Changing Communities Through the Fear of God and Holy Spirit Power

Devotional

Day 1: Living in the Fear of the Lord

To truly change our communities, we must first live in the fear of the Lord—a deep reverence, awe, and respect for God that shapes every aspect of our lives, not just our Sunday mornings. This fear is not about being afraid of God’s retribution, but about recognizing His holiness and our own sinfulness, leading us to repentance and a desire to please Him above all else. When we live with this awareness, we become salt and light, distinct from the world, and able to raise the standard of righteousness in our homes, workplaces, and neighborhoods. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom and the foundation for a life that honors God and impacts others for His glory. [49:02]

Acts 9:31 (ESV)
"So the church throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria had peace and was being built up. And walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, it multiplied."

Reflection: In what area of your life do you need to invite the fear of the Lord to guide your decisions and actions this week, so that your life reflects His holiness to those around you?

Day 2: Relying on the Power of the Holy Spirit

The early church did not rely on influence, resources, or programs, but on the power of the Holy Spirit to change lives and communities. In our day, it is easy to settle for a form of godliness without power, but God calls us to expect and depend on the supernatural work of the Spirit in our lives. This means praying bold prayers, seeking God’s presence, and being open to His miracles, healing, and guidance. The true sign of being filled with the Spirit is not a particular gift, but being a bold witness for Jesus wherever He has placed you—at work, at home, or in your community. Ask God to fill you afresh with His Spirit and to use you as His witness today. [01:05:32]

Acts 1:8 (ESV)
"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth."

Reflection: Where do you need to stop relying on your own strength and instead ask the Holy Spirit to empower you to be a witness for Jesus this week?

Day 3: Guarding the Unity and Peace of the Church

The church in Acts experienced a season of peace and unity even in the midst of external persecution, because they focused on what mattered most—being united in Christ and on mission together. Like an emergency room team, we must not let personal opinions or minor issues distract us from the urgent work of saving lives and reaching people for Jesus. True unity requires humility, grace, and a willingness to put the needs of others above our own preferences. When we guard the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace, we create an environment where God’s presence dwells and lives are transformed. [01:11:40]

Ephesians 4:3 (ESV)
"eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace."

Reflection: Is there a relationship or situation in your church or community where you need to pursue peace and unity, setting aside your own preferences for the sake of the gospel?

Day 4: Being a Witness to the One

Jesus left the ninety-nine to go after the one, and He calls us to do the same. While it’s easy to focus on crowds or numbers, God’s heart is for each individual who is lost, hurting, or far from Him. You are called to pray for, invite, and reach out to your “one”—the person God has placed on your heart who needs to experience His love and salvation. Often, a simple invitation to church, a meal, or a conversation can be the turning point in someone’s life. God uses ordinary people to reach the one, and He delights in every soul that comes home. [42:40]

Luke 15:4-7 (ESV)
"What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open country, and go after the one that is lost, until he finds it? And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.’ Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance."

Reflection: Who is the “one” God is calling you to pray for and invite to experience Jesus this week, and what specific step will you take to reach out to them?

Day 5: Responding to God’s Call with Repentance and Boldness

When the fear of God falls on a person’s heart, it leads to conviction, repentance, and a bold step of faith. The early church grew as people responded to the message, repented of their sins, were baptized, and received the gift of the Holy Spirit. God is still calling people today to turn from sin, trust in Jesus, and go public with their faith. Whether you are taking your first step toward Christ or encouraging someone else, remember that every act of obedience—repentance, baptism, sharing your story—multiplies the impact of the gospel in your community. [01:16:24]

Acts 2:37-39 (ESV)
"Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, 'Brothers, what shall we do?' And Peter said to them, 'Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself.'"

Reflection: Is there a step of repentance, baptism, or bold witness that God is prompting you to take today in response to His call?

Sermon Summary

Today, we gathered as a family across all our campuses and online, united in our mission: changing lives, communities, and the world for Jesus Christ. This mission is rooted in the words of Jesus in Acts 1:8, where He calls us to be His witnesses, starting at home and reaching to the ends of the earth. But before we can impact others, the cross must become personal—Jesus’ death and resurrection must change us first. Our focus today was on how God uses His church to change communities, drawing from Acts 9:31, which describes the early church living in the fear of the Lord, encouraged by the Holy Spirit, and growing in number.

Changing communities begins with living in the fear of the Lord. This isn’t a fear of punishment, but a deep awe, reverence, and respect for God’s holiness. When we truly encounter God, we become aware of our own sinfulness and our need for Jesus. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom and the foundation for a life that pleases Him. In a world that has lost its sense of reverence for God, we are called to be different—to be salt and light, raising the standard and living in a way that points others to Him.

But reverence alone is not enough. We need the power of the Holy Spirit. The early church didn’t have influence or resources, but they had power. In our context, we often settle for talk without power, programs without presence. Yet, Christianity is supernatural at its core—Jesus rose from the dead! We must not let fear of excess or past experiences rob us of the Spirit’s power. The true sign of being filled with the Spirit is not a particular gift, but being a witness for Jesus. We need believers in every sphere—hospitals, shipyards, schools—filled with the Spirit and bold in their witness.

Finally, changing communities means going to them. The church grew as it spread into new places, even in the face of opposition and persecution. We are called to unity, to focus on what matters most, and to expect resistance as we advance the gospel. Real change happens one life at a time—whether it’s a woman finding hope at the rescue mission, a person being baptized after leaving jail, or a child being prayed for in faith. Our calling is to pray, to invite, to serve, and to trust God for the increase.

Key Takeaways

1. Live in the Fear of the Lord A life that changes communities begins with a deep reverence for God’s holiness. This fear is not terror, but awe and respect that shapes our actions and attitudes. When we see God as He truly is, we see ourselves rightly and are moved to repentance and gratitude for His mercy. Living in the fear of the Lord sets us apart and makes us effective witnesses in a world that has lost its sense of the sacred. [49:17]
2. Rely on the Power of the Holy Spirit Programs and resources cannot substitute for the Spirit’s power. The early church thrived not because of influence, but because of supernatural power. We must resist the temptation to settle for empty ritual or mere talk. Instead, we should seek a fresh filling of the Holy Spirit, expecting Him to work in and through us—bringing healing, boldness, and transformation. The Spirit’s power is the difference between dead religion and living faith. [59:06]
3. Embrace Unity and Expect Opposition As we step out to change communities, unity is essential. Like first responders, we must focus on what is urgent—bringing people to Jesus—rather than being distracted by minor issues or personal preferences. Opposition and resistance are inevitable when God is at work, but peace within the church and perseverance in mission will lead to lasting impact. Our unity and love for one another are powerful testimonies to the world. [71:23]
4. Every Life Matters—Focus on the One While we celebrate large numbers, Jesus is always concerned about the one. Real community change happens one person at a time—through personal invitation, prayer, and acts of love. Whether it’s a neighbor, a friend, or someone in need, God calls us to reach out, trusting that He will use our obedience to bring transformation. Never underestimate the power of reaching just one. [42:40]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[39:31] - Announcements and Campus Updates
[41:27] - Our Mission: For Jesus Christ
[41:49] - Acts 1:8 and the Call to Witness
[42:20] - The Importance of Personal Transformation
[43:11] - Changing Communities: Local Impact
[44:36] - God’s Glory, Not Ours
[47:43] - Acts 9:31—The Blueprint for Change
[49:17] - Living in the Fear of the Lord
[52:22] - Awe and Reverence in Scripture
[57:04] - The Fear of God and True Wisdom
[59:06] - The Power of the Holy Spirit
[61:29] - Generational Drift and the Need for Power
[65:58] - Praying for Miracles and Healing
[70:13] - The Growth of the Church
[73:24] - Local Testimonies of Community Change
[75:34] - The Call to Repentance and Baptism
[78:49] - Praying for Miracles and Unity
[87:33] - Baptism and the Filling of the Spirit

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Acts 9:31 (ESV) — > So the church throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria had peace and was being built up. And walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, it multiplied.

Acts 1:8 (ESV) — > But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.

Observation Questions

According to Acts 9:31, what three things marked the early church as it grew and changed communities?
In Acts 1:8, where does Jesus say the mission of being His witnesses should begin, and where does it go from there?
The sermon described the “fear of the Lord” as more than just being afraid. What words did the pastor use to explain what this fear means? ([49:17])
What examples did the pastor give of the early church or our church today impacting the community in practical ways? ([01:13:24])

Interpretation Questions

Why does the pastor say that “the fear of the Lord” is the beginning of wisdom and the foundation for a life that pleases God? How does this differ from being simply afraid of God? ([49:17])
The sermon claims that the early church didn’t have influence or resources, but they had power. What does it mean for a church to have “power” instead of just programs or influence? ([59:24])
The pastor said, “Jesus is always concerned about the one.” Why is it important to focus on individual lives, even when we celebrate big numbers or large events? ([42:40])
According to the sermon, why should we expect opposition or resistance when we try to change communities for Jesus? ([01:11:23])

Application Questions

The pastor challenged us to “live in the fear of the Lord.” What would it look like for you to have more awe and reverence for God in your daily life? Is there a specific area where you need to raise your standard or be “salt and light”? ([49:17])
The sermon said, “Programs and resources cannot substitute for the Spirit’s power.” Are there areas in your life or in our church where you’ve been relying more on your own effort than on the Holy Spirit? What would it look like to seek a fresh filling of the Spirit this week? ([59:06])
The pastor mentioned that sometimes we avoid the supernatural because of past experiences or fear of excess. Have you ever been hesitant to pray for miracles or healing? What would it look like to step out in faith and pray boldly for someone this week? ([01:05:58])
The message emphasized unity and not getting distracted by minor issues. Is there a disagreement or personal preference that has distracted you from the main mission of bringing people to Jesus? How can you refocus on what matters most? ([01:11:23])
The pastor asked, “Who’s your one?”—the one person you are praying for, inviting, or reaching out to. Who is your “one” right now? What is a specific step you can take this week to pray for, invite, or serve them? ([42:40])
The sermon gave examples of real community change—like a woman finding hope at the rescue mission or someone being baptized after leaving jail. Is there a local need or ministry that you feel drawn to get involved with? What’s one action you can take to serve your community this month? ([01:13:24])
The pastor said, “Never underestimate the power of reaching just one.” Have you ever seen a life changed because someone reached out to them? How does that encourage you to keep going, even when you don’t see immediate results? ([42:40])

Sermon Clips

The problem with too many Christians is their Saturday night doesn't match up with their Sunday morning. Hello? A preacher said years ago, there's no fear in the land. The teachers are afraid of the principals. Principals are afraid of the school superintendents. The school superintendents are afraid of the school board. School board's afraid of the parents. The parents are afraid of the kids. And the kids aren't afraid of anyone. I'm just telling you, there's no fear in the land. When's the last time you heard a sermon on the fear of God? Judgment is coming. [00:49:37] (29 seconds) #NoFearInTheLand

God is love. Yes, God is love. And we love him only because he first loved us. And he demonstrated his love for us. While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. But the same God of love is also a God of holiness. And the Bible speaks about it all throughout Scripture. I'm telling you, God is more, everybody say more, than the man upstairs. And any time you're aware of the presence of a holy God, two things will happen. You will have a fear of God. And number two, you'll be aware of your own sinfulness. [00:50:12] (33 seconds) #GodIsMoreThanLove

``You think you're getting by with your sin. You think nobody knows. You're not getting by with it. Either Jesus is gonna pay for it on the cross when you repent, or you're gonna pay for your sin. Nobody gets by with it. Nothing's hidden. Whether it is good or evil, judgment is coming. So hear me. Fear is not walking in fear of God's retribution. I'm not talking about God's gonna get even with you. Listen, God's not trying to pay you back. He's trying to bring you back. [00:57:38] (31 seconds) #JudgmentIsComing

God sees everything, and he wants us to turn from what displeases him and live in a way that pleases him. And that's why the Bible says in Proverbs, the fear of the Lord is the beginning, the beginning of wisdom. That's how you enter into a relationship with God. You understand he's holy. We're not. And you see your sinfulness, and you repent, and look at how God delights. The Lord delights in those who fear him, who put their hope, everybody say hope, in his unfailing love. [00:58:20] (27 seconds) #FearLeadsToWisdom

The early church didn't have influence. Listen, they couldn't influence Peter out of jail. They had to pray him out of jail. All they had was power, not influence. In North America, listen, we are one of two continents in the world where Christianity is shrinking. It is not growing. Every other continent, Christianity is not only growing, it's exploding. Why? When you look at America, we've got the largest churches, we've got the largest buildings, we've got the largest budgets, we've got the largest staff, we've got the largest seminaries, we've got the most degrees, we've got the greatest program, we've got all the stuff, but we have no power. [00:59:24] (40 seconds) #FaithNotInfluence

You cannot remove the supernatural and be surprised when the next generation ends up naturalist. Can I tell you that everything about Christianity is a matter of faith? Can I tell you this is all supernatural? We're talking about a man who died on the cross, was in a tomb three days, rose from the dead. That's supernatural. And if you don't believe in the resurrection and you want to get rid of the miracles of the Bible and the supernatural, let's just live according to the principles of Jesus. I'm just telling you, that is ritual and dead religion. [01:03:01] (29 seconds) #PowerNotCynicism

The Holy Spirit is the one who gave us the Bible. And so I want you to understand it's so important that we believe the Bible. Yes, we've got to test every spirit. Yes, Jesus said in the last days, many will be deceived if it's possible, even the very elect through signs and wonders. But that cannot cause us to have a church where we believe the Trinity is the Father, the Son, and the Holy Bible. You can't take the Holy Bible and kick out the Holy Spirit. [01:04:44] (32 seconds) #SpiritOverWords

The Holy Spirit's our comforter, our helper, our advocate. Peter denied Jesus, did not even knew him with cursing in front of a little girl. But then, on the day of Pentecost, filled with the Holy Spirit, he is preaching boldly to the very people who killed Jesus. What's the difference? The Holy Spirit. So I'll leave you with this as I'm moving on here, trying to get through this sermon, all right. The Evangelical Church in America has been so afraid of wildfire, we've ended up with no fire at all. [01:07:08] (36 seconds) #SpiritFilledWitness

Don't tell me one of your spiritual gifts is the example or sign or witness that you've been baptized or filled with the Holy Spirit. Don't tell me about your private prayer language if you are not being his witness. Don't tell me about your gift if you don't have power to point others to Jesus. This is to the church, Ephesians 5, 18. Don't be drunk with wine which leads to debauchery but instead be filled with the Spirit. Be filled with the Spirit. [01:08:44] (28 seconds) #FearPowerWitness

Repent, it means turn from your sin and turn to Jesus and then what? Be baptized, don't be ashamed of him, you go public with your faith, it's a picture of how Jesus died and was buried and rose again for you, it says, repent, be baptized, every one of you in the name of Jesus for the forgiveness of sin and you will receive, here it is, the gift of the Holy Spirit, everyone was filled with all, the Bible says, fear at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. [01:15:46] (34 seconds) #RepentBeBaptized

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