Canaan Fellowship

The early church as depicted in the Book of Acts

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Canaan Fellowship
Canaan Fellowship
The early church as depicted in the Book of Acts
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Bruce Hempel delivered this sermon focusing on the early church as depicted in the Book of Acts, encouraging the congregation to read Acts and providing an outline of its key events and themes. Below is a concise summary of the sermon’s main points with timestamps.

  • [00:00] Introduces a song reflecting ownership by Jesus, tied to Titus, and announces a series on Acts starting with a broad overview.
  • [02:17] Assigns homework to read Acts, noting its narrative style makes it accessible, and shares advice for new believers to start with Bible stories.
  • [04:29] Begins chapter-by-chapter summary of Acts 1-12, starting with Acts 1: post-resurrection, Judas’ replacement with Matthias, and waiting for the Holy Spirit.
  • [06:21] Acts 2: Pentecost brings the Holy Spirit, tongues of fire, and Peter’s sermon, leading to 3,000 conversions.
  • [10:49] Acts 3-4: Healing of a lame man, apostles’ bold witness before authorities, and growth to 5,000 men, raising questions about meeting logistics.
  • [16:41] Acts 5: Ananias and Sapphira’s judgment, miraculous healings, and opposition from religious leaders.
  • [18:42] Acts 6-7: Deacons appointed for widows’ needs, Stephen’s martyrdom, and the church’s growth amid cultural tensions.
  • [24:58] Acts 8-9: Persecution scatters believers, Philip evangelizes Samaria and the Ethiopian eunuch, and Paul’s conversion occurs.
  • [26:45] Acts 10-11: Peter’s vision leads to Cornelius’ conversion, marking Gentile inclusion, and the Antioch church emerges, where “Christians” are named.
  • [32:58] Acts 12: James’ martyrdom, Peter’s miraculous release, and Herod’s death.
  • [34:37] Summarizes Acts 13-28: Paul’s missionary journeys establish churches, ending with his house arrest in Rome.
  • [40:49] Reflects on early church structure (plural elders, no formal buildings) contrasting with modern norms, emphasizing character over education for leadership.
  • [47:47] Closes with prayer for global gospel spread and faithfulness, urging fervor for Christ’s return.