephen's death, all of the believers are scared and have to leave. Seth says he must find Stephen's body to bury it properly. Rhoda warns Seth about Saul, but Seth isn't scared. Matthew is confused why Seth would risk his life to bury someone that he didn't get along with. Rhoda explains that even though they had their disagreements, Seth loved Stephen and their love of Jesus was greater than their arguments. Rhoda explains that Stephens’s death will force them to spread their message wherever they go, just like Jesus ordered them to. Matthew steps through one last door, and the adventure ends.
Back at Whit's End, John Whittaker (Whit) welcomes Matthew as he exits the Imagination Station. Whit encourages Matthew to read the book of Acts to see what else happens. Whit explains that even though we have our disagreements, God is at work in our lives just as He was at work in theirs. Matthew decides that he needs to talk to his parents and take back what he said about not going to church.
Discussion Questions
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Cast
Heard in episode
Mentioned in episode
| Character | Mentioned By |
|---|---|
| John (c) | Peter (Biblical) |
| Ananias (a) | Rhoda |
| Sapphira | Rhoda |
| Deborah (b) | Seth |
| David Parker | Matthew Parker |
| Eva Parker | Matthew Parker |
Notes
Quotes
Matthew Parker: But what if something worse happens?
Stephen: That would be glory.
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