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This Is the Way: A 30-Day Journey Through the Book of ActsSample

This Is the Way: A 30-Day Journey Through the Book of Acts

DAY 1 OF 30

This Is the Way

By S. George Thomas

But I will tell you this: I worship the God of our ancestors as a follower of the Way of Jesus. —Acts 24:14 (NCV)

“We have to go back!”

These words, passionately uttered by Dr. Jack Shephard on the hit TV show LOST, marked a pivotal turning point in the story’s narrative arc. It’s the moment Jack realizes that in order to move forward, the group must return to the mysterious island where it all began.

While the revelatory discovery in LOST involved a fictitious island, the truth of Jack’s words are no less valid for us today as the Church. If we want to live out our calling the way God intended, we must first look back to where we came from. If we want to live out our calling the way God intended, we must first look back to where we came from—we have to go back in order to move forward.

Over the next 30 days, we’re returning to where the Church began—the book of Acts. A book that provides us with a map—a blueprint, if you will—for understanding our identity as the Church. We’re traveling back to the days where faith was fresh and things were messy as those early disciples figured things out. But in midst of the messiness, God moved in and through them in incredibly powerful ways.

As I think about Acts, I’m also reminded of another popular TV show, The Mandalorian (set in the Star Wars universe), and their simple yet often repeated mantra: “This is the way.” This isn’t just a catchphrase for the Mandalorian people—it’s a weighty declaration of who they are and how they live. It affirms an unwavering dedication to a way of life rooted in identity, purpose, and culture.

Similarly, for the early Church, following Jesus wasn’t just a belief system—it was a comprehensive, life-altering journey. And if we want to see revival today, we too must embrace this mindset. We are not just individual followers of Jesus—we are His body on the earth, called to be His hands, feet, and heart in a broken world that desperately needs Him.

Centuries before a TV writer came up with a motto for the Mandalorians, the early disciples of Jesus were known as “followers of the Way” (Acts 9:2). This wasn’t a catchy slogan or a clever name they gave themselves—it was how the world identified them. They lived so radically different from the world around them that they became known for the path they walked. They didn’t conform to Caesar or the Roman Empire’s values—they followed the commands of Jesus . . . regardless of the cost.

When Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6), He wasn’t merely handing out a roadmap to heaven. He was offering Himself as the path. He was inviting us to follow Him not simply to a final destination but into a new way of living—one that would transform our hearts and minds and in turn, reshape the world. This is exactly what the early believers did. They embodied the teachings of Jesus, following His examples and walking in His path. The book of Acts is filled with stories of how these early believers lived out “the Way,” not as a set of doctrines but as a daily practice of faith, love, and obedience to Jesus.

The problem is the Church today (especially in our western culture) is facing an identity crisis. We’ve forgotten who we are. Ask anyone on the street what a church is and most will point to a building. Even within the Church, many of us treat “church” as a place we go on the weekend rather than who we are. We are so much more than a building! We are the body of Jesus—His hands, His feet, His heart.

It’s time for a reset.

Just like the design on the cover of this devotional—a striking arrow that curves back before it moves forward—our path forward as the Church requires us to look back, to rediscover our roots. The early Church didn’t set out to turn the world upside down. They didn’t hold strategic meetings or make long-term plans for a global movement; they simply lived as followers of Jesus. What they did flowed naturally from who they knew they were. And the world took notice.

The Church isn’t incidental to God’s plan for the world—it’s central to it. We are the body of Jesus, the chosen instrument to bring hope to a broken world. But to be the Church, we need to know what it means to be the body of Jesus here on earth.

That’s why we’re taking this 30-day journey and going back to the basics—back to Acts. Because it’s here we see a Church that’s alive with purpose and faith. A Church that didn’t conform to the world around it but was transformed by the power of the Holy Spirit. A Church that shook the world—not because they tried to—but because they couldn’t help it. The early followers of Jesus weren’t trying to start a revolution; they were simply living out their identity in Jesus. And that is what changed everything.

In the days ahead, we’ll explore the early Church’s story—chapter by chapter—and learn what it means to live as followers of the Way. We’ll see how they prayed, how they served, how they loved, and how they faced opposition. And as we journey together, my hope is that we’ll begin to see ourselves in their story. Because their story is our story. Their way is our way. And just like that bold arrow on the cover of this devotional—curving back before it points forward—I hope you’ll join us as we go back to our roots in order to move forward.

We are the Church. This is the way.

Let’s walk it together.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank You for calling us to be part of Your body, the Church. As we embark on this journey through the book of Acts, help us to rediscover our true identity as followers of the Way. Awaken our hearts to live in community, give generously, witness courageously, and worship You passionately. Let our lives reflect Your love and grace, and may Your Holy Spirit guide us in every step we take. Strengthen us to be Your hands and feet in this world, carrying Your light into every dark corner. Help us to follow You closely, knowing that You are the way, the truth, and the life. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Activation

  • Reach out to someone this week for intentional fellowship. Share a meal, pray together, or simply check on how they’re doing. Seek to build deep, meaningful relationships within your church family.
  • Identify one specific need around you—a friend in financial need, a local charity, or even a stranger in your community. Give generously, whether it’s time, resources, or encouragement. Let your generosity flow from a heart that reflects God’s love.
  • Set aside time each day to pray and worship. Create space in your routine to seek God’s heart; let this become a daily rhythm that draws you closer to Him and strengthens your faith.

For Further Study

Dive into the book of Acts to gain a deeper understanding of how God worked through the first followers of Jesus and how He continues to work through us today.

Holy Spirit, what are you saying to me?

Scripture

Dan 2

About this Plan

This Is the Way: A 30-Day Journey Through the Book of Acts

This powerful devotional brings the book of Acts to life for today’s believers. Discover how the early Christians turned their world upside down through the power of the Holy Spirit—and how you can do the same. Written by 30 different voices sharing fresh insights and personal stories, you’ll be inspired to walk in supernatural boldness, wisdom, and authority to impact your world. Whether you’re new to faith or have been walking with God for decades, this devotional will ignite your passion to see God move in miraculous ways as you learn to partner with Him in building His Church.

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