Sermons on Early Church:

A Family Photo

Contributed by Curry Pikkaart on Nov 2, 2013

Family portraits are wonderful. But they can also be deceiving as many families are far from the happy group pictured. Acts 2:42-47 is a family portrait that portrays the early church when they were a happy group. What can we learn?

“Connected: A Family Portrait” Dt. 4:5-14; Acts 2:42-47 Family portraits are wonderful. We cherish seeing loved ones all connected together, providing a picture that will produce memories for the ages. But family portraits can also be deceiving. Many families are far from the happy, ...read more

Scripture: Acts 2:42-47

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Countercultural Community, Part 2 Series

Contributed by Tim Smith on Mar 17, 2011

In this series, we’re talking about being a countercultural community. What does that look like? Last week, we saw that the early church was committed to one another, they had crazy courage and a deep rooted spirit of compassion. Today we find four more

Countercultural Community, Part 2 Acts 2:42-47 After the apostles received the power of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, it was all about the power of the resurrection and this mindset to go against the grain and do whatever it took to honor God and bless other people. They hadn’t been tainted ...read more

Scripture: Acts 2:42-47

Denomination: Methodist

Benefits Of Water Baptism

Contributed by Scott Coltrain on Jan 23, 2003

This is an examination of the various spiritual blessings that the New Testament associates with water baptism. In addition, we consider how the early Church viewed this rite.

In the ’Great Commission’, Jesus instructed His apostles to make disciples of all the nations "baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit." Why did our Lord emphasize the need for baptism? What ’benefits’ does the person receive when they are baptized? We wish to ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 28:18-20, John 3:3-7

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Biblical Christianity: Falling In Love Series

Contributed by Dan Cale on Aug 22, 2005

This is the first of a 4 part series comparing the early church of Acts 1-5 to today. This message looks at the idea of falling in love with Christ.

Biblical Christianity Pt 1 ¡V Falling In Love Mark 14:3-9 I want you to know that I spent a long time searching for what I am going to begin sharing with you today. It is perhaps the most important series of messages that I have shared in a long time. Listen to these passages of Scripture ...read more

Scripture: Mark 14:3-9

Denomination: *other

Peas And Carrots Series

Contributed by Jason Jones on Feb 19, 2008

Exposition of Acts 11:1-18 about the preservation of unity in the early church in the wake of Cornelius’ conversion and Peter’s return to Jerusalem

Text: Acts 11:1-18, Title: Peas and Carrots, Date/Place: NRBC, 2/24/08, AM A. Opening illustration: Forest Gump, peas and carrots B. Background to passage: As we mentioned last week, the entrance of the Gentiles into the Christian community through the providentially arranged meeting of Peter and ...read more

Scripture: Acts 11:1-18

Denomination: Baptist

Power To Change The World Series

Contributed by David Henderson on Jul 20, 2009

In this message we take a look at the early church in Jerusalem and how God radically changed the people and how they in turn radically changed the world.

Power to Change the World Acts 1:1-11 A group of travelers were being made to wait on their airplane which was late due to another flight being cancelled. The crowd had become very impatient as the time went on. Finally a very angry man who really overestimated his importance pushed his way to ...read more

Scripture: Acts 1:1-11

Denomination: Baptist

The Divine Mercy Series

Contributed by W Pat Cunningham on Apr 15, 2012

As preached at 8 a.m. Mass April 15 2012--revised Divine Mercy homily with comment on the accusation that the early Church was communist.

Divine Mercy Sunday 2012 (As preached Sunday a.m.) Spirit of the Liturgy Before beginning I would like to respond to the folks who, in the past, have argued from today’s reading from the Acts of the Apostles that the early Church practiced communism. It is true that Acts records all of them ...read more

Scripture: Acts 4:32-35

Denomination: Catholic

Evangelism Series

Contributed by Jeffery Anselmi on Feb 15, 2019

The early church was successful in their efforts to reach the world around them for Jesus and Acts 4:32-35 gives us insights as to why.

INTRODUCTION • SLIDE #1 • Have you ever wondered why you have tried to do something, but it did not seem to work? • You put time and effort into the endeavor, yet at the end of the day, it just did not work. • Then maybe you tried again with the same result, so after a while, you just gave up. • As ...read more

Scripture: Acts 4:32-35

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Importance Of Being Informed Series

Contributed by Glenn Pease on Mar 29, 2021

Ignorance is one the major causes for Christians missing out on God's best. This was true in the early church, and it is still true today.

A new bride was showing a visiting friend her first garden she had ever planted. The friend notice several small green clusters at one end of the garden and asked what they were. The bride said proudly, "They are radishes." "Really," said the visitor, "most people plant ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 12:1-11

Contending For The Faith

Contributed by Pastor/Author: Terry Sisney on Apr 23, 2014

In this sermon we find out what it means to be a contender for the faith that empowered the early church and will empower us today to do the same things

Jude 1:3 Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints 1 Co 2:1-5 And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with ...read more

Scripture: Jude 1:3

Denomination: Pentecostal

I Am Crucifed With Christ

Contributed by Derrick Strickland on Feb 25, 2016

We must realize, as the early church did, that Calvary is not merely about how Christ died, but also how we should live.

INTRO: 1. We must realize, as the early church did, that Calvary is not merely about how Christ died, but also how we should live. a. Modern day Christianity has often limited the Cross of Christ to the doctrinal boundaries of Salvation. b. But it’s clear from the epistles that they ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 2:20

Denomination: Pentecostal

Devoted To Fellowship Premium Sermon

Contributed by PRO Premium on Oct 9, 2023

This sermon explores the importance of fellowship in faith, urging believers to overcome personal differences and foster Christ-centered communities, as exemplified by the early church.

Welcome back church! Today we’re continuing our 4-week series, Devoted with a look at one of the most important aspects of our faith, fellowship. Which, if you’re here today or watching online, you’re already participating in this ancient practice of gathering together as believers. Pastor and ...read more

Scripture: Acts 2:42-27, Hebrews 10:23-25

Topics: Devoted Fellowship, Faith Community, Christ-Centered Living

Sermon Series: Devoted

Facing Life's Problems Together Series

Contributed by Darrell Stetler Ii on Nov 17, 2004

You don’t find this kind of closeness and support in every church today -- but in the early church, everyone was serious about doing life together, no matter what. How can we develop that in our church? *HANDOUT INCLUDED*

*NOTE: I am indebted to Rick Warren for the outline containing the "Fortify Your Faith" , etc. in this sermon. Please see "The Purpose Driven Church" (Zondervan, 1995) for more info. Acts 2:41 Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were ...read more

Scripture: Acts 2:41-47

Denomination: Holiness

Growing Concerns Series

Contributed by Scott Kircher on Feb 15, 2015

As the church grows, there will inevitably be problems among people. How does the early church deal with these issues as they arise and what can today’s church learn in how to deal with these “growing concerns” in a way that will glorify God?

Growing Concerns Handle Growing Concerns with Discernment (Acts 6:1-2) Handle Growing Concerns by Delegating (Acts 6:3-6) Delegate to those who are of good reputation Delegate to those who are full of the Spirit Delegate to those who are wise Handling Growing Concerns in a godly way Produces ...read more

Scripture: Acts 6:1-7

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Demeanor And Disposition Of A Follower Of Christ Series

Contributed by Guy Glass on May 23, 2012

THIS SHORT PASSAGE IS REALLY ONLY THE BEGINNING OF THE STORY THAT WILL END WITH THE DEATH OF STEPHEN. STEPHEN WAS ONE OF THE FIRST DEACONS CHOSEN FOR THE EARLY CHURCH. FROM THAT MOMENT, IT SEEMS AS THOUGH HIS LIFE IS SHORT. THERE IS NOT MUCH TIME BETWE

THE DEMEANOR AND DISPOSITION OF A FOLLOWER OF CHRIST Acts 6:8-15 Now Stephen, a man full of God's grace and power, did great wonders and miraculous signs among the people. 9 Opposition arose, however, from members of the Synagogue of the Freedmen (as it was called)--Jews of Cyrene and Alexandria as ...read more

Scripture: Acts 6:8-15

Denomination: Baptist