Regardless of the many changes I would like to make to it, regardless of the mistakes and awkward pauses that I could easily edit out, I include here my first sermon in unedited form - delivered 24 April 2005 to the evening congregation of my local church.
We had been doing a series on the end of Luke and the beginning of Acts, and so had in previous weeks examined Peter's sermon after Pentecost, and the makeup of the crowd gathered there that day. (This to explain some of my references to "last week" etc.)
The text for study was Acts 2:42-47. I include Acts 2:41-47 below (the extra verse for a bit of context). I also include reference information on the Holy Spirit, as my powerpoint presentation detailed Bible references and other information that I did not relay verbally.
Click here to hear the sermon itself (MP3 format, 23.5 minutes, 7.9 MB). Enjoy!
...In my nerves I mentioned at one point "The Apostle Paul" in "Acts 4" healed the crippled beggar. I meant to say "The Apostle Peter" in "Acts 3" healed the crippled beggar. Whoops! Thankfully the sermon didn't depend on it!
“Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day. [42] They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. [43] Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. [44] All the believers were together and had everything in common. [45] Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. [46] Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, [47] praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.” (Acts 2:41-47)
The Spirit: helps us to understand (John 16:13-14)
The Spirit: helps us to fellowship (Gal. 5:22-23)
The Spirit: helps us to appreciate Christ (1 Cor. 12:3)
The Spirit: helps us in our prayers (Rom 8:26)