They've Been With Jesus: The Word Of God | Pastor Tyler Johnson | 04.19.26

Devotional

Day 1: Ordinary Men, Astonishing Power

Peter and John walked toward the temple, their sandals dusty from Jerusalem’s streets. A man who couldn’t walk begged at the gate. Peter locked eyes with him: “Silver and gold I don’t have—but what I do have, I give you. In Jesus’ name, walk!” The man leaped up, shouting praises. Religious leaders arrested Peter and John, furious at their boldness. But when the council saw their courage, they marveled—these were ordinary, uneducated men. One truth stunned them: “They had been with Jesus.” [09:19]

Jesus transforms ordinary people. Peter and John weren’t scholars or elites—they were fishermen. Yet time with Jesus gave them authority that shook kingdoms. Their lives proved that closeness to Christ matters more than titles or training. When you abide in Him, your story becomes a testimony others can’t ignore.

Many of us feel unqualified for God’s work. We compare ourselves to others or downplay our gifts. But Jesus specializes in using “ordinary” people. What step can you take today to draw closer to Him? Where do you need to trust that His presence in you is enough?

“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.”
(Acts 4:13, ESV)

Prayer: Ask Jesus to help you prioritize time with Him over self-doubt or comparison.
Challenge: Write down one insecurity holding you back. Rip it up and pray, “Jesus, use my ordinary life.”

Day 2: Branches and Broken Algorithms

Jesus sat with His disciples under a vineyard’s shade. “I am the vine; you are the branches,” He said. “Apart from me, you can do nothing.” He described a life connected to Him—bearing fruit, praying boldly, living with purpose. But He warned: branches cut off wither. [23:57]

Abiding isn’t optional. Just as vines feed branches, Jesus’ words sustain us. Without daily connection to Him, we dry up. The world offers fake vines—endless scrolling, empty validation—but these drain joy. True life flows only from Christ.

What “algorithm” competes for your attention? Social media? Worry? Busyness? Jesus invites you to prune distractions and plug into His words. Start small: open Scripture before your phone each morning. What one app or habit do you need to limit to abide better?

“I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.”
(John 15:5, ESV)

Prayer: Confess one distraction stealing your focus. Ask Jesus to help you crave His presence more.
Challenge: Set a timer for 5 minutes today. Read John 15:1-8 slowly, circling every “abide.”

Day 3: Digging Deeper Than Pisa

Builders in Italy rushed the Leaning Tower’s foundation—just three meters deep. For centuries, they patched cracks while it tilted. Meanwhile, Dubai’s Burj Khalifa took two years to dig 50 meters down. Its foundation holds the tallest building on earth. [16:25]

God’s Word is your foundation. Skimp on it, and life becomes a fight to stay upright. But invest daily in Scripture, and storms won’t topple you. Peter and John’s courage came from years walking with Jesus—not quick fixes.

Are you building a Pisa or a Burj? Maybe your marriage, health, or peace feels shaky. Start digging deeper: open the Bible even when it feels boring. What area of your life needs a stronger foundation today?

“Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock.”
(Matthew 7:24, ESV)

Prayer: Thank God for His patience. Ask Him to help you value slow growth over quick results.
Challenge: Grab a pen and paper. Draw two towers—label one “My Life Now.” Write one verse to strengthen your foundation.

Day 4: Astonished by Authority

Jesus stood in Capernaum’s synagogue, teaching. His words cut through religious jargon. A demon-possessed man screamed, “What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth?” Jesus rebuked it: “Be silent! Come out!” The demon fled. The crowd stared, whispering, “What authority!” [29:08]

Authority comes from abiding. Jesus didn’t quote scholars—He spoke God’s words with heaven’s power. Peter and John mirrored this. Their boldness wasn’t self-made; it flowed from time with the Savior.

You have access to the same authority. When you face spiritual battles—fear, addiction, lies—speak Scripture aloud. What stronghold needs Jesus’ command: “Be silent”? Where do you need to trust His words over your feelings?

“And they were astonished at his teaching, for his word possessed authority.”
(Luke 4:32, ESV)

Prayer: Pray aloud: “Jesus, make Your Word alive in me. Give me authority over ______ today.”
Challenge: Memorize Luke 4:32. Say it every time doubt whispers, “You’re powerless.”

Day 5: Holy to the Lord

High priests in Israel wore a gold plate on their turbans engraved: “Holy to the Lord.” This reminded them—and others—they belonged to God. Centuries later, Jesus’ followers carry this truth not on foreheads, but in hearts. [53:17]

Holiness isn’t perfection—it’s surrender. Like Peter and John, your life can declare, “I’ve been with Jesus.” When temptations hit, cling to verses that anchor your identity. Fight lies with truth: you’re set apart for God’s purpose.

What sin or habit makes you feel unworthy? Write “Holy to the Lord” on a sticky note. Place it where you’ll see it daily. How might your choices change if you believed this truth deeply?

“You shall make a plate of pure gold and engrave on it, like the engraving of a signet, ‘Holy to the Lord.’”
(Exodus 28:36, ESV)

Prayer: Confess one area where you’ve believed lies over your identity. Thank Jesus for making you holy.
Challenge: Text a friend: “Remind me today—I’m holy to the Lord.” Save Exodus 28:36 as your phone lock screen.

Sermon Summary

The series titled "They've Been with Jesus" centers the life-changing power and authority of Scripture as the foundation for personal and communal transformation. Drawing from Acts 4, John 15, Luke 4, Matthew 4, and other passages, the content traces how ordinary, unschooled disciples became world-changing witnesses because they remained with Jesus and rooted themselves in his word. Scripture appears as seed—small and daily, yet capable of producing an expansive, resilient life when planted in surrendered hearts. Practical contrasts illustrate the danger of shallow foundations: skimped-out faith resembles the Leaning Tower of Pisa, while steady, patient formation yields a Burj Khalifa life shaped by deep roots.

The teaching emphasizes abiding in Christ as the source of genuine authority. When words and life spring from sustained union with the vine, they gain power to confront spiritual oppression, heal brokenness, and witness with clarity. By contrast, dependence on cultural algorithms, fleeting influence, or mere positional roles produces a withering spirituality that cannot take ground. The call presses believers to move from casual familiarity with Scripture—treating it as a snack—to daily dependence that calibrates the soul each morning, fuels joy, and equips for spiritual warfare.

Concrete rhythms surface throughout: read Scripture systematically rather than skimming for convenience; use simple tools (SOAP—Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer) to internalize truth; ask pointed questions that lead toward obedience; and collect a small set of life-shaping verses to stand on in trial and decision. Obedience proves the test: hearing without doing produces sand-built lives that collapse under trial, while applied truth builds on rock and endures storms. Finally, the content issues a pastoral plea for patient, disciplined formation—counting years of faithful seed-scattering rather than seeking instant fixes—so that individuals, families, and the community bear "much fruit" for God's glory.

Key Takeaways

1. Scripture as foundational daily bread Reading Scripture first thing recalibrates the soul and sets the trajectory for the day. Treating the Bible as sustenance rather than a snack creates a habitual dependency that reshapes desires, priorities, and the imagination. When daily bread becomes practice, feelings and impulses lose their governance and deeper affections form around God’s character. [39:26]
2. Abide to gain lasting authority True spiritual authority flows from sustained union with Christ, not mere position or platform. Abiding produces words and prayers that shift atmospheres, confront darkness, and carry a weight that astonishes others. Authority rooted in intimacy resists counterfeit influence and aligns action with kingdom purposes. [21:00]
3. Read scripture systematically and slowly Systematic reading prevents random sampling and builds coherent theology in the soul. Working through books or following a disciplined plan reveals patterns of calling and conduct, making obedience intelligible and practical. Slow, repeated reading opens space for the Spirit to plant seeds that mature into conviction and change. [41:00]
4. Obey Scripture; build on rock Hearing Scripture without applying it preserves information but forfeits life transformation. Obedience functions as construction: it anchors behavior and emotion so that storms—loss, accusation, temptation—don’t collapse the inner life. The wise person pairs devotion with tangible steps of obedience to secure durable spiritual growth. [48:18]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:40] - Honoring Servant-Workers
[01:15] - Anniversary Reflection
[02:45] - Series Introduction: They've Been with Jesus
[03:43] - Acts 3 Healing and Prayer
[04:39] - Arrest, Witness, and Boldness
[05:41] - Jesus: The Only Name
[07:12] - Personal Testimony and Mission
[11:14] - Word as Seed and Process
[15:21] - Pisa vs Burj Khalifa: Foundations
[21:00] - John 15: Abide and Bear Fruit
[28:30] - Luke 4: Authority in Teaching
[41:00] - Practical Reading: SOAP & Plans
[48:18] - Matthew 7: Obedience and Rock
[57:06] - Invitation and Response

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading
*Acts 4:1-13 (ESV)*
*John 15:1-8 (ESV)*
*Matthew 7:24-27 (ESV)*

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Observation Questions

In Acts 4:13, why did the religious leaders take note that Peter and John "had been with Jesus"? What specific qualities stood out about them?
Jesus compares Himself to a vine and believers to branches in John 15:5. What does He say happens to branches that don’t remain connected to the vine?
The sermon contrasted the Leaning Tower of Pisa’s shallow foundation with the Burj Khalifa’s deep foundation. How does Matthew 7:24-27 explain the difference between building on sand versus rock? [15:21]
What practical tool (SOAP) was mentioned for engaging with Scripture, and what do the letters stand for? [41:00]

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Interpretation Questions

Acts 4:12 declares salvation is found *only* in Jesus’ name. Why might this truth have been so offensive to the religious leaders of that time—and why does it still challenge cultural values today?
The sermon emphasized that true authority comes from abiding in Christ, not titles or platforms. How does John 15:4-5 redefine what “spiritual authority” looks like in everyday life?
In Matthew 7:26, Jesus calls those who hear His words but don’t obey them “foolish.” Why is obedience—not just knowledge—the defining mark of wisdom in this parable?
The pastor described Scripture as “seed” that requires patience to grow. How does this metaphor challenge our desire for instant results in spiritual growth? [11:14]

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Application Questions

What does your current “foundation” look like? Are there areas where you’ve prioritized visible results (like the Tower of Pisa) over daily, hidden time in God’s Word? [16:25]
Identify one practical step to “abide” this week: Could it involve adjusting your morning routine to read Scripture first, or pausing to pray before reacting in stress?
Choose one verse from the Bible Reading sections to apply using the SOAP method (Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer). What specific action will you take based on what you read?
The pastor shared “life-shaping verses” he clings to during trials (e.g., Joshua 1:9). What verse or passage could you memorize and “stand on” in your current challenges? [49:33]
When storms hit—relational conflict, anxiety, or disappointment—how might your response differ if you’ve built your life on obedience to Scripture versus cultural habits?
The sermon warned against treating the Bible like a “snack” instead of daily bread. What distractions or routines compete with your time in Scripture, and how can you reorder them? [39:26]
Share a time when abiding in Christ’s words (not just knowing them) gave you unexpected courage or clarity in a difficult situation. How did it shift your perspective?

Sermon Clips

``wanna remind some of you today, if you see God as just a good teacher, you may learn a few things. If you see him as a good carpenter, he may build you a table. If you see God as maybe optional, you'll fit him into your life here and there. But if you see him as Lord and savior, the cornerstone of your life, the name above all names, he will build you more than a table. He can build you a brand new life. He can redeem your worst mistakes. He can redeem your broken marriage. [00:06:30] (28 seconds) #GodTransformsLives

Some of you, it may take you a year straight of reading, serving, forgiving, surrendering, repeating that, praying, and serving, and giving your life away. And then one year, you might just start to see, wow, our family's different, I'm different. And some of you don't like that. And that's the problem with the modern church. We don't wanna give God a year or two years. I'll give you ten minutes, transform my life. And I'm here to tell you if you wanna change your life, you've got to abide in him. [00:19:28] (33 seconds) #AbideForChange

They would inscribe it, and they would carry it over their heart. And now I carry it in my heart. And somebody this, holy to the Lord. So when there's a temptation in my life, I remind, no, I'm holy to the Lord. When I feel that things rising up in me, my flesh tries to tug at me. I literally say Exodus twenty eight thirty six, I am holy to the Lord. I am his, not the world's. Flesh will not so I I stand on this verse. This verse is my purity verse. [00:53:17] (25 seconds) #HolyToTheLord

I'm so thankful I've built my life on his word. I no I've never saw Rachel and I, we're not trying to associate it our families, but we didn't see like great marriages growing up. Divorce everywhere in my family, and I'm here to tell you fourteen years in, we have much fruit. Much fruit. And it's I'm not bragging about myself. If I would have lived my own way, I'd be divorced by now. I don't even know what to do in my life. [00:21:47] (23 seconds) #MarriageBuiltOnWord

You pastor a church and you get opinions all the time. You spend money like this. You should spend money on this ministry more than that ministry. You should do this way, not this way. And if I don't have that verse to cling to, I feel like I start working for you instead of working for him, I wanna quit tomorrow. So that verse, I'm I'm not they're upset, Lord, but I'm not trying to please them. You know my heart. I'm going I'm trying to please you. You're my boss. And so I'll stand on it. I'll say, God, you're my God. [00:53:59] (28 seconds) #LeadToPleaseGod

And the word of God is called seed. Light, sword, lot of other ways. But one of the main descriptors of the word of God is this is the seed. And when you preach it, when you read it, seed is being scattered. When you read it, seed is being planted. And the reality is you want this to be a tree, but God said, no, this is a seed, and it will make a tree. [00:11:34] (21 seconds) #SeedToTree

Now let me tell you the story of Burj Khalifa. They didn't dig three meters deep. They dug 50 meters deep. Years, they were building a foundation. Can you imagine somebody say, hey. We're gonna build the most beautiful, tallest building in all the world. You show up six months in. I don't see anything. Yeah. Sure you are. Building a foundation. Show up a year later. Hey, remember you told me you're gonna build the most beautiful I am building it. Well, I don't see anything. [00:17:49] (25 seconds) #DeepFoundationsMatter

And and if I could just be honest, even myself, I I sometimes they call it impostor syndrome. I I I I can't believe God allows me to pastor a church and preach his gospel because because he took an idiot, an unschooled ordinary man, a a kid from a broken family, and said, no, I'm gonna use you to build my church. Do not be fooled by my nice cashmere sweater. Well My nice new haircut. I come from brokenness. But he chose me, and he chose you. [00:10:19] (33 seconds) #ChosenFromBrokenness

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They've Been With Jesus: The Word Of God | Pastor Tyler Johnson | 04.19.26

Devotional

Day 1: Ordinary Men, Astonishing Power

Day 2: Branches and Broken Algorithms

Day 3: Digging Deeper Than Pisa

Day 4: Astonished by Authority

Day 5: Holy to the Lord

Sermon Summary

Key Takeaways

Youtube Chapters

Bible Study Guide

Sermon Clips

Chatbot

They've Been With Jesus: The Word Of God | Pastor Tyler Johnson | 04.19.26

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