Acts 8:26-40 - The Reward for Obedience

Part 21 of the Acts sermon series.
Philip, one of the seven chosen deacons in the early church, was sent to the desert to minister. Because he obeyed the Lord, even if he did not understand why he was sent there, Philip was able to preach the gospel to someone God sent his way.
Acts 8:26-40

Acts 8:9-25 - Repentance - Sign of New Life In Christ

Part 20 in the Acts sermon series.
In this passage, one of the early church deacons, Philip, preached the Gospel of Jesus Christ in the region of Samaria. One who listened and began to follow Christ was a man named Simon, who foremerly practiced sorcery. Did he continue in his old ways, or was he called to repentance and a new life?

Acts 8:1-8 - Snaphot #2 of a Deacon - Philip

Pt 19 in the Acts sermon series.
In this passage, we take a look at another deacon in the First Century Church - Philip. Did he have the same qualifications, the same heart-attitude as Stephen, who not only served by the power of the Holy Spirit, but witnessed about the love of Jesus Christ in the face of death. Was this burning passion of the early church leaders lost after time, or is it something we should possess today.
Acts 8:1-8

Acts 7:54-60 - Seeing the Glory of God Through Persecution

Part 18 in the Acts sermon series.
After Stephen is brought before the Sanhedrin for preaching about Jesus, he makes his defense, reviewing the history of the Jews and comparing their idolatrous acts to the actions of the current religious leaders. After hearing their charges, the members of the Sanhedrin were furious. Then, Stephen spoke of a vision he saw there in their presence - something which was given him by the Holy Spirit and sustained him through the horrifying ordeal to come.
Acts 7:54-60

Acts 6:8-7:54 - Snapshot #1 of a Deacon - Stephen

Part 17 of the Acts sermon series.
In last week's message, we studied how the apostles chose seven men full of the Holy Spirit and of wisdom to serve in the food distribution for the Greek widows. One of these men was Stephen, a man "full of grace and power", who did great wonders and miraculous signs among the people. Jealously arose and some stirred up the people to accuse Stephen of blasphemy before the Sanhedrin. The defense of this common man, filled with God's Holy Spirit, should stir us as never before as we take our stand defending our Christian faith in these last days.
Acts 6:8-7:54

Acts 6:1-7 - Choosing the First Deacons

Part 16 in the Acts sermon series.
After being beaten and imprisoned, Peter and the other apostles were released and praised God for being counted worthy of suffering for the name of Jesus Christ.
They were then confronted with another problem, this time within the church - something which could have caused division in the early church. How did they handle this situation?
Acts 6:1-7

Acts 5:17-42 - Preach the Full Message - in Jesus' Name

Part 15 of the Acts sermon series.
Peter and the other apostles were arrested and commanded not to preach in Jesus' Name. They determined to obey God above man, and were severely beaten because of taking a stand for Jesus. How did they react? We must have the same determination and attitude that these disciples had in these last days.
Acts 5:17-42

Acts 5:12-16 - The True Church

Part 14 in the Acts sermon series.
In the time of the First Church at Jerusalem, the apostles and all the Believers met together on one of the porches, outside of the Temple Proper, called Solomon's Colonnade. Even though they were outside of the "holy" areas of the Temple, this is where true worship and belief of Jesus Christ took place. There is significance for us today in that the true worship of Jesus Christ often takes place "outside" the church (building).
Acts 5:12-16

Acts 4:32-5:11 - The Early Church

Part 13 of the Acts sermon series.
In this passage, there are two major contrasting events of the early church. The first focuses on the unity of the believers as they were filled with the Holy Spirit and all their efforts surrounded preaching the whole Gospel of Jesus Christ. The second event caused great fear to fall on the church, but also showed how God views hypocrisy in His Church.
Acts 4:32-5:11

Acts 4:18-31 - Standing for Jesus Christ

Part 12 in the Acts sermon series.
Peter and John have been brought before the Sadducees after healing a lame man for teaching in the name of Jesus Christ. They were strongly ordered not to teach in "this" name anymore. Their response is one we need in our hearts for today.
Acts 4:18-31