Boldness and Transformation: Being With Jesus Today

Devotional

Day 1: The Boldness of Ordinary People Through the Holy Spirit

God delights in using ordinary, uneducated people to accomplish extraordinary things when they are filled with the Holy Spirit. The early church in Acts grew rapidly not because of human strength or wisdom, but because the Spirit empowered believers to speak God’s word with boldness, perform miracles, and stand firm in the face of opposition. This same Spirit is available to us today, inviting us to participate in God’s ongoing mission, no matter our background or qualifications. When we rely on the Spirit, we can face cultural challenges with hope and courage, knowing that God’s power is made perfect in our weakness. [57:08]

Acts 4:29-31 (ESV)
"And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness, while you stretch out your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness.

Reflection: Where do you feel ordinary or inadequate, and how can you invite the Holy Spirit to fill you with boldness to serve or speak for Christ in that area today?

Day 2: The Transforming Power of Being With Jesus

A life-changing encounter with Jesus is unmistakable and cannot be hidden; even enemies of the gospel recognized that Peter and John had been with Jesus. It was not their education or status, but their relationship with Christ that gave them extraordinary confidence and boldness. True transformation comes not from religious activity or proximity to church, but from knowing Jesus intimately. When we spend time with Him, His presence shapes our character, our words, and our actions, making the reality of Christ visible to those around us. [01:05:38]

Acts 4:13 (ESV)
"Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated, common men, they were astonished. And they recognized that they had been with Jesus."

Reflection: What is one intentional way you can spend time with Jesus this week so that His presence becomes more evident in your life to others?

Day 3: Grace and Truth: The Aroma of Christ

A life marked by both grace and truth is the evidence of Christ within us. Jesus was full of grace and truth, and when we are filled with His Spirit, our lives become characterized by humility, honesty, kindness, and the courage to speak truth even when it is difficult. This kind of life cannot be concealed; it draws others to God and stands out, especially in times of suffering or trial. The world may not understand, but the aroma of Christ in us is unmistakable, and it is often most visible when we respond to hardship with hope, peace, and love. [01:10:17]

John 1:14 (ESV)
"And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth."

Reflection: In what situation today can you choose to respond with both grace and truth, reflecting the character of Jesus to someone who needs it?

Day 4: The Threefold Cord: Scripture, Community, and Prayer

A vibrant, enduring faith is built on the foundation of regularly engaging with God’s Word, pursuing authentic Christian community, and praying together. Like a three-legged stool, if one of these is missing, our spiritual life becomes unstable and vulnerable to drifting away from God. When we study the Bible, gather with other believers, and pray for and with each other, we invite God’s presence and build deep, lasting relationships that carry us through trials. This is not a burden, but a gift and invitation to experience the fullness of life in Christ. [01:19:20]

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: Which of the three—Bible study, community, or prayer—needs the most attention in your life right now, and what is one step you can take this week to strengthen it?

Day 5: The Breath of the Spirit: Living Beyond Ritual

Our spiritual life is not sustained by empty rituals or outward appearances, but by the living presence of the Holy Spirit, who is as close as our very breath. The word for “breath” in the Bible is the same as “spirit,” reminding us that every breath is an opportunity to invite the Spirit to fill, guide, and empower us. God desires our hearts, not hollow routines; He wants us to live each day aware of His presence, ready to be led and used for His purposes wherever we are. As we breathe in and out, we can remember that we are sent by God into every situation to show Christ to the world. [01:28:52]

Ezekiel 37:5-6 (ESV)
"Thus says the Lord God to these bones: Behold, I will cause breath to enter you, and you shall live. And I will lay sinews upon you, and will cause flesh to come upon you, and cover you with skin, and put breath in you, and you shall live, and you shall know that I am the Lord."

Reflection: As you go about your day, pause to notice your breathing—how can you use these moments to invite the Holy Spirit to fill you and guide your actions and words today?

Sermon Summary

As we look at the early church in Acts, we see that the world they lived in was not so different from ours. The Roman Empire was powerful, prosperous, and diverse, but also marked by moral confusion, spiritual pluralism, and deep brokenness. Yet, in that very environment, the church exploded with growth—not because of their resources or education, but because ordinary people were filled with the Holy Spirit and had truly been with Jesus. The same Spirit who empowered them is available to us today, and the story of Acts continues through our lives.

The heart of transformation is not found in religious rituals or mere knowledge, but in a living relationship with Jesus. Peter and John, uneducated and ordinary, astonished the religious leaders with their boldness and confidence. What set them apart was not their background, but the undeniable evidence that they had been with Jesus. This is the invitation for us: to move beyond simply being around Jesus, or going through the motions, and to truly be with Him. When we do, His life and character begin to shine through us, even in the midst of suffering or opposition.

We are called to cultivate this life through three essential practices: immersing ourselves in Scripture, pursuing authentic Christian community, and praying together. These are not burdens, but gifts—means by which God shapes us and sustains us, especially in times of trial. The stories of faithful believers, whether in Vietnam, China, or among us today, remind us that a life marked by grace and truth, forged in the furnace of suffering, cannot be hidden. Even our enemies will see the difference Christ makes.

Our lives are fragile, yet filled with the breath—the Spirit—of God. Every breath is a reminder of our dependence on Him. We do not become Christlike by self-effort, but by the Spirit’s work in us. God is not interested in empty rituals, but in hearts surrendered to Him, lives that reflect Jesus in grace and truth. Wherever we go this week, we are sent by God, filled with His Spirit, to be His presence in our families, workplaces, and communities. May it be evident to all that we have been with Jesus.

Key Takeaways

1. Ordinary people, extraordinary Spirit God delights to use ordinary, unqualified people to accomplish His purposes when they are filled with the Holy Spirit. The early church’s impact did not come from their status or education, but from their relationship with Jesus and the Spirit’s power. This should encourage us that God can work through us, regardless of our background, if we yield to Him. [54:48]
2. Being with Jesus changes everything There is a profound difference between being around Jesus and truly being with Him. When we spend time with Christ, His character—grace, truth, humility—begins to shape us in ways that are visible to others, even if we are unaware. Our unconscious influence becomes a testimony to the world, and even our adversaries recognize the change. [65:38]
3. Suffering refines and reveals Christ in us The most radiant Christians are often those who have walked through deep suffering and come out singing. Trials are not wasted; they are the furnace where God refines our character and makes Christ’s life shine through us. In hardship, the difference between a worldly and a Christ-filled life becomes unmistakable, offering hope and witness to others. [72:59]
4. The threefold cord: Scripture, community, prayer A vibrant Christian life is sustained by the interplay of God’s Word, authentic fellowship, and shared prayer. Neglecting any one of these weakens our faith and leaves us vulnerable. Together, they form the foundation for spiritual growth, resilience, and lasting transformation. [77:45]
5. The Spirit, not ritual, brings life Religious routines and outward observance are empty without the Spirit’s presence. God desires our hearts, not hollow rituals. As we breathe in the Spirit, we are empowered to live with purpose, love, and boldness, making Christ visible wherever we go. [86:26]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[54:48] - America and Rome: Cultural Parallels
[57:08] - The Early Church in a Hostile Culture
[59:48] - Bible Access and Spiritual Hunger
[61:48] - The Boldness of Ordinary Believers
[64:17] - Testimonies of Transformation
[65:38] - The Power of Being With Jesus
[67:35] - Obedience, Miracles, and Persecution
[70:17] - Marks of a Life With Jesus
[72:59] - Suffering and Unconscious Influence
[75:23] - Stories from the Persecuted Church
[77:45] - The Threefold Cord: Word, Community, Prayer
[79:20] - The Cost of Neglecting Spiritual Practices
[81:57] - Breath, Spirit, and True Christlikeness
[84:04] - Beyond Ritual: God Wants Our Hearts
[86:26] - Breathing in the Spirit
[88:20] - Final Encouragement and Sending
[88:52] - Living Sent: Purpose in Every Place
[90:02] - Thanksgiving Blessing and Closing

Bible Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: "Being With Jesus Changes Everything"

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### Bible Reading

Acts 4:8-13 (ESV)
> Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “Rulers of the people and elders, if we are being examined today concerning a good deed done to a crippled man, by what means this man has been healed, let it be known to all of you and to all the people of Israel that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead—by him this man is standing before you well. This Jesus is the stone that was rejected by you, the builders, which has become the cornerstone. And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated, common men, they were astonished. And they recognized that they had been with Jesus.

John 1:14 (ESV)
> And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.

Job 23:10 (ESV)
> But he knows the way that I take; when he has tried me, I shall come out as gold.

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### Observation Questions

According to Acts 4:13, what surprised the religious leaders about Peter and John? What did they notice about them?

[[01:01:48]]

What miracle had just happened before Peter and John were arrested and brought before the religious leaders?

[[01:01:48]]

In the sermon, what three practices were described as essential for a vibrant Christian life?

[[01:17:45]]

What does John 1:14 say about the character of Jesus, and how does this relate to what the world saw in Peter and John?

[[01:10:17]]

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### Interpretation Questions

Why do you think the religious leaders were so astonished by Peter and John’s boldness, even though they were “uneducated, common men”? What does this say about the source of their confidence?

[[01:01:48]]

The sermon talked about the difference between being “around Jesus” and “being with Jesus.” What do you think that difference looks like in someone’s life?

[[01:05:38]]

How does suffering or hardship reveal what is truly inside a person, according to the stories shared in the sermon?

[[01:12:59]]

The pastor described the “threefold cord” of Scripture, community, and prayer. Why might neglecting any one of these weaken a person’s faith?

[[01:17:45]]

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### Application Questions

The early church grew in a culture that was prosperous but also morally confused and spiritually pluralistic—much like ours. Where do you see similarities between our world and the world of Acts? How does this affect your view of what God can do today?

[[54:48]]

The religious leaders could tell Peter and John “had been with Jesus.” If someone looked at your life this week, what would they see? What is one area where you want Christ’s character to be more visible?

[[01:05:38]]

The sermon shared stories of believers who went through deep suffering but still radiated Christ’s love and hope. When you face trials, what tends to come out of you? Is there a specific challenge you’re facing where you want to respond more like Jesus?

[[01:12:59]]

The “threefold cord” of Scripture, community, and prayer was described as essential. Which of these three is currently the weakest in your life? What is one step you can take this week to strengthen it?

[[01:17:45]]

The pastor said, “God is not interested in empty rituals, but in hearts surrendered to Him.” Are there any religious routines or habits in your life that have become empty? What would it look like to invite the Holy Spirit into those areas?

[[01:24:04]]

The sermon encouraged us to see every breath as a reminder of our dependence on the Holy Spirit. How can you practice being more aware of the Spirit’s presence in your daily routine this week?

[[01:26:26]]

Wherever you go this week—work, family, community—the pastor said you are “sent by God, filled with His Spirit.” Is there a specific place or relationship where you sense God wants you to be His presence? What might that look like in action?

[[01:28:52]]

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Sermon Clips

America now is like Rome then. As we study the book of Acts, it's not just examining how Christianity began and how the early church grew. It's a study of the person and the work of the Holy Spirit. Some call it the Acts of the Apostles, but I like to think of it as the ongoing working of the Holy Spirit. And it's extraordinary how God works through ordinary people to accomplish His incredible mission. The way He worked is the way He wants to work through us today. [00:55:00] (40 seconds) #SpiritAtWork

They were astonished at these uneducated people, that they were astonished at the boldness of Peter and John. They weren't impressed with their background, but they realized they'd been with Jesus. How did they know that? It wasn't their education. They had no formal legal training or religious training, I should say. It wasn't their religious pedigree. They didn't have one. It was the spirit-filled boldness that was born out because of their relationship with Jesus. [01:02:00] (32 seconds) #SpiritFilledBoldness

No fact is more important for our consideration today. We bemoan the advance of secularism as we watch the crumbling of social institutions that have stood in place for many years. And I think this verse offers us a very clear answer as to why Christians have lost their influence in society. The early Christians turned their world upside down because they had a life-changing encounter with Jesus Christ. [01:05:47] (33 seconds) #LifeChangingEncounter

``You can be around Jesus but not yet be with him. You can come to church all you want to, doesn't mean you know Jesus. I like what a dear friend of ours many, many years ago, he said this: he said, you can spend all your life in a garage, it doesn't mean you're going to come out of a motor car. And that's true. You can come to church all your life, doesn't mean you're a Christian. [01:06:37] (27 seconds) #BeWithJesus

Jesus was filled to overflowing with truth and grace. That points to a life marked by humility, honesty, approachability, kindness, and truth telling when it might be easier to lie. A life like that carries with it an aroma of heaven. A man or woman filled with grace and truth draws you closer to the Lord, whether they're talking or listening, laughing or crying, standing or sitting, following or leading. [01:11:03] (27 seconds) #GraceAndTruth

Life comes about mostly through people and pain. Let me explain. As I think about Christians I've known, I remember the ones I remember most fondly are those who've gone through suffering and come out singing. The best Christians I know have proved Job chapter 23 and 10, which says, he knows the way I take, and when he's tried me, I will come forth as gold. [01:11:34] (25 seconds) #FaithThroughPain

The closest distance between two people is prayer. The thing that knits people together better than anything is prayer. And as you're praying with them and for them, and they're praying with you and for you, that's how true friendship is built. Because you carry their burdens through their time of trial, and they carry your burdens through your time of trial. The cure for our grumbling and our gossiping is prayer. [01:20:47] (29 seconds) #HeartNotRituals

We do not become more Christlike by self-effort. Without the Holy Spirit, we stay exactly as we are. Money doesn't matter at the gates of heaven. As Spurgeon came to the end of this message I was reading, he says that if we have been like Christ on earth, we will be like Him in heaven. If we have been like Christ on earth, we will be like Him in heaven. [01:23:04] (32 seconds) #PurposeWhereYouAre

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