A People of Prayer and Power / The Real Church

Devotional

Day 1: The Real Church Turns First to Prayer

The early church, when faced with persecution and uncertainty, instinctively turned to God in unified prayer rather than relying on their own strength or seeking immediate solutions. Their first response was not to strategize or retreat, but to lift their voices together, surrendering their situation to God and seeking His guidance and intervention. This posture of prayer was not passive resignation but an active declaration of dependence on God, setting the foundation for everything that followed. [05:54]

Acts 4:23-24 (ESV)
When they were released, they went to their friends and reported what the chief priests and the elders had said to them. And when they heard it, they lifted their voices together to God and said, “Sovereign Lord, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and everything in them…”

Reflection: When a challenge or fear arises in your life today, will your first response be to turn to God in prayer? What would it look like to pause and pray before acting or reacting?

Day 2: Bold Prayers, Not Just Safe Ones

The prayers of the early believers were not for comfort or safety, but for boldness to proclaim the message of Jesus and for God’s power to be displayed through them. They did not ask for their difficulties to be removed, but for courage and for God to work through their circumstances, trusting that His purposes would be accomplished even in adversity. Their example challenges us to pray big, specific prayers that align with God’s mission, rather than settling for small or self-focused requests. [10:59]

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: What is one bold, God-sized prayer you can pray today that goes beyond your comfort and asks for God’s power to be made known through you?

Day 3: True Boldness Comes from the Holy Spirit

Boldness in faith is not about personality or self-confidence, but about being filled with the Holy Spirit, who empowers ordinary people to live and speak for Jesus even in the face of fear or opposition. The early disciples, once timid and afraid, became courageous witnesses because the Spirit of God was at work within them, giving them strength and words beyond their own ability. This same Spirit is available to all who trust in Christ, enabling us to live unashamed and courageous lives for Him. [12:50]

Acts 4:8-10 (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.”

Reflection: Where do you sense fear or timidity holding you back in your faith? How can you invite the Holy Spirit to fill you with boldness in that area today?

Day 4: Power and Identity Are Found in Christ

The real church is not defined by buildings, programs, or personalities, but by a people united in Christ, empowered by His Spirit, and set apart by His love. Our identity and strength come not from ourselves, but from Jesus, who sends us into the world to live differently, to love boldly, and to show the world who He is. As we root ourselves in Him, we become complete—not perfect, but whole—able to reflect His love and power in a broken world. [16:54]

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.

Reflection: In what ways are you tempted to define your identity or strength by something other than Christ? How can you root yourself more deeply in Him today?

Day 5: The Church Is Sent to Love and Serve Boldly

The real church is not meant to be hidden or isolated, but to burst forth into the world, taking steps of love, courage, and service. Jesus sends His people out, empowered by His Spirit, to be a light in the darkness and to show the world the love and hope found in Him. This calling is not reserved for a select few, but for all who follow Jesus—to live with open hands, to pray with expectancy, and to step into opportunities to share His love, especially in seasons when hearts may be more open. [17:30]

Matthew 5:14-16 (ESV)
“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”

Reflection: What is one practical way you can step out and show the love of Jesus to someone in your community this week?

Sermon Summary

As we come to the close of our series on “What is the Real Church?”, we find ourselves at a pivotal moment—moving from a season of thanksgiving into the anticipation of Advent. Today, we look to Acts 4 and the early church’s response to persecution, drawing out what it means to be a people of prayer and power. The early believers, though lacking the resources and influence we often rely on today, turned the world upside down—not by their own strength, but by the power of Jesus and the presence of the Holy Spirit within them.

When Peter and John were confronted and imprisoned for healing in Jesus’ name, their first response upon release was not to retreat or to strategize, but to gather with fellow believers and pray. Their prayer was not for safety or ease, but for boldness—to continue proclaiming Christ and to see God’s power at work through them. This is a striking contrast to the way we sometimes approach prayer, reducing it to a passive gesture or a last resort. The early church teaches us that prayer is the starting point, the wellspring of courage and action, not a substitute for it.

Their prayer was not formulaic or detached; it was specific to their situation, rooted in relationship with God, and aligned with His will. They did not ask for their troubles to be removed, but for the strength to face them with faith and boldness. This is a model for us: to pray big, bold prayers that seek God’s purposes above our comfort, trusting that His Spirit empowers us to live and speak with courage.

True boldness is not about being loud or brash, but about living unashamed of Jesus, even when it is costly. The real church is not a building or a program, but a people united in love, set apart by holiness, and sent into the world with the power of Christ. We are chosen—not because God needs us, but because He delights to use us, broken as we are, to accomplish more than we could ever imagine. As we enter this season, may we be people who turn first to prayer, who are filled with the Spirit, and who step out in boldness to show the world the love and power of Jesus.

Key Takeaways

1. Prayer is the Church’s First Response The early believers instinctively turned to prayer in the face of opposition, not as a last resort but as their first and most vital action. This reveals a deep trust in God’s sovereignty and a recognition that true power comes from Him, not from human strategy or strength. When we make prayer our starting point, we align ourselves with God’s purposes and invite His presence into our circumstances. [05:54]
2. Boldness Flows from the Holy Spirit The courage to speak and act for Christ does not originate in our personalities or past experiences, but in the indwelling Holy Spirit. Even Peter, who once denied Jesus, became bold only after being filled with the Spirit. Our fears and hesitations are natural, but the Spirit empowers us to live unashamed and to witness with love and conviction. [12:50]
3. Pray for God’s Mission, Not Just Our Comfort The prayers of the early church were not self-centered or focused on escaping hardship. Instead, they asked for boldness to fulfill God’s mission and for His power to be displayed through them. This challenges us to move beyond prayers for safety or ease, and to seek God’s will and glory above all else, trusting that He will equip us for whatever lies ahead. [10:59]
4. The Real Church is United and Sent The church is not defined by buildings or programs, but by a people united in Christ, set apart by love and holiness, and sent into the world. Our identity is rooted in Jesus, and our calling is to live differently, showing the world who He is through our words and actions. We are chosen to participate in God’s redemptive work, empowered by His Spirit to do more than we could ask or imagine. [16:12]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:26] - Introduction: Advent and Thanksgiving
[01:11] - The Early Church’s Challenge
[01:36] - Modern Reliance vs. Early Church Power
[02:15] - Acts 3 Recap: Healing the Beggar
[02:44] - Peter and John Arrested
[03:58] - Peter’s Spirit-Filled Response
[05:04] - The Disciples’ Response to Persecution
[05:54] - The Church Turns to Prayer
[07:26] - The Power and Limits of Prayer
[09:02] - Praying Beyond Formulas
[10:18] - Praying for Boldness, Not Comfort
[12:16] - Boldness Through the Holy Spirit
[13:58] - Boldness in Public Witness
[16:12] - The Real Church: United and Sent
[18:10] - Ephesians 3: Power from God
[20:13] - Living Out the Mission
[21:33] - Closing Prayer

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Acts 4:1-31 (ESV) — (You may want to read the whole passage together, but especially focus on verses 23-31.)

Observation Questions

When Peter and John were released from prison, what was the first thing they did with the other believers? ([05:04])
What did the believers specifically pray for after hearing about the threats against them? ([10:18])
According to the passage and the sermon, what happened immediately after the believers prayed together? ([11:44])
How does the sermon describe the difference between the early church’s response to trouble and how we often respond today? ([01:36])

Interpretation Questions

Why do you think the early church prayed for boldness instead of safety or comfort when facing persecution? ([09:59])
The sermon says that true boldness comes from the Holy Spirit, not from our own personalities or experiences. What does this mean for how we approach challenges in our faith? ([12:50])
The believers’ prayer was specific to their situation and not just a repeated formula. What does this teach us about how we should pray in our own lives? ([09:02])
The sermon says the real church is “united and sent.” What does it look like for a church to be united and sent, rather than just a building or a program? ([16:12])

Application Questions

When you face a difficult situation, what is usually your first response? Is prayer your starting point, or do you tend to try other things first? How could you make prayer your first response this week? ([05:54])
The early church prayed for boldness to speak about Jesus, even when it was risky. Is there a situation in your life right now where you need boldness to live out or share your faith? What would it look like to pray for boldness in that area? ([10:59])
The sermon challenges us to pray for God’s mission, not just our own comfort. Think about your recent prayers—are they more focused on your needs or on God’s purposes? How could you shift your prayers to align more with God’s mission? ([10:18])
The believers were filled with the Holy Spirit after they prayed. What does it mean for you to be filled with the Spirit in your daily life? Are there habits or attitudes that help or hinder you from experiencing the Spirit’s power? ([11:44])
The sermon says the real church is not a building, but a people united in love and sent into the world. How can our group or church show that we are “the real church” in our community this month? ([16:12])
The pastor mentioned that God chooses to use us, even though He doesn’t need us. How does this truth affect the way you see your role in God’s mission? ([19:30])
As we move from Thanksgiving into Advent, what is one practical way you can step out in boldness to show the love and power of Jesus to someone around you? ([20:13])

Sermon Clips

The church today, we often rely on programs, on personalities, people up front to lead, on talent, on technology. We rely on some of these things, but you look back at what the early church was and what the early church did, well, they didn't have power, so they couldn't have most of the things we have today. They were a much smaller group of people, even than our church. But yet, it wasn't through their own power, but they had power, and they flipped the world upside down. They flipped the understanding around because of the work of Jesus, and they carried that on as Jesus asked of them. [00:01:21] (52 seconds) #EarlyChurchPower

Fully believe in the power of prayer. That is the first place that we turn. Our first response in all situations is to give. And now, O Lord, hear their threats and give us, your servants, great boldness in preaching your word. Stretch out your hand with healing power. May miraculous signs and wonders be done through the name of your holy servant, Jesus. After this prayer, the meeting place shook and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit. [00:07:35] (35 seconds) #BoldnessInPrayer

Here's one more thing they didn't do. They didn't sit there and say, Heavenly Father, remove all the strife. Remove all the persecution. Give us an easy path to walk forward. Turn all people into followers of you so we don't have to do anything. That wasn't their prayer. Their prayer was not outrageous. Their prayer was not to remove all of the difficulties. I've learned through my short life that's not going to happen. There is going to be difficulties in life. [00:09:33] (44 seconds) #PrayingThroughDifficulty

But what did they pray? Everything they did was determined beforehand according to your will. And now, O Lord, hear their threats and give us, your servants, give us, your servants, great boldness in preaching your word. Stretch out your hand with healing power. May miraculous signs and wonders be done through the name of Jesus Christ. They prayed for things that God would give of them to make a difference in the world. [00:10:18] (40 seconds) #PrayBoldly

These people that were thrown in jail for nearly nothing, simply speaking the name of Jesus, and they're not praying for safety upon themselves. They're not praying for an easy path. They're praying for boldness. They're praying for God to continue his miraculous ways that through those miraculous signs and wonders, people will be saved because of the name of Jesus. The real church prays big, bold prayers. [00:10:59] (37 seconds) #BoldFaithInTrials

It was a dire situation that they find themselves in. They didn't pray for themselves. They didn't pray that God would put a hedge of protection around them. They didn't pray for all those things. They prayed that God would give them the boldness to show the world who Jesus is. After this prayer, the meeting place shook and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit. Then they preached the word of God with boldness. [00:11:36] (40 seconds) #PowerOfJesusWithin

We see that in Peter's life. He gets scared. He denies Jesus three times but he builds a boldness to him out of that and that boldness comes from the Holy Spirit living inside of them. True boldness is not about being the loudest and most boisterous fun, loving person. True boldness is by living a life that is unashamed to be a follower of Jesus Christ. [00:15:24] (40 seconds) #SentWithPower

The real church isn't vacuum sealed back into a little portion so we can be set aside. The real church is bursting forth, taking steps forward in love that we're different from the world. The real church is more than just a building. In fact, it's not a building at all. The real church is united together in one body. The real church is known by who we are at our core that we love Jesus and that we are shown the world, we have shown the world love because of our love from Jesus. [00:16:03] (50 seconds) #PrayerBoldnessSpirit

Power comes from God. I posed the question a week or so ago, why does God need us? And the simple answer is he doesn't need us. He chooses us. He chooses to use people to fulfill his mighty plan. He chooses to have broken people that couldn't figure out on their own to be filled with his spirit to accomplish more than we could ever imagine. [00:19:30] (39 seconds) #OpenDoorFaith

God, we're always a work in progress. We won't achieve perfection until we are in your very presence in heaven. But with you in our lives there comes a power that we can't really explain. We are complete, not perfect, but complete because of you. Help us to show this world who you are. Help us to have boldness in places that we couldn't find it on our own. [00:21:33] (50 seconds)

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