Come as You Are

Come as You Are | Acts 25:23-26, 26:1-29

J Hager, Pastor of Care

Key Takeaways

• God's power is made perfect in weakness

• Evangelism is about testimony, not eloquence

• Surrender over strategy

• Compassion fuels courage

• The resurrection is reasonable

Study Questions

• Question 1

  How does Paul's humility in this moment differ from how most people would respond to false accusations?

• Question 2

  Paul shares his personal testimony rather than making theological arguments. Why is personal story so powerful in sharing faith?

• Question 3

  J mentioned we relate to evangelism like we do dancing—we like the idea but fear the awkwardness. What makes sharing your faith feel awkward or scary?

• Question 4

  What would it look like to "fear God more than we fear people" in your relationships?

• Question 5

  Paul put Agrippa on the spot by asking, "Do you believe the prophets?" How can we lovingly apply appropriate pressure in conversations about faith?

• Question 6

  What's the difference between condemning someone and inviting them to examine what they believe?

5-Day Devotional

DAY 1 DAY 2 DAY 3 DAY 4 DAY 5

Day 1 : The Beautiful Dance of Surrender

READING :

2 Corinthians 12:7-10

DEVOTIONAL :

Paul discovered something revolutionary—that God's power flows most freely through our admitted weaknesses. Like a dancer who must surrender control to their partner's lead, we often resist the awkwardness of spiritual vulnerability. We want to appear strong, capable, and put-together. Yet Paul boasts in his weaknesses because they become the very channel through which Christ's power rests upon him. Today, identify one area where you've been hiding your weakness or struggling alone. What would it look like to invite God's power into that vulnerable place? Remember, your worst moment doesn't have to define you—in God's economy, it can become your best moment when you surrender it fully to him.

Day 2 : Speaking Truth Without Fear

READING :

Acts 26:19-23

DEVOTIONAL :

Paul stood before King Agrippa in chains, yet he possessed a freedom his captors could never understand. He didn't argue for his release or defend his reputation—he simply testified to the truth of what God had done. We often fear sharing our faith because we worry about rejection or appearing foolish. But notice Paul's approach: he told his story humbly and asked honest questions that invited response. He chose eternal significance over temporary comfort. Who in your life needs to hear about Jesus? What fear is holding you back from speaking truth in love? Today, pray for one specific person and ask God for courage to share how he has worked in your life, trusting the Holy Spirit to give you words when needed.

Day 3 : Divine Disruption and Destiny

READING :

Acts 9:1-19

DEVOTIONAL :

Paul was "kicking against the goads"—resisting God's persistent prodding even as he witnessed Stephen's faithful death. Sometimes God must bring us to our knees before we'll surrender to his better plan. Paul's Damascus Road experience wasn't punishment; it was rescue. He was transformed from an instrument of death into a bearer of hope. Perhaps you've been resisting God's call in some area of your life. Maybe you've felt his gentle conviction but chosen comfort over obedience. God's disruptions are invitations to something greater. Reflect today on where you might be resisting God's leading. What would it cost you to say yes? What might you gain? Remember, God doesn't disrupt our lives to harm us but to fulfill the destiny he's prepared for us.

Day 4 : The Resurrection Changes Everything

READING :

1 Corinthians 15:12-20

DEVOTIONAL :

When Paul testified about Jesus' resurrection, Festus shouted, "You're out of your mind!" The resurrection remains the hinge upon which all of Christianity swings. If it's not true, we're wasting our time. But if it is true—if the God who created galaxies did indeed raise his Son from death—then everything changes. The same power that rolled away the stone is available to you today. What dead things in your life need resurrection power? What hopeless situation needs God's life-breathing intervention? Don't settle for a faith that's merely philosophical or moral. The gospel isn't just good advice; it's good news about God's power to bring life from death. Live today with resurrection confidence, knowing nothing is too dead for God to revive.

Day 5 : Coming As You Are

READING :

Matthew 11:28-30

DEVOTIONAL :

Paul ended his testimony with remarkable compassion: "I wish you could become like me—except for these chains." Even in suffering, he wanted others to experience the freedom he'd found in Christ. Perhaps you're reading this feeling undone, broken, or unworthy. Maybe you're imprisoned by sin, grief, or circumstances beyond your control. Jesus' invitation hasn't changed: "Come to me, all who are weary and heavy laden." You don't need to clean yourself up first. Come as you are—broken, struggling, doubting. Lay down your burdens and your shame. Earth has no sorrow that heaven cannot heal. Today, bring your whole self to Jesus: your weaknesses, failures, and fears. Let his power be perfected in your weakness. Then, from that place of grace, consider how your story of rescue might become someone else's invitation home.

This Week’s Liturgy & Playlist

CALL TO WORSHIP

Leader: Ascribe to the Lord, O heavenly beings, ascribe to the Lord glory and strength. Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name; worship the Lord in the splendor of holiness.

All: The voice of the Lord is over the waters; the God of glory thunders, the Lord, over many waters. The voice of the Lord is powerful; the voice of the Lord is full of majesty.

Psalm 29:1-4

Confession of Sin

Father, we humbly bow before you to confess our sins and receive your forgiveness. Forgive us for living in fear, rather than by faith. We confess that we have prioritized the approval of man over and above your approval. We are sorry for the ways in which we have been unwilling to inconvenience ourselves for the sake of sharing your gospel with those who need to hear it. Please grant us boldness, courage, and compassion to speak the truth in love. In Jesus’ name we offer our confession. Amen.

ASSURANCE OF PARDON

Who is a God like you, pardoning iniquity and passing over transgression for the remnant of his inheritance? He does not retain his anger forever, because he delights in steadfast love. He will again have compassion on us; he will tread our iniquities underfoot. You will cast all our sins into the depths of the sea.

Micah 7:18-19

Looking Ahead

Join us next week for Acts 27:1-44.