Early Church
The term "Early Church" typically refers to the Christian community and its development in the first few centuries following the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, particularly from Pentecost (Acts 2) until around the time of Constantine in the early 4th century. This period is marked by the spread of the Gospel, the establishment of local congregations, and the development of core doctrines and practices. The Early Church is primarily documented in the New Testament, especially in the Book of Acts and the letters of Paul, which describe the growth of the church, the challenges it faced, and the missionary efforts undertaken by the apostles.In the early stages, the church was characterized by communal living, prayer, and the breaking of bread (Acts 2:42-47). It consisted mainly of Jewish converts, but as the apostles began to preach to Gentiles, the church became increasingly diverse (Acts 10, Acts 15). The Early Church also faced persecution, as reflected in the experiences of Stephen (Acts 7) and Paul (2 Corinthians 11:23-27). Key theological developments, such as the understanding of salvation through faith and grace, were also solidified during this period, laying the groundwork for later Christian thought and practice. The significance of the Early Church lies in its foundational role in shaping the beliefs, structure, and outreach of Christianity as we know it today.
Early Church10
Horton Haven Labor Day Retreat-12 Commitment of the Early Church
By William MacDonald1.4K43:09JDG 11:32In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of prioritizing the spiritual over worldly achievements. They highlight the idea that the dream or desire for something is often more fulfilling than actually attaining it. The speaker encourages young people to fully devote themselves to God and His commandments. They also mention various biblical figures who demonstrated great faith and endured hardships for the sake of their beliefs. The sermon concludes with a reference to a hymn that reflects on Jesus' sacrifice and poses the question of what individuals have given in return.
Christ's Death as Preached by the Early Church
By Rolfe Barnard91128:14ISA 53:5MAT 6:33JHN 3:16ACT 7:53ROM 5:82CO 5:18EPH 2:8In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the significance of the death of Jesus Christ on the cross. He acknowledges that it was man who physically killed Jesus, mocking and despising him. However, he also highlights that it was God's divine purpose to sacrifice his son as a substitute for our sins. The preacher references Luke 9:22, where Jesus himself states that he must suffer and be slain. He concludes by emphasizing that the cross was not a defeat for God, but rather a victory and a means of reconciling sinners to himself.
Cornelius and Peter
By Todd Atkinson4551:02:36MRK 7:14JHN 4:10ACT 2:38ACT 10:1ACT 10:34ACT 10:44ACT 11:17ROM 12:6EPH 2:8Todd Atkinson preaches on the transformative encounter between Cornelius and Peter, emphasizing the importance of recognizing God's gifts, particularly the Holy Spirit, and the need for openness to new understandings of faith. He highlights Cornelius as a devout man who, despite not being fully in the faith, exemplifies prayerfulness and generosity, while Peter grapples with his preconceived notions about clean and unclean. The sermon encourages believers to embrace the simplicity of the gospel, understanding that God's gifts are freely given and not based on merit. Atkinson calls for a community that welcomes all, reflecting God's grace and generosity, and challenges listeners to receive God's gifts without striving for worthiness.
Prayer 09 in the Early Church
By Bob Clark1.4K37:53ACT 1:14ACT 2:5ACT 6:4ACT 12:5ACT 16:25ACT 20:36COL 4:2In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of prayer in the Christian home. He refers to the exhortations given in Colossians 3 and 4, which outline how husbands, wives, children, fathers, servants, and masters should behave. The speaker highlights the need for continual prayer and thanksgiving in order for the Christian home to function properly. He also mentions that prayer is not just for personal benefit or spiritual growth, but it should be integrated into daily family life. Additionally, the speaker discusses how prayer can have a transformative effect on individuals and situations, as seen in the example of the apostle Paul's imprisonment leading to the furtherance of the gospel.
The Early Church Model
By Jim Cymbala2.0K59:14ACT 11:202TI 3:16In this sermon, the speaker discusses the challenge of spreading the gospel in a modern world filled with distractions. He expresses concern about the lack of effective evangelism and the need to find new ways to reach people. The speaker shares a personal experience of attending a church where the emphasis was on pre-evangelism rather than directly sharing the message of Jesus. He questions the effectiveness of this approach and highlights the urgency of ensuring that people hear about Jesus before it's too late. The speaker emphasizes the importance of relying on the hand of the Lord and His grace rather than relying on human effort or following legalistic approaches.
The Secrets of the Early Church's Success - Part 1
By G.W. North2.1K45:30MAT 6:33ACT 1:14ACT 2:4ACT 4:23ACT 6:4ACT 12:5ACT 16:25In this sermon, the speaker focuses on Acts chapter 4 and emphasizes the importance of believers gathering together in their own company. He encourages listeners to find a community of people who share the same truth and beliefs. The speaker also highlights the need for basic foundational principles in the church, rather than being flippant or focused on trivial matters. He references Acts 1:8, where Jesus promises the power of the Holy Spirit to empower believers to be witnesses for Him. The speaker emphasizes the importance of living out the Gospel and being filled with the Spirit, rather than constantly seeking new anointings or experiences.
The Battle Cry of the Early Church
By Rolfe Barnard1.4K50:45GEN 1:3MAT 6:332CO 4:2In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the power of God to bring light into darkness. He references the biblical verse in 2 Corinthians 4:6, which states that God commanded the light to shine out of darkness. The preacher highlights the importance of recognizing that salvation comes from God and not from ourselves. He warns against resorting to dishonesty or watering down the gospel message in desperate times, urging believers to remain steadfast in their faith and trust in God's mercy. The sermon concludes with a call to open our eyes to the truth of the world and our need for God's intervention.
The Secrets of the Early Church's Success - Part 3
By G.W. North1.5K23:54MAT 6:33EPH 4:1In this sermon, the preacher focuses on Ephesians chapter 4, which he describes as the only statement of apostolic doctrine in the New Testament. He urges the listeners to walk worthy of their calling, emphasizing the importance of humility, meekness, and patience. The preacher emphasizes the need for unity among believers, highlighting the oneness of the body, spirit, hope, Lord, faith, baptism, and God. He encourages the congregation to surrender fully to God and allow the Holy Spirit to flow through them as channels of God's power. The sermon concludes with a warning against causing discord among brethren and the importance of following the teachings of Scripture.
The Secrets of the Early Church's Success - Part 2
By G.W. North1.5K45:42ACT 4:12ACT 15:1In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being in the center of God's will. He challenges the audience to examine what they are preaching and exhibiting in their lives. The preacher highlights that the troubles in the church often arise from within, rather than from external forces. He references Acts 4:34, where the early believers sold their possessions and shared with those in need, emphasizing the importance of living by the law of God. The sermon concludes with a call to flow with love and grace in order to draw others to the gospel.
A Man Called Stephen
By Jim Cymbala2.7K34:04ACT 6:1In this sermon, the speaker expresses their excitement about a powerful move of God happening in their church. They believe that their church has the potential to influence the entire country. The speaker emphasizes the importance of pastors dedicating themselves to studying and preaching the Word of God, as well as prayer. They contrast this with the focus on efficiency and excellence that many pastors prioritize. The speaker also highlights the role of the Holy Spirit in bringing about transformation and mentions the example of Nikki Cruz, a former gang leader turned evangelist. The sermon concludes by emphasizing the growth and prosperity of the early church, which was attributed to the guidance of the Holy Spirit.