Second Sunday of Easter 2026 and Abolitionist Sanctuary National Sunday

Rev. Dr. Nikia Robert explores the biblical story of Rhoda in Acts 12 to illustrate the importance of belief, joy, and sanctuary in the fight for liberation and justice. She connects the story to contemporary issues of incarceration, women's rights, and societal oppression, urging us to be like Rhoda—faithful, joyful, and a sanctuary for others.

Sound Bites

"We are living post-resurrection, but it often feels like defeat.""Be like Rhoda—believe that freedom is God's miracle.""There is a God who will break every chain."

This week's scripture: Acts 12:12-17
As soon as he realized this, he went to the house of Mary, the mother of John whose other name was Mark, where many had gathered and were praying. 13 When he knocked at the outer gate, a maid named Rhoda came to answer. 14 On recognizing Peter’s voice, she was so overjoyed that, instead of opening the gate, she ran in and announced that Peter was standing at the gate. 15 They said to her, “You are out of your mind!” But she insisted that it was so. They said, “It is his angel.” 16 Meanwhile Peter continued knocking, and when they opened the gate they saw him and were amazed. 17 He motioned to them with his hand to be silent and described for them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. And he added, “Tell this to James and to the brothers and sisters.” Then he left and went to another place.

Chapters
00:10 Introducing Reverend Dr. Nakia Smith-Robert
00:45 Celebrating an Excellent God
05:02 Abolition in the DNA of the AME Church
07:38 The Christian Story of Liberation
10:42 Facing Modern Defeats
12:27 The Role of Women in Liberation
13:59 Rhoda: The Abolitionist Sanctuary
16:12 Living as an Abolitionist
27:25 Joy in the Midst of Bondage
32:15 Lessons from Rhoda's Faith
36:33 The Call to Be Like Rhoda