Culture - Discipling Nations Preacher: Pastor Laju Iren Acts 19:10 The impact of the early church was evident and it is something to emulate, replicate and admire. The days of impact of the Gospel have not passed. There was an impact in medicine and because people were getting healed. There was also an economic impact (Acts 19:20). There was also impact on leadership. Acts 12:21-24 8 things that the early church did that culture could not ignore 1. It was a listening church. One of the first things the writer of Acts records is an instruction. Acts 1:4. Sometimes we are called to a time of consecration, and this involves moving with God’s timetable and not ours. The early church listened to God and His word. Acts 2:42 tells us that they devoted themselves to the teachings of the apostles. 2. It was a united church. Acts 2:44. They always met everyday. John 13:35. Hebrews 10:25. 3. It was a powerful church. Doing ministry without the power of God is a big mistake. Don’t do ministry in your own power. Otherwise, you make yourself a target. We were never meant to execute the plan of God in our own might. 4. It was a supplying church. There was a participation from the entire church. It wasn’t one star doing all the praying and exercising the gifts. It was the church. Ephesians 4:11-12. We must discern our place in the church and play our role. 5. It was a resilient church. It was not without its imperfections. They even fought and scattered the church over food. They had their weaknesses, struggles and persecutions. 2 Corinthians 11:23-28. 6. It was a moving and a spreading church. Not only must there be a church that sinners can come to, there must be a church that goes to where the sinners are. Contact without contamination is the goal. 7. It was a loud church. Acts 2:1-3. They were loud in prayer, praise and boldness. In Acts 4:19-20, Paul and John who were imprisoned and beaten refused to stop speaking the Gospel in exchange for their release. 8. It was a purposeful church Our purpose is Christ - to know Him and to make Him known.