Celebrating God's Faithfulness: A Call to Discipleship

Today marks four years of God’s faithfulness and power at work among us. As we look back, it’s clear that what has happened here is not because of our size, resources, or expertise, but because of the greatness of our God. From sending nearly 20 people on international mission, to launching new church plants, to serving the overlooked in our own city, we have seen God do more than we could have imagined. Our story is not about building a name for ourselves, but about making much of Jesus and joining Him in His mission—locally and globally.

The foundation of everything we do is prayer. This church was birthed in prayer, with people gathering on Zoom at 7 a.m. each week before we ever met in person. Even in the chaos of a pandemic, God called us to step out in faith, trusting that He would build His church. We didn’t start with a Sunday service; we started by making disciples, building relationships, and sharing the hope of Jesus in everyday places—parks, coffee shops, and campuses. As disciples multiplied, community groups formed, and only then did we gather for worship as a larger body.

What makes this community unique is not a pursuit of novelty, but a return to the ancient, biblical pattern of church life. Acts 2 describes a church devoted to the apostles’ teaching, fellowship, breaking bread, prayer, generosity, and worship. We are not trying to be trendy or relevant; we are seeking to be faithful to what the church has always been—a people transformed by the gospel, living out the love and mission of Jesus together.

No matter where you are today—lonely, struggling with sin, fearful, doubting, or even spiritually stagnant—Jesus is the answer. He knows your pain, your temptations, your fears, and your doubts, and He has overcome them all. The invitation is to take your next step: whether it’s baptism, joining a community group, serving, or simply saying “yes” to whatever God is calling you to do. Our prayer is that we would be rooted and grounded in love, empowered by the Spirit, and that God would do exceedingly abundantly more than we can ask or imagine, for His glory through all generations.

Key Takeaways

• 1. The size of our impact is not determined by the size of our church, but by the size of our God. When we have a big view of God, we are freed from small thinking and empowered to step into bold acts of faith, trusting Him to do what only He can do. This perspective shifts our focus from limitations to possibilities in God’s kingdom. [19:18]
• 2. Prayer is the engine of God’s movement among His people. The story of this church began not with strategy or programs, but with ordinary people gathering to seek God’s face. Lasting spiritual fruit is always rooted in dependence on God, and the greatest works of God are birthed in humble, persistent prayer. [37:52]
• 3. The biblical pattern for church is ancient, not novel. Acts 2 calls us to a life of devotion to God’s Word, authentic community, radical generosity, and shared mission. Rather than chasing trends, we are called to recover the simplicity and power of the early church—a people marked by awe, unity, and sacrificial love. [49:43]
• 4. Making disciples is not reserved for professionals or the spiritually elite. Every follower of Jesus is called to do normal things with gospel intentions—whether at the playground, on campus, or in the workplace. The extraordinary work of God happens through ordinary people who are willing to be available and intentional for the sake of the gospel. [68:07]
• 5. Jesus is sufficient for every need, struggle, and season of life. Whether you are lonely, tempted, fearful, doubting, or spiritually dry, Jesus has walked through every valley and emerged victorious. The invitation is to run to Him, trust Him, and let Him lead you into the fullness of life and purpose He has for you. [68:07]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [01:30] - Global Outreach and Church Anniversary
• [04:45] - Celebrating God’s Work Locally and Globally
• [09:20] - Community Impact and Outreach Highlights
• [13:55] - The Power of a Big View of God
• [19:18] - Thanksgiving and Prayer for God’s Faithfulness
• [21:50] - Worship and Gratitude
• [24:10] - Housekeeping and Serve Team Appreciation
• [28:00] - The Sound of Life: Children and Discipleship
• [31:15] - Response Cards and Next Steps
• [33:30] - Podcast-Style Conversation: Church Origins
• [37:52] - The Role of Prayer in Church Planting
• [41:40] - God’s Leading to Fredericksburg
• [45:00] - Ancient Patterns: Acts 2 and the Early Church
• [49:43] - Life Change and Next Steps
• [54:20] - Making Disciples in Everyday Life
• [62:34] - Community Groups and Multiplication
• [68:07] - Jesus: The Answer for Every Need
• [73:00] - Prayer for the Future and Response Time

Bible Reading

Acts 2:42-47 (ESV) — > And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.

Ephesians 3:14-21 (ESV) — > For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

Observation Questions

1. According to Acts 2:42-47, what were the main things the early church devoted themselves to?
2. In the sermon, what were some specific ways Impact Church has seen God work in the last four years? ([09:20])
3. What does Ephesians 3:20 say about what God is able to do through us?
4. How did the first gatherings of Impact Church begin, according to the sermon? ([37:52])

Interpretation Questions

1. Why do you think the early church focused on things like teaching, fellowship, breaking bread, and prayer instead of programs or events?
2. The sermon says, “It is not about the size of your church. It is about the size of your God.” How does this perspective change the way a church or individual might approach ministry or challenges? ([19:18])
3. What does it mean to be “rooted and grounded in love” and “empowered by the Spirit” as described in Ephesians 3:17-19? How might this look in a church community?
4. The sermon emphasized that making disciples is for “normal people doing normal things with gospel intentions.” What does this mean for how we view our everyday lives? ([01:08:07])

Application Questions

1. The foundation of Impact Church was prayer, even before there were Sunday services. How is prayer currently shaping your life or your group? What would it look like to make prayer more central in your daily routine or in your community? ([37:52])
2. The early church in Acts 2 was marked by generosity and sharing with anyone in need. Is there a need in your community or church that you feel God is prompting you to meet? What is one step you could take this week to meet that need?
3. The sermon said, “Every follower of Jesus is called to do normal things with gospel intentions.” Think about your daily routines—at work, school, or home. What is one ordinary activity you could do this week with gospel intentionality? ([01:08:07])
4. The message reminded us that Jesus is sufficient for every need, struggle, and season. Is there an area of your life where you feel lonely, fearful, or stuck? What would it look like to bring that to Jesus and trust Him with it? ([01:08:07])
5. The church started by making disciples and building relationships in everyday places. Who is one person in your life you could intentionally build a relationship with for the sake of sharing Jesus’ hope? What is a practical next step you could take?
6. The sermon challenged everyone to consider their “next step”—whether baptism, joining a group, serving, or something else. What do you sense God might be inviting you to do next in your faith journey? ([01:08:07])
7. The sermon said, “When you have a big view of who God is, you start to do big things for his kingdom.” Is there something you feel God is calling you to do that feels bigger than your abilities? How can the group pray for you or encourage you to take a step of faith? ([19:18])