Bold Witness: Faithful Steps in a Big City

Devotional

Day 1: Obeying God Above All Else

In a world filled with conflicting voices and pressures to conform, it is easy to feel small or insignificant, especially when standing for the gospel seems unpopular or even opposed. Yet, the call remains to obey God rather than men, just as the apostles did when faced with powerful opposition. Their courage was not rooted in convenience or comfort, but in a deep conviction that God’s authority surpasses all others. Today, you are invited to consider what it means to take a bold step of obedience, even when it is difficult or countercultural, trusting that God’s mission and power are greater than any obstacle. [41:07]

Acts 5:27-32 (ESV)
And when they had brought them, they set them before the council. And the high priest questioned them, saying, “We strictly charged you not to teach in this name, yet here you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching, and you intend to bring this man’s blood upon us.” But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than men. The God of our fathers raised Jesus, whom you killed by hanging him on a tree. God exalted him at his right hand as Leader and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. And we are witnesses to these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him.”

Reflection: Where in your life are you feeling pressure to conform or stay silent about your faith, and what is one courageous step you can take today to obey God above all else?

Day 2: The Power of Community in Witness

The early church was not a collection of isolated individuals but a united community, bound together by obedience and courage. Their strength came from standing together, encouraging one another, and boldly proclaiming the resurrection of Jesus even when threatened. In the same way, your witness grows stronger when you are part of a supportive community that prays, encourages, and reminds each other of God’s promises. One voice can be silenced, but a united community cannot. [42:42]

Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV)
And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.

Reflection: Who in your church community can you encourage or pray for today to help strengthen your collective witness for Christ?

Day 3: Evangelism Through Small, Courageous Steps

Evangelism is not about grand gestures or complicated programs, but about taking small, courageous steps of faith together. It begins with praying for one person, choosing a simple action, and sharing what God does through it. Even in ordinary moments—over coffee, during a walk, or at a gathering—God works powerfully when you step out in faith. Imagine the impact if each person in your community reached out to just one other; together, you can make a difference that multiplies. [45:32]

Matthew 28:19-20 (ESV)
Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.

Reflection: Who is one person in your life you can begin praying for and intentionally reach out to with a simple act of love or invitation this week?

Day 4: Courage in the Face of Opposition

Throughout history, the message of Jesus has faced opposition, ridicule, and misunderstanding. Yet, the apostles did not shrink back or change the message to make it more acceptable; instead, they spoke the truth with boldness, trusting in the power of the Holy Spirit. Today, you may encounter skepticism or even hostility when you share your faith, but God calls you to stand firm, knowing that the gospel is about what God has done in Christ, not just what we do in His name. [40:24]

2 Timothy 1:7-8 (ESV)
For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God.

Reflection: What fears or doubts hold you back from sharing your faith, and how can you rely on the Holy Spirit for courage today?

Day 5: Jesus Lives in Us—Empowered for Mission

The resurrection of Jesus is not just a historical event; it is a present reality that transforms lives and empowers believers for mission. Jesus is alive, and He lives in you, giving you the strength to obey, the courage to witness, and the love to reach out to others. As you stand together in obedience, courage, and witness, remember that you are not alone—Christ is with you, and His Spirit empowers you every step of the way. [44:39]

Galatians 2:20 (ESV)
I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

Reflection: How does knowing that Jesus lives in you change the way you approach your daily interactions and opportunities to share His love?

Sermon Summary

In the heart of a bustling and diverse city like Toronto, it’s easy to feel small and insignificant, especially as a smaller congregation surrounded by larger, more prominent churches. Yet, God calls each of us into an extraordinary adventure—one that doesn’t depend on our size or reputation, but on our willingness to step out in faith together. The early church, as described in Acts 5:27-32, was made up of ordinary people who, empowered by the Holy Spirit, changed the world one prayer, one conversation, and one act of obedience at a time. Their courage and unity in the face of opposition remind us that the power of the gospel is not diminished by external threats or societal pressures.

Today, the challenges facing the church are real. The message of Jesus is often met with skepticism, hostility, or indifference. The temptation is strong to water down the gospel or to conform to the prevailing culture, but the call remains: to obey God rather than men, to stand together in witness, and to trust in the power of Christ’s resurrection. The showdown between the authorities of the day and the apostles in Acts mirrors the critical juncture we face now. Will we allow fear, discouragement, or the pressure to conform silence our witness, or will we, like the apostles, boldly proclaim the truth of Jesus?

True community is not built on convenience or comfort, but on shared obedience, courage, and witness. The apostles were united not because it was easy, but because they were committed to God’s mission. Our witness grows stronger when we encourage, pray for, and remind one another of God’s promises. Even small acts—praying for one person, taking a simple step to reach out, inviting someone into our fellowship—can have a profound impact when done in faith and unity.

God calls us not just to be together, but to stand together: in obedience, in courage, and in witness. By praying for one person, choosing one simple action, and inviting them into our community, we participate in God’s ongoing work of transformation. If each of us takes this bold step, the ripple effect can be remarkable. May we be faithful, fearless, and filled with the Spirit, strengthening one another as we reach out to share the love of Christ.

Key Takeaways

1. Obedience to God often requires standing against prevailing cultural norms and expectations. The apostles faced intense opposition, yet their commitment to obeying God above all else became the foundation of their powerful witness. True faithfulness is measured not by convenience, but by the courage to follow Christ even when it is costly. [40:44]
2. The unity of the early church was forged in adversity, not comfort. Their shared experiences of suffering and opposition deepened their bonds and emboldened their witness. In our own context, genuine community is built when we support one another through challenges, choosing solidarity over isolation. [41:28]
3. Evangelism is not about grand gestures or elaborate programs, but about small, courageous steps taken in faith. Praying for one person, reaching out with a simple act of kindness, and inviting someone into our fellowship are practical ways to participate in God’s mission. These ordinary actions, empowered by the Spirit, can lead to extraordinary transformation. [36:05]
4. The temptation to dilute the gospel or conform to societal pressures is ever-present. Yet, the call remains to proclaim the resurrection of Jesus and the forgiveness He offers, even when such claims are misunderstood or rejected. Our witness is most powerful when it is rooted in conviction and lived out with humility and love. [40:24]
5. Multiplication begins with one faithful step. If each person in the community commits to praying for and reaching out to just one other, the impact can be exponential. God delights in using our small acts of obedience to accomplish His greater purposes, reminding us that no effort done in faith is ever wasted. [46:16]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[33:44] - Introduction and Personal Story
[34:24] - Feeling Small in a Big City
[35:05] - Facing Discouragement and Trusting God
[35:42] - The Call to Evangelism
[36:25] - God Works Through Ordinary Moments
[37:02] - The Early Church’s Example
[37:57] - Opposition to the Gospel
[38:33] - The Showdown: Authority vs. Apostles
[39:31] - Modern Challenges to Faith
[40:24] - Temptations to Change the Gospel
[41:07] - Obedience and Boldness
[41:28] - Community Bound by Obedience
[42:06] - Courageous Witness
[43:22] - Overcoming Fear and Pressure
[44:18] - Peter’s Three Claims
[44:59] - Three Practical Steps of Evangelism
[46:16] - The Power of Multiplication
[47:18] - Closing and Blessing

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Acts 5:27-32 — (The apostles are brought before the council and commanded not to teach in Jesus’ name, but they boldly declare, “We must obey God rather than men.”)

Observation Questions

In Acts 5:27-32, what specific accusations do the religious leaders bring against the apostles?
According to Peter’s response in verse 29, what is the main reason the apostles continue to preach about Jesus despite being told not to?
The sermon mentions that the early church was made up of “ordinary people who, empowered by the Holy Spirit, changed the world one prayer, one conversation, and one act of obedience at a time.” What examples from Acts 5:27-32 support this idea? [[37:02]]
What were the consequences the apostles faced for their obedience, as described in this passage and highlighted in the sermon? [[41:28]]

Interpretation Questions

Why do the apostles choose to obey God rather than the authorities, even when it puts them at risk? What does this reveal about their priorities and faith? [[40:44]]
The sermon says, “True community is not built on convenience or comfort, but on shared obedience, courage, and witness.” How does the experience of the apostles in Acts 5 illustrate this truth? [[41:28]]
The message of Jesus was met with skepticism and hostility both then and now. Why do you think the gospel often faces such resistance? [[39:31]]
The sermon highlights that “evangelism is not about grand gestures or elaborate programs, but about small, courageous steps taken in faith.” How does this perspective challenge or encourage your understanding of sharing your faith? [[36:05]]

Application Questions

The apostles faced real opposition and pressure to conform, but they chose to obey God. Is there an area in your life where you feel pressure to “water down” your faith or stay silent? What would it look like to obey God in that situation? [[40:24]]
The sermon encourages us to pray for one person who doesn’t know Jesus. Who is one person in your life you can start praying for this week? What specific prayer can you pray for them? [[44:59]]
The early church’s unity was forged in adversity. When have you experienced deeper community through a shared challenge or difficulty? How can you support someone in your group who is facing a hard time right now? [[41:28]]
The sermon suggests taking one simple action—like inviting someone for coffee or to a church event—as a step of evangelism. What is one practical step you can take this week to reach out to someone? [[45:32]]
The temptation to conform to culture is strong. What are some ways you notice this temptation in your daily life? How can you encourage others in your group to stand firm in their faith? [[40:24]]
The sermon says, “Multiplication begins with one faithful step.” If everyone in our group committed to reaching out to just one person, what impact could that have on our community? How can we hold each other accountable to take this step? [[46:16]]
The apostles were “faithful, fearless, and filled with the Spirit.” Which of these qualities do you most want to grow in? What is one thing you can do this week to take a step in that direction? [[47:00]]

Sermon Clips

In a city as vibrant and diverse as Toronto, it is easy to feel small, especially for a congregation like ours where we live in one side of the city while other bigger churches uh maybe even well-known churches um are actively engaging and in a small way we engage I tend to think of the conflicting voices telling us that we are too small a voice that we can't possibly make a difference and all those discouraging ones. [00:34:12]

But I was quick enough to respond that the church is the loans and the mission is the loans and I believe in the power of God. Today, God invites us into that same extraordinary adventure as we explore the topic together in our community of doing God uh what God called us to do and I will be talking about evangelism. Evangelism isn't about grand speeches or complicated programs. [00:35:31]

It is about small courageous steps taken together in faith. It's about praying for one person, choosing one simple action, and then sharing what God does through it. And so friends, I invite us to step into this reflection ready to be surprised by how God works through the ordinary moments of our everyday lives. [00:36:08]

The writer of the book of Acts, Dr. The Luke as refined by many theologians in writing the portion of scripture read to us today helps us to look back at the early church where we find a group of ordinary people who by the power of the Holy Spirit changed the world by one prayer, one conversation, one act of obedience at a time. [00:36:44]

So we start by asking ourselves today this question as a continuation of Easter lessons. What happened to the disciples or the apostles and the world after Jesus rose from the dead and perhaps after his ascension? Did that single historical act have any longer and larger effect? [00:37:20]

When they killed Jesus, they thought they had silenced his teachings and stopped all the good works he was doing. And today here we see the first serious opposition the gospel and the kingdom it would build. The entire authority of the Jewish religion confronts the entire authority of the church. What I call the 70 against the 12, the leaders in the society then and the 12 apostles, the showdown at the temple court. [00:37:57]

Would the 70 be able to silence the 12? the progress of the kingdom be stopped before before it ever moved out of Jerusalem. I'm sure you can see that church today is at a similar critical juncture and just before the sermon uh the service began we held a conversation with a few of us. Our Sunday nowadays has become the day for you know this and that practice and you know not many having considering it a Sunday a day of rest and worship. [00:38:48]

We have also seen opposition to the gospel growing. Daring to say that God has acted to save the world through the death and resurrection of one man is viewed as the height of intolerance if not a hate crime. Claiming that Jesus is in charge of everything brings hoods of derision in a world filled with suffering and evil. [00:39:38]

Calling people to repentance and offering forgiveness is labeled moral and spiritual arrogance. Threats to the church tempt to tempt the church to change the terms of the gospel and so that it is less about what God has done in Christ and more about what we need to do in the name of Christ. I hope you see the difference. [00:40:09]

And so I ask us today, what will you do or what will we do in this showdown in the court of human opinion? And I pray that God fills us with his spirit so that we dare to obey Jesus rather than following the status quo. on that the church, the kingdom and the world depend. That is the action you take, the courageous or the bold step you take in obedience to God's word. [00:40:41]

Now in this chapter we see a community bound by obedience. And here we see the apostles were united by not by convenience. In fact, it was not anything convenience. It was nothing to enjoy. They had just been in prison. They had just been arrested. It was not convenient for them. [00:41:24]

We see a community courageous of courageous witness where the apostles boldly proclaimed the resurrection of Jesus and the very message they were ordered not to speak. Remember at this point they were being summoned and asked why are they again speaking the same things they have been asked not to. They did not hide. They spoke the truth with boldness because they knew what the master and saint to them. [00:41:56]

So friends, our witness to the world grows stronger when we stand together. One voice can be sil silenced but a united community cannot. More so a strong voice with conviction on their mission and vision. I know how difficult it is to do this, to evangelize, to speak to one person, to come to church or to obey or even to align themselves with the laws of God. [00:42:31]

There are many challenges to this kind of community engagement and we are not exceptional. The fear of what if, pressure to conform, and the temptation to keep silent can threaten our witness. But when we encourage one another, pray for one another, and remind one another of God's promises, we become a community that cannot be shaken. [00:43:00]

I want to conclude with Peter's claim that the disciples and to obey God. This is what this is a continuation of the trendation appealing to a higher authority to support or challenge actions. Remember Peter made the same points in his speech delivered on the day of Pentecost. And here are the three things Peter said. [00:43:44]

That believers must obey God, that Jesus the Messiah is alive, and three, Jesus lives in us. Dear friends, God calls us not just to be together, but to stand together. together in obedience, together in courage and together in witness. [00:44:18]

I have a diagram here giving us three practical steps of evangelism. Step one is to pray for one person. I know in our places where we live, in our places of work, in our neighborhoods, in our families, we have one person perhaps or in our minds, we have one person in our circle of friends who doesn't go to church. It is our opportunity to pray for them. Pray for that one person. [00:44:56]

Pray daily for their heart to be open and pray that God gives you the courage, the boldness to share the word of God. Secondly, choose one simple action. It could be over coffee. It could be while taking a walk. It could be one of those gatherings. It could be an invitation to one of the church programs. [00:45:32]

And step three invite that person. I hope we will be courageous to pray for that one person. Just practically if we are say 30 that here today and we take that bold step and each one of us prays to God in a period of three months we evangelize to one person in three months time we will have 60 sitted here. True or true? [00:46:09]

I pray that we may be like the apostles, faithful, fearless, and filled with the spirit of God, obeying God above all else, and strengthening each other every step of the way. And I pray that we will be bold and courageous to share these experiences and progress because that is what we are called for to reach out to others and bring them to the love of Christ. [00:46:47]

Evangelism isn't about grand speeches or complicated programs. It is about small courageous steps taken together in faith. It's about praying for one person, choosing one simple action, and then sharing what God does through it. [00:36:05]

The fear of what if, pressure to conform, and the temptation to keep silent can threaten our witness. But when we encourage one another, pray for one another, and remind one another of God's promises, we become a community that cannot be shaken. [00:43:20]

So friends, our witness to the world grows stronger when we stand together. One voice can be sil silenced but a united community cannot. More so a strong voice with conviction on their mission and vision. [00:42:31]

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