Sermon Central
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Acts: The Church Handbook
Contributed by Jerry Shirley on Jan 6, 2004 (message contributor)
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1. Beautiful Believer's Baptism
Contributed on Jan 6, 2004
A Biblical look at what baptism is and is not: It’s a SYMBOL, NOT A SACRAMENT--FOR BELIEVERS, NOT FOR BABIES--by PLUNGING UNDER, not POURING ON--for SUBMISSION, NOT FOR SALVATION. Link inc. to formatted text, audio & video, & PowerPoint Presentation.
Beautiful Believer’s Baptism Acts 8:35-39 http://gbcdecatur.org/sermons/Baptism.html I’m not saying baptism is for beautiful believers only! (how would you explain Gary?) But it’s a beautiful picture of what happened in the heart of one who trusted Christ as Savior. The most wonderful ...read more
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2. Church On Fire
Contributed on Jan 6, 2004
A church that’s on fire for God is not only endued w/ power, but equal in position, and evangelistic in priority!
Church on Fire Acts 4:31-33 http://gbcdecatur.org/sermons/ChurchOnFire.html Don’t worry—if the church were truly on fire we wouldn’t announce it in the bulletin or by way of a sermon. But I’m proud to announce that this church is officially ‘on fire for God!’ Village atheist was not a ...read more
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3. Writing Acts Chapter 29, Pt. 1
Contributed on Jun 6, 2004
If we follow God’s handbook written in 28 chapters, we can continue this ongoing movement in chapters 29 and beyond! [THE PURPOSE, PERSONALITY, AND POWER OF THIS BOOK!] Powerpoint at website for entire Acts Series!
Writing Acts Chapter 29 http://gbcdecatur.org/sermons/Acts29.html Turn in your Bibles to Acts 29 [no such chapter!] You’ll notice there’s only 28 chapters…this is a new series (like Moses running a special: “bonus…11th commandment!”) Acts 1:1 Ill.--Schubert’s 8th—known as the ...read more
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4. Writing Acts Chapter 29, Pt. 2
Contributed on Jun 6, 2004
pt. 2--The Substance, Source, and Scope of God’s Plan for the Church!
Writing Acts Chapter 29, pt. 2 “The Power” Acts 1:4-8 v. 8 is the key verse in the entire book of Acts…to understand this verse is to understand the entire book…and the key words in this book are found in it: power/witness You see it all thru the book, God’s power/people witnessing thru ...read more
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5. The Ascension
Contributed on Jun 6, 2004
Acts Study, 3rd sermon--Now He’s our High Priest with the ministries of Intercession, Inspection, and Intervention
The Ascension Acts 1:9-11 Goodbyes aren’t easy, esp. if they will be gone long. Ill—Babe Ruth said goodbye at Yankee Stadium, eaten up w/ cancer, and w/ tears he said goodbye. Ill—Watergate hearings, goodbye to staff, walked across lawn, then said goodbye and waved again on Marine ...read more
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6. The Price Of Pentecost, Pt. 1
Contributed on Jun 6, 2004
Acts Series, 4th sermon--PAYING THE PRICE OF OBEDIENCE..."Spiritual ATM"= Attendance/Tithing/Ministry
The Price of Pentecost, pt. 1 Acts 1:12-14; 2:41 10 days they waited for the promised Spirit to come. We read in that last verse about the day of Pentecost…when the fire of God fell on those believers/the wind of God blew across their hearts/the spirit of God came down and inhabited His new ...read more
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7. The Price Of Pentecost, Pt. 2
Contributed on Jun 6, 2004
Acts Series: 5th sermon--PAYING THE PRICE OF UNITY.
The Price of Pentecost, pt. 2 Acts 1:12-14 Then, to sum of vv. 15-26, it tells how they chose Matthias to replace the fallen disciple, Judas Iscariot. The early church had none of the things we seem to think are so essential for success ...read more
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8. The Price Of Pentecost, Pt. 3
Contributed on Jun 6, 2004
Acts Series: 6th Sermon--PAYING THE PRICE OF PRAYER
The Price of Pentecost, pt. 3 Acts 1:12-14 v. 12 1st price—obedience v. 14 2nd price—unity v. 14 3rd price-“prayer and supplication” (& fasting) It takes a lot of prayer to have a powerful church! People willing to pay the price of intensive, genuine, heart-agonizing prayer. Nothing of ...read more
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9. The Price Of Pentecost, Pt. 4
Contributed on Jun 6, 2004
Acts Series: 7th Sermon--"PAYING THE PRICE OF LEADERSHIP"--3 qualities of a Biblical Leader: MUST BE CONVERTED, CONVICTED, COMMITTED
The Price of Pentecost, pt. 4 Acts 1:15-26 Time magazine medical section: a man went to psychiatrist/complaining of voices in his head/oh boy!/what kind of voices?/sound like radio broadcasts/how about right now?/clearly!/what’s on?/Rudy Valley broadcasting live from Atlantic City/that’s ...read more
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10. The Day Of Pentecost, Pt. 1
Contributed on Jun 6, 2004
Acts Series: 8th Sermon--The Meaning and the Miracles: Miracle of SOUND [rushing mighty wind, Miracle of SIGHT [flaming heads] Miracle of SPEECH [other tongues].
The Day of Pentecost Acts 2:1-4 Powerpoint for this and hundreds more free sermons at our website: http://gbcdecatur.org/sermons.html Very controversial chapter! Many denominations build entire belief system around it. Some set it aside, afraid of looking like they are holy ...read more
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11. The Day Of Pentecost, Pt. 2
Contributed on Jun 6, 2004
Acts Series: 9th Sermon--The Wind: Invisible, Irresistible, Indespensable!
The Day of Pentecost, pt. 2 Acts 2:1-4 Powerpoint for this and hundreds more free sermons at our website: http://gbcdecatur.org/sermons.html A sundial was given to a group of people who lived in a jungle. To them it was a fetish. They built a house over it to keep it safe and holy. This ...read more
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12. The Day Of Pentecost, Pt. 3
Contributed on Jun 6, 2004
Acts Series: 10th Sermon--The Fire: It Purifies, Energizes, and Spreads!
The Day of Pentecost, pt. 3 [the fire!] Acts 2:1-4 Powerpoint for this and hundreds more free sermons at our website: http://gbcdecatur.org/sermons.html Meticulously we continue for a purpose…this is so imp’t to our church! We’ve looked at the Price for Pentecost, in great detail, ...read more
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13. The Day Of Pentecost, Pt. 4
Contributed on Jun 6, 2004
Acts Series: 11th Sermon
The Day of Pentecost, pt. 4 Acts 2:1-41 Tongues, v. 4, see messages on What the Bible Says about Speaking in Tongues…in short, it should bring us to speak. The events of Pentecost are not meant to be repeated in actuality, rather we are to learn concepts and principles to apply practically to ...read more
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14. The Day Of Pentecost, Pt. 5
Contributed on Jun 6, 2004
Acts Series: 12th Sermon--Dynamics of a Great Ministry
The Day of Pentecost, pt. 5 (Secrets of a Great Church) Acts 2:37-42 Last week: Great 10 min. sermon Peter preached on the day of Pentecost…afterwards, several things happened which we can identify as secrets of a great church! [ingredients of a great church] How can a church be defined as ...read more
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15. The Day Of Pentecost, Pt. 6
Contributed on Jun 6, 2004
Acts Series: 13th Sermon--4 Characteristics of a Great Ministry: Converted Membership, Constant Ministry, and Continual Multiplication.
The Day of Pentecost, pt. 6 Secrets of a Great Church Acts 2:37-47 v. 41 last time: • A Converted Membership Today: • Constant Ministry Notice what happened right after they got saved: v. 42 That rings my bell…because the test of a great church is not just how many decisions are ...read more
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16. The Simplicity Of Salvation And Assurance
Contributed on Jun 8, 2004
Acts Series: If your child was lost and you could get a message to him, would you make it complicated or simple? [The Meaning, The Man and The Method of Salvation.]
The Simplicity of Salvation Acts 16:25-30 Powerpoint for this and hundreds more free sermons at our website: http://gbcdecatur.org/sermons.html Question: If you had a child that was lost, and if you had the chance to get a message to that child, telling them what to do, and how to get ...read more
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17. The Man Who Asked For Alms And Got Legs [lame Man / Healing]
Contributed on Jun 8, 2004
Acts Series: Sermon 14. "The Man, The Miracle, and The Message"
The Man Who Asked for Alms and Got Legs Acts 3:1-10 Powerpoint for this and hundreds more free sermons at our website: http://gbcdecatur.org/sermons.html Christianity begins with grace, and then grace follows us throughout our Christian experience. We see in our text Peter and John ...read more
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18. The Apostle Peter's 2nd Sermon, Pt. 1
Contributed on Jun 8, 2004
Acts Series: 15th sermon--"You Desired a Murderer, You Denied the Lord, You Must Decide to Repent!"
The Apostle Peter’s 2nd Sermon Acts 3:11-20 v. 1-10 The lame man asked for alms and got legs…this led directly into Peter’s 2nd sermon. He and John gave the lame man something much better than the finances he was requesting…and he walked, leaped, and praised God…and it drew a big ...read more
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19. The Apostle Peter's 2nd Sermon, Pt. 2
Contributed on Jun 8, 2004
Acts Series: 16th Sermon--The Promises, The Prophets, and The Persecutions.
The Apostle Peter’s 2nd Sermon, pt. 2 Acts 3:11-21 Sermon followed a great miracle… Read 11-19 3 pts.: desired a murdered/denied the Lord/must decide to repent! Continuing… v. 19-20 Peter makes 2 promises, if they will repent: 1. Their sins will be blotted out 2. Jesus will return and ...read more
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20. The Apostle Peter’s 2nd Sermon, Pt. 3
Contributed on Jun 8, 2004
Acts Series: 17th Sermon--The Promises, The Prophets, and The Persecutions.
The Apostle Peter’s 2nd Sermon, pt. 3 Acts 3:22-4:4 Last week, the promises: v. 19 Repent, and your sins will be blotted out, and the times of refreshing will come…God’s kingdom/Millennium. Gov’t purified/war and bloodshed past/peace/ecology/infirmities gone/poverty/masses worship ...read more
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21. Witnessing: What You Can Expect
Contributed on Jun 8, 2004
Acts Series: 18th Sermon--Expect Persecution, Proclamation, Protection, and Power!
Witnessing: What You Can Expect Acts 4:1-12 Powerpoint for this and hundreds more free sermons at our website: http://gbcdecatur.org/sermons.html I believe that all true Christians have a desire to share their faith w/ others. And that is only natural. If you were to cure cancer, ...read more
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22. Been With Jesus Lately?
Contributed on Jun 8, 2004
Acts Series: 19th Sermon--Being w/ Jesus will change…Your Love, Your Loyalty, and Your Life!
Been With Jesus Lately? Acts 4:13-22 Sanhedrin/the supreme court of Jews in those days…but they were unspeakably corrupt…had passed on their offices thru the family regardless of qualifications…were money-hungry/power-hungry. These also are the ones who had Jesus crucified…and now the ...read more
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23. Praying With The Early Church
Contributed on Jun 8, 2004
Acts Series: About the importance of corporate prayer as a church family. Great alliteration [borrowed] and a cameo by Rhoda, the only blonde mentioned in the Bible!
Praying with the Early Church Acts 12:1-17 [comedy of Rhoda, only blonde mentioned in the Bible!] Introduction: In Connecting with God, Herb Miller tells the story of a nightclub opening on Main Street in a small town. Upon hearing the news, the only church in that town organized an ...read more
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24. The Power Of A Prayer Meeting
Contributed on Jun 8, 2004
Acts Series: 20th Sermon--4 things that can revolutionize our prayer lives: Prayers that are United, God-Centered, Scriptural, and Unselfish!
The Power of a Prayer Meeting Acts 4:23-31 Peter and John have been arrested/threatened not to preach Christ...but the Lord has told them TO! [torn between God and man.] When released, where did they go? Tavern? Belly up to bar? No...they had a prayer and praise meeting! Psalm 145:1-21 ...read more
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25. Harmony Of The Early Church
Contributed on Jun 8, 2004
Acts Series: 21st Sermon--3 Expressions of Harmony in the Early Church
Harmony of the Early Church Acts 4:32-37 Joke—lady in church called long distance friend, so distressed/hatfields and mccoys-deacons fighting-w/ pastor!-people hate each other/…well, let me add it to our church’s prayer list—what’s the name of your church?/…Harmony Baptist! Harmony ought to ...read more
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26. The Dangers Of Hypocrisy, Pt. 1
Contributed on Jun 8, 2004
Acts Series: 22nd Sermon--Ananias and Sapphira...Religious hypocrisy is a stench in the nostrils of God!
The Dangers of Hypocrisy Acts 5:1-11 Begin w/ 4:36, then read 5:1-10 [ushers had a hard job…no wonder old churches put their cemeteries so close!] v. 11 I guess so! The early church is in great revival w/ thousands getting saved…and the devil didn’t like it! He had tried to stop the ...read more
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27. The Dangers Of Hypocrisy, Pt. 2
Contributed on Jun 8, 2004
Acts Series: 23rd Sermon--The Problem in the Church, The Purging of the Sin, The Punishment of the offenders.
The Dangers of Hypocrisy, pt. 2 Acts 5:1-11 1. The problem in the church If satan cannot conquer the church he’ll try to corrupt it, if not from w/out, then from w/in. Reminds us of story in Joshua where children of Israel suffered defeat in the little village of Ai…36 men lost their ...read more
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28. Go, Stand, And Speak, Pt. 1
Contributed on Jun 8, 2004
Acts Series: 24th Sermon--"Go!" [The Consistency of Our Witness]--It’s "as you are going", a full-time ministry!
Go, Stand, and Speak, pt. 1 Acts 5:12-20 The early church is having a huge impact on Jerusalem/1,000s saved, healed, lives changed!/church is unified/magnified/multiplied [magnification in public eye happens when He is lifted up!...affects our public reputation!] The gospel is spreading like ...read more
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29. Go, Stand, And Speak, Pt. 2
Contributed on Jun 8, 2004
Acts Series: 25th Sermon--"Stand!" [The Courage of Our Witness]--Courage born of Compulsion, Consecration, and Compassion!
Go, Stand, and Speak, pt. 2 Acts 5:17-33 “Go” deals with the consistency of our witness “Stand” deals with the courage of our witness “Speak” deals with the communication of our witness There is something we are privileged to be able to do/commanded to do, which even the angels cannot do. ...read more
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30. Go, Stand, And Speak, Pt. 3
Contributed on Jun 8, 2004
Acts Series: 26th Sermon--"Speak!" [The Communication of our Witness]--"5 Principles for Talking to People about Jesus"
Go, Stand, and Speak, pt. 3 Acts 5:17-20 Go=the consistency of our witness Go to work looking to witness/school/dr.’s office/gas station/golfing! Stand=the courage of our witness Overcoming fear/heart pounding out of chest! How to be bold and courageous, and have courage born of ...read more