April 27, 2026 | The Movement - A Study in Acts by Byron McWilliams
Day 1: The Power of Bold Witness
Reading: Acts 5:12-16
aDevotional: The early church experienced exponential growth not through marketing strategies or programs, but through bold obedience to Christ's commission. When believers embraced the power of the Holy Spirit and opened their mouths to share Jesus, multitudes were added to the church. Notice that Scripture says "more than ever" were being saved—so many that Luke stopped counting specific numbers. God blesses the growth of His church when His people courageously share the gospel. The same Holy Spirit who empowered the apostles lives in you today. Your bold witness can create a ripple effect in eternity. Who has God placed in your life that needs to hear about Jesus? Don't let fear silence what God wants to speak through you.
Reflection Question: What fears are holding you back from sharing your faith, and how can you surrender those to God today?
Day 2: Standing Firm in Persecution
Reading: 2 Timothy 3:10-17
Devotional: "Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted." This is not a possibility—it's a promise. When you stand boldly for Jesus, opposition will come. The high priest and Sadducees were filled with jealousy because attention shifted from them to Christ. Satan cannot stand when the church advances and souls are saved. He will fight your obedience, discourage your witness, and attempt to silence your testimony. But remember: Satan cannot overcome your bold obedience when you trust God and pray for His help. God cannot be restrained when He wants something to happen. The same God who delivered the apostles from prison can deliver you from whatever threatens your witness today. Will you trust Him regardless of the cost?
Reflection Question: What persecution or opposition are you facing for your faith, and how can you view it as confirmation that you're advancing God's kingdom?
Day 3: Accepting God's Commands Literally
Reading: Acts 5:17-21
Devotional: The apostles experienced a miraculous prison break—an angel opened the doors and brought them out. But notice what happened next: they immediately went to the temple at daybreak and began teaching. They accepted God's commands literally and obeyed 100 percent. How would your life change if you accepted God's commands literally and lived completely according to His teachings? What areas of disobedience need to be addressed? When you fall so in love with Jesus that you don't want to dishonor Him, 100 percent obedience becomes your desire. The Vietnamese Christian was right: "Suffering is not the worst thing that can happen to us. Disobedience to God is the worst thing." God is calling you to complete obedience today—not partial, not selective, but total surrender to His will.
Reflection Question: What is one area where you've been partially obedient to God, and what would complete obedience look like in that area?
Day 4: Acknowledging God's Supreme Authority
Reading: Acts 5:27-32
Devotional: "We must obey God rather than men." Peter's declaration is a lordship issue. Is God your ultimate authority, or are you still bowing to human opinion, cultural pressure, or personal comfort? The Sanhedrin demanded silence, but the apostles recognized that God outranked earthly authorities infinitely. You cannot call Jesus "Lord" if He is not your ultimate authority. Lordship means Jesus has the final say in your life—in your relationships, your finances, your career, your words, and your witness. The apostles had witnessed God's miraculous deliverance from prison. They couldn't deny Him by submitting to the Sanhedrin. You've witnessed God's deliverance too—from sin, death, and hell through the cross. How can you deny Him now? True discipleship means acknowledging His supreme authority regardless of who disagrees.
Reflection Question: In what area of your life are you allowing human authority or opinion to override God's clear command?
Day 5: Rejoicing in Suffering for Jesus
Reading: Acts 5:40-42
Devotional: After being beaten and warned again not to speak about Jesus, the apostles left "rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name." This is the heart of bold obedience—finding joy in suffering for Christ. They didn't leave mourning or defeated; they left rejoicing. And they didn't stop: "every day in the temple and from house to house, they did not cease teaching and preaching that Christ is Jesus." They could not be silenced. You are a link in the chain of witnesses who throughout centuries have given their lives for Jesus Christ. Will you break that chain, or will you stand firm? The movement advances beautifully when believers practice bold obedience. Who is your one? Who can you tell about Jesus today? Don't be afraid—in the end, it won't matter what people thought. What matters is faithfulness to your King.
Reflection Question: How can you cultivate a heart that rejoices in suffering for Christ rather than avoiding it at all costs?
Weekly Challenge: Write down the name of one person God has placed on your heart who needs Jesus. Commit to praying for them daily this week and ask God for an opportunity to share the gospel with them. Remember: when the church prays, great things happen.