July 21, 2026 | The Movement - A Study in Acts by Byron McWilliams
Day 1: The Foundation - Believing Jesus is the Son of God
Reading: John 1:1-18
Devotional:
The Christian movement stands or falls on one truth: Jesus Christ is the only begotten Son of God. The Greek word "monogenes" means the unique one—fully God and fully man. This isn't just theological trivia; it's the foundation of your salvation. Like Saul on the Damascus Road, we must come face-to-face with who Jesus truly is. Not a prophet, not just a good teacher, but the God-man who existed before creation and took on flesh to dwell among us. Your eternal destiny hinges on what you believe about Jesus. Do you truly believe He is the Son of God? Take time today to affirm this foundational truth and thank God for revealing His Son to you.
Reflection Question: What does it mean to you personally that Jesus is the "only begotten Son of God"?
Day 2: The Preparation - Training to Serve Effectively
Reading: Galatians 1:11-24
Devotional:
After his conversion, Paul didn't immediately launch into ministry. He went to Arabia for training, receiving direct revelation from Christ about the gospel. The gospel isn't man's invention—it's God's divine message that must be understood correctly before it can be shared effectively. Paul had to unlearn his Pharisaical traditions and learn the truth about grace, faith, and transformation through Christ. We too need training. We cannot share what we don't understand. The gospel is more than "good news"—it's the specific message that Christ died for our sins, rose again, and offers eternal life through faith alone. Are you equipped to share this message with your "one"? Commit today to grow in your understanding of the gospel so you can effectively join God's movement.
Reflection Question: How well can you explain the gospel to someone who has never heard it?
Day 3: The Cost - Accepting Suffering as Reality
Reading: 2 Timothy 3:10-17
Devotional:
Scripture promises that "all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted." This isn't pessimism; it's reality. When Paul began preaching Christ, the Jews immediately plotted to kill him. Throughout church history, faithful believers have faced opposition, rejection, and even death. Yet here's the beautiful truth: when you find yourself in the fire for following Jesus, you'll discover He's right there with you—just like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego experienced. Suffering comes to everyone, but Christians suffer with purpose and presence. We don't avoid hardship by staying comfortable; we face it knowing Christ walks with us through every trial. The question isn't whether you'll suffer, but whether you'll remain faithful when suffering comes.
Reflection Question: How has God shown His presence to you during difficult times?
Day 4: The Support - Receiving Encouragement to Stay Faithful
Reading: Acts 9:26-31
Devotional:
Every believer needs a Barnabas—a "son of encouragement" who strengthens, comforts, and builds up others. When Paul arrived in Jerusalem, the disciples feared him, but Barnabas vouched for him and brought him into fellowship. God knows exactly when His servants need encouragement, and He sends people at precisely the right moment. We live in epidemic times of complaining and criticism, even in churches. But imagine the impact if we chose to be encouragers instead. Edward Kimball's awkward conversation with D.L. Moody in a shoe store started a chain reaction that eventually led to Billy Graham's ministry and millions coming to Christ. Your word of encouragement today might be the catalyst for someone's transformation tomorrow. Who needs your encouragement today?
Reflection Question: Who is the "Barnabas" in your life, and who can you be a Barnabas to this week?
Day 5: The Mission - Praying for Your One
Reading: Colossians 4:2-6
Devotional:
The Christian movement that began at Pentecost continues today with unstoppable power. Like floodwaters surging through the Hill Country, nothing can stop the advance of Christ's kingdom. But this movement advances person by person, conversation by conversation. You have a "one"—someone God has placed in your sphere of influence who needs to hear about Jesus. Are you praying for that person? Are you asking God for opportunities and courage to share? The gospel isn't complicated, but it must be shared with clarity: Jesus is the Son of God who died for our sins and rose again, offering eternal life to all who believe. Your willingness to be trained, to accept potential suffering, and to speak with grace can be the means God uses to bring your "one" into His eternal family. The movement continues through you.
Reflection Question: Who is your "one," and what specific steps will you take this week to share Christ with them?