Sermons on Early Martyrs:

"Stephen: A Heart Of Commitment"

Contributed by David Henderson on Nov 24, 2013

It is always right to do the right thing, even if it is difficult. Jesus never said the Christian life would be easy. Remember, the symbol of the Christian life is a cross.

HEARTBEATS “Stephen: A heart of Commitment” Acts 6:8-15 and 8:54-60 One of the things that are clear as you look at the gospels is that popularity can be costly. Most of us if we would admit it, certainly desire to have it. But we sometimes don’t realize what it can cost us. ...read more

Scripture: Acts 6:8-15

Denomination: Baptist

Two Lessons We Must Learn Series

Contributed by John Lowe on Jul 30, 2012

Some in the Church were complaining. The text makes it appear that their complaining was like the “buzzing of bees.” The topic was the welfare of the widows in the congregation. In that day the only help that widows received came from the Church.

Two Lessons We Must Learn Acts 6:1-15, 7:54-60 Introduction Our study of the book of Acts makes it clear that the Church has displayed its ability to handle the opposition of an unfriendly world. For example, last week we read that the ...read more

Scripture: Acts 6:1-15

Denomination: Baptist

Light In The Spiritual Darkness Series

Contributed by W Pat Cunningham on Dec 8, 2018

Our Lord forever is pouring out on us His grace and goodness so that we will learn to do the same thing for Him and for other people.

Feast of St. Lucy 2018 The constant temptation human beings face is to turn God’s intention for man upside down. Instead of us following the plan to be remade into God’s image, we are constantly trying the impossible. We attempt to remake God in our own image–venal and selfish and cruel and ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 11:11-15, Isaiah 41:13-20

Denomination: Catholic

The First Series

Contributed by Jonathan Russell on Mar 14, 2011

Stephen, the first Christian martyr, teaches us how we can be prepared to live and die for Christ.

* Our culture’s love of records and stats (i.e., longest hitting streak; first to land on moon; etc.) * Our culture’s love of “firsts” = they set the standard and give an example to everyone who will ever follow them * Stephen’s role as one among those who did something first...the first Christian ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

The Cross Through The Eyes Of Peter

Contributed by Rev. Matthew Parker on Feb 17, 2013

This is a dramatized sermon that focuses on the Apostle Peter in his early days with Jesus.

Note: This was as the beginning of a sermon series called "The Cross Through Many Eyes". It is a combination of Scripture and drama, written for one key actor, and two readers, who alternate reading the Scripture vignettes. The Scriptures are a combination of NIV and The Message paraphrase by ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 16:13-20

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Connections Series

Contributed by Rev. Dr. Andrew B Natarajan on Aug 4, 2020

Luke 1 narrates the birth of the Messiah, and the first chapter of the book of Acts of the Apostles expresses the Birth of the Church. Luke brings out the connection between the Gospel of Luke and the Acts of the Apostles.

1: 01-11 Introduction to Acts of the Apostles 1: 1-03 Connection between Gospel and Acts 1: 4-08 Connection between Christ and Disciples 1: 9-11 Connectivity between Present and Future Church 1: 1-03 Connection between Gospel and Acts ...read more

Scripture: Acts 1:1-11

Denomination: Methodist

Can We Build It?

Contributed by Andy Payne on Oct 19, 2009

What does it take to build a great church? It is all about people, not buildings. As an organisation grows, so does its problems and disagreements. How do we get past these disagreements so that we can achieve growth?

Can We Build It? Acts 6:1-7 Intro: What it takes to build a great church It is about all the people As an organisation grows – so does its problems/disagreements How do we get past these disagreements so that we can achieve growth 1. Going beyond Disagreements With the growth – the apostles ...read more

Scripture: Acts 6:1-7

Denomination: Baptist

Selecting A Team Series

Contributed by Tesh Njokanma on May 24, 2015

One fundamental thing that contributed to the enlargement of the early church both spiritually and physically which cannot be downplayed is that they were TOGETHER. They were together as a strong team.

Introduction The church is very important to God. Acts 20:28 tells us that He bought the church with his own blood. God made a huge sacrifice to bring the church into being. He sacrificed His one and only son. Having sacrificed something very precious and costly to birth the church, having ...read more

Scripture: Acts 2:42-47

Denomination: Pentecostal

Midnight Vigil! Series

Contributed by Bala Samson on Aug 6, 2013

Let me reiterate, passion keeps you awake! Passion wakes you up early!

Lamborghini! Psalms 119:62 ‘At midnight I will rise to give thanks to You, Because of Your righteous judgments.’ John Abraham, Bollwood actor has an ‘adrenaline rush’ for exotic cars; among the fleet of cars and bikes he owns was added the latest ‘Lamborghini.’ ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 119:62

Denomination: Pentecostal

Give Ear To My Words, O Lord Series

Contributed by Steve Shepherd on Oct 28, 2012

How to plead with God to hear your prayers. 1- Ask early 2- Hate evil 3- Seek mercy 4- Live righteously 5- Find refuge

INTRO.- ILL.- One Sunday in a Midwest city a little boy was "acting up" during the morning worship. His parents did their best to maintain some sense of order in the pew but were losing the battle. Finally the father picked the little boy up and walked sternly up the aisle on his way out. Just ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 5:1-12, Philippians 4:6-7, Psalm 5:1-5, Hebrews 4:16

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Stagnant Bottoms And Puzzle Pieces

Contributed by Sheila Crowe on Apr 14, 2009

paul at corinth

Bishop Lindsey Davis, our bishop of the North Georgia Conference, is an avid golfer, so much so that when we went to Augusta for the North Ga Conference they gave him a green jacket – I’m not sure why – I’m kidding I do know the significance of a green jacket in Augusta. Anyway, Bishop Davis likes ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 12:12-27

Denomination: United Methodist

The Yearning Of God

Contributed by Melvin Newland on Mar 20, 2013

We hear stories like that & shake our heads in dismay. It is hard to realize that there are millions living in such superstition & fear. You see, we have been taught that God is love – that He knows & loves each of us...

MELVIN M. NEWLAND, MINISTER RIDGE CHAPEL, KANSAS, OK One day, almost 4,000 years ago, God spoke to a man named Abram, who was later called Abraham, & said to him, “Leave your country, your people & your ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 12:1-3

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

"Lets Get Back To The Basics In Our Faith" Series

Contributed by Brad Henry on Jul 22, 2014

We need to start at the beginning to see where we went wrong on Doctrine.

The Ultimate Decision July 22, 2014 Every morning I have the same routine. I start the coffee, get all my Bible supplies, computer and get ready to start studying for the lesson. I have been doing the same things for 7 years now. Plus I have made coffee every morning for 35 years. This morning I ...read more

Scripture: Acts 11:19-26

The Spirit In The Writings Of The Apostles Series

Contributed by Bob Faulkner on Aug 11, 2015

The apostles, especially Paul, said much about the walk in the Spirit. We would do well not to ignore what was said.

IN THE WRITINGS OF PAUL Romans 1:11-12. 11 For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift, so that you may be established-- 12 that is, that I may be encouraged together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me. Paul wanted to be with the Roman believers. His heart ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 5:16-25

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Great Grace Was Upon Them All

Contributed by John Newton on Nov 22, 2021

Three characteristics of the first Christian congregation

I want to begin by saying what a privilege I consider it, to be invited into this pulpit on the occasion of your anniversary. Karen and I have just been attending over the last five weeks and it are clear to both of us that God is doing great things in and through this church. Thirty-three years! ...read more

Scripture: Acts 4:32-37

Denomination: Episcopal