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 2:42-47, pt 2 - Four Foundational Pillars of the First Church

Pt 8 of the Acts sermon series.
Last weeks message focused on the first pillar, or focus of the First century Church - doctrine. This week, the message continues with three other mainstays of the Christians who formed the first Church - fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer.
Acts 2:42-47, pt 2

Acts 2:42-47 - The Focus of the First Church

Part 7 of the Acts sermon series.
After Peter preached an amazing Spirit-filled sermon on the Day of Pentecost, there were 3000 who believed and committed their lives to Christ, and were baptized into the church. What was the focus of that "first" church?
Acts 2:42-47