What Made The Early Church So Effective?

Jesus’ primary message was ‘the Kingdom of God has arrived’

The Early Church primarily spread the gospel through the practice of . 

Reasons Early Christians were Persecuted:

1. Romans viewed Christianity as a strange, foreign
2. Christian way of life passed on Roman Society
3. Declaring Jesus as Lord threatened
4. Viewed their faith as exclusively true which conflicted with their Roman

The church grew because of , not in spite of it.

5 Ways the Early Church Was Set Apart

1. /
2. Spread across lines
3. Advocacy against
4. Clear view of &

Jesus’ central image of discipleship is to “”

Dear friends, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from sinful desires, which wage war against your soul. Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us. 1 Peter 2:11-12 (NIV)

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Acts 1:8 (NIV)

We must bear witness with , not just our speech

The call of Jesus isn’t just to preach the good news but to good news 

Dear children, let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions. 1 John 3:18 (NLT)

Your Spiritual Journey

1. Give my life to Jesus (Know God)
2. Be made new by Jesus ()
3. Become like Jesus ()
4. Do what Jesus did ()

But Peter said, “I don’t have any silver or gold for you. But I’ll give you what I have. In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, get up and walk!” Acts 3:6 (NLT)

You cannot give away what you do not .

What is God’s invitation to me this morning?

RESOURCES:

“Water from a Deep Well,” Gerald Sittser

“Why on Earth Did Anyone Become a Christian in the First Three Centuries?” Larry Hurtado

“5 Features That Made the Early Church Unique,” Tim Keller, Gospel Coalition