Sermon Outlines

A Journey Through the Book of Acts

Sermon Title: The Birth of the Church-Part 1

Introduction: It was the day of Pentecost and the disciples were assembled in the upper room, suddenly the Holy Spirit descended as a mighty rushing wind, in the likeness of fiery tongues and sat upon each of them. They were all enabled to speak in different languages, which they had never learned. Because of the Passover there were people present from various countries. The people were astonished at this miracle, as they heard the Apostles preach to them and declare God’s mighty works in their respective languages. Some ridiculed them, while Peter stood up and boldly declared that it was the work of God and a fulfilling of prophecy. Under the power of the Holy Spirit, Peter goes on to declare the gospel message, telling them Jesus is the true Lord and the Messiah.

Pentecost: The Festival of Pentecost came 50 days after Passover (when Jesus was crucified). The word “Pentecost” is a translation of the Greek word pentēkostē [4005], which means “fiftieth.” this name represent the Jewish Feast of Weeks, which begins fifty days after the Passover meal (Lev. 23:15-16; Deut. 16:9-10). Jews would travel to Jerusalem for Pentecost and stay there after Passover to wait for it come.

Principles we can learn from this passage and apply to our lives:

The church has to be on one accord
There is no imitating or denying the power of the Holy Spirit.
The Church has to proclaim the wonderful works God has done through Jesus the Christ.
We have to stand up for truth
It is time to call on the Lord and be saved

Scripture Readings

John 14:15-17 (NKJV)

Luke 1:49

Psalm 71:19

Psalm 26:7

Matthew 11:19

John 8:48

1 Peter 3:15

Romans 10:12-13

Isaiah 61:1

Romans 10:9

Scripture: Acts 2:22-40

Sermon Title: What Shall I Do - The Birth of the Church-Part 2

Introduction: While some claimed the Apostles were drunk, Peter under the power of the Holy Spirit, boldly preaches that Jesus is the Messiah and warns the people that because of their part in the crucifixion of Jesus, judgement is coming. They are cut to the heart and ask, What must we do! Peter tells them there is still an opportunity for repentance, salvation and divine blessings in Jesus.

Principles we can learn from this passage:

God has a plan for humanity
The Holy Spirit uses the truth of the Gospel to convicts us of our sin
We must encourage unbelievers; though their case is sad it is not hopeless, for there is still hope in Jesus
We must never stop testifying about the wondrous works and saving grace of Jesus Christ

Scripture Readings

Luke 23:18–21

John 10:18

Psalms 16:8-11

2 Samuel 7:11-16

Revelation 1:18

John 3:35
John 16:8

Acts 9:3-6

Joel 2:13

Psalm 51:17

Ephesians 2:13

Romans 10:9–13

Scripture: Acts 2:40-47

Fellowshipping Together and Loving One Another - The Birth of the Church Part 3

Introduction: Peter’s preaching on this eventful day led to the conversion of about three thousand people. This group of believers is described as being so committed to fellowship and loving one another that they were willing to sell their possessions so all needs could be met within the body.

Principles we can learn from this passage:

We must tell the world they must believe in Jesus Christ in order to be saved
We must continue learning, fellowshipping, and praying together
We have to be united together as one, and provide for the needs of others
We should always come together with praise in our hearts to God for saving our souls.

Scripture Readings

John 13:34

1 John 2:15–17

John 15:12

Gal 6:2

Ephesians 4:32

1 Thessalonians 5:11

1 Corinthians 1:18

1 Corinthians 12:12-26

1 Corinthians 15:1-4

Romans 10:9–10

1 John 3:17-18

Ephesians 2:8

Psalm 100:4

Psalm 150:1–6

Psalm 139:14

Psalm 146:2

Resurrection Sunday

Scripture: Matthew 21

Sermon Title: Our King and Our Savior

Introduction: Matthew’s account of the final journey of Jesus to Jerusalem brings us to the last week of Jesus’ life. The Gospel of Matthew lays out for us the events that bring Jesus closer to His death. The week begins with His triumphal entry into Jerusalem. The time had arrived for Jesus to present Himself to the Jewish people as their Messiah-and King which is in fulfillment of the prophecy of Zechariah 9:9, “Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your King is coming to you; He is just and having salvation, Lowly and riding on a donkey, A colt, the foal of a donkey. Jesus begins His journey to the Cross, the air was filled with the shouts of the crowd , “Hosanna to the Son of David! ‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!’ Hosanna in the highest!”

Principles we can learn from this passage:

We must obey and follow the instructions of the Lord
We must make sure the house of God is a place of worship and prayer

Scripture Readings

Mark 11:2

Luke 19:30-33

Mark 11:4-6

Luke 4:18

Isaiah 61:1-2

Isaiah 53:5

2 Corinthians 3:17

Revelation 7:9-10

Luke 19:10

Revelation 3:20

Romans 10:9

Scripture: Acts 3:1-16

Sermon Title: There is Power in the Name of Jesus - Part 1

Introduction: Peter and John go to the temple at the hour of prayer, and heal a man who had been lame from his mother's womb. When the people witness this miracle, they are astonished. Peter and John take this opportunity to inform the crowd that it was not by their own power they had healed the man, but through the power of Jesus of Nazareth, whom they had crucified.

Principles we can learn from this passage:

We should always be willing to help those in need
We should always come before the Lord with praise and thanksgiving for what he has done in our lives
We should give all the glory, praise and honor to the Lord

Scripture Readings

Mark 1:29

Mark 5:37

Mark 9:2

Mark 16:17-18

Luke 22:8

John 13:23, 24

Acts 2:46

Romans 10:9

2 Corinthians 3:5

Hebrews 7:25

Psalm 55:17

Daniel 6:10

Scripture: Acts 3:17-26

Sermon Title: A Forgiving and Loving God

There is Power in the Name of Jesus - Part 2

Introduction: As we continue to examine the crowd’s reaction to the miracle performed by Peter and John in healing the lame man, we see that the apostles quickly inform them that it was not by their own power they had healed the man, but through the power of Jesus of Nazareth, whom they had crucified. Peter gives the same message after this healing as he did at Pentecost, when he stood up, filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke to the crowd. He tells them that Israel had turned Jesus over to be crucified, God has raised Him from the dead, and calls on them to repent. Peter informs the crowd it is by the power of Jesus’ that this man has been made whole. Everyone has the opportunity through Jesus to be forgiven and have their sins blotted out.

Principles we can learn from this passage:

Our sin however great is subject to the grace of God
If you want to be blessed with salvation, repent and believe in Jesus the Christ

Scripture Readings

Luke 5:7; 23:34

1 Cor. 2:8

1 Tim. 1:13.

Genesis 3:15

Psalm 22

Psalm 51:1-12

Isaiah 53

Zechariah 12:10-11; 13:8, 9

2 Corinthians 7:10

1 John 1:9

Isaiah 43:25

Romans 11:26–27

Deuteronomy 18:18-19

Genesis 12:3

Galatians 3:8-9; 16

2 Peter 3:9

Scripture: Acts 4:23-35

Sermon Title: Providing for Those in Need Among Us

Introduction: Even though the religious leaders threaten Peter and John, the two apostles openly announce that they will continue to preach the Gospel and do what is right in God’s sight. As they faced the beginning of the persecution of the Church, Peter and John return and report these threats to the believing community. Together they turn to God in prayer, lifting up their voices on one accord, asking God for protection, boldness and power to speak out in the name of Jesus. We have to follow their example as we depend and direct our prayers to a sovereign God who created everything and can do anything, basing our prayers on Psalm 2:1–5, Why do the nations rage, And the people plot a vain thing? The kings of the earth set themselves, And the rulers take counsel together, Against the Lord and against His Anointed, saying, “Let us break Their bonds in pieces And cast away Their cords from us.” He who sits in the heavens shall laugh; The Lord shall hold them in contempt. Then He shall speak to them in His wrath, And distress them in His deep displeasure.

Principles we can learn from this passage:

When we are persecuted, we need to call on the Lord
We need to pray for boldness and power to speak the word of the Lord
When we pray according to the will of God, He will always answer our prayers
When we are on one accord, the glory of the Lord is manifested in the church
We must provide for those in need among us

Scripture Readings

Psalm 2:1–5

John 17:20–23

James 2:15–17

Scripture: Acts 5:17-42

Sermon Title: Remaining Faithful in Our Service for the Lord

Introduction: Peter and the other Apostles boldly present Christ and His offer of forgiveness of sins. But there is no repentance from the religious leaders. Gamaliel persuades the Sanhedrin not to press for execution of the Apostles. This most influential rabbi, the teacher of the apostle Paul before his conversion, argues that if the movement is not of God, it will fail. But, if the Christian movement is from God, the leaders will not be able to stop it. Temporarily persuaded, the court settles for beating the apostles, threatening them and letting them go. This didn't stop the Apostles from going back into the temple to preach and teach the resurrected Christ.

Principles we can learn from this passage:

When God has a plan and purpose for our life no devil from hell can stop it
We must obey the instruction of the Lord even in the face of being persecuted
When it comes do to obeying God or man, we obey God
Man cannot stop the will of God
We should rejoice when we suffer for Jesus, never allowing persecution to stop us from teaching and preaching Jesus

Scripture Readings

Acts 23:8

Ps. 142:7

John 15:26

Luke 11:23

1 Peter 4:13

Matthew 5:11-12

2 Corinthians 12:10

Philippians 1:29

James 1:2

1 Peter 4:14-16

John 15:18-20

2 Timothy 4:2-4